The New Zealand Government has introduced a Fast-Track Approvals Bill in Parliament, which threatens to undermine the vital process of public consultation on large-scale infrastructure projects and resource consents.
The Bill grants unchecked authority to a select group of Ministers, while limiting input from experts, Tangata Whenua, advocacy organisations, and the public.
It would strip away the mandate for adequate public consultation on projects such as:
Here are the details for the climate strike in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Meet at Te Ngākau Civic Square, marching to Parliament at 12.30pm.
With so much at stake, it’s never been more important for us to stand united for climate justice and social justice. This is an intergenerational strike.
Friday 29 March is Good Friday, so instead of protesting against Fonterror at Midland Park we will be chowing down on hot cross buns with our respective families.
The Pride Parade is on Saturday 9 March. It includes a parade through Courtenay Place and Dixon Street, a Street Celebration, and the Official Parade After Party.
We’ll be there with our placards and flags. Will you join us?
On Waitangi Day there will be no FFF protest at Parliament. Instead, we will be joining the Waitangi Solidarity Hikoi.
This event is organised by the Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition. Tangata Tiriti are invited to stand in solidarity with Tangata Whenua and show that we will work to stop any rolling back of Māori rights and progress the Tangata Whenua.
Starts at Pukeahu National War Memorial at 10.30am, walking about 1.5 km.
Fridays for Future Te Upoko o te Ika Press Release
Local climate action group Fridays for Future held an extraordinary demonstration on Parliament grounds on Monday, 27 November.
The Wellington group marked the first day of the new government by holding signs and flags, and talking with the public.
Group member Violet Chong said the demonstration was being held this Monday to mark the new government’s rollback on climate policy.
“Removing the ban on oil and gas exploration licences,the use of ETS money for tax cuts, no plans for emissions reductions from farming, and the removal of the clean car discount, these are a betrayal of younger generations and a dangerously misguided direction for any leadership that cares for children,” she said.
Violet was holding a sign reading “All I want for Christmas is a government that takes climate change seriously.”
The Wellington group usually meets on Friday lunchtimes.
The international movement Fridays for Future grew out of widespread support for Greta Thunberg.
Fridays for Future Te Upoko o te Ika meets on Parliament lawn and in Midland Park on Lambton Quay, on alternate weeks.
This week Fridays for Future will meet in Midland Park from 12:30 to 1:30pm.
Midland Park is a regular venue for protest as it is in front of major polluter Fonterra’s Wellington office.
Violet said all are welcome to join in the regular demonstration of support of climate action.
Above: Fridays for Future Te Upoko o te Ika, and guest Suzan, climate activist from Denmark (second from left), on the first day of the new hard right government and its anti climate action policy bonfire.