Thousands protest in New Zealand against 'fast-track bill'

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Thousands of protesters swarmed into the streets in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday against a contentious bill allowing the coalition government to ramp up the consent process for major infrastructure projects.

Some 20,000 protesters amassed at downtown Auckland, filling Queen St in a line from one side of the street to the other and running from Aotea Square almost to the waterfront as they marched to show their opposition to the Fast-track Approvals Bill, New Zealand Herald reported.

The protest was organized by a range of groups including Greenpeace and Degrowth Aotearoa.

The controversial bill aims to speed up consent process for new significant projects, but the potential for more mines with less public input or scrutiny has drawn the ire of environmental groups. It is currently at the select committee stage.

The government says the bill will make “regionally and national significant” projects, such as roads, dams, mines and housing developments, happen faster by – in Infrastructure Minister Bishop’s words – “cutting through red and green tape holding us back.”

The bill, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, also allows the regional development, transport and infrastructure ministers – and sometimes the conservation minister – to make final decisions on infrastructure proposals.