The process is limited to infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefits. It involves all relevant authorities – but only as submitters, not decision makers.
The Minister for Infrastructure decides if projects are eligible for referral to the Fast-track pathway.
If so, the applicant can lodge a substantive application. Expert panels then consider applications before determining whether projects are approved or declined. Decisions can be appealed on points of law to the High Court.
As of February, the fast-track process was taking an average of 128 days for decisions to be made on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
The golf course is believed to have been purchased for around $7 million and industry-led estimates suggest a residential rezoning could increase that value to around $400m.
Among the opposition to the course’s proposed conversion is cricketing great Sir Richard Hadlee, a long-time resident and first official member of the Pegasus Golf Club. Local member of Parliament for Waimakariri, Matt Doocey, has also publicly opposed the developer’s plans.