A Constitution
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11:22 am, September 26th, 2016 - 31 comments
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Absolute h/t to Ovid who linked to proposals for a written Consitution for Sir Geoffrey Palmer this morning in Open Mike.
1. New Zealand should become a republic.
2. The Head of State should reflect New Zealand’s national identity, culture and heritage, and should be appointed for a term of five years on a free vote in Parliament, safeguarding the independence and neutrality of the position. This is quite different form the way the Governor-General is appointed at present.
3.The duties and functions of the Head of State, largely mirroring those carried out by the Governor General now, should be set out clearly in the Constitution.
4. There should be a fixed four-year parliamentary term. (Wow!)
5. Select committees should be able to make new legislative proposals to the House of Representatives.
6. A 75% majority in Parliament should be required for urgency to be taken in passing law.
7. More checks and balances, including a stronger Bill of Rights and making more information available before legislating.
8. An independent Speaker will be elected by the House on a personal conscience vote. The person should not be the Government’s nominee, as is the case at present.
9. Constitution Aotearoa more clearly sets out the structures and powers of Government and the limits on that, including the roles and function of the Prime Minister.
10, The Cabinet is limited to 20 members, with up to five other ministers outside Cabinet. The position of Under-Secretary will be abolished.
11. The House of Representatives will elect the Prime Minister. (!!!!)
12. The Prime Minister’s ancient powers of advising on proroguing or dissolving the House will be abolished.
13. The current structure of the senior courts of New Zealand continues.
Judges’ protections against removal from office and reductions to their salary continue.14. The compulsory retirement age for judges is raised from 70 to 72.
A Judicial Appointments Commission to oversee the appointment and promotion of judges is established.15. The courts are empowered to declare Acts of Parliament invalid to the extent that they are inconsistent with the Constitution. But, importantly, the Courts won’t have the final word. First, amendments to the Constitution are allowed either by 75% of MPs or by public referendum. This follows the established tradition in New Zealand dating back to 1956 entrenching certain provisions of the Electoral Act against change by a simple majority in the House of Representatives. Second, we propose that 75% of MPs can override a particular court decision on the application of the Constitution.
16. The Treaty of Waitangi is incorporated within Constitution Aotearoa to make its status clear and certain.
17. The human rights protected by the Bill of Rights is broadened to more closely reflect the range of rights actually recognised across our legal system and in international human rights treaties. The ability for the institutions of the State to place reasonable limits on those rights where they can be demonstrably justified, as the current Bill of Rights Act allows, is retained.
18. New rights are created including:
Against slavery and servitude
Security of the person and right to privacy
Right not be arbitrarily deprived of property
Right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of gender
Right to a free primary and secondary education
Right to an environment not harmful to health and to protect the interests of future generations.
Anyone who claims that their rights have been unjustifiably infringed upon can approach the courts for a determination.
Among efforts to strengthen checks and balances are:19. Setting up a new independent Information Authority to restructure the administration of official information and improve transparency.
20. Including certain principles in the Constitution to reinvigorate the public service and protect its values.
21. Reinforcing the constitutional significance of the offices of the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General.
22. A revised approach to, and more transparent oversight of, the intelligence agencies.
23. Constitutional protection for local government.
24. No international agreement shall be binding on the State unless a Cabinet decision on it has been approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.
25. Any declaration of war must be approved by a majority of the House of Representatives.
26. There will be no significant contribution of forces to, or for any purpose of, the United Nations or other international arrangements without the prior approval of the House of Representatives. The legal grounds for participation in all such activities shall be presented to the Parliament in an opinion of the Attorney-General.
To ensure the Constitution remains current and effective, a Constitutional Commission should sit every 10 years to review the Constitution. Otherwise it will easily fall out of line with the existing realities and aspirations of the people.
A number of very strong, even radical proposals in here. Worth a quality discussion.
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- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...16 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...17 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...17 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...17 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...18 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...19 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...20 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...20 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...21 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...23 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...1 day ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...1 week ago
- Knowing superstitions aren’t real doesn’t stop us behaving superstitiously – why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Former New Zealand prime minister John Key has three white rabbits painted on his helicopter, a nod to his “massively superstitious” habit of repeating “white rabbits” three times at ...2 hours ago - Government slammed for pushing ahead with boot camps while trial still under way
The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...3 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...4 hours ago
- This week three parties stood together – can they withstand the storm to come?
