Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3h

Launch: Protect Protest Aotearoa.

We're joined up with other groups to resist attacks on the right to protest. protectprotest.nz

Join the launch event with a screening of Operation 8 at 4:30pm October 15th in Wellington. More details: nzccl.org.nz/launch-prote...

Protect Protest Aotearoa – Defend the right to political protest in Aotearoa!

protectprotest.nz

10 9

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 15h

As a bonus, you can search our database of civil liberties related news articles going back to April 2024 at nzccl.org.nz/news/

News

Search for articles related to civil liberties in Aotearoa New Zealand since April 2024. Or subscribe via: Mastodon, Bluesky or RSS. Read our news policy.

nzccl.org.nz

1

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 16h

Hi there new followers, remember to also subscribe to @civillibertynznews.bsky.social for a regular feed of news relating to civil liberties in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1 1 1

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

The NZCCL is looking for people to join our exec committee at our AGM in November.

While we're particularly looking for people with policy or legal experience, we're interested in anyone who is keen and willing to learn.

Contact [email protected] to get started.

3 3

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

The NZCCL is looking for people to join our exec committee at our AGM in November.

While we're particularly looking for people with policy or legal experience, we're interested in anyone who is keen and willing to learn.

Contact [email protected] to get started.

3 3

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

Kyle Matthews @kylermatthews.bsky.social · 3d

If it feels like the right to protest is under threat then this event is for you! Come watch Operation 8 and learn about contemporary threats to protest rights.
www.facebook.com/share/1DD1UQ...

Redirecting...

www.facebook.com

1 1 3

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

Our submission is now up on our website for easier reading than with a PDF: nzccl.org.nz/submission-d...

Submission: Demonstrations Near Residential Premises Amendment Bill

The Council opposes this attempt to limit our right to protest as a completely unjustified restraint on our civil liberties. If it should pass we make suggestions for improvements including tighter de...

nzccl.org.nz

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

It's worth noting our observation that the IPCA report that inspired this bill says it's mainly required because their main recommendations provide carve-outs from existing laws. To the best of our knowledge the main recommendations have not been picked up so far, making this bill unnecessary.

1 1 2

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

Here: nzccl.org.nz/wp-content/u...

nzccl.org.nz

1 2 5

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 3d

We've submitted on the Demonstrations Near Residential Premises Bill, we'll have it online soon but if you want the PDF before the 2pm submission cutoff time you can read it here: nzccl.org.nz/wp-content/u...

nzccl.org.nz

1 10 23

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 6d

We're very sad to be farewelling Andrew. He's been a huge asset for the NZCCL with particular strengths in policy analysis and open government.

One consolation is that it's good to hear he's going to keep fighting for a better OIA and open government as a whole.

Andrew @openpolicy.bsky.social · 6d

After 7 years on the committee of @nzccl.org.nz I’ve decided to step down so I can effectively focus on OIA reform and open government.

We’re all in a fight for a free and democratic Aotearoa, so if you have policy and/or legal skills please stand at the AGM in November.

#nzpol

6 19

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

Andy @andyhkn.bsky.social · 7d

I’m involved in the legislation website work, so this is helpful. Mostly we only heard from devs wanting better data access… hence the API. Open access to legislation matters to us, so please do fill out the survey so we can figure out the best way forward. Thanks! www.surveymonkey.com/r/HH5VLL8

RSS User Survey 2025

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

www.surveymonkey.com

1 4 3

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 7d

Official online repository of NZ legislation to drop the free standard RSS access as a way to track updates, and replace it with an API that will a) require coding to use, b) require an access key. www.legislation.govt.nz/news.aspx#rs...

News – New Zealand Legislation

www.legislation.govt.nz

1 7 3

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 8d

Make It 16 are hosting an event in Wellington on Oct 22nd to talk about the future of democracy. Sign up here: makeit16.org.nz/forum

A participatory forum for kōrero and action.

Explore questions about the current state of democracy and ways to protect and shape its future.

makeit16.org.nz

3 5

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 13d

The Council has made a submission to the 2026 Review of Parliament's Standing Orders.

We recommend Parliament employ officials to analyse submissions, restrictions on use of urgency, and other measures to strengthen and safeguard our democracy.

nzccl.org.nz/submission-r...

Submission: Review of Standing Orders 2026

Our submission to the 2026 Standing Orders Review focuses on improvements to select committee scrutiny of bills, improving public participation earlier in the policy and legislation development proces...

nzccl.org.nz

14 23

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 13d

The Council has made a submission to the 2026 Review of Parliament's Standing Orders.

We recommend Parliament employ officials to analyse submissions, restrictions on use of urgency, and other measures to strengthen and safeguard our democracy.

nzccl.org.nz/submission-r...

