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

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed the first renewable energy consent granted under the Fast-track Approvals Act, confirming approval for Genesis Energy’s Tekapo power scheme.

Genesis Energy Limited lodged an application in April 2025 to continue operating and maintaining the Tekapo power scheme, which includes Tekapo A and B power stations and substations, and the canal system.  

“Genesis Energy initially applied for a standard RMA resource consent in July 2023. A year into the process, Genesis indicated that further delays were likely due to the council hearing process and the potential for appeals. Genesis then applied for fast-track on April 2025, with the process taking just 80 days once a panel was appointed,” Bishop says.

“Today’s approval follows the approval of the Port of Auckland expansion, Maitahi Village development in Nelson, and the Milldale development in Auckland. I’m pleased to see the system delivering approvals in key areas and giving the large infrastructure projects New Zealand needs certainty,” he says.

Jones says the Tekapo decision shows the law working as intended.

“The Tekapo power scheme generates enough clean electricity to power more than 228,000 Canterbury households, and it plays a vital role in keeping our grid reliable.

“There is absolutely no reason why such important projects should stay tangled up in red tape and economic progress should be constricted by bureaucratic nonsense.

“I’m looking forward to more applications going through the fast-track process to create jobs, regional prosperity and much-needed economic growth for New Zealand,” Jones says.

The ministers say legislative changes are being prepared to further speed up the regime, address problem areas and get projects under way faster.

Process and next steps

Genesis Energy Limited lodged its fast-track application on April 11. Panel convener Jane Borthwick appointed an expert panel that commenced on July 14. A draft decision was issued on October 6. The panel’s final decision can be appealed to the High Court on a question of law. Panels decide whether to approve or refuse consents and what conditions to impose.

Fast-track programme to date

The Fast-track Approvals Act lists 149 projects that, since February 7, 2025, have been eligible to apply for expert-panel consideration. Projects not listed can also seek referral into the process.

Projects approved by expert panels so far include:

• Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension (infrastructure)
• Maitahi Village (housing)
• Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 (housing)
• Tekapo Power Scheme (renewable energy)