How can I get involved? Ka pēhea te whai wāhi ki tēnei kaupapa?

In the first part of 2013, the Panel will be meeting face-to-face with a broad and diverse range of communities so you may have the opportunity to participate in one of these meetings or hui.

We will also launch our engagement website and provide other resources to help support informed discussion on the constitutional topics. You’ll be able to make a public submission online, via email or post.

When the engagement website launches, we will let you know about the various ways you can be part of the conversation and advertise public events.

If you’re interested in receiving updates, register here.

A number of interested groups have already organised their own meetings, hui and workshops to discuss the topics covered in the constitutional review. We encourage everyone with an interest in New Zealand’s constitution to do the same.

The Conversation So Far

We’ve produced an information booklet covering all the key topics being considered for the constitutional review that you can discuss with your whānau, hapū, friends and colleagues. You’re welcome to tailor the information in this booklet to suit your needs.

Click on the image below, or click here, to download a PDF version of "The Conversation So Far".

What topics are going to be considered?

The terms of reference cover the following topics:

Electoral matters:

  • The size of Parliament.
  • The length of term of Parliament and whether or not the term should be fixed.
  • The size and number of electorates, including the method for calculating size.
  • Electoral integrity legislation.

Crown-Māori relationship matters:

  • Māori representation including: the Māori Electoral Option; Māori electoral participation; and Māori seats in Parliament and local government.
  • The role of the Treaty of Waitangi within New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.

Other constitutional matters:

  • Whether New Zealand should have a written constitution.
  • Bill of Rights issues.

The Panel’s task is to provide Ministers with an understanding of New Zealanders' perspectives on the topics listed above. However we may also report on issues outside the terms of reference if there is sufficient interest.