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Acquisition process favours Crown
As landowners also affected by the Warkworth to Wellsford (W2W) motorway project, and previously the Puhoi to Warkworth (P2W) motorway project, we noted with interest the lead article in Mahurangi Matters (Oct 28). For the P2W, we were assigned the Property Group. But because we were not happy with how we were dealt with on the P2W project, this time we asked for a different NZTA agent and were assigned to Align. Neither has been completely open about the acquisition process. Fellow stakeholders in the acquisition process should be aware that the NZTA agents need to follow the LINZ Standard for the acquisition of land under the Public Works Act 1981. This states that the Crown acquiring agency must provide to the owner:
(a) a copy of the instruction to the registered valuer,
(b) a copy of the confirmed scope of works received from the valuer, and
(c) a copy of the current best practice template for PWA valuation reports, if available.
We were entitled to receive these automatically and as of right but have instead had to request them.
In our experience, the acquisition process is heavily weighted in favour of the Crown and not undertaken according to its own standards. Property owners need to be proactive, aware of the requirements of the Crown and ensure that the NZTA and its agents act in an appropriate manner.
Denise and Ian Civil, Warkworth
Low valuation for motorway landowner
We are currently facing the compulsory acquisition of part of our land by the Crown for the new motorway.
While we understand that progress requires sacrifices and the motorway has to go somewhere, we are deeply concerned about the process led by the buyer’s agent.
Valuations have been conducted from the roadside – and driveways – without prior consent from landowners, and without providing us with detailed plans of the motorway route.
This lack of transparency makes it impossible for us, or the valuers, to determine the true diminished value of our property.
It’s already challenging to accept that our quiet, rural lifestyle will soon be compromised by a motorway of unknown proximity.
To add to this, the compensation figures we’ve seen so far are alarmingly low. For instance, a valuation of $240,000 for two acres within five minutes of Warkworth seems unrealistic and out of step with the actual market.
We urge those responsible to approach this matter with greater transparency and fairness to landowners.
Name and address withheld
Warkworth South development
Thanks Mahurangi Matters for your November 11 story about the proposed large development near Valerie Close, on the southern side of Warkworth township. And for highlighting the claims by developers KA Waimanawa Limited Partnership, and Stepping Towards Far Ltd that they have the ability to provide: a private water supply and sewage disposal system for nearly 1600 new homes; parks; a retail business centre; a transport hub; and a special Morrison Heritage Orchard precinct to the north. Really?
Your story says that Watercare now opposes the plan change, which would allow the proposed development.
Also you report that Auckland Council consultant and planner David Wren recommended that the plan application be declined “due to concerns over adequate water and wastewater infrastructure”.
Developers come and go but Warkworth residents and ratepayers will be the ones expected to pay for a clean-up if this questionable scheme doesn’t work.
B. F. Wright, Campbells Beach
