In a significant effort to address the country's infrastructure deficit, the New Zealand Government has initiated fast-track consenting processes for 29 essential transport projects. This ambitious plan aims to expedite the development of critical road, rail, and port infrastructure to stimulate economic growth and enhance productivity, according to Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

"Our Government is committed to fixing New Zealand's infrastructure issues," Mr. Brown stated. “Delivering necessary transport projects is crucial to boosting productivity, alleviating congestion, and fostering economic growth. By enabling fast-track processes for these projects, we can ensure they are constructed more quickly and efficiently."

This announcement comes as the Government seeks to revive and expand upon the previous administration's infrastructure initiatives, which saw the successful Roads of National Significance (RoNS) program halted, leaving only the Warkworth to Wellsford route as the sole major roading project with consent. "We need solid legislation to maintain a consistent pipeline of consented infrastructure projects," Mr. Brown noted. 

Among the projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Bill are:

Road Projects: Sixteen road initiatives, including the Brynderwyns alternative, Mill Road in Auckland, the Woodend Bypass, and a second bridge over Ashburton River.

Rail Projects: Five upgrades, focusing on removing level crossings in Auckland and enhancing the Lower North Island rail network.

Port Projects: Five strategic expansions, featuring a container terminal expansion at Northport.

Public Transport Initiatives: Three major public transport developments, including the highly anticipated Airport to Botany Rapid Transit.

Once completed, these projects are projected to add at least 180 kilometres of new road, rail, and public transport corridors across New Zealand, significantly improving connectivity and accessibility.

“The Fast-track Approvals Bill is designed to cut through bureaucratic red tape and rebuild a robust pipeline of transport infrastructure projects,” Mr. Brown emphasised. “These projects are integral to enhancing economic growth, increasing productivity, and providing diverse travel options for New Zealanders.”

Not only will these projects reduce travel times, but they’re also expected to unlock land for thousands of new homes and facilitate goods movement to markets both domestically and abroad. The swift consents will instil confidence among the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the broader construction sector in the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

“We are moving swiftly to deliver a new generation of Roads of National Significance,” added Mr. Brown. “The inclusion of these projects in the fast-track process ensures that the benefits to Kiwis can be realised sooner rather than later. There’s much work ahead, but we are committed to invigorating infrastructure development for the betterment of all New Zealanders. 

The fast-tracking of these vital transport projects marks a pivotal step toward addressing New Zealand's infrastructure needs and driving the country's economic recovery in the coming years.