EDITOR’S NOTE:This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.
COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.
Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.
They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.
Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.
As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.
However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.
In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.
Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.
In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.
Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.
MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.
He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.
The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.
The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.
Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.
Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.
This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular.
A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.
West Harbour, AU — West Harbour Rugby Union has announced with deep sadness the passing of club legend Fetaiaki Langi, a towering figure in the club’s history and a beloved member of the wider rugby community.
Fetaiaki Langi was a celebrated Tongan international rugby player and a legendary figure for the West Harbour Rugby Union club.
Langi, a former Tongan international and three‑time Herald Cup champion (1987, 1988, and 1991), is being remembered as one of the greatest players ever to wear the Western Suburbs jersey.
Teammates and long‑time supporters described him not only as an exceptional athlete, but as “an even greater human being”—a man admired for his character, humility, and impact both on and off the field.
In a statement, the club said it “extends its deepest condolences to Fetaiaki’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” noting that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of West Harbour players.
A funeral service to honour Fetaiaki Langi’s life will be held Wednesday, March 25 at 11.30am at the North Chapel, Pinegrove Memorial Park.
West Harbour Rugby Union says the community is united in grief, but equally united in celebrating a life that enriched so many and left an unforgettable imprint on the club’s history.
The British High Commissioner to Tonga made an unexpected on‑air appearance during the Television Tonga weather segment this evening in celebration of World Meteorological Day.
High Commissioner, His Excellency Philip Malone
World Meteorological Day is celebrated every 23 March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1950 and to highlight the global importance of weather, climate, and water services.
It raises awareness about how meteorology protects lives, supports development, and strengthens disaster preparedness.
This year’s theme, Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow, highlights how today’s weather and climate observations provide the vital knowledge needed to safeguard lives, strengthen communities, and protect the environment in the years ahead.
According to the Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS), Director Laitia Fifita and his staff were “delighted” to welcome the High Commissioner, His Excellency Philip Malone, who joined them on screen to present the weather and to publicly acknowledge the work of Tonga MET while extending warm World Meteorological Day greetings to the Kingdom and the global community.
The United Kingdom holds a particularly strong historical and technical connection to World Meteorological Day, driven by the work of the UK Met Office, one of the world’s leading meteorological agencies.
The Met Office hosts the World Meteorological Centre (WMC) in Exeter, serves as a Lead Centre for Annual‑to‑Decadal Climate Prediction, and operates as a Global Producing Centre for Long‑Range Forecasts, all under World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) designation.
It is also globally recognised for championing open, high‑quality data exchange, helping advance international weather and climate forecasting standards.
The UK’s involvement further extends into climate and development initiatives, including support for WMO’s capacity‑building programs such as the Voluntary Cooperation Programme, and UK‑funded global projects like the WISER Programme and WCSSP China, which strengthen early‑warning systems and climate services across vulnerable regions.
The Met Office’s Hadley Centre is also a major contributor to the IPCC reports, which often shape the annual theme of World Meteorological Day.
Tonight’s appearance by High Commissioner Malone marked a rare but warmly received gesture, underscoring both the UK’s longstanding partnership with Tonga in meteorology and the global importance of the work carried out by national weather services.
A man has been sentenced in the Supreme Court of Tonga for possessing more than 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, with the court also ordering the forfeiture of cash, a vehicle, and mobile phones linked to the offence.
Rodney ‘Ofa ki Tafuna Tōmasi. Photo/Supplied
Rodney ‘Ofa ki Tafuna Tōmasi was convicted and sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, after being found guilty of possessing the drugs.
The Court found that he played a significant role in the drug supply chain, highlighted by his direct communication with an overseas supplier, Ika ‘Ofa, his dealings with an informant, and the substantial quantity of methamphetamine in his possession.
His sentencing had been delayed several times to allow for submissions, documentation, and the preparation of a presentence report by the Probation Office.
In its submissions, the Crown sought a starting point of 15 years’ imprisonment, relying on comparable authorities and the volume of the drugs.
