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

Related Stories

Te Reo Māori literature flying off the shelves

Te Reo Māori literature flying off the shelves

Madison Derbyshire-Smith May 30, 2024

Kiwis urged to get behind Amnesty’s petition on Ukraine

Kiwis urged to get behind Amnesty’s petition on Ukraine

Nandita Prasad March 25, 2022

Jewish call to prayer poses a dilemma for upcoming rituals during Covid

Jewish call to prayer poses a dilemma for upcoming rituals during Covid

Shoshana Maasland August 28, 2020

Auckland's Matariki festival this year highlights indigenous art

Auckland's Matariki festival this year highlights indigenous art

Nabeelah Khan June 12, 2024

University students and professors weigh in on newly proposed ‘assistant psychology’ role

University students and professors weigh in on newly proposed ‘assistant psychology’ role

Nabeelah Khan June 5, 2024

Giving journalism a ‘face-lift’ in a time of crisis

Giving journalism a ‘face-lift’ in a time of crisis

Jamie Lawlor June 4, 2024