What we publish about projects, and when
We check all information before publishing. Some information is removed from published documents (redacted) as the EPA requires under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and Privacy Act 2020. For example, information may be redacted to protect privacy or if it is commercially sensitive.
Referral application documents
We usually publish referral application documents when the referral process is complete, together with the relevant briefings, reports, comments, and notice of decision.
Published application documents may include redactions requested by the applicant, for the same reasons as above.
Referral application to use the Fast-track
Substantive application documents
We publish substantive application documents as soon as possible. Published application documents may include redactions requested by the applicant.
Substantive application for resource consents and other approvals
Comments on applications
We publish comments on applications after the end of the comment period. The addresses and contact details of people commenting in a private capacity are redacted; their names are not.
Other information about Fast-track projects
We publish a variety of other information about projects, for example correspondence to and from the panel and panel convener, further information requests and responses, recordings of panel convener conferences, and draft and final decisions and conditions.
This information is usually published as soon as it is available and after we have completed the appropriate checks. You can find all the available information on the appropriate pages of this website, linked from the landing page for each project.
Finding the information you need
Before requesting official information, please check our website as you may find the information you need is already publicly available.
If you want to know something and can’t find it in our online information, you can contact us to ask for information we may not have published.
This is generally known as an OIA request, because the right to ask government agencies for their information is set out in the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).
How to ask for information from us
There are a number of ways you can ask us for information:
Email your request to OIA@fasttrack.govt.nz
Send a letter to: Fast-track OIA team, c/- Environmental Protection Authority, Private Bag 63002, Wellington 6140
Call us on 0800 FASTRK (0800 327875)
To ask for information about Fast-track consenting under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 or the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023, or see information we have released about those processes, go to the Environmental Protection Authority website.
What happens once we receive your request
We will confirm that we have received your request and will send a response within 20 working days.
If you’re requesting a lot of information, or if we need to consult with other organisations, we may need more time to reply to you. If this is the case, we will always let you know when to expect our response.
OIA charging
Section 15(1A) of the OIA allows us to charge for providing information. OIA charges are consistent with the Government’s Charging Guidelines.
More detail: Charging guidelines for OIA requests – Ministry of Justice website
The Ombudsman’s guidelines allow us to charge for labour (search and retrieval of information, collation, research, redacting, scanning or copying, reasonable peer review) and the cost of any materials.
More detail: Charging: A guide to charging for official information under the OIA and LGOIMA – Ombudsman New Zealand website
Information that we cannot or will not release
Every now and then, we refuse a request, and sometimes we withhold some information, but we always explain why. If your request is for something that is already available online, we will tell you where to find it.
There are other cases where we might withhold part of the information or decline your request if, for example:
we are concerned about the privacy of a person mentioned in a document
the information might be commercially sensitive
releasing the information might prevent us from providing free and frank advice to ministers.
If you want to know more about why we might refuse parts of a request, check out sections 6, 9 and 18 of the OIA.
Official Information Act 1982 – New Zealand Legislation website
Tips for making an OIA request
Give us as much detail as you can about your request. You don’t have to explain why you want the information but sometimes giving us some context or a more detailed description helps us to find what you want faster and easier.
If you are asking for a particular document, name it or give us a description with some details, such as the author, date or topic.
If there are certain types of information you’re not interested in (such as draft documents or emails), let us know.
If you are looking for information about a certain topic over a period of time, be specific about the timeframe.
Please contact us to discuss your request if you are not sure how to word it. This will help the person responsible for answering your request to understand what you are asking for.
If your request is urgent, explain why and tell us when you hope to receive our reply.
Contact us to discuss your request
Freephone: 0800 FASTRK
Email: OIA@fasttrack.govt.nz
For media outlets only
Email: media@fasttrack.govt.nz
Our responses to OIA requests
We will publish any responses here once available.