What mechanisms exist, if any, for iwi, hapū, local communities, or submitters to raise concerns regarding actual or perceived ministerial conflicts of interest under the fast-track process?

Answer

The Minister for Infrastructure (for referral applications) and expert panels (for substantive applications) are required to invite comments from certain parties (including relevant Māori groups) and may invite comment from other parties at their discretion. If parties wish to raise concerns about perceived conflicts of interest they could do so in their comments. Ministers are accountable to the Prime Minister for their behaviour, including in relation to conflict of interest matters. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest can also be raised with the Prime Minister.