Latest news with #EruKapa-Kingi
The Spinoff
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
Regulatory Standards Bill hearing, day four: The grand finale
On the last day of hearings into the Regulatory Standards Bill, the finance and expenditure committee heard from the man who dreamt up the bill's blueprint. The lights are coming down on the Regulatory Standards Bill show in select committee room four: after four days, 30 hours of hearings, 208 submitters, and not a single MP actually setting foot in this room, the finance and expenditure committee's hearings into the Regulatory Standards Bill (RSB) have come to a close. From here, the committee will report back to the House on the evidence they've heard by mid-September – by this time next year, the RSB will be in full force. The first speaker of the day was Toitū Te Tiriti's Eru Kapa-Kingi, who opposed the bill. Kapa-Kingi told the committee that while the number of submitters on the bill (reported to be around 150,000) is 'impressive', Toitū Te Tiriti had found it difficult to 'market and promote' opposition to the RSB due to 'fatigue' from its members, the timing which had seen the bill 'creeping through the night', and the fact that the bill itself is a 'hard sell' due to confusion about its purpose – 'but this is all by design, and it's extremely concerning'. Also submitting against, Manukau Urban Māori Authority chief executive Tania Rangiheuea labelled the RSB an 'attack on Māori rights masked as regulatory reform'. She condemned the bill's omission of the Treaty, and the lack of consultation with Māori which repeated a 'colonial pattern of exclusion'. 'If [David Seymour] holds publicly stated views that funding targeted to Māori is 'racist',' Rangiheuea said, 'then it's reasonable to conclude that any future legislation seeking to honour te Tiriti will be unfairly deemed noncompliant under this bill.' Legislation Design and Advisory Committee chair Mark Steel and members Jonathan Orpin-Dowell and Simon Peart recommended the RSB be passed but not as currently drafted, and suggested amendments. These included establishing a regulatory framework without principles, ensuring that if principles are kept that they should be decided by a 'broad-based consensus driven process' and limiting the scope of the framework/principles to only apply to primary legislation. Asked by committee member and Labour MP Duncan Webb for their observations on clause 24 of the bill, which specifies it has no legal force, Steel said the clause was 'unusual but not unprecedented'. Orpin-Dowell said that if the bill remained in statute for a long period of time, the courts may look at it as a statement of principles that legislation should adhere to. Energy Resources Aotearoa's John Carnegie and Angela Parker supported the bill, as current 'poor regulation' had increased their industry's sovereign risk and left Aotearoa with a 'significant energy shortfall'. 'Flip flop' government policies, such as the 2018 ban on oil and gas exploration, had damaged investor confidence in the sector, and Carnegie argued that respect for property rights must be a 'core' regulatory principle – 'in the end, consumers lose when government actions reduce the value of private property.' The sector is 'crying out' for efficient regulation, Carnegie said. The decommissioning regime introduced under the Crown Minerals Amendment 2021, which applied to retrospective permits, had impacted investor decisions and disregarded their expectations and thus reduced the value of assets 'by force of law'. 'Hence the energy crisis we now face,' Carnegie said. The New Zealand Initiative's chief economist Dr Eric Crampton and senior fellow Dr Bryce Wilkinson – the latter of whom laid out the blueprint for the RSB in a 2001 report – submitted in favour of the bill. The RSB would bring 'greater scrutiny' and transparency to legislation introduced under urgency, Crampton said, and its principle of compensation would ensure that the cost of providing 'beneficial public purposes' doesn't just fall on 'those who are compelled to provide it'. 'It's fun to think about what would have happened, had something like the Regulatory Standards Bill been in effect when iwi lost the right to regulate their own housing on their own land,' Crampton offered. 'I don't know whether it has been fun,' Te Pāti Māori's Mariameno Kapa-Kingi replied. Afterwards, Wilkinson gave a solo submission, which was mostly just a back and forth between himself and Labour Party committee members Duncan Webb and Deborah Russell. When Webb questioned why the bill's principles omitted values such as indigenous and environment rights – which he considered to be 'central touchstones to good legislation' – Wilkinson replied that Webb was 'totally wrong … what protection for Māori is not in the existing principles?' Russell went through a list of the bill's opponents – Sir Geoffrey Palmer, the Iwi Chairs Forum, Northland Regional Council, the NZ Council of Civil Liberties, etc etc – and asked Wilkinson, are you saying all these legal and government experts are wrong? Well, Wilkinson replied, I can name you one which doesn't attack me: the Legislation Advisory Committee. 'They attack what the law is going to be, and it's just extraordinary that you would think that these people do not have valid concerns about this bill,' Russell bit back. But committee chair Cameron Brewer called time – unless Wilkinson had a closing remark? 'No, I'm good,' Wilkinson replied. Up next was lawyer Annette Sykes, who submitted against the 'vague and open-ended' bill for its failure to consider Māori perspectives and experiences. It is a 'deep insult' to promise property rights to individuals and corporations when this has been denied to Māori, she said, and there is a risk foreign investors could seek claims in the millions and billions which would have a 'chilling effect' when implementing Treaty obligations. 'Māori are not just an individual or corporation – we have obligations as kaitiaki to this land, and to all future generations that share this land with us,' Sykes said. 'There is no definition of property.' Victoria University Student Association president Liban Ali also submitted against the bill, because students have bigger issues to worry about. The bill treats regulations as a 'burden', Ali said, but students 'rely' on good regulations to make sure their flats are liveable, their employment is protected in insecure work, and that they can get to class with the help of taxpayer subsidies. 'People are desperate for leadership, not ideological side quests,' Ali said. Tauranga Māori Business Association's Jacqui Rolleston-Steed was one of the last speakers of the day, and opposed the bill due to its risk of doing 'harm' to Māori businesses – the group would like to see improved regulatory process, but one that includes the perspectives of tangata whenua. Rolleston-Steed said the aspirations set out in the bill don't reflect the realities of Māori business – on the bill's focus on freedom of contract, Rolleston-Steed said collective agreements and tikanga obligations are more common practices among Māori, while property is usually held in collective Māori titles and trusts. 'This bill treats their way of working collectively, culturally-grounded and long term focused as non-compliant, because it doesn't fit the Western business model,' Rolleston-Steed said. And then it was all over: months of social media campaigning, an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing and in recent weeks, accusations of some kind of 'derangement syndrome' in the air, the select committee's hearings on the RSB were over. All that was left in select committee room four were the two hard working Clerks at the benches, a smiling security guard and a lowly Spinoff reporter.
