New Zealand's government faces criticism for its Fast Track Approvals bill, which allows ministers to bypass environmental planning for infrastructure projects.

New Zealand's government faces criticism over the Fast Track Approvals bill, which allows ministers to bypass environmental planning and protection processes for infrastructure projects. The bill is seen as prioritizing short-term economic gain, risking the nation's fragile natural capital and biodiversity. Public submissions on the bill close this week, with concerns raised about the potential impact on New Zealand's ecosystems.