Submission: Review of Standing Orders 2026

Our submission to the 2026 Standing Orders Review focuses on improvements to select committee scrutiny of bills, improving public participation earlier in the policy and legislation development proces...

nzccl.org.nz

14 23

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

Andrew @openpolicy.bsky.social · 21d

In case you thought @nzccl.org.nz was being paranoid about ever increasing levels of surveillance, even the Privacy Commissioner says it wouldn’t be permitted in countries we pretend our Privacy Act is on a par with.

RNZ News Feeds @rnzrss.bsky.social · 21d

Europe wouldn't allow police surveillance like NZ's, Privacy Commissioner lawyer says

The most significant challenge yet to the police's growing use of a private number-plate spotting network is being mounted.

www.rnz.co.nz

1 16 31

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 21d

A joint letter from multiple NZ organisations pointing out their fears that suggested changes to the Terrorism Suppression Act risk suppressing dissent, advocacy, and humanitarian work: community.scoop.co.nz/2025/09/join...

Community Scoop » Joint Statement On Proposed Amendments To The Terrorism Suppression Act 2002

community.scoop.co.nz

11 13

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · 28d

The Electoral Amendment Bill is dangerous to Aotearoa New Zealand's democracy.

• It removes voting rights from prisoners
• It removes enrolment 13 days before voting
• It bans food, drink & entertainment within 100 m of a polling place

MPs should not pass it.

nzccl.org.nz/submission-e...

Submission: Electoral Amendment Bill

The Council strongly opposes the Electoral Amendment Bill, which will weaken our democracy by limiting who can vote, and removing the ability to enrol after the election is called.

nzccl.org.nz

2 6 20

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Sep 3

Health NZ demonstrates again why we need penalties in the Official Information Act for the worst cases of unreasonably holding information: www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

Health NZ apologises to nurses' union after Ombudsman's scolding

"We acknowledge that refusing this request was not appropriate and may have contributed to delays in the important work you are undertaking on behalf of our kaimahi."

www.rnz.co.nz

1 6 17

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Aug 26

A defence of the right of prisoners to vote quotes the Independent Electoral Review "Given the fundamental nature of the right to vote, disenfranchisement should not form part of someone’s punishment": newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/27/w...

Why imposing voting ban on prisoners is flawed

Comment from Victoria University of Wellington: The Government's plan to disenfranchise prisoners ignores NZ's human rights obligations, undermines rehabilitation efforts, and increases discrimination...

newsroom.co.nz

10 17

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Aug 22

The webinars for the NZCCL/VUW Law essay prizes are now online.

First is Emily McKechnie with "Overcrowded and Understaffed - Remand in Aotearoa", followed by India Bulman describing how dual Pākehā and Māori legal systems were allowed for in the 1852 Constitution Act: nzccl.org.nz/essay-prize-...

Essay prize webinars now viewable online

Thanks to our NZCCL/VUW Law essay prize winners for taking the time to present their essays and answer questions in our webinars. These were recorded and are now available online.

nzccl.org.nz

3 4

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Aug 18

Mary paid for a billboard to publicise the issues with the Privacy Commissioner's report into Foodstuffs' use of facial recognition technology!

You can read her post here: nzccl.org.nz/guest-post-s...

A blue-coloured billboard with text "Foodstuffs facial recognition fails accuracy and necessitry tests." It's visible against a blue sky with a green tree in the background.

1 32 67

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Aug 4

Self-governing Māori Legal Districts in Aotearoa? In a law from 1852? What?!

Find out more in Tuesday's webinar at 1pm. Details and registration: nzccl.org.nz/5th-august-2...

5th August 2025: Webinar: Kia Tangi Tonu Tātou: The Call for Constitutional Transformation in Aotearoa

Come and hear essay prize winner India Bulman present her essay 'Kia Tangi Tonu Tātou: The Call for Constitutional Transformation in Aotearoa'

nzccl.org.nz

3 7

Reposted by NZ Council for Civil Liberties

Eddie Clark @dreddieclark.bsky.social · Aug 4

India did *such* a good job on this project (I supervised, but the initiative and analysis is all hers) and it's *so* interesting. Do you go along on Tuesday at 1 to the webinar if you're free!

NZ Council for Civil Liberties @nzccl.org.nz · Aug 4

Self-governing Māori Legal Districts in Aotearoa? In a law from 1852? What?!

Find out more in Tuesday's webinar at 1pm. Details and registration: nzccl.org.nz/5th-august-2...

5th August 2025: Webinar: Kia Tangi Tonu Tātou: The Call for Constitutional Transformation in Aotearoa

Come and hear essay prize winner India Bulman present her essay 'Kia Tangi Tonu Tātou: The Call for Constitutional Transformation in Aotearoa'

nzccl.org.nz

5 14