Welcome to this month's Democracy Action newsletter.
There is one issue that requires your immediate attention. Public submissions on the India Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill close at 11.59 pm on Sunday, 19 July.
Parliament is now considering the legislation needed to implement the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), providing another opportunity to raise concerns about the inclusion of the UNDRIP affirmation. The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is accepting public submissions, and every submission helps ensure this issue receives proper consideration before the legislation progresses further.
👉 Please take a few minutes to lodge a submission. Our article, India FTA Reopens Door to UNDRIP, explains the issues and provides practical guidance to help you prepare your submission.
For further information, also see our June newsletter article: 'Scrap the UNDRIP clause from the India FTA'
Auckland's Democratic Loophole Can Be Closed
We also report on an important opportunity to restore democratic accountability in Auckland. New legal advice indicates that the voting rights of the unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) members on Auckland Council committees could be removed immediately through legislation already before Parliament.
The Government now has an opportunity to ensure the same democratic standards will apply in Auckland as they will throughout the rest of New Zealand.
👉 With public support, this anomaly can be addressed. Read more in 'Close the Auckland loophole: remove IMSB voting rights now!'
Restoring Political Neutrality to Professional Regulators
This edition also highlights growing concerns about professional regulators becoming involved in political and ideological matters beyond their statutory purpose. We examine the campaign to restore political neutrality to professional regulators and encourage everyone to support the proposed Regulated Professions Neutrality Bill, which would help ensure regulators remain focused on professional competence, ethics and public safety—not lawful political expression.
👉 Support the proposed Regulated Professions Neutrality Bill - read more in Stop Political Activism by Professional Regulators
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe Agreements
Last month, we warned that councils appeared to be rushing to complete Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (iwi participation) agreements before the Government's Resource Management Act reforms take effect. See ‘Mana Whakahono a Rohe: The death of democracy by a thousand cuts?’
That trend is continuing. The number of agreements is steadily increasing, and some are not yet listed on the Ministry’s register. For example, Horizons Regional Council has been asked to negotiate 14 separate Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements and has committed up to $10,000 per iwi entity to support participation in their development.
These legally binding agreements deserve far greater public scrutiny.
👉 You can help. Informed public engagement helps strengthen democratic decision-making - contact your mayor or local councillor and ask whether your council is processing any Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements. If it is, encourage the council to publicly release all draft agreements and undertake full public consultation before any agreement proceeds any further.
Democracy Action AGM – Sunday, 16 August 2026
Please save the date for the Democracy Action Annual General Meeting, to be held on the afternoon of Sunday, 16 August 2026, in Auckland (venue to be confirmed).
The AGM provides an opportunity to review the past year, elect office bearers, and discuss our priorities as we continue to advocate for democracy and equal citizenship.
👉 If you intend to attend, please email [email protected] to assist with planning. Further details, including the venue, agenda and meeting time, will be circulated closer to the date.
Recommended Reading
The Constitutional Revolution New Zealand Pretends Is Not Happening
New Zealand's constitution is being fundamentally transformed without a public mandate or widespread public awareness. In this commentary, former National MP and lawyer Graeme Reeves argues that this process is already well underway.
Also, in The Great Betrayal, former MP and Thames-Coromandel mayor Sandra Goudie points out that Treaty settlements are among the primary forces undermining New Zealand's democracy.
For more perspectives and analysis, explore the articles and commentaries featured in the 'Further News, Views and Commentaries' section below.
Further ways to get involved!
Join us on:
👉 X: @DemocracyActNZ
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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].
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Kind regards,
Susan Short