Forest & Bird is deeply concerned by the Environment Select Committee’s report on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, which ignores overwhelming public opposition and expert advice.

“More than 95% of submissions opposed this Bill,” says Forest & Bird Chief Advisor Richard Capie. “The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, iwi, legal experts, environmental organisations, and thousands of New Zealanders raised serious concerns about stripping away already fragile environmental protections and silencing communities.”

“The report from the Select Committee shows that the government doesn’t want to listen. It remains hell-bent on opening the door to development at any cost to the environment and future generations,” says Mr Capie.

The strength of opposition is clear. Tens of thousands marched down Queen Street to protect nature from fast-track development. People do not want to see coal mining on the Denniston Plateau or seabed mining devastating Taranaki’s coast.

“This Bill has been rushed through without proper scrutiny,” says Mr Capie. “Submitters were given just 10 days to respond. No regulatory impact statement was produced. Yet over 2,500 individuals and groups still made submissions, and nearly 100, including Forest & Bird, appeared at hearings with little notice.”

The Committee’s report recommends no changes, citing time constraints and plans for further amendments during the Committee of the Whole House stage, without public consultation.

“This approach silences nature’s voice, shuts down the democratic process, and risks poor law-making,” says Mr Capie. “The proposed amendments will fast-track environmental destruction and shut the door on communities, keeping them out.”

Forest & Bird is calling on the government to withdraw this Bill, better consider environmental protections, and work with New Zealanders to protect our unique wildlife for future generations.

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