Meeting of the Parliament 26 February 2026 [Draft]
There has been no removal of a public inquiry option; that has not been relayed by the Government at all. I have outlined the new powers that have been given to the Government in order to strengthen community engagement. I am keen to strengthen good-practice principles around engagement and community benefits, so that communities can have more say and so that more communities can benefit from the revenues that come from energy projects.
I listen to the views of communities all the time. In the energy consents unit, all statutory consultees can raise their opinions, and anyone can raise any opinions on any development. I go back to my initial point, which is that it is incumbent on developers to engage with communities early and meaningfully. That is the best way for them to introduce plans for consent that are reflective of the views of communities.