Faster, greener, clearer. From a 10-day consent for qualifying sustainable homes to stricter decision timelines on big projects, the fast-track overhaul is here. We unpack what matters, what’s next, and where you can contribute.
Government to introduce fast-track pathway for sustainable buildings
The Government has announced changes to the Building Act that will define ‘sustainable buildings’ and introduce a 10-day fast-track consenting process for residential buildings that meet this definition. Sustainable buildings will be defined as a building with one or more of the following attributes: energy efficiency, low-embodied carbon, climate resilience, or water efficiency. Property Council welcomes these changes as they aim to increase sustainable building practices and promote healthier, more efficient homes.
The fast-track process will initially apply to buildings with rooftop solar panels to monitor uptake, with broader rollout for all sustainable buildings planned afterward. The Chief Executive of MBIE will set performance criteria for each attribute through secondary legislation, providing clear guidance for builders and developers. Property Council will be taking part in public consultation when the legislation is introduced in early 2026.
If you are interested in contributing to this work, please get in touch with Sandamali Ambepitiya.
Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill
Last week, the Government introduced the Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill, proposing changes to the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024. Property Council is pleased to see reform in this area as the changes look to make fast track approvals more streamlined and predictable.
Some of the changes include:
- Panels are now required to decide applications within 60 working days.
- Changes also look to shorten timeframes around panel convening and Ministerial response time. Taken together, these amendments look to shorten the overall Fast-Track application process by six weeks.
- Consultation engagement will be focused on key affected parties, rather than every stakeholder group.
- Tighter limits on who can comment or appeal will be implemented.
We know the Fast-Track Approvals regime isn’t currently fit for purpose, so we’re optimistic these changes should accelerate project delivery, improve certainty and reduce red tape. Property Council will be completing a submission with consultation closing on Monday, 17 November – a fast-track process indeed!
For further information, please contact Leonard Hong.
Authors
Sandamali Ambepitiya
Sandamali arrived at Property Council with a Bachelor of Arts and Law, and experience as an advisor with the Employers & Manufacturers Association.
Conscientious and detailed, Sandamali leads our advocacy in the South Island and Wellington regions. She is also leading our work on the reform of the resource management and building systems and sustainability / seismic strengthening.
An excellent listener, Sandamali is in her element when facilitating stakeholders and members to develop our advocacy positions.
Leonard Hong
An accomplished economist and public policy professional, Leonard brings a global perspective and analytical edge to Property Council New Zealand’s advocacy team.
With a background spanning macroeconomics, international political economy, and urban development policy, Leonard’s career has taken him from the New Zealand Parliament to leading think tanks and industry bodies across the Asia-Pacific.
Passionate about evidence-based policy and the intersection of economics, cities, and governance, Leonard’s work supports Property Council’s mission to create thriving, well-designed communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.