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.

Aotearoa New Zealand Public Media Bill

Removes Housing Corporation’s policy functions; consolidates housing advice in the Department of Building and Housing. No significant committee changes. Bill has been stalled awaiting second reading since May 2011. First reading April 2011, select committee reported back in May 2011. Housing Corporation Amendment Bill

Introduced on Dec 8. The bill aims to improve protections for faith-based groups under the provisions of the Human Rights Act that make speech likely to excite hostility unlawful. First reading on Dec 13 with National and Act opposed, referred to the justice committee. The govt has since announced it will not be progressing the bill and the issues it addresses have been referred to the Law Commission.

Human Rights (Incitement on Ground of Religious Belief) Amendment Bill

Introduced on March 8 the bill will create an ocean sanctuary around the Kermadec Islands. The effect of the bill will be to ban all fishing and mining in 620,000 square kilometres of the Exclusive Economic Zone. Awaiting first reading.First reading on March 15 with all parties in support. Maori Party voiced concern about the loss of iwi’s allocated but unused fishing quota and the lack of consultation. ACT’s David Seymour also labelled the bill “greenwashing”. Referred to the Local Government and Environment Committee with a shortened report back date of August 2. The Government intends to pass the law by November. Govt faces potential legal action from Maori fisheries interests and other fishing companies over the quota issue. The Govt has sought a stay in proceedings until the final shape of the legislation is known. Reported back from select committee on July 22 with the numbers to pass despite concerns around the Govt remaining firm on no compensation for lost fishing quota. A number of minor amendments made including changing the name to the “Kermadec/Rangitāhua Ocean Sanctuary”. Labour and the Greens lodged minority reports saying they supported the Bill, but had concerns. Labour said the Bill undermined the Treaty of Waitangi fisheries settlement, which was meant to be “full and final”. Labour said despite this serious reservation it supported the bill, but would be seeking to remove the clause preventing compensation being claimed. The Greens said it supported no compensation as this would be a significant expansion of the property rights attached to the allocation of fishing quota. Bill now officially on hold after the Maori Party threatened to walk away from confidence and supply agreement if it was passed. The politics are round treaty settlements, property rights and the Govt’s right to legislate for environmental reasons have created some complex issues. Talks with the Maori Party will now take place as legal action unfolds. It could all take some time. New Government indicated the Bill remained on hold. Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill

Introduced on July 31. The Bill is based on a review undertaken by the Offshore Racing and Sports Betting Working Group in 2015. It intends to modernise sports betting by enabling in-race betting and allowing the Racing Board to offer betting on a wider range of sports. It also introduces information and consumption charges on offshore betting operators taking bets on NZ racing and sporting events. First reading completed on August 15 with the Greens opposed. The Primary Production Committee took the unusual step of publicly complaining that the responsible minister (Winston Peters) had not responded to repeated attempts to clarify Govt policy. Following this the report back deadline was pushed back from 29 March to 2 July 2018. The Bill was withdrawn in Oct 2018. Racing Amendment Bill

Introduced on March 29. The bill implements representation arrangements to the next two triennial elections of Rotorua District Council. This primarily creates 1 Māori ward with 3 seats and 1 general ward with 3 seats. Only those on the Māori roll would vote in the Māori ward. First reading on April 6 and referred to the Māori Affairs Committee. Opposed by National and Act for a number of reasons including it would give a minority of the population equal representation to the majority. Bill put on hold at the request of the council following a report by the Attorney-General that the proposed law would be discriminatory. Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill.

Introduced by leave on Feb 14 to replace a Members Bill (no.1) which was seriously flawed in drafting. The Bill in the name of Louisa Wall seeks to introduce a new step for the renewal off alcohol off-licences to ensure they comply with a Local Alcohol plan. It was read a first time and referred with Supplementary Order Paper to the Governance and Administration Committee on Feb 21. It was a personal vote but fell along party lines with NZ First swayed at last minute to support the bill to select committee at this stage with the late proposed amendment. Opposed by National. Reported back on Aug 16 with the committee unable to agree on the bill progressing. National strongly opposed. Bill put on hold until 1 April 2019. Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Renewal of Licences) Amendment Bill (No 2)

Would establish an Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority, agreed by the two govts in 2003. Stalled by incoming government Nov 2008; announcement 20 June 2011 to proceed with authority. A Medicines Amendment Bill has made some adjustments. Government again said the bill would proceed in 2013, but this did not happen. First reading in December 2006, select committee reported back in June 2007. Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill