Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.8, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Direct Democracy in New Zealand We All Decide ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://ddnz.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [STUFF](https://ddnz.org/stuff/) - In this section we have posts from New Zealand and from overseas. We also have a forum section enabling debates, discussion and voting, please use the menu for that. GENERAL POSTS: - [System Structure](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/07/09/system-structure/) - The system has several fundamental structures, each with many subsystems. This is to manage many different Systems, Entities, Proposals, People, Processes, Organizations, Blogs, Sortitions, Votes, Meetings, Conferences, Initiatives, Information Sources, Administrators, Debates, Pages, Budgets, Accountability Frameworks. It is basically designed to replicate, in a far more manageable, organised and tangible fashion, the Town Hall meetings - [Hubs: What are they? How do they work?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/07/02/hubs-what-are-they-how-do-they-work/) - A hub is an entity that uses our democracy software for its own purposes. A hub enables a group of people, from a small community group all the way up to many millions in size, to manage it's own decisions democratically and fairly. A hub could represent all the people of a given area or - [Platform begins availability](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/06/29/platform-begins-availability/) - Today we begin platform availability for democratic decision making across New Zealand. We aren't coming with a magic solution. There's no immediate solution to New Zealand's governance issues, because the only long term solution to those issues, is to give people the power instead of just a few. That will not happen quickly. This is - [Wayne Haigh shares his thoughts about the running of New Zealand](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/12/wayne-haigh-shares-his-thoughts-about-the-running-of-new-zealand/) - Wayne Haigh Discusses How New Zealand Is Run, insights and foresights - [The Interplay of Personal Opinion and Democratic Processes](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/03/14/the-interplay-of-personal-opinion-and-democratic-processes/) - Democracy, at its core, is a system built upon the principle of informed consent. Citizens, through the process of voting, collectively decide the direction of their society. This process hinges on the ability of each individual to form their own opinions, based on available information, and express them through their vote. However, the relationship between personal opinion and democracy is complex and often misunderstood. - [No politician has ever given power to the people](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/03/14/no-politician-has-ever-given-power-to-the-people/) - We asked AI the following question: has there ever been a politician elected who promised to hand over all the power to the people and got elected on that basis and then actually did hand the power over to the people? - [The Myth of Stupidity: Apathy, Not Ignorance](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/03/10/the-myth-of-stupidity-apathy-not-ignorance/) - The pervasive belief that "most people are stupid" is a dangerous oversimplification. While individual intelligence varies, the perception of widespread stupidity often stems from a misunderstanding of human behavior, specifically the role of emotional responses, particularly apathy, in shaping decisions and actions. This article will explore how apathy, rather than a lack of intelligence, frequently underlies behaviors interpreted as "stupid," challenging the common misconception. - [The Wisdom of the Crowd vs. The Pronouncements of the Powerful](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/03/06/the-wisdom-of-the-crowd-vs-the-pronouncements-of-the-powerful/) - Direct democracy isn't about chaos; it's about harnessing the combined brainpower of a nation to build a better future. How can we empower citizens to participate meaningfully in shaping their own lives and communities? - [Interview with Les the Labourer: How is New Zealand run?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/31/interview-with-les-the-labourer-how-is-new-zealand-run/) - "Don't trust politicians" "All done behind closed doors" "Things need to change" "Nothing good about the way things are done" "Not a lot of good happens" "Those in control make all the decisions" "It comes down to how they treat us as people" - [PQ's plan for a sovereignty referendum is 'disconnected' from reality, Legault says](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/pqs-plan-for-a-sovereignty-referendum-is-disconnected-from-reality-legault-says/) - QUEBEC — Premier François Legault has accused the Parti Québécois of being out of touch with reality in continuing to plan for an independence … - [Upcoming Release of our public decision making system.](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/24/__trashed-477/) - Shortly we hope to announce a date for a major breakthrough New Zealand's public decision-making process. Our new system has been designed to remain neutral and not take any sides. Instead, it will present all sides of a debate and enable people to vote on them and add more debates and more substance to existing - [Whats wrong with the system we have?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/24/__trashed-480/) - If a system serves it's controllers well, it stays. The real magic is when the people it serves are also convinced by the controllers that the system is right for them too.. So the controller's job is to create a kind of matrix that most people will benefit from. Eventually, over years, if the people - [What would Direct Democracy mean to our rights?