First Fast-Track Referral Applications Progressed
Minister for Infrastructure
The Minister for Infrastructure has referred the first two non-listed projects into the Fast-track approval process under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
'The Fast-track Approvals 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 underway and more are expected soon.
'The second pathway is for project owners to apply to the Minister for Infrastructure for referral into the Fast-track process. 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.
'I have today referred the first two projects into the Fast-track process.
'One of these projects is the Ayrburn Screen Hub. This application is for the construction and operation of a film and television production facility on about 26 hectares of land between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, Otago.
'The other project is 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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
36 minutes ago
- RNZ News
NZ govt's new visa excludes Pacific
The New Zealand government recently announced a new 'Parent Boost' visa which they say will bring families together. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
Hospitality New Zealand Acknowledges Release Of Tourism Roadmap
Press Release – Hospitality NZ Hospitality NZ looks forward to ongoing collaboration across the tourism and hospitality sectors to support the implementation of the roadmap. Hospitality New Zealand is today acknowledging the release of the Government's Tourism Roadmap. Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality NZ, says 'We're pleased to see the Government's intent to support the growth of tourism and hospitality, enabling its role in doubling the value of tourism exports. 'We welcome the roadmap's clear alignment with our Hospitality Summit report, particularly regarding its emphasis on growing the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality roles. 'More generally we see strong alignment with the Going for Growth focuses on 'developing talent' and 'competitive business settings'. 'We are, however, disappointed to see that International Visitor Levy (IVL) contributions to tourism and conservation projects will be capped in 2025/26, with additional funds being used to subsidise existing government spend in areas such as funding for Tourism New Zealand. 'Our view is the IVL was conceived to generate funds for investment in tourism and conservation, over and above existing budget lines. Particularly when there is a focus on growing tourism arrival numbers, to use IVL funds on what should be taxpayer funded does little to resolve the nationwide tourism funding gap the industry is facing. 'Hospitality NZ looks forward to ongoing collaboration across the tourism and hospitality sectors to support the implementation of the roadmap.'
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
More Funding To Grow International Tourism
Press Release – New Zealand Government Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston … Minister for Tourism and Hospitality The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'We're investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government's plan to double the value of tourism,' Louise Upston says. 'International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 'We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors. 'The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth. 'For the 2025/26 financial year, we're investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund. 'These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor. 'Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,' Louise Upston says. This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
