Waimakariri Mayor Weighs Up Fast-track Rules
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter
Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has been coming to grips with how the Fast-track Approvals Act will work.
May 14, 2025
Waimakariri's mayor hopes the council won't be blindsided by future fast-track projects.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the Waimakariri District Council now has a better understanding of how the new Fast-track Approvals Act will work.
Councillors recently received a briefing from staff to better understand how the new legislation will work and how the council will be involved in the consideration of local projects.
Mr Gordon said the fast-track legislation should be for major projects like the Woodend Bypass, which is also among the 149 projects included in the new legislation, and not for local housing developments.
He has previously expressed his frustration at the inclusion of three proposed Waimakariri housing developments in the new legislation, which was passed last year.
The council was not consulted before the inclusion of the three developments, which are already being considered as part of the Waimakariri District Plan review.
A private plan change for a proposed 850 home development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, was rejected by the council in November 2023, but it was included in the legislation.
Mr Gordon said the council supports the legislation in principle, as a means of speeding up the planning process.
But it was critical it did not undermine the role local government or ''the integrity'' of a council's District Plan process, he said.
''Where a decision has already been made through our local planning process, that application should not be reconsidered through the fast-track legislation.
''Councils must not lose their decision-making powers in this space.
''Local authorities understand their districts and cities better than anyone, and our communities rightly expect us to make informed, resolute decisions on their behalf.''
Under the legislation, councils will be able to give feedback on new applications before it is lodged, during consultation and provide feedback on any draft conditions.
The Waimakariri District Council will be able to appoint a representative to sit on the expert panel, which will consider an application.
Mr Gordon said the council's representative will ''almost always be an elected member''.
Council staff, the mayor, the district planning and regulation committee chair and the chief executive will all give input to any council submission, he said.
''This collaborative approach is essential to ensure that our community's voice remains central in shaping local development.
''In practice, if there is time, I would convene the council to come together or we will have a Zoom call to understand the council's position.
''But we haven't been in this process before, so it is going to be new for all of us.''
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Farmers Risk Being Cut Off As Bridge Funding Dries Up
Article – David Hill – Local Democracy Reporter Waka Kotahi has announced it will not extend a 30 June sunset clause or offer additional funding for a replacement for a quake damaged bridge at the Waiau Toa Clarence River. Clarence Valley farmers have been left high and dry following a decision not to extend a funding deadline for replacing a quake-damaged bridge north of Kaikōura. Waka Kotahi – the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) – has informed the Kaikōura District Council it will not extend the 30 June sunset clause or offering additional funding for a replacement for the Glen Alton Bridge on Waiau Toa Clarence River, which was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Property owners now face an uncertain future, without year-round, all weather access to the valley. Steve and Shirley Millard have been farming in the valley for 13 years, with Mrs Millard commuting to work in Kaikōura. 'It should have been done way before now,' Steve said. 'They said they are looking at other options, but I can't see many.' The Clarence Valley is home to several properties, including forestry blocks, large hill country properties and Department of Conservation land. For now access in and out is via Waipapa Road, Wharekiri Stream and a paper road through several properties. But the Wharekiri Stream is prone to flooding in heavy rain events and can be impassable for up to two weeks. Access is by four-wheel-drive only. Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said NZTA's decision is a major setback and left the council with few options. 'The project has had a number of complex issues and stakeholder challenges that, despite best efforts, council has not been able to fully overcome.' The NZTA board approved emergency works funding of $12.6 million from the National Land Transport Programme in 2019 to replace bridge – a 95 percent subsidy, but the project has been beset by challenges. The council initially applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) for a resource consent to build a $13.5m bridge, 500 metres upstream from the previous bridge. But this was opposed by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura on cultural grounds. Last year, the council asked its contractor, Contract Structures Ltd, to provide a cost estimate for building a bridge at the original site. Going to the original site will require the council to acquire land for an access road to the new bridge, a process expected to take up to 18 month. The council will leave the local share funding of around $500,000 in the 2025/26 annual plan budget while the next steps are considered, Doughty said. NZTA regional manager central and lower South Island Peter Brown said the agency advised the council in December its application for an extension would likely be declined unless it could provide evidence by 28 February the challenges it faced could be overcome. 'Despite some progress being made on key issues, there remained significant ongoing risks and a lack of a clear path forward.' The NZTA board met last month and declined an extension and a funding increase to $16.5m. 'We understand there will be disappointment over this decision for Clarence Valley residents,' Brown said. 'The prolonged delays and unresolved issues make continued investment in this project untenable.' Brown said NZTA will continue to work with the council to explore what options are available.
