Guy Nathan: Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
Guy Nathan: Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
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NATHAN GUY (National) 
: 
 I wish to make a contribution on the Bishop Suter Art Gallery Governance Restructuring Bill because I think this local bill is very important. I need to acknowledge the great work that the local member Nick Smith has done in bringing this through from his constituents of Nelson. I have been in Nelson a few times lately and it is a wonderful place. It probably has an amount of sunshine hours in competition to the Kapiti Coast—would that be right? [ 
Interruption 
] Yes very similar. 
This bill is very very important because it will move the Bishop Suter Art Gallery into modern times. I was very interested to note when I was reading the bill—and I have listened to the contributions around the House this afternoon—that it will reform the antique legal structures of the Bishop Suter Art Gallery. Now Nelson is well known for art. When we think back about recent times the wearable art awards were founded in Nelson. It all started in Nelson and now it has grown to be the majestic event that it is held here in the capital city Wellington. 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: They stole it. 
NATHAN GUY 
: I am not sure whether they stole it but it has certainly grown from when it was founded in Nelson. 
I was interested to read in the bill that the Suter Art Gallery was established 108 years ago. The bill will allow this very good group of collective artists to move into the modern century. It will give permanent protection to the Suter Art Gallery collection to enable the communities of Nelson and Tasman to have more public accountability in the affairs and funding of the gallery through a charitable trust. I know that Mr Potton has put up his hand to lead the trust as its chairman. He has a very good history in photography down there in that neck of the woods. It has also been acknowledged in the debate this afternoon that the challenge for this trust going forward is to improve the air conditioning which I think will be one of its paramount issues and also to ensure that it has greater storage for some of the fantastic artworks that will be housed in that area. 
I also want to talk about clause 6 “Transfer of property rights and obligations” because it is very very important. I think that the fundamental issues lie with clause 6. It will allow for the property rights issue to be transferred which is a very very important object of this bill. I need to acknowledge that the members of the Business Committee from across the House agreed to allow this bill to progress through its second and third readings this afternoon otherwise it would still be floundering through another members’ day in 2 weeks’ time as we have the adjournment coming up. 
This bill will allow the Nelson community and the Tasman district to lay foundations in the art area. We all know that fantastic work comes out of Nelson. One need only walk around the city to experience the positive feel that people have. A lot of people choose to move to this area because of the arts and culture. It is fantastic. People are pleasant and friendly and they feel very passionate about this area because of its arts and culture. We have heard in the debate this afternoon that several members have gone around the country and acknowledged all the areas around Aotearoa New Zealand that are well positioned to be the arts and culture capital. Napier and Wellington are up there. We have heard an acknowledgment of New Plymouth and Wanganui but we have not heard from Palmerston North. 
Hon Steve Maharey 
: But you will. 
NATHAN GUY 
: But we will very very shortly. I look forward to Mr Maharey’s contribution shortly when I take my seat. 
This bill is a very important bill for Nelsonians. I acknowledge the good work that Nick Smith has done in bringing this bill forward to the House today. I also need to acknowledge as I have already the work that has been done across the House whereby all the minority parties have allowed the second and third readings to be held this evening. I say “Well done!” to Nick Smith and to the very good passionate people of Nelson. This bill will move them into the modern times and allow the Bishop Suter Art Gallery to make substantial progress. 
Bill read a second and a third time.