Referendum 2009

Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offence in New Zealand?

That's the question New Zealand voters are being asked to answer in the 2009 Citizens Initiated Referendum.

The referendum aims to canvas popular opinion on the controversial 2007 repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act, which deals with matters of justification or excuse when using force against a child.

Voters have from July 31 until August 21 to decide where they stand on the issue.

Referendum 2009 - Full Coverage

Qld MPs debate indigenous preamble

Anna Bligh has introduced a bill to establish a preamble to Qld's constitution that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first inhabitants.

November 24, 2009, 6:32 pm

Climate protesters blockade parliament
Federal Parliament's front doors were locked during a blockade by climate change protesters calling for deep cuts to carbon emissions.
November 23, 2009, 6:23 pm
PM against binding referenda plan
The public would demand more spending but pay less tax under binding referenda, Prime Minister John Key says.
November 23, 2009, 8:01 am
Government's turn to act, say democracy marchers
The organisers of this weekend's "March for Democracy" say the Government's response will determine how far and wide they take the campaign.
November 22, 2009, 2:56 pm
March organisers confident
Organisers of yesterday's March for Democracy in Auckland are confident their stand has made a difference to the debate over the government's response to referenda.
November 22, 2009, 6:32 am
Key unmoved by march
The March for Democracy has failed to change the view of the Prime Minister on citizens-initiated referenda.
November 22, 2009, 2:50 am
Thousands march up Queen St demanding referenda action
The organiser of this afternoon's "March for Democracy" through central Auckland says thousands have sent a strong message to the Government that they will not be ignored.
November 21, 2009, 3:19 pm
Thousands march for referenda action
Between 4000 and 5000 people are marching through central Auckland this afternoon, urging the Government to act on referenda.
November 21, 2009, 12:40 pm
Thousands turn out for March for Democracy
The March for Democracy in Auckland this afternoon is over, and speeches are now being made.
November 21, 2009, 12:39 pm
Democracy march expected to draw thousands
Thousands of people are expected to take part in a march in Auckland today, calling on politicians to be more responsive to public opinion.
November 21, 2009, 3:17 am
Parents 'know better than Children's Commissioner'
The man behind a protest march in Auckland tomorrow has told the Children's Commissioner parents know better than him about disciplining their children.
November 20, 2009, 11:33 am
March "divisive" - Children's Commissioner
Children's Commissioner John Angus is taking a stand against tomorrow's "March for Democracy" in Auckland.
November 20, 2009, 10:31 am
Free buses arranged for referenda marchers
Free buses are being arranged to help those wishing to attend a march in Auckland calling for citizens-initiated referenda to be binding.
November 16, 2009, 11:38 am
Plane turned away after missing curfew
The South Australian government will not be changing its curfew rules for Adelaide Airport after a plane was turned away just minutes from landing.
November 13, 2009, 5:14 pm
FPP emerges as likely MMP competitor
A new opinion poll is picking a referendum run-off on the voting system will likely be between MMP and First Past the Post.
November 12, 2009, 9:32 am
Majority want to keep MMP, new polls shows
A new survey has found a majority of voters don't want to change from the MMP electoral system.
November 12, 2009, 9:23 am
Barnardos backs way anti-smacking law is policed
The Government is working to build "fragile" confidence in anti-smacking laws, Prime Minister John Key says.
November 12, 2009, 4:26 am
No evidence of needless prosecutions for smacking
A review of anti-smacking legislation has found no evidence parents are being subjected to "unnecessary state intervention" for lightly smacking their children.
November 11, 2009, 11:48 am
Parents not prosecuted for light smacks
A review of the controversial anti-smacking law shows that parents are not being prosecuted for lightly smacking their children.
November 11, 2009, 11:33 am