Isn’t time flying by - who can believe we are midway through the year already, and over halfway through the term of this coalition government? While there has been some progress in restoring democratic principles and the equality of citizenship, there is still a long way to go. For instance, we are still waiting for key coalition promises, such as amendments to the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act, which has been held in legislative limbo for several months, despite the original intention for its second reading to be heard before the end of 2024. In the meantime, the courts are continuing down the path of awarding large areas of the coast to claimants – see Govt decision-less as court approves more coastline titles to Māori applicants - Newsroom
Another vital coalition promise that has yet to be fulfilled is the review of all legislation that includes 'The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.’ We are informed that this is currently underway, and look forward to a positive outcome.
The two issues we are highlighting this month are both examples of how the democratic foundation of our country is being decimated by a thousand cuts. These aren’t isolated cases but part of an insidious shift toward power-sharing under the Treaty ‘partnership principle’. Across both central and local government, significant constitutional changes are taking place, largely without public scrutiny.
Thank you to all who made submissions on the proposed Deed of Acknowledgement for the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. The public feedback is currently being considered by the Auckland Council, with a decision pending on whether to proceed with the Deed as outlined in the public consultation document. However, the proposed joint committee’s undemocratic nature is just the tip of the iceberg. Most New Zealanders are unaware that democratic control over our parks is gradually being eroded. Read more about this and suggested actions you can take in the article below at: Waitākere Ranges Proposed Deed of Acknowledgement - What's Next?
RMA reforms
The Government is currently seeking public feedback on significant reforms to New Zealand's environmental and planning laws under the RMA. The proposed reforms will shape the future of land use, water management, development, farming, and housing. Four discussion documents are open for submission, covering:
- Infrastructure and Development.
- Primary Sector (farming and rural land use)
- Freshwater Management
- Urban Growth and Housing
N.B. The opportunity to provide feedback to the government closes on 27 Jul 2025.
For a summary of the reforms, see the Simpson Grierson article: ‘Sweeping RMA shake-up: submissions now open on National Direction reforms’
The second issue we are highlighting this month is the Te Mana o te Wai provision in the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) 2020. The brainchild of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group, Te Mana o te Wai not only imbues water with spiritual qualities necessitating pastoral care by local iwi and hapū, but concerns have been raised about the astronomical costs of its implementation.
As part of its resource management reforms, the government is considering options to "rebalance" this provision. We argue that instead of rebalancing, Te Mana o te Wai should be replaced with democratic water management grounded in science and measurable outcomes. Therefore, we support Option 3 – removing Te Mana o te Wai provisions entirely. The reasons for this recommendation, and how to submit, are explained below at: Have your say on Freshwater Reforms
N.B. The opportunity to provide feedback closes on Sunday, 27 Jul 2025.
This month’s recommended reading
‘The Spark the Logs and the Gasoline - the long road to the New Zealand Wars’, by Piers Seed, author of ‘Hoani’s Last Stand’ (2022), and ‘Taonga and Contra Proferentem’ (2023).
Copies can be ordered by emailing the author at [email protected]
This book presents a well-researched and detailed account of the origins of the New Zealand Wars. A comprehensive review by Mike Butler (author and former journalist) can be read by clicking HERE.
Also recommended is a selection of thought-provoking commentaries, the likes of which you won’t read in the mainstream media. See: ‘Further news, views, commentaries…….’
Furthermore, regularly check the Democracy Action Facebook page, where we 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