Topic

Land use

This page contains different parts of laws about Land use, within the topic of Housing and property.

Related Plain Language Law

Conservation Act 1987

How long you can have a concession for, like a lease or permit, on public land

17Z: Term of concession

Conservation Act 1987

The government keeps a 20-metre strip of land next to water for the country to protect the environment.

24: Marginal strips reserved

Conservation Act 1987

The government can make a special area of land along a river or lake wider to help keep it valuable and accessible.

24AA: Power to increase width of marginal strip

Conservation Act 1987

The government keeps a record of special areas along rivers and lakes, called marginal strips, when land is sold.

24D: Reservation of marginal strips to be recorded

Conservation Act 1987

Crown keeps part of river bed next to former Crown land

24F: Right of Crown to half of bed of river adjoining former land of the Crown

Conservation Act 1987

Looking after land beside rivers, lakes, and coastlines

24H: Management of marginal strips

Conservation Act 1987

A covenant is a promise to protect land for conservation that stays with the land forever.

27: Covenants

Conservation Act 1987

Update land records when its status changes.

50: Changes of status of land to be noted

Conservation Act 1987

Who owns conservation land: getting a record of title

60F: Record of title in respect of conservation areas

Conservation Act 1987

What happens to existing leases and licences when a conservation area is created

64: Existing leases, licences, etc

Conservation Act 1987

Swapping land with the government: a simpler process if you have an agreement

64A: Agreed exchanges to proceed

Local Government Act 2002

The law explains how the government must follow some parts of the Local Government Act 2002

8: Act binds the Crown

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for creating a plan about how new buildings help pay for community stuff

106: Policy on development contributions or financial contributions

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for giving people a break on their property taxes

109: Rates remission policy

Local Government Act 2002

Rules about special property owned by local councils

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for keeping and using special gifts of land given to local councils

140: Restrictions on disposal of endowment property

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for selling or trading special property given to local councils

141: Conditions applying to sale or exchange of endowment property

Local Government Act 2002

This part explains what city and town councils can do to look after your area

143: Outline of Part

Local Government Act 2002

Council can remove things built against the rules and make you pay

163: Removal of works in breach of bylaws

Local Government Act 2002

Council can sell or get rid of things they took from you after six months

168: Power to dispose of property seized and impounded

Local Government Act 2002

Local councils can build important things on private land with permission

181: Construction of works on private land

Local Government Act 2002

Rules about what local councils can do with land owners and people using land

Local Government Act 2002

What happens when a property owner or resident doesn't follow the rules

Local Government Act 2002

How councils can make you pay for work on your land

188: Liability for payments in respect of private land

Local Government Act 2002

When the government can take land it needs

Local Government Act 2002

Councils can buy or take land for public projects

189: Power to acquire land

Local Government Act 2002

Local council must pay you if they take or harm your land

190: Compensation payable by local authority for land taken or injuriously affected

Local Government Act 2002

Explaining important words used in local government rules

197: Interpretation

Local Government Act 2002

Councils can ask you to pay money when you build or connect to services

198: Power to require contributions for developments

Local Government Act 2002

When and why you might have to pay extra money to the council for building or changing your property

199: Basis on which development contributions may be required

Local Government Act 2002

Rules about when you have to pay for new stuff in your town

200: Limitations applying to requirement for development contribution

Local Government Act 2002

What a council must put in its plan for getting money from builders to pay for community stuff

201: Contents of development contributions policy

Local Government Act 2002

What's in the list of payments for new buildings and developments

202: Contents of section 201 schedule

Local Government Act 2002

Council can't charge more than allowed for development contributions

203: Maximum development contributions not to be exceeded

Local Government Act 2002

How local councils can use money from new building projects

Local Government Act 2002

How local councils can spend money they collect from new buildings

204: Use of development contributions by territorial authority

Local Government Act 2002

How councils use money from new buildings to make parks and playgrounds better for everyone

205: Use of development contributions for reserves

Local Government Act 2002

How councils can use money for parks differently when there are enough parks already

206: Alternative uses of development contributions for reserves

Local Government Act 2002

Money from old laws can be used in new ways with permission

207: Power to use money collected and held under Local Government Act 1974 or Resource Management Act 1991

Local Government Act 2002

What the council can do if you don't pay for your building project

208: Powers of territorial authority if development contributions not paid or made

Local Government Act 2002

Getting your money or land back if you cancel your building project

209: Refund of money and return of land if development does not proceed

Local Government Act 2002

Giving back money or land if not used for planned parks or reserves

210: Refund of money or return of land if not applied to specified reserve purposes

Local Government Act 2002

How to ask the court to make someone change things on their property

215: Application for removal order

Local Government Act 2002

Following the rules when you're told to remove something from your property

220: Compliance with removal order

Local Government Act 2002

Rules about what you can and can't do with water channels

228: Offences relating to water races

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for renting out public land are changing

303: Public Bodies Leases Act 1969

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for selling business land bought before 2002

304: Sale of land purchased for commercial or industrial purposes

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for local councils giving property and jobs to organisations they control

Schedule 9: Council-controlled organisations and transfer of undertakings

Local Government Act 2002

How councils work out fair costs for new buildings in their area

Schedule 13: Methodology for calculating development contributions

Local Government Act 2002

How a court can order changes to fences, buildings, or plants that cause problems

Schedule 14: Procedure for making removal orders

Local Government Act 2002

You can challenge the money a council wants you to pay for building stuff

199C: Right to object to assessed amount of development contribution

Local Government Act 2002

How to complain if you don't agree with a development fee

199E: Procedure for development contribution objections

Local Government Act 2002

You can still ask a court to check a decision even after objecting to a development fee

199N: Objector’s right to apply for judicial review unaffected

Local Government Act 2002

How to challenge fees for new buildings or developments

Schedule 13A: Procedure relating to development contribution objections

Local Government Act 2002

A plan for taking care of important town services for a long time

101B: Infrastructure strategy

Local Government Act 2002

Who pays when you complain about having to pay for new buildings in your area?

150A: Costs of development contribution objections

Local Government Act 2002

Why councils can ask builders to help pay for new things in growing towns

197AA: Purpose of development contributions

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for fair sharing of costs for new community facilities

197AB: Development contributions principles

Local Government Act 2002

You can ask the council to check if you really need to pay for development

199A: Right to reconsideration of requirement for development contribution

Local Government Act 2002

How the government chooses and lists experts to help with building fee disagreements

199F: Appointment and register of development contributions commissioners

Local Government Act 2002

Rules for meetings about disagreements over development charges

199I: Development contribution objection hearings

Local Government Act 2002

Special people look at why you don't want to pay for new buildings in your area

199J: Consideration of development contribution objection

Local Government Act 2002

Special helpers have extra tools to solve disagreements about building costs

199K: Additional powers of development contributions commissioners

Local Government Act 2002

List of community projects funded by new building fees

201A: Schedule of assets for which development contributions will be used

Local Government Act 2002

Agreements made about building and growing things in the community

Local Government Act 2002

Asking or being asked to make a special building deal with the local council

207A: Request to enter development agreement

Local Government Act 2002

How a council or developer answers when asked to make a deal about building things

207B: Response to request for development agreement

Local Government Act 2002

What needs to be written in an agreement between a council and a builder

207C: Content of development agreement

Local Government Act 2002

What happens when people sign a special agreement about building things

207D: Effect of development agreement

Local Government Act 2002

Rules about what local councils can ask developers to do in special agreements

207E: Restrictions on use of development agreement

Local Government Act 2002

Making changes to or ending an agreement about building things

207F: Amendment or termination of development agreement

Income Tax Act 2007

Income rules for selling land within 10 years if you or someone close to you is in land development

