Old Kerikeri bill rolled over for another year | Northland News | Local News in Northland

The oldest bill sitting on Parliament's books has been rolled over for yet another year.

The Kerikeri National Trust Bill has been before a select committee since September 1995 and has made no progress in the 16 years since then.

The Kerikeri bill covers the earthworks of Kororipo Pa, the stronghold of Hongi Hika which still overlooks the surviving buildings of the mission station established by Samuel Marsden in 1819.

These buildings include Kemp House, built in 1822, and the Stone Store, 1836, respectively the oldest house and the oldest stone building in New Zealand.

The bill's preamble cites concerns about "rapid urban encroachment and piecemeal development" making it difficult for the various bodies responsible for the area to manage it properly.

The bill had been due to be reported back on Friday but this has now been delayed for another year.

The bill's sponsor, National MP John Carter, said he was not concerned at the rollover.

The intention of the legislation is to set up the Kerikeri National Trust and to give it power to protect and promote the Kerikeri basin.

Mr Carter said the area was still relatively unchanged since Maori and British immigrants had first begun a relationship which had culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"It is pretty unique that we have retained much of our early history and it is preserved then as it was now," Mr Carter said.

"I don't think you would find the same situation in any other colonial nation in the world."

Mr Carter said he was not concerned at the lack of progress - in fact he welcomed it.

Much of the intent of the bill was being implemented by local and government organisations and its passage into law was not necessary at this stage.

"It is there to be used if we need it but it is not necessary at this stage and hopefully we won't need it."

Mr Carter did not want to withdraw the bill because if a law did become necessary he would have to rely on luck to get a similar bill drawn out of the members bill ballot.