Five that may not survive

Other than the Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, the five most important law changes that are in train but will stand or fall at the pleasure of the next Government are: The Health and Safety Reform Bill An omnibus law to reform workplace health and safety. It follows the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety triggered by the Pike River mine tragedy. It would replace the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Machinery Act 1950.

The Smoke-Free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill

This is really bad for New Zealand’s reputation

Would introduce a plain-packaging regime that is strongly opposed by the tobacco companies. Progress is on hold pending a court challenge in Australia.

Parole (Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill

Proposes amendments to the Parole Act 2002 to allow extended supervision orders to be renewed as often as they are needed, and expand the scope of orders beyond high-risk child sex offenders to include high-risk sex offenders and very high-risk violent offenders.

Manukau City Council (Regulation of Prostitution in Specified Places) Bill

This is retiring Manukau East MP Ross Robertson’s legacy law that he will not see passed. It would authorise Auckland Council to make bylaws banning prostitution or commercial sexual services in specified public places.

New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill

Proposes amendments to allow the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (the ‘‘Cullen Fund’’) to control entities or vehicles that manage the fund’s investments (FIVs). The guardians believe controlling FIVs would enable them to structure and access investments more efficiently and help protect them from liability. They would still be prevented from taking substantial controlling interests.