11 infrastructure projects to be fast-tracked by new bill
High density housing, transport infrastructure upgrades and pedestrian and cycle paths are among projects being fast-tracked by the Government in a bid to repair the economy and create new jobs.
The COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track) Bill will be introduced to the House this week, opening the way for an initial 11 major infrastructure projects to proceed through a fast-track consenting process.
Among them is the much debated “Skypath”, a walking and cycling connection across Waitemata Harbour - one of six Auckland projects to get the nod.
The “Skypath” runs alongside Auckland Harbour Bridge. Image: NZTA.
Announcing the Bill Environment Minister David Parker promised positive environmental incomes wouldn’t be sacrificed at the expense of speed.
“Extraordinary times sometimes require extraordinary measures, Parker said. “While these projects are being advanced in time, environmental safeguards remain. Part 2 of the Resource Management Act including the recognition of matters of national importance, will continue to apply.
“Furthermore, the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and Treaty Settlement obligations apply to all projects under this Bill.”
Te Ara Tūpuna is a 5m wide path from Petone to Ngauranga in Wellington. Key features include a walking and cycling bridge to link the southern end of the path to Hutt Road and onward to Wellington City. Connections at the northern end of the path to the Petone Esplanade and to the Petone to Melling cycleway. Additional spaces along the route, designed for rest areas, coastal planting, bird habitat, and points for people to access the water. NZTA has called these ‘landings’ or ‘uranga’ – reflecting the name Ngauranga which is derived from from Ngā Ūranga, the landing place of waka.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the 11 projects were chosen because they were “ready to go”. She estimated they could see up to 1200 jobs created.
Once the Bill passes these projects will be referred directly to Expert Consenting Panels chaired by a current or retired Environmental Court judge or senior lawyer, and including relevant local councils and iwi representatives. These panels will be able go greenlight a project within 45 - 70 days, depending on size and complexity, rather than months or years.
WAITOHI/PICTON FERRY TERMINAL LANDSCAPE CONCEPT PLAN. Landscape architects: Wraight & Associates Ltd.
The Bill also opens the way for other projects to be fast tracked, but it’s only temporary. It will repeal itself after two years. Parker hopes to have more long-term changes to consenting rules passed in that time.
Here’s the full list of projects:
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, 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. 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. 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. Number of jobs expected to be 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. Up to 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.