Constitutional Review – Rural Women Encouraged to Have Your Say

The deadline to have your say on the NZ Constitutional Review has been extended to 31 July due to growing interest in this topic.

Rural Women New Zealand is encouraging its members to get involved in the current review of how the country is run and what’s important for our future.

In the first half of 2013, the Constitutional Advisory Panel, which is an independent advisory group to the Government, is seeking submissions on New Zealand’s constitution.

Specific topics for discussion include:

• the pros and cons of having our constitution written down in a single document,
• the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in our constitution, and
• electoral issues such as the length of the Parliamentary term.

Panel Co-Chair Emeritus Professor John Burrows spoke at our national conference in Christchurch recently, and encouraged people to become informed and take the opportunity to make a submission.

There was a concern that interest groups could flood the panel with submissions and overtake the process, so Prof Burrows said it was essential for individuals to get involved and to have their say.

This is an opportunity for people to tell the panel how they see New Zealand and its future.

The Panel is due to report back to the Government by the end of 2013. Its recommendations will be based on submissions received.

Public submissions are due by 31 July 2013 and can be made online at www.ourconstitution.org.nz by email or post. People can find a wealth of information and meeting resources on the website or by phoning 0508 411 411.