Financial incentives are being offered to landowners for a quick sale in an effort to speed up major infrastructure projects under the Government’s planned “overhaul” of the Public Works Act.
An incentive payment of 15% of the land value, capped at $150,000 will be offered to those who sell voluntarily before a notice of intention is issued, while a 5% payment, capped at $92,000, is in recognition of participating in an accelerated process.
The changes will also see landowners who don’t want their land acquired for public works object to Land Information Minister Chris Penk directly, rather than through the Environment Court.
“Public infrastructure projects up and down the country are often held up for years by overly complex, drawn-out processes for purchasing the land needed,” Penk said.
“This has meant that projects which would provide massive benefits for communities end up stalled, with the only action happening in courtrooms.”
The Government would make changes to the Public Works Act over the next months to “accelerate” acquisition of land needed to build the 17 Roads of National Significance and the 149 projects listed in the Fast Track Approvals Act.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said the overhaul would “tear down roadblocks” and get major infrastructure projects underway faster.
“Basically, as a country, we’ve accepted too many reasons to say no. The result has been long, drawn-out legal battles over land acquisitions that have cost time, money and livelihoods. All New Zealanders deserve better – not only those who will benefit from a project, but also the people whose land is needed for it.”
Owners of protected Māori land would gain the benefit of the payments but retain the right to object to the Environment Court.
The proposal supports the National-NZ First Coalition Agreement to prioritise strategic infrastructure and simplify the planning system.
A draft Bill was expected to be introduced to Parliament in May with the public to provide feedback through select committee.
