We have been advised that Ngāti Maru, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, the post-settlement governance entity for the Whanganui River settlement; Te Pou Tupua, the "human face" of Te Awa Tupua; and Ngāti Hāua have agreed that it would no longer be appropriate for the Department of Conservation to administer and manage any riverbed running through these sites. Instead, Te Pou Tupua should assume those responsibilities, and they have agreed to do so. So, as a committee, we have recommended amending the bill to give effect to this agreement. 