The Crown also asked the Court to order the forfeiture of assets linked to the offending, including a Mazda motor vehicle, more than $21,000 in cash, and two mobile phones used in drug-related communications.
Mitigating submissions filed on behalf of Tōmasi highlighted his family circumstances, personal background, and letters of support from his local community, including the town officer of Lapaha, a parish priest, and members of his family.
Defence counsel proposed a lower starting point of 13 years, suggesting a final sentence of between 8 and 9 years with partial suspension.
The presentence report recommended that rehabilitation was possible and supported a partially suspended sentence.
In delivering the sentence, Lord Chief Justice Bishop said the Court had considered all submissions but stressed that each case must be determined on its own facts. He noted the serious harm caused by illicit drugs in Tonga and the Court’s responsibility to deter such offending.
A starting point of 15 years was adopted, reflecting international comparative sentencing bands and the scale of the offending.
The Court deducted two years to account for Tōmasi being a first-time drug offender, despite having historic convictions more than a decade old.
The final two years of the 13-year sentence were suspended for three years under conditions, including probation supervision, compliance with reporting requirements, and a condition not to commit any imprisonable offence.
The custodial term was backdated to 14 November 2025. The Court also ordered the destruction of the methamphetamine by incineration and the forfeiture of the vehicle, cash, and mobile phones used in connection with the offending.
Mr Bishop said the orders reflected the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from the ongoing harms of illicit drugs.
Tōmasi will now serve 11 years in prison, followed by a two-year suspended period under supervision and strict conditions.
The Land Court of Tonga has ordered the removal of a fence at the centre of a land dispute in Neiafu, Vava’u.
The case involved Adrian and Emaluisa Manarangi, who hold Lease 7427, and neighbouring leaseholder Pafilio Tangitau, who holds Lease 6351.
The court found that Tangitau had erected a fence and other structures inside the Manarangis’ lease, a fact confirmed through multiple boundary surveys and supported by earlier Court of Appeal findings
The Land Court of Tonga has ruled in favour of Adrian and Emaluisa Manarangi in a long-running land dispute in Neiafu, Vava’u, ordering neighbouring Tangitau to remove a fence and several structures found to be unlawfully built on the Manarangis’ land.
The dispute concerned adjacent government leases along the Neiafu waterfront.
The Manarangis hold Lease 7427, originally granted to Moorings Ltd in 2006 and transferred to them in 2023, while Tangitau holds Lease 6351, registered in 1999.
The court confirmed that surveys and boundary markers clearly placed the fence and other developments inside Lease 7427.
Justice Tupou relied on earlier findings by the Court of Appeal, which confirmed that boundary mark V169, the point where Tangitau constructed his fence in 2021, lay within the Manarangis’ lease and had never been part of Tangitau’s land.
The Court of Appeal also found that Tangitau had no consent from Moorings Ltd and that any claims he made about assurances from the Minister of Lands were either time-barred or legally irrelevant.
Tangitau sought leave to file another amended defence, claiming he believed the disputed area formed part of his lease and that past actions, including his developments, gave him rights to the land.
However, the court dismissed this attempt, saying the proposed changes contradicted previous admissions, attempted to revive arguments already rejected on appeal, and would only delay proceedings.
Court Rejects Unsound Filing
Justice Tupou described the application as frivolous and prejudicial to the plaintiffs.
In granting summary judgment, the court found that the Manarangis had clear possessory title to Lease 7427 and that Tangitau’s fence constituted trespass.
The court said continuing trespass remained actionable and noted that the Manarangis only became aware of the encroachment when the Ministry of Lands confirmed the boundary survey results in January 2024.
Justice Tupou found no genuine factual dispute requiring a trial.
The court ordered Tangitau to remove the fence and any belongings from within Lease 7427 within 60 days of the ruling.
It also left open the possibility of further orders if the Manarangis pursue restoration of their land.
Costs were awarded to the plaintiffs for both the summary judgment application and their opposition to Tangitau’s attempt to amend his defence
Auckland, New Zealand — Tongan New Zealander Vi Hausia, the man behind the historic Papatoetoe Local Board election re‑run, is being praised across the Tongan community for his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to fairness.
