NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) acquires property interests (land and/or property rights) to enable the construction of transport projects.
The property interest acquired is generally the freehold or leasehold title. Other interests obtained may include air or strata rights, spoil disposal, easements, licences for temporary entry or survey access.
We have regionally based acquisition managers who manage the regional acquisition programmes. Key areas of focus are:
The formal aspects of the acquisition process take place in accordance with the Public Works Act 1981.
The Public Works Act 1981 sets out the timelines and notices required for the acquisition process, It also covers the extent of compensation payable for the acquisition of property interests.
Acquisition negotiations can only be undertaken by specialists accredited by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). The accredited specialists undertake a range of functions as required by Waka Kotahi including aspects of some or all of the “Key areas of focus” mentioned above.
LINZ ultimately validates each acquisition including the levels of compensation payable to each landowner. The NZTA Board (or the appropriate delegated authority holder) must also approve each transaction.
