Costley Tim; Tuiono TeanauTIM COSTLEY (National—Ōtaki): It's not lost on me and I hope anyone here that as we consider this bill we're considering it having just put through the European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Act an Act and a free-trade agreement that brings great benefit for fisheries and in particular for Māori fisheries. In fact we heard during the select committee process for that Act from a number of organisations and I'll quote one of them who said Speaking on behalf of Māori we own half the fisheries". It's a huge industry—a free-trade agreement that in effect benefited Māori proportionately more than others. They were very proud of that and not just the savings in millions but the growth that that industry could expect. It's important that alongside that we make these changes to ensure good governance because we know that through good governance comes better outputs comes better outcomes. That's how we grow this industry and indeed how we provide a stronger economy. A strong economy is at the heart of what will drive—not just to improve the lives and livelihoods at a financial level but if we want to provide the quality infrastructure we need in this country if we want good healthcare if we want good education then we need a strong economy. Our fisheries in New Zealand more than many other countries around the world are a key part of that and that's why it's important that this House would consider a matter like this—a bill like this.These amendments and changes in the bill are about giving iwi a greater degree of rangatiratanga over their fishery assets intended that it will improve benefits to all Māori and contribute to reduced costs and improved efficiency. As I've said in light of the really exciting I think future that our fisheries have in New Zealand it's important that it's done well not just so that it's good in the short term but so that it's sustainable in the long term and will be a key driver of our nation's economy—our productive economy if you will—in a way for years to come.The changes in this bill give effect to the recommendations as we know from Te Ohu Kaimoana which conducted the review of many settlement entities. For example Te Ohu Kaimoana we know was established to advance the interests of Māori in fishing and fisheries-related activities to return valuable fisheries assets and funds from settlements to iwi organisations. The trust is managed by a corporate trustee Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Ltd which is central to administering protecting and enhancing fisheries settlements to ensure that funds are delivered to iwi and ultimately to all Māori. There is a strong and exciting future as I've said for this so it's important that we do this well. Good governance is at the core of what this bill is wanting and trying to achieve so that we have a clear vision and purpose and strategy and culture that considers tikanga kawa and values that take into account the aspirations of whānau hapū and iwi across New Zealand.The Ministry of Māori Development is clear that in Māori organisations the objectives of governance will take into account the way in which Māori relate to assets and what they are used for. In some instances although the organisation operates commercially commercial objectives can be balanced with the need to safeguard assets for future organisations and that is I feel really important. Tikanga principles can also be put into practice in the board of a Māori organisation alongside governance principles. It's not one or the other but it's bringing in a balance of those—tikanga kawa and values that meet the aspirations of iwi hapū whānau—often giving direction to the way that that board will work.Ultimately this is about protecting and enhancing our ability to earn good export income and particularly for those—well obviously in this case it's for Māori. But as we heard it's 50 percent of fisheries in New Zealand. So with that I want to finish with one final comment. The export income that this earns and that we have heard about is so important to Māori but indeed to all in New Zealand. We all benefit from these organisations doing well from them growing and core governance principles must be at the heart of what we're doing. If we do this well everyone is going to go well and I think about the people in my electorate the great electorate of Ōtaki—you know on the Coast there there is hundreds of years of history of people relying on fisheries. I look at the electorates represented all the regional electorates—which admittedly have National Party MPs. But there are electorates around the country—Hon Scott Simpson: OK—enough. TIM COSTLEY: —that benefit—thank you sir—from this and it will be great to see our Māori fishing industries thrive and to see them growing with good governance and a strong future. So with that can I just finish by wishing everyone here and you Mr Speaker a happy Easter and can I commend this bill to the House. CHAIRPERSON (Teanau Tuiono): Members this debate is interrupted and is set down for resumption next sitting day. May I wish all members the best this Easter break. The House stands adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday 9 April 2024. Debate interrupted.The House adjourned at 5.59 p.m."