The first revision programme of statutes has been presented to the
House of Representatives, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson
announced today. “This is a banner day for the New Zealand statute
books,” said Mr Finlayson. “It is the start of a systematic programme of
statute revision which will make the law clearer and more accessible
for New Zealanders. There has not been a major revision and
consolidation of our legislation since 1908.”
“The presentation of some of New Zealand’s older, much-amended
statutes will be improved without changing the substantive effect of the
law,” said Mr Finlayson. “Revision will reduce regulatory costs by
assisting individuals and businesses to understand more easily the rules
that apply to them and contribute to the Government’s priority of
building a more competitive and productive economy.”
The Legislation Act 2012 requires the Government to consult on, and
approve, a 3-year revision programme for each new Parliament.
The acts selected for inclusion in the first programme are contract
and commercial statutes, many of which are expressed in language and a
structure that is out of date. The acts contain rules underpinning
transactions in a commercial context and also in dealings between
individuals who are not in trade.
The statutes on the programme will be restated in the current
drafting style and format using clear language, rearranged and
renumbered.
After the Parliamentary Counsel Office has drafted each Bill, a panel
of eminent lawyers will examine and certify them before introduction to
ensure the revision powers have been appropriately applied.
The revision bill certifiers are retired High Court Judge Hon John
Priestley CNZM QC; President of the Law Commission, Hon Sir Grant
Hammond KNZM; Solicitor-General, Michael Heron QC and Chief
Parliamentary Counsel David Noble.
The Parliamentary procedure for enacting revision bills will be
streamlined under recent changes to the House’s Standing Orders, as
these bills will have no new policy in them, but the select committee
process is retained.
The first 3-year programme of statute revision is now available at
http://www.pco.parliament.govt.nz/revision-programme
