Patch 2026.02

February 2026 proposals

This month’s proposed laws would clarify how backdated ACC payments affect benefit reviews and change employment relations rules.

• Proposal to change ACC benefit calculations — It would confirm how backdated ACC payments would count when past benefits and extra assistance are reviewed.
• Proposal to change employment relations rules — It would change employment relations rules.
• Proposal to update transport rules — It would make many small changes to land transport, maritime, aviation, and related rules.
• Proposal to update Internal Affairs rules — It would make many technical changes to rules overseen by Internal Affairs and other agencies.
• Proposal to tackle modern slavery — It would require reporting entities to report on modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, with offences for failing.
• Proposal to focus workplace safety rules — It would focus workplace safety rules on serious risks and clarify businesses’ duties while reducing some compliance costs.
• Proposal to broaden local trust grants — It would let the trust fund any charitable purpose in its district, instead of only energy-related purposes.
• Proposal to wind up Carter Trust — It would wind up the trust, change related rules, and let Public Trust distribute its assets.
• Proposal to disestablish Environment Ministry — It would disestablish the Ministry for the Environment and move its functions into a new wider ministry.
• Proposal to recognise English officially — It would formally recognise English as an official language without changing te reo Māori or New Zealand Sign Language.