Select Committee memberships

The Business Committee has agreed select committee memberships. The breakdown by party on each select committee is:

• Economic Development, Science and Innovation – National 5, Labour 3, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – tied between Government and Opposition
• Education and Workforce – National 5, Labour 4, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – Government majority
• Environment – National 4, Labour 3, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – Government majority
• Finance and Expenditure – National 5, Labour 6, NZ First 1, ACT 1 – Government majority
• Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade – National 4, Labour 3, Greens 1 – tied
• Governance and Administration – National 4, Labour 4 – tied
• Health – National 4, Labour 4 – tied
• Justice – National 4, Labour 4 – tied
• Māori Affairs – National 4, Labour 2, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – tied
• Primary Production – National 4, Labour 3, NZ First 1 – tied
• Social Services and Community – National 4, Labour 3, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – Government majority
• Transport and Infrastructure – National 3, Labour 3, NZ First 1, Greens 1 – Government majority
• Regulations Review – National 3, Labour 3 – tied

So of the 13 select committees, eight are tied. That means that unless National agrees no amendments can be agreed to, or even get a recommendation a bill proceed. This is not fatal as the recommendation can be overturned at second reading and amendments can be done at committee of the house stage. But that is messy. Basically Ministers will need to work with the Opposition if they wish bills to get through those eight select committees.

Of the other five committees, on four the Government only has a majority of the Greens vote with them. They are not bound to support Government bills to the same degree as NZ First is, so they will also be influential.