Today, I am sending you a quick reminder about the upcoming submission deadlines for both the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement and LGNZ’s draft position paper on electoral reform. We are also encouraging support for National MP Sam Uffindell’s BORA Amendment Bill to ensure equal suffrage.
Calling all Aucklanders and fans of the Waitākere Ranges
A reminder that time is running out if you plan to make a submission on Auckland Council’s proposed Deed of Acknowledgement with Te Kawerau ā Maki. You can have your say until 11:59 pm on Monday 28 April. For those struggling to find what to say, please visit HANDS OFF THE WAITAKS page on our website for some ideas. But please put in your own words to prevent multiple identical submissions being lumped in as one, as is becoming common practise. You can find more information in our message sent early this month: Have a say on future governance of Waitākere Ranges.
A big shout out those who braved the atrocious weather over the Easter break to deliver 5,000 ‘Hands off Our Park’ leaflets to the streets within and bordering the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area. You are awesome! And a big thank you too those who donated to make this possible.
Submission-making details are available on Auckland council website HERE. The email address for sending your submission to the Consultation Team is: [email protected]
New report champions voting booths as future of local elections
Local Government NZ (LGNZ) is recommending significant reforms to the local election process. In a case of back to the future - for valid reasons - their suggestions feature the reinstatement of in-person voting over a two-week period and oversight of local elections by the Electoral Commission. Their review is partly influenced by concerns over potential voter fraud observed during the last local government elections. For further insights, check out our article from June 2023 titled "IS POSTAL VOTING UP TO SCRATCH?”
Additional proposals include enhancing civics education, supporting local democracy reporting, creating an annual Local Government Week, and improving access to voting for people with disabilities and those residing overseas.
The Electoral Reform Working Group is inviting public feedback on their draft position paper, either via the LGNZ website or by emailing [email protected]
Consultation on the Electoral Reform document closes at 9 am on Monday 28 April 2025
Read the Electoral Reform Working Group Draft Position paper HERE
Support Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell’s campaign for equal political rights for all Kiwis
Last month, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell introduced a private members' bill aimed at ensuring equal voting rights at local and central government levels. Uffindell asserts that both tiers of government have a responsibility to uphold equality under the law, emphasizing that this principle begins with equal suffrage.
The New Zealand Bill of Rights (Right to Equal Suffrage in Local Elections) Amendment Bill, proposes an amendment to the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (BORA).
In a recent interview with Michael Laws on The Platform, Uffindell discusses his proposed bill, which you can view on YouTube HERE.
Currently, the bill is in the parliamentary ballot box—commonly referred to as the 'Biscuit Tin'—and may or may not be selected to come before the House. Given that equal citizenship is a key value long advocated by the National Party, this amendment to the Bill of Rights Act should not be languishing in the ballot box; it warrants presentation to Parliament as part of National Party policy. We urge you to write to the Prime Minister and other National Party MPs asking them to advance this bill. NZCPR has their contact details listed here: https://www.nzcpr.com/quick-email-mps/
The theme of equal political rights is mirrored in the Taxpayers’ Union petition Give equal voting rights to all New Zealanders. Please consider adding your name and sending the link to others.
In other news, please see a selection of interesting comments below at: ‘Further News, Views, Opinions…...’
Please also regularly check out the Democracy Action Facebook page, where we regularly post news items and commentaries of interest as they come to hand.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. If you have any suggestions you would like to offer, or if you need further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
And please help spread the message by sharing our newsletters with anyone who may be interested. You can receive further updates by registering or joining us.
Kind regards,
Susan Short