GRAND PLAN NEEDED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Stephen Selwood - National Business Review
24 October 2008

Now that investiment in infrastructure is high on the political agenda, the development of an aggressive programme is urgently needed.  More> 

NZCID CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SPEAKING AT THE COMBINED AQA AND IOQNZ CONFERENCE 2008

National Morning Report - Radio New Zealand
11 July 2008

NZCID Cheif Executive Stephen Selwood, John Rae Managing Director of Stevensons, and Mike Lee Chairman of Auckland Regional Council. 

BUILDING THE NATION

Infrastructure Magazine
May 08

NZCID Chief Executive, Stephen Selwood, takes stock and looks ahead to the Building Nations Symposium.  More>

NZCID CHIEF EXECUTIVE DISCUSSES PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ON RADIO LIVE

Radio Live
8 February 2008

Listen here>(1,083.28 KB)

DOUBT OVER EDEN PARKS ABILITY TO BE READY FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

Radio Live
14 November 2007

The NZ Herald led their paper with an article that doubts Eden Park will even be ready by the 2011 Rugby World Cup, because unless they get a start date and confirmation soon, no contractor could finish it.  More>

FLETCHER URGES FOR DESICION FOR EDEN PARK

Radio New Zealand
14 November 2007

Fletcher urges for a desicion to be made for the development of Eden Park, or it warns that we will not be ready for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.  More>

IT INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL FOR NZ'S GROWTH

Business to Business
1 October 2007

The New Zealand HiGrowth Project Trust and the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development have released a report analysing the state of the country’s information, communications and technology (ICT).

It makes recommendations for industry and government to ensure New Zealand has the physical infrastructure to meet the digital strategy goal of being in the top quartile of the OECD by 2015.

Compiled by AVA the report covers six critical areas – electricity supply, product testing, ICT manufacturing, broadcast media, research and development facilities and telecommunications.

It began with research conducted by HiGrowth with 100 ICT industry leaders that identified a need to assess the industry’s infrastructure requirements in relation to the rate at which it needed to grow to fuel economic growth proposed in the strategy.

NZICD’s CEO Stephen Selwood believes the research highlights previously unidentified issues and has put forward some powerful solutions.

“The report shows there are critical issues within the telecommunications and ITC manufacturing industries and with the high-tech research and development sector,” Mr Selwood said.

“Despite steady progress in encouraging competition across the existing network and increasing broadband speeds and uptake, these constraints could impede the attainment of high growth in the ICT industry and the success of the country’s goal.”

The analysis shows the level of investment in these areas is unlikely to make a sufficient difference to performance and that a broader range of initiatives and policies are urgently needed.

HiGrowth executive director Garth Biggs says ICT manufacturing capability is under threat if the ability to build prototypes and high quality test runs is lost.

“The report also highlights the need for far greater collaboration across all research and development providers, he said.

“We are too small a country to be duplicating effort and funding bricks and mortar when brains and know-how are what is required.

“International trends show that within seven years ‘power users’ such as high technology, research, film, medical, financial and professional service industries will need public data speeds of 100 Mb/s and Gigabit speeds shortly after,” Stephen Selwood said.

“This is a step change on our current thinking and requires a substantial lift in investment,” he said.

“AVA considers that wireless technologies will be suitable for in fill applications for sectors where copper and fibre are uneconomic and where mobility is required.

“Although the cost of providing internationally competitive telecommunications infrastructure is substantial ($10 billion has been estimated to be the cost of providing fibre to 97 per cent of properties), the cost of not accelerating broadband diffusion will result in forgoing increases in economic growth many times the cost of the investment.

“There will also be a risk that New Zealand will increasingly be unable to trade in markets that require ICT infrastructure capacity and we may even be excluded from some markets if trading partners insist on the use of advanced services.”

“We’ve already tasted the successes in the film industry and in high tech software and hardware development,” Mr Biggs said.

“By connecting to a digital future New Zealand has an opportunity to accelerate these developments, overcome our physical separation from international markets and capitalise on the enormous potential these opportunities present,” he said.