Vi Hausia pictured in a moment of quiet determination, reflecting his commitment to protecting the integrity of the Papatoetoe community’s vote. Photo/Auckland Council
The former deputy chair of the Ōtara‑Papatoetoe Local Board, took the local board election to court after receiving multiple reports that voting papers had been stolen from Papatoetoe residents and fraudulently submitted without their consent.
Hausia alleged widespread theft and irregularities, prompting a formal petition challenging the integrity of the 2025 Papatoetoe subdivision election.
A court investigation later uncovered at least 79 irregularly cast votes, some in the names of people who confirmed they had never voted.
The judge concluded that fraudulent voting had likely “permeated or infected” the election to a degree that materially affected the result, leading to the election being declared void and a court‑ordered re‑run.
Hausia reportedly said he acted out of concern for democratic integrity, emphasising that if he had remained silent, “nothing would have happened.”
“If I’m not going to do this, who’s going to do it?” he said, reflecting on the decision to challenge the original result.
The phrase has resonated deeply within the Tongan community, many of whom see Hausia’s actions as embodying core Pacific values: courage (lototoa), service (ngaue ‘ofa), and responsibility (fatongia).
Local Tongan families have called it a proud moment, noting that Tongans are often underrepresented in decision‑making spaces. Hausia’s stand, they say, opens the door for others to participate more confidently.
When Hausia brought the case into public view, his actions caught the attention of leaders throughout South Auckland.
Among them was Makalita Kolo, a member of the Māngere‑Ōtāhuhu Local Board, who publicly praised him for his courage.
Kolo described Hausia in Tongan as a proud son of the Tongan community, acknowledging that his stand embodied the values of resilience, service, and collective responsibility cherished by Tongans across generations.
“Ko’etau ki’i foha koia ko Vi Hausia na’ane fai hono fakatokanga’i pea hopo’i ai ‘ae ngaue hala/kakaa ko’eni. Malo Vi Lehops V Hausia e ngaue lahi ko’eni,” Kolo wrote in Tongan when congratulating Hausia.
Cocaine use has hit an all-time high in New Zealand, exceeding MDMA consumption for the first time, according to new wastewater testing data.
The data, released by police on Monday, showed a surge in cocaine consumption in the last quarter of 2025.
An estimated average of 9.4kg of cocaine was consumed nationwide each week, according to results from all locations tested. This was 98% more than the average quantity consumed over the previous four quarters.
All districts in the country recorded higher-than-usual cocaine use over those four quarters.
Meanwhile, methamphetamine use averaged an estimated 34.7kg per week, around 8% higher than the previous four quarters
Record levels of cocaine use detected in wastewater testing
Recreational Class A drug overtakes MDMA has the high of choice in the last quarter of 2025.
Record levels of cocaine use detected in wastewater testing2:19
Recreational Class A drug overtakes MDMA has the high of choice in the last quarter of 2025. (Source: 1News)
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said the new data was more evidence that our approach to drugs was not working.
‘Prices down, harm increasing’
“The dramatic increases in methamphetamine and cocaine consumption over the last two years are unprecedented,” she said.
“A long-term under-investment in treatment and harm reduction, coupled with an over-reliance on supply side measures hasn’t worked. Consumption is at record levels, drug use is diversifying, prices are down, harm is increasing, and new potent drugs are arriving.”
Helm said every indicator was “screaming at us to change our approach”, although she acknowledged the Government’s recent Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm would go some way in responding to the increase in harm.
“If we could wave a magic wand, we would do two things: Vastly increase the spending on addiction treatment and harm reduction, and change our drug laws,” she said.
“While these things won’t remove all problems, the evidence is clear that it would reduce the worst harms and provide us with more tools to tackle the increase in harm. But if we continue doing more of the same, things will continue to get worse.”
Per capita, cocaine use was highest in the Bay of Plenty police district, while methamphetamine was highest in the Northland police district . The Southern district had the highest MDMA consumption.
Wastewater testing occurred for one week each month across the country, with drug use calculated from the concentration of each biomarker detected.
