This Supplementary Order Paper proposes the deletion of clause 69. Clause 69 inserts new section 61A that would give powers to the Executive that should be reserved for Parliament. This is particularly so since the assent of the Governor-General refers to international treaties that are negotiated without public information or parliamentary scrutiny.

There is considerable public interest in the terms for Government approval of foreign investment in New Zealand. Foreign ownership of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, agricultural land, primary production and value chains, and strategic assets is increasing. Democratic oversight of the regulation of that investment would be taken from parliamentary scrutiny under this amendment. This Supplementary Order Paper proposes to delete the amendment that would remove these parliamentary powers.