Home

​Memorandum of Counsel for applicant regarding suspension (PDF, 148 KB)

Automated summaryNova Energy Limited’s counsel submits a memorandum to the panel requesting that the processing of its Twizel Solar Project fast‑track application be suspended from 2 October 2026 until early November, citing the need for additional time to respond to complex ecological inquiries and staff availability issues. The memo outlines the anticipated timeline for resumption and subsequent stages of the application.

Minute 3 of the expert panel (PDF, 99 KB)

Automated summaryThe Twizel Solar Project panel granted the applicant’s request to suspend processing of its fast‑track consent application under the Fast‑track Approvals Act 2024, effective 2 October 2026 until a resumption request is received. The panel also confirmed that the applicant allows continued consideration of the application during the suspension period.

Appendix 4Da – Landscape character attachments (PDF, 13 MB)

Automated summaryThe appendix supplies detailed landscape attachments—photographs, drone images, and statutory acknowledgements—to support the Department of Conservation’s land exchange assessment for the Tukituki Water Security Limited area. It records site locations, viewpoints, and relevant land parcel data to aid the technical evaluation of the proposed exchange.

Appendix 4D – Landscape character (PDF, 1 MB)

Automated summaryThe appendix delivers a detailed landscape assessment for the Tukituki Water Security Limited land exchange, comparing the landscape character and value of the 170‑ha Smedley Exchange Block to the three DOC parcels surrendered. It concludes that the exchange would result in a net landscape value loss for DOC, while highlighting potential gains from future restoration and the ecological and recreational effects associated with the planned dam and reservoir.

Appendix 4C – Recreation (PDF, 659 KB)

Automated summaryMichael Harbrow, a Senior Visitor Advisor with DOC, presents an expert recreation assessment for the Tukituki Water Security Project land exchange under the Fast‑Track Approvals Act 2024. The report examines existing and potential recreation values, access pathways, hunting, fishing and tramping opportunities, and outlines health and safety obligations for visitors that would result from the proposed exchange of conservation land. It serves as a supporting document for the fast‑track panel’s decision‑making.

Appendix 4B – Heritage (PDF, 238 KB)

Automated summaryProvides senior heritage advisor Richard Nester’s expert analysis of cultural heritage values for the proposed Tukituki Water Security land exchange between public conservation land and Smedley Station. It reviews existing assessments, identifies potential unrecorded sites, and evaluates impacts on heritage sites such as Ellis Hut and surrounding tracks, concluding that heritage values are low to medium but that access loss could affect heritage value sustainability.

Appendix 4A – Biodiversity and Freshwater (PDF, 3 MB)

Automated summaryExpert ecological consultants provided advice as part of a fast‑track land exchange application for the Tukituki Water Security Project, reviewing and summarising the ecological values of DOC land and the proposed Smedley Exchange Block. The appendix details vegetation and wetland characteristics, assesses threatened species, and offers recommendations on management actions and mitigation measures for the exchange. The report serves as supporting evidence for the fast‑track approval process.

Draft Tukituki Water s35(3) land exchange report (PDF, 2 MB)

Automated summaryProvides a technical assessment of a proposed land exchange for the Tukituki Water Security Project, detailing the conservation, freshwater, cultural and recreational values of the land to be exchanged and the improvements offered. The report outlines the land being traded, the proposed infrastructure (dam and reservoir), and the mitigation and conditions that would be considered by the Expert Consenting Panel before a substantive application is lodged.

SUPERSEDED Appendix E – Maps of comments received (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Automated summaryThis superseded appendix contains maps showing the locations of public comments received during a transport‑related decision process in the Auckland region. It was published to provide visual context for the consultation that informed the final decision. The report itself is no longer in effect and has been replaced by a newer version.

SUPERSEDED Appendix D – Reasons for consents (PDF, 76 KB)

Automated summaryThe document is an appendix to a resource‑consent decision for the North West Rapid Transit project, detailing which activities (earthworks, vegetation removal, coastal and river work, stormwater diversion, discharge, etc.) are discretionary or restricted and therefore require consent under specific rules or standards. It supersedes previous documentation, reiterating the NZTA’s commitment to provide the necessary consents for the project’s infrastructure, transport, and environmental compliance.

