Parliament’s justice select committee has agreed to extend the submission deadline for the Treaty Principles Bill to 1 PM on Tuesday, January 14, following significant technical issues with their online submission portal. In a remarkable response, the committee initially received around 300,000 submissions, with approximately half submitted on the final day before the system encountered problems. This figure far exceeds the previous record of about 107,000 submissions seen during the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill in 2021.

As committee staff continue to process these submissions, the final count may change. Those wishing to submit feedback can do so via email at treatyprinciples@parliament.govt.nz or justice@parliament.govt.nz until Thursday at 9 AM. To ensure validity, submissions must reference the technical difficulties experienced, include the submitter’s name, and adhere to specific criteria. If email submissions do not meet these standards, individuals will need to re-submit through the official website.

The committee has urged participants to submit their feedback as soon as possible, cautioning against waiting until the deadline draws near. Committee staff are readily available to assist those facing technical challenges. It is advised that submitters include screenshots of any problems they encounter in their inquiries.

Despite the issues faced with the submission portal, the scale of public engagement is commendable and reflects a strong interest in the legislative process surrounding the Treaty Principles Bill. Technical consultant Louisa Taylor suggested that the challenges could stem from either low server capacity or potential cyberattacks, indicating a need for a more robust submission platform in the future.

The decision to reopen submissions demonstrates the committee’s commitment to inclusivity and highlights the importance of public dialogue in shaping critical legislation. By extending the submission period, more voices are given a chance to contribute to this significant discussion, fostering a greater sense of civic participation and engagement within the community.

In summary, this extension provides an opportunity for enhanced participation in the legislative process, reinforcing the value of public input in shaping policies that directly impact society. The committee’s efforts to facilitate public contributions amid technical hurdles represent a positive stride towards maintaining transparency and encouraging democratic engagement.