7. The Executive, Legislation, and the House

7.1 This chapter provides an overview of the main principles and procedures concerning the development of government legislation (Acts of Parliament and regulations—that is, primary and secondary legislation) at the executive level.

7.3 The first formal opportunity for a government to outline its legislative intentions is the delivery of the Speech from the Throne.

7.5 In most years the Prime Minister presents a statement to the House on the first sitting day.

7.6 The legislation programme provides an annual framework within which priorities are established for preparing, and managing the progress of, the government’s proposed legislation.

7.16 The Legislation Act 2012 introduced a mechanism for systematically revising the presentation of some New Zealand statutes to make them more accessible. After being revised, they are introduced as revision bills into Parliament for re-enactment.

7.19 The Law Commission is an independent Crown entity established by statute to undertake the systematic review, reform, and development of the law of New Zealand.

7.22 The development of legislation is a complex and time-consuming process requiring careful planning and coordination. The basic process for developing government legislation can be summarised as follows:

7.82 In general, the principles and policies of the law are set out in Acts of Parliament. Parliament can delegate power to the Executive to make some laws, in the form of regulations.

7.102 In addition to its legislative function, another key role of the House of Representatives is scrutiny of the Executive.

7.108 The Standing Orders provide for select committees to be appointed to consider legislation and other business.

7.123 In New Zealand, the power to conclude treaties rests with the Executive. Any proposal to sign a treaty or to take binding treaty action must be submitted to Cabinet for approval (see paragraphs 5.77 - 5.81).

7.134 All members of Parliament can propose legislation or amendments to legislation that involve an increase or decrease in expenditure or taxation. They also have the power to move amendments to Votes in the Estimates.

7.137 The Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993 establishes a process that allows persons or organisations to initiate a non-binding national referendum on a subject of their choice, if 10 percent of registered voters sign a petition in support of the q