27 April 2007

Greens, United Future jointly oppose limits on births, deaths information

Green Party MP Keith Locke and United Future leader Hon Peter Dunne today presented to Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker a joint letter outlining their concerns about the restrictions contained in the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships Registration Amendment Bill, which will impose major limits on the work of journalists, genealogists and historians.

"We have serious concerns that by restricting access to individuals, their immediate family members and those authorized by them, this Bill will impede legitimate public research. In particular, the legislation would have severe implications for those researching their whakapapa.

"We believe it is essential for registered information regarding births, deaths, marriages and relationships to remain open to the public.

"While we recognize identity theft is of concern, we believe that this can be countered by using measures that maintain our fundamental values, and that recognise our right to access information. We note that since 2003, the incidence of identity fraud has decreased each year from 43 cases in 2003 to 8 in 2006.

"To meet identity fraud concerns, those accessing records for research purposes could be issued copies in a different format, clearly marked to be for research purposes only. Applicants could also be required to supply their name and address so that, should identity theft subsequently occur, a record would exist of who has accessed the information.

"Our future support for this Bill will be contingent on amendments that ensure the continuation of open access to those important public records," the MPs conclude.

ENDS

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