This is edition 2024/159 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome to the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
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1. Managed Democracy
Chris Trotter
- 🗳️ When did holding referenda become a bad thing in New Zealand?
- 🍻 Referenda on alcohol licensing were regular from 1919 to 1989, showing public engagement.
- ⚔️ In 1949, 77% supported compulsory military training in peacetime.
- 🕰️ Twice, New Zealanders chose a three-year parliamentary term over four.
- 🚩 In 2015 and 2016, flag replacement referenda were held.
- 💊 In 2020, Kiwis voted on euthanasia and cannabis prohibition.
- 🗳️ New Zealand's electoral system was reformed by three referenda.
- 📜 The rise of Citizens Initiated Referenda reflected public dissatisfaction with the political system.
- 🏛️ Parliament retains power over non-binding CIRs, limiting their impact.
- 🤝 Challenges to CIRs often face resistance from parliamentary elites.
- ⚖️ David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill faces widespread parliamentary opposition.