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/24/__trashed-481/) - [Why the Maori are protesting against equal rights in New Zealand](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/why-the-maori-are-protesting-against-equal-rights-in-new-zealand/) - Around 35,000 thousand demonstrators descended on the capital of New Zealand this week, many of them adorned in traditional native dress amid a fluttering sea of red, white and black ‘Maori sovereignty’ flags. They were there to decry a bill looking to redefine New Zealand’s founding treaty. The … - [Sovereignty for Sale](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/sovereignty-for-sale/) - It goes way beyond tax havens and offshore banking. Enterprising countries have figured out how to put their legal systems at the disposal of corporate interests. In the past few years, a secretive consortium of technologists and investors has spent almost a billion dollars to purchase about ninety … - [Digital sovereignty and data sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/digital-sovereignty-and-data-sovereignty/) - Digital technologies are data-driven. But who has access to the data, and who is allowed to use it? Digital sovereignty means that people can decide … - [Somaliland Seeks Trump Backing for Sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/somaliland-seeks-trump-backing-for-sovereignty/) - Bloomberg Technology The only daily news program focused exclusively on technology, innovation and the future of business from San Francisco. Hosted … - [How to overcome limits for quantum technologies to balance global cooperation with national sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/how-to-overcome-limits-for-quantum-technologies-to-balance-global-cooperation-with-national-sovereignty/) - Next year, the world will celebrate 100 years of scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs based on quantum mechanics, with the UN … - [Te Arawhiti give update on potential Ngāpuhi treaty settlement](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/te-arawhiti-give-update-on-potential-ngapuhi-treaty-settlement/) - The Māori select committee has been given an update on the status of a potential treaty settlement for Ngāpuhi. Executives from Te Arawhiti - the … - [Waitangi Tribunal begins historic wānanga-ā-rohe on Māori sovereignty in Ngāruawāhia](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/waitangi-tribunal-begins-historic-wananga-a-rohe-on-maori-sovereignty-in-ngaruawahia/) - The Waitangi Tribunal’s Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry (Wai 3300) is inviting critical dialogue at the first wānanga-ā-rohe on Māori sovereignty and … - [The sovereignity debate](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/the-sovereignity-debate/) - The debate over whether Maori Chiefs intended to cede sovereignty when they signed the Treaty of Waitangi is an academic debate, that doesn’t … - [Minority rule is threatening US democracy](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/minority-rule-is-threatening-us-democracy/) - As any schoolkid might tell you, US elections are based on a bedrock principle: one person, one vote. Simple as that. Each vote carries the same … - [Why Democracy Lives and Dies by Math](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/why-democracy-lives-and-dies-by-math/) - “Math is power” is the tag line of a new documentary, “Counted Out,” currently making the rounds at festivals and community screenings. (It will have a limited theatrical release next year.) The film explores the intersection of mathematics, civil rights and democracy. And it delves into how an … - [Indigenous Sovereignty Is Under Attack as Supreme Court Bends Rules for Settlers](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/indigenous-sovereignty-is-under-attack-as-supreme-court-bends-rules-for-settlers/) - The Supreme Court has made headlines in recent years for a variety of controversial rulings — for gutting affirmative action, granting the president … - [Revolution and Papacy](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/revolution-and-papacy/) - Pope Gregory XVI believed that, even if it were true that immediate spiritual advantages might be gained by revolt, or by the introduction of liberal … - [Authoritarianism Expert Flags Chilling Thing That’s ‘Happening Now’ With Trump](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/authoritarianism-expert-flags-chilling-thing-thats-happening-now-with-trump/) - Ruth Ben-Ghiat talked about the "personalist rule" and its worrying effects. Authoritarianism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat and conservative attorney George … - [Corporations Are Arming Militants and Threatening Global Peace](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/corporations-are-arming-militants-and-threatening-global-peace/) - These shadowy alliances are reshaping how wars are fought, who profits from them, and why traditional peacekeeping doesn’t work anymore. - [Is Britain about to relinquish the vestiges of its empire?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/is-britain-about-to-relinquish-the-vestiges-of-its-empire/) - The transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius has highlighted the sometimes complicated relationship of the UK with … - [Global Watch | Chinese Encroachment Into The African Media Landscape](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/global-watch-chinese-encroachment-into-the-african-media-landscape/) - English Edition In Trends: Follow Us Written By : Arun Anand • News18.com Last Updated:December 05, 2024, 16:29 IST The increasing Chinese influence in the … - [Meet Sovereignty and Compliance Requirements with AWS Digital Sovereignty Competency Partners](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/meet-sovereignty-and-compliance-requirements-with-aws-digital-sovereignty-competency-partners/) - In today’s digital landscape, maintaining control over digital assets, or digital sovereignty, has become increasingly crucial, particularly for … - [Indigenous activist wins $4-million grant to boost Indigenous environmental