The Government has finally released the first round of projects up for approval under its Fast Track Bill, and it’s clear why it has kept the list secret for so long.
Among the 149 projects to be considered are ventures that could wreak havoc on our natural environment, including several large-scale operations previously ruled too destructive by our courts.
These ‘zombie projects’ include a Trans-Tasman Resources’ seabed mining operation in Taranaki that has been the subject of fierce protests in recent weeks. This is for good reason; should it go ahead; it has the potential to harm a vital and richly biodiverse marine habitat – one that is home to endangered species like blue whales and Māui’s dolphins.
Some projects on the list
t have a long been opposed by locals, while others have sparked outrage. A ‘long tunnel’ project in Wellington has been met with total disbelief.

A proposed waste incinerator near Waimate has residents disgusted.
Were sustainable development processes and proper consultation part of National’s Bill, some of the applications projects could be fast-tracked. But National isn’t particularly interested in hearing from Kiwis or preserving native species. And the panel tasked with evaluating each project will primarily be considering them in terms of “significant regional or national benefits”. This makes environment and climate distant considerations that will likely be immediately trumped by monetary concerns. What’s more, this focus on economic growth practically guarantees approval for all projects on the list.
What the Government doesn’t understand is that without the environment, there is no economy. We must work with nature, not against it. Yet Shane Jones is “more concerned about the deathbed of economic solvency in the regions than I am the seabed”. The self-described pro-mining Minster doesn’t seem to understand that once the native bush, animals and clean water we currently enjoy are gone, we can’t get them back.

The Fast Track Approvals Bill also removes many opportunities for local communities to be notified of projects or be involved in decisions affecting their environment. As we have seen from its efforts in the smokefree and gun law spaces this Government has no regard for the public interest or good lawmaking. Future generations will pay dearly for its callousness.
It doesn’t have to be this way. More than 100 projects were approved under Labour’s version of fast track, which did not override environmental laws nor shut out both the public and environmental groups. It saw initiatives for renewable energy, transmission, housing, roads, and retirement villages get quickly consented and underway.
National should more closely copy Labour’s homework or go down in history as the most environmentally destructive, undemocratic governments in our history.
– Labour’s spokesperson for the Environment, Hon Rachel Brooking