The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (the Act) is a new “one-stop shop” approvals process across a range of regulatory bodies.
It aims to make the approval process easier for projects with significant regional or national benefits.
One of two pathways can be used for projects that apply for Fast-track approval:
- The substantive process: when specific projects have been identified in the Act (listed in Schedule 2), they may apply directly to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel.
- The referral process: other parties seeking to utilise the Act must first apply to the Minister for Infrastructure for approval, before then passing through the substantive process.
The EPA handles both the referral and substantive approval processes. Further information is available on the Ministry for the Environment and the EPA websites.
Council has no decision-making role in the approval processes and is considered an "affected party". Applicants must consult with the Council during both the referral and substantive stages.
Pre-application consultation with the ORC is required for both the substantive and referral processes. You should start discussions with us early to meet the requirements of the Act. Note that Council can recover all fair and reasonable costs of its consultation with applicants (including that of any consultants used to assist).
To start the consultation process, fill out our Fast-track consent pre-application form and email it to consent.enquiries@orc.govt.nz. We will be in touch within 7 working days.
Our consents team manages all pre-applications for Fast-track approvals, however, representatives from all relevant teams may be present at consultation meetings.
