A new Horizon Research survey (1000 respondents, margin of error +- 3%) has revealed serious concerns among National Party voters about the proposed Fast-Track Approvals Bill and its potential to undermine democracy and enable corruption.
The poll shows that 76% of National voters are worried the Bill could permit currently prohibited activities (like mining within Thames Coromandel towns). 61% fear mining on (Coromandel) conservation land, while 53% are concerned it may allow developments previously stopped by the Supreme Court to proceed.
A majority of 53% believe there is a risk that commercial interests that donated to coalition political parties could improperly influence development decisions.
With 70% wanting a public say on local developments and 66% distrustful of just 3 Ministers alone approving their pet projects, the Bill threatens transparent democracy.
These National voter concerns underscore how severely PM Luxon misjudged by surrendering to Shane Jones’ and David Seymour’s extremist demands.
New Zealanders are repelled by the growing evidence of election donation corruption scandals linked to the Bill.
Over 50,000 people made submissions opposed to the Bill. A similar number will have marched in protest in Auckland by the time this letter is published.
It is time for Luxon and National to listen to the valid concerns of voters across the political spectrum and ditch this repugnant undemocratic legislation.
