"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
In August, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared his concerns about New Zealand’s infrastructure sector while touring Australia. He told media that he particularly looks to New South Wales and Victoria as they have done well with infrastructure development. Luxon also mentioned how a bipartisan approach to infrastructure was one factor costing the country dearly and […]
In August, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared his concerns about New Zealand’s infrastructure sector while touring Australia.
He told media that he particularly looks to New South Wales and Victoria as they have done well with infrastructure development.
Luxon also mentioned how a bipartisan approach to infrastructure was one factor costing the country dearly and that this support would provide future certainty.
Recently, Prime Minister Luxon said the Government’s Quarter Four (Q4) Action Plan focus is “on making it easier and faster to build infrastructure in New Zealand as part of its wider plan to rebuild the economy.”
The controversial Fast-Track Approvals Bill is another Q4 focus, allowing for faster resource consents and the like.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says that work is underway to develop a 30-year national infrastructure plan to outline New Zealand’s future sector needs.
It will also outline future planned investments and “recommendations on priority projects and reforms to fill the gap between what we have now, what we will have soon, and what we’ll need in future.
“The IPP picks up lessons from Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List, which has helped them build political consensus on an enduring pipeline of priorities – exactly what we need in New Zealand,” the minister said.
Another step in looking overseas for infrastructure inspiration is collaborating with industry organisations that attract international talent.
Civil Contractors’ recruitment storyteller project is one of many attracting tomorrow’s leaders and workforce from overseas. Embracing New Zealand’s place as an attractive country in which to live and work is key for the sector.
Recent Infrastructure NZ reports underscore how the nation’s infrastructure problems require international solutions.
“Our peers abroad, in countries with similar democratic and legal systems, have tackled the same issues we face. Learning from their successes and mistakes is crucial,” says Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett.
Delegations to Europe and the United Kingdom found that having a clear national vision, embracing political collaboration, and planning infrastructure development sustainably are paramount.
In Dublin and Copenhagen, cohesive transport systems that integrate various modes of transportation have proven effective, supported by public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The Belfast City Deal shows how targeted investments and partnerships across councils, universities, and the private sector can transform regional economies.
Likewise, the Greater Manchester City Deal shows how local and central government collaboration is vital, something New Zealand could consider improving upon.
Denmark’s water management approach, which focuses on reinvesting profits and long-term sustainability, proved one key case in aiding New Zealand’s future water services reforms.
“It’s now up to us to redefine the infrastructure debate and aim for what others have achieved. We must shift from inward focus to a long-term vision that includes political maturity and systemic consistency,” Nick Leggett says.
“To be globally competitive, New Zealand needs to embrace international examples and be ambitious for its future.”