Nationwide testing began in November 2018, with current testing sites covering up to 77% of New Zealand’s population.
Nearly 180kg of cocaine seized in last quarter of 2025
The bricks featured various brandings, including Volvo, Porsche, and an image of a hamster wearing a crown. (Source: Supplied)
Nearly 180kg of cocaine was reported seized by Customs between October and December 2025 – 107kg at the Port of Tauranga.
In late October, Customs found 35kg of cocaine branded with the Lacoste logo in a shipping container at Dunedin’s Port Chalmers.
An unsuspected worker found 36kg of cocaine stashed inside a container carrying legitimate goods at an Auckland business on November 3.
Two seizures of cocaine totalling an estimated 33kg were seized from in refrigerated containers at the Port of Tauranga on November 20.
In early December, Customs officers at the Port of Tauranga intercepted an estimated 45kg of cocaine – with an estimated street value of $15.75 million – during routine inspections.
The bricks featured various brandings, including Volvo, Porsche, and an image of a hamster wearing a crown.
On Boxing Day, an estimated 8kg of cocaine was uncovered alongside 10kg of methamphetamine in a shipping container at the Port of Tauranga.
Last last year, the Government announced maritime operations led by Customs, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Government Communications Security Bureau to disrupt drug networks in the Pacific region.
The operations aimed to detect, deter, and disrupt drug shipments originating from Central and South America destined for New Zealand and Pacific nations.
By Kate Newton of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
RNZ launched a political poll in April 2025 in partnership with the longstanding and reputable polling company Reid Research.
Photo: RNZ
The poll builds on the former Newshub-Reid Research Poll, which ran successfully from 2009 to 2023.
The polls, which will run about four times a year, involve 1000 online interviews nationwide.
Each poll includes standard questions about party vote preference and preferred prime minister, along with whether respondents feel the current government is taking the country in the right direction.
Responses to these questions will be collated and updated on this page each polling cycle.
Each poll also includes several topical questions. The results of these will be reported as part of that cycle’s news coverage.
Party vote
The crucial question asked in each polling cycle focuses on who respondents would give their party vote to if a general election was held the following day.
These are the results of the most recent poll.
Latest poll results: political parties
How poll respondents would use their party vote if a general election was held tomorrow0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
Labour
35.6%
National
30.8%
NZ First
10.6%
Greens
10.1%
ACT
7.0%
Te Pāti Māori
3.2%
TOP
2.0%
Others
0.7%
Results exclude 57 undecided or non-voters and have a maximum margin of error of +/-3.1%, at a 95% confidence level.
And here is how the party vote trend has evolved over time.
Which party do voters prefer?
How poll respondents’ party vote preferences have fluctuated over timeJan21AprJulOctJan22AprJulOctJan23AprJulOctJan24AprJulOctJan25AprJulOctJan2605101520253035404550%
ACT
National
Greens
NZ First
Labour
Te Pāti Māori
Reid Research did not poll between the 2023 election and March 2025. The dotted line shows a rolling average for all other major political polls carried out during this period.
Chart: Kate Newton / RNZSource: Pre-March 2025 data: Wikipedia | Ongoing data: RNZ-Reid Research poll
RNZ uses these party vote results to calculate the seats each party would be allocated in Parliament.
Under current rules, parties must receive 5 percent of the vote or win an electorate seat to be returned to Parliament.
For the purposes of this poll, if support for a party currently in Parliament falls below the 5 percent threshold, but that party currently holds an electorate seat, RNZ assumes that party will retain its share of the party vote.
New Zealand does not vote for its party leaders but a leader’s popularity or support is strongly linked to party support.
In the most recent poll, this is where the current party leaders and other contenders stood.
Latest poll results: preferred PM
Percentage of poll respondents who named the following leaders as their preferred Prime Minister
Hipkins
20.7%
Luxon
17.3%
Peters
13.1%
Swarbrick
6.8%
Seymour
6.8%
Results have a maximum margin of error of +/-3%, at a 95% confidence level.
