Latest news with #Fast-trackApprovalsAct
Otago Daily Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
New solar farm idea sparks Network Waitaki's interest
PHOTO: ODT FILES A new solar farm in Waitaki could help Network Waitaki combat "capacity constraints" in the region. In a statement to the Oamaru Mail this week Network Waitaki chief executive Dylan Andrews said North Otago faced "a capacity constraint in our region, with decreasing headroom each year". "As a summer-peaking network, there is a significant risk of disruptions to our customers during dry, hot summers if we do not take action." He said the line company was working closely with Transpower to explore future options for strengthening supply in the area. "This includes potential development of a new GXP [grid exit point] near the planned Black Point Solar Farm. "Working together provides an opportunity to ensure that any future investment is appropriately sized, designed and timed to meet the needs of all parties." As nothing is confirmed, there are no strict timelines for the grid exit point, Mr Andrews said. "We are committed to ensuring best value for our customers by meeting their needs at the lowest cost options. We look forward to further discussions with Black Point Solar in the future." Black Point Solar Farm is one of 149 projects included in the government's Fast-track Approvals Act passed into law in December. The company behind it, Black Point Solar, is aiming to build the solar farm in Black Point, about 35km inland from Oamaru. It said in its project application, if built, the solar farm would consist of about 380,000 solar panels across 240ha and would generate enough energy to power roughly 38,000 homes. The solar farm will connect to the national grid by way of the new grid exit point Network Waitaki is planning. The goal is to construct the project in its entirety once the necessary consent approvals and project finance is in place. This is expected to take about two years once approvals have been granted. Black Point Solar has a lease agreement with the landowners which allows for a three-year period to obtain resource consents, project financing and complete the development process. The site is presently a deer and sheep farm. "As part of the project, sheep or other compatible farming will continue under and around the solar panels, maintaining the productive potential of the site," the application reads. It also said the applicants have undertaken initial discussions with Network Waitaki, Transpower and the Waitaki District Council, Waitaki MP Miles Anderson and the owners of properties adjoining and opposite the site. Mr Andrews confirmed Network Waitaki has had "high-level discussions" with Black Point Solar. However, an Environment Protection Authority Fast-track spokesperson said last week Black Point Solar Farm had not lodged a substantive Fast-track application. At present the project is not proposed to be staged.
Newsroom
23-07-2025
- Business
- Newsroom
Auckland's new cemetery dead and buried
Auckland Council has withdrawn its bid to forcibly acquire land in west Auckland for its much-needed new cemetery to replace Waikumete – stymied by iwi consultation failures and possible fast-track housing. The council told Land Information NZ and the Environment Court this week it is abandoning its attempt under the Public Works Act to compulsorily purchase land at 1080 State Highway 16 at Reweti, northwest Auckland, for the urgently needed cemetery. A report to Thursday's policy and planning committee says the council expects some public criticism because of the costs it has sunk so far in trying to secure the site, the first choice of 45 on an initial list formed years ago. From a shortlist of five, the council has been trying to buy the land for almost three years. The report, by Taryn Crewe, the council's general manager of parks and community facilities, says there remains an 'extreme shortage' of burial space in the west of Auckland. Waikumete, at Glen Eden, is the country's largest cemetery but has paused sales of adult burial slots for two years. The Reweti and owner Halberd Holdings had first refused to sell, then objected to the mandatory deal under that act, sending the matter to the Environment Court. At the court, local mana whenua groups objected, complaining the council had failed in its duties to consult on the cemetery plan. Federated Farmers also objected. The last straw for the council seems to have been Halberd moving to apply under the Fast-track Approvals Act for a green light to build houses on the land, with backing from the mana whenua groups. The council report says once that was known the council offered to withdraw the application if Halberd declined to seek costs from ratepayers, an offer which was accepted. Officers accept the consultation with mana whenua groups was deficient and say that was not realised until too late, after the Public Works Act compulsory acquisition demand was made. This increased the risk of not securing Resource Management Act approval to enable a cemetery on the land – which had been picked after considering essential cemetery pre-conditions such as soil types, flood plains, gradient, groundwater levels and the proximity of streams and rivers. 'Council staff met with mana whenua over the past few months to try to resolve their objections, but were not successful,' the note to councillors says. 'Taking all relevant factors into account, particularly the good faith relationships with our mana whenua partners, the decision was made not to proceed.' The fact the new land use under a likely Fast-Track Approvals Act application would involve a 'large number' of residential dwellings also weighed on the decision to abandon. As well, delays caused by court action and RMA objections could impact the urgent need for more burial spots in coming years. 'Council staff remain committed to continuing good faith engagement with mana whenua partners and progressing the urgent need to acquire land for cemetery purposes in northwest Auckland.' The report does not say if the other four properties shortlisted back in 2022/23 would still be available and pursued. RNZ reported in March that Waikumete Cemetery had paused the sale of adult burial plots until 2027 – when an additional 800 burial plots are set to be created. It quoted Crewe saying if the Reweti replacement fell over, there were other options. 'If something happens along the way where we weren't able to purchase that particular piece of land, work has been done to identify other areas,' Crewe said. 'But they're not the type of property we want compared to this one, we'd had to go back to the drawing board again and start that process again with other landowners.' He said legal issues had slowed the acquisition of new burial land. 'From the 2022 decision with the committee we hoped we could have progressed things with a willing seller and willing buyer way quicker, but that's just the nature of the process.'
