Rights Aotearoa Weekly Newsletter #1

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Our very first newsletter hosted on Ghost.io showcases the breadth and depth of Rights Aotearoa's recent work defending universal human rights and democratic freedoms across Aotearoa - from protecting gender diverse communities to safeguarding democratic participation in local government to our detailed written submission opposing the pay equity changes.

Advocating for Gender Diverse Rights

We've written to Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow about Ia Tangata, the Law Commission's landmark report on explicitly adding legal recognition in our Human Rights Act for transgender people, non-binary people, and people with innate variations of sex characteristics. This report represents years of careful consultation and research, proposing sensible reforms that would bring New Zealand in line with international human rights standards. Our letter calls on him to publicly call for the Government to adopt the Law Commission's recommendations after they are formally tabled in Parliament.

We're deeply concerned that political pressure may derail these crucial reforms. That's why we've also written to Minister Paul Goldsmith, urging him to progress the Law Commission's R150 Ia Tangata recommendations. These connected letters emphasise that human rights shouldn't be subject to political whims - they're fundamental protections that belong to all New Zealanders, regardless of gender identity or intersex status.

Our media release on the Law Commission report details why these reforms matter: they would reduce discrimination and ensure that all people can participate fully in society with dignity and respect.

Strengthening Democratic Accountability

Democracy requires clear standards and accountability. This week, we submitted on the Draft Standard Code of Conduct for Local Government, welcoming this important initiative to establish consistent standards across local authorities. A robust code of conduct helps ensure elected representatives act with integrity and serve their communities effectively.

Good governance frameworks protect both the public and elected officials by creating clear expectations and fair processes. This strengthens local democracy by building public trust and ensuring accountability. The Draft Standard Code of Conduct doesn't negate any of the existing NZBORA protections for free speech applicable to local government.

Also, our piece "Yesterday we became less of a democracy" examines how extremist harassment forced Green MP Benjamin Doyle from Parliament - not through electoral defeat, but through sustained death threats. This "assassin's veto" represents a fundamental failure to protect democratic participation. When elected representatives can be driven out by intimidation, especially those representing marginalised communities, our democracy narrows dangerously. The piece calls for urgent action to protect all MPs and ensure that Parliament remains accessible to diverse voices, not just those deemed acceptable by extremists.

Fighting for Workplace Fairness

Economic rights are human rights. Our written submission to the People's Select Committee on the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 challenges provisions that would weaken pay equity protections. The proposed amendments would make it harder for workers - particularly women and marginalised groups - to challenge discriminatory pay practices.

Equal pay isn't just about fairness; it's about recognising the equal dignity and worth of all workers. Rolling back these protections sends a message that some people's work matters less - a message fundamentally at odds with human rights principles.

Your Support Makes This Work Possible

From submission writing to public advocacy, from legal analysis to community education, Rights Aotearoa works tirelessly to protect and advance human rights in New Zealand. We're a small organisation taking on big fights - and we can't do it without you.

Every donation helps us continue this crucial work. Whether it's $10 or $100, your contribution directly supports our efforts to hold power to account, defend fundamental freedoms, and ensure that human rights remain at the heart of Aotearoa's democracy.

You can make a one-off or recurring donation at www.opencollective.com/rights-aotearoa

Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and rights-respecting Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Rights Aotearoa Team