Waikato-Tainui iwi's commercial arm wants the first part of its planned inland freight port near Hamilton fast-tracked.
Tainui Group Holdings has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency to start the process for the project at Ruakura on the outskirts of the city.
An application for the nearly 400-hectare site is included in the Hamilton City Council's proposed district plan which is yet to come into force.
Tainui Group Holdings said on Monday it is growing frustrated by delays and believes the project is important for the region and New Zealand.
It said the project has national significance due to the economic benefits it will bring.
If the agency agrees to review the proposal, it can then make a recommendation to the Minister for the Environment on whether it should be referred to a board of inquiry. The minister makes the final decision.
