Fast-track - What is it?

The Fast-track approvals process provides a streamlined process for obtaining resource consents and other approvals for infrastructure, housing, and development projects that have significant regional or national benefits.

It is not a Council-led process. It bypasses council consenting and decision-making under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

The Fast-track process is something Council doesn’t have a decision-making role in.

While Councils have some limited input and representation, the final approval decision sits with an independent Expert Panel operating under the Fast-track Approvals Act.

Learn more by visiting the Fast-track approvals website.

Projects in Waimakariri currently being considered

Please note : The Fast-track process is something Council doesn’t have a decision-making role in. This information is being shared for community awareness.

• Gressons Road Development.
  The project will enable the subdivision and development of approximately 1,500 homes and supporting community features including public and active transport connections, green spaces and infrastructure on a site adjoining existing residential and commercial development
• Ōhoka Residential Subdivision.
  The project would comprise: 850 houses and a commercial mixed/use centre, and a school and/or retirement village. Further information is available on the Ministry for the Environment's website - here.  A substantive application has been lodged with the EPA.  It will be assessed for completeness and scope as outlined here - www.fasttrack.govt.nz/process/substantive-application
• West Rangiora Residential Development.
  Staged subdivision and development of approximately 40 hectares of land, to create approximately 700-780 residential units (400-480 in stage 1, and 300 in stage 2), with associated road and service areas
• Beachgrove Kaiapoi Expansion Project.
  Residential development located north of Beachgrove, comprising of 650-900 additional housing units in Kaiapoi.
• State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus).
  To extend the SH1 Christchurch Northern Corridor between Belfast and Pegasus by constructing 4km of motorway or expressway to bypass the Woodend township, to create a safe, efficient route, with travel time savings and benefits.
• Whiterock Quarry and Managed Fill.
  Construct and operate a Class 3 Managed Landfill (connected to an existing lime quarry) at Whiterock, Loburn, Canterbury (approx 25km nortwest of Rangiora).
  
  Whiterock Lime Limited has notified Council of its intention to lodge a referral application under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. A referral application for the same proposal was lodged in 2025 and was declined. The new application is supported by a more detailed economic assessment. Council has provided pre-application comments and is now waiting for the application to be lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
  
  NOTE: The project is at the pre-application consultation stage and as such, there isn't information on the Fast-track website yet. When the application is lodged, it will be a Referral Application, which seeks approval for the project to be considered under the Fast-track Approvals Act.  If the referral application is granted, then a Substantive Application will be lodged which will seek approval for the project itself.
• Pegasus West Development Project (Pegasus Golf Course).
  Wolfbrook Developments (Pegasus) Limited notified Council of its intention to lodge a referral application under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. The application is for up to 1000 houses and a commercial/community node on the Pegasus Golf Course.  Council has until 23 July 2026 to provide comments (20 working days).
  
  NOTE: The project is at the pre-application consultation stage and as such, there isn't information on the Fast-track website yet. When the application is lodged, it will be a Referral Application, which seeks approval for the project to be considered under the Fast-track Approvals Act.  If the referral application is granted, then a Substantive Application will be lodged which will seek approval for the project itself.
  
  There are limitied opportunities for Council to provide comments. Other parties are also involved at different stages of the process. More information is available at the ‘Process guidance for local authorities’ section of the fast track site.

Under fast-track can community input be considered?

The Act does not require community participation and it does not allow panels to give public or limited notification for comments.

Community input is considered primarily through council representation (which is limited in scope), invited comments, and potential hearings, rather than through the open public submission process that normally applies under the RMA.