Listed projects would lose preferential access if not lodged by end-2028
New Zealand First has pledged to tighten the fast-track approval process for housing developments.
Under the policy, announced on 14 October ahead of the 7 November general election, developers would need to show that essential infrastructure is in place before a project is approved, and listed projects would face a deadline to lodge their applications.
The party, a member of the current coalition government, still supports the regime it helped design but wants to stop developments going ahead without adequate infrastructure. “New Zealand First backs growth, backs housing, and absolutely backs getting things built,” it said in its policy announcement on fast-track residential approvals.
Infrastructure first
Under the proposal, developers applying through fast-track would have to set out the infrastructure their project needs, including roads, water, wastewater, and other essential services. They would also need to show whether that infrastructure exists, is funded, and can be delivered on time. Councils would be required to advise on network capacity and on any risks to delivery.
New Zealand First argued that New Zealanders should not bear the cost of projects approved without the services to support them.
“The cart is being put before the horse, and we will ensure that ends,” the party said.
Dedicated expert panels would assess housing applications, and they would have the power to decline projects if they weren’t satisfied the necessary infrastructure would be ready.
Deadline for listed projects
The policy would also put a time limit on projects that are already listed for fast-track and currently receive preferential access. For context, 149 projects are listed in the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, according to Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, and 35 have been approved by expert panels to date.
Any listed project that hasn’t lodged an application by the end of 2028 would lose that status and would need to go through a referral application assessed against infrastructure and planning conditions at that time.
“A listing for fast-track should not be a perpetual entitlement,” according to the policy.
Referral decisions for housing projects would also move to the Minister for Housing.
Implications for new-build supply
For mortgage advisers whose clients are buying new builds or off the plan, the policy could change the timing of new housing supply.
Coalition partner National disputed the need for change, with leader Christopher Luxon describing the policy as “quite bizarre” and saying fast-track panels already impose infrastructure conditions on projects.
The proposal is an election commitment, not current policy. Whether it goes ahead depends on the outcome of the 7 November election and on coalition negotiations.
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