Parliament sits for the last time on 24 September 2026 and, with only three sitting weeks to go, there’s quite a field of law change candidates still out on the track.
Here’s our form guide to what’s looking likely to get across the line before the election, what’s still in the running, and what could end up among the also-rans.
Under starter’s orders
Last year, we clocked the pace of law change in New Zealand and found some clear trends: more law changes, being made faster than ever, with less time to prepare, and some big sprint finishes in the lead-up to general elections.
Now, as Parliament heads into its final sprint before the election, there’s a sizeable field of potential law changes still making their way through the House.
Here’s our read on what’s looking certain to make it across the finish line, what still has a decent shot, and what’s likely to be left in the field when time is called.
Of course, as with any race, there’s always an element of uncertainty. So while these are our best picks based on where things stand now, there are no guarantees about what will actually make it through.
The firm favourites
The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, which together will replace the Resource Management Act, are clear favourites.
The Planning Bill completed its committee stage this week under urgency, and the Natural Environment Bill is set to follow suit. The Government has signalled that both will pass before the election.
The Planning Bill sets the framework for how land is used, developed and enjoyed, while the Natural Environment Bill covers the use and protection of the environment, including air, water, biodiversity and the coastal marine area.
Some elements of the new regime will apply from the day after Royal Assent, mainly to get plan-making underway. The Resource Management Act will continue to apply during a transition period, although with significant changes, while the new system is phased in over the next few years.
If there’s a change in government after the election, the current opposition has signalled it won’t repeal the Bills entirely, but will instead make targeted amendments.
Also predicted to comfortably make the election cut-off are the Emergency Management Bill (No 2), which replaces the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, and the Disability Support Services Bill, which establishes a new framework for the provision and funding of disability support services.
The Emergency Management Bill is set to complete all its remaining stages under urgency this week, while the Disability Support Services Bill is at third reading and is likely to pass in September. Most provisions will come into force the day after Royal Assent.
Also very well placed in the field
The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill is well advanced, with the Government saying it will pass by mid-September. Significant changes are expected to be made to the Bill before it crosses the line.
The Bill refocuses local authorities on core services, removes the four well-beings from the Local Government Act 2002, and introduces new financial management principles. The changes will take effect the day after Royal Assent.
Mid-pack, but still in the running
A number of Bills are moving more slowly but could still make the cut. Most are at committee stage and are certainly in with a chance, although we’d be offering slightly longer odds on these at this point.
Two will have implications for the building sector.
There are 2 Bills that will affect the building sector. The Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill and the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill. In the financial sector, the Financial Markets Conduct Amendment Bill will consolidate market licences into a single licence per organisation and scale back climate-related disclosure requirements, including lifting the listed issuer threshold from $60 million to $1 billion.
The Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill will allow existing roads to be tolled where users benefit from a new road in the same corridor, alongside various changes relating to road user charges.
Further back in the field, and at even longer odds, are the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, the Public Works Amendment Bill, and the Plain Language Act Repeal Bill. All are still awaiting their second reading, leaving considerably more ground to make up.
The outside runners
Some members’ bills are also under pressure as the parliamentary calendar runs down.
These include the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill, which would require everyone aboard small recreational craft to wear lifejackets, and the Modern Slavery Bill, which has a select committee report due on 31 August.
Members’ bills only progress on members’ days, and there aren’t many of those left. Whether these Bills can get across the line will depend heavily on the parliamentary time available. At this stage, it would be a brave punter backing them to make the cut.
How ComplyWith's helping organisations keep pace with legislative change
Whichever Bills make it across the line, one thing is clear: organisations are facing another concentrated period of legislative change, with limited time to understand and prepare for what’s coming.
Our Content Team continuously monitors the legislative landscape and works to update ComplyWith’s legal compliance content as close to real time as humanly possible.
ComplyWith’s Clarity of Change functionality gives your people tailored notifications about changes to the laws relevant to their work and responsibilities, helping them quickly understand what’s changed and what they need to know.
Our ComplyWatch tool gives organisations earlier visibility of law changes making their way through the pipeline, so you can see what’s coming and start preparing before those changes land.
If you’d like to know more about how we can help your organisation stay ahead of legislative change, please get in touch.
