ACT's Simon Court

As per coalition agreements, ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from NZ First Leader, Winston Peters.

For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party’s Simon Court about Seymour’s new position, and what this means for the party.

They also discussed accusations Seymour made regarding submissions to the Regulatory Standards Bill.

In an interview with Guyon Espiner, Seymour claimed that 99.5% of the submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill were driven by ‘bots’ and were ‘fake’ submissions.

Seymour later clarified to RNZ that by bots, he was meaning “online campaigns” creating “non-representative samples” that do not represent the public’s opinion.

The Ministry of Regulations received roughly 23,000 submissions on the bill. Of the submissions. Of the submissions, 0.33% were fully or partially supporting the bill, with 88% being against the bill.

Finally, they discussed the recommended suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs’ Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke standing.

But they, we discussed David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister.

The Waitangi Tribunal review into the controversial regulatory standards bill has found that the Crown would be in breach of Treaty principles if it were to introduce the regulatory standards bill to Parliament without more consultation with Māori. 

Because of this the tribunal has called for an immediate halt to be put on the bill. 

Despite this, the bill is set to be introduced to Parliament today. 

The recommendation came after following a one day urgent hearing from the Waitangi Tribunal last week, which was pushed forward from June 6, after it was revealed the bill would be introduced to Parliament today. 

Critics of the bill fear it will work against Māori rights and interests. However, the ACT Party, fronted by Minister for Regulation, David Seymour simply say the Tribunal is ‘incorrect’. 

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court to unpack this further. Discussing why they contest the tribunal’s review, and where they plan to take the bill from here. 

We also spoke about the government launching a review into the Waitangi Tribunal, which is heavily backed by ACT - David Seymour saying the tribunal needs to be ‘put in its place’. 

ACT Party leader David Seymour has made headlines with his proposal to abolish a number of ministerial portfolios and reduce the size of Cabinet, calling the current line-up “bloated.” He argues that fewer ministers would mean a more efficient and focused government.

Seymour’s proposal has raised questions about how cuts would impact already underrepresented communities, with concerns removing ministries like Pacific Peoples and Māori Development could reduce vital advocacy and attention. 

For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the proposal, and whether it would genuinely streamline government — or simply overburden remaining ministers. 

They also discussed a new member’s bill from ACT aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks. ACT says the rules currently disadvantage rural borrowers and farmers, while critics argue the move signals a retreat from climate responsibility. 

And finally, they spoke about last week’s unprecedented strike action by senior doctors, which saw over 5,000 walk off the job nationwide.

Last week the Treaty Principles Bill was voted down at its second reading, the vote was 112 opposed, to 11 in favour - with only the ACT Party supporting the bill. 

During the reading, MPs from all  parties submitted their views on the bill. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins calling it a ‘grubby little bill’ that would ‘forever be a stain on our country.’ National’s Paul Goldsmith saying the bill was ‘a crude way to handle a very sensitive topic.’ And Te Pati Maori’s Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke who has continually strongly opposed the bill saying ‘this bill hasn't been stopped; this bill has been absolutely annihilated.’ 

ACT Leader David Seymour sustains that he will continue to push the bill, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has vehemently denied entertaining any other iteration of the issue. 

For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about the demise of the bill. 

They also discussed a members bill from ACT’s Dr Parmjeet Parmar aiming to remove university opportunities based on race, as well as a new study revealing female MPs are experiencing higher levels of abuse.