Tuesday, 12 October, 2004
Baldock moves for mid-March for final foreshore report
United Future's Larry Baldock today moved that the select committee probing the foreshore and seabed legislation
provide an interim report to Parliament by next month and extend the deadline for the final report to mid-March next
year.
Mr Baldock, a member of the Fisheries and Other Sea-related Legislation Committee, last month called for an interim
report to allow New Zealanders more time to consider this crucial piece of legislation. Today he filed a notice of
motion to the committee.
"An interim report would serve to update all interested parties on likely amendments, and Parliament could be furnished
with a more comprehensive final report that does justice to the issues involved and is more reflective of inclusive
democracy," he said.
Mr Baldock had earlier contrasted the goodwill being developed for Maori Fisheries Bill with the disappointment, anger
and frustration of Maori and Pakeha alike over the foreshore and seabed legislation.
"There have been only one or two submitters fully in support of the legislation and a socially responsible Government
needs to deal with that reality and not try to bulldoze things through," Mr Baldock said.
He said deferring the final report would also allow time for the Privy Council decision on the Ngati Apa appeal to be
factored in.
ENDS