The Government’s proposal to "Simplify Local Government" represents a significant restructuring of New Zealand's local government system, primarily by eliminating regional councillors and replacing them with a Combined Territories Board (CTB) composed of mayors from city and district councils. Continue reading

Read more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page Geoff Parker: He Puapua - Already in Motion Evidence shows He Puapua is already in practice — quietly embedding ancestry-based distinctions across New Zealand’s institutions. READ MORE   Continue reading

Key Points: Customary catch data is withheld from the public. Though reporting is legally required, Fisheries NZ (FNZ) says it cannot release this information. FNZ will not verify whether mandatory reporting is occurring, whether national totals are complete, or whether the data used in management decisions is accurate. This leaves a gap in fisheries management. All other sectors’ catch data is public—customary catch is the only exception. Continue reading

Biggest overhaul of NZ local government in over 30 years. Regional councils will be abolished and replaced with new governing bodies. Continue reading

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The Amendment Bill restores Parliament’s original intent behind the 2011 MACA Act. It responds to recent court rulings (notably the Whakatōhea/Edwards decisions) that lowered the threshold for Customary Marine Title (CMT), allowing more claims than intended. The legislation aims to provide clarity and certainty for claims. Continue reading

The Gene Technology Bill, due for its second reading, is sparking significant public concern. Despite 15,000 submissions—with 97% opposing the Bill—the Select Committee has recommended it proceed, with only minor amendments. Continue reading

See more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page Oxford Union Debate Foreign Minister Winston Peters recently delivered a speech in the Oxford Union Debate, arguing that the courts are undermining democracy. READ MORE Continue reading

The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill has passed its third reading. This legislation provides for new conservation areas—but exemptions for Māori customary fishing and commercial ring-netting weaken the promised protection. Continue reading

See more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page NZCPR NEWSLETTER: DR MURIEL NEWMAN - REINSTATING DEMOCRACY Dr Muriel Newman warns that the tribal sovereignty movement has embedded the framework for a separatist nation-state deep within government institutions. "If democracy in New Zealand is to endure, these race-based structures must be dismantled by the Coalition. READ MORE Continue reading