15 May 2025
Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Bill — Hits Parliament
This week, the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament, aiming to streamline land acquisition for a select group of critical infrastructure projects across New Zealand. The Bill can be read here:
✅ Applies only to projects listed in the new Schedule 2A, including major transport, rail, and resilience developments.
✅ Faster acquisition process—landowners can no longer object to the Environment Court if their land being taken but will retain the right to make a submission to the acquiring authority or request a judicial review
✅ Significant financial incentives—landowners who sign agreements early (prior to section 23 notices being registered) could receive up to 20% of their land’s value (capped at $242,000).
✅ Protected Māori land is excluded from the accelerated process but remains eligible for recognition and incentive payments where required for these projects.
✅ Land must be designated in district plans prior to acquisition and I'm assuming that the proposed process which removes the right of objection assumes that landowners who oppose the projects will still be able to object to the Environment Court under the RMA designation process.
