The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission recently called for submissions on its 30-year Infrastructure Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand. Feedback received will be used to finalise the Infrastructure Strategy the the Commission will provided as a draft to the Minister for Infrastructure in September this year.
Civil Contractors NZ made a submission on 2 July as part of this consultation process. The submission supports much the contents and direction of the consultation document. The key feedback points CCNZ wished to emphasise were:
1. the need for improved active asset management
2. the need for a greater focus in the maintenance and replacement of existing infrastructure to optimise its operation and life
3. the need to build our people capability and capacity to meet our future the design, construction, operations and maintenance needs
4. the need to take a whole of life value approach to the design and construction of infrastructure not just focusing on things like waste and carbon during the construction phase
5. the need to ensure that we build, support and maintain a healthy market of contractors of different sizes and skills. This will ensure healthy competition and promote innovation.
CCNZ believes future infrastructure must be built around a reliable and accurate long-term pipeline that enables organisations to effectively plan and resource the design, construction, operation, maintenance, replacement and ultimate decommissioning of infrastructure.
CCNZ members respond to the needs of clients in terms of the type of infrastructure they build and maintain. However, if the type of infrastructure and the associated skills and capital equipment requirements change there needs to be sufficient time for these to be developed and equipment secured.
Infrastructure impacts on every New Zealanders quality of life. It is essential that we design, build and maintain infrastructure that meets or exceed the expectations of future generations.
If you have feedback on CCNZ's submission, please email Peter@civilcontractors.co.nz.
Read CCNZ's submission >>
Visit the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission's website for more information about the submission process >>