A Bill soon to come before parliament, which gives various ministers personal power to decide projects on public land, has raised concerns in the outdoor community.

If approved, the Bill would give ministers power to approve fast-track development projects on public conservation land without consultation. 

Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) is not impressed. President Megan Dimozantos said that under the proposed law, many areas of public conservation land will be “exposed to economic exploitation” devoid of democratic process. 

“The Bill is the biggest assault on democracy and nature that Aotearoa New Zealand has seen in decades … Its impacts would be irreversible [and] a reminder for future generations of how little this government cares about the environment and the places we value.”

Dimozantos said that powers within the Bill – in the hands of a group of ministers, including those for infrastructure, transport and regional development – would override the Conservation Act, Reserves Act  and Wildlife Act.

She referred to FMC’s inaugural president Fred Vosseler, who said in 1932: “We must closely guard the welfare of our national parks and reserves. These should not be regarded as the property of our minister or the government. They belong to  the people of today and tomorrow. We must fight for their protection if necessary.”

Current FMC members share this sentiment, said Dimozantos: “The lack of consultation the Bill proposes is alarming. Furthermore, the government plans to introduce a list of key projects to be fast-tracked. Potential projects include open-cast coal mining and hydro-power generation on public conservation land.”

FMC has reviewed the Bill and lodged a submission, and encourages others to do the same. 

“FMC will act to protect the integrity, intrinsic worth and values of the land that belongs to all of us, but above all, it belongs to nature itself,” Dimozantos said.

“Its importance and worth outweigh the short-sighted economic interests of a privileged few and should never be compromised.”