constitutional arrangements. Aotearoa Matike Mai, an Independent Iwi Constitutional Working Group headed by Professor Margaret Mutu and lawyer Moana Jackson, held hui around the country to discuss how a constitution might be based upon the Treaty. Peace Movement Aotearoa facilitated discussion among those looking to explore values-based and Treaty-based constitutional arrangements. The Independent Constitutional Review Panel led by Dr Muriel Newman advocated for the removal of any reference to the Treaty or its principles in any constitutional document or legislation. The Constitutional Advisory Panel considered the information and feedback it received from individuals and groups from across Aotearoa New Zealand and published its report in December 2013.2 It recommended that the national conversation about constitutional change should continue and that the Government should support people to find out more about current arrangements and options for the future. The Panel recommended that a national education strategy be implemented in schools and the community, focusing on civics, citizenship and the role of the Treaty. It also suggested that our current constitutional arrangements should be more easily accessible and understood, and the Panel supported ongoing discussion over whether or not there was any merit in assembling our constitutional protections together in a single statute. Affirming the central importance of the Treaty to Aotearoa New Zealand, the Panel also suggested that a process be set up to discuss and develop a range of options for the future role of the Treaty, including options within existing constitutional arrangements and arrangements in which the Treaty is the foundation. The Panel also called for an investigation into how Mäori representation in Parliament and local government decision-making might be improved. It recommended that options for amending The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act be explored including: adding economic, social and cultural rights, property rights and environmental rights; improving compliance with the Act; and strengthening the position of the Act in law. The Government has yet to respond to the Panel’s recommendations. The submissions made to the Constitutional Advisory Panel and its final report are available at: www.ourconstitution.org.nz. The Commission dedicated its annual Race Relations Day programme of events to helping people engage in the constitutional review. During 2013, a number of workshops and community events took place across the country asking people to articulate their dreams for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand. Of the many dreams shared, 1357 were collected and recorded. People said that they wanted Aotearoa New Zealand to be a place where people didn’t experience discrimination because of their race. They wanted a government that reflected the needs of all communities. They wanted to feel safe in their homes and in public places and they wanted the many peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand to have a shared sense of belonging. www.hrc.co.nz/tellusyourdream www.hrc.co.nz/tellusyourdream Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 9