Labour agreed to support a bill proposing changes to the minerals regime to select committee today, but expressed doubts
about aspects of it which could end future support.
The first reading debate on the Crown Minerals (Permitting and Crown Land) Bill began last night with Phil Heatley saying that the omnibus bill aims to promote mineral prospecting, exploration, and
mining.
When debate resumed today Labour Moana Mackey said Labour would back the bill to select committee which contained some
sensible reforms.
However Labour had concerns over the proposal the Minister of Energy would start sharing decision making with the
Minister of Conservation over mining concessions on conservation land.
Labour would support the first reading on the understanding that the minister would seriously engage with them over
their concerns.
The bill was sent to the Commerce Committee by 103 to 17 with the Greens, Maori Party and Mana opposing.
The bill is to be reported back by January 30.
The House began the committee stage of the National War Memorial Park (Pukeahu) Empowering Bill.
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