SECTION 10 - PARTICIPATION (Article 25) 246 Despite having a strong commitment to democratic principles, the Canterbury earthquake recovery has highlighted the fragility of some human rights protections. People affected by the earthquakes are limited in their opportunities to participate in problem identification, solution design and decision-making in issues which affect their lives. Difficulties are faced in the provision of full and timely information relevant to decision-making, and clear timeframes and transparency from decisionmaking authorities. Limitations on meaningful participation and the uncertainty faced by many Cantabrians are factors contributing towards deteriorating standards of mental health and wellbeing. The Canterbury experience is symptomatic of a wider trend to move towards centralised governance, progressively removing the voice of those affected from the decision making process. 247 In 2013 New Zealand accepted an invitation to join the Open Government Partnership (“OGP”), an initiative to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance and support the implementation of multilateral commitments. 248 The Government has developed an OGP Action Plan 2014 -2016.134 Under this Action Plan it has committed to responded to the 2013 Transparency International New Zealand’s National Integrity System Assessment Report which includes a recommendation to:135  strengthen transparency and integrity in a range of priority areas specifically with respect to Parliament, the political executive, and local Government. 249 On 4 February 2016 New Zealand signed the Trans Pacific Partnership (“TPP”), a free trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim countries. The TPP contains safeguards that ensure that New Zealand can meet its obligations to Māori, including under the Treaty of Waitangi. However, the Iwi Chairs Forum136 has voiced concern that notwithstanding the Treaty clause in the TPP, the Government has failed to engage with Māori and is in breach of its obligations as a Treaty Partner. 250 The Commission recommends that the Committee urge the Government to commit to implementing the recommendation from the 2013 Transparency International Report – with particular focus on increasing participation in central and local Government. 134 135 136 https://www.ssc.govt.nz/node/9658 https://www.ssc.govt.nz/node/9673 A national forum representative of over 40 iwi and hapu across the country.