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Mr Speaker, I move that the Video Surveillance (Temporary Measures) Bill be now read a first time.

The third and final reading of this bill marks the completion of more than two years of consultation and policy development on a matter that has vexed us as a nation for almost a decade.

Today this House repeals the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004. It replaces that act with new legislation which recognizes and protects the interests and rights of all New Zealanders to the common marine and coastal area.

It ensures the right of public access, without charge, to the common marine and coastal area.

Introduction: The Rule of law

As some of you may know, I am out on the road conducting hui and public meetings on the reform of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004. Yesterday I had meetings in Gisborne and today I have a number of meetings in Napier. I decided, however, to travel to Napier via Wellington so I could talk to you about a couple of important matters.

Introduction

Thank you for asking me to speak here this morning. As you know, I am a member of the Bar Association and I value my membership of an organisation which is playing an increasingly important role, not only in the profession, but in the administration of justice. In its short life the Bar Association has intervened in a number of important cases. For example, in Harley v McDonald [1] both in the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council on the all-important issue of whether or not there was jurisdiction to award costs against a barrister.