Land Compensation

New Zealand is actively spending billions of dollars of taxpayer and ratepayer funds on the construction of a range of much needed Public Work Infrastructure Projects. Works include national highways, underground railways, earthquake rebuilding and irrigation schemes. Integral to Central and Local Government agencies undertaking such developments is the acquisition of large areas of privately owned land, buildings, improvements and there is often associated business disruption, closure and relocation.

If your land, business or buildings are impacted by, or taken for a public infrastructure construction project, we can advise and assist you with negotiations to seek the maximum compensation available under current law.

Public projects, particularly transport corridors because of their length, often impact on a range of owners and their properties including, residential, commercial and rural landholdings and businesses. Often the first knowledge a landowner will have that their property may be taken is a letter from the requiring authority, Council or Government Agency. If you receive a letter you should contact us for some preliminary advice and assistance.

You will be entitled to full compensation for land taken and associated losses under section 60 of the Public Works Act 1981 and there are a range of compensation payments under part 5 of the Act which we can negotiate on your behalf.

We will assemble and manage a team of experts to support your compensation claim including valuers, surveyors and environmental consultants. We will always negotiate hard for your legal entitlements and if necessary will assist you with claims to the Land Valuation Tribunal or before a mediator or arbitrator.

At all times we will try to ensure (to the fullest extent possible under the law) that your reasonable legal, valuation and other consultant costs are reimbursed as part of any final compensation package. These fees should be refunded to you by the government agency that acquires your property under Section 66 of the Act.

When your property is placed under a designation for a land requirement or you receive a public works acquisition notice, we can guide you through the legal options, objection and appeal procedures and advise on financial recompense. This includes negotiations for business relocation and reinstatement.

We will strongly advocate on your behalf  with the multiple government appointed valuation, property, engineering, legal and environmental consultants that are engaged by the Crown to pursue these projects. Our number one aim in doing so is to ensure your property and compensation rights are acknowledged and protected by the government and maximum compensation entitlements are paid to you and or your business.

For expert assistance in these Land Compensation Claim matters contact our Public Works and Infrastructure Partner, Phil Shannon. Phil has represented landowners on many of New Zealand's largest land acquisition and compensation projects, including the Kapiti Expressway, Wellington City Motorway upgrades, City Rail Link, Christchurch CBD Earthquake Rebuild and the new Dunedin Hospital project. He is skilled at navigating clients through what can be a difficult process with a positive outcome.