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fast-Track On Track To Help Deliver Infrastructure
It's been nearly six months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business, and updated statistics show the one-stop shop is on track to make it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year,' Mr Bishop says. 'The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth. 'In Fast-track's first six months, more than 50 projects have made applications. We expect the first eight projects to have completed the full end-to-end Fast-track process including final consent decisions by the end of this year.' Projects before Expert Panels 'The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals,' Mr Bishop says. 'Since 7 February when the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we've seen good progress for a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will help address our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time as so often happens under the RMA. 'Eight projects are now before expert panels for consideration, with the first expert panels' final decisions expected by mid-September this year. These projects, if approved, will contribute billions of dollars to New Zealand's economy and create thousands of jobs.' Projects before the Panel Convenor 'The Panel Convenor will shortly establish expert panels for a further six projects that have lodged substantive applications,' Mr Jones says. 'Projects currently before the Panel Convenor include expansions to Kings Quarry and Drury Quarry. These quarries provide much-needed aggregate which supports the construction of major infrastructure projects. 'It is heartening to see applications for mining and quarrying projects working their way through the system.' Project referrals 'Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral into the Fast-track process,' Mr Bishop says. 'These applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track. 'To date I have referred seven projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. 'The latest three referrals are Stage 2 of the Auckland Surf Park community which would include a large artificial intelligence data centre, a residential development of about 400 homes, and a village centre; the Waitākere District Court's new courthouse project; and The Point Mission Bay which would see 252 new retirement homes and amenities for residents and visitors. 'Other projects have also applied to me for referral into Fast-track, including from the renewable energy, housing and infrastructure sectors. 16 of these applications are under consideration or being circulated to other Ministers for feedback. Decisions will be made in due course.' Note: Fast-track project statuses to date: Expert Panels are currently considering: · Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension · Delmore (residential) · Maitahi Village (residential) · Milldale (residential development) · Tekapo Power Scheme (power scheme consent renewal) · Waihi North (mining extension) · Drury Metropolitan centre · Sunfield (residential development) Panel Convener will shortly appoint panels for: · Drury Quarry · King's Quarry extension · Rangitoopuni (residential and retirement units) · Ryans Road (industrial subdivision). · Stella Passage (wharf extension and related work) · Taranaki VTM (seabed mining) Six projects have been 'referred' into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure: · Auckland Surf Park · Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project · The Point Mission Bay (retirement village) · Ashbourne (residential and retirement units) · Ayrburn Screen Hub · Gordonton Country Estate Development · Grampians Solar Project
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Solar farm proposals on different tracks
Two major solar energy developments in Otago are taking very different paths, one opting for a government fast-track route, the other choosing the traditional resource consent process amid significant public scrutiny. Black Point Solar Farm, proposed by Black Point Solar Ltd, is among 149 projects included under the Fast-track Approvals Act, passed into law in December. The company plans to build the solar farm on a 240ha sheep and deer property about 5km from Duntroon in North Otago. If approved, the farm would consist of 380,000 solar panels — enough to power about 38,000 homes. "As part of the project, sheep or other compatible farming will continue under and around the solar panels, maintaining the productive potential of the site," the application reads. Construction would begin once consent and financing were secured, completion being expected within two years. Initial discussions have been held with Network Waitaki, Transpower, the Waitaki District Council, local MP Miles Anderson and neighbouring property owners. However, an Environment Protection Authority Fast-track spokesperson said yesterday Black Point Solar Farm had not yet lodged a substantive fast-track application. No timeline has been set for lodging the full application. Meanwhile, further inland in Central Otago, Helios Energy is pursuing a 660ha solar farm