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Scoop
Jones To Singapore For Major Energy Conference
Press Release – New Zealand Government I look forward to meeting oil and gas explorers and producers on the sidelines of the conference to discuss ways we can open new pathways for investment and opportunities for the oil and gas sector in New Zealand, says Resources Minister Shane Jones. Minister for Resources Resources Minister Shane Jones travels to Singapore tomorrow where he will speak to more than 400 executives about New Zealand's oil and gas investment opportunities at the Asia Pacific Energy Capital Assembly. 'As a fierce champion for New Zealand's oil and gas sector, the Asia Pacific Energy Capital Assembly conference on 9 and 10 June provides an unparalleled opportunity to tell investors from the Asia Pacific region that New Zealand is open for business and ready for investment,' Mr Jones says. 'Investment in our resources means jobs, opportunities and economic growth for regional New Zealand. The Coalition Government is working hard to make New Zealand an attractive proposition for investors, with changes such as the reversal of the oil and gas exploration ban and the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Act. 'Budget 2025 included a tagged contingency of $200 million over four years for business case-approved coinvestment in new gas fields. This investment sends a clear message to the international investment community that New Zealand is serious about oil and gas exploration to supply the gas we need to power our homes and businesses. The industry can also benefit from the Investment Boost policy, also announced in Budget 2025. 'Of particular interest to international investors will be upcoming changes to the Crown Minerals Act which align petroleum decommissioning requirements with international best practice. These requirements were previously seen as a handbrake on investment. 'I look forward to meeting oil and gas explorers and producers on the sidelines of the conference to discuss ways we can open new pathways for investment and opportunities for the oil and gas sector in New Zealand.' Mr Jones returns to New Zealand on 12 June.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
Jones To Singapore For Major Energy Conference
Resources Minister Shane Jones travels to Singapore tomorrow where he will speak to more than 400 executives about New Zealand's oil and gas investment opportunities at the Asia Pacific Energy Capital Assembly. 'As a fierce champion for New Zealand's oil and gas sector, the Asia Pacific Energy Capital Assembly conference on 9 and 10 June provides an unparalleled opportunity to tell investors from the Asia Pacific region that New Zealand is open for business and ready for investment,' Mr Jones says. 'Investment in our resources means jobs, opportunities and economic growth for regional New Zealand. The Coalition Government is working hard to make New Zealand an attractive proposition for investors, with changes such as the reversal of the oil and gas exploration ban and the passing of the Fast-track Approvals Act. 'Budget 2025 included a tagged contingency of $200 million over four years for business case-approved coinvestment in new gas fields. This investment sends a clear message to the international investment community that New Zealand is serious about oil and gas exploration to supply the gas we need to power our homes and businesses. The industry can also benefit from the Investment Boost policy, also announced in Budget 2025. 'Of particular interest to international investors will be upcoming changes to the Crown Minerals Act which align petroleum decommissioning requirements with international best practice. These requirements were previously seen as a handbrake on investment. 'I look forward to meeting oil and gas explorers and producers on the sidelines of the conference to discuss ways we can open new pathways for investment and opportunities for the oil and gas sector in New Zealand.' Mr Jones returns to New Zealand on 12 June.
