Current legislation open for public consultation in New Zealand
Regardless of your views, this is one thing you can do to feel less helpless, especially as individuals.
It's easy to feel helpless if you want to engage in politics nowadays and are not quite sure what the most constructive and helpful thing to do is, especially given how polarized some views feel. You might also not feel like you quite agree with the Left or the Right, in which case I hear you! I offered last week to help write submissions to help us all contribute meaningfully, regardless of our views, and this week's edition is an extension of last week's offer.
I want to be clear that my aim with this newsletter is not to state my personal views or necessarily endorse one side or another, but to provide ideas, insights and thoughts that help us build our political flexibility, push our empathy boundary, discover what we actually agree with regardless of what the mainstream media and political parties want us to believe, and develop less certainty in our own views.
Participating in the legislative process is one way to engage meaningfully without being entrenched in a particular ideology. Here are the upcoming New Zealand bills you can submit, regardless of your political stance. This is a small but impactful way to contribute to the democratic process.
Upcoming Legislation for Public Submissions
Privacy Amendment Bill
Closing Date for Submissions:11.59 pm on Friday, 14 June 2024
Objective: This bill seeks to improve individuals' transparency regarding collecting personal information. It introduces a new notification obligation for agencies collecting personal information indirectly and makes technical amendments to address minor issues since the Principal Act came into force.
Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara/Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Friday, 14 June 2024
Objective: This bill aims to give effect to the Deed of Agreement relating to the Ō-Rākau site, enabling the record of title for the site to be held in the names of the ancestors who fought at the battle of Ō-Rākau. It also allows Maniapoto, Raukawa, and Waikato to jointly exercise the rights and obligations of the registered owner of the site.
Inquiry into Climate Adaptation
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Sunday, 16 June 2024
Objective: The inquiry aims to develop and recommend high-level objectives and principles for designing a climate change adaptation model for New Zealand. It will consider the nature of the climate adaptation problem, frameworks for investment and cost-sharing, roles and responsibilities, and climate risk and response information-sharing.
Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Sunday, 30 June 2024
Objective: This bill proposes amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991, focusing on resource consenting, implementing significant natural areas (SNAs), and setting national direction. It addresses time-sensitive issues and is part of a broader reform of the RMA.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Wednesday, 03 July 2024
Objective: This bill aims to update the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to keep up with New Zealand’s growing private rental market. Proposed changes include rules around notice periods, periodic tenancies, tenancy terminations, and introducing a ‘pet bond’ and pet consent rules.
Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Wednesday, 03 July 2024
Objective: This bill seeks to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, which provides specific duties to the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki about the Treaty of Waitangi.
Regulatory Systems (Primary Industries) Amendment Bill
Closing Date for Submissions: 11.59 pm on Monday, 08 July 2024
Objective: This omnibus bill aims to improve regulatory systems related to primary industries, ensuring they are effective, efficient, and in line with best regulatory practices. The committee is particularly interested in new amendments proposed by the Minister of Agriculture.
By participating in these submissions, you can help shape the future of New Zealand's legislation. It's a practical step towards being less confident and more flexible in our political views, contributing to a more inclusive and democratic society.
I dont agree with the claim that children are racially colourblind. This argument is being used by Seymour and Karen Chhour to justify putting brown children in white foster homes, but I would suggest that young children are aware of everything, and very much influenced by culture. Colourblindness is learned as people grow up, and if Chhour had been raised in Maori culture, she would be more understanding of their concerns, and might speak her native tongue. I wonder how many European children get fostered into Maori families ?