Public works rules are updated
Rules for public works, land surveys, and infrastructure projects change.
Public Works Amendment Act 2026 · Starts 23 Oct 2026
What's changing
- Landowners must receive information and an invitation to sell before land can usually be taken for public works.
- Public Works Act notices may be sent to a person’s last known email address.
- Landowners may receive a 10% early-agreement payment, between $5,000 and $100,000, when eligible.
- New processes support land acquisition for Transpower works, connected projects, and emergency recovery.
- Some public notices can be published online instead of in newspapers or on affected land.
Who's affected
Landowners, Māori freehold landowners, the Crown, local authorities, Transpower, and organisations delivering public works may be affected.
When
The Act passed on 25 September 2026; most changes start 28 days after formal approval, while parts covering emergency recovery and some Māori land rules start the following day.
What you might need to do
- If you own affected land, read any invitation to sell and information about the proposed public work.
- Keep your postal and electronic contact details up to date with the relevant authority.
- If you are negotiating a sale, check whether the agreement records full and final compensation or preserves your right to have compensation decided.
Background
The government says the Public Works Act processes are lengthy and complex and that targeted changes would make land acquisition, objections, and compensation clearer and more efficient. It also says the changes would support infrastructure delivery, emergency recovery, and fairer compensation.