Going back on wards, aiming at gangs

The House looks at two of the major bills this week: one walking back law on Maori wards, and one seeking new ways to show 'tough on gangs'.

This week, Parliament is debating a smorgasbord of bills, most of which are on their 2nd and 3rd readings (the third reading being their final approval by Parliament). Expect to see plenty of debate referencing what was said in the select committee (for second readings) and committee of the whole house stages (for third readings).

Gang members protesting outside parliament in 2021.

On Tuesday, RNZ's The House focused on two of these bills - a third reading and a second. Both were strongly contested.

The Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed its third reading on Tuesday, which (pending its inevitable royal assent), makes it a law.

This bill has the Government clicking the undo button on changes made under the previous administration, specifically changes that made it possible for local councils to decide to include Māori wards or Māori constituencies in their electoral framework.

"We are doing nothing more than restoring it to the status quo," was how National MP James Meager described it. Opposition MPs' opinions on what was happening and why diverged strongly from Meagers' characterisation.

The other highly contentious bill up for debate on Tuesday (and possibly again on Thursday) was the Gangs Legislation Amendment Bill, which is seeking to put some flesh on the National Party's 'tough on gangs' election promises.

In the audio above you can hear excerpts from the bill's debates with some analysis.

RNZ's The House - journalism focussed on parliamentary legislation, issues and insights - is made with funding from Parliament's Office of the Clerk.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details