Faafoi KrisMARITIME POWERS EXTENSION BILLSecond ReadingHon KRIS FAAFOI (Acting Minister of Customs): I move That the Maritime Powers Extension Bill be now read a second time.This bill amends the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 to provide a clear domestic legislative framework for responding to drug smuggling activity in international waters beyond New Zealand's territorial sea. I would like to thank the chair and all members of the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee for carefully considering this bill over a relatively short period of time and I am pleased that the committee has submitted a unanimous report that recommends only minor changes to the bill. Therefore rather than focusing on the content of the bill I want to take some time to speak to the broader context that it sits within and I understand that these issues were considered by the committee and by submitters.All parties in this House can agree that it is critical that our law enforcement agencies have a full set of options available to prevent criminals smuggling illicit drugs that are causing harm in New Zealand's communities. These are serious powers and they will not be exercised lightly by the Customs Service. This bill reflects New Zealand's rights and obligations under international conventions to suppress maritime drug smuggling. The bill balances the protection of New Zealand with the rights affirmed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. This bill is part of the coalition Government's wider strategy for combatting organised crime. Through Budget 2018 this coalition Government has increased funding for both customs and police to build capacity and capability and in partnership with law enforcement agencies offshore to disrupt organised crime groups in New Zealand.The security of our maritime environment is fundamental to our national security. We are all aware of the challenge we face in monitoring and responding in the vast ocean that surrounds us. I recognise here the critical role that the New Zealand Defence Force plays in supporting civilian agencies like customs police the Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand and others in managing their areas of responsibility. While the powers proposed under this bill will not materially change the level of support required by customs we need to continue to ensure agencies including the Defence Force are equipped to protect New Zealand's interests in this dynamic and changing environment.Given the transnational nature of drug smuggling Aotearoa New Zealand cannot respond to these challenges alone. We work closely with our overseas partners to prevent the smuggling at the earliest point in the supply chain and customs is increasingly stopping exports to New Zealand from within source countries rather than responding when they reach our border. Passing this bill means that New Zealand has another option available to respond when drug smuggling activities are detected in international waters. Regional partners such as Australia already have similar powers and this bill ensures New Zealand can more effectively contribute to joint operations. We also work closely with Pacific Island countries to build the capability of customs and border security agencies. These are long-term initiatives but the Government's Pacific reset is adding a new level of priority to building strong mature partnerships with our neighbours in the Pacific. Ultimately this will protect New Zealanders but it also directly strengthens the ability of these countries to protect their own people. Members may be aware for example of an Ecuadorian fishing boat suspected of smuggling drugs in the Cook Islands in February this year where the New Zealand Customs Service was there on the ground supporting local agencies. It also provided intelligence evidence information sharing and coordination support from New Zealand. The Cook Islands' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon Mark Brown has written to convey his appreciation of the support that the New Zealand Customs Service provided. This is an excellent partnership model that I expect will be the basis for future operations.In conclusion passing this bill is a necessary step in ensuring that customs and other law enforcement agencies can fully respond to suspected drug smuggling activities. It is however just one part of a broader strategy for combatting organised crime which encompasses stronger relationships with partners in the Pacific and more widely strengthening our capability to respond both onshore and at sea. I commend the Maritime Powers Extension Bill to the House. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.