March 08, 2024
Treaty settelements secure in RMA fast track
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says new Fast Track Approvals Bill includes safeguards for treaty settlements.
The Bill from RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones passed its first reading under urgency yesterday and was sent to the environment select committee.
The bill, a key component of the Government’s 100-day plan, greatly extends the RMA fast track regime developed by the previous government.
It will allow will allow ministers to consent major infrastructure and development projects, including aquaculture, offshore mining and mining under conservation land.
Mr Potaka says iwi or hapū will be able to air any concerns during the select committee process.
“There will be some provisions in there that make sure that as we have said throughout the last couple of months, settlements will be upheld, and no doubt I will have some responsibilities there and some roles to play in that,” he says.
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