Explore the modernised Public Works Act with our expert panel! Engage in a lively discussion on how this proposed update transforms infrastructure projects and resolves land acquisition disputes. Our panel will answer your pressing questions, offering insights into new practices and strategies. Don’t miss this chance to get expert answers and practical advice.
Chair:
Simon Pilkinton, Partner, Russell McVeagh
1.15pm to 1.30pm Addressing Real-World Issues in Land Acquisition: A Practical Guide
- Good faith duty on acquirer
- Proper provision of information is critical
- Characteristics unique to the property – minerals / noise/ light
- Complexity of partial acquisitions (including assessing the injurious affection)
- Culture matters
- Emotional challenges for owners and business owners
- Need to continually provide clients with details of all feasible options
- Building trust with all parties
- The need going forward to focus on resolution – Te Ao Mārama/ resolution (mediation/negotiation/binding rulings)
Presented by Adina Thorn, Principal, Thorn Law Ltd
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
1.00pm to 1.15pm Best Practices in Land Acquisition Dispute Resolution
- Communication Strategies for Effective Dialogue: Emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships, including the use of whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) to foster mutual understanding.
- Building Trust: Integrating manaakitanga (hospitality and respect) to create a foundation of trust and respect among all parties.
- Addressing Concerns: Utilizing hui (meetings) to openly discuss and address concerns, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
- Mediation Preparedness - Preparing for mediation by understanding and respecting Tikanga Māori (Māori customs and traditions) to ensure culturally appropriate processes.
- Interest-Based Negotiation and Joint Problem Solving - Applying principles of kotahitanga (unity and collective action) to collaboratively find solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Presented by Bill Rainey, Barrister, Bill Rainey Barristers
1.30pm to 2.00pm Panel Discussion on New Public Works Act
Panellists:
Adina Thorn, Principal, Thorn Law Ltd
Bill Rainey, Barrister, Bill Rainey Barristers
Matthew Ockleston, Partner, Dentons; Public Works Act Specialist
Learning Objectives:
- Grasp the key updates and implications of the modernized Public Works Act.
- Learn practical strategies for effective land acquisition dispute resolution.
- Gain actionable insights from experts on adapting to new practices and overcoming challenges.
Presenters
Simon Pilkinton, Partner, Russell McVeagh
Simon is an environmental and resource management law specialist, with extensive experience in major infrastructure projects and commercial developments. Simon has significant experience advising on resource consent applications, notices of requirement and district and regional planning matters for a wide range of clients including infrastructure providers, network utility operators and commercial developers. Simon’s recent experience also includes assisting a range of clients across New Zealand on Resource Management reform and proposed national policy statements, with a particular focus on major freshwater and biodiversity reforms.
Adina Thorn, Principal, Thorn Law Ltd
Adina has specialist skills in property, construction and commercial litigation. She holds degrees in both Property and Law (Honours) from the University of Auckland. Adina has extensive experience in leaky building and construction disputes, having previously worked for law firms acting for both homeowners and for defendants (including Councils). Adina has expertise in property-related legal issues. Her knowledge of property valuation assists her in ensuring landowners receive appropriate compensation in Public Works Act land compensation disputes. Adina has also been at the forefront of organising and running multi-million-dollar class actions in New Zealand, particularly in the building and construction area.
Matthew Ockleston, Partner, Dentons
Matthew is a partner and Business Unit Leader in Denton’s real estate team. He has over 20 years’ experience, particularly with the Public Works Act, infrastructure projects and public law. As a Public Works Act specialist, Matthew is uniquely positioned to advise government agencies on the property issues associated with large infrastructure projects, in particular the acquisition of land for new roads and the assessment of compensation. He has acted for the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on almost every major State Highway project in the North Island since 2004, including the Waterview Connection, Wellington Northern Corridor, Waikato Expressway and Auckland Northern Corridor Improvements, as well as the NZ$3.4 billion Auckland City Rail Link.
Bill Rainey, Barrister, Bill Rainey Barristers
Living in Nelson, and working nationwide, I provide specialist dispute resolution services to help people resolve their intractable and prolonged disputes. His recent experience includes facilitating complex expert witness conferencing concerning inquiries into large scale developments including motorways, off-shore iron ore mining, wild river conservation. Previously he has been a decision-maker for many varied developments including lake lowering and flood relief for Queenstown (NZ), museum redevelopment in Christchurch (NZ), tourism ventures and sports facilities. He has carried out pro bono work for environmental groups relating to forest conservation, mining in conservation land, petrochemical industrial developments, indigenous and cultural values preservation.