1News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour defends role in Oxford Union 'stolen land' debate
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world'', on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. The Deputy Prime Minister has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practise the rule of law, that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past, that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. ADVERTISEMENT "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest.,They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land… "Also, given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
1News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- 1News
David Seymour taking part in 'stolen land' debate at prestigious Oxford Union
Newly minted Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his self-funded trip to participate in the Oxford Union is worth doing despite his growing workload back home, because the world can learn from New Zealand's experience. Seymour has followed in the footsteps of some of the world's most prominent people, speaking at an Oxford Union event in England. Oxford Union claims to be the "most prestigious debating society in the world''," on its website. Established in 1823 with a commitment to freedom of speech and expression, the union's members largely remain University of Oxford students. He is opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates. (Source: Breakfast) ADVERTISEMENT Seymour was opposing the moot "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land" alongside United States immigration reform advocates RJ Hauman and Art Arthur. The proposing side are historian Aviva Chomsky, Palestinian peace activist Nivine Sandouka and Australian Senator and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Mehreen Faruqi. Both sides will also include a student speaker. "I believe we're one of the most successful societies that there are in a world that is very troubled in many ways," Seymour told 1News. "A country like New Zealand that does practice the rule of law that has sought through treaty settlements to right the wrongs of the past that does welcome migrants." Seymour said he thought the invite was a prank until he saw that Labour MP Willie Jackson had participated in a debate at the union last year. On now being linked to the group of distinguished people that have spoken at Oxford Union events, Seymour said humour was his best chance for standing out. "Albert Einstein's been here, so I'm not the smartest. ADVERTISEMENT "They've had people like Elton John, so I'm not the most famous and I don't know if I'll be the funniest, but that's probably the best area to compete," he said. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson critical of moot Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi has criticised Oxford Union's debate topic of "This House Believes No One Can Be Illegal on Stolen Land," saying discussing topics like this being discussed under the principle of freedom of expression is "ultimately dangerous". Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. He says this principle creates "opportunity for more embedded stereotypes which will damage not only current generations but also future generations of indigenous communities who are in the process right now of reclaiming and reviving their own identity, culture and political authority". Kapa-Kingi helped lead the hīkoi to Parliament opposing the Treaty Principles Bill, which failed at the second reading in Parliament. He's also been critical of Seymour participating in the debate, saying it's problematic. ADVERTISEMENT "He has neither the qualification nor the lived experience to talk either about illegal immigration or the colonisation of indigenous cultures, particularly through the theft of land…" "Also given David Seymour's most recent track record in terms of the Treaty Principles Bill and most recently the Regulatory Standards Bill, direct attacks on indigenous rights, tangata whenua (Māori) rights in Aotearoa, this is a provocative move inviting him to partake in this debate concerning those exact rights.' Kapa-Kingi said he questions the integrity and credibility of the debate, perceiving the event as a "deliberate attempt to incite what will inevitably be hateful rhetoric, damaging rhetoric to indigenous communities". Parliament punishment, free money?, getting wicked again (Source: 1News) Kapa-Kingi said Māori with formal qualifications and lived experience would be a better pick to take part and 'carry the kōrero with respect, honour and in a way that's genuinely productive and genuinely thought-provoking". Seymour has rejected the comments, saying everyone is allowed to share their perspective on an issue. "I think that they need to start respecting each person's dignity and right to have views and share them, instead of trying to say that some people are less able to express a view which seems to be exactly what they believe.' ADVERTISEMENT Seymour claimed the protest group divides society "into victims and villains and we should each know our place". "Well actually I think that we all get a time on earth and should be able to make the most of it, share the ideas that are important for us, throw away the ones that we don't like." A long history of distinguished guests As well as debates, the Union has a long history of hearing from distinguished people from around the world. This has included Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Malcolm X, to name just a few. Controversial speakers have also been invited over the years, sparking dramatic protests. New Zealand's most famous Oxford Union debate moment came in 1985 when former Prime Minister David Lange's responded to a student speaker that he would answer his question, "if you hold your breath just for a moment... I can smell the uranium on it as you lean towards me!" David Lange at the Oxford Union event in 1985. (Source: TVNZ) Lange won the debate, arguing that "nuclear weapons are morally indefensible" and drawing international attention to New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance.
