Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples announced on Thursday the 12 appointees to the Constitutional Advisory Panel. The Government confirmed last December that it would conduct a wide-ranging review of New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements – including the size of Parliament, the length of the electoral term, Māori representation, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi and whether New Zealand needs a written constitution. The process is expected to take over three years.
The Constitutional Advisory Panel will be an independent group that will lead public discussion on constitutional issues that are under review and will then report to the Ministers. The Panel will be co-chaired by Sir Tipene O’Regan (Ngāi Tahu). The other members are: Emeritus Professor Ranginui Walker (Whakatohea), Dr Leonie Pihama (Te Ātiawa, Ngā Māhanga a Tairi, Ngāti Māhanga),Hinurewa Poutu (Ngāti Rangi, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Ngāti Maniapoto), Professor Linda Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou), Emeritus Professor John Burrows QC (Co-chair),Peter Chin, Hon Dr Michael Cullen, Hon John Luxton, Bernice Mene, Deborah Coddington, and Peter Tennent