11 Aug 2011

Written constitution key question in review

7:17 am on 11 August 2011

The independent panel carrying out a constitutional review says one of the key questions is whether there should be a written constitution.

The co-chair of the Constitutional Advisory Panel, Sir Tipene O'Regan of Ngai Tahu, says he has argued for a written document in the past but is prepared to be persuaded there shouldn't be one.

He says the country has been avoiding the issue for a very long time, possibly because there could be huge ramifications and it remains to be seen whether the panel can advance that cause remains to be seen.

Sir Tipene says if there is a written constitution, Parliament will be bound by it.

The 12-member Constitutional Advisory Panel will examine topics including Maori seats in Parliament, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi, and whether or not there should be a written constitution over a period of three years.