Killed

My informant for the last post also pointed out something interesting: Nanaia Mahuta's Legal Services (Territorial Customary Rights) Amendment Bill has finally been killed. A couple of days ago it had reportedly been transferred to Shane Jones (as a Minister can't introduce a private bill), but it did not appear on yesterday's order paper. It hasn't even been "parked" liked Georgina Beyer's gender identity bill.

The bill would have allowed access to legal aid for claims to territorial customary rights under the Foreshore and Seabed Act. Winston Peters objected vigorously to this, claiming that it breached their agreement with Labour. The bill's demise is probably part of the cost of NZ First's support.

Of course, Labour withdrawing the bill doesn't prevent the Maori Party from introducing their own version - and I don't think they have anything to lose by doing so.