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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed deep sadness over the death of former Labour MP and Speaker Adrian Rurawhe, highlighting his significant mana and respect across the House. He praised Rurawhe's fairness, calmness, warmth, humility, and personal kindness. Luxon extended his condolences to Rurawhe's family, acknowledging their loss and celebrating his contributions to New Zealand and the community.
The completion of Auckland's City Rail Link marks a historic turning point after 150 years of planning and attempts to establish a central railway through the city, reflecting the enduring belief that transport unites urban communities. This achievement honors the thousands of workers, apprentices, and businesses involved, and joins a legacy of ambitious New Zealand infrastructure projects that fuel growth and connectivity. Looking ahead, the focus shifts from whether to build to what to build next, as future generations will continue expanding Auckland’s rapid transit network and the country's development.
The Crown has finalized a nine-year negotiation with Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui, passing legislation that settles historical Treaty of Waitangi grievances including land loss and cultural impacts. The settlement provides $30 million in financial redress, $15.5 million for cultural revitalization, and the vesting of 27 culturally significant sites. This marks the conclusion of claims by the last of the four major Whanganui groups, acknowledging past injustices and supporting the restoration of their tikanga, reo, and resources.
New Zealand’s Legislation Repeals Project has identified a further 50 historic laws for repeal, bringing the total to over 200, as part of a comprehensive review of the country’s oldest legislation to modernize the statute book and reduce confusion. These repealed Acts include local governance, school and society regulations, and agricultural and pastoral society laws, many of which are now obsolete due to broader, general legislation. Public consultation is ongoing, with plans for a fifth round of repeals and subsequent parliamentary processes to finalize the removal of around 250 outdated Acts while preserving their historical records online.
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and protect business confidence. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and best addressed through national legislation, not court litigation, which risks creating contradictory legal regimes. The amendment maintains existing obligations under the Emissions Trading Scheme while reinforcing the government's commitment to a stable legal framework that supports investment and economic growth.
The New Zealand Government has amended the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent tort liability claims against businesses for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to provide legal certainty and avoid conflicting court rulings. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith emphasized that climate change issues are complex and better managed through national legislation rather than litigation. Despite the amendment, businesses remain obligated to comply with existing emissions regulations under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that the eligibility threshold for the Public Lending Right scheme will be lowered from 50 to 30 copies held in libraries, allowing around 170 more New Zealand authors to be recognized and paid. This change, supported by 77.1% of consultation submissions, balances broader access with maintaining the fund’s integrity and includes a new mechanism to efficiently address underpayments. The $2.4 million fund, managed by the National Library, aims to keep the scheme fair, relevant, and accessible within the current parliamentary term.
The speech emphasizes New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Pacific parliamentary cooperation, democratic governance, and regional collaboration through face-to-face dialogue and shared values. It highlights the critical and challenging role of elected representatives, particularly women, in addressing regional issues like security and development, while encouraging increased female participation in politics. Finally, it underscores the significance of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and New Zealand’s role in chairing it, calling for inclusive input to advance shared Pacific priorities.
Sir William Birch was a prominent National Party figure who contributed significantly to New Zealand's modernization during his nearly 30 years in Parliament. He was known for his exceptional diligence and commitment to public service, aiming to create a better future for the country. The Government and National Party extend their deepest condolences to his family and gratitude for his many years of service.
New Zealand has passed landmark legislation to overhaul its mental health laws for the first time in over 30 years, modernizing compulsory care, strengthening rights, and ending seclusion for young people. The reforms introduce new protections to keep mothers and babies together during compulsory care, limit the use of seclusion for adults, enhance supported decision-making, increase family involvement, and restrict electroconvulsive therapy use. These changes, influenced by feedback from those with lived experience and recommendations from the Royal Commission, aim to improve safety, dignity, and recovery-focused care, and will take effect in two years.
New Zealand has passed landmark legislation to overhaul its mental health laws for the first time in over 30 years, modernizing compulsory care and strengthening patients' rights. Key reforms include ending seclusion for young people, introducing protections to keep mothers and babies together, enhancing supported decision-making, and tightening safeguards around electroconvulsive therapy. These changes, influenced by recommendations from the Royal Commission and input from those with lived experience, aim to improve safety, dignity, and recovery-focused care, with implementation set for two years from now.
The Environmental Reporting Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament on June 16, aims to enhance New Zealand’s environmental reporting by improving data quality, accessibility, and relevance. It proposes changes to reporting content, timeframes, and roles to provide clearer, more meaningful insights into environmental changes and government progress. The Bill seeks to support better transparency, informed policy decisions, and flexible reporting on complex environmental issues, and will now be reviewed by the Environment Select Committee.
The New Zealand Government will remove provisions related to the disposal or exchange of conservation land from the Conservation Amendment Bill in response to public concerns. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka emphasized the importance of protecting iconic landscapes and committed to working with environmental groups, stakeholders, and iwi to balance economic development with strong conservation outcomes. The bill, currently under parliamentary review, aims to modernize conservation land management and improve environmental outcomes while ensuring clarity and public support.
The New Zealand Government, led by Attorney-General Chris Bishop, plans to repeal over 150 outdated and obsolete laws as part of a statutory spring clean to simplify the legal system and remove confusing, archaic legislation. This process, managed by the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Department of Internal Affairs, involves public consultation and careful review to ensure relevant stakeholders are involved, with repealed Acts preserved online as part of the country’s historical record. Examples of laws targeted for repeal include century-old local Acts regulating milk supply and fish markets, reflecting the project’s goal to modernize laws while retaining New Zealand’s legal heritage.
Legislation granting Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behaviour in public places has passed its first reading in Parliament, aiming to address disruptions in city centres. These orders target behaviours such as threatening conduct, obstructing business access, begging, and rough sleeping, requiring individuals to leave specified areas for up to 24 hours without criminalizing homelessness. The government emphasizes this measure is to restore safety and enjoyment in public spaces while maintaining support for those in need.