This application was returned

This page contains information about a listed application that was returned on 23 September 2026.

On 29 October 2026, the applicant reapplied. This is considered a new application, subject to fees and charges.

Project listing

The project was listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

Buller Plateaux Continuation application – Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website

Completeness decision

Bathurst lodged a substantive application for the project on 24 August 2026. The Fast-track team has returned the substantive application, which did not comply with all the requirements of section 46 (2) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

Record of decision on completeness and scope (PDF, 101 KB)

Memorandum on completeness and scope (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Completeness responses received

Response received from Buller District Council (PDF, 188 KB)

Substantive application completeness checklist - Buller District Council (PDF, 414 KB)

Response received from West Coast Regional Council (PDF, 228 KB)

Substantive application completeness checklist - West Coast Regional Council (PDF, 439 KB)

Response received from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (PDF, 372 KB)

Response received from Land Information New Zealand (PDF, 955KB)

Response from Department of Conservation (DOC) (PDF, 377 KB)

DOC Appendix 1 – Concessions completeness assessment (PDF, 257 KB)

DOC Appendix 2 – Access arrangements completeness assessment (PDF, 335 KB)

DOC Appendix 3 – Wildlife approvals completeness assessment (PDF, 218 KB)

DOC Appendix 4 – Freshwater fisheries approvals completeness assessment (PDF, 93 KB)

DOC Appendix 5 – Listed project requirements completeness assessment (PDF, 151 KB)

DOC response to s46 RFI 2 (PDF, 952 KB)

DOC response to s46 RFI 2– Complex freshwater fisheries (PDF, 830 KB)

Substantive application returned to applicant on 23 September 2026.

Bathurst can choose to prepare and lodge a new Fast-track substantive application.

  • RETURNED Substantive application

    Returned substantive application documents for the Buller Plateaux Continuation project.
    Substantive application (returned application)

  • RETURNED Correspondence

    Minutes, directions and other correspondence to and from the panel convener and expert panel regarding the Buller Plateaux Continuation project, which was returned.
    Correspondence (returned application)

  • RETURNED Reports and advice

    Read reports, advice and further information sought in relation to the Buller Plateaux Continuation project, which was returned.
    Reports and advice (returned application)