The construction sector has welcomed the release of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan, saying it recognises the need for a more strategic approach to tackling New Zealand’s long-standing infrastructure deficit.
Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard congratulated the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission for outlining clear themes and priority actions aimed at delivering and maintaining resilient infrastructure.
“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,” Pollard says.
“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.”
Pollard says while CCNZ strongly supports the plan, greater attention is needed to ensure visibility of the project pipeline and a durable, bipartisan approach that translates into actual, timely and efficient 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,” Pollard says.
He says the industry wants to ensure infrastructure planning is not purely academic but connected to those who construct and maintain infrastructure networks.
With severe weather events becoming more frequent, Pollard says resilience investment must be supported by 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.”
Pollard says simpler and more efficient regulation is also needed to ensure construction is cost-effective and meets the needs of communities.
“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.”
He says the plan will also need to be supported by greatly expanded training and workforce development to ensure people can enter, work and succeed in the infrastructure construction industry.
Without a skilled workforce, no infrastructure strategy can succeed, Pollard says.
