Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill

Members, we now come to our final debate, clauses 1 and 2.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I raised a question and made an assumption in the second reading debate relating to the commencement clause that provides that the bill comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent. Now, normally, of course, that’s a matter that would be attended to on behalf of the reigning Sovereign by our Governor-General, and the Governor-General, of course, is now in London—presumably still there—and will be not back in New Zealand before the necessary Royal assent is required to give this piece of legislation effect. So my question to the Minister is: can he just confirm that the process will be one that is overseen by the Government administrator, the Hon Dame Susan Glazebrook, or will some other constitutional requirement be needed?

Yes, I can confirm that in accordance with normal procedure, the Administrator of the Government will perform that duty in the absence of Her Excellency the Governor-General.

Madam Speaker, the committee has considered the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Bill and reports it without amendment. I move, That the report be adopted.

Motion agreed to.

Report adopted.

Third Reading