SUPERSEDED Appendix C2 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (east) (PDF, 362 KB)

Automated summaryThe decision details the conditions of an archaeological authority granted under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 for earthworks on the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. It sets obligations such as prior notification, an Archaeological Management Plan, landowner consent, tikanga procedures, and reporting requirements for the New Zealand Transport Agency in the Auckland area.

SUPERSEDED Appendix C1 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (west) (PDF, 378 KB)

Automated summaryThe decision authorises a Fast Track archaeological authority for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. It sets conditions for earthworks, including an archaeological management plan, landowner consent, notifications to iwi and heritage bodies, monitoring, reporting, and handling of potential human remains.

SUPERSEDED Appendix B – Resource consent conditions (PDF, 9.4 MB)

Automated summaryThis document contains the conditions attached to the resource consents issued for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. It sets out the activities permitted for construction, operation and maintenance of the bus rapid transit system, including infrastructure works, environmental management plans, and compliance requirements, and lists the applicable lapse and expiry dates for the consents.

SUPERSEDED Appendix A2 – Designation conditions – Schedule J and K (PDF, 11.5 MB)

Automated summarySupersedes previous Appendix A2, setting the conditions for Schedule J and K in a designation decision. The notice confirms that the earlier version is no longer applicable and replaces it with the updated conditions.

SUPERSEDED Appendix A – Designation conditions (PDF, 12.2 MB)

Automated summaryAuckland Council decision approving the designation conditions for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit Project, outlining project boundaries, construction and operation requirements, cultural values engagement, flood mitigation, supermarket access provisions, traffic and heritage management, and a series of detailed conditions to govern the rapid‑transit corridor and associated works.

SUPERSEDED North West Rapid Transit decision report (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Automated summaryThe Expert Consenting Panel granted the Fast‑Track Approvals Act 2024 resource consents, archaeological authorities, and twelve designations for the North West Rapid Transit project, subject to conditions. The decision authorises construction of a busway and seven rapid‑transit stations along State Highway 16 and establishes the relevant consents and designation framework.

Appendix E – Maps of comments received (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Automated summaryThis appendix supplies detailed maps summarising the geographic location and distribution of comments received during the fast‑track resource consent process. The maps illustrate the spatial context of public feedback for the project and support the decision documented in the main body.

Appendix D – Reasons for consents (PDF, 76 KB)

Automated summaryThis appendix details the resource consents issued for the North West Rapid Transit project, providing a table that references the relevant RMA sections, NES regulations, and specific activities requiring consent. For each activity it explains the rationale—such as environmental assessment needs, compliance with wetland, coastal, and freshwater standards, and restrictions on construction and resource use—effectively justifying the consent decisions.

Appendix C2 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (east) – 2027-107 (PDF, 170 KB)

Automated summaryThis appendix sets out the conditions and operational requirements for the archaeological authority granted to the New Zealand Transport Agency under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024, covering earthworks for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. It specifies notification to heritage authorities and iwi, monitoring, investigation, reporting, and high‑risk discovery protocols that must be followed within the specified Auckland project area.

Appendix C2 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (east) – 2027-106 (PDF, 160 KB)

Automated summaryThe FTAA Expert Consenting Panel mandates an archaeological authority for the New Zealand Transport Agency to conduct earthworks for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project, outlining specific day‑to‑day management conditions, landowner consent requirements, and reporting obligations. This determination defines the affected archaeological sites, the project area, and the procedures for monitoring, discovering, recording, and protecting heritage resources over a 25‑year duration.

Appendix C2 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (east) – 2026-569 (PDF, 150 KB)

Automated summaryThis decision grants the New Zealand Transport Agency a 25‑year archaeological authority for earthworks associated with the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project, outlining strict conditions on monitoring, reporting, landowner consent, and tikanga procedures to safeguard potential archaeological sites.

