Fast-track laws, parliamentary urgency, Treaty tension, media retreat: warning signs for NZ's 'brittle' democracy.

The article discusses the potential risks to New Zealand's democracy posed by the government's proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill and other factors. The bill has received numerous critical submissions due to concerns about its environmental and democratic impacts. The article also highlights the lack of robust safeguards against abuses of power in New Zealand, as well as the decline in press freedom and trust in news media. Additionally, it mentions the ongoing debate over the Treaty of Waitangi and the government's reliance on executive power and urgency to pass legislation. While New Zealand is not considered a tyranny, these trends raise concerns about the fragility of its democracy. [Extracted from the article]