Introduced on March 11, the Bill sets up a regulation regime for the public disclosure of information relating to gas supply outages for suppliers and major users. First reading on May 27 and sent to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee with the support of all parties. Reported back on March 1, 2021 with only minor changes. Second reading on June 10 opposed by ACT. Committee stage completed June 29. Third reading completed on July 8 with ACT opposed. Gas (Information Disclosure and Penalties) Amendment Bill

Introduced on Nov 3. The bill amends the Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act which was enacted in 2006, but has not yet been brought into force. Makes amendments ahead of the Government’s decision to bring the law into force in order to support the trade strategies of the New Zealand wine industry, and New Zealand’s interests in negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union. The bill completed its first reading on March 17 with all parties in support and sent to the Primary Production Committee for consideration. Reported back on Sept 15 with minor changes including to the charging regime for applicants for registration. Second reading completed on November 2, committee stage on November 15 and third reading on November 16. Only NZ First opposed as they objected to a clause requiring consultation with Maori over the use of certain place names in labelling wines and spirits. Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill

Member’s bill in the name of Rawiri Waititi drawn from the ballot on Feb 15. The bill would remove GST from all food products and non-alcoholic beverages. First reading on March 20 and voted down with only Te Pāti Māori in favour.

Goods and Services Tax (Removing GST From Food) Amendment Bill

Introduced on Feb 19. The bill amends the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016 by repealing some extraordinary powers that are no longer required, disestablishing Regenerate Christchurch; and providing for the extension of some land powers. First reading on March 5 with all parties in support and referred to the Governance and Administration Committee. Reported back on June 5 with minor changes. Second reading June 18, committee stage and third reading on June 24 with all parties in support. Greater Christchurch Regeneration Amendment Bill

Introduced on October 19. The bill  provides a new legal framework to support the regeneration of greater Christchurch over the next 5 years. Replaces the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011 to increase the role of local leadership and shift focus from recovery  to regeneration. Received first reading on voice vote on October 22. Opposition parties supported the thrust of the bill, but indicated there would be debate over detail. Select committee reported back on  February 25 with Labour, Greens and NZ First opposing arguing it left too much power in the hands of central government and not enough with local councils. On March 16 Gerry Brownlee announced changes would be made to the bill after talks with Opposition parties over the role of local councils and they would now be voting for it. As a result the bill completed its second reading on March 17 on a voice vote. The agreed amendments were introduced in the committee stage on March 29 and the bill completed its third reading on March 31 by general agreement. Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill

Introduced on Nov 21. The bill creates a Grocery Commissioner at the Commerce Commission to monitor and regulate the sector. First reading under urgency on Nov 22 with Act opposed and sent to the economic development, science and innovation committee. Reported back on March 22 with a large number of changes but the intent of the bill maintained. Second reading completed on May 2 with Act opposed. Committee stage completed on June 20 and third reading on June 21 with no parties opposed.

Grocery Industry Competition Bill

Seeks to mitigate the harm caused to individuals by electronic communications and to provide victims of harmful digital communications with a quick and effective means of redress. Sets up an agency to assess complaints, where appropriate investigating and using negotiation, mediation, or persuasion to resolve matters. The agency’s primary functions would include education. The bill also sets up a process to take down material from websites. Introduced in Nov 2013 with select committee reporting back on May 27, 2014. Labour criticised the fast tracking of the bill and urged caution. Some have expressed concern that punishment for offences on the internet would be more severe than a similar offence in the street. At its second reading Labour, the Greens and NZ First attempted to have the bill sent back to select committee for further consideration following lobbying from internet companies. This was blocked by National, Maori Party,  ACT and United Future. The second reading was completed on March 31 with Labour and NZ First opposed arguing amongst other things it would criminalise children. After talks between Communication Minister Amy Adams and other parties changes were agreed to the bill intended to reduce the criminalisation aspects of the bill. During the committee stage on June 23 Government amendments were backed by all parties except ACT. The bill passed its third reading on June 30 by 116 to 5 with ACT’s David Seymour and four Green MPs opposed. It was the first time Seymour had voted against a Government bill. Many MPs still expressed concerns about the bill impinging on freedom of speech and the processes being set up to deal with “cyber-bullying”. Many felt the bill would have to be revisited within a year. Harmful Digital Communications Bill

Introduced on Nov 22. The bill empowers the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society to sell its interests in Tomoana Showgrounds, and any other land, and apply the proceeds consistent with the Society’s objects. First reading on Dec 7 with all parties in favour and sent to the Governance and Administration Committee. Reported back on Feb 15 with second reading, committee stage and third reading on March 15 with all parties in favour.

Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society Empowering Bill

Introduced on Aug 3. The bill attempts to streamline the approvals system, most notably it enabled the EPA to make better use of information from international regulators. Completed first reading on Aug 10 supported by all parties and sent to the environment committee. Reported back on March 14 with minor changes. Second reading completed on May 17 with all parties in support.  Committee stage completed on Sept 28. Third reading complete on Oct 26 with all parties in favour.

Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Hazardous Substances Assessments) Amendment Bill 

Introduced on July 5. The bill amends the drinking water parts of the Health Act following the Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water. The main provisions in the Bill remove requirements for the Ministry of Health to consult for 3 years and gazette changes for 2 years prior to making any changes to the drinking-water standards. It also clarifies that water safety plans must include timetables to mitigate risks to drinking water. First reading completed on Nov 8 with all parties in agreement and referred to the Health Committee. National MPs warned there could be some push back from communities over compulsory treatment of municipal water supplies in pristine bore areas. Reported back from select committee on May 7 with a number of changes intended to tighten water quality requirements. Second reading completed on June 27 with all parties in support. Committee stage completed on July 23 and third reading on July 25 with all parties in agreement.  Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Bill