Protesters are gathering in downtown Auckland to challenge a contentious bill allowing the coalition Government to speed up the consent process for major infrastructure projects . March for Nature protesters in Tāmaki Makaurau are meeting in Aotea Square, with speeches from 1pm and a march down Queen St from 1.30pm in opposition to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill .
Motorists and public transport users have been warned of disruption between noon and 4pm. “Auckland city centre will still be accessible by bus, train, ferry, car, bike, and walking,” Auckland Transport says on its website. But there will be some delays, road closures and detours – including to some city centre bus routes, it adds.
Access to the Downtown Car Park may also be restricted or closed for a short period. Other Government policies are also in protesters’ sights today and organisers are expecting thousands in Auckland, Nelson, Whakatāne, Christchurch and Tākaka to show their opposition to the bill, and what those behind the protest call the coalition’s “general war on nature”. Meanwhile, in Wellington, the People Over Profits march from Pukeahu Memorial from 1pm will protest Government cuts to public services and thousands of job losses .
The Fast-track Approvals Bill is currently being considered by the Environmental Select Committee, which has allocated six weeks to consider public submissions and presentations, and will report back on its recommendations on September 7. The Government .