The Fast-track approval of the Hananui Aquaculture Project off Rakiura\/Stewart Island will bring significant benefits to Southland and New Zealand\u2019s economy, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop and Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones say.<\/p>\n
This is the 31st project and the first aquaculture project to be approved through the Fast-track process.<\/p>\n
Ng\u0101i Tahu Seafood Resources Limited lodged its application in November 2025, with approval taking around five months following the appointment of an independent expert panel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Hananui project has taken around seven years to progress. Ng\u0101i Tahu applied for consent under the RMA in 2019, which was later withdrawn. They then reapplied through the COVID-19 Fast-track process in 2020. Subsequently, in August 2023, the application was declined,\u201d says Mr Bishop.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlongside this approval, our planning reforms will further support M\u0101ori commercial aquaculture, including by making it easier for iwi to unlock the potential of Aquaculture Settlement Areas provided for under the M\u0101ori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004, making the process easier, faster and more efficient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Jones says that once Hananui is fully operational, it is projected to produce 14,400 tonnes of salmon per year, generating more than $310 million in sales, and creating 415 to 480 jobs in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is almost as much salmon as was produced by all of New Zealand\u2019s salmon farms in 2025-2026,\u201d Mr Jones says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe global appetite for our king salmon is extremely high, representing a massive opportunity for New Zealand. To take full advantage of it we need to increase supply to meet this demand, and the approval of Hananui is an incredibly positive step in this direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Government has made aquaculture growth a focus, setting a $3 billion annual revenue target for the sector by 2035. A key pillar to achieving this goal identified in our Aquaculture Development Plan is large-scale open-ocean farming such as Hananui.<\/p>\n
\u201cFast-track approval means these projects can proceed sooner, supporting jobs, regional growth, and export earnings, as well as New Zealand’s position as a leader in sustainable seafood production.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notes to editor:<\/p>\n
Fast-track by the numbers:<\/p>\n
31 projects approved by expert panels.
\n16 projects with expert panels appointed.
\n58 projects are currently progressing through the Fast-track process. 28 active substantive and 30 referral applications.
\n65 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
\n149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
\nOn average, it has taken 119 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.<\/p>\n
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 31<\/p>\n
Arataki [Housing\/Land]
\nAshbourne [Housing\/Land
\nAyrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
\nGreen Steel [Infrastructure]
\nHomestead Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nBledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
\nDelmore [Housing\/Land]
\nDowntown Carpark Site Development [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Metropolitan Centre \u2013 Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing\/Land]
\nDrury Quarry Expansion \u2013 Sutton Block [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nHaldon Solar Farm [Renewable energy]
\nHananui Aquaculture Project [Primary Industry]
\nKings Quarry Expansion \u2013 Stages 2 and 3 [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nKaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme [Renewable energy]
\nLake P\u016bkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works [Renewable energy]
\nM\u0101hinerangi Wind Farm [Renewable energy]
\nMaitahi Village [Housing\/Land]
\nMilldale \u2013 Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing\/Land]
\nThe Point Mission Bay [Housing\/Land]
\nPound Road [Housing\/Land]
\nRangitoopuni [Housing\/Land]
\nRyans Road [Housing\/Land]
\nSouthland Wind Farm Project [Renewable energy]
\nState Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus) [Infrastructure]
\nSunfield [Housing\/Land]
\nTekapo Power Scheme \u2013 Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
\nTakitimu North Link \u2013 Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
\nWaihi North [Mining\/Quarrying]
\nWaitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
\nWait\u0101kere District Court \u2013 New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]
\nWellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal [Infrastructure]<\/p>\n
Expert panels have been appointed for: 16<\/p>\n
188 Beaumont Street
\nAlternative to the Brynderwyn Hills
\nAuckland Prison Capacity Increase
\nBendigo-Ophir Gold Project
\nBream Bay Sand Extraction Project
\nCentral and Southern Block Mining Project
\nFoxton Solar Farm
\nHunua Quarry Development
\nMt Iron Junction
\nMt Welcome, Pukerua Bay, Porirua
\nNorthwest Rapid Transit
\nSouthern Link Inland Port
\nStella Passage Development
\nThe Point Solar Farm
\nTwizel Solar Project
\nWaikanae North Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Fast-track approval of the Hananui Aquaculture Proj 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