Airport to Botany Rapid Transit Project: Designations provide opportunity for early acquisitions

The Airport to Botany (A2B) rapid transit project will provide a dedicated bus transit corridor and walking and cycling facilities between Botany and the Auckland International Airport.

Properties along the A2B route will be acquired under the Public Works Act to enable the rapid transit project to proceed.

• The first step in this process took place in December 2022 when Auckland Transport and NZTA lodged Notices of Requirement with Auckland Council to protect the routes required for the transit project.

• In late 2024 Designations were confirmed for sections of the A2B route.

It is not known when the A2B project will be funded, and construction will commence. This could be years or even decades away.

In the meantime, properties which are the subject of the Designation have suffered a loss in value.

However, property owners affected by the A2B project who wish to sell can avoid losses by exercising rights under the Resource Management Act.

• If a person owns an affected property at the time the Notice of Requirement or Designation was issued, and they are unable to sell for full market value (as if there was no project), they may require that Auckland Transport acquire the property early.

• There are many benefits in early acquisitions. Owners are entitled to payment of full market value for the property, there is no real estate commission, expenses such as legal and valuation costs are compensated, and there is additional compensation available of up to $50,000 (depending on the use of the property and personal circumstances).

Grimshaw & Co Lawyers can assist property owners interested in the early acquisition process. To find out more contact us on 0800 377 300 or litigators@grimshaw.co.nz.