Summarised by Centrist
Political commentator Chris Trotter discusses a recent private meeting between New Zealand Cabinet Ministers and seafood industry representatives.
The meeting triggered allegations of cronyism and racism, but this move, he suggests, is not about favouring the seafood industry but restoring the original legislative intent.
“Consultations of this nature are not uncommon when a government is contemplating legislative measures likely to affect a major industry. In this respect, the meeting between [Paul] Goldsmith, [Shane] Jones, relevant officials and industry leaders is hardly newsworthy,” he writes.
The controversy centres on the Marine & Coastal Areas Act. Critics accuse the government of favouring industry interests over Māori rights.
Trotter contends that the real scandal lies in the judiciary’s overreach. “The judiciary effectively re-wrote the law, overriding the will of Parliament,” Trotter states, highlighting how the Court of Appeal’s 2023 decision led to an influx of customary marine title claims, impacting 100% of the coastline.
The Court’s decision, which Trotter argues negated the strict requirements set by Parliament in 2011, has forced the Coalition Government to consider rolling back these changes.
Trotter also questions why unelected judges have the power to effectively rewrite laws. He argues that this issue remains underreported in mainstream media.
