The panel includes the chair of a firm's Wellington management board, a trust's chief exec and a group GC
An independent expert advisory panel comprising some of the profession’s top lawyers has been established by the chief executive of Land Information New Zealand for the purpose of reviewing the Public Works Act.
Minister for Land Information Chris Penk explained that the Act is designed to simply the process of building infrastructure, and is “a critical piece of legislation that enables the Crown to deliver projects that provide wide public benefit, such as water services, schools, roads, and disaster resilience”.
“The short, sharp review demonstrates the government’s commitment to progressing critical infrastructure projects and reducing excessive regulatory and legislative barriers, so we can get on with rebuilding the economy", he said. “The panel members are highly experienced professionals with decades of experience dealing with the Public Works Act. They have been tasked with providing practical recommendations for modernising the Act so that it is clearer, more efficient, and more effective”.
Charlotte von Dadelszen, who chairs Buddle Findlay’s Wellington management board, has been tasked with leading the panel. She is joined by the following:
- Spencer Webster - barrister and Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore Trust chief executive
- James Clareburt – The Property Group group GC
- Paul Cassin - Barrister, solicitor and Land Compensation Consultants director
- Pat Dougherty - Engineering NZ chartered member and Wellington Water director
The panel members bring diverse experience with matters involving land acquisition and disposals, infrastructure asset management, engineering, treaty negotiations, and local government. Their experience covers both the public and private sectors.
“The review will balance the public benefit of quicker infrastructure delivery while ensuring property rights and natural justice are maintained”, Penk said. “I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations, with a view to introducing legislation to give effect to proposed changes by mid-2025".
The government announced its intent to modernise the Act last month.
