Over the weekend, the ACT Party released a major policy package targeting some of the core constitutional issues Hobson’s Pledge has been fighting on for years.
For a long time, Hobson's Pledge has been a voice calling for one law for all and upholding the words of Governor Hobson: “He iwi tahi tatou” — We are one people.
Now, it is very exciting to see those very principles picked up in mainstream political announcements.
What ACT has announced
ACT’s latest policy package directly reflects what Hobson’s Pledge supporters have been calling for:
Three Core Constitutional Principles: Amending the Constitution Act to state unequivocally that Parliament is sovereign, the rule of law is fundamental, and all citizens are equal before the law.
Ending Vague Treaty Clauses: Stopping Parliament from dropping loose Treaty clauses into legislation and requiring explicit Cabinet agreement before any bill mentions the Treaty.
Reining in Judicial Activism: Updating the Legislation Act to make it clear to judges that statutes mean what Parliament enacted and intended.
One Law for All: Who Could Possibly Disagree?
When you step back and look at these proposals, you have to ask: Who could possibly disagree with equal rights?
How can anyone oppose the statement that every citizen in a democracy is equal before the law? The frantic pushback from certain politicians and activists says far more about them than it does about these common-sense principles.
Turning The Talk into Action
Hobson's Pledge welcomes ACT’s announcement, just as we welcome the recent speech by Attorney-General Chris Bishop, who explicitly warned the judiciary to stay in its lane and respect Parliamentary sovereignty.
But talk is not enough. We need action.
For example, the Coalition promised a comprehensive review of Treaty clauses in existing legislation. That review (as part of the NZ First coalition agreement) remains unreleased. We are calling on Ministers to release that report publicly immediately so New Zealanders know where things stand before the next election.
Why Hobson’s Pledge Needs Your Support Today
This announcement proves that your voice is working.
When Hobson’s Pledge lobbies, runs campaigns, and educates the public, it shifts the political landscape. Parties take notice, and policies change.
However, keeping these issues on the front burner requires constant pressure. Opposition groups are heavily funded and actively working to derail equality under the law. We cannot rely on politicians alone to finish the job - we must use our collective voices to hold them accountable.
How You Can Support Our Message
To keep demanding that talk turns into binding law, we need your support.
Together, we can ensure that New Zealand remains a true democracy where every single Kiwi stands equal before the law.