Appendix C2 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (east) – 2026-568 (PDF, 152 KB)

Automated summaryThe decision authorises the New Zealand Transport Agency to undertake earthworks for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project under a Fast‑Track Authority, setting detailed conditions for archaeological monitoring, reporting, cultural engagement and landowner consent. It establishes the project area within Auckland and lists the properties covered, requiring the preparation of an Archaeological Management Plan and regular compliance reports.

Appendix C1 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (west) – 2027-114 (PDF, 305 KB)

Automated summaryThe New Zealand Transport Agency has been granted an archaeological authority for the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. The authority, issued under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024, sets detailed conditions for archaeological monitoring, reporting, and engagement with Māori iwi during earthworks. It requires a Management Plan, landowner consent, scheduled reporting and the protection of any discovered cultural heritage.

Appendix C1 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (west) – 2027-112 (PDF, 152 KB)

Automated summaryThe FTAA Expert Consenting Panel granted an archaeological authority to the New Zealand Transport Agency for earthworks associated with the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project, specifying detailed conditions on notification, management plans, discovery protocols, and reporting for a 25‑year period.

Appendix C1 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (west) – 2027-111 (PDF, 150 KB)

Automated summaryA determination by the Fast Track Approvals Authority provides NZ Transport Agency a 25‑year archaeological authority for earthworks associated with the Te Ara Hauáuru Northwest Rapid Transit project in Auckland. The authority imposes detailed conditions—notification, an archaeological management plan, landowner consent, and rigorous monitoring and reporting—to protect subsurface archaeological sites within the project area.

Appendix C1 – Archaeological Authorities conditions (west) – 2027-108 (PDF, 145 KB)

Automated summaryThe authority condition appendix sets out the terms, obligations, and monitoring requirements imposed on New Zealand Transport Agency for earthworks linked to the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project. It details notification, management plan, briefing, landowner consent, consultation with iwi, discovery protocols, and reporting obligations under the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 and the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.

Appendix B1 – Resource consent conditions – Schedule A (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Automated summaryThe schedule lists designations used in the resource consent decision for the Northwest Rapid Transit Project, specifying the particular categories of land, water, and other resources affected by the consent.

Appendix B – Resource consent conditions (PDF, 9.4 MB)

Automated summaryThese conditions authorize and set out requirements for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit project along State Highway 16 in Auckland, detailing restrictions on work in wetlands and watercourses and requiring various management and certification plans. They prescribe consent durations, monitoring, cultural engagement, and environmental safeguards to protect freshwater and coastal resources.

Appendix A2 – Designation conditions – Schedule J and K (PDF, 11.5 MB)

Automated summaryAppendix A2 lists the designation conditions under Schedules J and K, specifying the criteria, obligations and restrictions that apply to newly designated conservation or protected areas. The conditions are drawn from NoR 2, 5, 9, 11, 2, 5, 9, 11 and provide legal guidance for managing these sites.

Appendix A – Designation conditions (PDF, 12.2 MB)

Automated summaryThis decision declares the Te Ara Hauāuru Northwest Rapid Transit Project designation, detailing the project boundaries, required works (busway, stations, Park & Ride, ancillary structures), and conditions covering construction, operation, heritage, flood‑risk management, vehicle access, and required planning and management plans.

North West Rapid Transit decision report (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Automated summaryThe Expert Panel granted the North‑West Rapid Transit project all required resource consents, archaeological authorities, and twelve notices of requirement for designations under the Fast‑Track Approvals Act 2024. Conditions are tied to each designation, consent, and authority to govern construction, operation and environmental protection. The decision follows a comprehensive assessment of environmental, transport and infrastructure impacts and is issued with a 25‑year lapse for designations and a 35‑year expiry for consents.

Memorandum of counsel for applicant seeking minor corrections 2 October 2026 (PDF, 124 KB)

Automated summaryA memorandum of counsel from the New Zealand Transport Agency to the Expert Consenting Panel offering input on minor corrections to a decision under the Fast‑Track Approvals Act 2024 for the North West Rapid Transit Project, outlining adjustments to appendix items and referring to groundwater consent provisions.

