Parliament’s justice select committee has unanimously decided to extend the deadline for submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill until 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14, following technical issues that impaired the initial online submission portal. The decision comes after an overwhelming response, with approximately 300,000 submissions received—nearly half of which were submitted on the final day before the website experienced problems. This marks a significant increase, surpassing the previous record of around 107,000 submissions for the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.

As committee staff process these submissions, the final count is expected to fluctuate. To facilitate 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. Email submissions will be accepted if they reference the technical issues faced, include the submitter’s name, and meet specific criteria. Those whose email submissions do not comply will need to resubmit through the official website.

The committee has strongly urged the public to make their submissions early, emphasizing the importance of not leaving it until the last minute. For individuals facing technical challenges or uncertain about their submissions, committee staff are available for assistance and suggest that screenshots of any issues encountered be included with inquiries.

Despite the complications arising from the online portal, the committee appreciates the public’s engagement and the challenges that many have experienced. Each individual submitter will be counted only once, even if multiple submissions are made, and it will be up to the committee to determine how to handle identical submissions from different individuals.

Reports indicate that issues with the submission portal may date back to late November 2023, suggesting that the problems could be related to low server capacity or potential cyberattacks, as indicated by tech consultant Louisa Taylor. The committee’s decision to extend the submission deadline not only demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity in the legislative process but also highlights the necessity of a reliable submission platform for effective public participation.

In conclusion, the reopening of submissions presents an excellent opportunity for increased public involvement in shaping the Treaty Principles Bill. This initiative underscores the significance of civic participation in democracy, ensuring that a broader spectrum of voices is heard in discussions that will inform important legislative outcomes. The committee’s proactive efforts to address technical issues and accommodate public contributions reflect a positive path toward fostering transparency and democratic engagement within the governance process.