April 22, 2024
Fast track to nowhere can’t manage a you know what in a brewery
Fast track to nowhere can’t manage a you know what in a brewery
Matthew Tukaki
So here we go. When the Government released a list last Friday, hours ahead of public submissions closing, of organisations that have been invited in relation to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill you might be forgiven for thinking this was in the interests of transparency, more like strategic politicking by the releasing Minister. The list, for Māori, reads like a long list of Māori entities, who’s own shareholders and members, mostly, hapu and Iwi members, might be forgiven for thinking that the named entities applied – they did not. Its also a terrible situation where those who have been advocating against Māori interests and rights would use lists like this in their own skewed narratives.
Well, I have spoken to a number of Māori entities on the list and they told me they were either shocked or surprised; certainly a number of Māori who are either their members or shareholders were shocked – including post settlement trusts. Even my own Iwi, Ngai Te Rangi are on the list, and given they have taken action against the current Government it is a shock to see their name there.
But then this is the absolute stupidity of it all – before we even get to the increased risk of Ministers being involved in making decisions and the risk of corruption – we are all being taken for a ride. Mind you the letter sent to organisations by Chris Bishop on the 3rd of April stating “You can nominate a project for listing by submitting it to the Advisory Group for consideration via the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) website (https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and[1]regulations/acts/fast-track-approvals-bill/fast-track-approvals-process). You will need to identify which schedule you would like the project to be on and provide supporting information.”
That’s all very good if the website worked – so if you cant get the process right let alone the website then its like the old saying cant manage a you know what in a brewery – just saying.
Matthew Tukaki is Chairman of the National Māori Authority and General Manager UMA Broadcasting Ltd, Ngāi Te Rangi
Radio Waatea and its board would like to advise that the opinions expressed in this article are those of Matthew Tukaki and not necessarily the views of Radio Waatea, its Management or its Board.