NZ Herald
30-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
David Seymour condemns charity fight challenge from Eru Kapa-Kingi
Act leader David Seymour is condemning an 'immature' challenge to a charity fight from prominent Treaty activist Eru Kapa-Kingi. In a video posted to social media yesterday, Kapa-Kingi took exception to Seymour calling his mother, Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, an 'idiot' during the House's debate on the
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Regulatory Standards Bill claim accepted for urgency by Waitangi Tribunal with 12,000 claimants signed on
The Tino Rangatiratanga haki (flag), unfurled outside the Beehive, on the day the Treaty Principles Bill was formally introduced. The Bill was voted down 112 to 11 in Parliament on 10 April. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Emma Andrews The group behind last year's Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti has been granted an urgent hearing at the Waitangi Tribunal regarding the Regulatory Standards Bill. Over 12,000 people have registered as part of the claimant group after Toitū te Tiriti put out a tono, or request, on social media asking people to sign up for the claim. The claim alleges that - if enacted - the bill would breach Te Tiriti and cause significant prejudice to Māori. The Regulatory Standards Bill, which is yet to be introduced into Parliament, is part of the National and ACT coalition agreement. A discussion document on the matter had been open for consultation to inform the drafting of the legislation, it includes a set of principles outlining what constitutes "responsible regulation," including rule of law, liberties, taking of property, taxes, fees and levies, role of courts, good law-making and regulatory stewardship. A preliminary Treaty Impact Analysis conducted for the proposed bill noted it did not include a principle related to Te Tiriti and its role as part of good law-making. Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi told RNZ the Bill would give the Minister of Regulation broad powers to review legislation which could have a negative effect on Te Tiriti in legislation. Toitū te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly "The point in going to the Tribunal is to enable the Tribunal to really investigate what is going on, what the intentions are, what the whakapapa is of this Bill as opposed to waiting for it end up in a First Reading in Parliament and then knowing that it is inevitably going to become law." Toitū te Tiriti put out the call for people to sign up for the claim to give them an opportunity to participate in a different way than last November's hīkoi, he said. "It's an avenue to provide connection to the case, to the claim. Similar to class actions that have been brought by other groups of people in a civil jurisdiction... this is kind of like a Māori class action I guess." Kapa-Kingi said it's not too late for people to sign up to be a claimant. The Minister for Regulation David Seymour said given the Bill hasn't been introduced yet it's hard to know what Toitū te Tiriti want to talk about. The Minister for Regulation David Seymour. File photo. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER "Putting that aside, the gist of the bill is to require politicians and officials to ask and answer certain questions before they place restrictions on citizens' freedoms. "What problem are we trying to solve? What are the costs and benefits? Who pays the costs and gets the benefits? What restrictions are being placed on the use and exchange of private property? "If they've got a problem with that, I'll be interested to hear it, but I suspect this is just another publicity stunt from a Māori Party protest group." But Kapa-Kingi said the lack of information around the Bill is itself a source of anxiety for Māori. "If there's no information or little information then those voids are often filled by assumptions and we can make pretty valid or accurate assumptions in terms of the ACT Party's agenda given the policy directions and objectives that that Party has." From Toitū te Tiriti's perspective the Regulatory Standards Bill seems like the 'more covert, but more aggressive version of the Treaty Principles Bill,' which was voted down at Second Reading, he said. Once the Bill is introduced to Parliament the Waitangi Tribunal loses its jurisdiction to examine it. "This is the only time and the perfect time for us to be making a claim through the Tribunal and is also why the Tribunal has granted urgency, knowing that this is a small window and if we don't take the opportunity now to in a robust manner analyse this Bill and the effects that it's going to have on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tangata whenua then we've basically lost our chance," Kapa-Kingi said. The one-day hearing will take place on the 6th of June at the Waitangi Tribunal Offices in Wellington. The Regulatory Standards Bill is expected to be introduced to the House by the end of June under the government's quarterly action plan. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
