The action has sparked criticism from the Taxpayers’ Union, which had organised the submission drive through a tool on OpenTheBooks.nz.
While ministerial expenses are already subject to the Official Information Act, the Taxpayers’ Union argues that similar transparency should extend to opposition MPs, backbenchers, and the budgets allocated to party leaders.
“Blocking Kiwis from contacting their MPs to demand transparency is nothing short of arrogant self-entitlement,” said Jordan Williams, spokesperson for the Taxpayers’ Union. Williams highlighted that while committees have previously consolidated or even ignored mass submissions, this is the first time the public has been explicitly prevented from emailing MPs directly through a submission tool.
Online submission tools, Williams added, are widely used worldwide to facilitate public engagement, making it easier for citizens to “have their say.” He clarified that the submissions sent through ‘OpenTheBooks.nz’ were not automated petitions or spam; each submission was individually crafted, allowing New Zealanders to edit and send personalised messages to their representatives.
The Taxpayers’ Union believes the decision to block emails reflects discomfort among MPs over the scrutiny of their expenses.
“We knew that many backbenchers and opposition MPs would be annoyed we are highlighting their precious secrecy,” said Williams. “But to actually go as far as to block New Zealanders from sending emails to MPs is disgraceful.”
Despite the block, the Taxpayers’ Union has announced it will print every submission received on OpenTheBooks.nz and deliver them to Parliament in person.
With the deadline for submissions approaching this Wednesday night, the group is determined to ensure New Zealanders’ calls for accountability reach the government.
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
“Blocking Kiwis from contacting their MPs to demand transparency is nothing short of arrogant self-entitlement,” said Jordan Williams, spokesperson for the Taxpayers’ Union. Williams highlighted that while committees have previously consolidated or even ignored mass submissions, this is the first time the public has been explicitly prevented from emailing MPs directly through a submission tool.
Online submission tools, Williams added, are widely used worldwide to facilitate public engagement, making it easier for citizens to “have their say.” He clarified that the submissions sent through ‘OpenTheBooks.nz’ were not automated petitions or spam; each submission was individually crafted, allowing New Zealanders to edit and send personalised messages to their representatives.
The Taxpayers’ Union believes the decision to block emails reflects discomfort among MPs over the scrutiny of their expenses.
“We knew that many backbenchers and opposition MPs would be annoyed we are highlighting their precious secrecy,” said Williams. “But to actually go as far as to block New Zealanders from sending emails to MPs is disgraceful.”
Despite the block, the Taxpayers’ Union has announced it will print every submission received on OpenTheBooks.nz and deliver them to Parliament in person.
With the deadline for submissions approaching this Wednesday night, the group is determined to ensure New Zealanders’ calls for accountability reach the government.
Daily Telegraph New Zealand (DTNZ) is an independent news website, first published in October 2021. - where this article was sourced.
3 comments:
If we had transparency we might find out how Debbie Ngarewa-Packer's recent junket to Hawaii was funded, or scribble face's trips to Paris.
Still think govt operates under Democratic principles ?
More like tyranny & extortion & nothing short of a complete tax embargo will halt the corruption in its tracks...
We are so fortunate to have the TPU - I'm a member - how about you?
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