Latest news with #RegionalDevelopment
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Full Speed Ahead For Fast-Track Projects
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. Minister for Infrastructure Minister for RMA Reform Hon Shane Jones Minister for Regional Development Today marks four months since the Fast-track Approvals Act opened for project applications. The projects which have applied for Fast-track approvals could contribute 12,208 new homes and 1,136 new retirement units, if approved. On Friday, 6 June, associate panel convener Helen Atkins appointed the fourth expert panel to oversee the Milldale project. It's been four months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business and the statistics show strong progress toward making it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,' Mr Bishop says. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals. 'In the four months since the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we've seen good progress on a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will grow New Zealand's economy and sort out our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time. 'As of this week, 15 substantive applications for listed projects have been lodged and found complete and within scope by the EPA. Of these, twelve applications have no competing applications or existing resource consents; two applications are undergoing checks for competing applications or existing resource consents; and one application was found to have an existing resource consent and can therefore not proceed any further through Fast-track. 'Eight of the 12 complete applications that are complete, within scope and with no competing applications or existing resource consents are being considered by the panel convenor who will soon establish expert panels for each project. 'Three are currently before expert panels for consideration, with a fourth expert panel being appointed on 6 June. These four projects are Delmore (residential subdivision and roading interchange in Orewa), (Maitahi Village (residential development including commercial centre and a retirement village in Nelson), Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (new and extended wharf facilities at Port of Auckland), Milldale (earthworks and site work for approximately 1,100 residential allotments). 'The first expert panels' final decisions are expected in mid-September this year. 'Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral to an expert panel through the same Fast-track website. Their applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before the deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track. 'To date I have referred three projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. These three projects are the Ayrburn Screen Hub (a film and television production facility) in Otago; Ashbourne (a development of 530 homes and 250 retirement units) in Waikato; and the Grampians Solar Project (a solar farm expected to generate 300 megawatts) in Canterbury.' 'As well as delivering a strong pipeline of projects into the future, Fast-track is well on track to deliver a much boost to the economy now, with up to 17 projects whose applications are underway expected to commence this year, if approved. This will be welcome news for the construction sector,' Mr Jones says. 'The projects that have applied for Fast-track approvals to date would contribute an additional 12,208 new homes across the Auckland, Nelson and Otago regions, and an additional 1,136 new retirement units in Auckland and Nelson.' Notes: In Fast-track's first four months there have been: Referral Applications · 3 projects referred by the Minister for Infrastructure – (can now apply for a substantive application): Ashbourne Ayrburn Screen Hub Grampians Solar Project Substantive Applications 15 substantive applications found to be complete, of those: 1 application found to have an existing resource consent – can no longer proceed 2 applications currently undergoing checks for competing applications / existing resource consents 12 projects found to be complete without competing applications or existing resource consents (all those that have gone to the Panel Convener prior to expert panel) With EPA for completeness, competing applications or existing resource consent checks: Kings Quarry Rangitoopuni 12 applications have gone to the Panel Convener, of those: 8 are with the panel convener to establish an expert panel 4 projects currently before expert panels, or have an expert panel appointed (have gone from the panel convener to the expert panel) With Panel Convener: Taranaki VTM Ryans Road Stella Passage Tekapo Power Scheme Waihi North Drury Sunfield Drury Quarry Expert Panels appointed for: Delmore Maitahi Bledisloe Milldale Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Full Speed Ahead For Fast-Track Projects
Press Release – New Zealand Government The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. Minister for Infrastructure Minister for RMA Reform Hon Shane Jones Minister for Regional Development Today marks four months since the Fast-track Approvals Act opened for project applications. The projects which have applied for Fast-track approvals could contribute 12,208 new homes and 1,136 new retirement units, if approved. On Friday, 6 June, associate panel convener Helen Atkins appointed the fourth expert panel to oversee the Milldale project. It's been four months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business and the statistics show strong progress toward making it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,' Mr Bishop says. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals. 'In the four months since the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we've seen good progress on a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will grow New Zealand's economy and sort out our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time. 