May 07, 2024
Public angry at fast track power grab says Green
Green MP Huhana Lyndon says the almost 27,000 submissions opposing the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill shows New Zealanders fear it will allow companies to ignore public concern about their activities.
More than 3000 community organisations have asked to make oral submissions to the environment select committee.
Ms Lyndon says the bill would give huge power to three ministers to approve environmentally risky projects.
“Those are extra-ordinary powers and it’s dangerous power when we know that it opens you up for lobbying, for businesses to go straight to the ministers to get sign-off on projects. And in fact if you’ve been declined by the environment court you can still go through the fast track for your project,” she says.