Understanding the Fast-track Approvals Scheme in New Zealand

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 is a key initiative by the New Zealand government designed to speed up the consenting process for major infrastructure and development projects. This legislation aims to remove unnecessary delays, promote economic growth, and streamline how decisions are made for nationally or regionally significant developments.

What is the Fast-track Approvals Scheme?

The Fast-track Approvals Scheme provides a single, consolidated process to obtain approvals under multiple laws, including:

The Resource Management Act 1991
The Conservation Act 1987
The Fisheries Act 1996

Rather than going through multiple separate applications and public hearings, qualifying projects can apply to this scheme to be fast-tracked through a single, more efficient process.

Who Can Apply?

Projects must demonstrate national or regional significance, which may include:

Housing developments
Infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, renewable energy)
Environmental restoration initiatives

Applications are made to the Minister for Infrastructure, who refers eligible projects to an Independent Expert Panel for assessment.

How Does It Work?

Application Submission – Developers submit proposals to the Minister.
Ministerial Referral – If deemed appropriate, the project is referred to an expert panel.
Panel Review – The panel assesses the project holistically, considering environmental, cultural, and economic factors.
Consultation – Directly affected parties and relevant agencies may be consulted.
Decision and Conditions – The panel recommends whether the project should proceed and may impose conditions to mitigate adverse effects.

What Projects Are Not Eligible?

Some areas and activities are excluded, such as:

Land subject to Treaty of Waitangi settlements
Areas protected by specific Māori customary rights
Sites with high archaeological or environmental sensitivity

Key Auckland Projects Under the Fast-track Scheme

Several significant projects in Auckland have been identified for fast-track approval, encompassing housing developments, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy initiatives. These projects are designed to address the city's growing needs and contribute to regional development.

Current project applications submitted under the Fast-track Approvals Scheme include developments in the Auckland suburbs of Mt Albert, Silverdale, Orewa, Ardmore, Kingsland, Ōrākei, Half Moon Bay, St Johns and Remuera."

These projects are part of a broader initiative to address Auckland's housing shortage, improve infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth. The fast-track process aims to reduce delays in project approvals while ensuring that environmental and community considerations are adequately addressed.

For more detailed information on these projects and the fast-track approval process, you can visit the official Fast-track Projects website https://www.fasttrack.govt.nz/

Learn More

To find detailed information about the Fast-track Approvals process, visit the Ministry for the Environment’s website.

References

Ministry for the Environment – Fast-track Approvals Act Overview
https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/fast-track-approvals/
Ministry for the Environment – Fast-track Process
https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/fast-track-approvals/fast-track-approvals-process/
Auckland Council – Fast-track Consents
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/resource-consents/Pages/fast-track-approvals.aspx
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) – Fast-track Projects
https://www.epa.govt.nz/fast-track-consenting/fast-track-projects/