COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020

This Act aims at enabling an economic and social recovery from the COVID-19-induced crisis, through a promotion of employment and investments, while committing to sustainable management. It implements a fast-track consenting process of state support to specific projects including those that 1) contribute to New Zealand’s efforts to mitigate climate change and transition more quickly to a low-emissions economy, or 2) strengthen environmental, economic, and social resilience, in terms of managing the risks from natural hazards and the effects of climate change (article 19). 

Article 20 states that applications for referral must include a description of whether and how the project would be affected by climate change and natural hazards. 

Projects listed in the document notably relate to buildings and transport infrastructure.