In a move likely to alarm businesses and investors across New Zealand, Te Pāti Māori has issued a divisive ultimatum to Fast-Track mining applicants, warning of “retrospective liability” and promising to revoke mining consents granted under the Fast-Track Approvals Bill if they gain power.
The declaration comes as Te Pāti Māori continues to push its controversial agenda, this time establishing a separate Māori parliament in what appears to be a bid for political autonomy. Critics argue that the move risks creating division and undermining national unity.
As the Fast-Track Approvals Bill heads toward its third and final reading, the Māori Party’s co-leaders, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi, have vowed to dismantle the legislation entirely, pledging to repeal the bill and revoke all associated consents. Their message to businesses involved in mining is clear: “Exploit the whenua, face the consequences.”
This rhetoric sends shockwaves through New Zealand’s business community, as the bill itself was designed to address inefficiencies in the current consent system, which has seen consenting costs balloon to $1.3 billion annually and processes take nearly twice as long as five years ago. The bill’s goal is to streamline these processes, reduce costs, and enable projects critical to New Zealand’s infrastructure and economic growth.
The legislation stems from a coalition agreement between National and NZ First, which committed to delivering tangible results within the first 100 days of government. Ministers Shane Jones (Regional Development), Chris Bishop (Infrastructure), and Simeon Brown (Transport), alongside Conservation Minister Tama Potaka when required, are charged with ensuring responsible implementation of the law.
By targeting these reforms, Te Pāti Māori risks sending a chilling message to investors and developers, undermining confidence in the country’s regulatory stability. Business leaders warn that this unpredictable and punitive approach to lawful agreements could drive investors away, harm the economy, and put New Zealand’s international reputation as a reliable place to do business at risk.
Critics argue that Te Pāti Māori’s approach to mining, while couched in environmental concerns, disregards the essential role resource development plays in New Zealand’s economy. These projects not only generate jobs and economic activity but are also designed to meet rigorous environmental standards.
Te Pāti Māori’s stance appears to prioritise ideological purity over practical solutions, with Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi positioning themselves as opponents to what they call “corporate exploitation” while offering no viable alternatives for economic development or environmental balance.
The broader message from Te Pāti Māori—to revoke legally granted permissions and introduce retrospective penalties—poses a serious threat to the rule of law and could set a dangerous precedent. At a time when New Zealand needs clear, stable leadership to ensure economic recovery and resilience, the Māori Party’s divisive and punitive rhetoric risks derailing progress.
