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Legislative bills

Accelerated Land Acquisition Process for Critical Infrastructure Projects Passed in Parliament

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Land Information Minister Chris Penk have announced the passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill, which will streamline land acquisition for critical infrastructure projects. The new process aims to reduce delays and costs associated with infrastructure builds, enabling faster delivery of projects such as transport networks. This development is part of the Government's plan to strengthen public infrastructure and improve outcomes for New Zealand.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accelerated land acquisition process will be available to the Crown, local authorities, and authorized network utility operators for projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act and the Roads of National Significance in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024.
  • Landowners who agree to sell their land before a Notice of Intention is issued will receive an additional premium of 15 percent of their land's value, capped at $150,000.
  • All landowners whose land is acquired under the accelerated process will receive a five percent recognition payment, acknowledging the role their land plays in delivering essential infrastructure, capped at $92,000.
  • Objections to compulsory land acquisition will no longer go through the Environment Court, instead being decided by the Minister for Land Information or the local authority, speeding up resolution.
  • Agencies may choose to use the standard Public Works Act process instead of the accelerated process.
  • Further reforms to the Public Works Act will be introduced later this year, including modernization of the law, improved landowner engagement, and new tools to support disaster recovery.

Statistics:

  • The additional premium for landowners who agree to sell before a Notice of Intention is issued is 15 percent of their land's value, capped at $150,000.
  • The recognition payment for all landowners whose land is acquired under the accelerated process is five percent, capped at $92,000.
  • The number of agencies eligible to use the accelerated critical infrastructure process will be limited to the Crown, local authorities, and authorized network utility operators.

Sources:

  • New Zealand Government
  • Fast-track Approvals Act
  • Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024

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