Petition request

That the House of Representatives repeal s14(1A) of the Habeas Corpus Act 2001 and repeal s169(6) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 and instead require a court to determine applications to appeal decisions under s166 of that Act within 3 working days.

Petition reason

I believe that s169(6) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 and s14(1A) of the Habeas Corpus Act give power to the judiciary that breaches the human rights recognised in s18, s22, and s27 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. In my opinion, s14(1A) of the Habeas Corpus Act allows judges to provide their own submissions while holding the seat of decision maker. I think this is in no way impartial, and brings justice into disrepute.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 139
Date presented: 21 May 2026
Considered by: Petitions
Presenting member: Hon Phil Twyford
Closing date: 01 Apr 2026