Legislation intending to clarify certain sections of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act (MACA) to provide certainty around how Customary Marine Title (CMT) is granted for New Zealand’s coastline has passed its first reading. The legislation addresses the definitions of terms such as "exclusive use and occupation" and "substantial interruption." Continue reading

The revised Treaty Principles Bill, released by Cabinet on September 11, is a significant disappointment. Unlike ACT's initial proposal, which included three clear and concise principles aimed at enhancing “certainty and clarity,” Cabinet has recently released a set of principles that diverge considerably from ACT policy. Originally a unified set of three complementary elements, the new principles are an inconsistent mix of contradictions. Continue reading

Please see more items posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page UNCIVIL WAR - Unholy constitutional conflagration rages on in Aotearoa New Zealand John McLean comments on the attacks on New Zealand democracy and Parliamentary supremacy. “The conflict is hot and will only get hotter. Figurative flames, ballistics and scalding hot air are blasting from multiple flues, in every direction. In all the hullabaloo, woo-woo, boo-hoo and utu, few have a clue about this attempted coup”. READ MORE Continue reading

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