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

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

Please see more items posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page DON BRASH: HIPKINS' DANGEROUS STATEMENT ON MĀORI NOT CEDING SOVEREIGNTY Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins stirred controversy by asserting that “Māori did not cede sovereignty” when signing the Treaty of Waitangi. Don Brash comments “New Zealand has operated as a unified nation under the Crown's sovereignty for more than 180 years. Hipkins’ claim that Māori did not cede sovereignty threatens our national unity and could undermine our legal and political system, creating divisions based on heritage where there should be none”. READ MORE   Continue reading

The parliamentary select committee considering the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has presented its report to the House of Representatives. Notably, it has ignored coalition agreement promises by endorsing provisions granting race-based customary fishing in High Protection Areas (HPAs). TAKE ACTION BY SENDING THE GOVERMENT A MESSAGE Continue reading

A more democratic approach to Māori wards is being proposed by the government, one which would allow voters to challenge any decision made by councils regarding Māori wards through a binding poll. This proposal is outlined in the Local Government (Electoral Legislation & Maori Wards & Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill. Continue reading

Despite repeated questioning, the Coalition has still not provided the details or even a timeline for their proposed changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act. While Minister Paul Goldsmith says that work is underway, there seems to be a lack of urgency. Continue reading

The Human Rights Commission and the National Iwi Chairs Forum* are working together on a campaign to transition from New Zealand's existing democratic government system to a radical race-based constitution. Continue reading

Please see more items posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page Continue reading

  Written submission Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill. Democracy Action supports the policy of enabling local electors to take part in their local elections and decisions about their local electoral arrangements. Continue reading

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking public feedback after a request from iwi to extend the temporary closure of specific fishery sites in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.  Continue reading