CB 10: Disposal within 10 years: land development or subdivision business

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax on profits from selling land affected by zoning or use changes

CB 14: Disposal: amount from land affected by change and not already in income

Income Tax Act 2007

Income you can earn from owning land

CC 1: Land

Income Tax Act 2007

Deductions for land improvements when renting to farmers

DO 10: Farming or horticulture expenditure of lessor or sublessor

Income Tax Act 2007

How to calculate the cost when buying timber or rights to timber in various situations

DP 10: Cost of acquiring timber or right to take timber: other cases

Income Tax Act 2007

Rules for selling part or all of a specific piece of land, or selling it with other land

CB 23B: Land partially disposed of or disposed of with other land

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax deductions for payments to obtain or extend land use rights

DB 20B: Consideration for agreement to grant, renew, extend, or transfer leasehold estate or licence

Income Tax Act 2007

Rules for payments related to land use agreements

EI 4B: Consideration for agreement to grant, renew, extend, or transfer leasehold estate or licence

Income Tax Act 2007

Certain big companies and government groups don't have to follow residential land rules

EL 11: Exclusion for property held by certain persons and entities

Income Tax Act 2007

Residential land transfers for Treaty of Waitangi settlements are ending soon

CB 6AE: Certain transfers of residential land included in settlement of claim under the Treaty of Waitangi

Fencing Act 1978

Updating the rules for shared property fences

Fencing Act 1978

Explaining what words mean in this fence law

2: Interpretation

Fencing Act 1978

Where this fencing law applies and doesn't apply

3: Application of Act

Fencing Act 1978

Fencing agreements registered with the government end after 12 years

6: Registration of fencing covenants to expire after 12 years

Fencing Act 1978

You need permission or a court order to build a fence on someone else's land

8: Fence not to encroach without consent or court order

Fencing Act 1978

Who pays for and takes care of fences between neighbours

Fencing Act 1978

Neighbours must split the cost of building a fence between their properties

9: Adjoining occupiers to share cost of fencing

Fencing Act 1978

Pool owners pay for extra fencing needed to keep pools safe

9A: Contributions where Building Act 2004 requires pool to have means of restricting access

Fencing Act 1978

You must tell your neighbour before starting fence work they might have to help pay for

10: Notice to do work to be given

Fencing Act 1978

How to disagree with someone's fence plan and suggest your own ideas

11: Objections to proposed fence

Fencing Act 1978

How to properly send notices about fences

12: Service of notices

Fencing Act 1978

What happens when you and your neighbour have different ideas about fence work

13: Where notices vary

Fencing Act 1978

Rules for doing work on a fence with your neighbour

14: Provision for doing work

Fencing Act 1978

When someone moves house, the fence agreement with their neighbour becomes invalid

15: Effect of change of occupier

Fencing Act 1978

When a fence needs urgent fixing, you can do it and ask your neighbour to pay half

16: Contribution where immediate work required

Fencing Act 1978

If you break a fence while living on the land, you have to pay to fix it

17: Liability for damage caused by occupier

Fencing Act 1978

When you use someone else's fence, you might have to pay for it

18: Person taking advantage of fence

Fencing Act 1978

Rules for sharing fence costs when your neighbour wasn't originally responsible

19: Fence erected when occupier of adjoining land exempt from liability therefor

Fencing Act 1978

Crown tenants can pay interest instead of full cost for certain fences

20: Crown tenant's option

Fencing Act 1978

When a fence can't go on the exact property line, a court can decide where to put it

21: Give and take fence

Fencing Act 1978

Where to put a fence between two properties

22: Where fence to be built

Fencing Act 1978

How to handle disagreements about fences in court

Fencing Act 1978

Rules for dealing with fence disputes in court

23: Proceedings to be in accordance with District Court Act 2016

Fencing Act 1978

The court's power to make decisions about fence-related issues

24: Jurisdiction of the court

Fencing Act 1978

Disputes Tribunal can help with fence problems up to $30,000

24A: Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal

Fencing Act 1978

You can join and defend yourself in a fence dispute even if you weren't originally involved

25: Power to come in and defend proceedings

Fencing Act 1978

Extra rules about fences

Fencing Act 1978

You can ask to go on your neighbour's land to build or fix a fence

26: Right of persons constructing fences to enter on adjoining land

Fencing Act 1978

This part explains how the new fencing rules replace old ones but don't mess up unfinished fencing matters

28: Repeals and savings

Fencing Act 1978

Examples of paperwork for telling neighbours about fence plans

Schedule 1: Forms

Fencing Act 1978

Examples of different fence types you might see

Schedule 2: Specimen types of fence

Fencing Act 1978

List of old laws that were cancelled when the Fencing Act 1978 was made

Schedule 3: Enactments repealed

Resource Management Act 1991

This law aims to help people use and protect nature in a way that's good for everyone now and in the future.

5: Purpose

Resource Management Act 1991

Looking after New Zealand's special places and resources is important

6: Matters of national importance

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about how we use and take care of land

Resource Management Act 1991

Using land in a way that was allowed before the rules changed

10: Certain existing uses in relation to land protected

Resource Management Act 1991

You can still use your land if you had a building consent before new rules started.

10B: Certain existing building works allowed

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for dividing land into smaller pieces

11: Restrictions on subdivision of land

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for what you can and can't do in lake and river beds

13: Restriction on certain uses of beds of lakes and rivers

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about taking and using water from rivers, lakes, and the sea

14: Restrictions relating to water

Resource Management Act 1991

Some rules in plans don't count if they've been cancelled

20: Certain rules in proposed plans not to have effect

Resource Management Act 1991

You can keep doing something you were already legally doing, even if new rules say you need permission.

20A: Certain existing lawful activities allowed

Resource Management Act 1991

What regional councils do to help manage the environment and resources in their area

30: Functions of regional councils under this Act

Resource Management Act 1991

What jobs do local councils do to look after the environment and manage land use in their area?

31: Functions of territorial authorities under this Act

Resource Management Act 1991

No need to discuss resource consent applications with others under this law.

36A: No duty under this Act to consult about resource consent applications and notices of requirement

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules made by regional councils to protect the environment and manage their area

68: Regional rules

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about esplanade reserves on reclaimed land are no longer part of the law.

71: Rules about esplanade reserves on reclamation

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about how land can be used in a specific area

Resource Management Act 1991

How to make and change plans for your local area

73: Preparation and change of district plans

Resource Management Act 1991

What's in a district plan to help manage our environment and community

75: Contents of district plans

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for looking after the environment in your local area

76: District rules

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for protecting public areas near water when land is subdivided or roads are closed

77: Rules about esplanade reserves on subdivision and road stopping

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about when the public must be told about resource consent applications

77D: Rules specifying activities for which consent applications must be notified or are precluded from being notified

Resource Management Act 1991

Your resource consent application stays the same even if the rules change.

88A: Description of type of activity to remain the same

Resource Management Act 1991

Applying for resource consents for coastal land or future reclaimed land

89: Applications to territorial authorities for resource consents where land is in coastal marine area

Resource Management Act 1991

Having a say on a resource consent application: how to make a submission

96: Making submissions

Resource Management Act 1991

Meetings to discuss and solve issues before a resource consent hearing

99: Pre-hearing meetings

Resource Management Act 1991

When and where a hearing about your resource consent application will happen, and who gets told about it.

101: Hearing date and notice

Resource Management Act 1991

Deciding if you can do something that doesn't fully follow the rules

104B: Determination of applications for discretionary or non-complying activities

Resource Management Act 1991

The council can stop you from dividing land if it's not safe or might cause problems.

