NZ Council for Civil Liberties

thomas@nzccl.org.nz

Blog Posts

Blog: Wide-ranging Content Regulation Review a threat to freedom of expression?

The government's Review of Content Regulation, in all its vast scope, is potentially the biggest threat to freedom of expression in New Zealand we've seen in years. I participated in the initial engagement sessions and came away concerned that the Department of Internal Affairs have bitten off far more than they can chew. Keep reading “Blog: Wide-ranging Content Regulation Review a threat to freedom of expression?”

Articles

Media release: Government secrecy on vaccination certificates is dangerous

The New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties has today written to the Prime Minister expressing its deep concern about the secrecy surrounding the introduction of Covid-19 vaccination certificates. The Council has called for immediate publication of the information provided by the government to the events and hospitality sector, and the advice it has received from the Privacy Commissioner and officials who have looked at the human rights issues involved. Keep reading “Media release: Government secrecy on vaccination certificates is dangerous”

Articles

Letter to PM and Minister re vaccination certificates

The NZ Council for Civil Liberties is deeply concerned about the government's plans to introduce Covid-19 vaccination certificates and mandate their use for access to certain events and venues. This is a major imposition on civil liberties and takes our country in a new direction; as such it should be done carefully and with adequate protections for civil liberties.


While we understand the government's need to move at speed, we still expect that any such moves should be taken after as much consultation with the public, civil society groups, and Māori groups as possible. This is not happening and the government has been refusing requests for information about their plans.


We have written to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Minister for Covid-19 Response Chris Hipkins to express our concerns and request this information. The text of that letter follows: Keep reading “Letter to PM and Minister re vaccination certificates”

Submissions

Submission: Māori Electoral Option

The Council supports the right of all New Zealanders to vote in elections.  In a democratic society, the denial of the right to vote to any section of the population has implications, in terms of devaluing citizenship and of possibly affecting electoral outcomes. Universal suffrage is the most basic criteria for an election to be deemed democratic. Keep reading “Submission: Māori Electoral Option”