Parliament to return in shadow of new war in Middle East

Monday, 2 March 2026

AGENDA: The first sitting week after Parliament’s one-week break will likely be overshadowed by the US invasion of Iran over the weekend.

There are stridently different views within Parliament on the issue and despite the conflict’s distance from New Zealand its ramifications will still be felt in the country.

But domestic politics will continue on as the Government seeks to highlight its record on law and order and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon prepares for an eventual reshuffle when Judith Collins finally leaves the ministry.

Monday - Cabinet meets

Cabinet will meet on Monday and will likely discuss the New Zealand response to the conflict in Iran.

The Government released a statement from Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters on Sunday which stopped short of fully endorsing or condemning the US strikes, although it did condemn the counter-attacks from Iran.

Peters told media that Iran had been a sponsor of terrorism for years and while this was not an “excuse” it was an “explanation”. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has called the Government’s position a “disgrace” and the Greens and Labour have both called on the Government to go further in standing up for international law.s

Luxon will hold his standard post-cabinet press conference on Monday afternoon, usually at 4pm. Peters will not be there alongside him as he on Sunday left for a week-long trip through Latin America on Sunday.

The Justice Select Committee will hear submissions on the Government’s Arms Bill for most of Monday.

Tuesday - Parliament returns

Parliament returns from its recess and the chamber will not be short of noise.

Question Time at 2pm will likely see some questions from the Opposition on Iran. The Prime Minister may seek to make a statement on the matter to the House, which would then be debated by various parties and push Question Time’s start out.

The Government’s legislative agenda will feature Social Development Minister Louise Upston’s urgent bill to claw back benefit payments from ACC payouts. This bill had a very rushed select committee process and will go through second reading this week.

Wednesday - Special debate on Infrastructure Commission

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is requesting that Parliament hold a special debate on the Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure plan.

The plan - which the Government must respond to but not necessarily follow - has ruffled feathers with its suggestion of tolling the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge and severely reducing spending on big new transport projects in favour of a greater focus on maintenance and renewal.

Bishop has signalled the Government will publish its formal response to the recommendations in June.

The debate gives all parties a chance to plant their flags on infrastructure ahead of the November 7 election. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has already rejected the idea of a toll on the existing Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Thursday - Leaders head off

While Parliament sits on Thursday the major party leaders traditionally head off to campaign around the country.

The Environment Select Committee will be very busy with submissions on the two bills replacing the Resource Management Act.

Friday - Overseas Investment changes kick in

The Government’s changes to Overseas Investment Rules for wealthy foreign investors kick in on Friday.

The changes will allow overseas investors who have the “Active Investor Plus” visa to buy or build a house with a $5 million or higher value. This visa is only available for people making millions of dollars of investment in New Zealand.

This change comes after the last Government banned foreign investment in existing residential property.

Luxon will likely want to highlight the changes on the world stage following a Wall Street Journal writeup of the changes.

Watching brief - Te Pāti Māori court ruling, Covid inquiry****

The High Court decision on whether Te Pāti Māori’s expulsion of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi was lawful is expected any day now.

The judge considering the matter said he was mindful of the election clock counting down but did not promise a specific date for his ruling to be delivered.

We are also awaiting Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden’s tabling of the second Covid-19 inquiry’s report in Parliament. It was delivered to the Governor General last month.

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