rights](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/indigenous-activist-wins-4-million-grant-to-boost-indigenous-environmental-rights/) - A prominent Indigenous climate organizer has received a prestigious $4-million grant to build a network that will help bolster Indigenous people's … - [Open Letter: UBCIC in Solidarity with the Māori People - Indigenous Lands & Resources Today](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/open-letter-ubcic-in-solidarity-with-the-maori-people-indigenous-lands-resources-today/) - Dear Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and the Māori Party: On behalf of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), we extend our … - [Vote for Nobody](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/vote-for-nobody/) - The system is geared towards the empowerment of politicians, when in reality we should be voting for no person to vote on our behalf, we should only be directly voting on matters of substance and we should be doing it ourselves. The system is geared towards the empowerment of politicians, when in reality we should be voting for no person to vote on our behalf, we should only be directly voting on matters of substance and we should be doing it ourselves. - [Every country is negotiating a plan to save nature. Except the US.](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/05/every-country-is-negotiating-a-plan-to-save-nature-except-the-us/) - CALI, Colombia — The United States is, by many measures, a global environmental leader, barring four years under former President Donald Trump. It has some of the strongest environmental laws in the world, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act. The country invests billions of … - [How Australia’s Voting System Maintains Two-Party Rule](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/how-australias-voting-system-maintains-two-party-rule/) - Australia’s two major parties — the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Liberal-led Coalition — are steadily declining in popularity, mirroring … - [Jordan Peterson moves to US over bill that could turn Canada into ‘totalitarian hellhole’](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/jordan-peterson-moves-to-us-over-bill-that-could-turn-canada-into-totalitarian-hellhole/) - Controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson has fled Canada as liberals push to pass legislation that he says will suppress free speech and turn the … - [Winning proportional representation: Lessons from New Zealand](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/21/winning-proportional-representation-lessons-from-new-zealand/) - 2023 has been a big year of 30th anniversaries for us. In 1993 we were married. FairVote, the organization we helped found, moved into its first … - [Democracy is about the empowerment of people](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/15/democracy-is-about-the-empowerment-of-people/) - Democracy, at its heart, is not a system of judgment, but one of empowerment. It doesn't dictate what you should believe or how you should vote; instead, it provides a framework for understanding complex issues and then entrusts you, the citizen, with the crucial responsibility of making informed decisions. - [The Many Faces of Intelligence: Unleashing Collective Potential](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/18/the-many-faces-of-intelligence-unleashing-collective-potential/) - We often equate intelligence with financial success. The narrative of the self-made millionaire, the brilliant CEO, or the high-earning professional dominates our understanding of what it means to be "smart." But this narrow definition ignores the vast spectrum of human intelligence and its diverse expressions. Everyone possesses a unique level of intelligence, but the ways - [The Crumbling Pillars of Democracy: A People's Cry](https://ddnz.org/blog/2025/02/24/the-crumbling-pillars-of-democracy-a-peoples-cry/) - The very foundation of democracy rests on a simple, yet profound principle: the right of the people to have a genuine say in the decisions that shape their lives and their nation's destiny. This isn't merely a matter of ticking boxes on a ballot; it's about ensuring every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation or ideology, feels heard, respected, and valued in the processes that determine their future. For too long, this fundamental right has been eroded, chipped away by a growing disregard for the citizenry - [5 geopolitical questions for 2025](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/5-geopolitical-questions-for-2025/) - If 2024 was the year of elections, 2025 will be the year of questions. The start of the year will see governments across the world at the beginning of … - [The Ambivalent History of Indigenous People and U.S. Citizenship](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/the-ambivalent-history-of-indigenous-people-and-u-s-citizenship/) - This year Indigenous People’s Day marks 100 years since Congress enacted the Indian Citizenship Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. Americans are usually shocked when they learn that those who preceded Europeans on this continent did not gain citizenship for more than a half century … - [Guest Post: Abraham Lincoln and the Treaty of Waitangi](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/guest-post-abraham-lincoln-and-the-treaty-of-waitangi/) - A guest post by Peter Lynn:In 2005 I went on a pilgrimage with a group of Americans to Gettysburg, site of the pivotal battle of the American Civil … - [A Modern Triumvirate? New Zealand’s Political Power Play and Its Historical Parallels](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/a-modern-triumvirate-new-zealands-political-power-play-and-its-historical-parallels/) - History doesn’t always repeat itself, but sometimes it sure does come awfully close.As one does at 3am when they should be sleeping or cleaning or … - [Gerrymandering Is Wrong No Matter Who Does It](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/gerrymandering-is-wrong-no-matter-who-does-it/) - Your