106: Consent authority may refuse subdivision consent in certain circumstances

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules that come with a resource consent

108: Conditions of resource consents

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules about promises and agreements to protect land when you use it in a certain way

109: Special provisions in respect of bonds or covenants

Resource Management Act 1991

Paying rent and royalties is a condition of getting a coastal or water permit

112: Obligation to pay rent and royalties deemed condition of consent

Resource Management Act 1991

Telling people about resource consent decisions

114: Notification

Resource Management Act 1991

Resource consents are not like owning a house or toy, but can be treated like property in some ways.

122: Consents not real or personal property

Resource Management Act 1991

When do rules 124B and 124C apply to your resource application?

124A: When sections 124B and 124C apply and when they do not apply

Resource Management Act 1991

Applying for a new resource consent when you already have one

124B: Applications by existing holders of resource consents

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens when a resource consent expires or runs out of time

125: Lapsing of consents

Resource Management Act 1991

Changing or cancelling conditions of a resource consent that you already have

127: Change or cancellation of consent condition on application by consent holder

Resource Management Act 1991

When can the rules of a resource consent be changed?

128: Circumstances when consent conditions can be reviewed

Resource Management Act 1991

Giving your permission to someone else

Resource Management Act 1991

Permissions given for land use and subdivision usually stay with the land, even when it changes owners.

134: Land use and subdivision consents attach to land

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for passing on your water permit to someone else

136: Transferability of water permits

Resource Management Act 1991

Getting a certificate to do something without a resource consent

139: Consent authorities and Environmental Protection Authority to issue certificates of compliance

Resource Management Act 1991

Get a certificate to prove how you're using your land

139A: Consent authorities to issue existing use certificates

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens when the government gets involved in big decisions that affect the whole country

140: Outline of this Part

Resource Management Act 1991

Temporary stop on processing applications

150B: Moratorium

Resource Management Act 1991

The Government can make a special rule to protect the coastal area by requiring permission to take things or change the land.

152: Order in Council may be made requiring holding of authorisation

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens when a new rule is made: it doesn't affect things you were already doing or applied for.

153: Application of Order in Council

Resource Management Act 1991

Asking the Public to Bid on Using Parts of the Coast

157: Calling of public tenders for authorisations

Resource Management Act 1991

What you need to include when you put in a tender for something like taking resources from the coast

158: Requirements of tender

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for using shared coastal spaces

165F: Provisions about occupation of common marine and coastal area

Resource Management Act 1991

How councils offer permits to use coastal areas, following the rules in their plan

165I: Offer of authorisations for activities in common marine and coastal area in accordance with plan

Resource Management Act 1991

Regional council tells public about permissions they're offering

165U: Public notice of offer of authorisations by regional council

Resource Management Act 1991

What you need to include when asking to use a coastal area

165V: Requirements for offers for authorisations

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for getting a permit to use ocean space for aquaculture if you already have one

165ZJ: Additional criteria for considering applications for permits for space already used for aquaculture activities

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for special uses of land and buildings

Resource Management Act 1991

What special words mean in the Resource Management Act 1991

166: Definitions

Resource Management Act 1991

Council must add special rules to its plan after a big decision is made.

175: Designation to be provided for in district plan

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens when land is set aside for a special public project or work

176: Effect of designation

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for using land with a special status or heritage protection

177: Land subject to existing designation or heritage order

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens while we wait for a decision on a big project or public work

178: Interim effect of requirements for designations

Resource Management Act 1991

Changing a designation: how to alter a planned use of land

181: Alteration of designation

Resource Management Act 1991

Stopping a special land use rule, called a designation, that is no longer needed

182: Removal of designation

Resource Management Act 1991

Checking a special plan that is still in use

183: Review of designation which has not lapsed

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens to a plan if you don't use it within a certain time limit.

184: Lapsing of designations which have not been given effect to

Resource Management Act 1991

The Environment Court can make someone buy your land if it's needed for a project and you can't use it.

185: Environment Court may order taking of land

Resource Management Act 1991

When the government helps a company take land for a project, they must follow special rules and pay the owner.

186: Compulsory acquisition powers

Resource Management Act 1991

Asking the council to protect a special place

189: Notice of requirement to territorial authority

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for land with special heritage protection

193A: Land subject to existing heritage order or designation

Resource Management Act 1991

Appealing heritage protection decisions about land use

195: Appeals relating to sections 193 and 194

Resource Management Act 1991

Explains how the government can take over land to protect important historical places

197: Compulsory acquisition powers

Resource Management Act 1991

Environment Court can help if a heritage order affects your land use or sale

198: Environment Court may order land taken, etc

Resource Management Act 1991

What it means to divide a piece of land into smaller parts

218: Meaning of subdivision of land

Resource Management Act 1991

Council gives you a notice with rules to follow when you subdivide land

221: Territorial authority to issue a consent notice

Resource Management Act 1991

Getting a certificate to prove you've finished required work or payments for subdividing land

222: Completion certificates

Resource Management Act 1991

Getting permission for and officially recording maps of land

Resource Management Act 1991

Getting a territorial authority to approve your land survey plan

223: Approval of survey plan by territorial authority

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for lodging a survey plan of land in New Zealand

224: Restrictions upon deposit of survey plan

Resource Management Act 1991

You can agree to sell land or a building before the survey plan is officially registered, but there are rules to protect buyers.

225: Agreement to sell land or building before deposit of plan

Resource Management Act 1991

Rules for getting a title for subdivided land

226: Restrictions upon issue of certificates of title for subdivision

Resource Management Act 1991

Some lease rules don't apply to cross leases, company leases, and retirement village leases

226A: Savings in respect of cross leases, company leases, and retirement village leases

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens when an old land plan is replaced by a new one and the old approval is cancelled.

227: Cancellation of prior approvals

Resource Management Act 1991

Government subdivides land and gets it approved

228: Subdivision by the Crown

Resource Management Act 1991

Places where land meets water that are set aside for people to enjoy

Resource Management Act 1991

What esplanade reserves and strips are used for

229: Purposes of esplanade reserves and esplanade strips

Resource Management Act 1991

Setting aside land by the sea, river, or lake when subdividing land

230: Requirement for esplanade reserves or esplanade strips

Resource Management Act 1991

Setting aside land for public use when you divide your property

231: Esplanade reserves to vest on subdivision

Resource Management Act 1991

Creating a special area of land near water for public use and protection

232: Creation of esplanade strips

Resource Management Act 1991

Changing or cancelling esplanade strips on your land

234: Variation or cancellation of esplanade strips

Resource Management Act 1991

Agreeing with your council to create a special area by a river or lake on your land

235: Creation of esplanade strips by agreement

Resource Management Act 1991

What happens to your land if it's near land already set aside for public use

236: Where land previously set aside or reserved

Resource Management Act 1991

Approving survey plans that include special areas like esplanade reserves or strips near water

237: Approval of survey plans where esplanade reserve or esplanade strips required

Resource Management Act 1991

Who owns the land near rivers, lakes, and the coast when you subdivide it?

237A: Vesting of land in common marine and coastal area or bed of lake or river

Resource Management Act 1991

Agreements for public paths on private land

237B: Access strips

Resource Management Act 1991

When public paths or areas can be closed for safety or other reasons

237C: Closure of strips to public

Resource Management Act 1991

No payment for small waterfront areas taken for public use

237E: Compensation for taking of esplanade reserves or strips on allotments of less than 4 hectares

Resource Management Act 1991

Getting paid if the council takes some of your land for a reserve

237F: Compensation for taking of esplanade reserves or strips on allotments of 4 hectares or more

Resource Management Act 1991

The government pays landowners money when it takes their big waterside properties for public use.

237G: Compensation

Resource Management Act 1991

Working out how much money you get for esplanade reserve land when you can't agree with the council

237H: Valuation

Resource Management Act 1991

Who owns new roads in New Zealand

238: Vesting of roads

Resource Management Act 1991

When land is set aside for the community, the council or government owns it for a specific purpose.

239: Vesting of reserves or other land

Electricity Act 1992

Landowners don't have to look after power lines on their property

22A: Owners of land not responsible for maintenance

Electricity Act 1992

Power company needs to tell you before fixing or finishing electrical work on your property

23A: Line owner must give written notice of intention to maintain or complete existing works

Electricity Act 1992

Landowners can make fair rules about electricity companies coming onto their property

23D: Land owner may set reasonable conditions on line owner's entry

Electricity Act 1992

Existing agreements about electrical works on land stay in place

23E: Agreements preserved

Electricity Act 1992

What to do if you disagree about access to land for electrical works

23F: Disputes about land access

Electricity Act 1992

Getting paid if electrical work hurts your land

57: Compensation for damage

Electricity Act 1992

Rules for entering someone's property to work on electricity

159: Conditions relating to power to enter land or premises

Corrections Act 2004

Directions about temporary prisons must follow the emergency safety plan

192: Direction not to be inconsistent with applicable civil defence emergency management plan

Corrections Act 2004

Getting paid back if the government takes your property

193: Compensation if property requisitioned

Building Act 2004

What a piece of land means in the law

Building Act 2004

What 'allotment' means: a piece of land with clear boundaries shown on a plan.

10: Meaning of allotment

Building Act 2004

What you need to know before you start building: information about your project

35: Content of project information memorandum

Building Act 2004

Rules about building on land that might be unsafe because of things like floods or landslides

71: Building on land subject to natural hazards

Building Act 2004

Even if land might be dangerous, you can still get permission to build if it's safe and reasonable.

72: Building consent for building on land subject to natural hazards must be granted in certain cases

Building Act 2004

What happens after someone tells the government about building in a dangerous area

74: Steps after notification

Building Act 2004

Rules about building across multiple sections of land

Building Act 2004

Rules for building on more than one piece of land owned by the same person

75: Construction of building on 2 or more allotments

Building Act 2004

The law allows exceptions to the rule about building on multiple pieces of land in some special cases.

76: Exemption from section 75

Building Act 2004

When multiple pieces of land have special rules, those rules apply to all the land together.

80: Records of title for 2 or more allotments subject to registered instrument

Building Act 2004

The land office person can ask for a special map to be made if they need to combine different pieces of land.

82: Registrar-General of Land may require preparation of plan

Building Act 2004

You can ask to remove special rules from your land if your building is gone or the land boundaries change.

83: Owner may apply for entry to be removed

Building Act 2004

You must tell your local council about big dams you own and if you sell them to someone else.

133C: Obligation to notify regional authority of classifiable or referable dam and change of ownership

Building Act 2004

What 'low', 'medium', and 'high' seismic risk mean for building safety

133AD: Meaning of low, medium, and high seismic risk

Charitable Trusts Act 1957

How to prove new trustees have been chosen and what they're responsible for

4: Evidence of appointment of trustees

Charitable Trusts Act 1957

Recreational facilities for the community can be charitable if they help people

61A: Trusts for recreational and similar purposes

Charitable Trusts Act 1957

How to record new people in charge of a trust's property

Schedule 1: Memorandum of appointment of new trustees

Crimes Act 1961

You can use reasonable force to stop people from entering or remove them from your property without hurting them.

56: Defence of land or building

Crimes Act 1961

You can go onto someone's land to use a path or take something if you have the right, but if they disagree, they might try to stop you.

58: Exercise of right of way, etc

National Parks Act 1980

How the government can add land to national parks

9: Acquisition of land for national parks

National Parks Act 1980

How national park land is officially recorded

76: Records of title in respect of national parks

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping freely in public areas

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This law is called the Freedom Camping Act 2011

1: Title

Freedom Camping Act 2011

When the law starts being used

2: Commencement

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Words and rules to help you understand the law about camping in public places

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This act explains the rules for camping in public places in New Zealand

3: Outline of Act

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What words mean in the Freedom Camping Act

4: Interpretation

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What 'freedom camping' means and when you can do it

5: Meaning of freedom camp

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Explaining what a local authority area is and where you can find them

6: Meaning of local authority area

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What counts as conservation land in this law

7: Meaning of conservation land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

LINZ land is dry land the government manages

8: Meaning of LINZ land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for changing from old camping laws to new ones

9: Transitional, savings, and related provisions

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about where you can camp for free and how towns make decisions about camping spots

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom camping rules on local authority land

10: Where freedom camping in local authority area permitted

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about where and how you can camp in different parts of New Zealand

11: Freedom camping bylaws

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Where you can go freedom camping on nature areas owned by the government

15: Where freedom camping on conservation land permitted

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Signs that used to show where you can't freedom camp are no longer part of the law

16: Freedom camping restriction and prohibition signs

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping on nature areas: Where you can camp and what to do

17: Notices restricting or prohibiting freedom camping on conservation land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Telling everyone about rules for camping on nature land

18: Public notification of notices restricting or prohibiting freedom camping on conservation land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

The Director-General can use special rules for freedom camping

19: Director-General to exercise powers as if Act specified in Schedule 1 of Conservation Act 1987

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about punishing people who break camping laws and how officials can enforce these rules

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Breaking rules when camping in local areas

20: Infringement offences relating to local authority areas

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This section about special types of rule-breaking in camping has been removed from the law

21: Strict liability offences

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Ways to protect yourself if accused of breaking camping rules

22: Defences to offences

Freedom Camping Act 2011

There are no more special punishments for breaking freedom camping rules

23: Penalties

Freedom Camping Act 2011

You might have to pay for damage if you break freedom camping rules

24: Offenders liable for cost of damage

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

How legal action starts if you break freedom camping rules

25: How proceedings commenced

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Who can get in trouble for breaking freedom camping rules?

26: Who proceedings may be commenced against

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Who can give out tickets for breaking freedom camping rules

27: Who may serve infringement notices

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Local councils pick people to make sure freedom camping rules are followed

32: Appointment of enforcement officers by local authorities

Freedom Camping Act 2011

The Director-General can pick people to make sure camping rules are followed

33: Appointment of enforcement officers by Director-General

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What information can officers ask for if they think you broke freedom camping rules?

35: Enforcement officers may require certain information

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Officers can ask you to leave if they think you're breaking camping rules

36: Enforcement officers may require certain persons to leave local authority area, conservation land, or LINZ land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Enforcement officers can take away things used for illegal camping

37: Enforcement officers may seize and impound certain property

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for taking boats and cars when people break freedom camping laws

38: Requirements relating to seizure and impoundment of boats and motor vehicles

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Getting your stuff back after it's taken for freedom camping

39: Return of property seized and impounded

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What happens to your stuff if it's taken away for breaking camping rules

40: Disposal of property seized and impounded

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Officers are protected when they take and hold campers' property

41: Protection against claims resulting from seizing or impounding of property under section 37

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

How this law works with other laws and people's rights

42: Relationship of this Act with other enactments

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about freedom camping that the Governor-General can make

43: Regulations

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Why this part of the law was made (but this explanation was removed)

46: Purpose of this subpart

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Local camping rules that used to result in fines no longer apply

47: Infringement offences for camping-related local authority bylaw provisions specified in Schedule 3

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Breaking old camping rules set by local councils isn't punishable anymore

48: Infringement offences for camping-related local authority bylaw provisions specified in Schedule 4

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This part about other laws and freedom camping rules was removed

49: Empowering legislation otherwise applies to bylaw provisions

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This part about describing camping offences has been removed from the law

50: Descriptions of offences in Schedules 3 and 4

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Forms used to tell people about camping rules and what happens if they break them

