02/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/26/2024 20:03
We are implementing an ongoing improvements programme for our minerals permitting systems and processes to ensure we are an effective, consistent, and timely regulator.
This Government supports the strategic and responsible development of New Zealand's extensive mineral resources.
In playing our part as a fair, consistent, and timely regulator, we recognise prospective applicants and current permit holders need to know what to expect from us, and what is expected from them.
An improved minerals permitting system means an improved experience and more certainty for planning work programmes. It also means a better managed mineral estate on behalf of New Zealand.
The minerals permit application queue has steadily increased since July 2020, in correlation with the rising price of gold.
In addition to volume, we have identified several bottlenecks in our system for accepting and processing applications. Some relate to our internal systems and processes, and others relate to the quality of the applications we are receiving, both of which ultimately hold up the system.
Over the last year, we have implemented changes to improve our efficiencies. These improvements are already having a positive impact. As at mid-December 2023, there were 265 applications in the minerals queue, down from the peak of 305 in mid-July 2022. This reduction is despite sustained high numbers of applications being received during this period.
We have heard feedback from the sector that our correspondence, documents and website can be confusing and lack plain English.
We are currently reviewing our letters with a view to simplify language and be clearer about why we are writing and any action we require. You will see these changes implemented progressively over this year.
We are rolling out an improvement programme to ensure minerals permit applicants have the resources they need to produce quality applications and meet their legislative obligations.
In the first half of 2024, key deliverables of our improvement programme include:
We will be undertaking targeted consultation as this work develops and encourage the sector to provide robust feedback when there are opportunities.
If you have questions about this work, please contact [email protected]