Introduced on July 28, the bill sets up an administrative framework intended to address systemic accessibility barriers for disabled people. First reading Aug 2 opposed by Greens and Te Paati Māori. Referred to the Social Services and Community Committee with a longer than usual report back date of May 16 2023.
Introduced on July 2. The purpose of the bill is to support construction relating to, and the operation of, the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland by permanently stopping a portion of Brigham Street on Wynyard Point. First reading completed on July 5 with all parties in agreement and referred to the Environment Committee with a report back deadline of September 3. America’s Cup Road Stopping Bill
Introduced on June 23. The bill establishes a new public media entity, Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media, combining TVNZ and RNZ. First reading on July 26 with National and Act opposed and referred to the economic development, science and innovation committee. The bill was reported back on Jan 26. However, following the change in leadership, new PM Chris Hipkins said the govt would no longer be proceeding with the merger, so the bill was now redundant.
Introduced on Nov 14 creates temporary rules around security issues concerning APEC 2021 events. These included allowing foreign security details to carry weapons, gives powers to close roads, enter buildings and use technology such as blocking mobile phones and allows army personnel to serve in policing roles. First reading on Nov 20 with the Greens opposed. Referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee with an April 1 report back. Reported back on March 25 with minor changes such as widening the definition of who could be deemed a security officer and around the use of technology such as blocking mobile phones. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC 2021) Bill
Introduced on Aug 10 2017. The bill makes a number of administrative changes to the principal law about access to identity certificates and the administration of the. First on Dec 5 supported by all parties and referred to the Governance and Administration Committee. Reported back on Aug 10 2018 including controversial changes to the bill making it easier to people to change their gender on official documents. NZ First objected to the change saying it was made without proper consultation as a result the bill stalled. Second reading on Aug 11 2021 with all parties in agreement to send the bill back to the select committee for public submissions on the changes made in 2018. Returned from select committee with minor changes and committee stage completed on Dec 7 and third reading Dec 9 with all parties in support.
Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Bill
Introduced on Dec 2. The bill creates a new penalty regime for ETS participants with low-volume liabilities of less than 25,000 units on average per year from forestry activities who fail to surrender or repay units by the due date. The bill also reforms industrial allocation settings for NZUs. Read a first time on Feb 21 with all parties in favour and referred to the environment committee, to be reported back by July 20. Reported back on Aug 9 with numerous amendments including how the free units are allocated and on what terms allocations are reviewed. All remaining stages completed under Urgency on Aug 15 with Act opposed. Climate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill
Introduced on June 21. The bill includes a suite of prison law reform ranging from new powers to monitor inmates’ communications, controls over weapons, rehabilitation programs and best practice corrections policy. First reading on June 27 with Greens and Kerekere opposed and sent to the justice committee.
Introduced on April 6. A member’s bill in the name of Ibrahim Omer. The bill makes it an offence of theft under the Crimes Act for an employer to deliberately not pay an employee their full entitlements with imprisonment of up to a year or a fine of up to $30,000. First reading on Aug 30 and sent to the Education and Workforce Committee with National and Act opposed.
Introduced on March 20. The Bill makes three repeals to the Crimes Act. A protection for spouses and civil union partners in cases where they would otherwise be an accessory after the fact to an offence and the offence of blasphemous libel. The bill also repeals the year-and-a-day rule contained in section 162. This last change was cited as needed as it was one of the reasons the Police decided not to prosecute in the CTV building collapse case. First reading completed on March 28 with all parties in favour and sent to the Justice Committee. Crimes Amendment Bill
Introduced on May 11. The Bill permanently allows drug and substance checking services to operate legally. First reading on May 18 opposed by National. Referred to the health committee to be reported back by Oct 29. Reported back on Oct 28 with minor changes. Second reading Nov 9 still opposed only by National. Committee stage completed Nov 11. Drug and Substance Checking Legislation Bill (No 2)