Local government should be accountable to the people. Yet across the country, councils are giving unelected appointees voting rights - the same as elected councillors - on committees that determine policy and how our rates are spent. Continue reading

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Candidate nominations for this year’s local body elections have now closed, and campaigning is ramping up. This is the perfect time to ask candidates the important questions — before we vote, we need to know where they stand on key issues. Continue reading

Over the past three years, over 40 councils across New Zealand have introduced Māori wards without first seeking a public mandate. The Coalition Government believes such decisions should rest with local communities. Continue reading

In its coalition deal with NZ First, National agreed to "conduct a comprehensive review of all legislation (except when it is related to, or substantive to, existing full and final Treaty settlements) that includes 'The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi'". Continue reading

The Auckland Council has approved a Deed of Acknowledgement with local iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki. The Deed identifies specific opportunities for the iwi to be formally involved in the management of public land within the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area. Continue reading

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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