Source: New Zealand Government
One of Auckland’s largest new housing developments, the Sunfield Masterplanned Community has been approved through Fast-track says Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.
Winton Land Limited submitted its application on 3 April 2025 to develop the ‘Masterplanned’ community to provide around 3,854 new homes, a 7.5‑hectare town centre, retail and healthcare services, three retirement villages, and extensive parks, reserves and green links.
“The Sunfield development is projected to be deliver up to $3.2 billion to the economy, support approximately 24,700 jobs during the 10–15‑year build‑out period, and around 9,800 permanent jobs once the community is fully established.” Mr Jones says.
Approval for this project has taken 10 months following the commencement of the expert panel process which included approximately four months of suspension.
“Applicants can request a suspension from the expert panel to do things such as collate information required for the panel’s process, this demonstrates the flexibility built into the Fast-track system.” Mr Jones says.
Concerns were raised about whether existing infrastructure like roads, water supply and sewage systems would be able to support the new homes this project would deliver. The expert panel found those concerns could be addressed through development design and by meeting the conditions of consent.
“These conditions ensure that growth pays for growth by ensuring the future development pays for its own infrastructure needs,” Mr Jones says.
“This is a major win for housing supply, jobs and growth in Auckland. Fast-track is doing exactly what it was set up to do, getting big projects moving sooner.” Mr Jones says.
This is the seventh housing project to be approved through Fast‑track and the fourth approval in the Auckland region.
Notes to editor:
For more information about the project: Sunfield
Fast-track by the numbers:
- 12 projects approved by expert panels.
- 19 projects with expert panels appointed.
- 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
- 47 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
- 32 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
- On average, it has taken 128 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.
Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:
- Sunfield [Housing/Land]
- Arataki [Housing/Land]
- Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
- Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
- Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
- Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
- Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
- Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
- Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
- Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
- Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
- Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
Expert panels have been appointed for:
- Ashbourne
- Ayrburn Screen Hub
- Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
- Green Steel
- Haldon Solar Farm
- Hananui Aquaculture Project
- Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
- Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
- Mahinerangi Wind Farm
- Pound Road Industrial Development
- Ryans Road Industrial Development
- Southland Wind Farm Project
- Stella Passage Development
- Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
- The Point Mission Bay
- The Point Solar Farm
- Waitaha Hydro
- Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
- Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal
