Nick Smith surprised by Maori Party switch

The Environment Minister says the Maori Party's actions in the House last night regarding the Environment Canterbury bill, do nothing for its relationship with National.

The bill which replaces Environment Canterbury's councillors with a panel of commissioners was passed by Parliament under urgency last night. It was opposed by Labour and the Greens and the Maori Party withdrew its support at the last minute. The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Bill passed its third reading with a vote of 64 to 58 with support from National, United Future and Act.

Nick Smith admits the Maori Party's change of heart came as a surprise.

"I was disappointed, I only found out very late at the dinner break but as it turned out there were the numbers so it didn't make any material difference to the outcome of the bill."

Maori Party MP Rahui Katene told MPs the party was voting against the bill because it was concerned about the new powers the commissioners will have to determine water conservation orders in the Canterbury region.

Earlier in the week, five Maori Party MPs voted against the Government's Welfare Reforms Bill.

- NEWSTALK ZB