Schedule 2: Prescribed forms

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about camping that can get you in trouble if you break them

Schedule 3: Bylaws breach of which deemed infringement offence

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules that can lead to fines if the local council says so

Schedule 4: Bylaws breach of which deemed infringement offence if resolution passed

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Councils can't make rules that completely ban freedom camping everywhere

12: Bylaws must not absolutely prohibit freedom camping

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Local councils must check and update their freedom camping rules regularly

13: Review of bylaws

Freedom Camping Act 2011

How the rules for making and changing local laws apply to freedom camping laws

14: Application of Local Government Act 2002 to bylaws

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Car rental agreements can include rules about paying fines for breaking camping laws

29: Rental service agreement may provide for payment of infringement fee

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rental companies must follow steps before charging you for breaking camping rules

30: Charging hirer for infringement fee

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Old camping rule removed because of COVID-19

13A: Bylaw revocation postponed as result of outbreak of COVID-19

Freedom Camping Act 2011

This law applies to everyone, including the government

9A: Act binds the Crown

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping on roads and highways in your area

10A: Bylaws declaring NZTA land to be local authority area

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Local councils can make rules about camping in vehicles without toilets

11A: Bylaws permitting freedom camping in motor vehicles that are not self-contained

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for making laws about where you can camp in your vehicle

11B: Requirements relating to bylaws made under sections 10A to 11A

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Freedom camping on LINZ land is only allowed in special areas with permission

19A: Where freedom camping on LINZ land permitted

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping on government land

19B: Notices permitting freedom camping on LINZ land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Police and government must talk to people before making new camping rules

19C: Commissioner and chief executive must consult before making notice

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping notices on special lands

19D: Requirements relating to notices published under section 19B

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Things you can get in trouble for when camping

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules and fines for camping on protected nature areas

20A: Infringement offences relating to conservation land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for camping on LINZ land and what happens if you break them

20B: Infringement offences relating to LINZ land

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Three ways you can break the freedom camping rules

20C: Other infringement offences

Freedom Camping Act 2011

You can be punished for camping in the wrong place even if you didn't mean to do it

20D: Strict liability offences

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Punishments for breaking freedom camping rules

20E: Penalties for infringement offences

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Other things that are against the rules

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules about paying for damage caused while freedom camping

Freedom Camping Act 2011

How to give someone a ticket for breaking freedom camping rules

27A: How to serve infringement notices

Freedom Camping Act 2011

What's on the ticket you get for breaking freedom camping rules

27B: Form of infringement notices

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Checking how new camping laws affect people without homes

45A: Review of effect on homelessness of Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Rules for changing from the old freedom camping law to the new one

Schedule 1AA: Transitional, savings, and related provisions

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Land where you can camp without asking permission first

Schedule 3: LINZ land exempt from consultation requirement

Dog Control Act 1996

Keeping People and Animals Safe from Harmful Dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

What words mean in the Dog Control Act 1996

2: Interpretation

Dog Control Act 1996

What this law is trying to achieve: keeping dogs and people safe

4: Objects

Dog Control Act 1996

How councils use money from dog control

9: Revenue

Dog Control Act 1996

Councils must make a dog plan to keep people and dogs safe in their area.

10: Duty of territorial authorities to adopt policy on dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

Council must check dog policy if related bylaw needs a review

10AA: Local authority must review policy if bylaw implementing policy requires review

Dog Control Act 1996

Councils must write a yearly report on how they control dogs in their area.

10A: Territorial authority must report on dog control policy and practices

Dog Control Act 1996

Who can be a dog control officer in your area

11: Dog control officers

Dog Control Act 1996

People in charge of a city or district can choose dog rangers to help with dog control.

12: Dog rangers

Dog Control Act 1996

When can dog control officers enter someone's property to check on dogs?

14: Power of entry

Dog Control Act 1996

Dog control officers can feed, shelter, and care for dogs that are not being looked after properly.

15: Power of dog control officer or dog ranger to feed and shelter dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

Where dog control officers or rangers can work and use their powers

16: Districts in which dog control officer or dog ranger may exercise powers

Dog Control Act 1996

What powers do special officers have to help protect animals?

17: Powers of warranted officers

Dog Control Act 1996

Don't get in the way of dog control officers or rangers on purpose

18: Wilful obstruction of dog control officer or dog ranger

Dog Control Act 1996

Authorities can ask dog owners for information about their dog

19A: Power of constable, dog control officer, or dog ranger to request information about dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Rules about dogs in your area made by the council

20: Dog control bylaws

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if you're called a probationary dog owner because you broke dog rules

21: Classification of probationary owners

Dog Control Act 1996

Objecting to being called a probationary dog owner

22: Objection to classification as probationary owner

Dog Control Act 1996

People who break dog rules can't own new dogs for 2 years

23: Probationary owners

Dog Control Act 1996

Council can make new dog owners take a training course

23A: Territorial authority may require probationary owner to undertake training

Dog Control Act 1996

Probationary dog owners must get rid of unregistered dogs within 14 days of being told to do so.

24: Obligation of probationary owners to dispose of unregistered dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

When You Can't Own a Dog Anymore

25: Disqualification of owners

Dog Control Act 1996

Objecting to being banned from owning a dog

26: Objection to disqualification

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if you're not allowed to own a dog

28: Effect of disqualification

Dog Control Act 1996

When a council decides a dog is dangerous

31: Territorial authority to classify dangerous dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if your dog is classified as a dangerous dog?

32: Effect of classification as dangerous dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Dangerous dogs are classified as dangerous everywhere in New Zealand.

32A: Dangerous dog classification to extend over New Zealand

Dog Control Act 1996

Getting rid of a dangerous dog needs council approval

33: Territorial authority's consent to disposal of dangerous dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Council can label a dog as menacing if it's a threat to people, animals, or wildlife.

33A: Territorial authority may classify dog as menacing

Dog Control Act 1996

Objecting to your dog being called a menacing dog

33B: Objection to classification of dog under section 33A

Dog Control Act 1996

Dogs of certain breeds might be called menacing and have special rules.

33C: Dogs belonging to breed or type listed in Schedule 4 to be classified as menacing

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if your dog is classified as menacing and what rules you must follow

33E: Effect of classification as menacing dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Menacing dogs are classified as menacing everywhere in New Zealand.

33EA: Menacing dog classification to extend over New Zealand

Dog Control Act 1996

Council can ask you to neuter your menacing dog when you move to a new area.

33EB: Territorial authority (other than classifying authority) may require neutering of menacing dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Breaking dog rules can cost you up to $3,000 and mean losing your dog.

33EC: Offence to fail to comply with section 33E(1) or 33EB

Dog Control Act 1996

Councils must label dogs as dangerous or menacing if their owner broke the law related to the dog's behaviour.

33ED: Territorial authority to classify certain dogs as dangerous or menacing

Dog Control Act 1996

Tell dog minders to muzzle and leash your dangerous dog in public

33F: Owner must advise person with possession of dangerous or menacing dog of requirement to muzzle and leash dog in public

Dog Control Act 1996

A list of all dogs in an area, with details about each dog and its owner.

34: Dogs register

Dog Control Act 1996

The national dog database can have extra info from your local council about dogs and owners.

35AB: National dog control information database may contain additional information supplied by territorial authority

Dog Control Act 1996

Registering Your Dog: How to Sign Up Your Pet with the Council

36: Application for registration

Dog Control Act 1996

Some dogs must have a microchip implanted to help identify them.

36A: Microchip transponder must be implanted in certain dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

Councils can charge dog owners fees, but they must be fair and reasonable.

