After its first reading on 22 June last year, this bill was referred to the Māori Affairs Committee. The committee called for submissions between June and August 2021, and received 20 written submissions from interested groups and individuals. They also heard seven oral submissions. Firstly, I want to thank the committee for swiftly considering the issues raised in submissions, and I want to acknowledge the hard work of that committee, which is greatly appreciated. I also want to thank all those who took the time to share their kōrero with the Māori Affairs Committee. The committee reported back to the House on 17 December last year, and recommended that the bill be passed with a small number of technical and minor amendments.