Covid-19 inquiry: Who is being ‘excluded' from inquiry hearings
People with long Covid are disappointed they will not be prioritised as part of public hearings about the Government's pandemic response.
Phase two of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the official response to Covid-19 gets under way in Auckland today,
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Labour's Chris Hipkins says Covid inquiry terms platform conspiracy theorists
The terms of reference in the new Covid-19 inquiry have been constructed to provide a platform for those with conspiracy theorist views, Labour leader Chris Hipkins says. The National-led coalition Government decided in June last year to establish a 'phase 2' of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 Lessons,
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Government to loosen rules for selling homes in trusts
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The government says New Zealanders selling a house held in a family trust will no longer be treated like potential criminals - as it plans to relax anti-money laundering checks for "low risk" transactions. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced the changes on Monday, saying the current rules saddled hard-working families with a "burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks" for little reason. "Families who've worked hard, paid off their mortgage, and saved for the future shouldn't be treated like potential criminals just because they want to move house," she said. "When there's clearly nothing untoward going on, there's no need for invasive investigations or repetitive paperwork." Under the government's proposed approach, a real estate agent could apply "simplified customer due diligence" if they deemed the sale to be "clearly low risk". In such cases, agents would need only confirm ownership and trustee details match the certificate of title, verify the couple's identity documents and role as trustees, and retain a copy of the trust deed. Currently, agents must collect more extensive documentation, including the names and addresses of all beneficiaries - including children and lawyers - as well as explanations and proof of how the property was paid for. The statement issued by McKee does not state exactly what would classify a transaction as "low risk" but said agents, lawyers and accountants would be issued clear guidance on how to apply the simplified checks "without fear of regulatory reprisal". "These changes are about recognising that not all customers carry the same risk and it's time our laws reflected that," McKee said. "New Zealanders who play by the rules, work hard, and save for their future should be supported by the system, not tied up in red tape." The move is part of a broader shake-up of the anti-money laundering regime . On Monday, the government announced changes to make it easier for parents to set up bank accounts for their children. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
3 hours ago
- Scoop
Lack Of Freight Data Will Hinder Growth, Productivity
The Ministry of Transport's surprise cancellation of a long-anticipated freight study has been slammed by national freight body Transporting New Zealand, who says it will leave policymakers guessing when it comes to investing in road, rail and coastal shipping. The Ministry of Transport has decided not to proceed with a new iteration of the National Freight Demand Study, despite having already sunk $164,000 on external advice relating to the project. Previous Demand Studies looked at total changes in freight movement by mode (road, rail and coastal shipping), commodities transported, and the origin and destination of freight across different regions, and freight forecasts. This included the insight that in tonnage terms, road freight accounted for 92.8% of the freight task, with rail and coastal shipping at 5.6% and 1.6% respectively as at 2017/2018. Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said that the cancellation of the project came at a critical time for New Zealand's supply chain and transport system. "At a time when we're seeing reduced freight capacity across the Cook Strait, serious international trade uncertainty, falling rail volumes, and huge pressure on the National Land Transport Fund, we need to be making well-evidenced investment decisions." "The Government is not going to meet its goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years if they don't have a productive multi-modal supply chain to move freight across the country." "With increasing pressure on the National Land Transport Fund, the Government needs to be targeting transport investment to where it will be most effective." Kalasih says while he understands there is pressure on the Ministry of Transport to make operational savings, he says that poorly evidenced transport investments will cost the Government far more than any costs of the National Freight Demand Study. "Transporting New Zealand has consistently emphasised the importance of good quality freight data when we meet with the Ministry of Transport. We highlighted the importance of an updated National Freight Demand Study in particular." "We've raised our concerns directly with the Ministry, and hope that the decision will be urgently reconsidered." About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
