Lubeck MarjaMARJA LUBECK (Labour): Tēnā koe e Te Māngai o Te Whare. I would like to speak at this third reading of the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill. I applaud the previous speaker because I too am not intimately familiar with the material of this third reading subject but actually listening to the previous speaker I learnt a few more new things so that is really good. It is important though that I very clearly state my support that I will add to this bill because it's important for a Government and for the citizens of a country and for businesses to actually completely understand the rights and regulations that are applicable to them. This Crown Minerals Amendment Bill will provide modern clarity to what is the 1991 Crown Minerals Act to enable continued and effective regulation of the right to prospect for explore for and mine Crown minerals. I'd like to thank Minister Woods for bringing this bill to the House and I'll also extend my thanks to the Environment Committee and the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee. They have recommended by majority that this bill should be passed with amendments and these amendments have been carefully examined and presented in what the House feels is the most effective and clear way for this last reading. The support of those select committees—the Environment Committee and the Economic Development Science and Innovation Committee—is very important going forward especially when it comes to this country's minerals. It's very clear that our approach to industry and economic development needs to be carefully balanced along strong environmental standards to ensure that we have sustainable prosperity in New Zealand. This Government has previously announced an end to permits for offshore drilling and an end to permits as we move towards achieving a greener approach to business. What this bill does is close loopholes that have allowed the transfer of permits in the current Crown Minerals Act. So the closing of those loopholes is another step in that journey towards that greener approach. What this will do is ensure transparency in economic activity that has a very significant effect on our environment. So like I said I wasn't part of the select committee doing the work on this particular bill and doing the mahi but I did look at some of the submissions that had come in and one in particular struck me as really coming to the nub of what this is about. That actual submission stated We support these loopholes being closed; it is a great concern to a community when a large company that has demonstrable financial capability sells to a smaller lesser known entity particularly one with limited financial resources further it is our understanding that a permit for most exploration/mining can only be granted to an entity that has specific proven resources so the same should apply for the sale of said permit." That was a submission by Protect Karangahake Inc. and it really highlights the need for these particular amendments. Now our Government has committed to a net zero emissions economy and what these amendments do is they approach that transition period responsibly and they offer a sustainable regulation of Crown minerals going forward. This will ensure New Zealand's petroleum and minerals industries are sustained responsibly and will maximise the benefits for the people of New Zealand. Therefore I commend this bill to the House. Thank you."