Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: Firstly, can I acknowledge the widespread views across the Pacific in relation to deep-sea mining. It has caused some division between member States of Pacific nation Governments and NGO organisations within their own countries. New Zealand will consider any request for assistance from a Pacific partner where the request relates to developing robust legal frameworks, governance structures, and environmental protections. In line with the sovereign rights of Pacific Island Governments and respect for their mana to assert their own kaitiakitanga responsibilities, Aotearoa New Zealand does not take a position for or against mining on the seabed within the jurisdiction of other Pacific Island countries' international waters. 