Democracy Action is urging New Zealanders to continue lobbying MPs to remove Article 13.2 — the UNDRIP clause — from the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement before ratification. The clause has nothing to do with trade, and carries significant constitutional implications. It could be used to further embed UNDRIP principles into New Zealand law and policy.  Importantly, the clause can still be removed or amended before ratification through the standard international treaty process under Article 18 of the Vienna Convention, without affecting the substance of the trade agreement itself. Continue reading

A major shift in local government is occurring through Mana Whakahono ā Rohe (MWaR) agreements under the Resource Management Act. These agreements are creating long-term participation and governance arrangements between councils and iwi authorities. The growing use of MWaR agreements is raising wider questions about democratic accountability, public oversight, governance, and who ultimately makes decisions affecting local communities. The Far North District Council’s agreement with Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi demonstrates how extensive these arrangements can become. Continue reading

  See more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page The FNDC debacle – Why democracy matters Peter Williams examines the lessons from the Far North District Council experience and highlights the importance of ensuring that those who make decisions on behalf of communities remain directly accountable to the people they serve. READ MORE   Continue reading

Water services under new management: regional entities, iwi partnerships, and the end of local control. Across New Zealand, new water service entities are being established under the Government’s “Local Water Done Well” framework, marking a significant shift in how water services are owned, controlled, and politically overseen. Continue reading

The coalition agreement between National and NZ First committed to reviewing all legislation referencing “Treaty principles,” with the aim of replacing or repealing those references. The Government established a ministerial oversight group and expert advisory panel to carry out the review. A list of 23 laws was identified as being in scope, and the review was expected to be completed by August 2025. Since that timeframe passed, there has been little to no public update or visible progress. Continue reading

See more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page National Walking Away From Its Co-Governance Promises Michael Laws interviews the NZ Taxpayers’ Union CEO Jordan Williams about the government’s broken promise of no co-governance of public services. VIEW HERE Continue reading

The Medical Council is consulting on draft statements on Cultural Competence, Cultural Safety, and Hauora Māori – consultation closes 24 March. While respectful patient care is essential, parts of the drafts embed contested political ideas beyond clinical practice. Proposals require doctors to affirm beliefs about colonialism, privilege, or power structures. Doctors would be required to monitor and report colleagues’ perceived biases. Professional regulation should focus on patient care and competence, not political or activist advocacy. Make a submission: even a short note supporting respectful care while raising concerns about ideological overreach can help. Continue reading

The Taupō Council’s Draft Joint Management Agreement would hand the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board unprecedented influence over local decisions. From planning and enforcement to resource consents, powers normally held by elected councillors would be subject to shared decision-making. Continue reading