In the spotlight today
UF pushes for constitutional change – 2008-06-05 15:28:53.912
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne told his party’s annual conference in Auckland today that it was time for New Zealand to make a serious effort at developing its national identity by sorting out its constitutional and governing arrangements.
He laid out a programme and timetable whereby that goal could be achieved:
• A referendum in 2010 on the retention of MMP and the future of the Maori seats.
• A referendum in 2012 on our Head of State and alternatives to MMP (if needed).
• Implement any changes to MMP for the 2014 election, with a referendum on how to choose our Head of State (if needed), and release of proposals on the future role and place of the Treaty of Waitangi, and a written constitution.
• A final referendum on the Treaty of Waitangi and written constitution proposals.
• Implementation of changes.
“New Zealand is a proud, multi ethnic, independent national that has long ago cast off the apron strings of Mother England and we need to develop governing arrangements that reflect that changed national identity,” he said.
“UnitedFuture’s proposals are a sensible, staged approach that allows ample time for widespread public discussion,” said Mr Dunne.
ends