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A controversial 1,200-home development on the outskirts of Ōrewa has been granted fast-track approval, despite Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown saying the decision makes a “mockery” of the fast-track process.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the Delmore residential development had been granted fast-track approval, making it the 30th project approved through the process and the 11th in Auckland.
Vineway Limited lodged its application in January 2026, with approval taking around five months from the appointment of an independent expert panel.
The 61-hectare development will include more than 1,200 homes, a commercial area, two neighbourhood parks, protected ecological areas and a new State Highway 1 interchange.
Bishop said an independent expert panel found the project would deliver significant regional benefits and granted approval subject to a comprehensive set of conditions.
He said the development was expected to contribute $1.22 billion to the local economy over 25 years, while supporting ecological restoration through the management of about 44 hectares of indigenous vegetation and the creation of new wetland environments.
What about the water?
The development has been the subject of significant controversy, with Auckland Council raising concerns about its location, pressure on infrastructure and the potential financial burden on ratepayers.
Watercare had said it could not connect Delmore to public infrastructure until at least 2033, meaning the development would rely on private water and wastewater services.
Treated wastewater would be trucked north from Ōrewa to Whangārei’s Kioreroa Road treatment plant, with tankers travelling over the Brynderwyn Hills.
Northland Green MP Hūhana Lyndon told Local Democracy Reporting she was concerned about the precedent of trucking wastewater from a private Auckland development to Northland.
“It’s really worrying. Do we want Tai Tokerau to become the dumping ground for Auckland’s wastewater and septic?” she said.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told the NZ Herald the decision to green-light the development makes a “mockery” of the fast-track law and should be abandoned.
“I’m just going to appeal to the Government and say, ‘This is beyond stupid. You’ve got it wrong’,” he said.
Bishop said the provision of water and wastewater services was a key issue considered during the fast track assessment.
“The panel noted that recent amendments to the Fast-track Approvals Act allows for conditions to be imposed that will recognise infrastructure solutions that are adequate to support projects.”
He said water and wastewater servicing remained a key issue, given constraints on Auckland’s existing public infrastructure.
“The applicant has proposed privately providing water supply and wastewater services through facilities designed to meet the development’s needs and allow for future expansion.
“For the first stage of the development, wastewater will be treated and discharged on site, with treated wastewater transported off site during summer periods when necessary.
“Before the second stage of the development can proceed, the applicant will be required to obtain further approvals for a long-term wastewater solution, including on-site disposal, continued transport off site, or connection to the public network if capacity becomes available.”
Bishop said the panel concluded the proposed wastewater treatment and disposal system is technically feasible, can meet the needs of future residents and community facilities, and will appropriately manage off-site effects through the consent conditions.
