NCWNZ’s Parliamentary Watch Committee (PWC) is seeking new members to join its team.

One of NCWNZ’s greatest assets is its long-standing submissions process. The effective framework in existence today has developed over the years, and is known both for its professionalism and its unique ability to gather together and present the voices of women throughout Aotearoa. (See the latest list of submissions on the NCWNZ website at https://www.ncwnz.org.nz/submissions/.) MPs and government leaders have praised NCWNZ for its thoroughly researched and professionally presented submissions. NCWNZ submissions are known for their consistently good quality and sound, intelligent analysis of legislation from the perspective of wāhine.

At the heart of this important process is the Parliamentary Watch Committee (PWC), formally established in 1966. Informally in existence from 1919, the PWC members historically were positioned in Wellington to allow for in-person attendance at Parliamentary Select Committee meetings.

Today, PWC members research past NCWNZ policy and submissions related to incoming legislation and discussion documents, check Action Item responses, and proofread and check written and oral submissions. Each PWC member also holds a liaison role with one of the Action Hubs. This is a trial at present as part of the recently-updated NCWNZ structure.

If you are interested in the parliamentary submission process, have a great eye for detail, are able to attend monthly PWC meetings via Zoom, and are available to carry out research approximately monthly, you would be warmly welcomed to the team. Full training will be provided.

The PWC team is ably led by former NCWNZ National President, Beryl Anderson, and is currently a group of five, based in Wellington and Auckland.

With meetings and most Select Committee hearings held online via Zoom these days, NCWNZ members interested in joining PWC need not feel restricted due to their geography. Hours of duty vary from month to month depending on Parliament’s sitting dates and the amount of legislation being processed at the time, but a reasonable estimate would be an average of three to five hours per month.

While the role is unpaid, it is a rewarding volunteer position. Research of past NCWNZ policy and submissions is fascinating, providing an insight into the rich history of the organisation, and revealing issues and attitudes of the past decades.

If you would like to receive further information on the work of PWC, or would like to join the committee, please contact Beryl via email on [email protected].

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