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A Constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealand needs a constitution that is easy to understand, reflects its shared identity and nationhood, protects rights and liberties, and prevents governments from abusing power.
The current constitution is vague, jumbled and unclear. It can be easily overridden or changed according to political whim. This book aims to change that. It proposes a modern, codified constitution that is accessible and clear, and it aims to stimulate debate about who New Zealand is as a nation and how it should be governed - so it can forge enduring arrangements now, instead of waiting for a crisis to force its hand.
While this book proposes some important changes, it is at pains to preserve the sound elements of New Zealand's past and its unique constitutional culture.
Ultimately this book is an impassioned plea for government to be transparent, accountable, responsive, and reflect the values of all New Zealanders.
The current constitution is vague, jumbled and unclear. It can be easily overridden or changed according to political whim. This book aims to change that. It proposes a modern, codified constitution that is accessible and clear, and it aims to stimulate debate about who New Zealand is as a nation and how it should be governed - so it can forge enduring arrangements now, instead of waiting for a crisis to force its hand.
While this book proposes some important changes, it is at pains to preserve the sound elements of New Zealand's past and its unique constitutional culture.
Ultimately this book is an impassioned plea for government to be transparent, accountable, responsive, and reflect the values of all New Zealanders.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 17, 2025
Very accessible (which was the point)
Fun (?) to read a section which was legit just legislation.
Pretty cool I suppose, fairly uncreative and uninspiring, but probably the most pragmatic and reasonable proposal that still does everything we'd want a NZ constitution to do.
Fun (?) to read a section which was legit just legislation.
Pretty cool I suppose, fairly uncreative and uninspiring, but probably the most pragmatic and reasonable proposal that still does everything we'd want a NZ constitution to do.
October 5, 2016
A proposal for a written constitution for New Zealand, with the aim of sparking public debate on the issue. An excellent book for those interested in the future of democracy and the role of Government in New Zealand.
October 3, 2016
An accessible, informative, and persuasive call for certainty.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews