NZ First pushes mining expansion with faster approvals, longer permits and regional royalty share

Summarised by Centrist

New Zealand First has unveiled a pro-mining policy package aimed at making approvals “more efficient, quicker and simpler”, extending the life of mining permits, and returning half of mining royalties to the regions where extraction takes place. 

Winston Peters said the plan would “restore common sense”, open the way for new mining zones and ensure more of the economic gains stay in local communities rather than flowing back to Wellington.

NZ First says the current approval system is too slow and complex, with “rules that don’t improve environmental outcomes but do a very good job of stopping investment and costing jobs”. 

The party wants to change where mining can occur, allow longer-term permits that cover the full life of a mine, including rehabilitation, and update rules around geological surveying.

Half of mining royalties would be redirected to the communities where mining occurs, funding projects such as water services, flood protection, energy generation, transport, housing-enabling infrastructure, and mine rescue capability. 

NZ First is also proposing a new School of Mines to help train New Zealanders for higher-paying sector jobs.

Broadcaster Ryan Bridge told his audience that NZ First’s policy “hits all the right notes”, but the bigger issue is investment confidence. 

“If you’re an international player with options and a world in front of you, the disruption, civil disobedience, and political uncertainty on display here don’t go unnoticed,” he said.

According to Bridge, “if the threat of a Labour–Greens government hangs over your permits, what are they really worth?”

Read more over at Stuff and NewstalkZB

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