Many New Zealanders have a sense that all isn't well in our slice of paradise. Perhaps there is an issue or agenda that pushes your 'hot button' and you want to speak up or do something, but don't know how. The tools in this section are designed to get you started. You can make a positive difference now - and for generations to come.
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MPs are our elected representatives in Parliament. Their job is to make laws that are in the best interests of New Zealand. And they need to hear from us.
It is rare for MPs to get support for good decisions and issues they stand up for, so remember to encourage them when they do something positive. Why not take some time to get to know your local MP? They might end up calling you when they want feedback.
MPs operate by a simple rule of thumb: for every letter they receive they consider there are around 100 other people with the same view who didn't bother to write, so a simple letter can carry a lot of weight. Meetings with people from their electorate (constituents) are also important to our representatives, as it helps them to stay in touch with what people are thinking.
Electorate MPs usually have two offices - one in Wellington and one in their electorate (local area). Most MPs have a secretary in both offices and allocate one or two days, usually Monday and Friday, to meet constituents.
If you don't know who your MP is, there are several ways you can find out
1. They are listed at the Parliament internet site: http://www.parliament.govt.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/
2. You can phone the main number at Parliament on (04) 471 9999
3. You can ask at your local library or Citizens Advice Bureau
4. You can call Elections NZ on 0800 36 76 56 or (04) 474 0670
To contact your MP
1. Phone their Wellington office on (04) 471 9999
2. Local office numbers can be found in the phone book or by calling directory
3. Send an email to firstname.lastname@parliament.govt.nz
MPs' contact details (including email addresses) are also on the Parliamentary website
On most occasions, before any new law is passed by Parliament or any bylaw is passed by a local council, there needs to be consultation with the public. This provides you with an opportunity to have a say. A submission can be as simple as a letter stating your views and suggestions.
Making a submission to council
Local councils tend to be more responsive than government to approaches by residents. A phone call to your local councillor or community board member can achieve a surprising amount. If you are unsure who your councillors are, most councils have a website which lists them. All council meetings are open to the public (although the council may go "into committee" and exclude the public from discussions on some topics). Generally, you may not speak at a council meeting unless you have made arrangements beforehand with the council to do so. But council committee meetings frequently hear deputations from ratepayers and other concerned people, and these can be very effective.
Making a submission to Parliament
Parliament reviews proposed legislation through Select Committees, which call for submissions and set a deadline for these to be received by. You can usually also ask to appear in person before a Select Committee if you wish. (This will generally be in Wellington or Auckland, unless there are sufficient submissions from your area, in which case the Select Committee may travel to your town/city, or set up a video link for you.)
You can check on the internet which laws Parliament is currently asking for submissions on at:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/SC/SubmCalled/
Copies of Bills (proposed legislation) are available at main public libraries. You can also purchase them at Bennett's Government bookshops. MPs will also send you copies if you ask them or their secretary nicely.
Often the Parliamentary library, which provides information for the public, will write a summary of the main points - these summaries are called Bills Digests. You can call the Parliamentary library and ask for copies on (04) 471 9647.
Bills Digests can also be found at:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PubRes/Research/
The easy guide to writing a submission on a Parliamentary Bill
1. Address your letter to:
The Committee Clerk
XYZ Select Committee (You will need the name)
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
(You will need to include a stamp on the envelope)
2. Begin your letter by briefly stating who you are and mention any relevant experience. For example:
I am writing as a mother/father of . . . children
I have worked in . . .
I am writing on behalf of . . .
3. State your general position on the Bill - support or opposition.
4. List the points that you agree or disagree with. It does not do any harm to state your opinions strongly. Stick to the relevant issues and, if you are going to criticise, focus your criticisms on the ideas not the people.
5. Include your contact details and sign the letter. If you are writing on behalf of a group include a list of members and their addresses (if appropriate) or summarise the nature and size of your group.
6. You can also request to make an oral presentation of your submission.
7. Please be aware that your submission may be published so you may prefer to leave out any personally sensitive information.
8. If you are running close to the deadline you can also email your submission to the Select Committee, but it pays to give them a quick call to check their email address.
A more detailed guide to making submissions can be found at:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/HvYrSay/Submission/a/9/8/a984338c3a574fcbb2adafa93aadd14f.htm
While there are deadlines for submissions on specific laws, you can write to representatives such as MPs at any time to put your views and recommendations for any changes. Often this contact is just as important as making a formal submission.
