The Public Works Act affects every New Zealander. It has allowed the Government and local authorities to acquire land for 'public works' such as schools, hospitals, roads and airports. The Review of the Act seeks public input on how the Act should be changed for the new millennium. The increasing importance of the Treaty of Waitangi has also put the Crown's land-related activities under greater scrutiny. People will have strong views about the questions raised.
Strong discussion adds to the integrity of the review.
While the Act has largely been responsible for creating New Zealand's transport infrastructure, schools, hospitals and other amenities these developments had costs, particularly for Maori. Land was sometimes taken in the face of strong protest. Government departments are dealing with these grievances as they arise. The Review is not the forum to resolve these issues. As a starting point, Land Information New Zealand has produced a discussion paper setting out the background, outlining some issues and suggesting some options.