 

TENDER CALL FOR TELECOM CABLE ROLLOUT

Tom Pullar-Strecker in Dominion Post
14 September 2007

NZCID and the HiGrowth Project Report: Connecting...to Our Digital Future urges the Government to put the job of rolling out fibre-optic cable to Telecom's roadside cabinets out to tender and give the company's competitors access to its ducts and manholes. More>

NZCID: AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE REFORM CRITICAL

NZPA Report in Dominion Post
31 July 07

Reform of Auckland's complex local governance structure is critical to transforming Auckland into a leading twenty-first century metropolitan region, which is able to compete on the international stage," says NZCID Chief Executive, Stephen Selwood.

"This requires significant investment in our infrastructure including high speed broadband, effective transport networks, high quality water services and resilient energy supply. It also requires advancing our arts ,sporting and cultural identity, and building strong social cohesion across a diverse multicultural society.

"Yet current progress is tortuously slow, plagued by indecision, competing leadership, inadequate regional funding and complex approval processes...More>

ROYAL COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE

Radio NZ - National (Wellington)
Morning Report - 31/07/2007 - 07:09 AM
Geoff Robinson & Sean Plunket

There is both delight and alarm at the Government's decision to set up a royal commission into local government in Auckland. John Banks says it is long overdue, and says NZ's future is dependent on Auckland's future economic infrastructure development. The NZ Council for Infrastructure Development has been lobbying for this move. Some community boards are uneasy at the prospect of a royal commission and the support of business interests for more centralised local government. The Minister of Local Government will attend the Mayoral Forum next month

Interviewees: John Banks, Mayoral Candidate; Lois Williams, Reporter; Stephen Selwood, CEO, NZ Council for Infrastructure Development; Bob Harvey, Mayor, Waitakere, City; Graham Easte, Chairperson of the Western Bays Community Board

Royal Commission into Auckland Governance

VITAL WE REVISE RMA

The Press
21 June 07

Balancing national and regional infrastructure needs against social environmental and individual interest is almost always a vexed issue.  The controversy over Central Plains Water irrigation scheme and Meridian's Project Hayes wind farm is a case in point.  Both projects are of significance to the nation but both face strong local opposition.  Do we have adequate processes that satisfactorily balance national versus local interest in a timely, fair and effective way? More>

BUDGET PROPOSES REGIONAL FUEL TAXES

Geoff Robinson & Sean Plunket - Morning Report, Radio New Zealand
18 May 2007

Budget 2007 proposes that local authorities in Wellington and Auckland be allowed to impose a fuel tax of up to 10 cents a litre, in a bid to improve the regions' public transport infrastructure, plus rail electrification upgrade and building the Transmission Gully. Transport lobbyists warn the regional fuel tax is still inadequate, and Aucklanders could still be hit by road tolls. Motorists, says the tax will not stop people from driving their cars. Road Transport Forum, says the proposed tax is a short-sighted measure.

Interviewees: Sarah Bristow, Reporter, Radio NZ National; Stephen Selwood, CEO, Council for Infrastructure Development ; Vox pops; Tony Friedlander, CEO, Road Transport Forum; Michael Barnett, CEO, Auckland Chamber of Commerce; Ian Buchanan, Chairman, Wellington Regional Council

TOLL ROADS STILL ON THE TABLE

Nicole Wright - News, Radio New Zealand
18 May 2007

Transport lobbyists are warning Auckland residents may still have to pay road tolls despite the Budget paving the way for a regional fuel tax. The tax is expected to be introduced into Auckland first to build new roads and improve public transport.

Mentions: The Council for Infrastructure Development ; Road Transport Forum

BUDGET SPELLS COMBINATION TOLLS & TAX

News, Radio New Zealand
18 May 2007

The Council for Infrastructure Development is warning Aucklanders could still have to pay road tolls, on top of a regional 10 cents per litre petrol tax, to pay for $1.5 billion of transport projects. Meanwhile, the Road Transport Forum says trucking firms will look to dodge a proposed Auckland regional fuel tax by filling-up before they come into Auckland.

AGENCY INFIGHTING HOLDING UP PROGRESS

Bernadine Oliver-Kerby - News, NewsTalk ZB
16 March 2007

The Council for Infrastructure Development, says infighting in public agencies are holding up progress of Auckland's roading projects, namely the Manukau's Transport Corridor.

