Latest NZCID Media Releases
Media Statement
1 July 2010
Industry ready and waiting to deliver the Waterview Project to meet regional and community expectations
"There will be a strong bidding process for the completion of SH20 Waterview Connection, announced today by Transport Minister, Steven Joyce. Already there are three separate consortia ready to bid on the completion of this project by 2015", says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
18 May 2010
$250M LIFELINE FOR KIWIRAIL PROVIDES OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE - WHAT'S TH ELONG TERM PLAN?
"The Government's 'in principle' agreement to invest $750m in the KiwiRail turnaround plan provides the company the opportunity to prove it's long term value as a key component of New Zealand's logistics network", says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
14 April 2010
PPP PRISON OFFERS OPENING FOR INNOVATION THROUGH COMPETITION
"The Government's decision to seek competitive bids from the private sector to provide prison services at Wiri in South Auckland as a Public Private Partnership provides an opportunity to promote innovation into the prison service", says the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
22 March 2010
SUPPORT FOR COUNCIL CONTROLLED ORGANISATIONS
The quality of debate on whether Auckland councils’ trading activities should be put into council controlled organisations has been disappointing, says Stephen Selwood, chief executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
11 March 2010
NEW AUCKLAND COUNCIL POWERLESS CLAIMS DEBUNKED AS 'RUBBISH'
Claims by ARC Chairman Mike Lee and others that the new Auckland Transport organization won’t have to act in accordance with the requirements of the Auckland Council are wrong in fact and misrepresent the clear intentions of the new Auckland governance arrangements for the region. More>
Media Statement
2 March 2010
NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT IN CAPITAL ASSET PLANNING, INVESTMENT AND PROCUREMENT
"The first National Infrastructure Plan highlights significant opportunities for achieving better management and delivery of public infrastructure", says the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
17 February 2010
INFRASTRUCTURE COUNCIL SUPPORTS GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE PROPOSED FOR AUCKLAND
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has come out in support of the overarching structure that has been proposed by the government for the future governance of Auckland. More>
Media Statement
15 December 2009
ROAD PRICING WILL BE NEEDED TO FUND TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE WELLINGTON NORTHERN CORRIDOR AND OTHER ROADS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID) welcomes the $2.2 billion strategic upgrade plan for State Highway 1 from Wellington Airport to Levin but says the strategy must now be backed by a detailed funding and delivery programme. More>
Media Statement
4 December 2009
PPP's FOR SCHOOLS SHOULD DELIVER BETTER EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed the announcement by Minister of Education, Anne Tolley, that the Ministry of Education and Treasury are assessing the suitability of public-private partnerships (PPP) for building and maintaining new school properties. More>
Media Statement
29 October 2009
REVIEW OF THE LAND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT ACT LONG OVERDUE
"The Government's decision to review the Land Transport Management Act is a key step towards improving transport planning funding and delivery transport in New Zealand" says New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
29 October 2009
POTENTIAL FOR BETTER WATER SERVICES FROM CHANGES TO THE LOCAL GOVERMENT ACT
"Communities should expect improved water services from proposed changes to the Local Government Act", says New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
16 September 2009
GOVERNMENT'S ULTRA-FAST BROADBAND INVESTMENT PROPOSAL WELL CRAFTED
The government's ultra fast broadband proposal released today delivers an effective competitive model for the roll out of high speed broadband, says the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
11 September 2009
WATERVIEW - RMA REFORM - RURAL BROADBAND: INFRASTRCUTRE ANNOUNCEMENTS KEY TO GROWTH AND INVESTMENT
"Three announcements from the Government this week including streamlining Resource Management Act (RMA) processes for major infrastructure projects; the announcement of the preferred route for completion of the $1.4bn Waterview Connection in Auckland and the additional $300m government investment in high speed broadband for the rural sector signal tangible progress on the infrastructure front", says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive, New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID). More>
Media Statement
27 August 2009
NLTP WILL IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH BUT FURTHER INVESTMENT REQUIRED
"The increased level of investment and the focus on economic growth and productivity in the National Land Transport Programme has been welcomed by the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, but the need for additional funding to advance critical projects has been underlined, once again", says Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
25 August 2009
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT NEEDS INTEGRATED AGENCY APPROACH
"A strong partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the recently announced Auckland Transport Agency (ATA) will be critical to the success of transport infrastructure investment in Auckland", says the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
19 august 2009
PROPOSED RMA AMENDMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE WELL BALANCED
"The report back yesterday from the select committee on the Resource Management Act Reform Bill recommends a sensible and balanced approach to streamlining consent processes for significant infrastructure projects", says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
27 July 2009
PUBLIC PRIVATE FUND ALLOWS NEW ZEALANDERS TO INVEST IN NEW ZEALAND
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed today?s announcement of the Morrison & Co Public Infrastructure Partnership Fund backed by an initial $100 million from the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. More>
Media Statement
25 May 2009
INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS WELCOMED
