The government is to conduct a wide-ranging review of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples today announced the review which they said would be a considered process over the n
The government is to conduct a wide-ranging review of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples today announced the review which they said would be a considered process over the next three years.
"The review is deliberately wide-ranging and will include matters such as the size of Parliament, the length of the electoral term, Maori representation, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi and whether New Zealand needs a written constitution.
"New Zealand has a long history of incremental constitutional change and we are keen to stimulate debate on these matters, hear the public's views and consider whether any aspects require change," Mr English said.
Enduring constitutional changes generally required a broad base of support and Mr English ruled out any significant change without either broad cross-party agreement or the majority support of voters at a referendum.
Mr English and Dr Sharples will lead the review in consultation with a cross-party reference group of MPs.
They will write to all party leaders in the next few days and ask them to nominate a representative for the cross party reference group.
"Public consultation will guide the review, and information and education campaigns will be part of the review process," Dr Sharples said.
"I know Maori want to talk about the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in our consultation, and how our legal and political systems can reflect tikanga Maori. Proper consideration of these issues cannot be rushed," he said.
An advisory panel will support the ministers, who will make a final report to the cabinet by the end of 2013. The government will respond within six months.
The review is part of the confidence and supply agreement between the National and Maori parties.
