A bill that would remove another barrier towards construction of the Waimea Dam in Tasman has received multi-party support.
Nick Smith Photo: Rebekah Parsons-King
Nelson MP Nick Smith, who introduced the member's bill, said early support from National, Labour, New Zealand First and Act meant it would now go to select committee.
The bill is aimed at resolving the issue of access to Crown land for the reservoir in the Mount Richmond Forest Park.
It received 112 votes in to eight at its first reading yesterday. The Green Party did not support it.
Dr Smith said it was the last critical piece of work required for the dam to be built in the Lee Valley, south of Richmond.
The project has full resource consents and funding from horticulturalists, government and council.
The $100 million project was recently voted out by the Tasman council through fears over rising cost, then salvaged by changes to the funding model.
Dr Smith hoped to have the bill passed by Christmas but said the deadlines were tight.