Breakfast with Hon Micheal Woods

This morning I attended an event run by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, with keynote speaker Hon Michael Wood.

Minister Wood is the Minister responsible for the Plant & Structures Legislation and therefore I took the opportunity to ask him why it's delayed and when we can expect it. Check it out here -->

Here's a rundown of the rest of the event.

Minister Wood set the scene by urging us to remember this is very much still at time of transition in New Zealand, with borders only having been fully open for four weeks.

New Zealand is still reconnecting with the world, transitioning out of pandemic settings and reopening for business.

The government recognises that the rates of productivity in New Zealand are low and is focussed on addressing this issue. This is viewed as fundamental to the long term strategic growth for the economy. Minister Wood made it clear that the government sees moving to a low carbon economy as being hand in glove with this initiative.

Good quality freight and infrastructure lead to a low carbon economy. Indeed, the Minister stated that there are no successful thriving cities across the world, who's transport plan that involves increasing the number of cars coming into its city centre. 



Minister Wood then ran through each of his portfolios - key points summary below:

Transport

• Govt looking at substantial generational change to transport infrastructure across NZ
• Move forward and get on with it is the key message on "Lets Get Wellington Moving"
• New coastal shipping options have been set up around NZ
• Govt working to electrify and decarbonise the NZ vehicle fleet
• 20% of new vehicles coming into NZ in the last 6 months have been fully electric which is in line with most European countries 

 
Immigration

• New immigration settings are now in place, some initial teething issues are resolved
• For the new AEWV accreditation, turn around for applications is currently 6 days
• It is currently taking 11 days for job check to be approved
• Green list for residency in place and being monitored  
• Skilled Migrant Category - this was paused due to Covid-19 and any changes / reopening will be announced in next couple of months  
• Govt working to be responsive on immigration settings and flexible to needs across economy
  • Sector agreements and changes to working holiday visas are some of the levers that have be pulled for specific sectors to help them through the current labour shortages 

Other

• Holidays Act Reform is 20 years old, and complex calculations have resulted in major issues. Labour is committed to a reform which is underway - with legislation coming to the house early in 2023
• Modern slavery - 40,000 people signed a petition calling for NZ to reject modern slavery in New Zealand supply chains (through our goods and services).
  • Advisory group chaired by Rob Fyfe was set up in response to this issue.
  • A bespoke policy and legislation will be out early 2023.
  • There will be a graduated process to deal with it.
  • Govt proud of this work which is founded on NZ values and will put NZ on the world stage.

Plant & Structure Regulations - the Minister advised:

Q. What is causing the delay?
A. The sheer complexity of the legislation and the work required to make sure it’s good legislation. Also a  choke point when it comes to the people needed at parliament dealing with this legislation.

Q. When will we see the draft out for final public consultation - is the government committed to getting this done before the end of its term?
A. The final draft for consultation is expected out in the next couple of months.