Committee may decide on extension tomorrow

Te Pāti Māori is urging the Government to extend the public submission deadline for the Treaty Principles Bill after technical issues on the parliamentary portal prevented people from submitting their input.

Labour and the Green parties are also calling for an extension.

PMN News understands that the Justice Select Committee will meet tomorrow at 9am to decide whether to extend submissions.

The ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill aims to redefine the document’s clauses and their use in legislation, sparking controversy and accusations that it may undermine the governing rights of Māori.

The Justice Select Committee has received submissions, with the original deadline set for 7 January 2025.

However, many individuals and groups have reported technical issues with the submission platform on Parliament’s website and have voiced their concerns on social media.

“So the Parliament server times out twice while I was trying to put my submission in for the TPB bill,” wrote @scottjbarnett on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The Māori Party raised these concerns with the Office of the Clerk earlier this week, but the issues persisted, resulting in Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer requesting an extension from Justice Committee Chair James Meager.

Submission platform for the Bill has recevied many complaints over technical issues. Photo/Parliament NZ

“Despite raising it yesterday with the Office of the Clerk, we are continuing to see whānau experiencing issues with the submission portal, potentially denying them their right to have their voice heard,” Ngarewa-Packer said.

“These technical failures risk undermining the democratic process and shutting out those who wish to express their whakaaro.”

Te Pāti Māori has outlined their demands to the Government.

• Extend the submission deadline by at least two weeks.

• Address the technical issues affecting the submission portal urgently.

• Communicate transparently with the public about the resolution process and new deadlines.

James Meager is also the MP for Rangitata. Photo/Parliament NZ

Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi emphasised the importance of accessibility in the submission process.

“This kaupapa is far too important to be rushed or compromised by avoidable errors,” he said.

The Treaty Principles Bill has generated significant public interest and debate, with thousands participating in protests and discussions nationwide.

The Government has not publicly responded to Te Pāti Māori’s demands.

Submissions can alternatively be sent to TreatyPrinciples@parliament.co.nz

Watch Debbie Ngarewa-Packer talk about the national hikoi on Pacific Mornings.