Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 15/10/24

Chris Bishop finds support for supercharging growth – but he was cherry-picking when it came to Gary Taylor’s endorsement

It’s a pity Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is busy with portfolio duties. He has demonstrated he is a dab hand at cherry picking, a skill that will soon be in demand in Central Otago where more than 150 orchards will require more than 5000 staff at the peak of the harvest season – from December to January – for cherry picking or packhouse opportunities.

Professor Richard Shaw: Election anniversary - a year into 3-party coalition government, can the centre hold?

Nearly a year on from its formation, it’s clear a three-party coalition is not quite the same as the two-party versions New Zealand is accustomed to.

Normally, the primary dynamic has been clear: the major party sets the pace while the smaller governing partner receives a bauble or two for supporting the lead act. There may be occasional concerns about tails wagging dogs, but the dog is clearly in charge.

David Farrar: Fast-track changes

Chris Bishop and Shane Jones announced:

Cabinet has agreed to recommend a suite of sensible changes to the Fast-track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

Shane Jones: Are There Iwi Provisions in the Fast-Track Bill?

Sean Plunket talks to Shane Jones on the Platform – Are there iwi provisions in the fast-track bill?

Click to view

Jeffrey McNeill: Resource management is always political

Resource management is always political – the Fast-track Approvals Bill is just honest about it

The government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill has been widely criticised for potentially handing too much power to three cabinet ministers, and raising the risk of conflicts of interest and political interference in environmental management.

Ironically, the bill also helps demonstrate why the original Resource Management Act (RMA) was always doomed to fail – and what its replacement will have to get right.

David Farrar: Where were the protesters three years ago?

The Herald reports:

Thousands of people are expected to protest against the Fast-track Approvals Bill and other Government policies in Auckland on Saturday, with other demonstrations planned across the country.

Saturday afternoon’s March For Nature in Tāmaki Makaurau will see protesters march from Aotea Square down Queen St.

Ele Ludemann: Protest banner doesn’t make truth

Among the torrent of accusations of environmental rape and pillage lodged against the Fast Track Legislation comes the voice of reason:

The notion that the Fast-track Approvals Bill somehow paves the way to destroy the environment, with vast swathes of the countryside turned into mines, is way off track, says Straterra chief executive, Josie Vidal.

 

“Let’s be clear about that in an environment of misrepresentation of what mining means. A protest banner does not the truth make,” Vidal says.

Nick Clark: Boosting our cities and regions

New Zealand faces significant challenges in managing growth, delivering infrastructure, and improving the well-being of our communities. Our productivity performance has been dismal. Cities and regions are grappling with housing shortages, transport congestion, and skills gaps. The current model of mostly centralised decision-making and funding is struggling to keep pace with these complex, cross-cutting issues.

Professor Robert MacCulloch: How National Can Neutralize Serious Allegations of Corruption

How National Can Neutralize Serious Allegations of Corruption Should the "Fast Track" Bill Become Law

Pundits from the left and the right are arguing that National's Fast Track Bill that is designed to speed up infrastructure decisions could end up becoming mired in a cesspool of corruption. Political commentator Bryce Edwards has summarized them - noting that even National Party pollster and analyst David Farrar has written about his concerns, saying that a “legitimate concern is the potential for corruption” flowing from the new rules.

Nick Clark: For a better fast-track

Under a better Resource Management system, there would be no need for fast-track approval processes. The fast process would simply be the process. Until that better system is in place, the government’s proposed Fast-Track Approvals Bill can help. But it needs some refinements.

Slow and costly consenting processes impose a substantial burden for relatively little environmental benefit.

NZCPR Newsletter: Coalition Promises

 

The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour.

One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance policies that seek to ascribe different rights and responsibilities to New Zealanders on the basis of their race or ancestry.”

Nick Clark: Balancing progress and prudence

The Coalition Government has introduced the Fast-Track Approvals Bill as part of its broader efforts to reform the Resource Management Act (RMA). The Bill aims to speed up decision-making for infrastructure and development projects with potential for substantial regional and national economic benefits.

The Bill underscores the Government’s commitment to promoting growth and development. It’s welcome, but it requires some refinement.

Audrey Young: No more Treaty clause 'mission creep'

The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty matters.

When ministers first considered the need for tighter oversight in 2021, there were at least 50 known Treaty clauses in legislation with about 14 variations in their description of the Crown’s obligations as a Treaty partner.