Voters back environmental protections over fast-tracking
Monday, 19 January 2026
A majority of voters would rather prioritise environmental standards than fast-track mines or major infrastructure projects, even if that means sacrificing potential economic benefits and jobs.
The latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll with Infrastructure New Zealand shows 53% want full environmental standards upheld for all mines and major infrastructure projects, compared with 37% who support fast-tracking developments on economic grounds and allowing them to bypass normal consent processes.
Ten per cent are unsure.
Fast-track legislation is part of the coalition government’s overhaul of the resource management regime designed to establish “one-stop shop” approvals for infrastructure, housing and development projects.
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It allows applicants to bypass the usual consenting process and gain an exemption or approval from various laws.
Critics say it shuts out public consultation and revives “zombie projects” ‒ controversial schemes previously rejected in the courts. Thousands marched against the bill in 2024 and there were almost 30,000 public submissions to Parliament’s select committee.
Gold, mineral sands, and coal proposals, as well as large-scale housing developments, are now moving through the fast-track process. However, frustrated with the speed of progress, ministers passed further amendments to the laws late last year.
The poll reveals a predictable political divide.
Supporters of National, New Zealand First and ACT are far more likely to back fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects, while Labour, Green and Te Pāti Māori voters strongly favour maintaining environmental safeguards.
Among National voters, 53% support fast-tracking, compared with 41% who prioritise environmental standards.
NZ First voters are even more emphatic, with 64% backing fast-tracking and just 22% prioritising protections. ACT supporters are the most pro-fast-track, with 73% in favour.
On the left, 68% of Labour voters prioritise environmental standards, compared with 25% supporting fast-tracking.
Green voters are the most environmentally focused, with 80% favouring protections and only 14% backing fast-tracking.
Te Pāti Māori voters also show strong support for environmental safeguards - 66% to 12% - although the party’s smaller sample size means the results should be treated with caution.
Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said the debate need not be framed as an all-or-nothing choice between the environment and economic growth.
“Most New Zealanders know we have to protect our environment, reduce carbon in our economy, and grow that economy so it provides more jobs and opportunities,” he told The Post.
“Wealthier countries have the opportunity to invest more in getting to carbon zero, to protecting and enhancing natural environments. It isn’t mutually exclusive – environment and economy actually go together.”
Leggett also emphasised the importance of engagement with communities.
In a statement, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said under fast track, expert panels still applied environmental safeguards and conditions to projects. Nine had been approved so far with a range of conditions applied under the relevant environmental law, he said.
“For example, the recently approved Waihi North mine expansion included nearly 300 pages of conditions, covering everything from requirements to protect the environment from hazardous substances, to things like bat and frog handling procedures.'
Freshwater Strategy interviewed n=1,031 eligible voters in New Zealand, aged 18+ online, between 5-10 December 2025. Margin of Error +/- 3%. Data are weighted to be representative of New Zealand voters.
The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll is funded by Infrastructure NZ to encourage debate about issues that are important to the future of New Zealand.