Everything we know about how to submit, when hearings will be held, and the rest.

What stage is the bill at now?

It was voted for by all three parties of government at first reading on November 14, and referred to select committee for a six-month process.

Which select committee has it been sent to?

The Justice Committee.

Who’s on the Justice Committee?

First-term National MP Jason Meager is the chair, with Jamie Arbuckle of NZ First deputy. Other National MPs on the committee are Cameron Brewer, Paulo Garcia and Rima Nakhle. Labour is represented by Ginny Andersen, Tracey McLellan and Duncan Webb. Making up the Justice-11 are Tākuta Ferris of Te Pāti Māori, the Greens’ Tamatha Paul and Act’s Todd Stephenson.

If those MPs can’t make it, a caucus colleague can tag in. But any MP can head along to any meeting if they fancy it.

When do they get cracking?

The process is under way, so far behind closed doors. They were scheduled to do 10 minutes on it, for example, at the end of yesterday’s working day. Public hearings featuring submitters for and against don’t get under way until next year.

How do I make a submission to the committee?

Submissions (in English or te reo Māori) can be made via the parliament website – here – or via post (to Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill, Committee Secretariat, Justice Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington). Written submissions can be made in English and te reo Māori and you can submit any time from now until the end of January 7, 2025. 

Can I email a submission?

Nope.

What about if I don’t know what to say?

There are a number of interested parties offering advice, if that’s what you’re into. The Act Party has a special site dedicated to the bill here. Labour has a page on the issue here. The Greens’ guide to submission is here. Action Station, which opposes the bill, has a template here. Kāhui Legal is running a submission writing seminar for opponents of the bill on Sunday; more information here. 

Is there a Hobson’s Pledge template?

Apparently not. The group seems to be focusing its energies on a campaign urging supporters to email Christopher Luxon and lambast him for refusing to vote the bill into law. The campaign – this is not a joke – is called Christopher The Scaredy Cat, features various images of the prime minister with cat ears superimposed on his head and urges him, in a short essay penned by Don Brash, to “find his furballs”. 

Are Hobson’s Pledge furry-affiliated?

No.

What about if I want to make a submission in person?

You should check the box saying as much, but there’s no guarantee – given the breadth of response overall, they’re expecting a lot of submissions. The committee won’t make a call on how many oral submissions it will hear – or precisely when – until after January 7, when the written submissions are in. At this stage the plan is to hold hearings (with submitters in person or on Zoom) across four weeks in 2025 – the weeks beginning January 27 and February 10, 17 and 24.

Are there any plans to take the select committee on the road?

Committees are able to travel for hearings should they wish, but so far there has been no indication that will happen for this bill. 

Anything else to bear in mind about submissions?

The committee has advised it won’t accept anonymous submissions and will send back anything containing “racist material, particularly overt racism and characterising people as racist” or “strong swear words” or “abusive personal reflections against MPs or other individuals”.

Will there be haka performed?

No plans we’re aware of, but you’d be mad to rule it out.

What about a song from Don Brash?

We should be so lucky.

What has happened so far in parliament?

You can read the Spinoff summary of the first reading here, digest the full debates via Hansard here or watch it as it happened here.

Just quietly, what’s the bill about again?

If enacted, the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill – here it is – would put into statute a set of principles to guide interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, pending a referendum. But it won’t become law.

Says who?

Says the prime minister. The bill was agreed to as part of the National-Act coalition deal, but only as far as select committee. Christopher Luxon has confirmed numerously since that it will be voted down at second reading, after it returns from the select committee. 

What does the select committee do?

It will hear submissions, discuss the proposed legislation and complete a report on its recommendations. Sometimes, if the MPs can’t agree, a minority report will also be issued – though it’s not a separate report, strictly, but a minority or differing view expressed within the committee report.

Like in the Tom Cruise film?

Yes, exactly like that.

Are meetings open to the public?

When submissions are being heard, they default to being open to the public. Other proceedings are confidential.

Can I watch the justice committee hearings online?

Those open to the public will be livestreamed here. 

Is there a way of checking who will appear and when?

When that’s been determined, yes, you’ll find the list of submitters here.

Are submissions made public?

They’ll be posted on the parliamentary website and remain there in perpetuity apart from in exceptional circumstances by order of the clerk of the house.

For more detailed information on the select committee process, go here.