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In accordance with UPR principles[2], the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) sought the views of relevant stakeholders for this report. In association with the NZHRC and the Ministry of Justice, MFAT held a series of meetings in August 2008. Over 70 civil society organisations and NGOs participated. Following ministerial and departmental consultation, the draft report was released for public comment in mid-February for a period of four weeks. During that consultation phase, another series of public meetings were held in March 2009, including with interested Māori. Given New Zealand’s special constitutional relationships with the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, their Governments were also given the opportunity to comment on the draft report.
Stakeholders expressed a wide range of views on the human rights situation in New Zealand. In an open and constructive dialogue, it was generally felt that while there have been some advances in recent years in New Zealand, there are still a number of outstanding human rights issues that need to be addressed and areas where we can do better. In general terms, the major issues that arose during the consultation process related to New Zealand’s constitutional framework for the protection of human rights and the place of the Treaty of Waitangi; the social-economic inequalities between different groups in New Zealand society, particularly for Māori; discrimination; violence; and the impact of the global recession on New Zealanders and their rights. During this process, some stakeholders expressed concern about the consultation process and engagement with civil society and Māori. The Government acknowledges these concerns and is committed to improving the consultation process with civil society for future human rights reporting and follow-up to recommendations.
[2] Human Rights Council Resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007 and the General Guidelines for the Preparation of information under the Universal Periodic Review (as contained in document A/HRC/6/L/24).
