Bill would overrule Whangamata marina decision

A private members bill that would overrule Conservation Minister Chris Carter's decision to block the development of the Whangamata marina was drawn from the ballot yesterday.

National MP Nick Smith, who drafted the bill, says he needs the support of just one more MP to get it passed.

National, Act, New Zealand First and United Future would back the bill, giving it 60 votes - but 61 are needed.

Dr Smith said he was hopeful of finding the extra support. Several Labour MPs are believed to have been angered by Mr Carter's decision, including Dover Samuels who went public with his criticisms to the annoyance of Prime Minister Helen Clark.

The bill would permanently remove the power of the Conservation Minister to have the final say on matters such as the Whangamata marina, instead making the Environment Court the final arbiter. The bill would make this retrospective.