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".
Consultation
Consultation is more than just telling Council what your project is about. Effective pre-application consultation will support applicants to prepare an application that addresses the range of issues, planning provisions, and environmental effects that may be relevant to the proposed activity.
Identifying and working through as many issues as possible prior to lodging an application will provide increased certainty about the remaining issues that need to be resolved through the formal approval process. This will lead to a more efficient and less resource intensive process once the application has been lodged, and may prevent decision delays.
It is a statutory requirement under s.11 (referral application) and s.29 (substantive application) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 for applicants to consult with the Council prior to lodgement.
For more information see the detailed consultation expectation summary:
Referral applications
The Minister receives the complete application and must invite comments, and request advice or reports from relevant local authorities. The Minister considers the application, advice or reports, and any comments received. The Minister may also seek further information from relevant local authorities.
Substantive applications
Local authorities are involved in the substantive application process, including nominating members for expert panels, and commenting on applications and draft conditions.
All listed projects and any referral projects that have been approved by the Minister, and are within the Otago region, are outlined in the document below. The status of each project is updated on a monthly basis.
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.fasttrack@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.
Complete and send in the Request for Fast-track Consent Pre-Application Advice form above to start the consultation process.
Any person can apply to have projects of regional or national significance considered for Fast-track approval. The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (the Act) describes the process, including what projects are eligible and how referral decisions are made. The Minister for Infrastructure decides whether to accept projects for referral to the Fast-track. Applicants must provide a general level of detail in their application; sufficient to inform the Minister’s decision on whether to refer the project into the fast-track process. There are specified criteria for assessing a referral application. For example, the Minister may consider whether a project will increase the supply of housing, address housing needs, or contribute to a well-functioning urban environment. Depending on the project’s areas or sectors of activity, other approvals may be needed as part of the Fast-track process in addition to a resource consent or a certificate of compliance.
There is a specified form that the applicant has to fill out found here: Fast-track Substantive Application Form
This must include information such as a description of the proposed activity, a description of the site, the type of approval(s) being sought (e.g. resource consents, wildlife permits etc), an assessment of the activity against sections 5, 6 and 7 under the Resource Management Act 1991, and an assessment of the activity against documents such as national environmental standards, a New Zealand coastal policy statement, a regional policy statement, and other relevant plans and regulations.
Fast-track is a permanent approvals regime for a range of infrastructure, housing, and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. Fast-track is administered by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Council looks at the applicant’s full application, which includes a description of the project, a map and site description, technical information and reports, and an assessment of environmental effects. Council may also visit the site and review applicable legislation, policies, plans, and other regulations.
In general, no. The Act does not allow public or limited notification for comments, which limits community involvement. However, panels must invite written comment from certain groups including:
- Relevant local authorities
- Relevant iwi authorities
- Treaty settlement entities relevant to a project
- Landowners and occupiers of the site and adjacent land (if identifiable). Guidance on identifying adjacent land
- The Minister for the Environment and other relevant Ministers
- Relevant administering agencies including MBIE, EPA, Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga, MPI, DOC, and local authorities
- Other relevant groups defined in the Act
Visit the Fast-track website hosted by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for the latest information and application status.
- Freephone: 0800 FASTRK (0800 327875)
- Overseas callers: +64 4 832 6890
- Email: contact@fasttrack.govt.nz
You can also contact your local council, councillor, or MP for help.
Council does not make decisions on approvals but must be consulted under sections 11 and 29 of the Act. Council encourages early engagement to ensure technical and environmental issues are addressed. Council audits applications and supporting material to ensure consistency with its policies and provides this to the EPA and the expert panel. Council may use internal staff and external consultants to complete these audits.
Yes, you are welcome to contact applicants directly. Information may also be available via the Fast-track website. Applicants sometimes host local community meetings or info sessions.
Contact the EPA Fast-track team:
- Freephone: 0800 FASTRK (0800 327875)
- Overseas callers: +64 4 832 6890
- Email: contact@fasttrack.govt.nz
Detailed information and a helpful flowchart diagram can be found on the fasttrack.govt.nz site to help you understand the steps and timing for the fast-track process
Key steps and timings in the Fast-track referral process
To get more information on the full (substantive) application step, head to the Substantive application for resource consents and other approvals section of fasttrack.govt.nz
Substantive application for resource consents and other approvals
