RM reform update - February 2025 Twenty-Third edition
The RM Reform update is for people and organisations with an interest in the reform of the resource management system. If you would like to subscribe to these updates, please click here.
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the first Resource Management Reform Update of 2025.
This issue focusses on MfE's work supporting the Government during final development of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and, more recently, implementation of the Fast-track project applications process.
Both stages involve working closely with several other government agencies. I would like to thank those agencies' staff, and those involved at the Ministry, for maintaining a collaborative approach during this fast-paced work.
This issue also gives a high-level overview of the new Fast-track website that launched on 7 February 2025.
The Fast-track website has a range of information about the resources and tools available to applicants and other participants in the process.
Our summary of the Fast-track fees and levies, and other cost recovery charges, will be of interest to many involved in Fast-track processes.
We are also aware that, beyond Fast-track developments, there is a high level of interest in the ongoing development the next two Bills in the Government’s suite of resource management reforms.
A range of stakeholders will have specific questions on how the changes impact them and MfE will update you on legislative developments and opportunities to provide feedback throughout the year.
Ngā mihi nui, nā
Nadeine Dommisse,
Deputy Secretary, Environment Management and Adaptation
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 came in to force in December 2024.
The Act’s purpose is to facilitate development and infrastructure projects that will deliver regional and national benefits.
Under the Act's 'one-stop shop' approach, large and complex projects can get resource consents, permissions or other approvals – required under the Resource Management Act 1991, and other Acts – through a single application process.
MfE’s overview of the Act, information on the 149 projects that were included in Schedule 2 of the Act, its Environment Select Committee process, and proactively released documents detailing its development is available here.
A new Fast-track website launched on 7 February 2025 to provide information about the Fast-track approvals regime for infrastructure and development projects of national and regional significance.
The Fast-track website - administered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) - has a range of information about the resources and tools available to applicants and other participants in the Fast-track process.
These tools include an application portal and case management system to receive and manage applications through the process, and a time-sheeting system for government agencies, councils and others who will charge for their time and costs associated with processing applications.
The new Fast-track function will operate independently from the EPA’s environmental regulation work.
From 7 February, any person can apply to have development and infrastructure projects considered for fast-track approval.
MfE's website provides a summary of the Fast-track applications process here:Fast-track approvals process | Ministry for the Environment.
Applying for referral to expert panels
This diagram sets out the process for applying to have projects referred for consideration by expert panels.
Applicants are responsible for meeting the pre-lodgement consultation requirements which are set out in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 here.
In addition to supporting the Minister for Infrastructure during this process, MfE is responsible for advising relevant Ministers who may exercise powers, functions and duties under the Act.
Comments must be invited from the Minister for the Environment at both referral and substantive application stages.
Substantive applications
If the Minister for Infrastructure decides projects can be referred to expert panels the applicant can lodge a substantive application.
During this stage expert panels will determine conditions for projects and decide whether to approve or decline applications.
Applications for this substantive stage must be made within two years of the referral, or any other deadline set by the Minister for Infrastructure.
The Fast-track approvals process is a user pays system.
Applicants will cover the actual and reasonable costs of government agencies, local authorities, panel conveners and expert panels performing functions, powers and duties under the Fast-track Act in relation to their application.
Fees and levies
All applicants must pay an application fee and levy when they lodge a referral, land exchange or substantive application.
The amounts of the fee and levy payable for each application type are set under the Fast-track Approvals (Cost Recovery) Regulations 2025
Applicants:
- will be invoiced by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for remaining costs if the recoverable costs for the application exceed the application fee; or
- may receive a partial refund if recoverable costs for the application are less than the application fee paid.
The levy funds wider Fast-track system costs, which include the EPA’s administration costs (where these are not otherwise recoverable), IT costs and panel convener costs.
The levy also covers the costs of the Minister, the EPA, agencies and panels in relation to appeals and other legal proceedings related to the Act.
Fee and levy amounts will be reviewed in 2026.
MfE's website has more detailed information about:
- Fast-track fee and levy amounts
- contribution costs for specified Māori groups invited to comment on an application
- MfE’s charge out rate for processing applications.
Read more on MfE's cost recovery pagehere.
Submissions to the Environment Select Committee on the RMA (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill close on 10 February. For more information, or to make a submission, visit the Environment Select Committee page here.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament in December 2024 and will amend the Resource Management Act 1991 to progress Government priorities. It will make changes in five key areas: infrastructure and energy; housing; farming and the primary sector; emergency and natural hazards; as well as the resource management system.
The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2024 came into force on 25 October 2024.
MfE's factsheets on the Act's changes to national direction and national policy statements are available here.
If you have any questions, please contact RM.Reform@mfe.govt.nz