Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett on Crown Infrastructure Partners announcement.

23 July 2017

Media Release

Inviting private sector to invest in housing infrastructure - "Solution-based thinking and exactly what we need right now"

The Government's recognition that there is a need to accelerate decisions and the pace at which local councils are responding to provide network infrastructure for big new housing developments is a positive step forward.

"Government's willingness to step in and provide a means to get things done and not have continuing delays through council's balance sheet issues is a constructive and timely response," said Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Michael Barnett.

Using the investment skills and experience of Crown Fibre Holdings in a re-purposed and re-named Crown Infrastructure Partners to do the job of attracting private investment in roading and water infrastructure to service housing development reflects solution-based thinking and "is exactly what we need right now," said Mr Barnett.

Announcing the establishment of Crown Infrastructure Partners in Drury signals that this area of Auckland will be opened up for significant housing development to help cope with Auckland's fast pace of growth.

"I anticipate that in time this development will be backed up by introduction of new public transport services, such as a fast train service between central Auckland and neighbour cities like Hamilton and other creative possibilities."

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