Introduced on Sept 22. A member’s bill in the name of Labour MP Helen White. It would prohibit the use of restraints of trade in employment agreements for lower and middle income employees. It will also require employers of higher income employees to consider whether a restraint of trade is appropriate in relation to those employees and, if they insist on a restraint of trade, to compensate the employees for it. First reading completed on July 26 with National and Act opposed and sent to the Education and Workforce Committee.
Introduced on Aug 31. A member’s bill in the name of James McDowall. It amends the Employment Relations Act to enable businesses that have 20 or more employees to include a 90-day trial period in a new employee’s employment agreement. Adopted by the govt following the election.
Introduced on Aug 17. The purpose of this bill is to enable fair bargaining between media and operators of digital platforms to support commercial arrangements for news content. First reading on Aug 30 and sent to the economic development, science and innovation committee with National and Act opposed.
Bill in the name of Melissa Lee drawn from the ballot and introduced on Nov 11. The bill seeks to prohibit the sale of gift cards with an expiry date of less than three years after the initial sale date. First reading on Aug 1 with Act opposed and sent to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.
A member’s bill in the name of Angie Warren-Clark drawn from the ballot on May 11. The bill allows a party to a marriage or civil union to apply for an order dissolving a marriage or civil union if they have been the victim of family violence inflicted by the other party in the relationship. First reading on Aug 30 and sent to the justice committee with all parties in favour.
Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill
Introduced on March 7. The bill sets up a fast-track consent approval process across the RMA and other legislation through ministerial referral to an expert committee which has a limited remit. First reading on March 7 and referred to the environment committee with National, Act and NZ First in favour.
Introduced on March 1, the bill’s primary aim is to change the way firearms prohibition orders are administered in relation to people whose behaviour and actions pose a high risk of violence. First reading on March 5 and sent to justice committee with National, Act and NZ First in favour.
Introduced on Aug 3 2023. This bill amends the Fisheries Act to enable NZ to better meet its international fishing management and compliance obligations in relation to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. First reading on March 28 2024 and sent to the primary production committee with all parties in favour.
Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill
Introduced on March 7. The bill introduces a number of measures intended to curb criminal gangs. It makes it an offence to display gang insignia in public places, creates a new dispersal power to stop gang members gathering in public, creates a new non-consorting order and make gang membership an aggravating factor at sentencing. The Attorney-General said aspects were a breach of the Bill of Rights Act. First reading on March 7 opposed by the Greens and Te Pāti Māori. Sent to the justice committee and to be reported back on July 7.
A private bill sponsored by Duncan Webb and introduced on Deb 9, 2021. It allows the Girl Guides Association of NZ to sell properties now uneconomic to hold, despite the constraints of its incorporating legislation. First reading on March 10, supported by all parties and referred to the Social Services Committee. Report back deadline extended from Sept 10 to March 10 2022.
Girl Guides Association (New Zealand Branch) Incorporation Amendment Bill