54578 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

54578 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: How will the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill guarantee Māori participation in decision-making processes for fast-tracked projects, if any, given ministerial override powers?

Hon Chris Bishop: The Fast-track Amendment Bill does not impose any Ministerial override powers. Section 7 still requires all decision-makers to act consistently with Treaty Settlements, the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 and the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019. The expert panel and I, are also required to invite comments from relevant Māori groups as part of the respective substantive and referral application processes.