FACT WIKI · Law
New Zealand's Fast-track Approvals Act 2024
New Zealand's Fast-track Approvals Act 2024
New Zealand's Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 establishes a permanent approval regime intended to make development and infrastructure projects delivering regional and national benefits easier and quicker to approve.
Roles and functions
The Department of Conservation provides reports, advice and other information to support expert panels considering applications that could affect conservation. Some approvals and permissions administered by the department are included in the fast-track process.
The Environmental Protection Authority manages the streamlined process through which nationally and regionally significant projects can apply for multiple approvals.
How it works
An expert panel assesses the application and decides whether to approve the project, decline it or approve it with conditions.
Projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Act do not need a referral application and may proceed directly to a substantive application.
For a project entering through referral, a ministerial decision to refer the project allows the authorised person to lodge a substantive application for consideration by an expert panel.
Scope and limitations
The fast-track process offers an alternative route for resource consents and other approvals through a cross-government process. Its scope includes approvals under legislation administered by several government agencies, including the Department of Conservation.
References
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