Land Compensation Lawyers

If your property is likely to be affected by Kiwirail’s North Island Main Trunk Railway Line project, Warwick Wright can assist you.

Warwick Wright is a solicitor specialising in representing private landowners confronted with losing their land or a part of their land because of public works.

Warwick provides competent professional advice to ensure landowners understand and receive their legal entitlement to full compensation under the Public Works Act 1981.

The governing principle of compensation is the award of a monetary equivalent for what has been lost. Compensation is available for the full value of the land, disturbance, damage, business loss and relocation. In addition, the landowner is entitled to reimbursement of all legal and other professional fees.

Warwick will negotiate with Kiwirail, liaise with Auckland Council, and guide you through the processes which can oftentimes be difficult and painful. Warwick’s experience will help to smooth out these processes.

Public Works Act Experts: 30+ Years of Experience

Warwick acts for a wide range of clients from major corporations through to family home owners.

He has had over 30 years of experience. His experience includes public infrastructure works such as:

  • roads, motorways, bus lanes, cycleways,
  • rail, underground rail,
  • parks,
  • schools,
  • hospitals,
  • public utility works such as wastewater.

North Island Main Trunk Railway Line Project

Kiwirail recently formalised their plans to alter the existing North Island Main Trunk line designation. The purported purpose of this alteration is to support the “delivery of works as part of the Wiri to Quay Park Project” by KiwiRail.

However, this proposed alteration will have significant impacts on land adjacent to the existing rail corridor. KiwiRail intends to acquire land both for construction activities and for permanent occupation by rail infrastructure. KiwiRail intends to acquire land near Middlemore Station, Mangere East, Bridge Street/Puhinui Station, Manukau, and Wiri.

If your property is likely to be affected or acquired as part of these works, you have rights under New Zealand law that KiwiRail must respect. You will be entitled to compensation under the Public Works Act. Warwick Wright can help.

The Public Works Act 1981

The Public Works Act 1981 is a statute that gives power to Government Agencies, Local Authorities and Network Utilities to acquire land for public works. Public works include transport, road or rail, parks, schools and other important infrastructure projects.

The Act is designed to protect your rights as the land owner. Your property rights are very important.

When You Should Speak to a Public Works Act Lawyer

As soon as you become aware that your property might be affected by KiwiRail’s project it is vital to seek legal advice. Due process should be followed by KiwiRail; your rights to public works land compensation must be protected. Warwick Wright has many years of expertise and experience in this area.

He can help you receive the fullest compensation under the law. You are entitled to full monetary compensation from the acquiring authority to ensure you are left in the same position as before the acquisition.

Warwick Wright as Principal of Rainey Collins Wright has extensive experience in providing advice and guiding clients through this difficult process from start to finish.

Call Warwick today on 09 379 5828 for a free preliminary discussion on any issues concerning the compulsory acquisition of your land or the Public Works Act – he is more than happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What compensation am I entitled to?

Section 60(1) of the Public Works Act provides that affected landowners are entitled to monetary compensation to ensure they are left in the same position as before the acquisition. Full compensation is available for the full value of the land, disturbance, damage, business loss and relocation.

How much will this cost?

Reasonable legal fees are recoverable from the acquiring authority under the Public Works Act acquisition process. Your legal fees will be invoiced for payment by you on a monthly basis.

When should I see a lawyer?

Ideally, you should seek legal advice as soon as you become aware your property might be affected to ensure that due process is followed by the acquiring authority. However, you can seek legal advice at any part of the process.

Get In Touch!

To book your free 15 minute consultation please give us a call now on 09 379 5828 or fill out the attached contact form. A friendly lawyer will get back to you shortly!