37: Territorial authority to set fees

Dog Control Act 1996

Lower dog registration fees for dogs registered after 2 August

38: Registration fee for certain dogs registered on or after 2 August

Dog Control Act 1996

Getting your dog registration money back if your dog dies or you're struggling financially

39: Refund and reduction of fees

Dog Control Act 1996

Proving your dog is a working dog or neutered to get a lower registration fee

40: Proof of class of dog

Dog Control Act 1996

You can be fined for not registering your dog if it's over 3 months old.

42: Offence of failing to register dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Registering dogs that are locked up, in quarantine, or with animal helpers

43: Registration of impounded dog, dog in quarantine, or dog in custody of society established to prevent cruelty to animals

Dog Control Act 1996

Dogs must wear a registration label or disc on their collar to be considered registered.

44: Dog not wearing proper label or disc deemed unregistered

Dog Control Act 1996

If your dog gets into trouble, you must prove you've done the right thing with its registration and age.

45: Burden of proof on owner of dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Getting a tag for your dog when you register it

46: Issue of label or disc and completion of registration

Dog Control Act 1996

Dog registration is valid all over New Zealand, no matter where you live.

47: Registration to extend over New Zealand

Dog Control Act 1996

What to do when you sell or give away your dog

48: Change of ownership of dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Telling the council when you move your dog to a new home

49: Transfer of dog from one address or district to another

Dog Control Act 1996

Dogs must wear a registration label or disc, or they might be taken away.

50: Dog not wearing proper label or disc may be impounded

Dog Control Act 1996

Keeping Your Dog Under Control

52: Control of dogs generally

Dog Control Act 1996

Keep your dog safe and under control on your property to avoid trouble with the law.

52A: Control of dog on owner's property

Dog Control Act 1996

You must control your dog or you might get a fine of up to $3,000.

53: Offence of failing to keep dog under control

Dog Control Act 1996

Looking after your dog: what you must do as a dog owner

54: Obligations of dog owner

Dog Control Act 1996

Take a leash when your dog is with you in public

54A: Owner must use or carry leash in public

Dog Control Act 1996

What to do if your dog's barking is disturbing others

55: Barking dogs

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if your dog's barking is causing problems for others and you don't stop it

56: Removal of barking dog causing distress

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens when a dog attacks a person or animal

57: Dogs attacking persons or animals

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if a dog is running loose near your farm animals

60: Seizure or destruction of dog running at large among stock or poultry

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if your dog worries farm animals and you don't control it

61: Orders relating to dog seen worrying stock

Dog Control Act 1996

Rules for owners of dangerous dogs: keeping them safe and under control in public

62: Allowing dogs known to be dangerous to be at large unmuzzled

Dog Control Act 1996

If your dog causes damage, you have to pay for it, no matter what.

63: Owner liable for damage done by dog

Dog Control Act 1996

What to do if a court orders a dog to be put down

64: Procedure where order made for destruction of dog

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens if you get a fine for breaking dog control rules

66: Infringement notices

Dog Control Act 1996

Where councils keep dogs that are taken into custody

67: Provision of pound facilities

Dog Control Act 1996

Costs for when your dog goes to the pound

68: Pound fees

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens to your dog if it's taken by the authorities and how you can get it back

69: Impounding and subsequent disposal of dog

Dog Control Act 1996

Before you get your impounded dog back, it must be microchipped and registered.

69A: Impounded dog must be microchipped and registered before release

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens to your dog if it's taken away because it was barking too much?

70: Custody of dog removed for barking

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens to your dog if it's a threat to public safety and might be taken away

71: Retention of dog threatening public safety

Dog Control Act 1996

What happens to a dog that's been taken by a dog control officer

71A: Disposal of dog seized under section 15 or 33EC

Dog Control Act 1996

Releasing a dog from custody without permission is against the law

72: Offence to release dog from custody

Dog Control Act 1996

No liability if you hurt a dog while trying to destroy it in a reasonable way

73: No liability where dog wounded in attempt to destroy

Dog Control Act 1996

People doing their job under the Dog Control Act can't be sued for damage they cause.

74: Limitation of liability for damage

Dog Control Act 1996

What to expect when you get an official notice about your dog

76: Giving and content of notices

Dog Control Act 1996

Rules about dogs made by the Governor-General

78: Regulations

Dog Control Act 1996

The Governor-General can add new dog breeds to a special list with the Minister's approval.

78A: Regulations adding further breed or type to Schedule 4

Dog Control Act 1996

How the Governor-General brings a new dog control rule into force

78B: Procedure for bringing Order in Council made under section 78A into force

Dog Control Act 1996

What the Minister must think about before making new dog rules

78C: Matters to which Minister must have regard before recommending Order in Council under section 78A

Dog Control Act 1996

Changes to other laws because of this Dog Control Act

79: Consequential amendments

Dog Control Act 1996

Old rules that are no longer valid

80: Repeals

Dog Control Act 1996

Fines for breaking dog rules under the Dog Control Act 1996

Schedule 1: Infringement offences and fees

Dog Control Act 1996

Laws changed by the Dog Control Act 1996

Schedule 2: Enactments amended

Dog Control Act 1996

Laws that are no longer valid because of the Dog Control Act 1996

Schedule 3: Enactments repealed

Dog Control Act 1996

Dogs banned from import and needing a muzzle in New Zealand

Schedule 4: Breed and type of dog subject to ban on importation and muzzling

Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975

Suggestions about land owned by the New Zealand railways company

Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975

The Minister gives a special certificate when the Tribunal says some land is safe from being taken back.

8E: Issue of certificate on recommendation of Tribunal

Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975

Asking the Tribunal for help to notify others about your application

8F: Directions as to service

Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975

Claims about land that used to be owned by the government and is now owned by a railway company

8HJ: Claims relating to land vested under New Zealand Railways Corporation Restructuring Act 1990

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for government projects that benefit everyone

Public Works Act 1981

This law's name and when it started

1: Short Title and commencement

Public Works Act 1981

Introduction and start date of the law

Public Works Act 1981

Words and their meanings in the Public Works Act

2: Interpretation

Public Works Act 1981

The government can no longer call a public work 'essential'

3: Power to declare specific public work to be essential work

Public Works Act 1981

Minister of Lands can buy, manage, and sell land and equipment for government work

4A: Powers of Minister of Lands

Public Works Act 1981

How the government and councils make agreements for public projects

4B: Execution of contracts for public works, etc

Public Works Act 1981

This rule about other powers and duties was taken out of the law

8: Other powers and functions not affected

Public Works Act 1981

This part of the law about groups that used to help with public works no longer exists

11: Committees

Public Works Act 1981

How the government can get land for important projects

Public Works Act 1981

Explaining what words mean in this part of the law

15A: Interpretation

Public Works Act 1981

The government and local councils can take land for public projects

16: Empowering acquisition of land

Public Works Act 1981

Getting land by making an agreement

Public Works Act 1981

Buying land for public projects: How the government makes deals with landowners

17: Acquisition by agreement

Public Works Act 1981

The government must try to buy your land before taking it for public projects

18: Prior negotiations required for acquisition of land for essential works

Public Works Act 1981

Special record shows agreement about your land

19: Compensation certificate may be registered to protect agreement

Public Works Act 1981

The government can make an agreement to use someone's land official with a simple declaration

20: Declaration may give effect to agreement

Public Works Act 1981

Government can buy or fix up land to give as payment when they need your property

21: Land may be purchased or improved for granting as compensation

Public Works Act 1981

When the government must take someone's land for public use

Public Works Act 1981

This rule about taking land for important projects no longer exists

22: Only land required for essential works may be compulsorily taken

Public Works Act 1981

Notice telling you the government wants to use your land for a public project

23: Notice of intention to take land

Public Works Act 1981

The Environment Court listens to your concerns when the government wants to take your land

