Seabed Mining Banned In Aotearoa Under Reintroduced Member’s Bill – Te Pati Māori

Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer has reintroduced her second Member’s Bill to permanently ban seabed mining in Aotearoa, fast-track or not.

“The evidence is now undeniable,” said Ngarewa-Packer.

“Even under fast-track legislation designed to push projects through, seabed mining has been found to cause unacceptable harm to the environment, to taonga species, and to tikanga Māori.”

Ngarewa-Packer said opposition to seabed mining was a defining reason she entered Parliament.

“Protecting our moana and standing with coastal iwi and hapū is why I got into politics in the first place. This Bill is about finishing what we started and making sure these protections are finally locked in for future generations.”

The Seabed Mining Prohibition Act closes all legal pathways for seabed mining, including fast-track approvals, and applies across the coastal marine area, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf.

“This Bill reflects what iwi, hapū, scientists, and coastal communities have been saying for years these impacts cannot be conditioned away.”

Ngarewa-Packer said the Bill builds on her previous seabed mining legislation, received the support of the Green Party was voted down by Labour.

“This version has been strengthened to reflect changes to the law, including fast-track legislation.”

“When regulators themselves conclude that the risks are too great and the uncertainty too high, Parliament has a responsibility to act.”

“This is about mana moana, kaitiakitanga, and intergenerational responsibility. Our oceans are not sacrifice zones and this is work I intend to see through.”

The Bill has been prepared for lodging in the Members’ Bill ballot this week.