Another member’s bill and more coalition promises fulfilled 

New Zealand First submitted a new member’s bill this week that will restore democratic oversight to transport management in Auckland City, by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. 

Auckland Transport has failed from its inception; this Bill will restore much needed balance, ensuring that decisions are made by those who are directly accountable to the public. 

New Zealand First continues to work for practical solutions that place democratic accountability in the right place. 

In the house this week, New Zealand First welcomed progress on more of our coalition promises. 

The next stages for Phase 2 of the highly anticipated Covid Inquiry have been confirmed with the finalised terms of reference, and work on this will commence from September. 

New Zealand First campaigned on this, and Kiwis can be assured of our ongoing commitment to this crucial process. We will continue to bring you up to date progress as it unfolds. 

The Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill has been passed, extending all existing coastal permits for New Zealand’s 1200 marine farms by 20 years. 

We are enabling marine farms to boost their productivity by cutting more of the bureaucratic red tape that has been strangling their progress, unlocking potential from the aquaculture industry to contribute to our exports. 

New Zealand First on the Treaty 

Following the recent meetings at Koroneihana, Treaty issues once again made it into the headlines, with commentary on the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. 

Party leader Winston Peters clarified New Zealand first’s position on the Platform. If you missed it, here’s what he had to say. 

We also heard more from the man dubbed “a walking, talking thesaurus” this week on said treaty issues. Shane Jones makes our party’s views crystal clear – listen here. 

Shane also served up a slice of humble pie to those junior politicians on the other side of the house. Make sure you take a look. 

Spring updates from the team 

Caucus and staff joined New Zealand First leader Winston Peters in Auckland on Friday to celebrate the opening of our Auckland office. 

Celebrations were preceded earlier that day with the honour of being hosted by the Samoan community for a fono on the important issues facing Samoa and the wider Pacific. Leadership also acknowledged the sad passing of Maori King Tuhetia. 

Casey Costello recently spent time travelling the country, meeting with frontline stop smoking providers, to discuss more ways to ensure New Zealand meets our 2025 Smokefree goal. Hear more from Casey in her RCR interview with Cam Slater. 

Mark Patterson was closer to home over the weekend, attending the WoolOn2024 extravaganza in Alexandra. And Jenny Marcroft has been working with the Prostate Cancer Foundation on a cross-party event to promote Blue September. 

More of the team in action in the house during the week.