Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is calling
for the withdrawal of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment
Bill (the Bill) in a submission to the Environment
Committee.
FMC warns that the Bill poses a significant
threat to democratic process and undermines longstanding
environmental protections.
FMC Executive Member
Raymond Ford says the Bill would unfairly concentrate
decision-making power in the hands of Ministers, restrict
public and independent expert input, and weaken safeguards
designed to protect Aotearoa’s unique
landscapes.
“This Bill is a direct threat to our
democratic rights as a nation. The proposed changes appear
deliberately focused on reducing public participation. This
is evident with both limited public notification and
extremely short timeframes for submissions.”
“The
entire process is aimed to be completed in under six weeks.
An unreasonably short period for decisions that have such
long-lasting consequences.” Ford says.
Ford says the
Bill also limits information available to expert
decision-making Panels.
“The Bill will reduce the
quality of information that is available to Panels,
hindering their ability to make decisions based on fair,
adequate, and accurate information, key elements of a
credible process.”
FMC believes the Bill will
unfairly skew the approval process in favour of large-scale
developers and erodes New Zealanders’ democratic rights to
have a say on projects that affect the environment and
communities.
Ford says limited public participation
could significantly harm backcountry and outdoor
communities.
FMC is urging Parliament to withdraw the
Bill and strengthen systems that balance transparency,
democratic rights, and the protection of Aotearoa’s
natural
environment.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
