As we approach the first anniversary of the current National lead government it is timely to review the progress we have made in advancing infrastructure as a key to social and economic benefits that all New Zealanders can recognise, as well as identifying areas where further development in thinking as well as practise is required.

Members can be satisfied that NZCID’s advocacy for government leadership in national infrastructure development has been recognised. The establishment of the Minister for Infrastructure and the National Infrastructure Unit supported by an independent private sector driven Infrastructure Advisory Board is clear testament of this.  The Infrastructure Board’s mission is to review the state of national infrastructure and develop a twenty year infrastructure plan. This encompasses prioritisation of projects of national significance and identification of policy reforms and funding mechanisms to enable timely delivery of infrastructure projects that will drive social and economic development.  NZCID is actively engaged in supporting this process and helping to push the boundaries of what can be achieved.

It is critical that we maintain the focus on investment for growth.

Work continues on the various legislative reforms NZCID has influenced to date including phase two reforms of the RMA; the Public Works Act; the Land Transport Management Act; the Historic Places Trust Act among others, to facilitate projects of national significance.

A key focus in the year ahead will be advancing understanding within the public and private sectors of alternative procurement techniques including early contractor involvement, alliance and PPP contracts. 

All of this work is central to expanding the market thereby expanding growth and new business opportunities for members. 

Our Building Nations Symposium goes from strength to strength. With three government Ministers attending this year’s event along with senior government officials and a first class array of speakers including Warren and Mahoney, Building Nations is clearly positioned as the premier event on the infrastructure calendar. Both the Symposium and our regular complimentary events provide the platform for members to network across the whole of the infrastructure sector, to advance best practice in infrastructure development and to influence the policy debate.

NZCID is clearly positioned as the thought leader in infrastructure development. Membership continues to grow and consequently the influence and the quality of the work that we do continues to develop. This is only possible through the support of our members, both financially and through intellectual input.

We look forward to continuing our work with you.