24: Objection to be heard by Environment Court

Public Works Act 1981

A special judge can do an inquiry by themselves if everyone agrees

25: Environment Judge may conduct inquiry alone by agreement

Public Works Act 1981

When the government can officially take land for public use

26: When Proclamation may issue

Public Works Act 1981

The government can use natural materials from your land for public projects, but they need to ask first and might pay you

27: Natural material on land may be acquired or taken for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Adding more land to what can be bought or taken

Public Works Act 1981

The government can take land with existing rights or just take some rights

28: Particular estates in land may be acquired or taken

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for the government taking special types of land for public projects

29: Acquisition of certain public land

Public Works Act 1981

Government can take over land-related permits for public projects

30: Subsisting licence may be acquired or taken for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Government can take just part of land for public projects

31: Surface, subsoil, or air space may be acquired separately

Public Works Act 1981

Other important rules and details

Public Works Act 1981

Sometimes you don't need to make new maps when dealing with land

32: Survey and plan not required in certain cases

Public Works Act 1981

New protective fences must be built before removing old boundary fences

33: Protective fences to be made before boundary fences removed

Public Works Act 1981

You can ask for more of your land to be taken if part of it is used for a public project

34: Owner may require severed land to be taken

Public Works Act 1981

Keeping land rights separate when the government buys or takes land

35: Acquisition or taking of land not to operate as merger of interests

Public Works Act 1981

Deciding where the middle of a road or railway goes

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for finding the middle of a road or railway have been removed

36: Procedures for defining middle line

Public Works Act 1981

How old notices about road and railway lines will be treated

36A: Transitional procedures for defining middle line

Public Works Act 1981

The government could take land marked for new roads, but this rule no longer exists

37: Land affected by middle line notice may be taken by Proclamation

Public Works Act 1981

Notice about road or railway middle line no longer used

38: Middle line notice to lapse after certain period

Public Works Act 1981

You can no longer cancel a notice about where a road or railway will go

39: Registration of middle line notice may be cancelled

Public Works Act 1981

How the government manages and uses land for important projects

Public Works Act 1981

Explaining what words mean in this part of the law

39A: Interpretation

Public Works Act 1981

Giving back land the government doesn't need anymore

40: Disposal to former owner of land not required for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for giving back Māori land the government doesn't need anymore

41: Disposal of former Maori land when no longer required

Public Works Act 1981

Selling extra land the government doesn't need anymore

42: Disposal in other cases of land not required for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Extra money if you can't buy back land taken for public use because it's returned to Māori

42A: Solatium payment for loss of opportunity to purchase

Public Works Act 1981

You can ask for money if the government doesn't need your land anymore

42B: Notice of right to apply for solatium payment

Public Works Act 1981

You can buy government land and pay for it bit by bit over time

43: Land may be sold on deferred payments

Public Works Act 1981

How money from selling public land is used

44: Application of purchase money

Public Works Act 1981

The government can let people use land meant for public projects

45: Land held for public work may be leased, etc

Public Works Act 1981

Government can let people take wood and coal from public land

46: Sale and removal of timber and coal from land held for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Getting official papers to show the government owns land for public use

47: Issue of record of title to land held for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Land used for public projects can be shared with others under special rules

48: Easement may be granted over land held for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for selling or renting parts of public land, including the air above and ground below

49: Dealing with strata

Public Works Act 1981

Rules for passing public works between different groups

50: Transfer of existing public works

Public Works Act 1981

No claiming rights over public land, even if you've used it for a long time

51: Prohibiting acquisition of rights by adverse user of land held for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Allowing the government to use certain lands for public projects

52: Setting apart Crown land, public reserve, etc, for public work

Public Works Act 1981

Words used in this part of the law and what they mean

52A: Interpretation

Public Works Act 1981

Official government announcements for public works only start working when published in the special government newspaper

53: Proclamations and declarations not to take effect until gazetted

Public Works Act 1981

Changing your mind about taking someone's land for public projects

54: Revocation of Proclamation or declaration taking land

Public Works Act 1981

Small mistakes in land descriptions don't make government announcements invalid

56: Minor misdescription not to invalidate documents

Public Works Act 1981

Government must register when they take land for public works

57: Plan and Proclamation or declaration to be registered

Public Works Act 1981

Send unregistered land documents to Chief Surveyor for record-keeping

58: Proclamation or declaration not registrable to be lodged with Chief Surveyor

Public Works Act 1981

Money and help for people when the government needs their land

Public Works Act 1981

Getting ready to talk about paying people for their land

Public Works Act 1981

Words used in this law and what they mean

59: Interpretation

Public Works Act 1981

You can get money if the government uses or affects your land for public projects

60: Basic entitlement to compensation

Public Works Act 1981

When the government doesn't have to pay you for taking your land

61: Exceptions to right to compensation

Public Works Act 1981

How the government decides how much to pay you if they need your land

62: Assessment of compensation

Public Works Act 1981

Compensation for serious damage to your land from nearby public works, even if no land was taken

63: Compensation for injurious affection where no land taken

Public Works Act 1981

Figuring out how much money you get when a big project affects your land

64: Compensation for injurious affection to be assessed by reference to whole work

Public Works Act 1981

Special money for rare land taken for public projects

65: Compensation for land for which no general demand exists

Public Works Act 1981

Money to help when the government takes your land for public projects

66: Disturbance payments

Public Works Act 1981

Money to help if you have to change your home loan because the government needs your land

67: Compensation for loss on repayment of mortgage

Public Works Act 1981

Money for business owners when their land is needed for public projects

68: Compensation for business loss

Public Works Act 1981

Getting paid when the government uses your land for roads or railways

69: Offer of compensation when entry made

Public Works Act 1981

You can ask for money when someone takes your land

70: Offer of compensation when land taken

Public Works Act 1981

Extra costs if you make public works harder after being told about them

71: Claimant's acts making execution of work more costly

Public Works Act 1981

Extra money given to someone

Public Works Act 1981

Extra money for people who lose their home to a public project

72: Additional compensation for acquisition of notified dwelling

Public Works Act 1981

Extra money to help you buy a new home if the government takes your house

73: Assistance to purchase dwelling

Public Works Act 1981

Help to buy a new farm or business if the government takes yours

74: Assistance to purchase farm, commercial, or industrial property

Public Works Act 1981

Getting your money back when the government changes plans about buying your land

76: Refund of expenses where acquisition of land abandoned

Public Works Act 1981

How to ask for money when the government takes your property

Public Works Act 1981

Who can ask for money when the government takes land

77: By whom compensation may be claimed

Public Works Act 1981

Time limit for asking for money when the government affects your property

78: Limitation of time for claiming compensation

Public Works Act 1981

Government can start process to decide your compensation if you don't claim it

79: Minister or local authority may take proceedings to determine compensation if person entitled fails to make claim

Public Works Act 1981

Getting paid quickly when the government wants your land

80: Accelerating hearing of compensation claims

Public Works Act 1981

Court can let Public Trust help make land decisions for people who can't do it themselves

81: Public Trust may be ordered to represent infants, absentee owners, etc

Public Works Act 1981

What to include when asking for money after your land is taken

82: Particulars to be inserted in claim

Public Works Act 1981

How to properly send a claim for compensation under the Public Works Act

83: Serving of claims

Public Works Act 1981

How to tell the court about your land dispute

84: Filing claims in District Court

Public Works Act 1981

The Tribunal can ask for more details about a claim

85: Tribunal may require claimant or respondent to state particulars

Public Works Act 1981

Telling someone else they might need to pay for part of a public works claim

86: Third party notice

Public Works Act 1981

You can ask to change your claim, but you need permission

87: Amendment of claim

Public Works Act 1981

Deciding how much money to give someone for their property

Public Works Act 1981

The Tribunal's decision must be written down, signed, and kept safe

88: Award to be in writing

Public Works Act 1981

The Tribunal looks at each part of your claim separately and decides how much you get for each

