The Wire with Castor

Last week, the Fast Track Approvals Bill received its first reading under urgency. 

The bill proposes to fast-track the resource consent process for major infrastructure projects by giving ministers decision making powers.

Forest & Bird, among other environmental groups, have expressed concerns that the bill will override or bypass existing environmental laws and protection. 

Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to group manager for conservation advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the bill and its impact on Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment and democracy.

In our weekly interview with National’s James Meager, wire host Castor talked about the government’s mortgage tax deduction policy and fuel excise tax. The mortgage tax reduction policy allows landlords to claim tax deductions on interest from mortgages on their properties. 

Notably, these tax deductions can increase to up to 100% of the mortgage interest rate, and will not apply to those who own one home. 

Additionally, a week before this interview, Transport Minister Simeon Brown unveiled the government’s transport policy. While not technically introducing a fuel tax, the government does plan to increase the excise tax on fuel, which in practical terms does mean you will be taxed more on the fuel you buy. The policy has been met with controversy, especially given promises during the election campaign to not introduce a fuel tax. Castor discussed this issue with James Meager and how the decision may be seen as hypocritical. 

For Dear Science this week, Dr Cushla McGoverin chatted about a weird use for barnacles, sleep improving vaccination effectiveness, and collagen in the human body. 

Wire host Castor spoke to National’s James Meager about the mortgage tax deductions policy and increases to the fuel excise tax. 

He also spoke to Bike Auckland’s chair Karen Hormann about the organisation and National’s new transport policy. 

Producer Sofia spoke to Group Manager for Conservation Advocacy at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the government’s proposed Fast Track Approvals Bill.

She also spoke to Public Service Association Delegate and Mental Health Support Worker, Christie Cox, about an open letter from  care and support workers to Te Whatu Ora on International Women’s Day last week. 

Following the government announcing its fast track consents bill, which gives ministers ultimate authority on whether to approve significant projects, environmental groups have raised concerns this will undermine exisiting  environmental protections. 

First, News and Editorial Director, Jessica Hopkins, spoke to the Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki Chairperson and former Green MP, Catherine Delahunty, about how the bill could affect protected areas in the Coromandel.

The environmental group, Climate Justice Taranaki, have also protested the bill over concerns it could open up new seabed mining projects in Taranaki. Jessica Hopkins asked spokesperson, Urs Signer, for their thoughts on the bill.