Environmentalists fearful of government's business-first approach

Resources minister Shane Jones says economic resilience and productivity "should trump almost everything else”. What does that mean for our environment?

Mōrena, and welcome to The Bulletin for Friday, February 16, written by Catherine McGregor.

In today’s edition: Favourable weather a boost for night two of firefight; Breast screening to be expanded by five years; NZ, Australia and Canada issue joint statement on grave Israel-Gaza concerns. But first, the government’s fast-track consent plan could signal a tougher environment for environmental protections.

The fast-track consent plan ‘will bypass environmental law that we have had in place for 30 years’, says one expert (Image: Archi Banal)

Drill baby drill?

As it’s still early, let’s start with breakfast: yesterday’s Energy Resources Aotearoa breakfast meeting, to be specific, where Simeon Brown and Shane Jones were special guests. The energy minister and resources minister were there to talk about the government’s change of direction on oil and gas exploration, reports BusinessDesk’s Glen Hurrell (paywalled). True to form, Jones treated his audience to some memorable lines. The minister was particularly exercised over the case of activist Mike Smith, who is suing NZ’s seven biggest polluters – including a number of extractive industries – on the basis of damage to his whenua and moana. Jones said he was horrified that offshore mining decisions could turn on the court's view of tikanga Māori and that he deeply resented “the distortion of my culture, driven by people who want to substantially change the ethos and the direction of our country on the basis of eco-catastrophisation and colonial guilt”.

Fast-track consent plan has experts alarmed

Jones told the audience he was open about his view that “economic resilience and economic productivity should trump almost everything else”. Many in the environmental movement believe the proposal for fast-track infrastructure consents is evidence that Jones’ view has taken hold across government. The proposal, which opponents say would allow ministers to all but rubber-stamp “significant” infrastructure projects with little independent oversight, has attracted a horrified response from environmental lobby groups and experts. “This isn’t normal, everyday bill-making – this will bypass environmental law that we have had in place for 30 years,” ecologist Marnie Prickett tells The Spinoff this morning. “I hope I’m getting across how worried I am.”

Seabed mining company optimistic about fast-track future

One company that is looking forward to the consenting change is seabed mining company Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR). Its iron ore mining project off the south Taranaki coast has been knocked back twice on environmental grounds, but the fast-track process – which may not only apply to infrastructure – could be the breakthrough it needs, reports BusinessDesk’s John Anthony (paywalled). TTR has invested over $85 million in the project so far, and says the project would create hundreds of jobs and generate billions in revenue with “very little, if any, impact” on marine life. That claim has been strongly challenged by environmental groups, fishing interests and local iwi. Ngāti Ruanui say they will continue to fight even if consent is granted, RNZ’s Robin Martin reports. The iwi, which has been at the forefront of the fight against TTR’s plans, is seeking an urgent discussion with RMA reform minister Chris Bishop. 

Ferry crisis still needs addressing, says KiwiRail

Also on the subject of infrastructure, KiwiRail bosses were in front of the transport select committee on Thursday to pick over the carcass of the cancelled iReX Cook Strait ferry project. KiwiRail confirmed it had sunk $424 million into the project before the incoming government pulled the plug, and told the committee a drawn-out dispute over the location of a new Wellington terminal contributed to the high set-up costs, writes the Herald’s Georgina Campbell. Despite the cancellation, “the terminals have to be built”, said chief executive Peter Reid, adding that Picton’s Port Marlborough wharf “has probably got about two to three years left”. Another big problem: the pressing need for new ships. There are only 22 second-hand ships in the world that meet KiwiRail’s criteria, and none of them are for sale.

The Spinoff and Boring Oat Milk with the support from Coffee Supreme proudly presents Boring Breakfast - Wellington.

As a compact city with an outsized culinary reputation, Wellington has always taken hospitality very seriously. But as the city moves forward from the disruption of the early 2020s, how do those within the sector feel about its current state?