89: Separate sums to be awarded for items of claim

Public Works Act 1981

Who pays for the costs when you go to a hearing about money for public works

90: Costs in claims for compensation

Partnership Law Act 2019

How partners share and use land owned by their partnership

37: Partnership land

Partnership Law Act 2019

Land owners who buy more land with shared profits own it together

38: Co-owners of land who purchase other land out of profits

Partnership Law Act 2019

Partners treat shared land like personal items, not real estate

40: Partnership land treated as personal property as between partners

Racing Industry Act 2020

Special rule for land with racing venues must be written on official records

22: Restriction on dealing must be recorded on record of title

Civil Aviation Act 2023

Airport operators can change or end leases if they need the land for the airport

233: Airport operators may vary leases in certain circumstances

Civil Aviation Act 2023

Building an airport: how the government helps get the needed land

228: Acquisition or taking of land for airport

Civil Aviation Act 2023

Rules for airports about owning and selling land

229: Holding and disposal of land

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Panel can ask for extra information about land use requests

68: Panel may request or commission advice on concession, land exchange, or access arrangement

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Land swap decisions may need extra steps before they're final

86: Decision on land exchange is conditional

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Telling landowners when someone wants to use their land for mining

12: Notice of request to grant right of access for proposed access arrangement

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Changes to a law about fast-track approvals for building and land use

119: Amendment to Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

First steps to apply for swapping land

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The Minister has special powers to make decisions quickly.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for special land permissions and agreements

73: Sections 74 to 78 apply to concession, land exchange, and access arrangement

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister can take over important land decisions before a panel decides

74: Appropriate Minister may call in decision

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Paying people back for costs when swapping land

111: Land exchange cost recovery by third parties

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Speeding up big projects to improve New Zealand

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The government must follow this law too

9: Act binds the Crown

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for working quickly and wisely when using this law

10: Procedural principles

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

When you ask for something to be approved quickly, you make a referral application.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How to ask for a faster way to get your project approved

13: Referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Agency checks if your application is ready and fits the rules

14: Responsible agency decides whether referral application is complete and within scope

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister asks for thoughts on a new project

17: Minister invites comments

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The Minister can ask for more details about an application

20: Minister may request information

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister sets rules for big projects after accepting them

27: Minister specifies matters for accepted referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister's decision on a project is shared with everyone

28: Notice of Minister's decision on referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Challenging decisions made during the approvals process in court.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

You can challenge a panel's legal decisions, but not their judgement

99: Appeal against decisions only on question of law

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How to challenge a panel's decision in court

100: Procedural matters

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Getting important papers to the right people

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How to give someone a document for the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

113: Service of documents

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules made by the government to help laws work properly are called secondary legislation.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Changes to other laws to make this law work

121: Amendments to other legislation

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Paying back the costs of a faster approval process

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Changes to help speed up approvals

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

What you need to do when asking for approval for your project

43: Requirements for substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Fast-track approvals work like regular approvals and follow specific rules

96: Status of approval when granted

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The Minister must get a report about Māori rights and interests in the project area

18: Report on Treaty settlements and other obligations

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Keeping your current permission while asking for a new one

95: Exercise of existing approval under specified Act while applying for approval under this Act

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

When the EPA can stop looking at your main request for a while

60: When processing of substantive application may be suspended

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Panel asks for public feedback on big projects

53: Panel invites comments on substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for inviting comments on environmental applications

54: General provisions relating to invitations given under section 53

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister can pause big project applications for more information

62: Minister may direct suspension in processing substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

When the panel stops reviewing your application for too long, they decide to return it or start again

66: Return of substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

What goes into a panel's decision report

87: Content of panel decision documents

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

When your permission starts working

97: Commencement of approval

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Panel tells people about important decisions and puts them online

88: Issue, service, and publication of decision documents

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Fixing small mistakes in decisions

89: Minor corrections

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

You can use other laws to ask for project approval, but there are rules if you use this Act

94: Use of specified Act to apply for approval

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The Conservation boss writes a report about swapping land

35: Director-General of Conservation’s report on land exchange

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Activities that are not allowed in certain places or situations

5: Meaning of ineligible activity

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Asking for permission to swap land before starting a big project

33: Land exchange application lodged with Director-General of Conservation

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

A substantive application is a formal request to get something approved.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

You get to comment on important applications before they are decided.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

A panel listens to your ideas and makes a decision.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

A faster way to get approval for projects is now available.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Decisions made by a special group of people

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Papers that help make big decisions

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for swapping land in special projects

32: Sections 33 to 36 apply to land exchange

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How a panel decides on big project approvals

81: Decisions on approvals sought in substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How Treaty settlements and other agreements affect decisions on projects

16: Effect of Treaty settlements and other obligations on decision making

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

The person in charge makes a decision about your application.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Report tells Minister about using public land for projects

19: Report in relation to use of public conservation land

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How the Minister decides if a project can use the faster approval process

22: Criteria for assessing referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Allowed people can ask for many project approvals at once

42: Authorised person may lodge substantive application for approvals

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Stopping work on a major application for a while

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Schedules 5 to 12 are important rules you must follow

115: Schedules 5 to 12 have effect

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

What the Minister does when they get an application

15: Process after Minister receives referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

What happens after the Minister gets an application to speed up a project.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for special kinds of approvals

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Panel leader asks for expert advice to help make decisions

51: Panel convener obtains other advice and reports

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Restarting a paused application

65: Resumption in processing of substantive application following suspension under section 64

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How the Minister decides if a project can use the fast-track process

21: Minister's decision on referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

When the Minister can say no to your application

25: Timing of decision to decline referral application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

This Act's process replaces normal approval steps for faster decisions

40: Process under this Act applies instead of process under specified Act

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for sending notices about Māori land

114: Notices in relation to Māori land

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Panel asks for feedback on rules before saying yes to a project

70: Panel seeks comment on draft conditions before granting approval

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

First, a draft decision is made about whether to approve something or not.

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Starting your application again after it was paused

63: Resumption in processing substantive application following suspension under section 62

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

EPA can pause your application if you don't pay the fees

61: EPA may direct suspension in processing substantive application

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Land swapping in quick approval applications doesn't follow normal rules

41: Application of panel process to land exchange

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for how hearings should be run in a simple and fair way

58: Other provisions about conduct of hearing

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Attending a hearing from home using video calls

59: Remote access hearing

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Minister can allow building on some Māori land that's usually off-limits

23: Minister may determine that linear infrastructure on certain identified Māori land is not ineligible activity

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules for when the panel must or can say no to approvals

85: When panel must or may decline approvals

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

How Treaty settlements and sea laws affect decisions about approvals

82: Effect of Treaty settlements and other obligations on decision making

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules must be fair and not too tough

83: Conditions must be no more onerous than necessary

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

Rules about honouring Māori rights when making decisions

84: Conditions relating to Treaty settlements and recognised customary rights

About this project

What is this project?

This project is an experiment to take difficult language, and make it easier to read and understand for everyone.

How do we do this?

What's our process for taking the law and turning it into plain language?

Why is the law written like it is?

Laws are often hard to read. They use a lot of words and language we don't usually use when we talk.

Should we use AI for this?

What are the good and bad sides of using AI?

Is this information the actual law?

We hope that this information will help people understand New Zealand laws. But we think that it's important you talk to someone who understands the law well if you have questions or are worried about something.

You can talk to Community Law or Citizen's Advice Bureau about your rights.

Remember that AI can make mistakes, and just reading the law isn't enough to understand how it could be used in court.