Sanctuary name will be altered

One of the biggest ocean sanctuaries in the world has been endorsed by a parliamentary committee, despite submissions opposing it.

Environment Minister Nick Smith welcomed the news and accepted a recommendation to tweak the name.

The sanctuary would have a dual name of ‘‘Kermadec/ Rangitahua’’ at the request of iwi who would be involved in the management of the area. As for compensation over lost fishing rights, proposed amendments made plain there would be none, Smith said.

Two cases are before the courts claiming breaches of fishing rights, one brought by iwi and another by the commercial fishing industry. The attorney-general advised any limitation on quota rights was ‘‘justifiable’’ under the Bill of Rights Act.

The Government was still keen to resolve outstanding iwi concerns through discussion, Smith said. ‘‘We acknowledge the strong support for the sanctuary by Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri but would prefer to have broader support from Maori for this globally significant initiative,’’ he said.

While the Labour Party supported the creation of the sanctuary, it said the committee had not properly considered the effects of the bill on the Treaty of Waitangi fisheries settlement.

Pretending the quota rights were not stripped away but setting allowable catch at zero ‘‘obscures the reality’’, Labour submitted.

‘‘The change is being made without the consent of the Treaty partner.’’ Labour recommended a review period should take place in 10 years, not the 25-year period currently stipulated.

The Green Party also submitted the lack of consultation by the Crown prior to the announcement of the sanctuary last year was ‘‘unsatisfactory’’.