Watch the video recording of the April 2023 event on open government with Sanjay Pradhan and Helen Clark from the Open Government Partnership, Helmut Modlik of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Andrew Ecclestone and Suzanne Snively. Keep reading “Complacency on Open Government a risk to democracy – Helen Clark”
The bill requires the Minister to appoint a 'collection agency' to collect and distribute royalties on the re-sale of visual works of art. But the bill does not make this body subject to the OIA, Ombudsmen Act, Public Audit Act or Public Records Act. We recommend this is fixed. Keep reading “Submission: Resale Right for Visual Artists Bill”
The full text of our submission to the Governance and Administration Select Committee, opposing the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Bill unless amended. Keep reading “Submission: Local Government Official Information and Meetings (Amendment) Bill”
The full text of our submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee recommending substantial amendments to the Inspector-General of Defence Bill. Keep reading “Submission: Inspector-General of Defence Bill”
The draft of Aotearoa's 4th Open Government Partnership National Action Plan is another disappointing piece of work stuffed with pre-planned work, aside from one commitment on equitable access to public services. Read the Council's submission. Keep reading “Comments on Aotearoa’s 4th Open Government Partnership National Action Plan”
The New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties today condemned the government for yet another in a series of weak National Action Plans produced as a member of the international Open Government Partnership (the OGP). Keep reading “Media release: Open Government – Sham consultation on yet another weak plan”
The New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties is opposed to the Data and Statistics Bill and wants it withdrawn. Once in a generation law reform, on a topic that needs all-party support to have credibility, should be developed collaboratively to ensure public confidence.
Read our briefing to MPs ahead of the final stages of the Bill's passage through Parliament. Keep reading “Briefing on the Data and Statistics Bill”
We're at a key stage in developing NZ's next Open Government Action Plan, and this post explains where we've got to and how you can provide feedback and suggestions on the possible commitments in the next plan. Keep reading “Update on developing the next Open Government Action Plan”
Part two of a briefing to the Minister for Public Services, who is responsible for the country's membership of the Open Government Partnership. This part deals with the opportunity to strengthen proactive publication. Keep reading “Open Government – Briefing to Minister Hipkins, part two: Proactive Disclosure”
Part one of a briefing to the Minister for Public Services, who is responsible for the country's membership of the Open Government Partnership. This part deals with the problem of secrecy clauses in legislation. Keep reading “Open Government – Briefing to Minister Hipkins, part one: Secrecy Clauses”
The Council supports the Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill, subject to amendments enabling re-sentencing and compensation for prisoners found to have been detained for an unjust duration. Keep reading “Submission: Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill”
The Council has suggested commitments for inclusion in the country's next National Action Plan as a member of the Open Government Partnership. These would strengthen our democracy, increase access to justice and increase oversight of intelligence activities, amongst other things. Keep reading “Submission: Open Government Action Plan”