Interviewees: Stephen Selwood, CEO, Council for Infrastructure

Agency infighting holding up progress - NewstalkZB 16 Mar 07.wma(122.98 KB)

DISRUPTED RAIL PROMPTS CALLS FOR PRIVATE FINANCE

Andrew Patterson & Jemma Dempsey - Newshour, Radio Live
06 March 2007

The compere says a power cut disrupted Auckland's rail network forcing the police to carry out signalling duties. She says the Government's rail agency On Track has apologized. New Zealand Council for Infrastructure chief executive Stephen Selwood says On Track is under a lot of pressure at the present. He says On Track are upgrading the western line. He says $600 million has been invested by the Government to upgrade the Auckland rail network, which doesn't go far. The compere says private investment does not appeal to Helen Clark. Selwood says it makes sense to encourage private investment into the Auckland rail network.

Interviewees: Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive, New Zealand Council for Infrastructure

Auckland rail disruption prompts calls for private finance - Radio Live 06Mar2007.wma(839.83 KB)

10 CENTS FOR BETTER ROADS

Mark Sainsbury - Close Up, TVNZ
26 April 2007

We already pay 62c in taxes as part of our $1.56 for petrol so how would an extra 10c added to the price of petrol in Auckland work? It's been mooted as a possible solution to Auckland's roading woes and transport problems, but it wasn't that long ago that 5c was added for that very reason. Now however, with construction costs rising and a Rugby World Cup on the horizon, as well as all the hours of lost productivity that comes about as a result of congestion on Auckland's ill-designed roads, the situation is even more urgent. Mark Sainsbury talks to Mike Noon from the Automobile Association and Stephen Selwood from the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development about the pros and cons of a 10c roading tax for Aucklanders while Laurna White talks to one Waikato petrol station owner looking to gain a few more customers.  More>

STEPS TO INCREASE VALUE FOR TAXPAYERS ON TRANSPORT

Scoop
12 February 2007

The NZ Council for Infrastructure Development welcomes February 9th's delivery by Transport Minister Annette King of steps aimed to increase the value for taxpayer money spent on land transport.  The steps form the findings of the Government's newly released Ministerial Advisory Group on Roading Costs (MAG).  Fully endorsing the report, NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood states, "these findings recommend very positive and much needed changes in areas that have long hindered transport - governance, strategic planning and funding."

Read full article > Steps to increase value for taxpayers on transport-scoop 12 Feb 07.pdf(39.84 KB)

NZCID APPLAUDS CULLEN'S PLAN

Nicola Wright - News, National Radio
02 February 2007

Transport lobbyists applaud Finance Minister Michael Cullen's plan to raise money for roading and other infrastructure projects by issuing bonds from Treasury.

Interviewees: Stephen Selwood , CEO, The Council For Infrastructure Development

Listen to audio > NZCID applauds Cullens plan - National Radio 02 Feb 07.wma(139.16 KB)

INFRASTRUCTURE BONDS TO RAISE CAPITAL FOR MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Geoff Robinson & Sean Plunket - Morning Report, National Radio
02 February 2007

Finance Minister Michael Cullen says Treasury will hold a tender for $50m in infrastructure bonds to raise capital to complete major infrastructure projects. Stephen Selwood, CEO, Council for Infrastructure Development, says there has been significant underfunding in Auckland and so the priority needs to be there. Michael Barnett, CEO, Auckland Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the move to accelerate roading and public transport projects. Cameron Pitches, Spokesperson, Campaign for Better Transport, echoes the call for better public transport with electrified rails.

Interviewees: Lisa Thompson, Reporter; Stephen Selwood, CEO, Council for Infrastructure Development; Michael Barnett, CEO, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.; Cameron Pitches, Spokesperson, Campaign for Better Transport

Listen to audio > NZCID welcomes Govt bonds issue - National Radio 02 Feb 07.wma(404.54 KB)

NZ COUNCIL FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WELCOMES GOVERNMENT BONDS' ISSUE

Chris Whitta - Midday Report, National Radio
02 February 2007

Transport lobbyist Council for Infrastructure Development, welcomes the Government's move to start raising money for roading by issuing bonds specifically targeted at transport investments.

Mentions: Campaign for Better Transport, Lobbyist; Michael Cullen, Finance Minister, New Zealand; Treasury; Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive, Council for the Infrastructure

Listen to audio > Govt bonds issue - National Radio 02 Feb 07.wma(155.34 KB)

STEP FORWARD FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO AUCKLAND

Scoop
31 January 2007

Certainty of electricity supply to Auckland takes a further tentative step forward.  The NZ Council for Infrastructure Development welcomes the Electricity Commission’s notice of intention to approve Transpower’s Auckland grid upgrade proposal, but questions what value can be added from yet another round of consultation that will add five to six months before a final decision to approve the upgrade is committed.

