Fast-track Approvals Bill
This bill creates a new fast-track system for getting big infrastructure and development projects approved more quickly. Instead of going through the usual consenting processes, projects with significant regional or national benefits can be referred to a special expert panel that handles all the required approvals in one process. Projects can be either pre-listed in the law or applied for by anyone who wants to use the faster process. The Minister for Infrastructure decides which projects get in.
What this affects
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Big infrastructure and development projects can get all their approvals faster through one process instead of many separate ones, which could mean projects get built more quickly.
The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.
the project is an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits
will deliver significant economic benefits
will support primary industries, including aquaculture
will support development of natural resources, including minerals and petroleum
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Environment Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 18 April 2024.
Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.