Election Year Stalling On Marine Reserves Bill

The deferment of the Marine Reserves Bill is a blatant example of election year stalling, and of the Government and United Future agreeing to leave the bad news until after the election, says New Zealand First environment spokesperson Jim Peters.

“New Zealand First has called for a complete review of this old and short-sighted bill,” said Mr Peters.

“It is illogical that the select committee should be asked to consider a bill which is now years old, and against the backdrop of the Government’s complete inability to develop a national oceans policy.

“Major stakeholders affected by the proposed Aotea Great Barrier, Mimiwhangata and Nugget Point reserves, such as commercial and recreational fishermen, can take no comfort from the Government’s dithering.

“Proposals for taiapure and mataitai have received scant attention from the Government in the past. New Zealand First has no confidence that applicants for mataitai and taiapure will be better treated in the future.

“When New Zealand First is next in government, all stakeholders concerned with our marine life will be invited to participate in the development of a more innovative and long sighted marine park concept,” said Mr Peters.

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