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Democracy Action supports the Bill, though with reservations specifically concerning Principle 2. We support the objective to “create greater certainty and clarity to the meaning of the principles in legislation”. Parliament has failed the nation by incorporating the concept of principles of the Treaty in legislation without providing a clear definition. As a result, unelected bodies like the Waitangi Tribunal and the courts, which lack democratic oversight and accountability, have taken on the task of interpreting these principles. Their interpretations of the "principles of the Treaty" are reshaping New Zealand's constitutional framework, and in doing so undermining the tenets of democracy and equal citizenship. This transformation of the country's constitutional structure has occurred without the consent of the people. Therefore, we welcome this opportunity to participate in a national dialogue regarding the role of the principles of the Treaty within our constitutional framework - a conversation which we consider to be well overdue. Continue reading

The Whanganui Lands Negotiation Settlement Trust (WLSNT) and the Crown negotiator are seeking agreement from the Whanganui District Council to support the Trust's aspiration to establish a partnership framework with the Council, aiming to include this proposal in their Treaty settlement. Continue reading

Two discussion documents have been released by the Department of Conservation for public feedback. One proposes implementing fees for access to some public conservation areas, while the other concerns the management of conservation land. Continue reading

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Here's our written submission on the government's proposed Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) (Customary Marine Title) Amendment Bill. Continue reading

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