There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...4 hours ago - All 33 malls in Auckland ranked from worst to best
From the low lows of abandon empires to the high highs of a mall done just right. This is the second in the Malls of New Zealand series, where we rank the malls in major centres. Next week: Wellington. A note from the editor: This is the hardest ranking we’ve ...4 hours ago
- The cost of being: A clothes-mad 20-something who walks everywhere
As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 27-year-old apartment-dwelling marketing exec explains her approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 27. Ethnicity: Pākehā. Role: Marketing exec at ...4 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
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The post Daily crossword, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- China likely to strengthen regional relationships in response to another Trump term
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Opinion: The immediate horror of nuclear weapon explosions – the blinding flash, crushing blast wave, and radioactive inferno – is well documented.But what nuclear-armed nations either don’t grasp or won’t admit, is far more chilling: how their weapons could devastate even countries thousands of kilometres from any mushroom clouds.The collapse ...4 hours ago
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After about two and a half years of planning and waiting, New Zealand’s last elephant has moved to her new home at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.Burma and her “human herd”, that is, her keepers, arrived last week, and she’s settling in well, according to Auckland Zoo’s Andrew Coers.“Something ...4 hours ago
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That’s because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people’s views on the Treaty, ...4 hours ago
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Bidder Whakapapa Holdings walked away from the sales process last year, but says it’s now ‘95% there’ on a purchase agreement – so who blinked first? The post Taken to the brink, Govt is now close to selling big Whakapapa ski field appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Watts nears a landmark deal on global carbon trading
A framework for global carbon trading under the Paris Agreement is finally nearing completion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan after years of halting talks.Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is one of two ministers tasked by the COP29 hosts with landing a long-sought deal on Article 6 of the climate accord, ...4 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...9 hours ago
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What’s wrong with a 4 year term? It’s good for all parties. Considering the last 6-12 months of a cycle is wasted getting ready for an election, it allows more to get done.
Nothing wrong at all; just surprised at the boldness of the four year fixed term.
Yeah that seems…interesting
I keep thinking about this concept of a ‘fixed term’ government and the idea that a single party rules for that term with support for policies then being dynamic. If we take this to it’s logical conclusion we could get rid of the governing party and just have parliament rule.
You would still need an executive to do the actual running of the place, ministers and such like. However, given that it was already proposed that the house elect the PM and the Speaker. that could be continued to the whole of the executive so that Ministers were not appointed by voted in – you could even raise the threshold from a majority to 60% or even 75% to make the shenanigans even more enjoyable and avoiding it just being the same as it is now.
I have also wondered if you could have a system with an elected Head of State, who was head of the executive branch of government who chose his ministers and other executive officers from the elected parliament, but they lost their mp voting rights. Add an interesting dynamic, as you would pick the best suited, but also look to spread around the political parties so not to remove any one party’s influence.
i.e. John Key is voted El Presidante, so Nat is now down 1 seat in parliament, so he won’t pick too many national mp’s to be ministers as that would further remove nationals seats and Labour would effectively be in control of the house, although the executive would be unlikely to sign off and enact any law they passed.
The same argument applies to a three-year fixed term.
Paying attention to the electorate is “wasted” time in your book; infused? Parliamentarians could take shorter holidays (especially over summer) if there is really so much extra work to be done.
The; fixed term, part of that recommendation seem difficult to square with the reality of MMP coalitions.
However, I do like recommendation 6: “75% majority in Parliament should be required for urgency to be taken in passing law” & 11: “The House of Representatives will elect the Prime Minister”. 24-26 are good too.
Despite any merit this scheme may have, there is going to have to be a lot of public consultation on this one to give it any mandate. If an outgoing coalition with a bare majority were to try ram through a new constitution in the last few months of their term, that would be problematic.
Totes – a three-year term really means a 6-year term at least, it’s not like any govo gets turfed out after one term these days. MMP will keep them playing nice – just look at the multi-headed monsters in the Danish Parliament (on “Borgen”, of course).
Really interesting thanks Red.
A good interview yesterday with the authors on RNZ.
Won’t try discussion until this evening when I have time.
Looking forward to hearing Geoffrey Palmer speaking this coming Friday… 🙂
I’d like to see a better understanding of conflict of interest, especially in regard to bringing preconceived notions into select committees. At the moment there are far too many nodding dogs.
Its not a constitution, its a wish list
” A revised approach to, and more transparent oversight of, the intelligence agencies.”
How?
” Constitutional protection for local government.” Its impossible to do in a paragraph or two.
The House of Representatives will elect the Prime Minister. And that changes what ?
Select committees should be able to make new legislative proposals to the House of Representatives. Thats number 5 ! A pointless exercise.
What about the the Minister of Finances veto- so much for parliament is supreme, they cant even overide the minister.
and silliest of all-
Including certain principles in the Constitution to reinvigorate the public service and protect its values.
Why cant they have a section on herding cats
Full text here:
http://constitutionaotearoa.org.nz/proposed-constitution-full-text/
We can always count of Geoffrey Palmer for thoughtful and thought-provoking proposals. Looks pretty good to me, although I’d need longer to fully digest it all.
I think the fixed term idea is interesting, but would take quite a shift in attitude and practice. Presumably a government that lost its majority because it lost one of its supporting parties could be challenged by a new coalition that could commend a majority; the other possibility being minority government and negotiations about each piece of legislation. There’s something quite appealing about this concept.