Chart: Kate Newton / RNZSource: RNZ-Reid Research poll
And here is how party leaders’ support has changed over the last few years.
Who do voters prefer as prime minister?
Preferred prime minister rankings among poll respondents, for party leaders and MPs with significant results.Jul2021OctJan2022AprJulOctJan2023AprJulOctJan2024AprJulOctJan2025AprJulOctJan2026051015202530%
Seymour
Luxon
Swarbrick
Peters
Hipkins
Reid Research did not poll between the 2023 election and March 2025. The dotted line shows a rolling average for all other major political polls carried out during this period.
Chart: Kate Newton / RNZSource: Pre-March 2025 data: Wikipedia | Ongoing data: RNZ-Reid Research poll
As well as outright preferences, the RNZ-Reid Research Poll also asks respondents how well the leaders of National and Labour are performing in their roles.
The overall outcome (the difference between respondents who believe a leader is performing well and those who believe they are not performing well) is represented in this chart of net favourability.
Major party leaders’ net favourability
The proportion of poll respondents who said the current Labour leader or National leader was performing well, minus those who said they were performing poorly.20162017201820192020202120222023202420252026−200204060%Labour22 May 2016−11.1%Labour22 May 2016−11.1%
Christopher Luxon becomes National leader
Chris Hipkins becomes Labour leader
Favourable
Unfavourable
National
Labour
Chart: Kate Newton / RNZSource: RNZ-Reid Research poll
We also ask how respondents feel about the overall direction of the country under the current government.
How do people feel about New Zealand’s current direction?
Proportion of poll respondents who said New Zealand was heading in the right direction under the current government, the wrong direction, or that they didn’t know.Jan21AprJulOctJan22AprJulOctJan23AprJulOctJan24AprJulOctJan25AprJulOctJan26010203040506070%Neither/Do not know(poll average)5 Oct 20219.6%Neither/Do not know (poll average)5 Oct 20219.6%
Right direction
Wrong direction
Neither/Do not know
Reid Research did not previously poll on this question. The dotted line shows a rolling average for other major political polls carried out prior to March 2025, for questions with similar wording.
Chart: Kate Newton / RNZSource: Pre-March 2025 data: Wikipedia | Ongoing data: RNZ-Reid Research poll
The RNZ-Reid Research poll margins of error (expressed at a 95 percent confidence level) are:
Percentage result is 10 percent or 90 percent: +/- 1.9 percent
Percentage result is 20 percent or 80 percent: +/- 2.5 percent
Percentage result is 30 percent or 70 percent: +/- 2.7 percent
Percentage result is 40 percent or 60 percent: +/- 3.0 percent
Nuku‘alofa came alive yesterday as the Zaandam cruise ship made a vibrant arrival at Vuna Wharf, bringing with it 1,147 passengers and 619 crew members for a day of cultural discovery and warm Tongan hospitality.
Most visitors were from the United States and spent the day exploring the capital, enjoying local food, handicrafts, tours, and community‑run activities.
The visit marked another positive milestone for Tonga’s tourism sector as cruise travel continues to rebound.
The arrival was coordinated by Pacific Forum Line, while Jones Travel managed passenger arrangements to ensure smooth on‑shore experiences throughout the day.
The Zaandam berthed at 8am and departed at 5pm, allowing guests ample time to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Tongatapu.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Ministry of Tourism’s performance team delivered a lively floor show and group dance that captivated the cruise visitors.
Their colourful performance highlighted Tonga’s cultural pride, showcasing traditional movement, music, and the warmth that defines the Tongan spirit, Tourism Tonga said.
Tourism officials praised the collaboration that made the visit a success and extended gratitude to staff, partners, and community members who contributed to the day’s activities.
Tonga looks forward to welcoming more cruise visitors in the coming months and continuing to share its rich culture, hospitality, and island beauty with travellers from around the world.
The Tonga Meteorological Service has issued its first Tropical Disturbance Formation Advice for system TD10F, warning that while the disturbance does not currently pose a direct threat to Tonga, it will continue to track south and away from the country over the next 24–48 hours.
