31920 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for Infrastructure

31920 (2025). Hon Rachel Brooking to the Minister for Infrastructure: What is his view on the statement by Parihaka uri Tihikura Hohaia who said if the Trans-Tasman Resources’ mining project in the South Taranaki Bight goes ahead it would “condemn our already impoverished, trampled uri to generations of protest”?

Hon Chris Bishop: Assessment and consideration of the application is the role of an independent expert panel. While the fast-track approvals process is faster than standard procedures, the panel is still required to assess the environmental impacts of the proposal. This includes inviting comments from relevant Māori groups and these comments can be used to assist the expert panel’s assessment. If the expert panel decides to grant an application, it may recommend conditions to ensure that any potential adverse environmental effects are appropriately managed