Read full article > Step forward for electricity supply for Auckland-scoop 31 Jan 07.pdf(34.31 KB)

PROMPT DECISION MAKING & STREAMLINED CONSENTS KEY TO DELIVERING A RUGBY WORLD CUP WATERFRONT STADIUM

TVNZ
04 November 2006

Chief Executive Stephen Selwood says delivering a waterfront stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be a big ask, but the key will be prompt decision-making and a streamlined consent process.  This, along with a strong business case and a good proposition to win public support will be vital.

View online > TVNZ "Stadium big ask for industry" 04 Nov 06

Read full article > TVNZ Stadium big ask for industry 4 Nov 06.pdf(11.91 KB)

TAG TEAM TO TACKLE AUCKLAND TRANSPORT

NZ Trucking
September 2006

A new initiative aimed at achieving a common vision for Auckland transport among local and national government leaders has been launched by Annette King.  NZCID is encouraged by the two phase project which they hope will provide a much needed breakthrough in meeting the region's needs by enabling political leaders to reach a common and long term strategic view.

Read full article > NZ Trucking, Sept 06.pdf(356.21 KB)

STATE v STATE: THE REGULATOR'S ROLE UNDER FIRE

Nick Stride - Independent Financial Review
16 August 2006

Moves by the Commerce Commission to control Vector pricing come under fire and NZCID highlights Australian legislation designed to unblock billions of dollars of spending on infrastructure and questions the Commerce Commission's grip on reality.

Read full article > The Independent, 16 Aug 06 4.pdf(240.99 KB)

DEFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT A REAL PROBLEM FOR ROAD PRICING

Sean Plunket - Morning Report, National Radio
28 April 2006

Stephen Selwood (Chief Executive, NZCID) says the deficiency of public transport in Auckland is a real problem and high road taxes which punish people out of their cars is not the answer, there are a range of options which must be employed together to solve our funding woes.

Listen to audio > Morn Rep National Radio 28 April 06.mp3(2,315.00 KB)

NZCID LAUNCHES TRANSPORT VISION TO 2025

Paul Henry - Breakfast, TVNZ
27 April 2006

With a $6b funding deficit and gridlock on our roads, Paul Henry criticises the abundance of talk and lack of action on our roads. NZCID Chief Stephen Selwood and Roading NZ Chief Chris Olsen are looking for a fresh approach to funding and outline a number of issues that must be resolved with urgency.

$50 PER WEEK LEVIES POSSIBLE AS SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON ROAD PRICING OPTIONS

Sarah Bristow - National Radio
28 April 2006

As submissions close on tolling and levy options mooted by the Ministry of Transport, NZCID believes public transport improvements must be made before road pricing is introduced and regional fuel tax may be the funding answer.

Listen to audio > National Radio 28 April 06.mp3(225.71 KB)

REGIONAL FUEL TAX COULD IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN AUCKLAND

National Radio
28 April 2006

Stephen Selwood (Chief Executive, NZCID) says that Auckland's public transport system must be improved before road pricing is introduced to give people and alternative, and suggests a regional fuel tax may be the answer to funding it.

Listen to audio > News National Radio 28 April 06.mp3(215.51 KB)

LOCAL AUTHORITIES COP CRITICISM FOR GULLY DELAYS

Newstalk ZB
26 April 2006

Wellington Regional Council has approved Transmission Gully but Transit New Zealand says they will look to secure funding before any consents are sought.  NZCID report Transport 2025 launched today points out we are doing a lot of talking and planning and not making much progress.  Chief Executive Stephen Selwood can't understand the reluctance of local authorities to borrow for infrastructure.

Listen to audio > Newstalk ZB 26 April 06.mp3(175.41 KB)

SECURING FUNDING THE NEXT STEP FOR TRANSMISSION GULLY

Michael Taylor - Newstalk ZB
11 April 2006

Many are critical of the long delays in implementing plans for Transmission Gully, Stephen Selwood (Chief Executive, NZCID) thinks local authoritie should treat infrastructure development like any other investment and borrow towards the future benefits.