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed the appointment of the eight member National Infrastructure Advisory Board. More>
Media Statement
22 May 2009
CONTINUITY OF BUSINESS KEY FOR AUCKLAND TRANSITION AGENCY
"Continuity of business must be the immediate priority of the five member Auckland Transition Agency" according to New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
13 May 2009
WATERVIEW - GOOD FOR LOCALS AS WELL AS THE COUNTRY
Residents and businesses living in and around the Waterview connection can expect significant increases in their property values and new industry and jobs will result from the completion of this key transport link, says Chief Executive of the NZ Council for Infrastructure Development Stephen Selwood. More>
Member Statement
9 April 2009
NZCID MEMBER BRIEF ON AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE REFORM
No doubt you will be aware of the Government's decision on Auckland Governance. More>
Media Statement
2 April 2009
ACCELERATING VICTORIA PARK PROJECT WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS
"An early start to construction of the $430m Victoria Park project in Auckland will provide a welcome boost to the construction industry and will make a valuable contribution to lifting the productivity in New Zealand's largest city. More>
Media Statement
31 march 2009
GOVERNMENT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS ON $1.5BN SPEND ON FIBRE PLAN: SENDING THE RIGHT SIGNALS TO INDUSTRY
"Government's announcement of a $1.5 billion plan to roll out fibre to the home and business is sending the right signals to industry", says New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
27 March 2009
ROYAL COMMISSION GETS IT RIGHT FOR AUCKLAND AND NEW ZEALAND
The Government should implement the Royal Commission report on Auckland Governance subject to expanding the number of local councils to truly represent communities of interest across the Auckland region, says the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
16 March 2009
$1 BILLION TRANSPORT FUNDING "APPROPRIATE"
"The government's decision to allocate additional funding to both roads and rail is timely and will help retain jobs in difficult times", says Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
2 March 2009
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. More>
Media Statement
3 February 2009
WIDER RMA REFORM AGENDA NEEDED
The New Zealand Council for infrastructure Development says proposed changes to the RMA are a good first step in streamlining legislative barriers to infrastructure investment, but represent only one of a number of reforms that are needed. More>
Media Statement
30 January 2009
NO ROOM FOR DELAY ON WESTERN RING ROUTE
"The decision by government to look at alternatives to the proposed tunnel option for Waterview is neither unexpected nor unreasonable but should not be allowed to delay completion of Auckland's Western Ring Route" says NZ Council for Infrastructure Development chief executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
14 January 2009
PUBLIC PRIVATE INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD
Urgency is required to appoint a public and private sector advisory board reporting to the Infrastructure Minister to prioritise investment in national infrastructure and optimise value for money from its capital investment programme, says the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development. More>
Media Statement
21 October 2008
POLITICAL COMMITMENT TON INFRASTRUCTURE ENCOURAGING BUT A PRIORITISED COMMITTED FUNDED INVESTMENT PROGRAMME IS REQUIRED
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed the range funding increases announced by Labour and National for investment in roading, public transport and broadband infrastructure but recommends that the incoming government develop and commit a full funded 20 year national investment programme for public infrastructure. More>
Media Statement
10 October 2008
INADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE INHIBITING NZ'S GROWTH
An executive opinion survey undertaken as part of the World Economic Forum's latest Global Competitiveness Report has ranked New Zealand's inadequate infrastructure as the most problematic factor for doing business. More>
Media Statement
7 October 2008
NO TOLLS FOR PENLINK A SURPRISE
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has expressed surprise that the government has rejected tolls and approved a regional fuel tax across Auckland to fund the Penlink project, a new road linking the Whangaparoa Peninsular to State Highway 1 at Redvale. More>
Media Statement
25 September 2008
WATER MANAGEMENT LEAKING THROUGH THE CRACKS
A report card on the state of water infrastructure in New Zealand shows that management of one of New Zealands most valuable assests, water, is only "adequate", at best, and that significant improvements are required to bring New Zealand's water services up to world's best practise. More>
Media Statement
2 September 2008
ROAD FUNDING
Your correspondent James Burnett is wrong to say there is sufficient money to build new roads now without having tolls. More>
Media Statement
26 August 2008
ADVANTAGES IN PPP DELIVERY FOR WATERVIEW BUT STILL NO FINAL COMMENT
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development is pleased to see the government's positive reception of the steering group report on the Waterview public private partnership (PPP) but is disappointed that it has yet to make a final decision to commit to the project. More>
Media Statement
22 August 2008
INFRASTRUCTURE LEADERSHIP CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR FOR NZ'S DEVELOPMENT
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has identified six priorities to lift infrastructure deliver in New Zealand following its Building Nations Symposium in Auckland last week. More>
Media Statement
12 August 2008
BUILDING NATIONS PUTS INFRASTRUCTURE ON ELECTION AGENDA
Leading New Zealand's development through infrastructure investment will be the focus of the third annual Building Nations Symposium in Auckland on Wednesday and Thursday this week, says NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
3 July 2008
MULTI $BILLION INVESTMENT IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS VASTLY IMPROVED STRATEGIC DIRECTION
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development is calling on government to optimise its long term investment programme for transport before committing to further substantial investment in rail. More>