editorial “ Democrats vs. Proportional Representation” (Nov. 23) seems to argue as follows: Democrats complain about gerrymandering but then engage in it; Republicans don’t believe in “proportional representation,” so they gerrymander, but openly. That much is true, but no matter each side’s … - [US has 'grave concern' as South Korea imposes, then overturns, martial law](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/us-has-grave-concern-as-south-korea-imposes-then-overturns-martial-law/) - The White House said the U.S. was not given advance notice of the order. After being caught off guard by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's … - [‘Whitewash’: New Zealand foreign minister blasts Australian COVID inquiry](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/07/whitewash-new-zealand-foreign-minister-blasts-australian-covid-inquiry/) - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has blasted the Australian government’s inquiry into the handling of the pandemic while warning Canberra … - [How Did the Ancient Greeks Get Rid of Tyrants?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/14/how-did-the-ancient-greeks-get-rid-of-tyrants/) - Ancient Greece pioneered laws against tyranny, encouraging citizens to overthrow despots. Explore how these anti-tyrant laws, like the Decree of Demophantos, shaped Athenian democracy and influenced popular uprisings. Discover the complex dynamics between democracy, tyranny, and popular sovereignty in the ancient world. - [Do NZers think sovereignty was ceded in 1840?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/do-nzers-think-sovereignty-was-ceded-in-1840/) - Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins recently disagreed on whether they think Māori ceded sovereignty when they signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. … - [‘Nature markets’ may help preserve biodiversity – but they risk repeating colonial patterns of Indigenous exploitation](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/12/15/nature-markets-may-help-preserve-biodiversity-but-they-risk-repeating-colonial-patterns-of-indigenous-exploitation/) - As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, finance for the conservation and restoration of nature is one of the key themes … - [Areas of improvement for the Swiss Democracy System](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/09/areas-of-improvement-for-the-swiss-democracy-system/) - Direct Democracy in New Zealand Stuff Swiss Democracy - [Why support Direct Democracy? What if it fails?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/13/why-support-direct-democracy-what-if-it-fails/) - Implementing Direct Democracy and changing the way the system works sounds bold to many. People understand that it needs support and that they are the best ones to provide it. Leaving it to chance won't work because the drive won't be there, putting into commercial hands won't work because it will represent those interests alone, - [Voting Process Discussion Paper](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/13/voting-process-discussion-paper/) - Discussion around the voting process, prepared by Axiologic - [Days of Democracy are over (unless we do something)](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/22/days-of-democracy-are-over-unless-we-do-something/) - Even though we've never had proper democracy, the reality is that even the form of democracy we do have is under threat. Democracy is a logical concept that puts us all on an equal footing, but what's happening in the UK does not bode well for New Zealand. Neil Oliver is a reknowned voice from - [George Orwell's last words](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/23/george-orwells-last-words/) - George Orwell might sound doom and gloom but it has come to pass Taken from the above website (Open Culture): More than 60 years after his death and the closely preceding publication of his best-known novel 1984, we look to George Orwell as a kind of prophet of the ills of corporatism, socialism, authoritarianism, totalitarianism - [Stay on top of New Zealand legislation changes](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/23/stay-on-top-of-new-zealand-legislation-changes/) - New Zealand Legislation changes many times per business day, it's sometimes nearly a constant stream throughout the day. If you thought that such things were just occasionally and that when it did happen, it will be news that you won't miss, we have to tell you you are wrong, parliament changes laws all the time - [Power of Empowerment](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/23/power-of-empowerment/) - An empowered society is not merely a utopian ideal but a tangible reality that holds the key to a brighter future. It's a society where individuals are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to actively participate in shaping their own lives and the world around them. This empowerment transcends mere economic prosperity; it's about fostering a sense of agency, responsibility, and collective action. - [Countries practising Direct Democracy](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/24/countries-practising-direct-democracy/) - Direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in decision-making, has become a growing trend worldwide. While often viewed as a utopian ideal, its practical implementation varies significantly across different countries. This article examines the successes and challenges of direct democracy through case studies of Switzerland, Taiwan, Mexico, and Uruguay, highlighting the diverse ways this system operates in practice - [#IndividuallyTogether](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/10/08/individuallytogether/) - Lost faith in leadership? Feel unheard and disconnected? Many Kiwis feel the same. Reclaim our collective identity, rebuild community, and empower ourselves. #IndividuallyTogether - [How do Cantons work in Switzerland?