The Select Committee Submission Process: How to Influence Law-Making in Aotearoa New zealand

This article covers:

• What is a Select Committee?

• Why is it important to have your say?

• Preparation before you write your submissions

• Written submissions

• Oral submissions

• Conclusions

Introduction

The Select Committee submission process is one of the most powerful ways for everyday New Zealanders to influence the laws that govern their lives. Select Committees play a vital role in reviewing proposed legislation, scrutinising government spending, and gathering public feedback before Bills become law. This guide will help you understand how Select Committees work, why your voice matters, and how you can effectively participate by making written or oral submissions. By engaging in this process, you can help directly shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s laws and policies.

What is a Select Committee?

Select Committees are of groups of Members of Parliament (MPs) from all political parties who work together to examine issues that the House of Representatives needs more information about. The provide recommendations on:

1. Proposed laws

2. Government spending

3. International treaties

4. Petitions

Select Committees can also initiate inquiries and briefings to investigate important issues. There are currently 13 subject committees, and 7 specialist committees.

Subject Committees:

• Governance and Administration

• Justice

• Parliament Bill

• Health

• Māori Affairs

• Education and Workforce

• Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

• Primary Production

• Social Services and Community

• Environment

• Economic Development, Science and Innovation

• Finance and Expenditure

• Transport and Infrastructure

Specialist Committees:

• Intelligence and Security

• Officers of Parliament

• Business

• Privileges

• Standing Orders

• Petitions

• Regulations Review

Each committee focuses on a particular subject area. They play a key role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s democratic processes by examining Bills (proposed laws), scrutinising Government finances, and engaging with the public for feedback. As part of this work, committees call for submissions from the public to gather opinions on the issues, legislation, or topics under consideration.

Where Does the Select Committee Sit in the Law-Making Process?

1. Introduction of Bill to Parliament

2. First Reading of Bill

3. Select Committee and Submissions Process

4. Second Reading of Bill

5. Committee of the Whole House

6. Third Reading of Bill

7. Royal Assent (if Bill passes)

Bills are referred to a Select Committee after their first reading in Parliament.  The committee then calls for public submissions - this is your opportunity to provide your views, suggest changes, and raise concerns.

The committee considers all written and oral submissions, as well as departmental advice. After reviewing submissions, the committee reports its findings and recommendations to Parliament before the second reading. MPs consider this report when debating and voting on whether the Bill should proceed in becoming law. This report, along with departmental analysis, is made publicly available and is published on the Parliament website.

Why Is This an Important Opportunity?

This is your chance to influence the law before it is passed. Select Committees are an essential of Aotearoa New Zealand’s democratic system, also playing a central role in the House of Representatives’ discharge of its constitutional functions. They:

• Allow the public to directly engage with law-making

• Hold the Government of the day accountable

• Provide detailed scrutiny of legislation and spending

Recent examples of impactful select committee process:

• The Treaty Principles Bill considered by the Justice Committee

• The Regulatory Standards Bill reviewed by the Finance and Expenditure Committee

Before You Start Writing

Before drafting your submission, be clear on:

• What you are making a submission on

• Why you support or oppose it

• The key points you want to make

A useful first step can be to brainstorm your thoughts. This could be as simple as jotting down a list of words, ideas, or phrases — in any order — that capture why the proposed law does not sit right with you, or why you support it. You can then organise these ideas into a logical structure for your submission.

What will the Select Committee not accept:

a.        Racist material (including language that characterises people as racist)

b.       Strong or offensive swear words

c.        Abusive personal remarks about MPs or other individuals

Most submissions are public. If you prefer, you can request that your submission be private, secret, or anonymous — this is especially useful for submitters who may not want their personal or family experiences shared publicly (often important for those who want to share their lived experiences).

Anyone — whether as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, whānau, hapū, or iwi — can make a submission. Submissions can be made in English or te reo Māori and are usually published on the Parliament website unless a request for privacy is made.

Written Submissions

Your submission can be made in English or te reo Māori.

It can be as short or as long as you wish. You might choose to:

• Give general feedback on the overall purpose or intent of the proposed law;

• Comment on its possible implications;

• Address specific clauses or provisions in detail; and/or

• Provide examples of potential impacts.

• Provide recommendations to amend the Bill depending on your position and points.

Your submission can be general or highly detailed. For example, you could write:

“I oppose/support this Bill because [reason].”

The key is to make your points clear, relevant, and easy for the committee to follow.

Example Structure for a Written Submission

1. Introduction: Briefly state whether you support or oppose the Bill.

2. Main points: Outline your key reasons, prioritising the strongest or most important.

3. Details and evidence: Explain each point with examples, impacts, or specific clauses.

4. Recommendations: Clearly state any specific changes or actions you want the committee to consider. This might include amendments to particular clauses, additional provisions, or broader changes to the Bill’s intent or implementation.

5. Conclusion: Summarise your position and what you want the committee to do (e.g., amend or reject the Bill).

Example Structure for Recommendations

Based on the points raised above, I recommend that the Select Committee:

• Amend Clause [X] to clarify [specific change] to better protect affected groups.

• Include / Exclude provisions that ensure [additional protections, rights, or supports].

• Delay the implementation of the Bill until further consultation with [specific communities or experts] can be undertaken.

• Consider the potential impacts on [communities, particular stakeholders] and make adjustments to mitigate negative consequences.

• Reject the Bill in its current form due to [reasons], and instead explore alternative approaches that better address the issues at hand or

• Accept the Bill in its current form.

Oral Submissions

An oral submission is your chance to:

• Highlight important issues

• Share personal experiences

• Expand on your initial written evidence (if any) and recommendations

• Answer questions from the committee.

After the submission deadline:

• The committee decides who to invite for oral submissions

• If you have indicated interest, staff may contact you to arrange a speaking time

• You may not always be invited to speak

If invited:

• You can bring support people with you.

• Speaking time is usually 5–10 minutes.

• The confirmation email from Parliament staff will include:

• Names of committee members (and any sub-committees);

• Times when oral submissions will be heard;

• A request for your preferred speaking time; and

• Other relevant logistical details

Preparation tips

• Build on your written submission — do not just repeat it.

• Use your time to focus on what matters most to you.

• Prioritise your key points.

• Be clear, concise, and persuasive.

• Ask yourself: Why am I making this submission? What am I trying to achieve? What makes my submission stand out?

• The Select Committee is likely to ask you questions regarding any recommendations or feedback, have an answer prepared. Think of the recommendations structure above to assist you in preparing for this.

Example Structure for an Oral Submission

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your position on the Bill.

2. Key points: Present 2–3 main points you want the committee to hear.

3. Supporting details: Share relevant personal experiences or examples that illustrate your points.

4. Response: Be ready to answer questions from the committee to clarify or expand on your submission.

5. Conclusion: Summarise your main message and thank the committee for listening.

Remember: Select Committees — and by extension, the Crown — have a duty to listen. Use your voice with confidence and authority. It is your right to be heard.

Conclusion

The Select Committee submission process is a gateway for the public to influence law-making and hold the government of the day accountable. It ensures that the voices of who are impacted by proposed law are heard before decisions are made in Parliament. This process gives you the opportunity to impact legislation in meaningful ways. Use this guide to prepare and present your views confidently—your participation is essential in shaping a fairer and more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

Making a submission — written or oral — is one of the most effective ways to participate in democracy. Use this guide and seize the opportunity to make your voice count.