There is a critical need for Aotearoa to be able to respond to all of these threats, which impact New Zealand's safety, security, economy, and environment. The Maritime Powers Bill is designed to meet that need and ensure that we are able to protect New Zealand through enforcement of our criminal law in international waters, the oceans and seas beyond New Zealand territory. Currently, New Zealand does not have adequate statutory powers to enforce our criminal law in international waters. Although we have the right to exercise maritime powers under international law, there are gaps in our domestic arrangements which create uncertainty for New Zealand in exercising those rights. The bill closes these gaps and establishes a transparent and comprehensive regime of law enforcement powers in international waters for serious criminal offences where New Zealand already has jurisdiction.