National’s narrow majority in the House was underlined this evening when an Opposition MP’s Bill survived the first reading debate after the Maori Party and United Future backed it.
The Environmental Protection Authority (Protection of Environment) Amendment Bill made it to select committee with just National and ACT opposed.
This bill amends the Environmental Protection Authority Act to add an additional objective that the organisation must aim to protect, maintain, and enhance New Zealand’s environment.
The Bill’s sponsor Meka Whaitiri said the bill would make the Environmental Protection Authority a better organisation as it would make it clear what its role was.
National MPs indicated they would vote against the bill as it would impinge upon the EPA’s operational integrity. They argued the agency’s role and functions were clearly laid out and that was to implement legislation which achieved the objectives the bill’s sponsor desired.
The Bill was sent to the Local Government and Environment Committee by 61 to 60 with just National and ACT opposed.
MPs then began the first reading debate of the New Zealand International Convention Centre Act 2013 Repeal Bill.
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