It’s time for action: The government needs to put the Roads of National Significance (RONs) at the centre of the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

The bill, currently at select committee stage, would provide a one-stop-shop consenting process for major development projects, while the government carries on with other resource management reforms.

There’s no doubt the legislation is controversial with not only environmental groups but also the parliamentary commissioner for the environment and the Auditor-General raising concerns over giving overriding power to ministers. The three ministers who could greenlight proposals are Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, Resources Minister Shane Jones, and Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says the government is open to some changes “but the core of our promise remains which is to make it easier to build things in New Zealand.”

We agree. There’s no doubt that change is needed. Of course, environmental protection matters but it’s also critical that essential infrastructure gets built. The atrocious condition of parts of our roading network is the results of decades of underinvestment.

RONs needs to be immediately referred to the fast-track’s Expert Panel for assessment.

The RONs programme has a strong public mandate, having been campaigned on by the National Party in the general election. Put simply, Kiwis want and better transport and better roads.

These key connections are also highly consistent with the Bill’s eligibility criteria: delivering regionally and nationally infrastructure; presenting strong economic benefits; supporting adaption and resilience; and supporting the primary industries and natural resource development.

Transporting New Zealand has identified five projects to be prioritised for fast-tracking: An alternative to the Brynderwyns; Tauranga’s Tauriko West SH 29; Auckland’s East West Link; a Second Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve upgrade; and Belfast to Pegasus motorway and Woodend Bypass in Canterbury.

In the case of the Brynderwyns, the reopening of State Highway 1 has been delayed by another slip. The highway was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle, and has been closed for repairs since mid-February. Whangarei’s mayor, Vince Cocurullo, says the repairs are delaying much needed four-laning for a new highway to meet growing demand.

Last month, Transporting New Zealand joined with Infrastructure New Zealand in backing the call for critical infrastructure investment in Northland.

The same holds true for other regions. All these roading improvements are needed as a bare minimum.

Without fast-tracking, the RONs programme risks being mired in lengthy consenting delays and impractical consent conditions, demonstrated by the East West Link and Mt Messenger Bypass projects.

The RONs programme will strengthen regional connections, improve road safety outcomes, and ensure our roading network is resilient in the fact of increasingly severe weather.

Let’s get things underway.

Constitutional changes

To shift topics, I am pleased to report the proposed changes to Transporting NZ’s constitution and governance structure were unanimously approved at this week’s board meeting. We are now at the final stage of the change proposal.

Our four regions will host special general meetings where members will vote on whether or not to adopt the changes.  Following these special meetings, we hope to have the new constitution formally adopted on May 28.

I encourage all members to attend these meetings, in person or via Teams. To RSVP or Proxy Vote, please email info@transporting.nz or visit the Constitutional Reform page on our website.

Region 2 (Upper North Island): 15:30 – 16:30 Wed 8 May via Teams

Region 3 (Lower North Island): 16:00 – 17:00 Wed 8 May via Teams

Region 4 (Upper South Island): To be advised.

Region 5 (Lower South Island): 19:30 – 20:00 Wed 15 May via Teams