Red tape ditched as Government unveils new infrastructure law

Monday, 15 June 2020

On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced 11 fast-tracked projects and commented on when New Zealand could successfully eliminate Covid-19.

Eleven large infrastructure projects that are expected to create 1250 or more jobs will be fast-tracked under a new law.

The projects are meant to help the economy get back on its feet after a coronavirus-induced shock.

Since the 1930s, many Governments have relied on big programmes of infrastructure investment to help the economy recover.

Environment Minister David Parker will put the 11 specific projects into a new law that will be introduced to Parliament this week.

“Job rich infrastructure and development projects of different sizes and in different locations around New Zealand will be prioritised,' Parker said on Monday.

* Jobs or the environment - will the Govt have to choose?

* High-carbon 'shovel-ready' projects should be denied - Commission

The Bill also opens the way for other projects to be fast tracked, but it will only be temporary. It will repeal itself after two years. Parker hopes to have more long-term changes to consenting rules passed in that time.

The Bill will be used to make sure the projects are built more quickly, by putting them through three 'fast track consenting' processes.

The first track is for the eleven projects mentioned in the bill.

Once the bill passes, they'll be sent to 'expert consenting panels' with similar powers to RMA consenting authorities.

The second track applies to applications from other public and private projects that will be considered by the Minister for the Environment, before being forwarded to the panel.

“We are looking forward to ideas from a range of people and organisations including district and regional councils, iwi authorities, NGOs and the private sector,' Parker said.

Wellington trains will be getting an upgrade under a new consenting law.

If a project meets the criteria for fast tracking, the Government will use an Order in Council to send it along to one of the consenting panels.

The third track is for NZTA and KiwiRail to undertake to repair and maintain their existing infrastructure, and perform minor upgrades without needing to get those upgrades consented again.

It will do this by classifying those works as 'permitted activities'.

“Accelerating these projects will create opportunities for more employment and a boost to local economies,” Parker said.

The 11 initial fast-tracked projects named in the Bill are:

1) Kaikohe water storage facility – to provide water for agricultural and horticultural use and drinking water in Kaikohe. This project is expected to provide 70 jobs.

2) Unitec – Phase 1 – high density housing on the Unitec site in Auckland. This project is expected to provide 250 jobs.

3) Te Pa Tahuna – Phase 1 – up to 180 residential units and retail space on an old school site in Queenstown - part of a wider development that aims to provide up to 300 high density dwellings.This project is expected to provide up to 100 jobs.

4) Papakāinga Network Development – the delivery of Papakainga across six sites; in Kaitaia, Pt Chevalier, Raglan, Waitara, Chatham Islands and Christchurch. This project will support the Government to provide up to 120 dwellings. It is being delivered by Māori developers with support from Te Puni Kōkiri. Will help retain and expand the existing workforce.

5) Britomart East Upgrade – upgrades to Britomart station to ensure the City Rail Link project can operate at full capacity once services commence. This project is expected to provide 30 jobs.

6) Papakura to Pukekohe electrification – electrification of rail from Papakura to Pukekohe and the construction of three rail platforms. This project aims to extend Auckland metro services south to Pukekohe providing South Auckland with increased lower emissions transport choice. This project is expected to create 85 jobs.

7) Wellington Metro Upgrade programme – suite of smaller projects aimed at increasing the passenger and freight capacity of trains between Masterton, Levin and Wellington. Works will involve upgrading drainage, new tracks, upgrading stations, new storage yards, and the establishment and operation of a gravel extraction site. This project is expected to create 90 jobs.

8) Picton Ferry Dock and Terminal upgrade – The project will improve rail services by expanding the docks and upgrading the passenger terminal. This project is expected to create 200 jobs. KiwiRail notes that the design of the new terminal takes into account 100 years of projected sea level rise.

9) Northern Pathway – a cycleway and walkway between Westhaven and Akoranga in Auckland. This project aims to create a safe and useable active transport corridor for the North Shore and aims to increase the number of people cycling for commuting and recreation. This project is expected to provide 50.

10) Papakura to Drury SH1 roading upgrade – upgrades to SH1 to improve its capacity, as well as constructing new walking and cycling facilities to improve highway access and safety. This project aims to respond to population growth and provide transport options for people in South Auckland. This project is expected to provide 350 jobs.

11) Te Ara Tūpuna – a cycleway and walkway between Petone and Ngauranga in Wellington. This project will improve the safety and usability of an existing cycleway and aims to increase the number of people cycling for commuting, recreation and tourism. This project is expected to create between 30 and 40 jobs and is an opportunity to strengthen existing sea walls and structures to make it more resilient to sea level rise and increased storm events.