The Environmental Defence Society has condemned the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill in its submission to the Environment Select Committee, warning that it will further weaken environmental safeguards, erode public participation, and undermine constitutional checks and balances.

The Bill would give the Minister more influence in fast-track decisions, strip away environmental and public scrutiny, and impose unrealistic deadlines.

A central concern is the proposal to allow a new Government Policy Statement to define what constitutes regional or national benefit. There are no guardrails on the development of a GPS. Public consultation on it is not required.

Read the EDS submission here.

Submissions are due on 17 November.

More: Shay Schlaepfer, shay@eds.org.nz, 027 946 8079