Introduction from the Chief Executive

I am pleased to introduce you to Land Information New Zealand’s Statement of Intent for 2009–2012 – and my first as Chief Executive since taking up the position in July 2008.

2008/09 saw the achievement of the final milestone in a 12-year journey to full electronic lodgement of survey and title transactions. This has been a major focus for LINZ. The time is now right for us to take a step back and consider our core role in supporting New Zealand through property rights and management, and land information. We recognise we are operating in an increasingly dynamic world. In addition, uncertain economic times have heightened our need to ensure we are contributing fully to New Zealand’s economic future.

As a result, we have refined and further developed our strategic framework, identifying some key areas of focus where we expect to make the most impact towards achieving our outcomes. We have called these our “key initiatives”.

The driving goal of the Government is to grow the New Zealand economy in order to deliver greater prosperity, security and opportunities to all New Zealanders. The key initiatives we have identified and outlined in this document are aimed at supporting this goal, and reflect the priorities of the Government for LINZ.

We will contribute to the Government’s review of the Overseas Investment Act and continue to improve the efficiency of our application processing, with a view to enabling overseas investment while protecting sensitive land, assets and resources.

Geospatial information is increasingly relied on and pervasive in our daily lives. There is growing awareness of the benefits of geospatial information to modern economies (as well as developing ones). These benefits are economic and social, and across the public and private sectors. There is also a growing expectation and belief that there is a role for government in geospatial information. Given LINZ’s functions and information, we are taking a leadership role this area, co-ordinating across government, with a view to achieving federated geospatial information for New Zealand.

The South Island High Country is an important part of New Zealand’s economic and cultural fabric; this iconic country is capable of productive use for farming and tourism opportunities, as well as forming a part of our New Zealand identity. LINZ will review the policy settings for pastoral leases in the high country, to ensure economic and ecologically sustainable policy settings for pastoral leases into the future, recognising high country leaseholders are effective stewards of the land.

Supporting sustained economic growth has always been a focus for LINZ. In a climate of New Zealand and world-wide economic recession, this focus is even more important. The public sector also needs to ensure we are working smarter and cost-effectively. LINZ has a track record in working smarter through utilising technology and we have also focused in recent years on ensuring our regulatory frameworks are optimal, with compliance costs minimised given the risk. We will continue to focus on these areas, as well as on continually improving the efficiency of our processes. We will also work to improve our information gathering, analysis and planning, so we ensure we focus on the right things, and our research and evaluation, so we can measure our progress and adjust as needed.

The challenges facing us over the 2009–2012 period are significant as we work to deliver our outcomes, encouraging economic growth and prosperity, while recognising the fast-changing economic environment surrounding us and adapting to that. I have confidence in LINZ’s ability to meet those challenges.

Colin MacDonald
Chief Executive