clifton to tangoio image

Major milestone for new Fast-track Approvals regime with introduction of Fast-track Approvals Bill

A major milestone has been reached in the Government’s goal to introduce a permanent Fast-track Approvals regime to get significant housing and infrastructure projects underway faster.

The Fast-Track Approvals Bill had its first reading in Parliament today and will now go through the select committee process.

Last updated:

About the bill

One-stop shop major projects on the fast track media release [Beehive]

Fast-track Approvals Bill [Parliament]

The Bill is aimed at making the approvals process faster and more efficient for a wide range of regionally and nationally significant infrastructure and development projects, including housing developments and renewable energy.

Proposed system

The proposed system will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for resource consents, notices of requirement, and certificates of compliance under the Resource Management Act and approvals required under the: 

  • The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) 
  • The Wildlife Act 1953 
  • The Conservation Act 1987 
  • The Reserves Act 1977 
  • The Freshwater Fisheries Regulations 1983 
  • The Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 
  • The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 
  • The Crown Minerals Act 1991 
  • The Public Works Act 1981 

The Bill includes proposals on:

  • the Fast track application process and project eligibility
  • the Ministers involved in assessing projects, for referral to an Expert Panel for evaluation
  • who the Ministers and Panels must consult with during the process
  • the Expert Panels’ role, and their members’ required expertise
  • which other Acts and legislation are relevant to the “one-stop-shop” approval process
  • provisions for Treaty of Waitangi settlements and other arrangements.

Next steps

If passed, a standalone Fast-Track Approvals Act could become law later in 2024.