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Library notice: Bullock Creek Lane closed for asphalting on Saturday 25 January and Saturday 1 February. Wānaka Library open to pedestrians. Limited parking available at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Fast-track Approvals Act

The Fast-track Approvals Act establishes a permanent fast-track approvals regime for a range of infrastructure and development projects.

About the Fast-track Approvals Act

The Act came into force on 23 December 2024 and establishes a permanent fast-track approvals regime for projects of national and regional significance. This regime involves several Central Government Ministers who will determine projects that will be referred to an expert panel. The panel will then consider and make decisions on approvals sought.

The Act aims to be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for resource consents, notices of requirement, and certificates of compliance under the Resource Management Act (1991) and approvals required under a range of other Acts.

People or organisations can apply for their projects to be considered, with each one then assessed and those appropriate selected for inclusion under the proposed bill.

Speaking at public forum

Requests to speak at public forum on the Fast-track Approvals Act are presently being declined, on the basis that this is a central government process and sits outside of the terms of reference for Council.

While we have previously heard speakers on the topic and continue to receive requests on this matter, the discretion to hear speakers is that of the Chair. As of December 2024, the Chair has reconfirmed their position to decline speakers on this topic.

Where to find out more

Click here for more on central government’s Fast-track Approvals Act.