The Government’s Fast-Track Approvals regime is designed to help important projects move through the planning system more quickly and with greater certainty. Recent amendments have refined how the system works, making it a more permanent and a practical alternative to the standard consenting process under the Resource Management Act (RMA). 

For developers, infrastructure providers, and landowners, this creates new opportunities—but also new responsibilities. 

What is the Fast-Track Process? 

The Fast-Track Approvals system provides a single, streamlined decision-making pathway for eligible projects that deliver regional or national benefits. Instead of working through multiple agencies and approvals separately, a project can be assessed through one coordinated process. 

What Has Changed Recently? 

Recent changes have fine-tuned how the fast-track system operates: 

1. Faster, more certain timeframes 
Decision-making steps are now more tightly scheduled. This reduces delays and helps projects reach outcomes more quickly. 

2. One integrated approval process 
The fast-track pathway can combine different types of approvals into a single process, rather than requiring multiple applications to different authorities. 

3. More focused consultation 
Public and agency input remains important, but the process is more targeted and efficient. This avoids prolonged uncertainty. 

4. Support for nationally important development 
Projects that deliver clear economic, infrastructure, housing, or competition benefits (including major retail and supermarket developments) can more easily demonstrate why fast-track consideration is appropriate. 

What Does This Mean for You? 

The fast-track pathway offers: 

• Faster decisions 

• Greater certainty 

• A single coordinated approvals process 

However, it also requires more preparation at the start – the analogy is ‘put your best foot forward!’ Applications must be technically robust, well-designed, and clearly demonstrate why the project delivers regional or national benefits. 

Our Advice 

If your project involves housing, infrastructure, major commercial development, coastal works, or regionally significant investment, the fast-track process may be worth considering. It offers more certainty and a greatly reduced timeline, however with reduced timeframes it is very much an ‘all hands-on deck’ scenario by the planning barrister and consultant team to respond to further information requests and hearing timetables, so it does come with an elevated price tag.  

The key to success is strong upfront planning—ensuring that environmental effects, design quality, and policy alignment are addressed early so the application is “panel-ready” from the outset. 

If you would like advice on whether your project could benefit from the fast-track approvals pathway, we are happy to help assess your options and guide you through the process.