Former energy minister Simon Watts confirms National’s Electrify NZ policy was formulated with the help of the electricity industry. The ESEG letter said inserting “nationally important infrastructure” into section 6 was “essential” to put renewable energy on an even footing. A permanent fast-track regime and “strong” national policy statements would make a “tangible” difference to consenting, the briefing said. The industry’s lobbying becomes clearer in 2024, borrowing language from the Electrify NZ policy to bolster its case. A “specific code” would allow decision-makers to resolve conflicts between renewable energy projects in areas with significant environmental values.