Business Statement

on behalf of the Leader of the House: When the House resumes next week, the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill will receive its first reading. Priority will also be given to a number of other first readings.

Firstly, I thank the Attorney-General for that very thorough report. There is an entire bill to look forward to next week, and there will be other things, I am sure. I ask the Attorney-General whether he can advise the House as to whether, in the remaining 2 weeks of this particular sitting, the Government expects that any legislation might be required following the events in Canterbury at the weekend. I make the offer to the Government that if temporary or urgent legislation is required, the Opposition is more than willing to work with the Government to ensure the speedy passage of such legislation through Parliament, even if it requires sunset provisions in it, in order to give some certainty to events that may be unfolding in that province.

on behalf of the Leader of the House: Those issues are being looked at now, but I thank the chief Opposition whip for his very generous comments. I am sure that either Mr Brownlee or Mr Power will be in touch with him should that need eventuate.