The Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill represents a regressive step for environmental governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
It appears to be motivated less by the stated goal of improving grocery sector competition and more by an intention to accelerate politically favoured projects, particularly in the extractive industries. The Bill would further weaken environmental protections and concentrate decision-making power in the hands of Ministers, with little or no public oversight.
These are not technical amendments, but fundamental shifts that endanger both the environment and democracy.
WWF strongly opposes this Bill and believes the Fast-track Approvals Act itself remains deeply flawed and should be fundamentally reconsidered or repealed.