Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jun 18, 2020 19:01:44 GMT 12
COVID-19 RECOVERY FAST-TRACK BILL – URGENT SUBMISSION
In our last newsletter we flagged the intention of the Government to introduce the Covid-19 Recovery Fast-track Bill. There has now been a development and we need you to take urgent action – please make a submission.
The Bill was introduced to parliament on Tuesday afternoon and they have allowed only until Sunday this week for public input. THAT’S RIGHT, WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN ONLY 5 DAYS TO READ THE 105-PAGE BILL AND MAKE A SUBMISSION!!
The ‘COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Bill’ is designed to fast-track some of the Covid recovery projects and spending. While the bill contains some positives, we object to the make-up of the Consenting Panels. These panels would have similar powers to local authorities under the RMA, yet under schedule 5, clause 3(2) IWI/MĀORI ARE TO HAVE JUST AS MUCH DECISION-MAKING POWER OVER THE PROJECTS AS OUR DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
On the one hand Iwi will be elevated to a very powerful position, and on the other hand the legislation will block the public from the resource consent process in relation to the fast track projects.
THIS POLICY IS UNDENIABLY A CASE OF INSTITUTIONALISED RACISM.
The Bill discriminates in favour of Iwi, enabling them to act in their own best interests while at the same time not only denying other citizens the same rights, but also removing the opportunity to even have a say.
This grossly disproportionate influence given to Iwi is exacerbated Local Governments’ statutory commitments and obligations specific to Māori. Councils must recognise and protect Māori rights and interests and contribute to Māori needs and aspirations. They already take these obligations into account when making RMA decisions.
IWI GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT OUTCOMES TO BENEFIT THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS.
We also face the situation outlined by National Iwi Chairs Forum spokesman Rahui Papa who stated that iwi have shovel-ready projects that the Government should prioritise. This will create the situation where Iwi are both the developer and the consent decision maker, which is a clear conflict of interest. This Bill will embed that conflict of interest into law.
You can read the Bill here > www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2020/0277/latest/LMS345539.html
SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 11.59pm on Sunday 21 June.
IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A SAY ON THE BILL – please take the time to make a submission, even a brief one. You can do so via the Government’s online form here www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/52SCEN_SCF_BILL_99143/CreateSubmission or have your say by email.
For further information on how to set out a submission, please see here > d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/democracyaction/pages/1812/attachments/original/1592446806/20200618_DA_submission_guide.pdf
Thank you for your support. If you need help, please email: enquiries@democracyaction.org.nz
In our last newsletter we flagged the intention of the Government to introduce the Covid-19 Recovery Fast-track Bill. There has now been a development and we need you to take urgent action – please make a submission.
The Bill was introduced to parliament on Tuesday afternoon and they have allowed only until Sunday this week for public input. THAT’S RIGHT, WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN ONLY 5 DAYS TO READ THE 105-PAGE BILL AND MAKE A SUBMISSION!!
The ‘COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Bill’ is designed to fast-track some of the Covid recovery projects and spending. While the bill contains some positives, we object to the make-up of the Consenting Panels. These panels would have similar powers to local authorities under the RMA, yet under schedule 5, clause 3(2) IWI/MĀORI ARE TO HAVE JUST AS MUCH DECISION-MAKING POWER OVER THE PROJECTS AS OUR DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
On the one hand Iwi will be elevated to a very powerful position, and on the other hand the legislation will block the public from the resource consent process in relation to the fast track projects.
THIS POLICY IS UNDENIABLY A CASE OF INSTITUTIONALISED RACISM.
The Bill discriminates in favour of Iwi, enabling them to act in their own best interests while at the same time not only denying other citizens the same rights, but also removing the opportunity to even have a say.
This grossly disproportionate influence given to Iwi is exacerbated Local Governments’ statutory commitments and obligations specific to Māori. Councils must recognise and protect Māori rights and interests and contribute to Māori needs and aspirations. They already take these obligations into account when making RMA decisions.
IWI GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECT OUTCOMES TO BENEFIT THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS.
We also face the situation outlined by National Iwi Chairs Forum spokesman Rahui Papa who stated that iwi have shovel-ready projects that the Government should prioritise. This will create the situation where Iwi are both the developer and the consent decision maker, which is a clear conflict of interest. This Bill will embed that conflict of interest into law.
You can read the Bill here > www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2020/0277/latest/LMS345539.html
SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 11.59pm on Sunday 21 June.
IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A SAY ON THE BILL – please take the time to make a submission, even a brief one. You can do so via the Government’s online form here www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/52SCEN_SCF_BILL_99143/CreateSubmission or have your say by email.
For further information on how to set out a submission, please see here > d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/democracyaction/pages/1812/attachments/original/1592446806/20200618_DA_submission_guide.pdf
Thank you for your support. If you need help, please email: enquiries@democracyaction.org.nz
