Waimakariri Mayor Weighs Up Fast-track Rules

Saturday, 17 May 2025, 7:35 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

May 14, 2025

Waimakariri’s mayor hopes the council won't be blindsided by future fast-track projects.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the Waimakariri District Council now has a better understanding of how the new Fast-track Approvals Act will work.

Councillors recently received a briefing from staff to better understand how the new legislation will work and how the council will be involved in the consideration of local projects.

Mr Gordon said the fast-track legislation should be for major projects like the Woodend Bypass, which is also among the 149 projects included in the new legislation, and not for local housing developments.

He has previously expressed his frustration at the inclusion of three proposed Waimakariri housing developments in the new legislation, which was passed last year.

The council was not consulted before the inclusion of the three developments, which are already being considered as part of the Waimakariri District Plan review.

A private plan change for a proposed 850 home development at Ohoka, near Rangiora, was rejected by the council in November 2023, but it was included in the legislation.

Mr Gordon said the council supports the legislation in principle, as a means of speeding up the planning process.

But it was critical it did not undermine the role local government or ‘‘the integrity’’ of a council’s District Plan process, he said.

‘‘Where a decision has already been made through our local planning process, that application should not be reconsidered through the fast-track legislation.

‘‘Councils must not lose their decision-making powers in this space.

‘‘Local authorities understand their districts and cities better than anyone, and our communities rightly expect us to make informed, resolute decisions on their behalf.’’

Under the legislation, councils will be able to give feedback on new applications before it is lodged, during consultation and provide feedback on any draft conditions.

The Waimakariri District Council will be able to appoint a representative to sit on the expert panel, which will consider an application.

Mr Gordon said the council’s representative will ‘‘almost always be an elected member’’.

Council staff, the mayor, the district planning and regulation committee chair and the chief executive will all give input to any council submission, he said.

‘‘This collaborative approach is essential to ensure that our community’s voice remains central in shaping local development.

‘‘In practice, if there is time, I would convene the council to come together or we will have a Zoom call to understand the council’s position.

‘‘But we haven’t been in this process before, so it is going to be new for all of us.’’

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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