Submissions: Why Your Voice Matters

Why Your Voice Matters

You don’t need to be an expert or a politician to influence laws in Aotearoa.

Making a submission is one of the clearest, most direct ways to speak up about legislation that affects you, your whānau, and your hauora.

What is a submission?

A submission is your chance to tell the government what you think about a proposed law – whether it’s a brand-new law or a change to an existing one. You can:

• Write your thoughts (a written submission)
• Ask to speak to the committee in person or online (an oral submission)

Submissions help select committees – small groups of MPs – understand public opinion. These committees don’t vote on the final law, but they recommend changes that can shape what the bill looks like in the end.

How it works: Step-by-step

1. The bill is introduced and has its first reading in Parliament.

• If it passes, it’s sent to a select committee. Each committee focuses on a specific area like justice, health, or the environment.
  Example: The Treaty Principles Bill might go to the Justice Committee. The Fast-Track Bill might go to the Environment Committee.

2. Public submissions open.

This is your chance to have your say. You can submit online and in either English or te reo Māori. Tamariki can submit too, with support.

3. Government departments give expert advice.

These help committees understand the potential impact of a bill.

4. The committee reviews submissions.

Most MPs won’t read every submission themselves. Clerks and advisors summarise submissions and highlight key themes in a report.

5. A report is published with recommendations.

This includes what they heard from the public and what changes they think should be made.

6. Parliament holds a second reading.

MPs debate the bill again, using the report as a guide.

7. More changes can still happen.

Even controversial or major changes can happen after this stage.

Why it matters

Submissions can genuinely shift the course of legislation — especially when they show:

• The real-life impacts on whānau and communities
• How the bill could affect Māori rights or hauora
• A growing wave of concern

More and more people are speaking up

Concern is building across communities

Even template submissions can help show how widespread an issue is. But personal stories often leave a stronger impression.

Your voice counts

Democracy doesn’t stop at the ballot box. This is about keeping decision-makers accountable throughout the year, not just during elections.

If you care about Māori rights, te Tiriti, health, housing, the environment, or the future of Aotearoa — submissions are a way to speak up.

Where to go

Visit: parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission

There you’ll find a list of open bills and simple steps to send in your thoughts.

Keep an eye on our Hāpai social media — we’ll soon be launching a space where you can find everything you need to make a submission, including templates, prompts, and helpful tips.

Final whakaaro

Don’t leave it to politicians alone.
Speak up. Submit. Help shape a future that reflects us, protects our whenua, and uplifts our whānau.