7 Mar 2024

Environmentalists slam new consent regime 'anti-nature' and "anti-democratic"

From Checkpoint, 5:16 pm on 7 March 2024

Environmentalists are crying foul over the government's new consenting regime arguing it's "anti-nature" and "anti-democratic."

The coalition is introducing a revamped consenting scheme that gives a handful of Ministers the power to approve infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says ministerial cut through is required to get things moving, though critics say this will come at the expense of the environment.

Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.