Quote:"This week in Auckland, a group of young people took over the microphone at a ministerial press conference, to explain why they oppose the Fast-Track Approvals Bill.
One young woman said, ‘We’re here because we love Aotearoa New Zealand.  We want to raise our children in an environment that’s thriving, and in a democracy we can be proud of.  We’re just holding our leaders accountable for creating a future we all want to live in.”
By speaking from the heart, she nailed what’s wrong with this bill.  Its an all-out assault on what makes this country so special, a place to love and care for – our beautiful islands, the source of prosperity and well-being for so many Kiwis, and our democratic freedoms as New Zealanders.

No MP who believes in democracy can support this bill, and stay true to their values.  It lacks any democratic mandate.  It emerged from backroom deals among politicians, advanced by a party that won just 6 percent of the vote in the recent election. 

The majority party, with 38 percent of the vote, told voters that it was “passionate about safeguarding New Zealand’s unique natural environment, abundant native biodiversity, pristine waters and spectacular landscapes for future generations.” This bill is the antithesis of National’s manifesto.

The fast-track bill also excludes citizens from having any say about what happens in their own communities, in favour of ministerial fiat. In its provisions, three ministers get to decide on projects that go on the ‘fast track’ for decision-making, and which projects are finally approved. 

In addition, these ministers get to choose the members of the advisory group and the convenor of the expert panels, who must consult them about appointees to the panels. Their powers are almost untrammelled, while the members of affected communities are excluded.
None of the projects proposed for the fast-track will be made public before the deadline for submissions to the select committee has expired, although they will be listed in the law, if it is passed, denying citizens the right to comment on these proposals. There are no rigorous controls over conflicts of interest, a pivotal protection against abuses of power."

(20-04-2024, 07:07 PM)king1 Wrote: agreed - in the past the red tape did slow things up and/or make projects difficult to get started, but this bill is at the other end of the spectrum from 'too much red tape'