Final day for public submissions on Treaty Principles Bill

The deadline is approaching for people to have their say on the Government’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill.

Submissions close tonight at 11.59pm. While the exact numbers of official feedback for and against the bill are unclear, it is expected to receive significant engagement.

Proposed by the ACT Party, the legislation aims to redefine the Treaty of Waitangi principles and grant equal rights to all New Zealanders.

It has attracted widespread opposition, particularly after tens of thousands marched to the Beehive in the national Hīkoi mō te Tiriti protest at the end of last year, joined in solidarity by people across the Pacific.

During the bill’s first reading in Parliament, Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke tore the bill in half and led the haka “Ka Mate, Ka Mate”.

So, where do you stand?

Making a submission to the Select Committee may seem daunting, but it is simply an opportunity to express your opinion as someone who will be affected by the lawmakers’ decisions.

Although the legal voting age is 18, people of all ages can submit feedback on their own behalf and, with permission, on behalf of an organisation.

You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen or live in Aotearoa to make a submission. Written submissions can be made in English or Te Reo Māori. Your feedback can be as brief or as detailed as you’d like.

You’ll only need to provide your name or your organisation’s name, and if you prefer not to have your contact details made public, keep them separate from your submission.

Remember that submissions are publicly accessible and will be published on the Parliament website.

So, if you’re ready to have your say, here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a submission.

• Open your internet browser and type “New Zealand Parliament submissions” or go directly to the submissions page here.

• Click on the link that says “Make a Submission”.

• There is a list of bills that are open for public feedback. Scroll down and select “Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill”.

• There is an information page about the select committee process and the concept of the Treaty Principles Bill. Scroll down and click the button that says, “I am ready to make a submission.”

• Select whether or not you want to make an oral submission and click “next”.

• Fill in the required fields and write your submission. Remember to keep your contact details separate to protect your privacy.

• If you opted “yes” to make an oral submission, provide additional relevant details for the committee staff to process your request, such as your preferred method of communication (phone/Zoom/accessibility needs).

• Write your submission in your own words, stating whether you support or oppose the bill. You may also express what Te Tiriti o Waitangi means to you and how this legislation could impact you.

• Sign off with your name and click submit.

Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for everyone to submit their feedback on proposed legislation moving through the select committee process and encourages more people to use their voices.