The association representing NZ’s infrastructure construction industry welcomed today’s release of the National Infrastructure Plan and Government recognition of the need for a strategic approach to deliver and maintain resilient infrastructure for New Zealand.
CCNZ Chief Executive Alan Pollard congratulated the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission on outlining clear themes and priority actions that would be vital to address New Zealand’s persistent and well-documented infrastructure deficit.
“This Plan echoes many of the concerns and solutions put forward by our sector, particularly around the need for true pipeline certainty, practical consenting, and robust, durable funding mechanisms," said Mr Pollard.
"We are pleased to see increasing recognition of the key role that infrastructure plays in the country’s prosperity and quality of life. These themes are reflected in the Plan, and we look forward to further engagement as the government develops its formal response."
Mr Pollard said CCNZ strongly supported the Plan, however, attention was needed to ensure pipeline visibility and a durable, bipartisan approach that translated into actual, timely and efficient project delivery.
“Too often, projects remain on paper or are delayed by regulatory and funding uncertainty, hampering both the industry and community outcomes.
"Construction businesses need confidence that projects listed in the pipeline will be funded, consented, and delivered as planned. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating the ‘boom and bust’ cycle that undermines investment in skills, innovation, and regional capacity," he said.
Mr Pollard noted key areas for improvement to streamline infrastructure delivery and maintenance, and the need to make sure planning was not just at an academic level but also connected with those who worked to construct and maintain infrastructure networks.
With increasing severe weather events, resilience investment must also be locked in through durable funding and a clear, credible capital pipeline.
“It’s one thing to call for more maintenance and to look after what we’ve got, but we would like to see more action around resilience and projects to protect communities. We need to ensure key infrastructure isn’t vulnerable to severe weather events, so it makes sense to think with clear priorities at a national level, rather than respond when something falls over.”
Simpler, more efficient regulation was also needed to ensure construction was cost-effective and met the needs of communities, he said.
“I think we need to do more to address inefficiencies in regulation. For example, if you look at how soil is currently regulated and managed, this is escalating project cost and leading to poor environmental outcomes. We need a more practical, common-sense approach”.
Finally, the plan would need to be supported by greatly expanded training and workforce development for people to enter, work and succeed in the infrastructure construction industry. Without a skilled workforce, no infrastructure strategy could succeed, he said.
Photo credit: United Civil Construction, Construction work to replace a key Hawke's Bay rail bridge following Cyclone Gabrielle