The next 100 days: How will government reforms affect your business or organisation?
Lisa-Marie Richan (L-M)
The National Party has long considered itself the ‘party of business’ with a sharp eye on economic wellbeing and productivity. However, following New Zealand First and Act negotiations, the new National-led coalition government demands quickly enacted reform and it needs to deliver huge swathes of replacement legislation and policy change.
The government’s ‘first 100 days’ kicked off rapid repeal processes of a swathe of law and some, including the fast-track resource consent process, represent regulatory change that may affect investment decisions, business planning, and even the way your company generally operates.
It may be important for you to understand both the opportunities and challenges in this new policy approach sooner rather than later.
Following on from our earlier work to help clients reach out to new Ministers and key advisors, the second tranche of the government’s ‘100 Day plan’ has seen a number of specific meetings at the Beehive and others with officials and industry leaders to build relationships and start forming outcomes from dialogue.
Similarly, we’ve also helped client organisations interact with local government and specific crown agencies, as well as deal with clear and present concerns through contact with monitoring bodies, such as the Ombudsmen and Office of the Auditor General.
Our most experienced partners have many years in and out of government, serving both sides of the House, as well as successful roles in government and industry relations management for major New Zealand corporates. Where necessary, we also work with economists, legal and policy experts to deliver the best possible advice and strategies.
On 30 May, the new government’s first Budget will be announced, with speculation it may present change not seen since the infamous ‘Mother of all Budgets’ National delivered in 1992. While an amount of change will be through Cabinet decision, replacement legislation will require consultation through select committees and other input from business and specific industry sectors. Even though some will be affected more than others, your company already plays an integral part in the country’s overall economic wellbeing by creating jobs, supporting communities and paying taxes. This means your business and your people matter – your voice has a right to be heard.
As well as the repeal of the newly minted legislation replacing the huge Resource Management Act, there will be a new fast-track consenting scheme for major infrastructure projects and housing.
Upcoming is the repeal of the Therapeutic Products Act 2023, as well as wide-ranging changes to offshore investment laws, the ‘turning back on’ of oil, gas, and some mining exploration, along with policy intended to ‘supercharge’ sustainable energy industries such as solar, wind and hydrogen fuel.
Get in touch with our Wellington-based government affairs lead Lisa-Marie Richan if you think Convergence can help you to be heard and navigate this brave new environment.
