Maitahi Village Becomes First Housing Project Approved Under Fast-track Law

The Government has announced that the Maitahi Village housing development in Nelson has become the first residential project to receive consent under the newly introduced Fast-track Approvals Act, marking what Ministers say is a major milestone in delivering more housing and infrastructure more quickly.

The application for the Maitahi Village project was lodged in February 2025 and has now been approved by an independent expert panel, making it the second project overall to move through the streamlined approval system, following last month’s consent for the Port of Auckland wharf extension.

A Major Boost for Nelson’s Housing Supply

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the Maitahi Village development will deliver around 180 homes, including:

• 50 iwi-led houses led by Ngāti Koata, ensuring strong community and cultural connections.

• A retirement village consisting of 194 townhouses and 36 in-care units, providing housing options for Nelson’s aging population.

• A commercial centre to support local businesses and residents.

Bishop said the project is expected to inject up to $308 million into the Nelson economy, delivering not just housing but also critical commercial and community infrastructure.

“The development will provide much-needed housing and commercial infrastructure for the Nelson region. It is a significant investment in Nelson’s future,” Bishop said.

He added that the Fast-track system is beginning to prove its value by delivering timely approvals for projects that address the country’s infrastructure deficit while also easing pressure on housing supply.

Regional Development Benefits

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones welcomed the decision, noting that regional housing projects like Maitahi Village are crucial for addressing shortages outside major centres.

“I’m looking forward to more regional housing developments reaching the approval stage, along with other regional projects in the pipeline,” Jones said.

He confirmed he is working alongside Bishop on further legislative refinements to accelerate approvals and get projects under way even faster.

Fast-track Approvals Act in Action

The Fast-track Approvals Act was introduced to cut red tape and speed up the delivery of nationally and regionally significant projects. By consolidating multiple consent processes into a single streamlined pathway, the Act is designed to:

• Reduce delays caused by lengthy consenting and appeals processes.

• Provide greater certainty for developers and investors.

• Deliver faster outcomes for communities in need of housing, infrastructure, and economic growth.

The Maitahi Village approval represents the Act’s first significant application in the housing sector, with Ministers signalling that more projects across different regions are expected to follow.

Looking Ahead

With both the Port of Auckland wharf extension and now the Maitahi Village development approved, the Government is positioning the Fast-track system as a key tool in its strategy to unlock stalled projects, boost regional economies, and meet the urgent demand for new housing.

Nelson residents can expect construction to bring new jobs, business opportunities, and housing diversity over the coming years, with Ministers framing the project as a model for how the Fast-track law can deliver tangible results for local communities.