Separating from separatism 

The Government has moved to overturn a controversial court decision made last year over Māori customary marine rights of the foreshore and seabed. This ruling reduced the threshold by which groups had to prove they have exclusive use and occupation of an area from 1840 to today without substantial interruption.

New Zealand First believes all New Zealanders have an interest in our foreshore and seabed and the legislation originally set a high threshold.

We will propose legislation to amend Section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area Act (MACA) to reflect Parliament's original intent.

These changes were committed to by New Zealand First in our coalition agreement and we will keep our supporters updated as this legislation progresses through parliament.

The Maori Wards legislation passed its second reading in parliament this week. This legislation will restore the rights of communities to determine whether to introduce Māori wards. 

Labour removed the ability for local communities to decide whether they wanted Māori Wards or not. New Zealand First has staunchly opposed this divisive blight on democracy and do not think a matter of such electoral importance should be made by temporarily empowered politicians.

We will continue to uphold the values of democracy and champion the rights of the public to be a part of the democratic process.

Stay up to date with the next stages of progress on our social media pages. 

Pacific sustainability  

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, alongside Oceans and Fisheries Minster Shane Jones, announced this week that New Zealand will be committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development. This support will be rolled out over the next four years. 

“This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners to further develop and maintain the healthy and productive fisheries that are at the core of the region’s prosperity and sustainability” – Winston Peters 

Continuing to strengthen our partnerships throughout the Pacific, Winston delivered a “Pacific Futures” speech; you can listen in full here. 

And Shane has been in the Solomon Islands attending the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial and Regional Fisheries Ministerial, to further develop our Pacific ties. To hear more about Shane's trip, listen to him on Radio Waatea here.

More from Wellington 

There is plenty to cover as our MP team was back in Wellington this week. 

A newly appointed commissioner was announced this week for the first phase of the Covid Inquiry due to be produced later this year. Grant Illingworth will replace Hon Hekia Parata and help deliver the first phase of the inquiry. It is intended that he will also continue onto the second phase of the inquiry to give continuity between each phase. 

New Zealand First knows the second phase of the inquiry is highly anticipated; it will be started in November 2024 following the completion of the first phase. 

New Zealand First was also happy to confirm that our coalition commitment to build a four-lane highway alternative to the Brynderwyns in Northland will be commenced as part of the Government’s Roads of Significance program. Hear more on our infrastructure and transport progress from Andy Foster here.