Articles tagged with Parliament
Employment Leave Bill Passes First Reading to Simplify Worker Pay and Leave
2 weeks ago | 150 viewsThe Employment Leave Bill, recently passed its first reading in Parliament, aims to replace the complex Holidays Act 2003 with a simpler framework that reduces errors and provides clarity for businesses and workers. It introduces hours-based accrual, pro-rata sick leave, and improved entitlements such as immediate access to leave and full pay after parental leave, addressing compliance challenges and worker benefits. Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized extensive consultation and encouraged public feedback to ensure the legislation is effective and sustainable long-term.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Bill Holidays Act 2003 Workplace Relations payroll sick leave annual leave parental leave Cabinet ParliamentNew Zealand Passes Bill to Digitise Secondary Legislation Access and Services
2 weeks ago | 135 viewsThe Legislation Amendment Bill, recently passed in Parliament, aims to improve access to secondary legislation by standardizing its publication across all agencies. It addresses current difficulties in finding regulations and other legal materials by creating a single, redeveloped New Zealand Legislation website as a one-stop access point. This digital modernization will help individuals and businesses better understand their legal obligations and reduce compliance costs.
Tags: Judith Collins New Zealand Legislation Amendment Bill secondary legislation government services Parliament digital government compliance New Zealand Legislation websiteGovernment Responds to Health Committee Report on Aged Care for Neurological Disorders
2 weeks ago | 153 viewsThe Government has welcomed the Health Committee’s report on aged care support for people with neurological cognitive disorders, following an inquiry launched in 2024 that gathered extensive input and made 14 recommendations. The Government’s response acknowledges these recommendations and will consider them through ongoing aged care reforms, including work by the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group. Committed to improving access and quality of care, the Government aims to ensure timely support for older people, particularly those with neurological cognitive conditions.
Tags: Casey Costello Health Committee New Zealand First National coalition Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group Government neurological cognitive disorders dementia aged care ParliamentNew Zealand and Argentina Strengthen Economic Ties for Growth and Trade
3 weeks ago | 202 viewsNew Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation to boost economic efficiency, export growth, and job creation, with New Zealand aiming to increase its business presence in Argentina. Foreign Minister Winston Peters, on his first visit to Argentina since 2007, discussed mutual interests including global developments, strategic environments, and UN reform with Argentine leaders. The visit also highlighted growing ties in business, education, and trade, as Peters leads a delegation touring Latin America before continuing to Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and French Polynesia.
Tags: Winston Peters Javier Milei Pablo Quirno New Zealand Argentina Parliamentary delegation Latin America UN reform export growth economic turnaroundNew Zealand and Argentina Strengthen Economic and Trade Cooperation in Historic Visit
3 weeks ago | 197 viewsNew Zealand and Argentina have agreed to strengthen cooperation to boost economic efficiency, export growth, and job creation, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighting Argentina's recent economic reforms and opportunities for New Zealand businesses. During his visit—the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2007—Peters engaged in discussions on global issues such as Iran, strategic competition, and UN reform, while emphasizing shared commitments to open, rules-based trade. The visit included parliamentary engagements and is part of a broader Latin American tour, with upcoming stops in Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and French Polynesia.
Tags: Winston Peters Javier Milei Pablo Quirno New Zealand Argentina Parliamentary delegation Latin America economic reform UN system trade cooperationNZ Government Receives Final Royal Commission Report on COVID-19 Lessons
4 weeks ago | 263 viewsThe Government has received the final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, which expanded its scope to review key decisions like lockdowns and vaccine mandates due to public demand. The inquiry aims not only to assess past mistakes but also to guide future pandemic responses, addressing the ongoing social and economic impacts felt by New Zealanders. The report will be made public in March 2026, with Health Minister Simeon Brown leading the Government’s response to its recommendations.
Tags: Ms van Velden Simeon Brown Royal Commission New Zealand Government Aucklanders Parliament KiwisCrown and Ngāti Hāua Finalize Historic Treaty Settlement with $19M Redress
1 month ago | 366 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
1 month ago | 348 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
3 months ago | 473 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 ParliamentNew Zealand Passes First Reading of New Planning Bills to Replace RMA in 2026
3 months ago | 673 viewsNew Zealand’s Parliament has passed the first reading of the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill, which together will replace the Resource Management Act 1991 with a modern planning system aimed at boosting economic growth, simplifying regulations, and protecting the environment. The Planning Bill focuses on reducing red tape, consolidating regional plans, and streamlining consents, while the Natural Environment Bill sets clear environmental limits and promotes proportionate regulation with respect for property rights and Treaty settlements. These reforms are projected to save $13.3 billion over 30 years, facilitate infrastructure and housing development, support primary industries, and are open for public input through the select committee process before aiming for enactment in 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA Reform Parliament environmental reform select committeeJustice Committee Extends Arms Bill Submission Period – Have Your Say Now
3 months ago | 399 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 ParliamentNew Zealand Reforms Industrial Hemp Regulations to Boost Growth and Innovation
3 months ago | 405 viewsRegulation Minister David Seymour announced reforms to scrap the outdated licensing regime for industrial hemp in New Zealand, replacing it with a more practical and proportionate approach that removes licenses and sets a clear THC threshold below 1%. These changes aim to reduce costs, encourage innovation, and generate significant economic benefits, while maintaining safeguards to prevent misuse and ensuring compliance with existing food safety and medicinal cannabis regulations. The Ministry of Health will lead implementation, reflecting the government's commitment to cutting red tape and improving regulatory standards for business growth.
Tags: David Seymour New Zealand industrial hemp Regulation Minister Ministry of Health Regulatory Standards Act medicinal cannabis Ministry for Regulation Parliamentary Council Office CabinetParliament Extends Resource Consents to 2027 Amid New Zealand’s RMA Reform Transition
3 months ago | 534 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 systemNew Zealand's New Planning System to Boost Housing Growth and Homeowner Freedom
3 months ago | 669 viewsThe New Zealand Government is overhauling its planning system to address the housing crisis by simplifying rules, increasing land supply, and enabling more competitive urban land markets, thereby making it easier and faster to build homes. The reforms include standardizing zoning nationwide, reducing consent complexities, allowing more development without council approval, and providing clear national direction with ambitious housing growth targets. These changes aim to lower costs, increase housing choice, strengthen property rights, and support sustainable urban expansion, with legislation expected to pass by 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Government RMA Reform Housing Minister Planning Bill Resource Management Act Going for Housing Growth National Policy Statement ParliamentNew Zealand Arms Bill Introduced: Strengthening Firearms Laws and Public Safety
3 months ago | 488 viewsThe Government has introduced the Arms Bill to Parliament to modernize New Zealand’s firearms laws, enhancing public safety while easing regulatory burdens on licensed owners. Key reforms include updating offences, disqualifying gang members from holding licences, creating an independent Firearms Regulatory Agency, and addressing emerging technologies like 3D printing. The Bill fulfills the ACT-National coalition’s commitment to rewrite the Arms Act 1983 and will undergo a six-month select committee process for public input.
Tags: Nicole McKee Arms Bill New Zealand firearms laws Firearms Regulatory Agency Firearms Licensing Review Committee Parliament Firearms Prohibition Orders 3D printing