Studio referred into fast-track process

Otago Daily Times

13-05-2025

Chris Bishop
An Otago-based film studio is among the first two non-listed projects to go into the new fast-track approval process.
The Ayrburn Screen Hub application was referred under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 by Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop.
The application was for the construction and operation of a film and television production facility on about 26ha of land between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, he said.
The Act contains two pathways for projects to enter the government's new one-stop-shop approvals process.
"The first pathway, Schedule 2 of the Act — commonly referred to as the fast-track list — contains 149 projects which can apply directly to the Environmental Protection Authority to have an expert panel assess the project, decide whether to consent it, and apply any relevant conditions.
"The first three expert panels are already under way and more are expected soon."
The second pathway was for project owners, such as the Ayrburn project, to apply to the minister for infrastructure for referral into the fast-track process, Mr Bishop said.
"For this pathway, the minister for infrastructure must consult the minister for the environment and any other ministers with relevant portfolios, along with iwi and the relevant local authority, before deciding whether to refer the project."
Yesterday, Mr Bishop referred the Ayrburn Screen Hub application into the fast-track process.
The other project was Ashbourne, in Matamata, Waikato.
"This application is for a residential and retirement development project of 530 new homes and 250 retirement units, along with associated commercial development and infrastructure, and two solar farms with the capacity to power 8000 homes.
"These two projects may now move to the next stage in the fast-track process by lodging substantive applications with the EPA, to be considered by expert panels."
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