Submissions on the bill were supportive. The Māori Affairs Committee also heard that the proposed option for asset allocation is similar to a provision for the transfer of assets provided for in the Maori Fisheries Act 2004. As noted in the select committee report, if the bill gains Royal assent, then the limited discretionary power could be used almost immediately for allocation issues in Northland and the Bay of Plenty. Some submitters said that they'd been waiting for years to access their settlements and they don't want any more delay. Submitters also commented that iwi have an important role in the Government's aquaculture strategy and could contribute to the growth of the aquaculture industry and therefore the improvement of the economy.