The Ardern era is well and truly over. The National Party-led coalition that took office in November has been busy undoing many of her government’s initiatives. It is following a strategy not unlike that of the coalition “Project 25,“The second-term ‘battle plan’ promoted by pro-Trump think tanks designed to concentrate power in the executive branch and undermine efforts to slow global warming.
It’s starting to reverse a ban on oil and gas drillingand proposes a “fast track” for major projects, including mines, that bypasses environmental controls. It has cut climate-related programs and jobs, subsidies for electric vehiclesPlans abandoned for one of the largest the largest marine sanctuaries and set aside one Cow burp tax a world-leading measure as he questions him Science on methane, a powerful greenhouse gas...
During coalition talks, (ACT leader) Seymour won concessions for the American style charter schools; A “three knocks” law extending prison sentences for repeat offenders; and a deal to rewrite the country’s gun law, revisiting a ban on military-style rifles after a 2019 mass shooting. He is push for a referendum on New Zealand’s founding document with indigenous Maori that opponents say will be divisive.
Here is much more from Rachel Pannett.
