The committee reported back to the House on 21 December last year, and aside from the small number of recommended technical amendments, the committee recommended that the bill be passed with minor amendments in two areas, with the first of these amendments being two provisions relating to the administration of the riverbed within the Whanganui River catchment area. These amendments will give effect to the agreement reached between Ngāti Maru, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, Te Pou Tupua, and Ngāti Hāua that it would no longer be appropriate for the Department of Conservation to administer and manage any riverbed running through the relevant sites. Instead, Te Pou Tupua, the representative of the legal person Te Awa Tupua, will assume these responsibilities. 