In October this year,  the Environment Select Committee will bring the Fast Track Approvals Bill back to Parliament along with the list of projects the government wants to fast track.

We’re hoping to see changes which address the alarming aspects related to ministerial power environmental protection, Te Tiriti obligations and public participation… there were just so many things wrong with the initial draft of the Bill.

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The big questions for our cause are whether wannabe seabed mining companies Trans Tasman Resources and Chatham Rock Phosphate are on that fast track list and whether seabed mining proposals could be approved through this legislation.

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We have a limited window to act - between now and October your voice can make a difference. This is a government bill, so we need people to be contacting Coalition MPs urgently to deliver a clear message:

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1. Say NO to seabed mining

2. Demand seabed mining projects be excluded from the fast-track bill
    

Time is of the essence.

Let's ensure our government MPs understand the gravity of this issue before it's too late.  Reach out in person, by phone or email (scroll down for how to get in touch)  
 

Key Talking Points - what to say

We’ve drafted up some points you might like to cover - and for a deep dive, have a read of KASM’s submission on the Fast Track Bill.  Watch the video of our chair Cindy Baxter’s oral submission to the Select Committee. 
 

It’s important to stay respectful, share both evidence-based information and your personal stories. Let them know about the dangers of seabed mining to our marine ecosystem and why you personally care. 
 

This can be via an email or a phone call, or meet them in person. 
 

If you have an in-person meeting, you could leave them with the KASM submission as a tangible reminder for further consideration. It’s got all the details in it. Or attach it to an email.

Remember politicians are just people too and it’s their job to work for us New Zealanders. You don’t need to be nervous, let’s be kind and clear in our conversations. 
 

The most influential…

1. Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon is ultimately responsible for the Fast Track Bill and projects listed in schedule 2A. Let’s make sure he hears our concerns! 

Email him at Christopher.Luxon@parliament.govt.nz
 

    2. Coalition MP’s (National, NZ First and ACT) are likely to have the biggest impact on this legislation, so focussing here is important. The MP’s to really focus on are those on the Environment Select Committee making the decisions on what the fast-track bill will look like. These links will take you to their contacts. 

Scott Simpson, MP for Coromandel (National)
Mike Butterick MP for Wairarapa (National)
Hamish Campbell, MP for Ilam (National)
Katie Nimon, MP for Napier (National)
Simon Court, ACT Party list MP

 

If your local Electorate MP is a government or coalition MP, get in touch. They are tasked with representing you and your community in government. 

 

How to contact an MP

You can email them directly with your concerns, OR
Call their office and request a time for a phone call, OR
Call their office to request a meeting (this is more likely to work in electorate offices)

 

Parliament contacts

The Parliament NZ website has a Contact an MP section where you can find links to all members of Parliament with their email details and find out who your electorate MP is if you’re unsure. 

 

Phone:  The main reception telephone number for the New Zealand Parliament is 0800 PĀREMATA (0800 7273 6282). Ask to be put through to that MP’s office, where you’ll speak to their staff. 

 

Electorate MP offices 

 

Local (aka Electorate) MPs have local offices where they meet with people from their electorate, often on a Saturday morning. The local office address and phone details are on their party websites and you can book an appointment with their electorate secretary.  

 

Our politicians get out and about a bit too, so keep an ear out for visits by MPs to your community and try to get along for a chat with them.

 

Follow-up:
We want to hear about your experiences! Please let us know how you get on with these conversations (tag us in socials or email info@kasm.org.nz). Were the politicians open to your concerns? Did they understand how much you care about our oceans? Will they try to stop seabed mining in Aotearoa?

 

Thank you for making the effort to protect our moana from seabed mining!