This means dealing with two major legislative issues and various reviews which will affect all aspects rental property industry in some shape or form.
The legislative work program will initially include consideration of the:
On the regulatory front, from information provided in briefings to Ministers, the Department of Building and Housing indicate that they are working on new policy:
From the “speech from the throne” (given 9 December) which provides a broad outline of the National-led Government's priorities, including their list of 100-day priorities, significantly no other or new initiatives in the housing/property area were directly alluded to.
Elsewhere, there are also a variety of reviews under way by various agencies, including the:
Relationships
Clearly, one of the biggest challenges for the Federation will be to establish and maintain relationships with key Parliamentarians.
As previously reported key priorities will be to meet with the:
and their advisors.
Other relevant Parliamentarians include opposition housing spokespersons George Hawkins (Labour) and Sue
Commerce Committee
John Boscawen, Charles Chauvel, Clare Curran, Hon Lianne Dalziel (Chairperson), Te Ururoa Flavell, Jo Goodhew, Melissa Lee, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga (Deputy Chairperson), and Katrina Shanks. (National/ACT majority).
Social Services Committee
Chester Borrows, Sue Bradford, Jo Goodhew (Chairperson), Hon Annette King, Tim Macindoe, Todd McClay, Dr Rajen Prasad, Katrina Shanks (Deputy Chairperson), and Su'a William Sio. (National Party majority).
Going forward, formal opportunities will need to be sought for the Federation to meet with Ministers and Chairs of the select committees for introductory purposes and to reinforce the Federation’s positions. At a grass roots level, various PIAs should also seek opportunities to engage with their local MPs.
It is recommended that meetings could be scheduled say every couple of months. Ideally, meetings would be held in
POLITICAL STRATEGY
The following is an outline of a proactive political engagement strategy for the next 12 months.
· To introduce the Federation to new Ministers and to build/renew relationships
· To regularly inform and build Ministerial support for Federation perspectives
· To establish new relationships with key select committee personnel
Opposition to residential landlords and property investors
This can be managed by:
· Joint work with officials eg DBH and the Ministry of Justice
CAPITAL GAINS TAX – Rejected Again
This month following the publication of the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey various business interest groups have proposed a capital gains tax on rental property as a way to switch investment funds from New Zealanders towards the “productive” business sector.
For the Federation, the latest round of debate is hypothetical as the Minister for Housing – Phil Heatley and Minister of Revenue – Peter Dunne have both strongly rejected such a tax.
This latest rejection follows last month’s Treasury report and recommendation for a CGT At the time, the new Minister of Finance – Bill English categorically rejected any new tax be introduced for investment property.
END
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