Nick Smith's bill to change the resource management act has been drawn from the private members ballot and will be up for debate potentially in two weeks time. It changes the RMA so that the Conservation Minister no longer holds a veto over such things as the Whangamata Marina, and applies these changes retrospectively.serial tab 2.2

Smith claims to have the support of National, Act, New Zealand First, and United Future for the bill, giving 60 votes. However, 61 are needed (assuming all parties vote at full strength) to get it past its first reading. He is hoping to convince a few wavering Labour MPs who were unhappy with the ministerial veto by Chris Carter.serial tab 2.2

As much as I would like this to pass, I think it is unlikely. While the Maori party have supported a number of members' bills to select committee, I don't think they will in this case (although convincing them to abstain might be possible).serial tab 2.2

Posted by Dave Bryant at 9:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0) serial tab 2.2