The draft National Infrastructure Plan released today signals a plan for the future, but also more stability for maintenance and renewals, in a way that can make the most of our current infrastructure assets.

“The draft plan sets a logical, reasonable path to progress, past the drastic swings we see in the infrastructure work programme when new governments are elected”, Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said.

“The plan’s recommendations should enable central and local government clients to improve how they consider, fund, finance and deliver the vital roads, water networks, hospitals and other vital infrastructure we depend on, as well as providing visibility on infrastructure project needs.”

Released today by Te Waihanga New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, the draft plan sets out some of the challenges New Zealand faces in planning and delivering infrastructure.

“It was reiterated at the symposium today that maintenance work has long been deprioritised, underfunded and even ignored. Bringing local maintenance, renewal and repair works forward to fill the short-term pipeline is a priority for our industry.

“Historically, there has been a lack of priority around maintenance and renewals. But a stable long-term programme of maintenance, renewals and new infrastructure works will better serves our communities. The Plan sets appropriate priorities around this.”

The Plan also sets out some of the solutions, including better funding for maintenance, tools to streamline delivery, more sustainable funding pathways and right-sizing new investment.

Mr Pollard welcomed Minister Chris Bishop’s comments at the Infrastructure Commission symposium held today that central government is going to take a better look at its own capital-intensive government agencies, which will be held accountable for their assets going forward.

“Noting that the government owns around 40 per cent of our total infrastructure stock, the public sector must build knowledge of what infrastructure assets it owns. Many do not have asset management plans. Others are in a position where they deliberately ‘sweat’ their assets.

“We have a valuable opportunity to move past this, toward nation-shaping decision making built on consensus, which will provide more surety in upcoming work and provide real return on investment.”

CCNZ had previously raised these concerns with the Minister, including the time it was taking between the announcement of projects and when they actually hit the market.

Tools to make infrastructure delivery based around need rather than budget surplus were welcome, and Mr Pollard stressed the importance of improved interaction between central and local government, both of which hold key infrastructure delivery roles.

“We welcome efforts from the government, councils and other clients to be clearer about project delivery timeframes, and prioritise spending on renewals and maintenance,” Mr Pollard said.

“We shouldn’t just talk and theorise about infrastructure—it’s only meaningful when it’s well funded, well-built and well maintained.”

The draft National Infrastructure Plan is open for consultation and feedback until 6 August 2025.