'As of this week, 15 substantive applications for listed projects have been lodged and found complete and within scope by the EPA. Of these, twelve applications have no competing applications or existing resource consents; two applications are undergoing checks for competing applications or existing resource consents; and one application was found to have an existing resource consent and can therefore not proceed any further through Fast-track. 'Eight of the 12 complete applications that are complete, within scope and with no competing applications or existing resource consents are being considered by the panel convenor who will soon establish expert panels for each project. 'Three are currently before expert panels for consideration, with a fourth expert panel being appointed on 6 June. These four projects are Delmore (residential subdivision and roading interchange in Orewa), (Maitahi Village (residential development including commercial centre and a retirement village in Nelson), Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (new and extended wharf facilities at Port of Auckland), Milldale (earthworks and site work for approximately 1,100 residential allotments). 'The first expert panels' final decisions are expected in mid-September this year. 'Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral to an expert panel through the same Fast-track website. Their applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before the deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track. 'To date I have referred three projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. These three projects are the Ayrburn Screen Hub (a film and television production facility) in Otago; Ashbourne (a development of 530 homes and 250 retirement units) in Waikato; and the Grampians Solar Project (a solar farm expected to generate 300 megawatts) in Canterbury.' 'As well as delivering a strong pipeline of projects into the future, Fast-track is well on track to deliver a much boost to the economy now, with up to 17 projects whose applications are underway expected to commence this year, if approved. This will be welcome news for the construction sector,' Mr Jones says. 'The projects that have applied for Fast-track approvals to date would contribute an additional 12,208 new homes across the Auckland, Nelson and Otago regions, and an additional 1,136 new retirement units in Auckland and Nelson.' Notes: In Fast-track's first four months there have been: Referral Applications · 3 projects referred by the Minister for Infrastructure – (can now apply for a substantive application): Ashbourne Ayrburn Screen Hub Grampians Solar Project Substantive Applications 15 substantive applications found to be complete, of those: 1 application found to have an existing resource consent – can no longer proceed 2 applications currently undergoing checks for competing applications / existing resource consents 12 projects found to be complete without competing applications or existing resource consents (all those that have gone to the Panel Convener prior to expert panel) With EPA for completeness, competing applications or existing resource consent checks: Kings Quarry Rangitoopuni 12 applications have gone to the Panel Convener, of those: 8 are with the panel convener to establish an expert panel 4 projects currently before expert panels, or have an expert panel appointed (have gone from the panel convener to the expert panel) With Panel Convener: Taranaki VTM Ryans Road Stella Passage Tekapo Power Scheme Waihi North Drury Sunfield Drury Quarry Expert Panels appointed for: Delmore Maitahi Bledisloe Milldale Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Full Speed Ahead For Fast-Track Projects
Hon Chris Bishop Minister for Infrastructure Minister for RMA Reform Hon Shane Jones Minister for Regional Development Today marks four months since the Fast-track Approvals Act opened for project applications. The projects which have applied for Fast-track approvals could contribute 12,208 new homes and 1,136 new retirement units, if approved. On Friday, 6 June, associate panel convener Helen Atkins appointed the fourth expert panel to oversee the Milldale project. It's been four months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business and the statistics show strong progress toward making it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,' Mr Bishop says. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals. 'In the four months since the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we've seen good progress on a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will grow New Zealand's economy and sort out our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time. 'As of this week, 15 substantive applications for listed projects have been lodged and found complete and within scope by the EPA. Of these, twelve applications have no competing applications or existing resource consents; two applications are undergoing checks for competing applications or existing resource consents; and one application was found to have an existing resource consent and can therefore not proceed any further through Fast-track. 'Eight of the 12 complete applications that are complete, within scope and with no competing applications or existing resource consents are being considered by the panel convenor who will soon establish expert panels for each project. 'Three are currently before expert panels for consideration, with a fourth expert panel being appointed on 6 June. These four projects are Delmore (residential subdivision and roading interchange in Orewa), (Maitahi Village (residential development including commercial centre and a retirement village in Nelson), Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (new and extended wharf facilities at Port of Auckland), Milldale (earthworks and site work for approximately 1,100 residential allotments). 