Legislation/In Parliament

Changes to the KiwiSaver Bill update
The KiwiSaver Bill had its second reading in Parliament on 24 August with several changes following on from the recommendations of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee and some last minute additions from the Government.

New Business Law Reform Bill 2006: what is it trying to achieve?
The third Business Law Reform Bill was introduced in June and, like its predecessors, is designed to produce clearer, more efficient and more effective business law.

Government's decision to unbundle the local loop now before Parliament
The Government has introduced the Telecommunications Amendment Bill, which implements its decision to unbundle Telecom's local loop. However, the Bill will also amend the Telecommunications Act in other important ways consequent on the Ministry of Economic Development implementation review of the Telecommunications Act.

Proposed tax changes for limited partnerships
New rules on limited partnerships have been proposed to attract more venture capital investment into New Zealand.

Update on Securities Legislation Bill and regulations
The Securities Legislation Bill is being held up while a Supplementary Order Paper is being put together to address concerns that have been raised in public submissions.

Insolvency law reform - update
The Commerce Select Committee has reported back on the Insolvency Law Reform Bill and recommended that it is passed with some additional amendments. However, the amendments do not include any changes to the IRD's preferential creditor status.

Enquiries and information

For more information on any of the cases, articles and features in Commercial Quarterly, please email Diane Graham or call her on 64 9 916 8849.