Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary

It was announced to great fanfare in 2015, but years of negotiations have failed to secure an agreement over a Kermadec ocean sanctuary.

The National party has lodged a member's bill to create a Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, and has denied is trying to stir up differences in the coalition government.

The Deputy Prime Minister admits negotiations around the proposed Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary are also about the stability of the government.

The Deputy PM has taken over from the Environment Minister in talks with the Māori Party and Te Ohu Kaimoana over the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary.

In Focus - Labour leader Andrew Little says he cannot guarantee he will support the Kermadec ocean sanctuary if the government does not resolve a dispute with Māori. Video

The Māori Party has warned that despite the Prime Minister's confidence, the government's stablility will depend on it making concessions over the Kermadec sanctuary.

If the government had its time again it would do things differently on the creation of a Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, the Deputy Prime Minister says. Audio

Power Play - The row over the Kermadecs is less about legislation and more about National allowing the Māori Party to save face, Jane Patterson says.

The relationship between National and its support partner, the Māori Party, is under serious strain over marine sanctuary plans and iwi fishing rights. Video, Audio

The government may have lost a key iwi supporter for their proposal to create a marine sanctuary near the Kermadec Islands. Audio

Prime Minister John Key has conceded the government should have consulted more with fishing companies before going ahead with the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary.

The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary has been given the go-ahead by a Parliamentary select committee, but the Labour Party says Māori interests are still being overlooked.

A fiery exchange over the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary erupted at a Parliamentary select committee today, as some groups continue to challenge the proposal. Audio