Blog
Access under the Public Works Act 1981 Entry Prior to acquisition of land under the Public Works Act it is usual practice for the intended acquirer to carry out at least a land survey and testing/investigation of the land. It does so under powers set out in ss110 to 112 of the PWA. Basically, owners cannot object to a land survey provided reasonable notice is given, however, they can object to more invasive surveys and land testing/inspection and a District Court can then decide what is reasonable and necessary. Land survey For a survey of the land under s110 the Minister or local authority shall, where practicable, give reasonable […]
Based on communications on 1 December 2025. Intent is to complete design, planning, Geotech and environmental work this year Below is the current map. The intent is to narrow the footprint of the broken yellow lines by the end of February 2026. People will know by Feb/March 2026 whether they are in or out NZTA will apply for consents March 2026. Then land requirement plan, Panel decision by end of 2026. Can do voluntary agreements about acquisition from March 2026 Warkworth to Te Hana is funded and build contract next year. 90% of land required is acquired.
If you receive a letter from NZTA about your land being affected by the Northland Corridor get expert legal advice now and start negotiating with NZTA now. NZTA pays all costs direct, so it costs the landowner nothing.. You can also access extra incentive payments up to $242,000. The early bird gets the worm. The Northland Corridor is a 100 km stretch of highway connecting Auckland to Northland. It comprises three roads defined as roads of national significance – Warkworth to Te Hana, Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei. NZTA is contacting landowners in the preferred route and arranging individual meetings with impacted landowners […]
After the January/February 2023 weather events Auckland Council created a process/policy of property categorisation to enable the buyout of properties that had intolerable risk to life in future events with 1% AEP. These are known as category 3 properties. There are/were specific criteria. I have commenced judicial review proceedings against the Auckland Council for its categorisation of a Huapai property as category 1 when it ought to have been category 3. It is virtually the only house left on the street as neighbouring houses are category 3. Looks like the Council have used incorrect facts for assessment, changed their criteria part way through assessment without an evidential basis to save […]
Here is a link to an article by Andrea Vance of the Post. It is about a Wellington Council drinking water pipe that burst causing landslides and damage to 2 properties in Wadestown. The pipe was known to be in poor condition and had previous issues. The cost to fix the damage is north of $600k. The article contains my view about Council liability.
