Green Goals with Josh Cole

The NZ Government's stance on the environment has raised significant concerns.

It seems that they are allowing big industries to freely exploit New Zealand's precious native wildlife. This is an unprecedented assault on our environment, unlike anything we have seen before.

The government has granted themselves extraordinary powers to approve projects that could have devastating consequences.

These projects include new coal mines, mining on our conservation estate, and the destruction of the seabed.

It is shocking to think that projects previously rejected by the Environment Court due to their harmful nature might now be approved without any transparency.

The government's announcement lacks clarity, leaving us in the dark about which projects will be approved.

This lack of transparency raises suspicions that they are fast-tracking projects that will only increase climate pollution and harm our environment.

There is a legitimate concern that the government is prioritizing the interests of party donors and powerful industry lobbyists over the well-being of our natural world.

This is not simply about making decisions quickly, as streamlined processes already exist for that purpose.

Instead, it seems the government is allowing industries to profit from destroying the very ecosystems we rely on for our survival.

This government's disregard for environmental protection and democratic processes is unprecedented in New Zealand.

They are ignoring environmental laws and sidelining public input, which should never be tolerated in Aotearoa.

Instead of relying solely on the discretion of a Minister, expert advice and the opinions of affected communities must play a significant role in decision-making.

We must ensure that the voices of those who care deeply about our environment are heard and respected.

To any company considering taking advantage of this fast-track process, bypassing normal parliamentary scrutiny and public engagement, I want to make it clear that your project may face scrutiny in the future.

With a change of government, there may be consequences, including the potential loss of consent without compensation.

We must stand together to protect our environment and hold the government accountable for their actions. Let us work towards a future where our natural world is cherished and preserved for generations to come.