My Feed

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:40:07 GMT

As per previous skeet. Thread of email to my local MP in my 'Dear Tim' series. Week One: Fast Track Bill. #nzpol

Tēnā koe Tim, I am one of your Kāpiti constituents and am writing regarding the proposed Fast Track Bill.

This Bill is being rushed through without due process and will remove important checks and balances that uphold our democratic process and protect our communities and environment.

Arguments for this Bill appear to be that: a) Some industries can’t operate in Aotearoa New Zealand because of ‘red tape’. This is disingenuous and not supported by research or evidence.

We have for many years been assessed internationally to be a good place to do business, with low to moderate bureaucracy.

The specific industries pushing for this Bill only 'struggle' to operate because their business models are dependent on short term gain without mitigation of environmental, and ultimately social, damage.

b) Aotearoa New Zealand has previously had legislation introduced under urgency for fast-track processes (such as projects to stimulate the economy during Covid-19 response). However, this current proposal goes considerably further, with no justification.

Fast tracking during global pandemics (or wars or natural disasters) can be, if carefully managed, a measured response to an extreme situation.

This Bill places power in the hands of a few Ministers, with no oversight or evidential policy input, cutting across a broad range of existing laws and regulations.

It is not hard to see ‘gentleman’s agreements’ (or let's be frank, cronyism) between industry lobbyists, party donors and Ministers replacing good governance.

The current undemocratic overreach proposed in this Bill is being driven by a political party (that only received 6% of the national vote) for ideological reasons. This is not good government.

You must be aware that previous capitulation to industry lobbyists about ‘red tape’ resulted in the $50billion leaky homes debacle (conservative estimate) of which approx. 90,000 New Zealanders lost all or part of their home ownership equity and savings.

Many people still live with that damage now, including in your electorate. The Pike River families surely will have a view on any suggestion that mining companies, not known for their focus on safety over profit,

will have a chance to bypass regulatory oversight in the name of ‘regional development’. Do you agree that there is considerable threat to our environment given the nature of the projects and industries involved (e.g. fossil fuel related)

and in turn to our environmental reputation, including a negative impact on trade? Do you understand the high chance of corruption that such a process brings?

As an ex-services person, I’m sure you understand that due process, operational rigour and respecting appropriate decision-points are critical in achieving successful outcomes. Do you intend to vote No against this Bill, and if not, why not?

I look forward to your response. Nāku iti nei, nā

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:39:57 GMT