This Act binds the Crown - the first thing in part one of the Consumers' Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Bill Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
This year, 2025, is the middle year of the 54th Parliament. Middle years in a three-year term are typically when the largest number of bills get passed by a government. The current executive is certainly trying to follow that pattern.
In two weeks before Christmas in 2023 five new laws were enacted. During 2024 Parliament passed 44 laws (including one member's bill).
Now, half-way through 2025's sitting year it has completed 30 bills. Eight of those were finalised this week.
One reason for the very rapid pace is the sheer number of bills that have not graced a Select Committee, even for a brief period of public consultation.
Of the 79 bills passed, 40 are noted as being considered in committee.
The apparent nearly 50/50 split of bills skipping select committee is misleading - the total of bills passed includes eight appropriations and imprest supply bills (about cash not policy).
A more accurate number is 40 bills considered in committee from 71.
Across recent parliaments the use of extra sittings and urgency seems to have accelerated. Urgency in and of itself is now barely newsworthy.
This week's sprint under urgency to finalise those eight bills in just two days was impressive, but it is important to know what laws are being debated and agreed - at whatever speed that happens to be.
Below is a quick rundown on the bills debated this week - those finalised and those initiated.
First readings this week
Each of these bills was referred to a Select Committee and will now be available for public feedback.
The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill would make approvals for incoming foreign investment, faster and easier.
Investment tests would be coalesced and a three-week deadline imposed for approvals to be given unless there are reasonable grounds for a national interest assessment.
The Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill gives the Minister of Immigration a range of new powers, imposes new penalties, fixes some legislative holes and allows immigration-related levies to be charged to new groups.
The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme-Forestry Conversion) Amendment Bill seeks to disincentivise the conversion of farms into exotic forestry by no longer allowing owners to register for benefits through the Emissions Trading Scheme.
The Game Animal Council (Herds of Special Interest) Amendment Bill adjusts current legislation so that species currently designated as needing extermination (as pests) can be kept from being eradicated by being designated herds of special interest by the minister.
These are things such as Himalayan tahr that were initially naturalised as a hunting target then later legislated against as being environmentally problematic. This bill seeks to preserve some for the original purpose.
Third and final readings this week
The below bills were all read for a third and final time and will now be signed into law.
The House completed the Supplementary Estimates (which updates last year's budget numbers), and an Imprest Supply Bill (which affords the government an ongoing cash supply).
The Social Security (Mandatory Reviews) Amendment Bill creates a mandatory requirement for those receiving specific benefits or supplements to re-apply for these yearly.
It also appears to widen the allowance for what sounds like AI to make decisions about matters like ending benefits or imposing sanctions.
The Rates Rebate Amendment Bill slightly increases the earnings limit within which SuperGold Card holders can apply for a rates rebate.
Don't get too excited: it's a small increase, but the bill was widely supported but without acclaim.
The Racing Industry Amendment Bill widens the current betting monopoly held by the TAB to include online betting.
The Invest New Zealand Bill creates a new agency with the objective of attracting international investment.
The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill changes the mechanism and agencies responsible for watching over the performance of Oranga Tamariki, the child protection agency.
The Employment Relations (Pay Deductions for Partial Strikes) Amendment Bill allows employers to withhold wages from employees for undertaking partial strikes, like working to rule or refusing overtime.
The Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill seeks to enhance protection for victims of sexual violence participating in court processes.
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