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Download AudioThe Seabed Mining Prohibition Amendment Bill was voted down at first reading by the Government on Wednesday night.
The members’ bill, was introduced by Te Pāti Māori, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. It was supported by Te Pāti Māori, the Green Party, and independent MPs Elizabeth Kerekere, and Meka Whaitiri.
The Labour Party’s alternative proposal for a select committee inquiry was supported by Labour, National and Act.
Minister for the Environment David Parker says a select committee would consider the different views of New Zealanders on seabed mining.
“We shouldn’t just be pre-emptively, passing legislation that would close down the Maui gas platform, putting at risk electricity, putting up electricity prices, and stop the use of gas for dehydrating of milk.” says Minister David Parker.
The select committee inquiry would consider the potential risks and benefits of seabed mining in New Zealand, and whether changes to the domestic regulatory framework are needed. It would encompass all seabed areas within New Zealand’s jurisdiction, namely the territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and extended continental shelf. Feedback and inquiry findings would inform any regulatory change.
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