What exactly is meant by red and green tape (Politics, April 20)? A favourite term used by our prime minister in his commentary on our democratic processes. Red tape in the past referred to the binding around administrative files. Perhaps the reference today is used to justify the axing of administrative and “backroom” jobs throughout our public services.
Green tape appears to be Chris Luxon’s description of the practical application of our country’s environmental legislation to protect our ecosystems, flora and fauna.
Sadly, in other countries such as India and the United States, rightwing governments use violence, corporate cover-ups, and the removal of environmental laws to remove any opposition from local communities to the destruction of their land, forests, air quality and waterways. More than 70% of India’s energy is sourced from coal mines. US governments have destroyed the air quality and ground water supplies of whole communities by removing legislation and encouraging corporations to drill for natural gas.
Now, in Aotearoa New Zealand, we have the proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill looming, with coalition MPs actively encouraging businesses, corporations, and even local government to put
