Renowned for spectacular sunsets and boasting one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, Ninety Mile Beach is one of our iconic beaches, holding a special place in the hearts of many New Zealanders. Therefore, many of us may be interested in taking the opportunity to provide our thoughts on the important issues facing the beach, and how we think these should be managed. Continue reading

The Democracy Action working group is preparing a set of questions to ask candidates. Please take the opportunity to call radio shows with guest candidates, and attend public meetings, to ask a question or two. Continue reading

Over 600 local and central government delegates were on hand at the opening of the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Conference in Wellington on July 7th to hear the president of LGNZ, Dave Cull, launch a push for greater localism in his speech ‘Reinvigorating Democracy: The case for localising power and decision making to councils and communities’.  Continue reading

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is undertaking a review of the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987. The second stage of consultation is now open. Public feedback on proposed options is currently being sought. Make sure you submit your feedback by 9 September 2019. Continue reading

Northland Māori are making a push for greater representation in local government, renewing calls for local Māori seats. Some say government intervention is necessary and that may include compulsory Māori seats. Pita Tipene of Ngāti Hine laments that local government legislation and processes are "shutting out our people". Continue reading

The Marine and Coastal Area Act 2011 triggered almost 600 applications for the recognition of customary rights over specified area of the common marine and coastal area. Over 200 claims were lodged in the High Court, the start of a very complicated, long and expensive process. Continue reading

Waikato District Council has unanimously given support for Māori representation on its principle Council Committees after the October 2019 local government elections. Mayor Allan Sanson said that the Waikato District Council – Waikato Tainui Joint Management Agreement (JMA) committee had made this a priority, saying the move has been "a long time coming". Continue reading

Te Ngāi Tū Ahuriri Rūnanga is the most recent applicant for a mātaitai reserve,* which includes the coastline north of Amberley Beach in North Canterbury, stretching for 5.6km, and offshore 1km.  Continue reading

Last year, the Government created a new agency - 'Māori Crown relations'. At the launch, Minister Kelvin Davis, announced that "The agency…will help facilitate the next step in the Treaty relationship – moving beyond the settlement of treaty grievances into what it means to work together in partnerships." Continue reading

‘The Time is Now: We Lead, You Follow’ is the title of a report on a hui held to discuss the justice system. It comes with three main recommendations - these cover constitutional reform, a call for a plan to accelerate and understand the change needed, and to establish a Mana Ōrite (equal) model of partnership. Continue reading