Bennett David: Hamilton City Council (Parana Park) Land Vesting Bill — First Reading 
Bennett David: Hamilton City Council (Parana Park) Land Vesting Bill — First Reading 
[Volume:664;Page:11767] 
DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) 
: 
 It has been a pleasure to raise the first reading of the Hamilton City Council (Parana Park) Land Vesting Bill in the House today and it has been a pleasure to hear the many tributes from members about the park and their memories of it even though many of the members who have spoken do not live in the city of Hamilton or in its immediate areas. I think that shows just what a small community New Zealand is but it also shows the importance of such pieces of land to the community and the role they play and how much people enjoy them. Their benefit is remembered by generations over many years. The late George Parr the original benefactor who vested the land in the city council through legislation would be very proud to know that he has had that influence on many people over many years. 
The speeches made by members today raised some important points about the select committee process and about the questions that would need to be asked during that process. We look forward to hearing them as the Local Government and Environment Committee no doubt will address those questions when it hears submissions on the bill. The Maori Party raised some interesting issues as well around the wider context of the land and its role within iwi in the area. I am sure that the Hamilton City Council with its strong relationship with iwi has considered this already and has spoken with iwi. But I am sure that the select committee process will provide another avenue for that dialogue to occur as well. I do not presume that we will have any difficulty in this area because the park has been in use for a long time in this manner. I do not expect there to be any issues but the select committee is the appropriate process to check that off in order that we can make sure that it is completed to everyone’s satisfaction. We look forward to that part of the select committee process being effective. 
Essentially this bill will give the Hamilton City Council the ability to more effectively manage and administer the park. The park has a history with the people of Hamilton and a history with the people of New Zealand as an area of enjoyment and of recreation and as a space where people can be with their families in an environment beside the beautiful Waikato River. People can take advantage of that stunning environment. They can see the river and the city and see the growth of the city and its downtown environment. There is also a place of remembrance Memorial Park which has a very strong history and an involvement in the culture of Hamilton and the Waikato for past and present servicemen and women. 
We look forward to having the support of other members of this House for this legislation. I have great pleasure in promoting this bill which will enable the Hamilton City Council to more effectively manage and administer the land and area and enable it to provide those facilities for people in the future. 
Bill read a first time.  
Bill referred to the Local Government and Environment Committee.