The Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 came into effect on 23 December 2024. Its purpose is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. The Act provides an approval process under a range of legislation. This includes resource consents under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 | New Zealand Legisation website
The fast-track process is administered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Find out about the EPA's roles on the Fast-track website.
The Council’s role in fast-track approvals
We're not a decision-maker for applications that use the fast-track approvals process. Decisions are made by the Minister for Infrastructure or an expert panel.
Our main role is to provide information and comments on the application to decision-makers.
Once a fast-track approval is granted for a resource consent, we:
- monitor the consent-holder’s compliance with any consent conditions relating to the Council’s functions
- undertake enforcement if conditions are not met.
Our feedback on fast-track projects
Wellington International Airport International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal
This project will replace and upgrade the existing seawall at the southern end of the runway at Wellington Airport. Work will be done to support reconstruction, including a new or upgraded supply wharf and construction yards. Find out more about Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal on the Ministry for the Environment website.
At June 2025, this project is at the pre-lodgement stage. The applicant is seeking preliminary advice before lodging consent with the EPA. Any formal advice provided by Wellington City Council will be listed here in the future.