If a business donates $50,000 to politicians who then give that business special exemptions not available to others, isn’t that a serious conflict of interest?
New Zealand desperately needs a Crime and Corruption commission like the Australian states. They are very effective. In Western Australia at least two Premiers have been jailed. My CEO was removed from his position simply because he took a phone call from a person under investigation by the Department and failed to log the call.
Financial gifts to political parties is grift, pure and simple. Paying for favours in a democracy undermines the foundation, distorts representation and questions the integrity of those who accept it, whether individually or as a political party. Same, same! If they are directly connected to the Fast Track policy, even worse. Let's not let New Zealand denigrate its future to such a low level where the few profit off the many through greed and self-interest.
The Independent Electoral Commission recommendations include limiting donations to political parties to registered electors only. That would go a long way.
Where I heard Colonel Douglas McGregor who was a former defense advisor to Donald Trump first time round, but does not support him now because he believes he has gone bonkers, say that in America the most powerful select committee positions a literally decided and given to people who brought in the most donations to their party.
The "more inclusive consent process where the public and independent experts have a say " is exactly the reason that Fast Track applications were introduced.
That process under the RMA has led to delays with associated increased cost for many sensible projects, some of which were stopped completely due to over zealous NIMBYS.
NZ as a nation cannot afford not to build infrastructure , housing and hospitals rapidly.
If the project under fast track is to improve the living situation, health or transport options for large numbers of people, then good on the developer for taking the risk.
Note - just because a project is fast track does not mean that the backers are going to make money - economic conditions can change and the risk takers can loose their shirts!!
New Zealand desperately needs a Crime and Corruption commission like the Australian states. They are very effective. In Western Australia at least two Premiers have been jailed. My CEO was removed from his position simply because he took a phone call from a person under investigation by the Department and failed to log the call.
Financial gifts to political parties is grift, pure and simple. Paying for favours in a democracy undermines the foundation, distorts representation and questions the integrity of those who accept it, whether individually or as a political party. Same, same! If they are directly connected to the Fast Track policy, even worse. Let's not let New Zealand denigrate its future to such a low level where the few profit off the many through greed and self-interest.
The Independent Electoral Commission recommendations include limiting donations to political parties to registered electors only. That would go a long way.
How long until we become just like America.
Where I heard Colonel Douglas McGregor who was a former defense advisor to Donald Trump first time round, but does not support him now because he believes he has gone bonkers, say that in America the most powerful select committee positions a literally decided and given to people who brought in the most donations to their party.
The "more inclusive consent process where the public and independent experts have a say " is exactly the reason that Fast Track applications were introduced.
That process under the RMA has led to delays with associated increased cost for many sensible projects, some of which were stopped completely due to over zealous NIMBYS.
NZ as a nation cannot afford not to build infrastructure , housing and hospitals rapidly.
If the project under fast track is to improve the living situation, health or transport options for large numbers of people, then good on the developer for taking the risk.
Note - just because a project is fast track does not mean that the backers are going to make money - economic conditions can change and the risk takers can loose their shirts!!
Do you know how many resource consent applications are notified? and are then turned down? (well less than 1%)
Do you realise how many resource consent applications have poor supporting and/or scientifically contestable information? (very many)
Does the Fast Track Act fix a real problem or is it just a scam so dodgy proposals can go through without scrutiny?