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/10/15/how-do-cantons-work-in-switzerland/) - Switzerland's unique political system allows for a high degree of direct democracy, particularly within its cantons. This means that citizens have a direct say in shaping their local laws and policies, going beyond simply electing representatives - [What do we need funding for?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/08/what-do-we-need-funding-for/) - Theres two components to what we are proposing. One is the Direct Democracy system itself and the other is the one policy anti political political party. The Direct Democracy system itself requires developers, technology consultation, administrators, a committee to oversee the referendums and the marketing and direction of the operation. The political party side of - [The Swiss System- The most democratic established system there is.](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/08/the-swiss-system-the-most-democratic-established-system-there-is/) - We are proposing a similar democracy system to the Swiss. Not exactly the same, but similar. The Swiss system puts the people at the heart of decision making. Their country is run mostly by the people with more referendums annually than New Zealand has had in 200 years, and now the country decides with minimal - [Don't like the system? Change it!](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/04/dont-like-the-system-change-it/) - Why can't we have a better system? Spoiler alert! You don't have to read this article at all... We could if you we! did something. We can't if you we don't! Almost everybody that I speak to these days has some sort of a disconnect to the government. It isn't necessarily which government that's the - [What a dream helped me see about the politics of sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/what-a-dream-helped-me-see-about-the-politics-of-sovereignty/) - A moment of insight captured the danger in our widespread ‘sovereigntism’ – and how we ought to relate to each other instead - by Rupert Read Read at … - [A Sovereign Cloud Boom Is Happening In APAC](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/a-sovereign-cloud-boom-is-happening-in-apac/) - The future could see sovereign cloud services becoming an essential part of integrated public- and private-sector cloud strategies. In July 2024, the … - [Shifting Models of Sovereignty in the Pacific](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/shifting-models-of-sovereignty-in-the-pacific/) - The ambiguous and evolving status of the Cook Islands and Niue holds lessons for other Pacific powers. Despite their best intentions, the Biden … - [Southeast Asia in BRICS Is Good for the Global Order](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/southeast-asia-in-brics-is-good-for-the-global-order/) - The club’s expansion affirms the Global South’s hedging strategy—and sends a message to the great powers. A vital region in the Global South—Southeast … - [Data Sovereignty Wars Are Missing the Point](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/data-sovereignty-wars-are-missing-the-point/) - Data is the new oil. And while nations around the globe are renewing efforts to shore up this vital asset, tech companies are getting rich off it and using what they collect to fuel future artificial intelligence development. The question of who has access to the digital footprints of a nation’s … - [Its 2030: Looking Back to 2020](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/its-2030-looking-back-to-2020/) - Imagine it's the year 2030: Looking back, It was time to begin the process of true democracy in New Zealand. We had to do something about it. Things had gotten far too far out of control back in 2020/23. New Zealanders had never experienced true democracy ever, especially not like we know now and they - [What is Direct Democracy and why have it?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/what-is-direct-democracy-and-why-have-it/) - It's always a good idea to start out with a definition of things so we are all clear. First of all, the bigger question is.. "What is democracy?" Everybody knows what democracy is don't they that's something that we learn at school and from our parents, it's people having a say... Right? No. Democracy is - [Voting Rights Must Remain at the Top of Our List in 2024](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/30/voting-rights-must-remain-at-the-top-of-our-list-in-2024/) - The freedom to vote had a big moment last week. It was not about how citizens should vote in 2024, but what might happen in 2025. It was a rousing … - [Support real democracy from anywhere in the world](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/09/01/support-real-democracy-from-anywhere-in-the-world/) - New Zealand has the unique opportunity to be the second country in the world that uses Direct Democracy as it's public decision making system. We are building and implementing a decentralized public decision making platform for New Zealand to remove globalist controls and place the power into the hands of New Zealanders, giving the nation - [The new fight to reform the UN’s colonial-era world order](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/the-new-fight-to-reform-the-uns-colonial-era-world-order/) - CNN — In a city known for its private members clubs battling for exclusivity, one gilded room in Manhattan reigns supreme: a powerful club of countries within the United Nations headquarters that has resisted adding a new member for nearly eight decades. The UN Security Council has been dominated by … - [Aotearoa's Next Chapter: Exploring Direct Democracy in New Zealand](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/10/15/aotearoas-next-chapter-exploring-direct-democracy-in-new-zealand/) - New Zealand, known for its progressive social policies and strong democratic traditions, is increasingly engaging in conversations about direct democracy. While the country currently operates under a representative democracy, the idea of giving citizens a more direct