Modernising the Public Works Act
New Zealand’s Public Works Act has been modernised to streamline land acquisition for infrastructure, introducing faster processes and improved compensation for landowners.
The Public Works Amendment Bill passed its third reading in Parliament, updating legislation last revised in 1988 to better align with current infrastructure development needs. Minister for Land Information Hon Mike Butterick stated the existing Act’s processes were overly complex, causing delays and increased costs for both government and landowners. The amendments aim to reduce uncertainty while maintaining protections for those affected by land acquisition for public works projects.
Key changes include a new 10% incentive payment for landowners who agree to sell early, alongside increased compensation recognising disruption caused by compulsory acquisition. The law also introduces streamlined objection processes focused solely on the land being taken, rather than broader project disputes, to improve efficiency.
The amendments enable coordinated land acquisition for connected projects, allowing multiple agencies to work under a single process instead of running separate procedures. This change is intended to reduce duplication and accelerate infrastructure delivery across New Zealand.
Emergency recovery processes have been expedited under the updated law, providing a faster pathway for land acquisition while still safeguarding landowner interests. The changes reflect feedback from the Select Committee process, with Mr Butterick acknowledging contributions from stakeholders involved in shaping the legislation.