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Audio: Sharples and English Announce Constitutional Review
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Maori Party Co-Leader Pita Sharples today announced the terms of reference for a three-year cross-party review of New Zealands constitutional arrangements.
The Ministers emphasised the review was to be as open as possible and any outcome would be based on public opinion. Any action result from it would require strong cross-party support or endorsement through a referendum.
Issues currently listed for discussion include electoral matter such as the size of parliament and term lengths; the Crown-Maori relationship, including the Maori electoral option and the role of the Treaty in the constitution; and other matters such as a written constitution and the status of the Bill of Rights.
While the question of a republic is not mentioned, Mr English said that the terms of reference are open and that such discussion was inevitable.
Dr Sharples said that while Maori voices would be given a definite say (and he himself has suggestions), the process was about agreeing on an enduring constitutional solution.
The review is part of the support agreement between the Maori and National parties signed after the 20087 election, and was originally due to begin "no later than early 2010". Mr English and Dr Sharples both said they were content with the delay.
The committee's first report is expected by June 2011 and will deal with procedural matters, including how any debate on electoral matters will be possible given the coming referendum on MMP. Earnest discussion is likely to begin after the 2012 general election.
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