News Item

A new research report says human rights oversight by select committees examining potential legislation is weak and ad hoc, and that human rights obligations and protections lack parliamentary leadership.

It claims democracy in New Zealand is suffering from a Parliament which under-performs in its scrutiny of human rights.

Parliamentary Scrutiny of Human Rights in New Zealand: Glass Half Full? is the result of a two-year research project undertaken by AUT University Professor Judy McGregor and University of Waikato Law Professor Margaret Wilson. It was funded by the New Zealand Law Foundation.

The report calls for a new style of politics in the New Zealand House of Representatives that fosters dignity and respect for everyone inside and outside of Parliament.

The report contains 25 recommendations that address:

• policy formation before legislation is introduced;
• parliamentary processes;
• select committee scrutiny; and
• the role of officials and agencies like the New Zealand Human Rights Commission.

The report is based on interviews with Members of Parliament, parliamentary officials and on five case studies of legislation passed before and during the current parliamentary term.

The researchers submitted to the Standing Orders Review and were heard on Dec 5, 2019.

Full research report: Parliamentary Scrutiny of Human Rights in New Zealand: Glass Half Full? – PDF, 126 pages

Summary research report: Parliamentary Scrutiny of Human Rights in New Zealand: Summary Report – PDF, 39 pages

Media release from AUT about the report

The Law Foundation has provided funding of $88,530 towards research for this report