Govt announces changes to fast-track consent law

Govt announces changes to fast-track consent law
NZ First's Shane Jones was a strong advocate for final decisions being made by ministers. (Image: NZME)
Ian Llewellyn
Final decisions about consents under the new Fast-track Approvals Bill will be made by an expert panel and not ministers as originally envisaged.Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said in a press release that the shift in final responsibility was part of a raft of “sensible" changes approved by Cabinet.The ministers also released an overview of the 384 projects that have applied to be listed in the bill showing the majority were housing, infrastructure and renewable ener...

More Economy

Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey
Finance

Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey

An economic thermometer reveals a cool-to-cold mood hanging over NZ, with Otago lukewarm.

Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios
Economy

Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios

The bank is relaxing LVR settings from the start of December.

Rebecca Howard 14 Oct 2025
Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association
Finance

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025 as NZ emerges from difficult economic climate.

Staff reporters 13 Oct 2025
When the Hopium wears off
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: When the Hopium wears off

Whatever happened to all those green shoots?

Dileepa Fonseka 13 Oct 2025