say in shaping their future is gaining traction. - [Winston Peters challenges hīkoi and Te Pāti Māori](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/winston-peters-challenges-hikoi-and-te-pati-maori/) - New Zealand First Party leader Winston Peters has dismissed many of the claims made by leaders of the recent hīkoi and the media while only … - [How to Fix Democracy | Ralph Nader](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/how-to-fix-democracy-ralph-nader/) - Consumer advocate, lawyer, and former U.S. presidential candidate Ralph Nader believes that democracy is about civic organization, not just public opinion. In his assessment, the American people have lost perspective and ceded control of politics to “big money.” But they should understand that there is broad popular support for many of the things they want, - [Activists march against two-party system](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/activists-march-against-two-party-system/) - Local activist groups marched through Cedar-Riverside Wednesday night to protest Tuesday’s election results, which resulted in the re-election of … - [Arizona joins half a dozen states rejecting ranked choice voting](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/arizona-joins-half-a-dozen-states-rejecting-ranked-choice-voting/) - (The Center Square) – Prop. 140 will not pass in Arizona. At 94% of precincts reporting, 59% of Arizonans voted against the measure, joining half a … - [D.C. approves Initiative 83 for ranked-choice voting](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/d-c-approves-initiative-83-for-ranked-choice-voting/) - D.C. has approved Initiative 83, according to the AP, so expect two big changes to local elections: ranked-choice voting and allowing independents to … - [Algorithms Are Coming for Democracy—but It's Not All Bad](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/algorithms-are-coming-for-democracy-but-its-not-all-bad/) - Beyond the deepfakes and disinformation, the potential for AI to make politics more accessible and equitable cannot be ignored. In 2025, AI is poised … - [A look at the evidence for proportional representation - Fair Vote Canada](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/a-look-at-the-evidence-for-proportional-representation-fair-vote-canada/) - Comparing Winner-Take-All to Proportional Systems Substantial comparative research has been conducted on the impact of winner-take-all systems vs … - [Good news for Quebec’s sovereigntists](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/good-news-for-quebecs-sovereigntists/) - By: Alex B. Rivard and Benjamin Ferland. (Version française disponible ici)Following the last Quebec election in October 2022, many analysts once again … - ['Accept you lost': Labour responds as petition for a new General Election hits 1m signatures](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/accept-you-lost-labour-responds-as-petition-for-a-new-general-election-hits-1m-signatures/) - The people who brought you 'Leave Means Leave' are now banging the drum for a re-run of the 2024 General Election. A petition calling for another … - [California’s representative democracy isn’t very representative of democracy](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/californias-representative-democracy-isnt-very-representative-of-democracy/) - With polls showing a national election that’s closer than ever, it can be tempting to appreciate the predictability of California’s politics.Unlike … - [Is It Time to Torch the Constitution?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/is-it-time-to-torch-the-constitution/) - Some scholars say that it’s to blame for our political dysfunction—and that we need to start over. All republican governments live in fear of the man on the white horse. A republican government, like ours, is a system of rules designed to prevent any one person or faction from hijacking the … - [Government releases first Royal Commission Covid-19 report](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/29/government-releases-first-royal-commission-covid-19-report/) - This article was first published by RNZ.The Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 response has been publicly released.The report from the first … - [‘If you think I’m an Ardern puppet, you’ll get a huge surprise’ - NZ Covid Inquiry Chair speaks out](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/29/if-you-think-im-an-ardern-puppet-youll-get-a-huge-surprise-nz-covid-inquiry-chair-speaks-out/) - In a sit down interview that hints at final report, Tony Blakely talks about Voices For Freedom, Jacinda Ardern, and why Winston Peters has beef with … - [GUEST BLOG: Geoff Fischer – What is rangatiratanga?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/29/guest-blog-geoff-fischer-what-is-rangatiratanga/) - “All New Zealanders have tino rangatiratanga, the right to self-determine…” writes the ACT Party leader David Seymour. Seymour evidently believes … - [The Hikoi had 84 000 – why that matters](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/the-hikoi-had-84-000-why-that-matters/) - Winston Peters claimed the Hikoi only had 22 000.Chris Luxon said it was just a Māori Party stunt.The ZB Troll farm decried the turn out as … - [David Seymour won't 'bow down' to his hapū leaders over Treaty bill](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/david-seymour-wont-bow-down-to-his-hapu-leaders-over-treaty-bill/) - Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia pleaded for the Act leader to stop what they say are abusive violations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. - [The only way to keep Māori wards is for Māori to vote for them](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/the-only-way-to-keep-maori-wards-is-for-maori-to-vote-for-them/) - OpinionThe fate of the Māori wards rests firmly in the hands of Māori voters.Changes to the Local Government Act will mean Māori wards on councils … - [Socvereignty debate a distraction from economic issues says