The recent introduction of the Fast-track Approvals Bill has stirred up controversy, with many saying that it will weaken environmental safeguards.
The proposed fast-track regime gives three ministers – Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, Minister for Transport Simeon Brown, and Minister for Regional Development, New Zealand First’s Shane Jones – the power to skirt existing environmental checks and balances to approve projects deemed to be of national or regional significance.
Take a deep dive into the proposed bill in our front-page story this month.
In other news, recent data released by MPI showed an increase in dolphin, fish, and seabirds captured by the commercial fishing industry following the introduction of on-board cameras, three iwi have submitted requests for the temporary closure of three separate areas within the Hauraki Gulf, and Nelson Police have taken action against five people involved in an incident where a mob of around eight deer were targeted with a vehicle.
Plus, this month, we have five fabulous books up for grabs, so make you enter the competition.
We’ll be back next month, but in the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.