7476 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

7476 (2024). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Does he stand by his statement to RNZ “the safeguard that ministers will be making the final decision on whether or not projects happen or not after the application of the permits and conditions”, and if so, based on what advice, if any, by title and date, was this statement made with respect to safeguards and the proposed expert panel?

Hon Chris Bishop: I stand by all my comments in the context in which they were made. Joint Ministers (and the Minister of Conservation for approvals under the Conservation Act 1987) make the substantive decision on applications based on the report and recommendations from the expert panel. The Joint Ministers’ decision-making power is guided by specific criteria and input from those who are invited to comment. Advice on this and the composition of the expert panels was provided through the following documents: 23/01/2024 – CAB-24-MIN-0008 14/02/2024 - BRF-4203 MBIE-2324-2098 Fast Track Consenting Bill - Policy Decisions Tranche 2A 21/02/2024 - BRF-4329 Cover Briefing for CAB-385 29/02/2024 - BRF 4374: Cover Briefing for CAB-385: Appendix 3 - Summary of Delegated Decisions