OIA

Submission: List of Issues Prior to Reporting for Aotearoa New Zealand’s 2025 Review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The peformance by New Zealand of its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is being reviewed by the UN's Human Rights Committee. The Council made a submission on issues we think the HRC should ask the government about during the review. Keep reading “Submission: List of Issues Prior to Reporting for Aotearoa New Zealand’s 2025 Review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”

Submission: Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill

The Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill creates several new criminal offences. However, it is very broadly drafted, meaning people engaging in legitimate political activities, such as protests, could face sentences of up to 10 years in jail. The Bill also empowers the Police to carry out searches related to these offences without having to get a search warrant. We oppose the bill and have also recommended amendments. Keep reading “Submission: Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Bill”

The Ombudsman’s reply

Yesterday, the Council wrote to the Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, to complain about the decision made in his name to close our complaint against the former Minister for Covid-19 Response. The Ombudsman has replied to the Council, apologising for the management of our complaint, re-opening the matter, and undertaking to conduct an investigation. The text of the Ombudsman’s reply is below. Keep reading “The Ombudsman’s reply”