Surfboards and water craft spelled-out ‘no seabed mining’ on the black sand of Autere. Photo: Photo / Tania Niwa
The government's pushing through dozens of changes to the Fast Track Approvals Act before Christmas, in a move environmental groups are describing as a power grab. The Amendments would increase ministerial influence over applications for projects that range from port, roading and housing developments, to energy projects, mining, quarrying, and aquaculture.
They will shorten decision making time frames, and reduce the rights of groups to have input into the decision making process, or appeal decisions. The changes were announced by Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop and Shane Jones at the start of this week, and were described as `creating an express lane' for new supermarkets. But the amendment' would also affect a much wider range of sectors and organisations, and has attracted criticism for giving more influence both to ministers and fast track approval applicants.
The bill, in the name of the RMA, Housing, Transport, and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, had its first reading yesterday. Labour's Environment spokesperson, Rachel Brooking, said the bill moved closer to the original idea behind the Fast Track Amendment Act - which thousands protested against last year - of Minister's having the final say over projects.
Kathryn talks to Megan Dimozantos, the President of the Federated Mountain Clubs - one a number of groups worried about the planned changes. Chris Bishop was unavailable, but responded to the criticisms saying the changes were to simplify the system and make it easier for everyone, including people lodging applications, those commenting on them and for decision makers. He said the purpose was not to give Ministers more power over project decisions; rather, they are about strengthening accountability and ensuring alignment with Ministers' priorities for the operation of the fast-track system.