Listen to audio > Newstalk ZB 11 April 06.mp3(356.02 KB)

NSW PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLS A LESSON FOR NZ

Subtext - The Newsletter of the Education Forum
Feb 2006

Nine new schools delivered under a public–private partnership model are “an improvement on traditional public sector delivery”, a New South Wales Treasury report has found.  Stephen Selwood, NZCID Chief Executive, said the report gave clear insight into the benefits of public and private sector partnerships.

Read full article > Subtext Feb 06.pdf(900.59 KB)

FUNDING SHORTFALLS BRING TOLLING BACK TO THE FORE

Mary Wilson - Checkpoint, National Radio
15 February 2006

Mary Wilson says the shortfall in funding to complete Auckland roading projects has re-introduced the prospect of tolling. Wayne Donnelly, Chief Executive, Land Transport New Zealand, says the shortfall will delay some roading projects. Dr. Michael Cullen, Minister of Finance, says the Government is committed to paying for transport projects that have already been announced, and has rejected Mayor of Auckland City Dick Hubbard's suggestion that the Government move away from taxing fuel by the litre. Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive, Council for Infrastructure Development, says the shortfall needs urgent attention, and says taxing Auckland motorists during rush hour is an ideal way of reducing congestion and raising money to build new roads. Mike Lee, Chair, Auckland Regional Council, is against any form of tolling. Roger Boulter, Transport Planning Consultant, says the region needs to be smarter in its use of existing roads.

Read full article > National Radio Checkpoint 15-02-06.mp3(869.90 KB)

NZ COMPETITION: BETTER THAN MOST, STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH

National Business Review
20 December 2006

Lagging behind trade partners, The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Survey for 2005 shows New Zealand still seems to be its own worst enemy when it comes to achieving the real benefits of competition.  Among the main factors holding New Zealand back is inadequate infrastructure, the report says, something clearly within our power to fix.

Read full article > National Business Review, 28 Sept 06.pdf(249.10 KB)

COMPETITIVE TENDER PROCESSES NOT TO BLAME FOR DEFERALS

James Coleman - Drive, Radio Live
20 December 2005

James Coleman discusses, with NZCID CEO Steven Selwood, recent Transit announcements of delays to delivering key projects in light of coalition deal making and implications of delays and renewed pressure on already inadequate transport funding.

Listen to audio > Radio Live 20.12.05.mp3(849.84 KB)

$600M FOR AUCKLAND RAIL A REALLY GOOD START

National Business Review
28 September 2005

Government plans to spend up to $600 million upgrading Auckland's rail network were "a really good start," according to the NZ Council for Infrastructure Development.  But more funding was needed and at least some of it was likely to come from government, the Council suggested.

NEW ZEALAND FALLING CRITICALLY BEHIND

National Business Review
25 August 2005

The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development said today that New Zealand was falling critically behind in infrastructure investment, to the detriment of the country.

Read full article > National Business Review, 25 Aug 05.pdf(43.20 KB)

LAND TRANSPORT BUDGET INCREASE BUSINESS AS USUAL

Scoop
19 May 2005

The additional $300 million funding for land transport will not result in any major new projects being advanced, NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood said today.

Read full article > Scoop 19 May 05.pdf(72.02 KB)

CALL FOR UNIFIED VOICE ON INFRASTRUCTURE WOES

Business News, Workplace Solutions
15 April 2005

All local body Council's, Regional Councils, business and community groups should combine forces to press Government for greater urgency to address the nation's infrastructure woes, according to the NZ Council for Infrastructure Development which is becoming increasingly concerned about continued deferral of critical infrastructural upgrades.

Read full article > Workplace solutions 15 Apr 05.pdf(28.78 KB)

NZCID WELCOMES & SUPPORTS ROADING REPORT

Scoop
25 August 2004

We must improve our performance according to the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development.  Chairman Hon Jim McLay, has welcomed the release of the Allen Consulting Report - Benefits of Investment in New Zealand's Road Infrastructure - which highlights the inadequacy of New Zealand's roads.

Read full article > Scoop 25 Aug 04.pdf(184.90 KB)

NZ INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL OVERDUE

Bartercard News
28 July 2004

Business is expecting the Council for Infrastructure Development  (NZCID) being launched today will begin to remedy New Zealand's infrastructural deficit thereby keeping our ambitions for growth on track in the same way that Australia's has across the Tasman.

Read full article > Bartercard News 28 Jul 06.pdf(31.74 KB)