In 2007, the New Zealand Law Commission began a review of the Civil List Act 1979, with an issues paper being released in July 2008.

[1] In a press release, Law Commission President Sir Geoffrey Palmer said "The Act has not been comprehensively reviewed for many years.

[4] The Law Commission recommended that part one of the Civil List Act 1979 be repealed, and replaced with a new statute to reflect the nature of the modern office of Governor-General.

[10] In line with its submission to the Law Commission, the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand also supported the Bill.

[12] National MP Nikki Kaye queried whether several one-member parties in parliament could veto the decision, which could give them too much power if an appointment was based on one vote per leader.

The Republican Movement responded that the method would ensure appointments were made that most MPs and parties found acceptable.