"‘Dark day for New Zealand’: outcry as bill to fast-track controversial mining projects is approved", 18 December 2024

A new law that could see controversial mining and infrastructure projects fast-tracked for approval across New Zealand has sparked protests in parliament and vows from critics and opposition parties to stop proposals that they fear will wreak havoc on the environment.

The coalition government’s Fast-Track Approvals legislation passed into law ... despite thousands of public submissions opposing it.

“The passing of this law is a dark day for New Zealand,” said Richard Capie, a spokesperson at conservation organisation Forest and Bird. “It slashes environmental protections, silences local voices, and is an affront to good law-making.”

The law creates a “one-stop shop” consenting regime for regionally and nationally significant projects, to help rebuild the economy, said two of the ministers responsible for the law, Chris Bishop and Shane Jones.

“For too long New Zealanders have had to put up with overly restrictive planning rules that stifle much-needed economic growth,” infrastructure minister Bishop said in a statement.

The law will allow some projects – including mining, roads, marine farms and renewable energy – to access fast-track consent, which could bypass existing environmental protections and consenting methods.

The government has selected 149 projects for referral to an environment committee, which will then approve or reject an application. The list of projects includes 44 housing developments, 43 roading, rail and public transport projects, 22 renewable energy projects and 11 mining projects.

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