This month there have been two major developments associated with the Fast-track Approvals Bill: selection of projects for listing in Schedule 2 of the Bill; and publication of the Environment Committee’s recommendations on the draft Bill. In this article, we unpack these developments.

Ministers Bishop and Jones recently announced changes to the Fast-track Approvals Bill. The announcement includes a range of changes, with the key change being to remove ultimate decision-making by ministers. Instead, final decisions on projects will sit with the expert panel (as is the case for the current COVID-19 recovery fast-track consenting process).

The Government has announced it is to progress its Phase Two RMA reforms later this year. The Phase Two reforms aim to improve economic growth and productivity. There will be four reform packages covering infrastructure and energy; housing; farming and the primary sector; and emergencies and natural hazards.

The Government has recently unveiled its agenda to “fix the housing crisis”, with the announcement of its ‘Going for Housing Growth’ Policy. The Policy seeks to address fundamental problems causing the housing crisis, by taking steps to make it easier to grow up and out.

The Supreme Court recently released its much-anticipated decision on the East West Link project (“EWL”) – the proposal by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for a new arterial road connecting SH20 at Onehunga with SH1 at Penrose/Mt Wellington.

The Fast-Track Approvals Bill has been introduced to Parliament. Forming part of the coalition Government’s 100-day plan, the Bill seeks to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects with significant regional or national benefits.