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    Submission: Marine and Coastal Area Act Amendment Bill

    Here's our written submission on the government's proposed Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill. Continue reading

    Tide turns on Marine & Coastal Area Act

    Legislation intending to clarify certain sections of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act (MACA) to provide certainty around how Customary Marine Title (CMT) is granted for New Zealand’s coastline has passed its first reading. The legislation addresses the definitions of terms such as "exclusive use and occupation" and "substantial interruption." Continue reading

    Revised Treaty Principles Bill – a wasted opportunity

    The revised Treaty Principles Bill, released by Cabinet on September 11, is a significant disappointment. Unlike ACT's initial proposal, which included three clear and concise principles aimed at enhancing “certainty and clarity,” Cabinet has recently released a set of principles that diverge considerably from ACT policy. Originally a unified set of three complementary elements, the new principles are an inconsistent mix of contradictions. Continue reading

    Further news, views, and opinions..............

    Please see more items posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page UNCIVIL WAR - Unholy constitutional conflagration rages on in Aotearoa New Zealand John McLean comments on the attacks on New Zealand democracy and Parliamentary supremacy. “The conflict is hot and will only get hotter. Figurative flames, ballistics and scalding hot air are blasting from multiple flues, in every direction. In all the hullabaloo, woo-woo, boo-hoo and utu, few have a clue about this attempted coup”. READ MORE Continue reading

    Update on controversial Fast-track Approvals Bill

    In a recent development regarding the contentious Fast Track Approvals Bill, the Cabinet has proposed a series of amendments to the legislation. The Environment Select Committee, which is currently reviewing the Bill, will determine whether to incorporate these changes. One of the more controversial provisions in the bill concerns who is to make the final decisions on the proposed projects. The Cabinet proposes that these decisions will be made by an 'expert panel' rather than by ministers. Continue reading

    FACING A CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE

    In a move that challenges the authority of our democratically elected Government, Te Pāti Māori, its supporters, and several iwi leaders are calling for the creation of a separate Māori parliament. Continue reading