Marine and Coastal Area update

The Maori Affairs Select Committee finished hearing submissions on the Marine and Coastal Area Bill this week. The committee has travelled around New Zealand and heard submissions from a wide variety of groups. The committee will now consider submissions and report back to Parliament early next year.

The Marine and Coastal Area Bill restores access to justice and common law property rights. These are fundamental National Party values. It also guarantees free public access, and all existing uses and use rights, such as fishing and navigation.

National believes free public access to the common marine and coastal area is a birthright of all New Zealanders, and should be protected in legislation.

Watch the Prime Minister talking about the Marine and Coastal Area Bill: http://www.youtube.com/nationalparty#p/u/6/yAd2RdaNmas