Victoria University hosted in early February a conference on Public engagement in the political process. Entitled (We) the People, particularly focused on:

· theories on the people's/s' participation in governance and their practical implementation;

· non-state actor participation in international law-making;

· the engagement of non-dominant groups in New Zealand governance

· participation in Parliamentary and administrative processes.

Charles Chauvel, Labour List MP based in the Ohariu electorate featured as a commentator on a session looking at the participation in Parliamentary and administrative processes.