Jones](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/socvereignty-debate-a-distraction-from-economic-issues-says-jones/) - New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones says he can’t understand why Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has allowed himself to be drawn into a … - [Localism: NZ needs a better system - Nick Clark](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/localism-nz-needs-a-better-system-nick-clark/) - THREE KEY FACTS: Nick Clark is a Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. A short walk from Wellington’s shiny Tākina Convention Centre, a burst … - [Whangārei retains Māori wards, holding a binding poll next year](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/whangarei-retains-maori-wards-holding-a-binding-poll-next-year/) - Thursday, August 29, 2024 • ByDaniel Perese Whangārei District Council has chosen to retain Māori wards and hold a referendum at the 2025 local … - [Iwi demand Christopher Luxon acknowledges Māori did not cede sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/iwi-demand-christopher-luxon-acknowledges-maori-did-not-cede-sovereignty/) - By Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira of RNZ Northern iwi Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Manu have penned an open letter to the prime minister demanding he acknowledge Māori … - [Infrastructure politics: Labour not sure about Bishop’s calls for politicians to be less political](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/26/infrastructure-politics-labour-not-sure-about-bishops-calls-for-politicians-to-be-less-political/) - Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has put out a call to infrastructure spokespeople from across Parliament to work together to take some of the … - [Willie Jackson challenges David Seymour to Treaty Debate round 2](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/29/willie-jackson-challenges-david-seymour-to-treaty-debate-round-2/) - Willie Jackson has come out swinging on Facebook……boom.Mic Drop.Saying that Willie has to apologise first must be a misquote because Seymour is more … - [Covid-19 Royal Commission: Ardern’s ‘single source of truth’ comment was ‘unhelpful’](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/29/covid-19-royal-commission-arderns-single-source-of-truth-comment-was-unhelpful/) - • The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 has released its first phase report• It found some vaccine requirements “caused harm” and affected public … - [The League’s Commitment to Strengthening Democracy and Local Governance](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/11/30/the-leagues-commitment-to-strengthening-democracy-and-local-governance/) - The results of this year’s elections remind us that we are a diverse nation, made up of not just red and blue states, but also blue and red dots … - [Why is Everyone Concerned About the WHO?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/why-is-everyone-concerned-about-the-who/) - In a 6 to 3 ruling on the Murthy v. Missouri case, the Supreme Court ruled against me and my fellow co-plaintiffs, in effect rendering the US First … - [France unveils draft 'energy sovereignty bill', with emphasis on nuclear](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/france-unveils-draft-energy-sovereignty-bill-with-emphasis-on-nuclear/) - France’s main energy priorities for 2030 largely promote nuclear power as a way of ditching fossil fuels while failing to mention the EU’s renewable … - [AI is quickly becoming a matter of national technological sovereignty](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/ai-is-quickly-becoming-a-matter-of-national-technological-sovereignty/) - Listen to this podcast Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify As with many technologies that preceded it, generative artificial intelligence is … - [Juror who 'did own research' in High Court trial cops $250 fine](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/juror-who-did-own-research-in-high-court-trial-cops-250-fine/) - A juror in a High Court trial in Hamilton who was discharged for undertaking his own research has been fined $250. The juror was summoned to appear … - [The philosophy of anarchism, explained](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/the-philosophy-of-anarchism-explained/) - When you think of anarchism, what comes to mind? Maybe you have some vague image of a punk rocker with the Circle-A symbol scratched into her jeans. Or some comic-book supervillain out to destroy the world that spurned him. Those are fun caricatures, but anarchism is actually a rich tradition of … - [US has 'concerns' about Hungary's 'sovereignty' law](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/us-has-concerns-about-hungarys-sovereignty-law/) - The U.S. State Department released a statement expressing concern about Hungary's adoption of a "Sovereign Defense Authority" law that contains … - [Indigenous data sovereignty—A new take on an old theme](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/indigenous-data-sovereignty-a-new-take-on-an-old-theme/) - A new kind of data revolution is unfolding around the world, one that is unlikely to be on the radar of tech giants and the power brokers of Silicon … - [Danielle Smith to invoke Sovereignty Act over federal net-zero targets Monday](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/danielle-smith-to-invoke-sovereignty-act-over-federal-net-zero-targets-monday/) - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to reveal the architecture of the infamous Sovereignty Act Monday, ahead of it being tabled in the legislature … - [The Rise and Fall Of The Largest Empires In History](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-largest-empires-in-history/) - Empires have risen and crumbled throughout history. But what were the largest and most powerful empires throughout history? Let's take a look at the world's biggest empires. We ranked them by the landmass they controlled at their height. The biggest empire in the world controlled a quarter of the world's land. Can you guess what - [Explainer: Why are opposition leaders saying Macron is carrying out an 'anti-democratic coup'?