New Zealand's coalition government has introduced a one-stop shop for quick approvals to drive the country's economic reconstruction. The move aims to fast-track projects that are critical to the region and the nation.
The Quick Approvals Bill has been passed in the parliament, and applications for the projects will open from February 7, 2025. The one-stop shop will simplify the approval process, driving infrastructure development and boosting the economy.
According to the government, the approved projects include 149 regional and national projects, carefully selected through a rigorous evaluation process. These projects include 44 housing development projects, 43 infrastructure projects, 11 mining projects, and 22 renewable energy projects.
If approved, these projects will create 5,500 new homes in major growth centers and regions, addressing New Zealand's housing crisis. The infrastructure projects will push forward 180 kilometers of new roads, railways, and public transportation, supporting economic growth, improving transportation efficiency, and ensuring safe and fast transportation of people and goods.
The mining projects will support the government's goal of doubling mineral exports to $20 billion by 2035, while the renewable energy projects will enhance energy security and drive New Zealand's transition to a low-carbon economy.
The one-stop shop will assess applications for environmental impact and determine the approval process, working closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. Other projects can also be approved, with the Minister of Infrastructure and the Minister of the Environment consulting on the approval process.