Red tape ditched for 11 infrastructure projects

Eleven large infrastructure projects that are expected to create 1250 or more jobs will be fasttracked through the consenting process under a new law.

The projects are meant to help the economy get back on its feet after a coronavirus-induced shock.

Since the 1930s, governments have relied on big programmes of infrastructure investment to help restore and boost the economy.

Environment Minister David Parker will put the 11 specific projects in a new law that will be introduced to Parliament this week.

‘‘Job-rich infrastructure and development projects of different sizes and in different locations around New Zealand will be prioritised,’’ Parker said.

The bill also opens the way for other projects to be fast tracked, but it will only be temporary. It will repeal itself after two years. Parker hopes to have more longterm changes to consenting rules passed in that time.

The bill will be used to make sure the projects are consented and built quickly, but putting them through three ‘‘fast-track consenting’’ processes.

The first track is for the 11 projects mentioned in the bill.

Once the bill passes, they’ll be sent to ‘‘expert consenting panels’’ with similar powers to

Resource Management Act consenting authorities.

The second track applies to applications from other public and private projects that will be considered by the minister for the environment before being forwarded to the panel.

If a project meets the criteria for fast tracking, the Government will use an order in council to send it along to one of the consenting panels.

The third track is for NZTA and KiwiRail to undertake to

repair and maintain their existing infrastructure and perform minor upgrades without needing to get those upgrades reconsented.

It will do this by classifying those works as ‘‘permitted activities’’.

The 11 initial fast-tracked projects named in the bill are:

1) Kaikohe water storage facility – to provide water for agricultural and horticultural use and drinking water in Kaikohe. The project is expected to provide 70 jobs.

2) Unitec – phase 1 – high density housing on the Unitec site in Auckland. The project is expected to provide 250 jobs.

3) Te Pa Tahuna – phase 1 – up to 180 residential units and retail space on an old school site in Queenstown. The project is expected to provide up to 100 jobs.

4) Papaka¯inga Network Development – the delivery of papaka¯ inga across six sites; in Kaitaia, Pt

Chevalier, Raglan, Waitara, Chatham Islands and Christchurch. The project will support the Government to provide up to 120 dwellings. It is being delivered by Ma¯ori developers with support from Te Puni Ko¯ kiri. This will help retain the existing workforce.

5) Britomart East Upgrade – upgrades to Britomart station in Auckland. The project is expected to provide 30 jobs.

6) Papakura to Pukekohe electrification – electrification of rail from Papakura to Pukekohe and the construction of three rail platforms. The project is expected to create 85 jobs.

7) Wellington Metro Upgrade programme – suite of smaller projects aimed at increasing the passenger and freight capacity of trains between Masterton, Levin and Wellington. The project is expected to create 90 jobs.

8) Picton Ferry Dock and Terminal upgrade – the project is expected to create 200 jobs.

9) Northern Pathway – a cycleway and walkway between Westhaven and Akoranga in Auckland. The project is expected to provide 50 jobs.

10) Papakura to Drury SH1 roading upgrade – upgrades to SH1 to improve its capacity, as well as constructing new walking and cycling facilities. The project is expected to provide 350 jobs.

11) Te Ara Tu¯ puna – a cycleway and walkway between Petone and Ngauranga in Wellington. The project is expected to create between 30 and 40 jobs.

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