House Happenings
Last updated: 31 July 2026During sitting weeks, the House of Representatives meets in the Debating Chamber to debate legislation, ask and answer questions, and more. So, what happened in the House the last time it sat? We break it down for you below:
Government motion
On Tuesday, a motion to extend the sitting of the House from 9.00am until 1.00pm on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 for Government orders of the day Nos 3 to 7 and to hold a special debate on petitions was agreed to.
A motion regarding the appointment of the Judicial Conduct Commissioner was agreed to.
Government legislation
The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill had its third reading.
- The purpose of this bill is to improve infrastructure funding and financing tools to support urban development.
The committee stage of the Employment Leave Bill was completed and the bill had its third reading.
- This omnibus bill replaces the Holidays Act 2003 and seeks to establish a new framework for leave entitlement that is simple and clear, and provides certainty to employees and employers about their entitlements and obligations.
The committee stage of the Crimes Amendment Bill was completed.
- This bill amends the Crimes Act 1961 to strengthen consequences for certain crimes and meet commitments in the National/New Zealand First coalition agreement.
The Arms Bill had its third reading.
- This bill repeals and replaces the Arms Act 1983 to provide for greater protection of public safety, simplify regulatory requirements, and improve compliance.
The committee stage of the English Language Bill was completed and the bill had its third reading.
- This bill provides for the recognition of the official status of the English language in New Zealand in legislation.
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill had its second reading.
- This bill establishes a young serious offender declaration and a new military-style academy order in the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
The Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill had its second reading.
- The single broad policy of this bill is to strengthen occupational licensing regimes throughout the building and construction sector by improving their consistency, standards, and procedures.
The debate on the second reading of the Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill was interrupted with eleven speeches remaining.
- This bill amends the Commerce Act 1986 to modernise and strengthen competition settings.
Click here to learn about the different stages in how a bill becomes law.
General debate
A general debate took place on Wednesday. Click here to read the Hansard from this debate.
The general debate occurs during most Wednesday sittings of the House, following oral questions and any urgent debate, if one has been allowed on that day. The debate is an opportunity for members to discuss miscellaneous topics that would otherwise be unlikely to come before the House for debate.
Special debate
A special debate on petitions considered by select committees in the 54th Parliament took place. Click here to read the Hansard from this debate.
A special debate is a debate in the House that is allocated to non-legislative business (such as petitions, inquiries or local issues). Click here for more information.
