Parliament’s justice select committee has made the unanimous decision to extend the deadline for submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill until 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14, due to technical issues encountered on the online submission portal. This announcement follows an impressive initial response, with around 300,000 submissions recorded, almost half of which were received on the last day before the website experienced problems. This volume significantly surpasses the previous record of approximately 107,000 submissions for the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.

As committee staff continue to process the submissions, the final tally is expected to fluctuate. To accommodate those affected by the technical difficulties, submissions can also be sent via email to treatyprinciples@parliament.govt.nz or justice@parliament.govt.nz until Thursday at 9 AM. Submissions must detail the technical issues faced, include the submitter’s name, and comply with specific conditions to be accepted. Those whose email submissions do not meet these criteria will be required to resubmit through the official website.

The committee has strongly encouraged participants to submit their feedback promptly, urging against waiting until the last moments of the new deadline. For individuals experiencing technical challenges or unsure about their submissions, committee staff are available for assistance, suggesting that screenshots of any issues encountered be attached to their inquiries.

Technical consultant Louisa Taylor pointed out that the problems with the website could be attributed to low server capacity or potential cyberattacks, indicating a need for a more reliable submission system to facilitate public engagement effectively.

Despite the challenges posed by the online portal, the strong public participation demonstrates significant interest in the legislative process surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill. The committee’s initiative to extend the submission deadline highlights its commitment to inclusivity and public dialogue in shaping important legislation.

In summary, this reopening not only provides an opportunity for more community voices to be included in the discussions but also underscores the value of public participation in governance. Such efforts reflect a positive step towards fostering a more democratic process, where citizens are encouraged to engage actively in shaping laws that impact their lives.