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Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Fast-track approvals process - Panel consideration of substantive application - Suspension of processing substantive application

62: Panel convener may direct suspension in processing substantive application

You could also call this:

"The person in charge can stop your project application from being processed if you need other approvals."

Illustration for Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The panel convener can tell the EPA to stop processing your application. They can do this if they think you need other approvals for your project. The EPA must then tell you and others about this decision. You will get a notice with the reasons for the decision. The panel and some other people must stop working on your application when they get this notice. The notice will include a copy of the direction and reasons from the panel convener. The panel convener can make this decision at any time after you have given them your application. They must give the EPA a written direction with reasons for their decision. This helps make sure everyone knows what is happening with your application.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=LMS969216.

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61: EPA may direct suspension in processing substantive application, or

"The EPA can pause your application if you haven't paid their costs, and will restart it when you pay."

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63: Resumption in processing substantive application following suspension under section 62, or

"When your application is stopped, it can be started again and processed according to the rules."

Part 2Fast-track approvals process
Panel consideration of substantive application: Suspension of processing substantive application

62Panel convener may direct suspension in processing substantive application

  1. The panel convener may, at any time after a substantive application has been provided to a panel, give a written direction, with reasons, to the EPA that processing of the application be suspended.

  2. The panel convener may give a direction under subsection (1) if the panel convener considers that—

  3. different or further approvals are required in respect of the project; and
    1. those approvals relate to the same specified Act as an approval that is sought in the substantive application; and
      1. the nature of the project would be better understood if the substantive application were amended to seek those approvals before the panel proceeds further.

        1. If the EPA receives a direction from the panel convener under subsection (1), the EPA must, within 5 working days after receiving the direction, give notice of the direction to—

        2. the panel; and
          1. the relevant local authorities; and
            1. the applicant; and
              1. if advice or a report has been requested from a person under section 51 and is yet to be provided to the EPA, that person; and
                1. if a recommendation has been requested from the relevant chief executive under section 48 and is yet to be made, the relevant chief executive; and
                  1. if persons or groups have been invited to provide comments under section 35 or 53, those persons or groups.

                    1. A notice under subsection (3) must include a copy of the direction and reasons received from the panel convener by the EPA.

                    2. The panel and a person referred to in subsection (3)(d) or (e) must suspend processing of the substantive application if they receive a notice under subsection (3).

                    Compare
                    Notes
                    • Section 62 heading: amended, on , by section 32(1) of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 78).
                    • Section 62(1): amended, on , by section 32(2) of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 78).
                    • Section 62(2): amended, on , by section 32(2) of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 78).
                    • Section 62(3): amended, on , by section 32(2) of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 78).
                    • Section 62(4): amended, on , by section 32(2) of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 78).