Fast-track Approvals System Accelerates Progress on Over 50 Projects in First Six Months

The New Zealand Government’s Fast-track Approvals system has marked a milestone in its inaugural six months of operation, with over 50 project applications lodged under the scheme designed to accelerate infrastructure and economic development. Spearheaded by RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, the initiative is delivering on the coalition government’s promise to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline approvals for critical projects.

A Legislative Leap Toward Economic Growth

Passed just before Christmas 2024, the Fast-track Approvals Act was a key element of the coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First. It officially opened for applications on 7 February 2025. The Act empowers projects listed within it — as well as others not originally named — to be considered through a simplified, one-stop-shop process managed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and evaluated by independent expert panels.

Minister Chris Bishop emphasized the policy’s potential to address long-standing barriers to growth:

“The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,” Bishop stated.

Promising Pipeline: Over 50 Projects Lodged, First Approvals by Year-End

So far, more than 50 applications have been submitted under the scheme. Of these, eight projects have already progressed to full evaluation by expert panels. These panels are expected to deliver their first final consent decisions by mid-September, with all eight projects anticipated to complete the process by the end of 2025.

These fast-tracked projects span a wide array of sectors and are projected to inject billions of dollars into the national economy and generate thousands of jobs. Many target urgent national priorities such as the housing shortage, infrastructure gaps, and energy resilience.

Expert Panels in Action

Under the Act, a curated list of 149 projects became eligible to apply to the EPA from the outset. Once lodged, applications move to an independent expert panel for review, approval, and the imposition of any necessary conditions. The aim is to replace the lengthy, complex approvals previously associated with the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Currently, eight projects are under active expert panel review. These include initiatives that, if approved, could rapidly mobilize construction efforts and meet regional development needs.

“Instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years, the new regime gives us the tools to deliver for New Zealanders,” Bishop explained.

Quarry Expansions and Resource Projects Under Review

Minister Shane Jones highlighted six more projects that are currently with the Panel Convenor, awaiting assignment to expert panels. These include:

• Kings Quarry expansion

• Drury Quarry expansion

These quarries supply crucial aggregate materials needed for ongoing and future infrastructure builds. Their progression through the streamlined system is seen as a positive sign of the Act supporting the construction industry’s material demands.

“It is heartening to see applications for mining and quarrying projects working their way through the system,” Jones remarked.

Referral Pathway for Unlisted Projects Also Active

In addition to the 149 named projects, the Fast-track Act allows for ministerial referrals of new projects into the process. Chris Bishop, as Infrastructure Minister, has discretion over these referrals, in consultation with relevant Ministers.

To date, seven projects have been referred via this pathway, including:

1. Stage 2 of the Auckland Surf Park community

   • Encompasses a large artificial intelligence data centre, 400-home residential development, and a village centre.

2. Waitākere District Court replacement

   • Aims to construct a new courthouse serving the wider Auckland region.

3. The Point Mission Bay

   • A retirement community project featuring 252 homes and associated amenities.

A further 16 projects have applied for ministerial referral and are currently under assessment or being circulated among portfolio Ministers for feedback. These include proposals in the renewable energy, housing, and core infrastructure sectors.

Future Outlook: Unlocking Growth, Reducing Gridlock

As New Zealand seeks to revitalize its economy, tackle a worsening infrastructure backlog, and meet ambitious housing and energy goals, the Fast-track Approvals system is positioning itself as a transformative tool. The next milestones — final approvals of initial projects and establishment of new expert panels — will serve as crucial indicators of the Act’s long-term viability.

“This is about getting the country moving again,” said Bishop. “The system is working, and we are just getting started.”