Resources · Glossary

Fast-track glossary.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024: NZ statute creating a single streamlined consenting pathway for projects of regional or national significance. Replaces parallel RMA, Conservation Act, Crown Minerals Act, Heritage NZ Pouhere Taonga Act, Wildlife Act and Public Works Act consent processes for listed and referred projects.
Schedule 2: A list of 149+ projects pre-approved to use the Fast-track pathway, attached to the Act. New projects can be added by referral.
Referral: The first formal step for projects not on Schedule 2. The applicant lodges a referral application arguing the project meets the regional or national benefit test. The Minister decides whether to refer it.
Substantive application: The main application package containing all expert assessments — ecology, cultural impact, traffic, landscape, archaeology, geotech, economic. Lodged with EPA after referral acceptance.
Expert panel: The independent panel that hears the application and issues the decision. Sits in place of a council or Environment Court for Fast-track projects.
EPA: Environmental Protection Authority — the statutory body that administers Fast-track applications, manages cost recovery, and supports the expert panels.
Pre-lodgement engagement: Structured consultation before lodging the substantive application, with DOC, EPA, councils, iwi authorities, NZTA, Heritage NZ and adjacent landowners.
Cultural impact assessment (CIA): Iwi or hapū-authored assessment of cultural values, sites and effects. Critical evidence for Fast-track applications.
Cost Recovery Regulations 2025: Regulations under the Act that set EPA fees and panel costs charged to applicants across the application lifecycle.
2025 Amendment Act: Amending statute refining Fast-track timelines, referral criteria and procedural matters one year after the principal Act commenced.
Conditions: Enforceable rules attached to a granted consent. Negotiated with the expert panel before the final decision is issued.