As David Runciman warns in 'How Democracy Ends', democracies rarely collapse in a single moment — instead they hollow out from within. That’s the risk we see in two recent government bills.

Read our submissions on the Public Service Amdt Bill & Electoral Amdt Bill

trustdemocracy.nz/2025/09/wron...

If you're interested in media coverage of democracy issues in Aotearoa New Zealand, keep an eye on our page 'Media Watch: All eyes on Democracy'

trustdemocracy.nz/2025/05/medi...

We're seeing greater media attention to democratic strengthening and resilience, like the Porirua Assembly recently.

A referendum may be presented to the voters of Aotearoa on a move to 4-year terms, and Parliament is considering a Referendums Framework Bill.

Now is a good time to hear Associate Professor @mathesonrussell.bsky.social speak to the AGM of Trust Democracy on referenda.

youtu.be/FsRQceYXTcs?...

We have submitted on the 4 year terms bill.

The stated purpose of the Bill is to help improve law making.

But no evidence has been presented that lengthening the parliamentary term and changing the balance of select
committees would have this effect.

trustdemocracy.nz/wp-content/u...

Thread 🧵

More Referenda, Better Democracy?

With New Zealanders likely to vote on extending the parliamentary term at the 2026 general election, join us at our AGM for a discussion about referenda and options for strengthening the public’s democratic voice.

Register now!
trustdemocracy.nz/2025/03/noti...

Feel privileged to be speaking at the Trust Democracy AGM in May.

Anyone is welcome to join the meeting for the presentation and discussion. AGM business takes place afterwards.

More Referenda, Better Democracy?

With New Zealanders likely to vote on extending the parliamentary term at the 2026 general election, join us at our AGM for a discussion about referenda and options for strengthening the public’s democratic voice.

Register now!
trustdemocracy.nz/2025/03/noti...

A good article by Brian Easton.

New Zealand's legislature is weak compared to many countries, and a four year term of office for governments should not proceed until our legislature has been strengthened.

We made recommendations in 2022: trustdemocracy.nz/wp-content/u...

bsky.app/profile/thes...

What has happened to the idea of a restful, fun festive season? We’re not 2 weeks into 2025 and already Trust Democracy has made 2 Government submissions: one on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and another on proposals for a Regulatory Standards Bill.

trustdemocracy.nz/2025/01/2-we...

Trust Democracy has published its submission on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. We oppose the proposals.

You can download the submission [PDF] here:
trustdemocracy.nz/wp-content/u...

Kia ora!

Trust Democracy is a civil society organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand, working to strengthen democracy through research, education and demonstrating different ways of making democracy work as it should.

Watch some our previous events:
trustdemocracy.nz/category/eve...

What's at stake in the upcoming US election?

How can deliberative practices improve referenda?

How might digital democracies be realised?

Check out these Auckland and Wellington events on 5, 11, 12 June with deliberative democracy heavyweight, John Gastil.

trustdemocracy.nz/2024/05/gast...

Our chair, Simon Wright, with Tatjana Buklijaš and @maxrashbrooke.bsky.social, has a new article in Policy Quarterly article on the history of deliberative democracy in NZ.

It documents 3 NZ cases - one each from the 1990s, 2000s & 2010s. #DeliberativeDemocracy

ojs.victoria.ac.nz/pq/article/v...

Prof Anne Salmond will deliver a lecture on 30 April.

Dame Anne will discuss how NZ is a democracy, not a company, how the weakening or avoiding of parliamentary & external checks and balances on executive power risks NZ becoming more authoritarian.

Register here: vuw.eventsair.com/2024-sir-fra...