VP Issues Sherryll - Aug 26
Kia ora koutou,
As we head towards the warmer months, the issues affecting our environment and women and children are also heating up.
With the Government taking a fast-track approach to many areas of policy and legislation, it is more important than ever that we stay informed, keep up with the changes and ensure that the voice of BPW NZ is heard. One of the key ways we can do this is through submissions, advocacy and speaking up on issues that affect women, families and communities.
During August, BPW NZ has submitted on two important issues:
14 August 2026 – Environmental Reporting Amendment Bill Submission Submitted online.
14 August 2026 Accessibility Standards Bill Letter A letter of support was sent to all Members of Parliament, calling for cross-party support for this important Bill.
At our next Issues meeting on 24 August, we will be discussing several important pieces of legislation currently open for public submissions.
Submissions close: 9 September 2026
This Bill seeks to protect vulnerable women and girls by creating new offences relating to virginity testing and the associated practice of hymenoplasty.
Under the proposed law, anyone who performs, or causes to be performed, a virginity testing practice could face up to five years' imprisonment.
Virginity testing involves the inspection of female genitalia to determine whether a person has had vaginal intercourse. The Bill recognises that this is an unscientific, unreliable and medically unnecessary practice that can violate human rights and cause significant physical, psychological and social harm. Women and girls may also be coerced or forced into these practices as a form of honour-based abuse.
Submissions close: 3 September 2026
This Bill addresses the devastating situation faced by families when an offender refuses to disclose the location of a victim's body.
The proposed changes would mean that an offender's failure to disclose the location of a victim's remains could be considered an aggravating factor at sentencing. It would also require the Parole Board to refuse parole unless it is satisfied that the prisoner has cooperated satisfactorily with the investigation to help identify the victim's location.
At its heart, this Bill recognises the ongoing anguish experienced by families who are denied the opportunity to bring their loved one home and lay them to rest.
Submissions close: 3 September 2026
This Member's Bill, in the name of Tangi Utikere, proposes expanding the number of people who are eligible for the clean slate scheme.
The Bill would extend eligibility to people who have completed a 10-year rehabilitation period without reoffending and who have:
had a custodial sentence of up to 12 months; or
been subject to mandatory disqualification from driving for repeat offences.
If you have an opinion on any of these, we need to hear from you!!
The Issues Taskforce meets every four to six weeks, depending on what is happening in Parliament and the number of issues requiring our attention. I would particularly encourage each club to have at least one representative attend these meetings. This will help ensure information is shared directly with club members and that we have a wider range of voices contributing to our work.
The more voices we have, the stronger our submissions. The stronger our advocacy, the greater the opportunity to influence change.
If you are interested in becoming involved or have questions about any of the issues we are currently working on, please feel free to email me.
Ngā mihi,
Sherryll Markie-Brookes
VP Issues