In an advisory released at 8pm on Sunday, 22 March 2026, officials confirmed that TD10F was located near latitude 12.9° South and longitude 160.5° East, positioned approximately 390 km south of Honiara in the Solomon Islands.
The system was also measured at distances of 2,585 km west of Niuafo‘ou, 2,795 km west of Niuatoputapu, 2,810 km west‑northwest of Vava‘u, 2,795 km west‑northwest of Ha‘apai, and 2,745 km west‑northwest of Nuku‘alofa at 4pm Sunday.
According to the advisory, the potential for TD10F to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours remains low.
However, the system will continue to move southwestward and is expected to maintain a path that keeps it well away from Tonga’s island groups.
A track map released with the advisory shows the system shifting gradually southwards, with its projected movement keeping it outside Tonga’s forecast zone.
The Tonga Meteorological Service will issue its next update at 8am on Monday, 23 March 2026, and is continuing to monitor TD10F closely for any changes in intensity or direction.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official advisories as the system moves further southwest.
Digital driver’s licences were promised by the Government last year, and the law change required to introduce them is still crawling through Parliament – but ministers say they’re committed to getting the legislation in place before the election.
Composite image by Vania Chandrawidjaja (Source: 1News
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill, introduced to the house by Associate Transport Minister James Meager, is a piece of omnibus legislation aimed at tidying up New Zealand’s land transport, aviation, and maritime legislation.
It is also intended to modernise some transport laws and bring them up to date with technology.
One of those is to expand the definition of a driver’s licence to include electronic versions as well as the current physical ones. It also creates a framework for the Government to introduce further legislation on digital licences.
But these digital licenses are just one part of the bill, which covers a range of areas. It was passed with the support of all six parties in Parliament following its first reading.
It then went on to select committee earlier this year, with the Transport and Infrastructure Committee suggesting several changes, a large chunk dedicated to the electronic licences.
The next stage is a second reading in Parliament before becoming law. With an election in November creating a hard deadline for all legislation to get through before a potential change in government, the clock is ticking for all proposed legislation.
But the government appears committed this reform, saying it hopes to have the bill passed by the middle of the year.
Digital licences ‘optional’
The select committee which looked at the legislation said it was “vital” that use of electronic driver licences remained “optional”, and that “people remain equally free to use just a physical driver licence”.
“We note that the intention is that electronic driver licences would provide an optional alternative to physical driver licences,” it said. “We recognise that there are many reasons why individuals might prefer to continue using a physical driver licence.”
It recommended the bill add the words: “Different prescribed forms may be prescribed for different types of driver licences, including different formats of driver licences.”
When introducing the bill at its first reading, Meager said it was “important to note” that physical licences would “always be an option”.
James Meager (Source: Getty)
The committee said the amendment would also recognise that electronic licences could take a different form from physical licences while containing the same information.
It recommended changing some of the wording to say a licence must “include” prescribed features rather than stating that those features must be “on” the licence.
“This would allow more flexibility in designing the format of electronic driver licences and reflect that not all information must be displayed simultaneously.”
The committee noted how potential organ donors’ status would be shown on an electronic licence, and said this would be considered during the implementation process.
“Whatever way the status is displayed, it will not change how donor information is accessed for clinical purposes.”
If successful in its second reading, the bill will head to the committee of the whole house to be scrutinised before its third and final reading. Its second reading would be scheduled by the Leader of the House, Chris Bishop.
“The Government does have a busy legislative agenda, so it will occur as and when time permits to do so,” a spokesperson for Meager’s office told 1News.
A spokesperson for Bishop said the Government was aiming to pass the bill “by mid year”.
The bill would also open a pathway for other transport documents, like Warrant of Fitness and Registration stickers, to be digitised.
In December last year, the Government launched the govt.nz app, which allows users to access government information and services from their phones – and will, eventually, hold digital driver licences.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said last year that digital driver’s licences are a “common sense thing”.
“We’re all using digital wallets to buy products and services across the country,” he said
Digital licences are already available in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and several US states.