Applicant Appendix A- Minor corrections appendices A-D 23 September 2026 (PDF, 145 KB)

Automated summaryThe document contains a series of minor typographical and wording corrections proposed by New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to the final decision and related designation, consent, and archaeological conditions for a new bus rapid transit project in Auckland. The corrections clarify naming, boundary references, condition wording, and administrative phrasing that were deemed inaccurate or ambiguous in the original approval.

Memorandum of counsel for applicant seeking minor corrections 23 September 2026 (PDF, 120 KB)

Automated summaryThe memo is a formal submission by New Zealand Transport Agency counsel to the Expert Consenting Panel, requesting minor amendments to the panel’s recently released decision on the North West Rapid Transit Project. It enumerates typographical corrections, clarifications to resource‑consent and designation conditions, and updates to archaeological authority schedules, citing the Fast‑Track Approvals Act authority to amend decisions within a set timeframe. The panel is instructed to issue a revised decision incorporating these requested changes.

Request for minor corrections from Auckland Council (PDF, 171 KB)

Automated summaryA decision governing the application of resource consents for the North West Rapid Transit project under the New Zealand Transport Act, detailing the statutory—and when necessary, discretionary—requirements for various activities such as earthworks, vegetation removal, coastal disturbances and watercourse modifications. The document lists the specific rules and regulations that permit or require consents and outlines the conditions that must be satisfied by the applicant in each area.

Request for minor corrections from General Distributors Limited (PDF, 6.7 MB)

Request for minor corrections from National Trading Company (PDF, 21.1 MB)

Automated summaryThe memorandum, submitted by National Trading Company’s counsel, requests minor corrections to a recent Fast‑track Approvals Act decision concerning the North West Rapid Transit project. It seeks to amend Designation Conditions and schedule references to address drafting errors while preserving the decision’s substantive intent. The submission includes annotated changes and a corrected schedule as attachments for the panel to review.

Request for minor corrections from NZRPG (PDF, 611 KB)

Automated summaryThe document is a correspondence from the author requesting that minor corrections be made following an earlier decision issued by NZRPG. It explains the errors, proposes amendments, and seeks approval before finalizing the decision.

Minute 21 of the expert panel (PDF, 114 KB)

Automated summaryThe minute records the expert panel’s official approval of minor corrections to the North West Rapid Transit resource consent, noting changes to maps, conditions, and administrative sections, and instructs the applicant to implement these adjustments within specified timeframes.

Attachment D - (Mark-up version) (Updated) Economic Assessment (PDF, 33 MB)

Automated summaryThe attachment provides a comprehensive economic assessment for a fast‑track project, analysing costs, benefits, and socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed development under the New Zealand Resource Management Act. It supports decision‑making for the fast‑track application by presenting detailed financial, environmental, and infrastructure considerations.

Attachment C - Attachment 015 - (Updated) Economic Assessment (PDF, 33 MB)

Automated summaryAn economic assessment attached to a fast‑track project outlining the projected costs, benefits, and uncertainties associated with the proposed development. It evaluates material, man‑power, and financial requirements, and assesses potential economic impacts on the surrounding community and local economy.

Applicant Response to Minute 3 (PDF, 889 KB)

Automated summaryThe letter is an applicant’s response to Panel Convener Minute 3, providing updated potable water capacity and downstream flood level modelling for the Bangor Village fast‑track development. It confirms that the existing water‑take consent can accommodate the proposed 743 connections, outlines compliance with the Selwyn District Council Engineering Code of Practice, and incorporates revised economic assessment data.

Minute 4 of the panel convener (PDF, 117 KB)

Automated summaryThe minutes record updated directions from the Fast‑Track Approvals panel convener, instructing the applicant to provide additional water supply modelling and directing Selwyn Water, the Regional Council and the Department of Conservation to submit coordinated memoranda by 5 October 2026, before the fast‑track consent process can proceed.