To be honest, the Regulatory Standards Bill sounds rather boring and very technical. Unfortunately it is also potentially very dangerous – especially as it has, until recently, been flying under the radar. The proposed Bill will comprehensively change the nation’s legislative and political environment by embedding rigid legal frameworks that prioritise individual property rights, and reduce the government’s ability to implement environmental protections, social safeguards, and Tiriti-based initiatives. Despite its title, it will not only constrain new regulations, but also every piece of legislation passed by Parliament. And although it initially will only apply to new laws and regulations, after a while, it is currently drafted to apply retrospectively to laws already on the statute books.

The session will be led by cross-cultural researcher, writer, consultant, coach and educator, Melanie Nelson (Pākehā), who specialises in the application of te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty principles to conservation and environmental issues. If you cannot make the session in person it will be live-streamed.