The Government’s proposed bill to expand the fast-tracking of consents w/ Professor Nicolas Lewis: March 20, 2024

The coalition Government has proposed a bill that would change the current process around the fast tracking of consents for developmental projects.

The legislation would enable the Ministers of transport, Infrastructure and Regional Development to approve consents for projects without going through the current considerations around communities and local and regional government, existing legislation regarding Te Tiriti and community participation.

The bill would mean that Minister’s could decide on projects, that would then be sent to an expert panel that will review their choices and apply any conditions before sending it back to Ministers for final approval.

The legislation would allow Ministers to veto any restrictions the expert panel places on projects.

Environmental activists have criticised the legislation as a potential avenue to undermine environmental considerations.

Nicholas spoke to Professor Nicolas Lewis about the proposed changes.