Parliamentary Session Overview: Key Developments in New Zealand's Legislative Arena

In a recent parliamentary session, significant developments unfolded across various sectors, reflecting New Zealand’s legislative priorities and commitments. This overview highlights the petitions presented, papers delivered by ministers, select committee reports, and bills introduced during this session.

Petitions: Calls for Action

Three notable petitions were submitted to parliament, each addressing distinct societal concerns:

  • Petition of Gayleen Mackereth: Advocates for making English an official language in New Zealand. This petition underscores discussions around national identity and communication efficiency.

    • Referred to: Petitions Committee

  • Petition of Robyn Cain: Calls on the government to eliminate court and legal costs for New Zealanders, aiming to enhance access to justice and reduce financial barriers.

    • Referred to: Petitions Committee

  • Petition of Raina Vermani: Urges prioritization in processing applications from the parent resident visa ballot set to expire in October 2024. This petition highlights immigration concerns for families awaiting reunification.

    • Referred to: Petitions Committee

Ministerial Papers: Insights into Governance

A total of 27 papers were presented by ministers, offering insights into various governmental functions and performance:

  • Annual Reports: Provided for institutions such as the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Callaghan Innovation, Creative New Zealand, Criminal Cases Review Commission, Electricity Authority, Health and Disability Commissioner, Law Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand on Air, Public Service Commission, Racing Integrity Board, and Waka Kotahi. These reports detail their activities and achievements for the year 2023/24.

  • Statements of Performance Expectations: Issued for entities including the Broadcasting Standards Authority, Creative New Zealand, Māori Language Commission, New Zealand on Air, and Waka Kotahi.

  • Strategic Intentions: Outlined for the Ministry of Primary Industries and Oranga Tamariki, detailing future plans and goals.

  • Reports in Relation to Selected Non-departmental Appropriations: For the year ended 30 June 2024, covering portfolios within Vote Business, Science and Innovation: Auckland and Energy.

  • Government Responses: Addressed reports from committees such as the Environment Committee and included feedback on petitions and review briefings for Aly Cook and Fabio Reis.

Report: Climate Response Evaluation

The Controller and Auditor-General released a report titled "How well four councils are responding to a changing climate." This evaluation assesses local government efforts in addressing environmental challenges and sustainability measures.

Select Committee Reports: Legislative Insights

Several select committee reports were delivered, covering a range of legislative topics:

  • Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee: Reviewed the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill.

  • Health Committee: Examined the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) and the Therapeutic Products Act Repeal Bill.

  • Justice Committee: Reported on the Privacy Amendment Bill and provided a review briefing on the 2022/23 annual review of the Parliamentary Counsel Office.

  • Māori Affairs Committee: Included briefings on annual reviews for Ngāpuhi Investment Fund Limited (Tupu Tonu) and Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission).

  • Petitions Committee: Discussed Jennifer Bolton's petition regarding police interactions with mental health services during suicide-related incidents.

  • Transport and Infrastructure Committee: Reviewed the Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

Legislative Initiatives: Introducing New Bills

The session also saw the introduction of a significant bill:

  • Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill: Introduced to enhance oversight mechanisms within Oranga Tamariki, this bill is set down for its first reading.

Conclusion

This parliamentary session highlighted key legislative priorities and initiatives in New Zealand. Through the presentation of petitions, ministerial papers, committee reports, and new bills, parliamentarians engaged with a broad spectrum of issues, from language policy to environmental sustainability and child welfare oversight. These developments reflect the ongoing efforts to address national concerns through comprehensive legislative processes.