2 x Articles 5/5/20 - Fast tracking RMA

[Kiwi Frontline]

MAORI VIEWS CONSIDERED IN RMA FAST TRACKING

Crown Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis is confident Māori rights won’t be swept aside in changes to the Resource Management Act to fast-track shovel-ready infrastructure projects.

Mr Davis says the proposals are being discussed by Cabinet today, and he will also canvass them with representatives of the Iwi Chairs Forum.....

www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_news/MjQzNjQ/Paakiwaha/Maori-views-considered-in-RMA-fast-tracking

[Kiwi Frontline]

MĀORI PARTY CALLING ON GOVT TO ENSURE RMA CHANGES DON’T UNDERMINE MĀORI RIGHTS OR THE ENVIRONMENT

Māori Party Co-leader and Te Tai Hauāuru candidate Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is concerned by the Government’s new proposed RMA changes that would fast-track “shovel-ready” projects, and is calling on them to work with Māori to find projects that will create jobs while still protecting environmental concerns and Māori interests.

“The significant challenge ahead of us is ensuring that we recover our economy and create jobs in a way that addresses the needs of Māori and doesn’t further displace us from our natural environment.

“Among many things the proposed new legislation intends to lower the threshold of permitted activity, apply designation processes that could compromise Māori whenua and wāhi tapu....

“Any proposed reform to the RMA needs to assert and uphold Te Tiriti and rights of Māori....

www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2005/S00031/maori-party-calling-on-govt-to-ensure-rma-changes-dont-undermine-maori-rights-or-the-environment.htm