This month we have some excellent news to share. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has announced that Iwi Participation Arrangements (Mana Whakahono ā Rohe) will not be grandfathered into the new resource management system.
This is a significant victory for everyone who has spoken out about the implications of these agreements. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who wrote submissions, contacted Ministers, and helped keep this issue in the spotlight. Your efforts have made a real difference.
This welcome result shows that informed, persistent advocacy can influence Government decisions. Building on that success, this month's newsletter highlights three important issues where your continued involvement can help strengthen democracy, protect politically neutral public institutions, and uphold equal citizenship.
Our first feature focuses on the InternetNZ Board election.
InternetNZ members have an opportunity to restore the organisation's focus on its core mission of managing New Zealand's .nz domain name system. Many members are concerned that InternetNZ has become a platform for promoting wider social change, including its commitment to a strategy to Enliven Te Tiriti.
Democracy Action believes organisations responsible for essential public infrastructure should remain politically neutral. We therefore encourage InternetNZ members to vote for Douglas Brown and Jillianne Heather, who are committed to transparent governance, freedom of expression, and returning InternetNZ to its core responsibilities. Read more below in "InternetNZ Board Election: Vote for Douglas Brown and Jillianne Heather."
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UNDRIP: Assurances Are Not Enough
Our second feature follows up on our campaign on the India FTA Legislation Amendment Bill. Thank you to everyone who made a submission raising concerns about the Agreement's affirmation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Although Trade Minister Todd McClay says the reference to UNDRIP is not legally binding, we believe that assurance should be reflected in legislation. We are now asking you to write to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Trade, and the Leader of ACT, urging them to amend the Amendment Bill to make this explicit. Read more in "Message to the Government: If you mean it, legislate it!"
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Groundswell NZ takes the Gore District Council to court
Our third feature looks at Groundswell NZ's Environment Court challenge to the Gore District Council's proposed district plan. While focused on Gore, the case has national implications. It will test whether councils can impose planning rules that unnecessarily restrict property rights or give disproportionate weight to particular cultural interests. The outcome could set an important precedent for district planning and help ensure councils remain accountable to all citizens within the limits set by Parliament. Read more at: "Support Groundswell's Fight to Defend Property Rights."
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We hope you find these articles informative and encourage you to take action where you can—by voting in the InternetNZ Board election if you are eligible, writing to Government Ministers about the India FTA amendment legislation, and supporting Groundswell's important legal challenge if you are able.
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For more perspectives and analysis, explore the articles and commentaries featured in the Further News, Views, and Commentaries section below.
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Kind regards,
Susan Short