What constitutes a constitution?

October 15, 2016

What constitutes a constitution?

Emily Ridgway says that she's not sure what a constitution does. Photo: Hannah Martin

Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer is asking for a modern written constitution to be ratified.

Sir Geoffrey, who was a Labour MP for four terms and Prime Minister from 1989-90, believes a modern constitution would strengthen democracy, make the Government more accountable and protect human rights.

He and Wellington litigator Dr Andrew Butler recently published a book: A Constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand. The book’s website says our current constitution is not well-known or understood, and doesn’t fit our modern reality.

But what makes up our constitution?

Te Waha Nui asked people what they really know what our constitution is, or if they know what one is at all.

Check out their opinions below. Video: Jessica-Belle Greer and Rebekah Philson

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