Parliament’s justice select committee has unanimously decided to extend the deadline for submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill due to significant technical issues experienced with the online submission portal. The new deadline is set for 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14. This decision comes in light of an overwhelming initial response, with approximately 300,000 submissions received, nearly half of which were submitted on the final day before the website experienced difficulties. This volume greatly surpasses the previous record of around 107,000 submissions for the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.

The committee staff are currently processing the influx of submissions, and the final count may still change. To accommodate those affected by the technical difficulties, submissions can also now be sent via email to treatyprinciples@parliament.govt.nz or justice@parliament.govt.nz until Thursday at 9 AM. These email submissions will be accepted if they reference the technical issues encountered, include the submitter’s name, and meet specified conditions. Those who submitted emails not conforming to these requirements will need to redo their submissions through the designated website.

The committee has strongly encouraged members of the public to submit their feedback early, advising against waiting until the last moments before the deadline. Individuals facing technical challenges or unsure if their submissions meet the criteria are urged to reach out to committee staff, who can assist with inquiries. In their communications, affected individuals are encouraged to attach screenshots of any issues experienced to facilitate troubleshooting.

Despite the challenges posed by the online portal, the committee appreciates the high levels of public engagement and patience exhibited during this time. Each individual submitter will be counted only once, regardless of how many submissions they make, while the handling of identical submissions from different individuals will remain at the committee’s discretion.

Technical consultant Louisa Taylor noted that issues with the website could be attributed to low server capacity or potential cyberattacks, raising concerns around the importance of maintaining a reliable submission platform for effective public participation.

This decision to extend the submission deadline reflects the committee’s commitment to inclusivity in the legislative process, while the notable public interest in the Treaty Principles Bill underscores the importance of civic participation in shaping policy. The reopening of submissions is an opportunity for a wider array of perspectives to be included in legislative discussions, fostering a more democratic approach that emphasizes the vital role of citizen input in governance.

In conclusion, the proactive measures taken by the Justice Committee not only ensure that more community voices are heard but also highlight the essential nature of public participation in democracy. These efforts reflect a significant step towards a more transparent and responsive legislative process.