Nearly six months into the government's new Fast-track Approvals system, over 50 major infrastructure and housing projects are already moving swiftly through the process, promising to unlock billions in economic growth and thousands of jobs across New Zealand.

The Fast-track Approvals Act, introduced by the National-NZ First coalition government and operational since 7 February, aims to bypass bureaucratic hurdles traditionally seen under the Resource Management Act.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say the scheme is on track, with eight projects before expert panels expecting decisions by mid-September.

Local interest is building, with Milldale's residential development already before an expert panel.

Nearby, Auckland Surf Park in Dairy Flat is another significant local development progressing through the Fast-track pipeline, now set to lodge its full application.

Minister Bishop highlighted recent referrals including Stage 2 of Auckland Surf Park, combining residential living, retail, and even an AI data centre, as evidence of the scheme's value.

For Coasties, faster approvals mean quicker community benefits, from housing and infrastructure improvements to local job creation.

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