Process overview

Fast-track is a new process for resource consent and a wide range of other approvals

It operates separately from processes under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 or Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023. You can find those processes and their remaining projects on the Environmental Protection Authority website.

Fast-track consenting – Environmental Protection Authority website

Fast-track is for infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. It is not for other processes such as building consents, which continue to follow their existing processes.

The process at a glance

The process involves applying for referral to use the Fast-track process, followed by a substantive application for the approvals needed. Projects listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 (“the Act”) don’t need referral, and can go straight to the substantive application. Other projects need referral before making a substantive application.

Step 1: Applying for referral to use the Fast-track process

• Complete pre-lodgement consultation and other preparation.

• Write and submit your referral application.

• Pay the invoiced levy and application fee to complete lodgement.

• The Ministry for the Environment assesses the application for completeness.

• The Minister for Infrastructure decides whether to accept or decline the application.

More detail: Referral application to use the Fast-track

Step 2: Substantive application for resource consent and other approvals

• Complete relevant preliminary steps as described in the Act, including applying for a land exchange if required.

• Optional: seek priority for the project via an application to the Minister.

• Write and submit your substantive application.

• Pay the invoiced levy and application fee to complete lodgement.

• Fast-track team assesses the application for completeness and other matters.

• An expert panel considers the substantive application. They invite comments and organise other information or activities required to support their decision. They may decide to hold a hearing.

• The panel issues its decision. If the application is approved, the panel can set conditions the project must meet.

More detail: Substantive application

The Fast-track team at the Environmental Protection Authority provides administrative support for the process. An application portal is used throughout both steps of the process.

The legislation

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 defines the Fast-track process.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 – NZ Legislation website

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 includes schedules about approvals relating to:

• the Resource Management Act 1991

• the Conservation Act 1987, Reserves Act 1977, Wildlife Act 1953, and National Parks Act 1980

• the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014

• complex freshwater fisheries activities

• the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012

• the Crown Minerals Act 1991.

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 also includes schedules modifying other processes and legislation.

The Fast-track Approvals (Cost Recovery) Regulations 2025 define the cost-recovery processes for the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

Fast-track Approvals (Cost Recovery) Regulations 2025 – NZ Legislation website

The Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 amends the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. It brings a range of process and timing changes, including changes to consultation and timeframes and providing for Government Policy Statements and Ministerial directions.

Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 – NZ Legislation website

Expert panels

Expert panels are independent decision-making bodies set up for each Fast-track project. The panel convener appoints a panel of up to four members for each project, including a person nominated by the relevant local authorities.

Panels can hold hearings, prepare or commission reports, request advice and identify the appropriate people to invite comments from.

The Fast-track team provides procedural advice and secretariat support to panels. We are not involved in the decision-making.

More detail: Expert panels

Comments

The panel must invite written comments from some people or groups listed in the Act. The Act does not allow panels to give full public notification or limited notification for comments.

More detail: Comments

Other process steps that may be involved

The panel may request further information or reports, or request or commission advice, to inform their decision. A hearing is not required, but the panel must consider whether to hold one.

The processing of the application can be suspended and later resumed, for reasons defined in the Act.

Making a final decision

The panel makes a decision based on the matters described in the Act and the information from the application and the assessment process. The panel can set conditions on an approval, for example requiring measures to manage the impact of the project.

When a decision is made, it will be notified to the applicant and other stakeholders as defined in the Act. It will also be published on this website.

Appeals

A panel’s decision to grant or decline an approval may be appealed to the High Court. Appeals can be against the whole or a part of the decision, but only a on question of law. Only people specified in the Act can appeal. The Fast-track team and the Environmental Protection Authority are not decision-makers and should not be named as a respondent.

Fees, charges, and cost recovery

Fast-track involves an upfront levy and fees applied to process costs that will be recovered for the agencies involved.

More detail: Fees, charges and cost recovery