The Auditor-General of New Zealand, John Ryan, has announced an inquiry into how ministers managed conflicts of interest regarding fast-tracked projects under the Fast-track Approvals Bill.
In October, the coalition government published a list containing 149 projects that are being considered for expedited approval.
It also reported projects in which several ministers have disclosed potential conflicts. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones declared a potential conflict concerning eight projects, while Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop reported one.
In his statement released on Thursday, Ryan emphasised the importance of ensuring that “appropriate systems and processes” are in place for ministers to identify and manage conflicts of interest effectively.
He stated that maintaining public trust and confidence is crucial, particularly when significant decisions about public resources are made at the ministerial level.
“This is especially so when decisions are being made at the highest level of government, or in relation to significant decisions about how public resources are used.”
“For these reasons and the significant public interest in the Fast-track process, we have decided to carry out an inquiry.”
The inquiry’s primary goal is to provide assurance regarding the overall processes for managing conflicts of interest among ministers involved in fast-tracked initiatives.
Ryan said he would release a report upon the completion of the inquiry, although he did not specify a timeline for when this would occur.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon asserted that all conflicts had been managed appropriately.
“We assiduously worked with the Cabinet office to make sure from the beginning of those conversations that we had good protocols in place.”
“Where there were conflicts, ministers were asked not to participate in the conversations or to leave the rooms,” Luxon said.
The Fast Track Approvals Bill has recently sparked considerable alarm among local authorities, insurers, and environmental experts regarding the potential risks it poses to flood-prone areas and communities. Concerns centre around the bill’s expedited process for approving development projects, which critics argue may overlook essential environmental safeguards.