New Zealand Parliament Buzzes with Bitcoin

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On Wednesday, June 4th, Kiwi Bitcoin experts, members of the Bitcoin Policy Institute New Zealand, and representatives from the Bitcoin Basin circular economy gave a special presentation to over 20 coalition MPs at New Zealand’s Parliament.

Southland National MP Joseph Mooney helped organise the event, extending invitations to coalition MPs from ACT and New Zealand First.

Bitcoin Basin Ambassador Nell Hunter opened the event by talking about the circular economy project that she is leading to grow the adoption of Bitcoin in the Queenstown Lakes region. There are already dozens of shops and services using and accepting Bitcoin for payments in the area and an increasing concentration of businesses and local individuals who are choosing to save their value in Bitcoin.

Hunter said “Our goal with this presentation was to simply share that the Bitcoin movement is accelerating around the world and that it’s time for New Zealand to take note. It’s important that we don’t get left behind.”

The presentation gave MPs a new outlook on Bitcoin, the chance to try using a Bitcoin wallet, and a clear understanding of the distinction between Bitcoin and crypto, along with suggestions for practical legal reforms to help New Zealand harness Bitcoin's potential for prosperity and financial sovereignty.

MP for Maungakiekie Greg Fleming receives Bitcoin.

Rob Clarkson, co-founder of Lightning Pay, an award-winning New Zealand Bitcoin-only exchange and point of sale payments provider, gave a talk about the opportunities the emerging Bitcoin economy could bring to New Zealand.

“Our aim was to explain how Bitcoin can help foster business growth and technology innovation as well as provide a pathway to financial empowerment and a better way to save money for everyday Kiwis. We also talked about how Bitcoin mining could be a game-changer for our energy sector.”

On the topic of energy, Clarkson brought along a small Bitcoin mining computer into Parliament which was plugged in to demonstrate how electricity can be turned into digital money.

“In the Southern Lakes there are already companies who are mining Bitcoin with renewable hydropower which not only generates value and tech jobs but also uniquely helps to balance the electrical grid by turning on and off as network demand changes, which can ultimately reduce energy prices for consumers,” Clarkson said.

“We just ask that Bitcoin be treated like any other currency when it comes to spending it for goods and services. Currently Bitcoin transactions used to buy something as simple as a coffee are classed as taxable events which is hindering adoption for payments.”

Clarkson also highlighted banking issues, noting that Bitcoin businesses still face significant hurdles when trying to access traditional bank accounts.

“We need to look at what other countries are doing and how quickly they’re moving,” said Nell Hunter, who had just returned from the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas where several high-level politicians spoke, including United States Vice President JD Vance.

Minister for Courts and the Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee asked about Bitcoin and its use in criminal activities but the Bitcoin experts present were quick to provide statistics and insight about the very low usage of Bitcoin for criminal activity globally.

“There are a huge number of misconceptions about Bitcoin but the reality is that it’s a powerful monetary technology that is used by families and businesses as a means of payment and a store of value, and has the chance to change New Zealand for the better,” said Paul McArthur, another Bitcoin professional and director of Bitkiwi.

“With Bitcoin adoption increasing in major nations such as the United States, it was encouraging to see how informed many MPs already were,” said Nell Hunter, “New Zealand is a nimble country and we’re in a strong position to attract Bitcoin innovation and investment.”

ENDS

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