Democracy Action is a not-for-profit incorporated society established to champion the fundamental importance of democracy and equality of citizenship in New Zealand.

We are a group of concerned citizens based in Auckland, but with members throughout New Zealand, who have seen significant impacts on the democratic governance of our society.

We are committed to supporting organisations and individuals in New Zealand who uphold these aims and principles of equality and democracy in our society

Democracy Action was formed in Auckland by Susan and Lee Short, but is working across New Zealand on campaigns to promote and protect democracy.

Who is Lee Short?

Lee is a long time owner and director of a successful New Zealand engineering company. He has many years experience in management and business, in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. With his wife Susan, Lee founded Democracy Action as a response to recent developments in New Zealand’s governance arrangements which, in his opinion, are compromising the integrity of democracy. Lee is concerned the public have been sidelined - that these changes are being introduced without a democratic mandate from the people of New Zealand. 

“Democracy deserves and needs our support. If citizens fail to act while our democratic rights are being eroded, we are all culpable, along with our leaders.”