The bill is designed to close gaps in New Zealand's domestic law which create uncertainty when enforcing our criminal law in international waters, being the oceans and seas beyond 12 nautical miles from our coast, including our exclusive economic zone. Addressing these gaps and keeping our maritime enforcement secure is critical to Aotearoa New Zealand's national security and prosperity. We are an island nation with an extensive maritime domain. Once upon a time, our geographic isolation may have provided protection from maritime security threats; today, transnational organised crime, including smuggling people, illicit drugs, arms, and wildlife by sea, is increasing. This threatens our health and wellbeing and threatens our security and livelihoods. The Maritime Powers Bill is designed to ensure that New Zealand can respond to these threats, providing a clear statutory basis for New Zealand to enforce New Zealand's criminal law in international waters.