Patch 2024.08

August 2024 proposals

This month’s proposed laws would change income tax, GST, KiwiSaver, child support and local-government rules, and make intentional wage theft a crime.

• Proposal to change tax rules — It would set 2024–25 income-tax rates and make other changes to income tax, GST, KiwiSaver, child support and local-government rules.
• Proposal to make wage theft a crime — It would make intentionally not paying money owed to an employee a crime, with prison or fines for employers.
• Proposal to change corrections rules — The proposal would change rules affecting corrections.
• KiwiSaver discrimination proposal dropped — The proposal was dropped; it would have stopped employers treating KiwiSaver members differently at work.
• Accessibility improvement proposal dropped — The proposal was dropped; it would have created an Accessibility Committee and new government responsibilities to improve access for disabled people.
• Proposal to change gangs rules — The proposal would change rules about gangs.
• Proposal to change sentencing rules — The proposal would change sentencing rules.
• More time for earthquake-prone buildings — It would give eligible earthquake-prone buildings four more years to meet repair deadlines, with a possible extra two years.
• Proposal for a mental health strategy — It would require a national Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and make the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission a health entity.
• Proposal for water-service arrangements — The proposal would set preliminary arrangements for water services.