Notice to all owners of land on Pitcairn
As you may be aware the land ownership system on Pitcairn Island is
currently undergoing significant change under the Land Tenure Reform
Ordinance 2001. The purpose of this letter is to inform you
of the effect of this on land titles.
As from 1 December 2006 all existing freehold land titles on Pitcairn
will be suspended, and Land Allocation Titles may be issued
instead. In addition, an annual land tax for unutilised land
will be introduced, at a rate for the first 12 months of $NZ 0.50c per
square metre for non-resident owners.
If you wish to have a Land Allocation Title issued for your section/s
in Adamstown, you will need to notify the Pitcairn Island Office in
writing, identifying the section/s concerned. If you are not
resident on Pitcairn Island, the land concerned will be assessed at the
end of 2007 for Land Tax for the period December 2006 to December 2007.
If you do not advise us that you wish to take this opportunity, a Land
Allocation Title will not be issued to you, the land will not be
subject to tax and you will cease to be the lawful owner.
Should a third party apply for a title to that section in the future,
you will be contacted again, and given a final opportunity to apply for
a Land Allocation Title issued in your name. If you choose
not to take up the opportunity at that stage the Land Allocation Title
may be issued to the third party.
All land outside the main Adamstown area has recently been surveyed and
will be allocated on the basis of applications for leasehold plots from
former landowners and current residents of the Island. If you
can demonstrate an existing interest over such land and wish to apply
for a lease for it under the new system you should do so
immediately. A land tax of $NZ 0.50c per square metre for the
first 12 months will apply to such land for non-resident owners.
Whilst we are writing to those for whom we have contact details, many
listed landowners or their trustees are deceased or cannot be
contacted. Please advise any landowners you know of who may
not see this letter. If you have any concerns or questions
regarding this situation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Pitcairn Islands Office
P.O. Box 105 696
Auckland |
Ph. +64 9 366 0186
Fax +64 9 366 0187
Email
admin@pitcairn.gov.pn |