I also like the idea of recognising the role of local government and thinking through its relationship with central government. Under this arrangement, it would presumably be harder for central government to move in and take over, as they have in Canterbury.
red-blooded
Yes.
“Under this arrangement, it would presumably be harder for central government to move in and take over, as they have in Canterbury.”
. . . as they do whenever they damn well please. Auckland Super City. Nick Smith on Auckland district plan. Roads, public transport. Local conservation issues.
Did a post on Fixed Terms in May of last year. It might interest you.
https://thestandard.org.nz/fixed-term-parliaments/
I must admit I missed that post Bill. I like the idea a lot as it solves several of the core problems inherent in Coalition govts.
And hell if the Poms can manage it, what’s wrong with us?
It solved nothing. The UK had a maximum term of 5 years, that became the minimum. When it was up the Lib Dems were creamed by the Tories as intended in the beginning.
Would it have made any difference to the public if the election was held at 4 years? Of course not.
As for the other falalava, those provisions more aptly applied in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Tories tried to play the Welsh election results recently when it came to a PM getting the confidence motion from the Assembly first.
Never underestimate the politics of any situation. Take MMP , its been the way it works herebut its gamed by National to avoid defeat.
In Scotland absurdly, it led to SNP having a majority of seats recently despite not having a majority of the party vote. Their flaw was to have the list MPS from regions but bizarrely make all the regions the same number of electorates. The SNP saw the flaw and gamed it to their advanatge.
Geoffrey Palmer’s proposals require an often apathetic NZ public to really think about weighty issues. Will they?
Palmer’s timing is good. Here and worldwide there is growing disgust with government related corruption. If we don’t make democratic changes now, public discontent can lead to the election of a NZ demagogue.
Can’t happen here in sweet little NZ? Yeah, right. Can’t happen either in the American “cradle of liberty.”
Key’s flag referendum would’ve been better spent on a constitution referendum.
We certainly do need to discuss a written constitution and a shift to being a republic. What we can’t do is rush it nor leave it solely to the politicians.
I disagree with that as I happen to think that there should be one minister per ministry so that they can more easily keep their mind on the one job rather than being overwhelmed by excessive responsibilities.
In fact, why do we even have a Cabinet?
There’s no legal basis for it. It’s only there by convention and this government’s been running roughshod all over that convention.
A few random points.
– With both the Head of State and the Speaker are voted on by Parliament, the two of them are going to become pretty close. The Speaker in a sense would work for the Head of State. I think that would be a useful innovation for checks and balances.
– A 75% majority to get Urgency measures would require massive parliamentary discipline from the Government. I can’t see it working in MMP; too hard to whip general business and leave.
– I can’t see the difference in reality between the whole of parliament electing the Prime Minister, and what we have now. The coalition majority agrees the Cabinet positions including the Prime Minister.
– They mention the Bill of RIghts, but they forget to entrench them. I think they really need to be. Point 18 on new rights isn’t going to work. I’d rather see a focus on land ownership and national parks.
– Points 25 and 26 on declaring war and sending troops are just ridiculously isolationist.
– I’d like to see the Head of State manage the information ombudsman. As well as manage the Speaker. If we’re going to give them a refreshed constitutional role, let them do some actual work. The Head of State should also look after appeals against the Police and against the security services. Be the Big Stick.
I like the attempt at stronger checks and balances.
I like that they’ve really thought a lot through.
I’m definitely going to get the book and read the whole thing.
Good mental exercise there.
Same here Ad; it makes for some solid, interesting political homework instead of all the usual squabbling and noise. Definitely our current system needs a refresh.
I’m interested also to see their approach on the ToW.
27. Replace MMP with truly Proportional Representation and get rid of electorate boundaries altogether. With 120 seats in Parliament the electoral threshold should be 0.83% at the national level.
Many excellent points raised by Sir Geoffrey Palmer that warrant further analysis and (public) debate.
So people won’t have a “local electorate MP” to go to any more?
Local representation is deemed to be important. That’s why electorates exist.
Interestingly enough, most list MPs adopt an electorate. We could formalise that.
Have it so that all MPs are voted in on the list and then have them allocated an electorate.
Of course, the big problem with having all list MPs is that we would lose the option of having independent electorate MPs. But, then, when was the last time we had an independent electorate MP that was actually voted in as an independent?
Sure, local representation is important but not essential; many other countries do without.
My thesis is that local representation my actually hinder representation of scattered ‘minorities’ and fringe groups, for example.
I’ve never liked the hybrid MMP system and still don’t understand why it was modelled on the German system.
Yes, I’ve been getting less and less enthusiastic about having electorate MPs. If someone needs to talk about local issues then they should be talking to their local councillors.
If it’s big enough to be a national issue then they should be able to talk to any MP and the Minister who’s responsible.
Agreed!
Seems that there’s a website about NZ having a constitution:
A Constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand