Treaty Principles Bill submissions to reopen

Parliament's justice select committee has decided to reopen submissions on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill after some people trying to submit online encountered problems with the website.

People reported issues with putting through their submission online before the deadline at 11.59pm on Tuesday.

MPs on the justice committee met at 9am today.

1News understands the ability for the public to make submissions will reopen until 1pm on January 14.

Anyone who emailed a submission to the Committee email between Monday and Thursday morning because they couldn't do it on the website would have the submission accepted provided it met the other conditions for submissions.

Initial estimates on the number of submissions put it at more than 300,000 lodged online. Around half were completed on the last day.

ACT leader David Seymour, the bill's architect, posted on social media on Tuesday night urging those unable to submit to email Parliament and ask for an extension.

"This is your last chance to make your voice heard on the bill which would deliver equality before the law for all Kiwis."

The Opposition had also earlier called on the justice committee to extend the deadline.

Labour spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said the party had requested a week extension to the deadline.

Te Pāti Māori said the technical failures risked undermining the democratic process.

“This kaupapa is far too important to be rushed or compromised by avoidable errors,” said co-leader Rawiri Waititi.

Issues with Parliament's website meant many had "missed out on having their voices heard," said the Green Party, who also urged an extension to the deadline.

The official New Zealand Parliament Facebook page said it was aware of the issues users had in accessing the website.

"These issues occurred due to an unprecedented number of users making a submission at the same time."

Melbourne-based Rex Fowler was unable to enter his submission in the hours before the deadline closed.

"I think a lot of people, with that little hurdle in the way, wouldn't have submitted and wouldn't be heard."