Tekapo power scheme becomes first renewable project approved under ‘fast-track law’

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have hailed the approval of Genesis Energy’s Tekapo power scheme as the first renewable energy project to gain consent under the Fast-track Approvals Act.

Genesis lodged its application in April 2025 to continue operating and maintaining the Tekapo A and B power stations, substations, and canal system.

Bishop said the decision demonstrated the efficiency of the new process, noting the application took just 80 days for approval once a panel was appointed, compared with lengthy Resource Management Act delays. He said the Tekapo consent follows other fast-tracked projects, including the Port of Auckland expansion, Maitahi Village in Nelson, and Auckland’s Milldale development.

Jones called the decision a clear example of the Act working as intended, cutting red tape for vital infrastructure. He said the Tekapo scheme powers more than 228,000 Canterbury homes and supports grid reliability.

“There is absolutely no reason why such important projects should stay tangled up in bureaucratic nonsense,” he said, adding that further fast-tracked developments would boost jobs, regional prosperity, and economic growth. The ministers said legislative changes are being prepared to make the fast-track process even faster and more efficient.