Urban Development News from the media | 11 March 2025 | Faster, fairer land acquisition to speed up infrastructure delivery

Faster, fairer land acquisition to speed up infrastructure delivery

The Government will get major infrastructure projects underway faster by speeding up land acquisition and delivering fairer payments for landowners, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Land Information Minister Chris Penk say. 

“The Government is committed to a strong pipeline of critical infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and productivity. While the wider Public Works Act (PWA) overhaul is continuing and on track to be completed by early next year, today we’re announcing some immediate action,” Mr Penk says.

“In the coming months, we’ll be amending the PWA to accelerate the acquisition of land needed for the public projects that are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, and the Roads of National Significance listed in the Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024. It is intended that amendments will come into force six months before wider PWA review amendments.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/faster-fairer-land-acquisition-speed-infrastructure-delivery

Time of use charging Bill passes first reading

A Bill to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and help boost economic growth and productivity on our busiest roads has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“Being stuck in traffic is a waste of time and money. In any given peak hour traffic jam there are people stressed about running late for work, parents trying to get the kids to school on time, couriers and truckies getting frustrated as their runs get further and further behind time, and tradies losing money because they can’t get to as many jobs on time,” Mr Bishop says.

“Congestion is a tax on time and productivity, and New Zealanders are very over having to pay it.
“A report released by Auckland Council today shows that by 2026, traffic congestion will cost Auckland $2.6 billion per year, and that Aucklanders already sit in traffic for 29 million hours per year, which averages out to 17 lost and wasted hours per Aucklander. 

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/time-use-charging-bill-passes-first-reading

Auckland Annual Plan open now for public feedback

Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 is open for public consultation, as the council invites all Aucklanders to have their say on its investment and services for the year ahead.

The consultation also includes an opportunity to give feedback on the funding of events and destination marketing, and the priorities of local boards.

The proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 focuses on delivering the second year of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. Consultation runs from 28 February-28 March 2025.

Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s important Aucklanders have their say.

“Council is here to serve Auckland ratepayers, and the Annual Plan is an opportunity for Aucklanders to speak up and have their say on what the council is focused on,” says Mayor Brown.  

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/02/auckland-council-s-annual-plan-open-now-for-public-feedback/

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