January 15, 2013
Constitutional Panel seeks public input
The Constitutional Advisory Panel is finally clicking into gear, publishing an issue book and calling for submissions.
Co-chair Sir Tipene O’Regan says it’s a chance to think about this country’s future and what kind of place people want their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live in.
Co-chair Emeritus Professor John Burrows QC says because the constitution belongs to the people of New Zealand, the panel wants to hear from as many people as possible
The panel, which was created as a condition of the Māori Party supporting the National-led Government, is to look at the scope and status of the Bill of Rights Act 1990, electoral issues, Māori representation, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in constitutional arrangements and whether New Zealand should have a written constitution.
It is due to report back to Government by December 2013 with recommendations based on the submissions received from the general public.
Other members include Peter Chin, Deborah Coddington, Hon Sir Michael Cullen, Hon John Luxton, Bernice Mene, Dr Leonie Pihama, Hinurewa Poutu, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Peter Tennent and Emeritus Professor Dr Ranginui Walker.
The booklet, New Zealand’s Constitution: The Conversation So Far, and more information is available at www.cap.govt.nz
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd