World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) strongly opposes the Fast-track Approvals Bill because it overrides critical environmental laws in New Zealand, places too much decision-making power in the hands of Ministers, and removes democratic rights of New Zealanders to have input into decision-making processes that affect them and the environment.
This Bill elevates development above environmental considerations and good public process, and undermines the importance of biodiversity and the impacts of climate change on our country.
The Bill should not be passed. Reforms to primary legislation that this Bill intends to displace, including the Resource Management Act (RMA), would be more appropriate but should follow robust analysis and engagement.