NZ government celebrates first year of Fast-track initiative

Companies saving time and money as a result of expedited process.

"Twelve months on, the results speak for themselves."

Those were the words of RMA (Resource Management Act 1991) Reform Minister Chris Bishop in celebration of the first anniversary of the government's Fast-track approvals system.

Bishop stated: "Fast-track was set up to fix a problem New Zealanders know all too well. Important projects were stuck for years in delay, buried in bureaucracy, with costs spiralling and communities missing out."

He said the initiative is fixing the basics of how infrastructure is approved whilst building the foundations for the country's future growth.

"Nine projects have been approved so far, with another nine expected to receive decisions before the end of March," noted Bishop, who believes Fast-track is "already building serious momentum" one year on. "The nine approved projects include a new wharf and cruise ship terminal in Auckland, four housing developments across the country, three mining and quarrying projects, and one renewable energy project.

"Over their lifetimes, the projects approved so far are expected to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes, produce more than 260 million tonnes of aggregate, support thousands of jobs, and contribute billions to the economy."

Currently, there are 76 projects progressing through the Fast-track process. It was highlighted that the Ports of Auckland wharf extension, the first project to be approved, would have taken about five years for a decision instead of the 111 days it took under Fast-track.

"I am proud that this Coalition Government has created a process that is the envy of countries around the world," commented Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.

"Those companies that have successfully gone through it have noted the time and money they have saved as a result. That's time and money better spent on growing our economy and creating jobs."