Join us as Boring Breakfast visits Te Whanganui-a-Tara for the very first time, with host Sophie Gilmour (Delicious Business) welcoming guests Douglas Johns (Coffee Supreme), Juno Miers and Thomas Adam (Margot) to discuss what they do, why they do it and their hopes for the city's hospo future.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to: commercial@thespinoff.co.nz by February 26

Favourable weather a boost for night two of firefight

Helicopters returned to the Port Hills at first light to assist the 23 crews of firefighters who worked through the night on the fire. Stuff’s live blog reports there have been no major developments since yesterday evening. A southerly wind that had sprung up around 11pm had died down by 2am, helping with the fire-fighting effort. However FENZ says the change in wind direction may mean Christchurch residents notice more smoke across the city. "We expected this to happen and it does not mean a significant change in the condition of the fire. There is no need to call 111 if you smell smoke in the city," a spokesperson said. The fire spread on Thursday and as of last night covered an area of around 650 hectares with a 14km perimeter. Meanwhile, in a frustrating development for exhausted Christchurch firefighters, a team was last night called to a suspicious blaze at a building on upper Riccarton Road, RNZ reports. Fire and Emergency said multiple fires were burning inside the structure and a ladder appliance was being used to extinguish it from above.

Breast screening expanded, two new cancer drugs approved

The government is moving forward with plans to raise the upper age limit for free mammograms to 74, five years above the current cut off. Health minister Shane Reti says the change could save 65 lives a year, but on current uptake rates it would be 22 lives a year – “meaning we need to do more to increase the uptake", he said. Meanwhile patients suffering advanced breast cancer and blood cancer will get free access to two new drugs from July, 1 News reports. Pharmac has announced it will fund ribociclib, which treats one type of incurable breast cancer, and midostaurin, for acute myeloid leukaemia. Pharmaceuticals director Geraldine MacGibbon says about 400 patients will be eligible for treatment in the first year. Pharmac has also removed the renewal requirements for heart failure drug Entresto, meaning patients can stay on the drug for as long as needed, without the hassle of further applications, the Herald reports.

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How super is NZ Super?

After releasing a paper earlier this week outlining her policy recommendations for the government, Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson joins When the Facts Change host Bernard Hickey to discuss the complex challenge of superannuation in Aotearoa. Why should the age of eligibility stay at 65? Which demographics would be adversely affected by a decision to raise it? And is it a problem that approximately 50,000 pensioners collect NZ Super while earning over $100,000 a year?

Click and Collect

• PM Christopher Luxon, Australia’s Anthony Albanese and Canada’s Justin Trudeau have issued a joint statement expressing grave concern about Israel’s planned ground offensive into the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

• Wellington City Council has abandoned proposed cuts to pool and library hours, with one councillor apologising for publicising the potential measure “when it really was never ever up for serious consideration”.

• Donald Trump’s trial on hush money charges related to the 2016 US election will go ahead on March 25. It is the first of his criminal charges to go to trial.

• Three’s new Ryan Bridge-fronted show, which is yet to get a launch date, is apparently named simply Bridge (Herald, paywalled).

  Feeling clever? Click here to play 1Q, Aotearoa’s newest, shortest daily quiz.

Right now on The Spinoff

Joel MacManus tracks how Wellington's IHP group turned against new housing for the city. Alex Casey has an exclusive interview with the subject of a nationwide hunt for Shortland Street's mystery baby. Stewart Sowman-Lund and Alex Casey recap everything you need to know about the Port Hills fire. Duncan Greive explains why yesterday was a vital and perilous day for the news media in New Zealand. Hera Lindsay Bird advises a reader who's worried she won't love her sister's babies.

Sporting snippets

• Dame Noeline Taurua will need to reapply for her current role as head coach of the Silver Ferns.

• The Black Caps will begin day four of their South Africa test match at 40-1, chasing 267 for the win.

Got some feedback about The Bulletin, or anything in the news? Get in touch with me at thebulletin@thespinoff.co.nz.

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