in the Maniototo between Naseby and Ranfurly. Helios announced the project in October 2023 but chose to forgo the fast-track option in favour of the conventional consent process. A Central Otago District Council hearing is scheduled for August 19-21 in Ranfurly. The original proposal included a 300MW installation with 550,810 solar panels aligned in sun-tracking rows and a battery energy-storage system (BESS). However, in May, Helios dropped the battery component following community concerns about fire risks and insufficient information about suppression systems. Construction is now delayed until at least 2029. Community response has been mixed. Of the 179 submissions received, 23 were in favour and 12 were neutral. The remaining 144 opposed the development, with concerns ranging from fire safety and noise pollution to glint and glare from the panels. At a public meeting in Ranfurly last December, former Delta employee and whistleblower Richard Healey spoke about risks associated with utility-scale solar projects. Fire was a major concern due to the gases given off if the panels ignited. Retreat would be difficult and a possible fire would put stock at risk. Nearby residents also voiced worries over construction impacts. The plan requires driving 10,000 metal stakes 2m into the ground, a process locals fear could generate disruptive noise and vibrations.
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Listings aplenty but values up
In the 'bubble' that is the Queenstown property market, with our population ever rising, residential values continue increasing despite it still being a buyers' market. That's a conclusion from the Queenstown section of Colliers Otago's latest property market review and outlook that's out today. For the second year running, the theme remains one of 'cautious optimism' despite global economic uncertainty causing many buyers to take a wait-and-see approach. "Buyers are aware that they have the negotiating advantage and are taking longer to commit, assessing the multitude of options, and displaying high price sensitivity," the report states. "Despite this, the Queenstown residential market maintains a gentle upward momentum with a gradual, more stable period of value growth occurring." As an example, the mean or average dwelling price has risen year by year from $1,744,962 in 2022 to $2,035,163 this year. Despite buyer hesitancy, sales activity is also up — in 2022 there were 486 section and dwelling sales, in '23, 490, and last year, 588. But already this year there've been 414 sales in the first six months, including 40 of $3million-plus, of which nine have been over $5m. As interest rates have lowered, first-home buyers, the report says, have been active in the sub-$1.5m market, and investors have also got involved as leaving money in the bank has become less attractive. "Entry-level suburbs like Fernhill, Sunshine Bay, Hanley's Farm, Shotover Country and Frankton continued to see good demand for listings." It also notes there've been plenty of sub-$1m off-plan listings in townhouse developments. On the other hand, the report notes a sharp increase in section prices due to a shortage of titled, flat, entry-level land. In February, the final Hanley's Farm sections sold with per square metre prices from $1000 for larger sites to $1400 for smaller sites. In the same month, the first sections in neighbouring Park Ridge were priced from $1394 to $1566 per sqm for a 371sqm site. Ironically, Jack's Point's offering better value with larger sites selling for between $1000 and $1300 per sqm, albeit at a much higher quantum level. Mean section prices have risen from $877,867 in '24 to $1,061,925 this year. Due to land demand, larger sites with older dwelling are being subdivided in areas like Arrowtown, Lake Hayes Estate and central Queenstown. Colliers notes of course there are also several big subdivisions under consideration under the Fast-track Approvals Act. "If these proceed, a renewed influx of level sites should come online in the next 18-24 months ... "However, difficulties with infrastructure development may delay some of these projects." Local Colliers valuation director Heather Beard says there's also an influx of rentals coming onstream from both the many home and income properties at Hanley's Farm and the completion of Frankton's Five Mile Villas. The report refers to "some softening" in the rental market since late last year — "the median vacancy period has extended to 21 days and demand is subdued". "The anticipated slowdown in residential construction, driven by infrastructure constraints, is likely to help alleviate the current oversupply in the rental market." Can Arrowtown keep chains at bay? With more international retail chains opening in Queenstown's CBD, the Colliers report says the ripple effect's reaching Arrowtown's commercial core. Rents there have risen in the past 12 months "and further increases are expected in the short term". "The question now is whether Arrowtown's commercial centre can retain its unique character and charm, or whether generic commercial expansion and retail chains will overtake locally owned businesses?"
