The cost of consenting infrastructure projects in New Zealand

These costs of getting a consent have a greater effect on smaller projects.

This research is to help guide input into a National Planning Framework, which is part of the new resource management system to replace the RMA.

Key findings

• Consenting costs are 5.5% of the total costs of an average infrastructure project.
• For smaller projects – worth less than $200,000 – consenting averages 16% of a project’s costs. Typically, smaller projects are maintenance activities such as renewing water pipes, adding a new classroom to a school, upgrading cell towers or replacing a culvert under a road.
• The proportionately higher spend on smaller projects is significant, as much of New Zealand’s infrastructure is small networks and sites that deliver critical services to communities. This also suggests that smaller communities and councils can be particularly impacted by accumulated, small project consenting costs.