A SIMPLE GUIDE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE TREATY OF WAITANGI BILL
(also known as the Treaty Principles Bill)
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What are submissions?
There are many steps for a Bill to become a new law. (See this helpful picture of the steps for a bill to become a law, from Koekoeaa on Instagram, Facebook.)
One step is for the government to ask for submissions from the public.
Submissions are read by a small group within Parliament called a Select Committee.
In a submission, people write down if they are for or against a proposed law. They can also give a recommendation to reject or change a law.
Submissions can be entered on a form on the Government website.
Who can make a submission?
Anyone can write a submission against the Treaty Principles Bill. You do not need to be a NZ Citizen or Resident. Adults and children can write submissions.
You can write a submission for yourself, and for an organisation you belong to.
You can help your children or family members make their own submissions.
You have the right to participate and make your views heard.
OK, I want to make a submission on the Treaty Principles Bill. How do I do it?
You can make submissions on the NZ Government website.
Submissions in New Zealand are public. Your name and what you write in your submission will be published online.
Your personal details will not be made public (phone, email, address)
What should I write in my submission?
- Introduce yourself – Who you are and why this issue is important to you.
- What you think about the Treaty Principles Bill – be very clear “I oppose this Bill because…
(Earlier we included some problems with the bill, and reasons why this is important). Use respectful language. Write from the heart! - Recommendation: Do not pass this Bill.
Remember, your name and submission will be published online, together with all the other submissions.
It is OK to write a short submission. Every submission will be counted.
Submissions close on 7 January 2025.