The Government is modernising the Public Works Act with new reforms.
Land Information Minister Chris Penk has announced the final stage of reforms, introducing bigger and broader land payments, improved landowner engagement and new measures to support disaster recovery. The changes aim to bring the 1865 Act into the 21st century after an independent review found it lacked clarity and commonsense.
Key reforms include incentive payments for early agreements on land acquisition, increased home-loss and land-loss payments, a streamlined objections process, and improved landowner engagement before compulsory acquisition. Emergency provisions will also allow for swift action in declared states of emergency to support infrastructure restoration and community recovery.
The Public Works Act Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament in mid-2025, with the public invited to provide feedback through the select committee process. The reforms aim to fix difficulties that have seen central and local governments struggle to secure land for development, while protecting landowners' rights and ensuring the Crown and local authorities can deliver for New Zealanders.