What the fast-track bill could mean for Waikato
A boost for projects like wind farms and mines or a change that will cost the public access to decisions - those are two views of new fast-track project permissions.
Progress on a bill that would let ministers speed up the process and approve new infrastructure projects has been welcome news for those behind potential Waikato projects such as wind turbines in Glen Massey and Oceana Gold as it eyes new terrain.
However, mayors are more ambivalent and it’s not popular with environmental activists, who say the community’s being cut out.
Ventus Energy director Glenn Starr is hoping plans for a 25-turbine Glen Massey wind farm will be eligible.
As a small player trying to disrupt a tough market the legislation, if passed, would give his company a leg-up and would mean cheaper electricity for consumers, he said.
Through the current consent process, it would take three years to obtain consent for a wind farm.
Established players like Genesis and Mercury can afford that time, he said.
“But to independent companies, we need to keep the project moving and we need to get it to construction to get good money into the business.”
From the bill, Starr senses a shorter timeframe and a guaranteed timeframe, which will make “a huge difference”.
Another company, Oceanagold, already mining in the region, announced the new legislation is good news for its Waihī North and Wharekirauponga projects.
Environmental advocates such as former Green MP Catherine Delahunt, said, although it may make the game fairer for smaller businesses, it’s unfair for the communities who lose their say.
This isn’t the first time fast-track consenting has been used. Currently, it can be applied through the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and it was available under the now repealed Covid-19 Recovery Act. What’s different with the new bill is that the final decision will be made by ministers rather than an expert panel.
Starr felt the new way of decision making would be less adversarial - “battle and win the fight” - and more inquisitorial - bringing expert voices to the fore.
But Delahunty sees a problem. “There's always been fast tracking built in but it's never been quite so extreme where there's no access by the public.”
Starr said he would still consult local iwi, Department of Conservation, and other local groups, and said the shortened feedback submission timeframe would be a strong driver for groups to engage.
Delahunty said it wouldn’t make a difference as the final decision will be made by ministers.
“I didn't vote for any of those parties. They don't represent me. That's why we need processes under law that allow our voices to be heard.” Others are hoping this change can bring in more economic growth, and social equity.
Te Waka, Waikato’s economic growth agency, said it would help reduce the amount of effort needed to kick-start infrastructure projects, and prompt economic growth.
“Waikato is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and as such, we have quite high needs for infrastructure in order to keep pace in support for the growth,” the organisation’s chief executive Fiona Carrick said.
Mayors in the region said the change could both benefit and disadvantage their patches.
“Central Government are the bosses and this is one way that they want to do it,” said Hauraki mayor Toby Adams.
“So we'll just have to follow what central government says in this matter. We don't really get a choice on it.”
Adams said that communities will miss out having a say, but can also save ratepayers money when the responsibility is taken away from the council.
While communities will miss out having a say, taking the responsibility away from the council could save ratepayers money.
Waikato District mayor Jacqui Church agreed the legislation may benefit the council on its own water management projects, but wants people’s voices listened to. w“we hope that developers engage with integrity as soon as possible so we can guide and support them.”