Crown Minerals Amendment Bill: Key Debates at Committee Stage

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 (continued on Wednesday, 20 November 2024)

In the ongoing committee stage debates over the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill, lawmakers delved into critical aspects of New Zealand's resource management strategies. The discussions primarily focused on Part 1, which includes amendments to purpose provisions and introduces new mechanisms for resource oversight.

Purpose Provision and Energy Security

A significant portion of the debate centered around the bill’s aim to bolster energy security. Minister Shane Jones argued that enhancing resource exploration is vital for New Zealand's economic stability. He emphasized that this legislative change aligns with governmental mandates to ensure a secure energy future, potentially impacting emissions budgets 1 through 3.

Tier 3 Permits: Policy and Environmental Concerns

The introduction of Tier 3 permits for small-scale gold mining sparked detailed discussions. Dr. Megan Woods from Labour questioned the policy rationale behind the size of these permits, which allow mining in areas up to 50 hectares, and their potential ecological impacts. Minister Jones defended the permit sizes, stating they were designed to encourage entrepreneurship while minimizing environmental risks.

Government Policy Statement (GPS) Mechanism

The bill introduces a new mechanism—the Government Policy Statement (GPS)—allowing strategic prioritization in resource management. Dr. Woods sought clarity on how this statement would align with existing climate policies and emissions reduction plans, emphasizing the need for coherence between these frameworks. Minister Jones explained that while the GPS is intended to integrate with national objectives, it currently does not mandate consultation.

Proposed Amendments and Voting Outcomes

Several amendments were proposed during the debates:

• Steve Abel's Amendment: Sought to revert language from "promote" back to "manage," aiming to reduce emphasis on fossil fuels. This amendment was not agreed upon, with 55 votes against it (New Zealand Labour 34; Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 15; Te Pāti Māori 6) and 68 in favor (New Zealand National 49; ACT New Zealand 11; New Zealand First 8).
• Amendment on Clause 5(2): Aimed at retaining restrictions on offshore oil and gas exploration outside Taranaki. It also did not pass, with similar voting outcomes.
• Insertion of New Section 12C: Proposed by Steve Abel to require public consultation for any new GPS issued under the bill. This amendment was not agreed upon as well, reflecting a division in party support.

The voting outcomes highlighted ideological divides, with National, ACT New Zealand, and New Zealand First supporting the government’s position, while Labour and the Green Party opposed it.

As these debates continue, they underscore the challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental responsibilities in New Zealand's legislative landscape.