National Infrastructure Unit commended

Media Release: New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development

2 March, 2009

Establishment of National Infrastructure Unit commended

The establishment of a specialist National Infrastructure Unit within government can be expected to drive growth and improve value for money from the government's capital investment programme according to the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development.

"This has been the experience of other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom who have similar agencies," says NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood.

"For too long New Zealand's infrastructure has been characterised by a stop start, boom bust, investment cycle,"

"Complex decision making, tortuous approval and consenting processes combined with insufficient "pay as you go" funding have severely inhibited New Zealand's infrastructure development over the last two decades.

"Not only has this led to inefficient use of the limited tax payer funds, it has resulted in roads with insufficient capacity, inadequate public transport services, a run down rail network, on again off again power supply, slow broadband speeds, water supplies that fail minimum health standards and insufficient capacity in our hospitals, schools, courts and prisons.

"This infrastructure unit needs to find ways to unravel the red tape. It needs to develop a 20 year infrastructure plan that is supported by a committed funding programme. It needs to develop institutional best practice in infrastructure development to support public procurement processes and maximise collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The government has signalled its commitment to timely investment in infrastructure to provide a much needed kick start to economy and lift potential for long term economic growth. The establishment of an infrastructure unit to help drive best practice in infrastructure planning and investment is a logical next step in that process and is positively welcomed by the infrastructure sector." Selwood says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media