\u201cMore housing is needed but fast-track housing developments must work in with their communities first and foremost. New Zealand First will ensure that before approvals are granted for housing projects, there will be the necessary roads, pipes, water, wastewater and other essential services approvals first,\u201d the party said in a statement this morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand First backs growth, backs housing, and absolutely backs getting things built. But when we brought the blueprint for fast-track to the Government three years ago, we did not envisage New Zealanders picking up the tab or suffering through developments being approved without adequate infrastructure in place. The cart is being put before the horse, and we will ensure that ends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Housing developers would have to detail what infrastructure they need, whether it exists, is funded and can be delivered.<\/p>\n
Sunset clauses will also be put on consents.<\/p>\n
\u201cA listing for fast-track should not be a perpetual entitlement. If a listed project has not lodged its application by the end of 2028, it will lose its preferential access.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dedicated expert panels would be created for housing, and they wouldd have the power to decline projects if they are not satisfied the required infrastructure will be in place, NZ First says.<\/p>\n
The existing panels do already have the power to decline projects based on a lack of infrastructure.<\/p>\n
They also place a range of conditions on consents, including the provision of infrastructure, including building roads, water plants and traffic management.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters this morning, National leader Christopher Luxon described NZ First\u2019s policy announcement as \u201cquite bizarre\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is actually law and they were in the room when it happened … I\u2019m not quite sure what they\u2019re banging on about today.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was backed up by National\u2019s RMA reform spokesman Chris Bishop, who stated: \u201cNew Zealand First have literally announced the existing law.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pair then shared a chuckle with Luxon adding, \u201cBut they\u2019re lovely people, good on them, giving it a go, announcing something that\u2019s already law, it\u2019s cracker.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christopher Luxon, Chris Bishop, Wayne Brown and Simon Watts at the Auckland Deal signing. Photo \/ Michael Craig\/NZME<\/p>\n
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was quick to bite back.<\/p>\n
In a lengthy post on social media website X he said: \u201cThe National Party is wrong that our fast-track announcement we made this morning is already in the existing legislation\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there have been changes made through the Infrastructure Financing regime, that doesn\u2019t properly deal with the core problem: projects can be pushed through before the infrastructure has been proven, funded, and deliverable. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is ambulance at the bottom of the cliff thinking and it is not good enough. We think the fast-track test needs to be much clearer. Decision-makers should know upfront whether the roads, water, wastewater and transport links exist, who is paying for them, and when they will be available. If that cannot be shown, specialist housing panels should be able to decline the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cOtherwise, New Zealanders are still left carrying the risk and ultimately the cost after the approval has been granted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bishop has made changes to the law<\/a> to require developers to pay councils more in development fees.<\/p>\n