Sue Simons co-presents "Public Works Intensive" webinar

Berry Simons' Partner Sue Simons, alongside Matthew Casey KC, recently presented a webinar on the Public Works Act 1981. 

The Public Works Act sets out processes for acquiring private land for public works while ensuring compensation for a fair and equitable outcome for property owners. The webinar traversed through the operation of core sections and concepts within the Act. As a long-standing Act with very little legislative intervention, the webinar focused on a number of recent, some very public, cases which have impacted the Act's operation.

Topics covered during the webinar included:

• The designation process - a hot topic in the context of Supporting Growth Alliance's intention to obtain large tracts of land through designation to future proof transport in Auckland;
• The interpretation of the principles of full compensation, betterment, and injurious affection;
• The functions of the Land Valuation Tribunal and examples of recent costs awards; and
• The obligations of requiring authorities to offer back the land to original owners when the land becomes surplus to works.

The event, hosted by the Auckland District Law Society, was for property lawyers, environmental and resource management lawyers, and litigators.