The Government’s ‘Going for Growth’ programme needs infrastructure projects to proceed at an accelerated pace. The Government has publicly stated that infrastructure projects are currently delayed, citing complex and drawn-out processes for acquiring the necessary land as a key barrier. 

Over the past month, Hon Chris Penk, the Minister for Land Information New Zealand, has announced a number of changes to (but not a full overhaul of) the Public Works Act 1981. The changes will be implemented in (at least) two stages: the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Bill will be released for public consultation in May 2025, and another amendment bill will be introduced to the House shortly thereafter (with public consultation to follow).

In our Regulatory Reform Guide: Public Works Act 1981 we consider if the Government has struck the Goldilocks balance to support its ‘Going for Growth’ programme, or if the changes go too far — or perhaps not far enough.

If you would like to talk in more detail about the reform, or have any questions about the land acquisition regime (including any projects you are involved in or acquisitions you are facing), please get in touch with one of our experts.