'The first expert panels' final decisions are expected in mid-September this year. 'Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral to an expert panel through the same Fast-track website. Their applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before the deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track. 'To date I have referred three projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. These three projects are the Ayrburn Screen Hub (a film and television production facility) in Otago; Ashbourne (a development of 530 homes and 250 retirement units) in Waikato; and the Grampians Solar Project (a solar farm expected to generate 300 megawatts) in Canterbury.' 'As well as delivering a strong pipeline of projects into the future, Fast-track is well on track to deliver a much boost to the economy now, with up to 17 projects whose applications are underway expected to commence this year, if approved. This will be welcome news for the construction sector,' Mr Jones says. 'The projects that have applied for Fast-track approvals to date would contribute an additional 12,208 new homes across the Auckland, Nelson and Otago regions, and an additional 1,136 new retirement units in Auckland and Nelson.' Notes: In Fast-track's first four months there have been: Referral Applications · 3 projects referred by the Minister for Infrastructure – (can now apply for a substantive application): Ashbourne Ayrburn Screen Hub Grampians Solar Project Substantive Applications 15 substantive applications found to be complete, of those: 1 application found to have an existing resource consent – can no longer proceed 2 applications currently undergoing checks for competing applications / existing resource consents 12 projects found to be complete without competing applications or existing resource consents (all those that have gone to the Panel Convener prior to expert panel) With EPA for completeness, competing applications or existing resource consent checks: Kings Quarry Rangitoopuni 12 applications have gone to the Panel Convener, of those: 8 are with the panel convener to establish an expert panel 4 projects currently before expert panels, or have an expert panel appointed (have gone from the panel convener to the expert panel) With Panel Convener: Taranaki VTM Ryans Road Stella Passage Tekapo Power Scheme Waihi North Drury Sunfield Drury Quarry Expert Panels appointed for: Delmore Maitahi Bledisloe Milldale Using Scoop for work? 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1News
31-05-2025
- Politics
- 1News
Sweeping RMA changes for housing, freshwater, infrastructure rules proposed
Sweeping changes to the rules governing councils' oversight of everything from housing — to mining — to agriculture — under the Resource Management Act are being released to the public for feedback. The government has released discussion documents covering 12 national policy statements and similar instruments, with the aim of having 16 new or updated ones by the end of the year — ahead of legislation replacing the RMA next year. The consultation covers three main topics: infrastructure and development, the primary sector and freshwater. It is open from May 29 to July 27. The topics cover a wide range of portfolios, the early afternoon announcement fronted by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Energy Minister Simon Watts, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard, and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. (Source: ADVERTISEMENT "The changes we're now proposing to national direction under the existing RMA give effect to a range of coalition commitments, can be done quickly and relatively easily, and will help unclog the growth arteries of the economy," Bishop said. "Next year we'll replace the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights. Our new system will provide a framework that makes it easier to plan and deliver infrastructure and energy projects, as well a protecting the environment." Freshwater The changes would "rebalance Te Mana o te Wai to better reflect the interests of all water users", with councils able to "tailor" monitoring and management to local conditions. Councils would be directed to consider how they could help ensure stable domestic food supply, including providing for crop rotation in regional plans. Crop rotation within catchments could be allowed without a consent. Water storage rules would change aiming to ensure water flows during dry periods, protect against climate-change-caused drought, and reduce the need for extraction from natural rivers and lakes. Wetland regulations would change aiming to protect water filtration, flood control, and habitat for diverse species. ADVERTISEMENT The definition of "wetland" would be amended, now excluding unintentionally created "induced" wetlands, and allowing farming activities like irrigation, on-farm water storage and fencing considered "unlikely" to have an adverse effect, while constructed wetlands would have a new objective, standards, and consent pathway. Councils would no longer need to map wetlands by 2030, but Source Water Risk Management areas would now need to be mapped "to help safeguard drinking water sources from contamination". The government is also proposing to "simplify" requirements for fish passages to reduce the administrative burden "while still providing appropriate protection". Changes to rules for synthetic fertiliser are also proposed. