Auckland Council received just over 2,000 submissions on its proposed Deed of Acknowledgement with Te Kawerau ā Maki, a report on which has been presented in a closed workshop to the three local boards concerned and the members of the Policy and Planning Committee. Continue reading

The Government is reviewing freshwater policy to replace the NPS-FM 2020 and related standards, aiming for more balanced and flexible management that supports both environmental and commercial needs. Three options are proposed for the future of Te Mana o te Wai, a concept that prioritizes the health and well-being of freshwater bodies in decision-making about water. The options range from complete removal to removing the hierarchy of obligations but retaining Māori involvement. Democracy Action supports full removal (Option 3), arguing Te Mana o te Wai imposes spiritual concepts and iwi authority into law at the expense of scientific rigour, clarity, and democratic accountability. Continue reading

Further news, views, commentaries……. See more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page   Racist policies in Parliamentary precinct Commenting on Parliamentary Services’ Rautaki Maori strategy, Senior King’s Counsel Gary Judd writes that it is a force which is destructive of our democracy. “It is subversive of the whole democratic process, because Te Ao Māori is not democratic. It is tribal where chiefs call the shots.” READ MORE   Continue reading

Thank you for the opportunity to present our views on the Regulatory Standards Bill. Democracy Action is in favour of the Bill. We approve of the aim to raise the standards for the formulation of laws and regulations. The decline in performance is clear; in 1998, New Zealand held the second position globally in terms of regulatory efficiency, but according to the OECD, it has now dropped to 20th place. We must act to enhance regulatory efficiency once again. Continue reading

Introduction Thank you for the opportunity to present Democracy Action’s submission on the proposed Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement. Democracy Action is a not-for-profit incorporated society established to champion the importance of democracy and equality of citizenship in New Zealand. Based in Auckland (with supporters throughout New Zealand), we have actively advocated for the protection of democratic principles since 2012. https://www.democracyaction.org.nz/who_we_are Democracy Action has two points we would like to raise regarding the proposed Deed of Acknowledgement. Continue reading

Please see more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page Fear and loathing grips the left over NZME shake-up Journalist and commentator, Graham Adams, fires back at politicians and media commentators who have their knickers in a twist about Jim Grenon’s proposed NZME board takeover. Graham writes: “It’s very hard to see how that is a threat to democracy, as some media commentators have claimed. Rather than a blow to democracy, it could be more accurately seen as promoting diversity of thought and opinion in a media landscape heavily dominated by left-leaning journalists”. Continue reading

Please see more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page RICHARD PREBBLE: Letter of resignation from the Waitangi Tribunal Read Richard Prebble’s letter of resignation from The Waitangi Tribunal, in which he claims that the Treaty as currently interpreted has become a socialist manifesto and a source of never-ending grievance, adding that he is not willing to carry out the Tribunal’s proposed strategic plan. READ MORE Continue reading

Presented to the Justice Select Committee by the Chair of Democracy Action, Lee Short on 17 February 2025 “Morena, and Good Morning, Chair and members of the Justice Committee My name is Lee Short. I am the Chair of Democracy Action. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to present our case to you this morning Continue reading

Last November, the Minister of Conservation, Tama Potaka, called for public feedback on two discussion documents that include proposals to change the management of the conservation system, and to consider implementing fees for access to certain areas of the conservation estate. We have until 5 pm Friday, February 28 to have a say. Continue reading

Currently, a process is underway in Auckland Council that would give two iwi - Te Kawerau ā Maki and at a later stage, Ngati Whātua - co-governance over the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. Another proposal currently under consideration, also initiated by Te Kawerau ā Maki, involves restricting public access to a considerable section of the regional park. This area accounts for 35% of the park's total land. Implementing this proposal would eliminate 19 tracks, with 3 being partially closed and 16 fully closed. Continue reading