(1)  Subject to this section, a gas entity may –

(a) install gas infrastructure on public land; and

(b) operate, maintain, repair, alter, add to, remove and replace gas infrastructure on public land; and

(c) carry out other work on public land for the distribution or supply of gas –

and may excavate the land for any such purpose.

(2)  Subject to this section, a gas entity must –

(a) give the authority responsible for the management of public land not less than 7 days' notice of the entity's intention to carry out work on the land; and

(b) before commencing the work, secure the authority's agreement as to how the work is to be carried out.

(3)  An agreement under subsection (2)(b) may contain conditions that the responsible authority considers appropriate in the public interest.

(4)  Prior notice is not required under subsection (2) for work of a kind prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.

(5)  Agreement is not required under subsection (2) for work of a kind prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section.

(6)  If a dispute arises between a gas entity and the responsible authority about whether work should be permitted under this section on the land or about the conditions on which work should be permitted on public land, either party to the dispute may refer the dispute to the Director of Gas.

(7)  Subsection (6) does not apply to a dispute where the responsible authority is a Minister or a person or body to whom directions may be given by a Minister in respect of the matter in dispute.

(8)  If a dispute is referred to the Director under this section, the Director must –

(a) allow the parties to the dispute the opportunity to make representations to the Director on the questions at issue in the dispute; and

(b) make a reasonable attempt to ensure that the parties agree to settlement of the dispute on reasonable terms.

(9)  In default of agreement, the Director may make –

(a) an order that the work is or is not permitted on the land; and

(b) if the Director orders that the work is permitted, an additional order fixing the conditions on which the work is permitted, as the Director thinks fit.

(10)  The Director may delegate a duty or power under subsection (8) or (9) to another competent person.

(11)  A delegation under this section is revocable at will and does not prevent the Director from acting in any matter.

(12)  A gas entity must make good any damage caused by the exercise of powers under this section as soon as practicable or pay reasonable compensation for the damage.

(13)  If the responsible authority and a gas entity do not agree as to the extent of compensation, the claim for compensation is to be determined –

(a) if it is a small claim, by the small claims division of the Magistrates Court; or

(b) in any other case, as if it were a disputed claim under the Land Acquisition Act 1993 .

(14)  This section does not derogate from an obligation to comply with any other Act.