From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
High Court Urged to Acknowledge Bill of Rights Breach
High Court faces call to declare electoral changes breach Bill of Rights Act.
In brief
High Court faces call to declare electoral changes breach Bill of Rights Act. High Court urged to acknowledge Bill of Rights Act breach in recent electoral changes that could disenfranchise 100,000+ voters. Originally reported by RNZ.
High Court urged to acknowledge Bill of Rights breach
High Court judge says Parliament's eyes were wide open over Bill of Rights Act breach in recent electoral changes.
“Parliament's "eyes were wide open" over the Bill of Rights Act breach in recent electoral changes”
Crown argues declaration unnecessary
Crown lawyer says the court's declaration would tell Parliament something it already knows about the breach.
“What is the court actually going to be telling Parliament, even a new Parliament, that it doesn't already know?”
Electoral changes risk disenfranchisement
Electoral Amendment Act ends same-day voter enrolment and requires 13-day registration deadline, risking disenfranchisement of 100,000+ people.
“The legislation was found to be inconsistent with the BORA and the changes to enrolments could prevent 100,000 or more people from voting”
Law student seeks court declaration
Law student Christopher Carroll wants court to declare 13-day enrolment deadline inconsistent with right to vote in Bill of Rights Act.
“It's really important that people hear from the court that a right fundamental to our democracy has been breached by Parliament”
Attorney-General's report found inconsistency
Attorney-General Judith Collins found 13-day registration deadline inconsistent with Bill of Rights Act in July 2025.
“I conclude the proposal for a 13-day registration deadline appears to constitute an unjustified limit on s12 of the NZBORA”
Court avoids immediate decision
High Court judge says decision won't impact law but will inform future Parliament about electoral changes breach.
“The only question is whether that needs to be a declaration, or whether something… a bit lower voltage will do the trick”
What matters most
High Court urged to acknowledge Bill of Rights Act breach in recent electoral changes that could disenfranchise 100,000+ voters.
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