Your Resources

Now is the time to have your say on New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements…

 

New Zealand’s Constitution consists of a number of statutes, conventions, judicial decisions, international law, and the Treaty of Waitangi. Unusually, important parts of New Zealand’s constitution can be changed by a simple majority in Parliament or, in the case of conventions and the Treaty of Waitangi, have no actual legal effect in and of themselves!  This type of constitutional arrangement has both its benefits and disadvantages. Consequently, New Zealander’s have varied opinions on what form our constitutional framework should take.

In an effort to reconcile the public’s varied opinions, the Constitutional Advisory Panel has been formed. The Panel is to consider public submissions and report on what New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements should look like.

The Panel’s report to the Government is due in December of this year. Public submissions close at 5pm on 1 July 2013.

The principal areas the Panel are considering include:

  • The manner and form of New Zealand’s Constitution e.g. whether it should be written in a single document or whether the Courts should have the power to invalidate legislation which is inconsistent with the Constitution;
  • The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 e.g. whether you believe the current Act protects your rights sufficiently and what if any rights should be added to the Act.
  • The role of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements; the Panel reports this is presently the most contentious issue, therefore submissions are essential;
  • Maori representation in Parliament and Local Government e.g. the future role of  Maori Seats;
  • General electoral matters e.g. the length of Parliament and the number of Members of Parliament; and
  • What your aspirations are for New Zealand.

More information can be found at the Panel’s general website: http://www.ourconstitution.org.nz/

People can also provide submissions on any other constitutional issues they deem relevant.

The submissions received from the public will form the basis for the Panel’s reporting. If you take an interest in New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements, we invite you to make a submission.

If you have any questions about the Constitutional Review, or would like assistance in preparing a submission, contact us.