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. (Source: Primary sector Highly productive land changes would extend the timeframes to 2027/28, see the removal of the "Land Use Capability 3" category and trial the use of "special agricultural areas". ADVERTISEMENT Grazed beef cattle and deer in low intensity farms would no longer need to be kept out of wetlands. In forestry, councils would lose the ability to set harder controls, slash would need to be planned for and — above a certain size — removed, and low-intensity harvesting will be permitted by default if "any relevant forest planning requirement is complied with". Restrictions on mines and quarries in wetlands would be loosened. Aquaculture changes aim to streamline consenting for activities and research, and allow small structures in coastal marine areas with no consent. Infrastructure and development Granny flats of up to 70sqm, and papakāinga of up to 10 homes would be allowed without a consent on specific land zones. Papakāinga would also allow commercial activities of up to 100sqm, conservation activity, accommodation for up to eight guests, along with education, health, sports, marae, urupā and māra kai facilities. Medium papakāinga of up to 30 homes would be considered a "restricted discretionary" activity, with those of more than 30 units becoming "discretionary" activities. ADVERTISEMENT Energy changes include new policies on supporting the needs of the electricity network and management of environmental interests, and another new policy on recognising and providing for Māori interests in electricity transmission, and other changes. These would allow more routine work on electricity networks, establish a National Grid Yard and Subdivision Corridor, and scrap consenting for distribution and EV charging infrastructure. A new policy for natural hazards — covering flooding, landslips, coastal erosion, coastal inundation, active faults, liquefaction and tsunami — would cover all environments and zones including coastal environments, directing councils to take a risk-based approach and assess risk based on "likelihood and consequence". A definition of "significant risk" using a risk matrix would be provided, with councils directed to also use the best available information when making decisions. In telecommunications, new poles would be allowed by default in more areas, with restrictions in the road reserve also removed. Renewable energy generation, temporary facilities and connection lines to heritage buildings for telecommunications would no longer need consenting.
RNZ News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Penny Wong's Pacific tour set to strengthen regional partnership and development
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, left, and Vanuatu Chief Willy Plasua during a visit to Port Vila in December 2022. Photo: Hilaire Bule Australia's Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong is visiting the Pacific this week to strengthen bilateral partnerships, support regional development, and prepare for high-level talks with her New Zealand counterpart Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters. Fresh off Labor's election victory, Wong will visit Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu to focus on improving Australia's relationship with the Pacific region. In Fiji, she will meet with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening their Vuvale Partnership, which was signed in 2019. The agreement prioritises closer cooperation and consultation between the two nations. Wong last visited the Pacific in August 2024 when she attended the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in Suva. She also travelled to Tuvalu May last year, where she announced Australia's investment of almost A$110 million (NZ$120m) in response to immediate priorities. This included A$54m (NZ$54m) for Tuvalu's first undersea telecommunications cable, A$19m (NZ$20m) to extend the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, and A$15m (NZ$16m) for a new National Security Coordination Centre. These commitments were renewed in 2023 in Canberra by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Rabuka. After visiting Fiji, Wong will travel to Tonga to meet with Prime Minister Dr 'Aisake Eke. She is also scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, who is also the Defence Minister. Eke currently chairs the Pacific Islands Forum, a position the Kingdom has not held for almost two decades. Dr 'Aisake Eke. 27 January 2025 Photo: Facebook / PM Press The upcoming Forum Leaders' Meeting is set to take place in the Solomon Islands in September. Wong's final stop on this Pacific trip will be in Vanuatu, where she will meet with Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers. During this visit, she will reaffirm Australia's commitment to enhancing its bilateral relationship through the development of the Nakamal Agreement. This will be the first visit following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December. Australia had previously deployed an immediate response package worth A$2m (NZ$2.1m), which included a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team for urban search and rescue operations. Peters recently completed his own Pacific tour, visiting Tonga, Hawaii, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Later this week, Peters will travel to Adelaide for the six-monthly Australia-New Zealand Foreign Ministers' Consultation with Wong. Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa, middle, with the foreign ministers of Australia, Penny Wong, second left, and Winston Peters, second right, in Suva for the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. 9 august 2024 Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Australia has recently launched the world's first UN Police Peacekeeping Training course designed specifically for the Pacific region. The five-week program, run by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), is taking place at the state-of-the-art Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane. Described by the AFP as "a landmark step," the initiative was developed in partnership with the United Nations and brings together 100 police officers for specialist training. Participating countries include Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Nauru. -This article was first published by PMN .
