Articles tagged with New Zealand Parliament
NZ Alcohol Regulation Bill Passes First Reading: Streamlining Licenses & Cutting Red Tape
3 weeks ago | 223 viewsThe Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill aims to reduce red tape, support economic growth in hospitality and events, and enhance fairness in licensing while maintaining public safety. Key changes include limiting objections to license applications to local residents, allowing clubs and certain restaurants more flexibility in alcohol sales, and streamlining special license requirements for events. The Justice Select Committee is inviting public submissions until 14 May 2026 to identify further low-risk regulatory improvements.
Tags: Nicole McKee Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Justice Select Committee alcohol regulation licensing regime red tape hospitality sector alcohol harm reduction New Zealand Parliament Rugby World CupNew Alcohol Laws Allow Hospitality to Trade Normally on Easter and Anzac Days
4 weeks ago | 833 viewsA new member’s bill reforming alcohol laws, effective from midnight tonight, allows hospitality businesses in New Zealand to operate under normal licence conditions on restricted trading days such as Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day, removing outdated meal order requirements and midnight closing rules. The amendment, including a key change by ACT MP Cameron Luxton, ensures bars and pubs can remain open past midnight, benefiting events like the opening of Christchurch’s Te Kaha Stadium and improving public safety by preventing large crowds from leaving venues simultaneously. This reform provides clarity and regulatory relief for the hospitality sector, enabling businesses to operate confidently during important holidays while restoring consumer choice.
Tags: Nicole McKee Kieran McAnulty Cameron Luxton Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act Ministry of Justice ACT Party Te Kaha Stadium New Zealand Parliament hospitality sector alcohol laws reformCrown and Ngāti Hāua Finalize Historic Treaty Settlement with $19M Redress
3 months ago | 480 viewsThe Crown and Ngāti Hāua have concluded nine years of negotiations with settlement legislation passing in Parliament, acknowledging historical Treaty breaches and returning 64 culturally significant sites along with $19 million in financial redress. The legislation also provides statutory pardons for Te Rangiātea and Mātene Ruta Te Whareaitu, who were wrongfully tried under martial law in 1846, restoring their mana and honouring their legacy. This settlement aims to restore the relationship between the Crown and Ngāti Hāua and support the iwi’s economic, social, and cultural wellbeing for future generations.
Tags: Ngāti Hāua Crown Treaty of Waitangi Paul Goldsmith Te Rangiātea Mātene Ruta Te Whareaitu Taumarunui Te Pua o Te Riri Kore New Zealand Parliament Treaty settlementJudith Collins Appointed President of NZ Law Commission, Will Leave Parliament in 2026
3 months ago | 522 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP in the 2026 election. Luxon praised Collins for her over two decades of dedicated public service, legal expertise, and leadership in various government roles. Collins will continue as an MP until her new position begins in mid-2026.
Tags: Christopher Luxon Judith Collins New Zealand Law Commission Sir Geoffrey Palmer New Zealand Parliament Minister Leader of the Opposition National Party Member of Parliament Hon Collins KC2025 Parliamentary Highlights: Major Laws Passed to Boost NZ Economy & Society
4 months ago | 587 viewsIn 2025, the Government made significant legislative progress with 81 Government Bills becoming law, focusing on economic growth, law and order, and reducing living costs through key measures like the Investment Boost tax incentive and trade agreements. Notable achievements include the unanimous passage of the Parliament Bill, modernizing parliamentary governance, and streamlined processes for infrastructure and family support. The year also featured extensive parliamentary activity, including numerous bills introduced, readings, and questions, reflecting a busy and productive legislative session.
Tags: Chris Bishop Louise Upston New Zealand Parliament Government Bills Budget 2025 UAE Economic Partnership Resource Management Bill Public Works Bill Income Tax FamilyBoost 54th ParliamentJustice Committee Extends Arms Bill Submission Period – Have Your Say Now
4 months ago | 504 viewsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee welcomes the Justice Select Committee’s extension of the submission period for the Arms Bill, encouraging New Zealanders to provide feedback to improve the legislation. She emphasizes the importance of input from licensed firearm owners and the public to create practical, responsible firearms laws through a thorough six-month consultation process. Early engagement has been significant, with over 8,500 submissions offering extensive feedback, and the new deadline for submissions is 16 February 2026.
Tags: Nicole McKee Justice Select Committee Arms Bill New Zealand Licenced Firearm Owner firearms law Justice Minister public consultation Arms Act rewrite New Zealand ParliamentParliament Extends Resource Consents to 2027 Amid New Zealand’s RMA Reform Transition
4 months ago | 654 viewsParliament has passed the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill, extending existing or expired resource consents until 31 December 2027 to provide certainty for farmers, businesses, and councils during New Zealand’s transition to a new planning system. This temporary extension prevents costly and unnecessary replacement consent processes under the old Resource Management Act, aligning with ongoing reforms including the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill expected to extend consents to around 2031. The new legislation aims to support growth, housing, and environmental improvements by streamlining consent processes and introducing national standards during the transition.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court Resource Management Act RMA Reform New Zealand Parliament Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill Resource consents RMA Amendment Bill New Zealand planning system