Summarised by Centrist

The government has unveiled a long list of 149 projects to fast-track through resource consent approvals.

The list includes a wide range of developments, such as quarries, solar farms, housing projects and even a roof for Eden Park Stadium, and has proven to be controversial. 

Critics, including the Green Party and environmentalists, argue the plan could cause significant environmental damage. “These projects could wreak havoc on the environment,” warned Green Party spokesperson Lan Pham.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop defended the list, stating that it would cut years of delays and fast-track necessary developments during a recession. “We’ve been a low-growth economy for two years. These projects are crucial,” Bishop said. 

However, former Labour Minister David Parker criticised the bill for overriding crucial environmental protections like the Resource Management Act and the Wildlife Act.

Read more over at Stuff

_{Image: Chris Bishop Facebook}