National stokes conflict over Kermadec Sanctuary

The National Party denies it is trying to drive a wedge between the government parties as it pushes to establish the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary from opposition. The Nelson MP Nick Smith has lodged a member's bill which would ban all mining and fishing over 620 thousand square kilometres around the Kermadec Islands. The Greens have previously proposed such a sanctuary, but New Zealand First has objections - and any plans have been put on hold until a solution can be found. Dr Smith told RNZ political reporter Craig McCulloch he's confident his bill would have the numbers to pass.