Committee Deliberations on Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill

During a recent session of the House of Representatives, members convened as a committee to review the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill. The focus was on addressing technical errors within the bill.

Addressing Technical Errors

The Parliamentary Council Office identified seven incorrect cross-references during quality assurance processes. Hon Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, proposed an amendment to correct these errors. For instance, a reference intended as section 87(3) was mistakenly written as 86(3). These corrections were deemed minor and technical drafting errors, with no impact on the bill's substantive intent.

Committee Process and Agreement

Under Chairperson Barbara Kuriger's guidance, the committee reviewed the proposed amendment. The question posed to the members was whether they agreed to the Minister's tabled amendment. After discussion, the amendment received unanimous approval from the committee members present.

Following this, Parts 1 to 9, Schedules 1 to 5, and clauses 1 and 2 of the bill, as amended, were agreed upon by the committee. The House then reported the bill with these amendments incorporated.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The report was adopted by the House, leading to a determination by the Business Committee that set the bill down for third reading immediately. This progression highlights the legislative process's commitment to ensuring precision and accuracy in addressing historical grievances through collective redress mechanisms.