Lack of Transparency Keeps Kiwis in the Dark

“The reason two out of every three New Zealanders are unaware of the Constitutional Review, is because it’s happening behind closed doors,” says Conservative Party Leader Colin Craig.

Research just released by Research New Zealand, shows only 33% of New Zealanders are aware of the current Constitutional Review.

“Changing our constitution is a major proposition, and this process is proving to be one that is not inclusive of New Zealanders, nor is it one which New Zealanders asked the government to undertake,” says Mr Craig.

“What we are seeing here is a waste of time and resources for something there is no mandate for. Because there is no mandate for this Constitutional Review, tax payers money should be nowhere near it,” he says.

“Time, money, and attention that could be going into jobs, and economic prosperity, are once again being used to pander to back room agendas. This joins the growing list of government activity now undertaken without appropriate transparency and inclusion.”

“Despite the government rhetoric, the inability to prioritise economic development and employment is now a recurring theme,” says Mr Craig.

“Those lobbying for a new constitution should do all the work at their own cost, and then propose it with a Citizens Initiated Referendum if they have enough support.”

“The politicians might be getting it wrong but the people are not. Nearly eighty per cent of New Zealanders believe a constitutional change should be put to a referendum. Once again the people are right. Our constitutional framework is the property of the people of New Zealand. Unless they explicitly endorse a change, it should be left well alone.”

“This is yet another issue that proves New Zealanders want a more inclusive government, in which they participate via referenda that counts,” Colin Craig says.

“The Conservative Party has a policy of referenda being binding on government if they achieve the support of at least two thirds of voters.”
ENDS

Research New Zealand Research, “Review of New Zealand Constitution” 3 April 2012.

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