66364 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform

66364 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: Is the Minister concerned about the fact that the Hananui Aquaculture project will be in an area that is important for several threatened and at-risk indigenous fauna, and the consent was previously declined by an expert panel because “adverse effects must be avoided”?

Hon Chris Bishop: All projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, once it is passed into law, will still be required to apply to an expert panel for their approvals. While the Bill process is faster than standard processes, the panel is still required to assess the environmental impacts of the project against the relevant criteria. If they decide to grant an application, the panel can also recommend conditions to ensure adverse effects of the project on the environment are managed appropriately. This process will be managed by the Environmental Protection Authority.