Public Works Act Compensation Valuations

Independent valuation advice for homeowners affected by compulsory land acquisition

If the Crown, a local authority, or a network utility operator (such as NZTA or KiwiRail) is acquiring part or all of your property under the Public Works Act 1981, you are entitled to fair compensation. Many homeowners aren’t aware they can, and should, obtain their own independent valuation, separate from any valuation the acquiring authority commissions.

Terra Valuations provides clear, independent valuation advice for residential and lifestyle property owners across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki regions.

What Is the Public Works Act?

The Public Works Act 1981 gives the Crown and local authorities the power to acquire private land for public projects, e.g. roads, schools, or utility networks. If your property is affected, the Act requires that you be compensated fairly, based on registered, independent valuation evidence. The acquiring authority will usually commission its own valuation, but you’re entitled to obtain your own independent registered valuation as well, and in many cases the reasonable cost of doing so is recoverable.

Why You Need an Independent Valuer

The acquiring authority will usually commission its own valuation, but you’re entitled to obtain your own independent registered valuation as well, and in many cases the reasonable cost of doing so is recoverable.

Having your own valuer ensures:

  • An accurate, unbiased assessment of your land and improvements
  • Clear breakdown of each compensation component
  • Local market evidence specific to your area, not generic figures
  • Support for negotiations with the acquiring authority, or evidence for the Land Valuation Tribunal if needed

What Compensation Can Cover

Compensation under the Act isn’t limited to the value of the land taken. Depending on your circumstances, it can also include:

  • Land taken — the market value of the land acquired
  • Injurious affection — the reduction in value to your remaining land as a result of the works
  • Temporary occupation — payment for land used temporarily during construction
  • Disturbance costs — reasonable costs directly caused by the acquisition, such as legal or relocation costs

Our Process

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss your situation and the notice you’ve received.

2. Property Inspection

A full inspection of your home or lifestyle property.

3. Assessment

We assess market value, injurious affection, and other applicable compensation.

4. Independent Report

A clear, well-supported report you can use in your discussions with the acquiring authority.

Service Areas

Auckland, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty (Waihi Beach, Omokoroa, Katikati), Thames-Coromandel (Thames, Whangamatā, Pauanui, Tairua), and Hauraki (Ngātea, Paeroa, Waihi).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to get my own valuation, or can I just rely on the authority’s valuer?

You’re entitled to obtain your own independent valuation, and the reasonable cost of doing so is often recoverable as part of your compensation. An independent valuer works for you, not the acquiring authority.

2. What types of properties do you value?

We specialise in residential and lifestyle property compensation valuations across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki.

3. Can you value just part of my property, if only part is being acquired?

Yes. Partial acquisitions are common under the Public Works Act, and we regularly assess the impact on the value of the remaining land (injurious affection) as well as the land taken.

4. What if I disagree with the compensation being offered?

An independent valuation gives you evidence to support your position in negotiations, and if necessary, in proceedings before the Land Valuation Tribunal.

Why Terra Valuations?

Independent, registered valuer — not engaged or influenced by the acquiring authority

Specialist in residential and lifestyle property compensation valuations across Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki

Clear, evidence-based reports suitable for negotiation or tribunal use

Straightforward communication throughout what can be a stressful process

Ready to Talk About Your Situation?

If you've received a notice under the Public Works Act, don't wait until the process is underway. Early independent advice puts you in a stronger position.

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