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/explainer-why-are-opposition-leaders-saying-macron-is-carrying-out-an-anti-democratic-coup/) - FRANCE HAS BEEN in a political deadlock for seven weeks since the country went to the polls. The result of President Emmanuel Macron’s snap … - [The Path to True Freedom is Systematic Privatization](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/the-path-to-true-freedom-is-systematic-privatization/) - Politics in all its variants, particularly the politics of political parties, is the archenemy of freedom, prosperity, and peace. Yet, wherever one … - [World may have to live through anarchy to rescue what it lost](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/world-may-have-to-live-through-anarchy-to-rescue-what-it-lost/) - As we try to figure out what the next year holds in store for the world, one milestone looms menacingly on the horizon: the US presidential election … - [Rewilding Democracy: On Anne Norton’s “Wild Democracy” | Los Angeles Review of Books](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/rewilding-democracy-on-anne-nortons-wild-democracy-los-angeles-review-of-books/) - BEFORE THE GREAT RECESSION and the populist tides of the 2010s, the meaning of democracy was somewhat stable. Democracy was, for a brief period— … - [Episode #193 ... The main export of the western world is trash. - Anarchism pt. 2](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/episode-193-the-main-export-of-the-western-world-is-trash-anarchism-pt-2/) - Today we talk about some of the work of Murray Bookchin. We talk about anarchism as a historical trend in human thought that keeps recurring. Then we talk about the superficiality of typical approaches to being environmentally conscious. We talk about Futurism and the hope of colonizing other planets. We talk about Artificial Intelligence and - [Politics versus democracy](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/19/politics-versus-democracy/) - New Zealand has never known real democracy, its the same for almost every nation. Because New Zealand is a "representative democracy" we've almost never voted on issues of substance, just on people to to represent us to solve those issues. And as we know, they can't represent us and they don't. - [The impact of Direct Democracy on a country](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/26/the-impact-of-direct-democracy-on-a-country/) - Direct Democracy is primarily about sovereignty- Sovereignty for the people to decide and sovereignty for the nation to decide together, as the sum of all it's residents. - [Does democracy lead to better health?](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/does-democracy-lead-to-better-health/) - In his book Development as Freedom Amartya Sen says that in functioning multiparty democracies “rulers have the incentive to listen to what people … - [Is OpenAI’s ‘moonshot’ to integrate democracy into AI tech more than PR? | The AI Beat](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/is-openais-moonshot-to-integrate-democracy-into-ai-tech-more-than-pr-the-ai-beat/) - It's time to celebrate the incredible women leading the way in AI! Nominate your inspiring leaders for VentureBeat’s Women in AI Awards today before June 18. Learn More Last week, an OpenAI PR rep reached out by email to let me know the company had formed a new “Collective Alignment” team that would … - [How AI is changing what sovereignty means](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/how-ai-is-changing-what-sovereignty-means/) - Disinformation, misleading information, and even hate speech, are the order of the day and the big question now is how to prevent these evils in … - [Bruce Pardy: WHO health treaty a convenient cover for more government overreach](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/bruce-pardy-who-health-treaty-a-convenient-cover-for-more-government-overreach/) - The World Health Organization (WHO) is drafting a new pandemic agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, which since 2005 … - [GUEST BLOG: Dave Brownz – Standing Upright in the Wild South | The Daily Blog](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/guest-blog-dave-brownz-standing-upright-in-the-wild-south-the-daily-blog/) - So let’s dump the death trap of chauvinism of all kinds, national, gender and race, and unite with our brothers and sisters of the Wild South to … - [Māori rise up while Government looks to rewrite history](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/08/29/maori-rise-up-while-government-looks-to-rewrite-history/) - Opinion: The Māori King Tūheitia was winding up the day’s hui with a predictable list of talking points that was struggling to hold anyone’s … - [Fundamental political governance problem](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/07/31/fundamental-political-governance-problem/) - We think that a key fundamental problem with parliament and almost every politically empowered organisation lies in separating decision making from influence. Both concepts are necessary but it's essential the processes are separated. Influence is everything up for discussion: it involves literally all of the ideas, the revelation of concepts and revelation of information. It - [Just be yourself!](https://ddnz.org/blog/2024/07/25/just-be-yourself/) - By nature, politics is set to divide people. Whether you like it or not, gradually our mindsets start to think by the categories we are forced into. People become blue, red, left or right and it pigeonholes them into thinking certain ways and controlling their responses to situations. We lose the ability to think critically ## Pages - [HOME](https://ddnz.org/) - Direct Democracy in New Zealand - We All Decide Proposing changes to New Zealand Governance and Democracy. 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