Stop National's Fast-Track Approvals Bill Campaign

"The National Government is making a choice to prioritise short-term, environmentally damaging projects like coal mines without proper input from the communities they will affect long-term,” says Labour Environment Spokesperson Rachel Brooking. "National's bill is fundamentally different from Labour's fast track consenting process because the purpose is only about development, it fails to mention the environment in the purpose clause, and it overrides our existing environmental laws."

The Fast-track Approvals Bill was introduced to Parliament under urgency in March 2024 as part of the Coalition Government's plan for its first 100 days in office. The Bill was aimed at establishing a permanent fast-track regime that would make it easier and quicker to gain approvals for development and infrastructure projects that would deliver regional and national benefits. However, this Bill would also allow some projects - including mining, roads, marine farms and renewable energy - to access fast-track consent, which could bypass existing environmental protections and consenting methods.

The Labour Party strongly opposed the Fast-track Approvals Bill and campaigned aggressively against it. As part of my role in the Labour Leader's Office, I art directed and designed the campaign that put the environment at the heart of the messaging.

The campaign ran for many months across social, print and digital channels in 2024, including many protest appearances, and subsequently Labour's petition was signed by thousands of people. Unfortunately, the Bill passed its third reading on 17 December 2024, with the National, ACT, and New Zealand First parties supporting it, while the Labour, Green, and Te Pāti Māori parties opposing.

The Bill become the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 on 23 December 2024.