Tizard Judith: Protected Objects Amendment Bill — In Committee 
Tizard Judith: Protected Objects Amendment Bill — In Committee 
[Volume:632;Page:4388] 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD (Associate Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage) 
: 
 I really wish honourable members would read the bill that is before the Committee. This legislation will become known as the Protected Objects Amendment Act 2006. It covers protected New Zealand objects which are defined in clause 6—as we have already debated—as “… part of the movable cultural heritage of New Zealand that—(a) is of importance to New Zealand or to a part of New Zealand for aesthetic archaeological architectural artistic cultural historical literary scientific social spiritual technological or traditional reasons; …”. It also includes stolen protected foreign objects. As the previous speaker mentioned taonga tuturu are a new introduction. 
The point of the bill we are in the process of passing which has been considered in great detail over many years by the House is that we are recognising a range of protected objects—Pakeha Maori introduced foreign objects—and we will have to set out to explain to New Zealanders this reasonably modest change to the law. The Government has set aside $185000 in the 2005-06 Budget for implementation of which $100000 is one-off funding for initial implementation costs with an additional $85000 appropriated for out-years on an ongoing basis to cover the expected increased administration costs of the Protected Objects Act. The extra $100000 in the first year is to be spent developing a communications strategy with information reprints publicity and website development; training New Zealand Customs Service staff about the new regulations and establishing a national register of protected objects; and identifying and engaging expert examiners. 
We recognise that this measure is slightly new but I have to say that most New Zealanders take a very responsible attitude when they find objects that are obviously of value. Most people take them to their local museum. That is a very good thing for people to do and they should continue to do that because that is the place where most New Zealanders—who do not have a venal view of our collected heritage regardless of whether it is Maori or Pakeha—go to view those objects. 
The legislation also means that New Zealanders and foreigners will not be able to collect up New Zealand objects and export them. This is an exciting new development. As my friend and colleague Harry Duynhoven has pointed out this will mean for example that vintage tractors and vintage sports cars will not be able to be exported in the rather casual way they have been. They are important parts of New Zealand’s technological heritage. 
I am very satisfied with the bill and I look forward to working with members across the Chamber to make sure that people across New Zealand have good information about this exciting legislation. The bill of course is also joining New Zealand up to two major international covenants which will mean that when New Zealand cultural objects are exported illegally we can have them returned to New Zealand. That is a very exciting thing. It means that we also have similar obligations to other countries. 
Sandra Goudie 
: How will the Minister educate the public? 
Hon JUDITH TIZARD 
: I do appreciate the energy of members opposite and suggest that they put some of that energy into reading the bill that is before us.