Media Statement
23 April 2008
ONE AUCKLAND, ONE PLAN, ONE VOICE
The "One Auckland" proposal advanced by the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development will achieve transformational reform of Auckland's local government, says NZCID Chief Executive, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Statement
7 February, 2008
PPP INVESTIGATION FOR WATERVIEW MAKES SENSE
More>
ARCHIVE RELEASES
Media Statement
12 December, 2007
BAN ON THERMAL ENERGY RISKS SECURITY OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
The New Zealand Council for infrastructure Development is concerned that proposed legislation to place a 10 year ban on thermal energy may risk security of electricity supply, prolong dependence on Huntly coal fired generation and potentially mean more carbon emissions that might otherwise be the case. More>
Media Release
4 October, 2007
WEIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE SHOWS PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ADD VALUE FOR PUBLIC
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development is urging the Government to look more closely at utilising PPPs to help advance public infrastructure development throughout the country. More>
Media Release
1 October, 2007
AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE WITH PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN SCHOOLS PROVIDES LESSONS FOR NZ
Australian experience in delivering new schools under a private public partnership model has found them to be "an improvement on traditional public sector delivery and should be considered in New Zealand," says CEO of the NZ Council for Infrastructure Development, Stephen Selwood. More>
Media Release
14 September 2007
CONNECTING TO OUR DIGITAL FUTURE
The New Zealand HiGrowth Project Trust and the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID) will launch a detailed report today that analyses the current state of New Zealand's information communications and technology (ICT) infrastructure and makes recommendations for both industry and government to ensure New Zealand has the physical infrastructure required to meet our digital strategy goal of being in the top quartile of the ECD by 2015. More>
Media release
09 August 2007
"CALL-IN" PROCESS SHOULD APPLY TO ALL NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID) welcomes today's announcement by Minister Pete Hodgson that he will call in Transpower's Waikato to Auckland transmission line proposal. More>
Media release
30 July 2007
NZCID WELCOMES ROYAL COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO AUCKLAND LOCAL GOVERNANCE
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed the announcement by Government that there will be a royal commission of inquiry next year to look at reform of Auckland's local government. The Royal Commission will conduct an in depth public review of how Auckland's local bodies could be best restructured to meet the needs of the fast-growing region and could bring forward the necessary changes for the 2010 local body elections. More>
Media release
24 July 2007
TRANSFORMATION OF AUCKLAND GOVERNANCE REQUIRED
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has written to the Prime Minister and Minister for Local Government, Hon Mark Burton, requesting cabinet to set up an independent commission of inquiry next year to look at transformational reform of Auckland's local government. The Commission would conduct an in depth public review of how Auckland's local bodies could be best restructured to meet the needs of the fast-growing region and to introduce the necessary changes before the 2010 local body elections. More>
Media release
5 July 2007
STREAMLINING APPROVALS FOR AUCKLAND'S LIFELINE ESSENTIAL
"The Electricity Commission's decision to approve the new transmission link from the Waikato into Auckland is a vital step towards securing Auckland's future electricity needs", says NZ Council for Infrastructure Development Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. "It's essential that we bolster the city's power lifeline. Recent failures have made that apparent. This decision is a welcome step forward. We must now consider fast tracking approvals to make it happen sooner than later". More>
17 May 2007
BUDGET TRANSPORT PACKAGE AN INVESTMENT IN GROWTH
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development welcomes today's transport budget package as an investment in growth and productivity. More>
9 May 200
GOVERNMENT SHOULD BACK RESIDENSTS' SUPPORT FOR RODNEY TOLL ROAD
With unprecedented support from locals, consents in place and funding requirements met, the Government should back resident's support for Rodney's long awaited Penlink Toll Road - approving funding to allow the project to finally go ahead. More>
26 April 2007
REGIONAL FUEL TAX AND TRANSPORT COULD FLY
"Auckland's proposed regional fuel tax could play an important role but it pays to bear in mind that collectively the region's pressing projects would require $3.5 billion, three times the amount expected to be generated by the tax. More>
15 March 2007
COMPETEING INTERESTS WAGE TYPICAL AUCKLAND TUG OF WAR
"The stimying effect Auckland interests and transport entities have on transport planning is the number one reason Aucklanders deserve governance and planning reform. More>
09 February 2007
NZCID WELCOMES KING'S STEP TO INCREASE VALUE FOR TAXPAYER MONEY ON TRANSPORT
NZ Council for Infrastructure Development welcomed the today's delivery by Transport Minister Annette King of steps aimed to increase the value for taxpayer money spent on land transport. More>
01 February 2007
NZCID APPLAUDS INFRASTRUCTURE BOND'S DRIVE FOR INVESTMENT
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development applauds the Government's announcement that it will shortly issue the first round of Infrastructure Bonds aimed at driving investment and accelerating vital transport improvements. More>
01 January 2007
CERTAINTY OF ELECTRCITY SUPPLY TO AUCKLAND TAKES A FURTHER TENTATIVE STEP
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. More>
30 November 2006
TIME AUCKLANDERS SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES ON TOLLING
If Aucklanders want to spend less time in stand still traffic, have a public transport system they can actually use and have more of their hard earned pennies left in their pockets at the end of each day, it is time to see the forest for the trees and be more open minded about tolling. More>
23 November 2006
MALLARD LAUNCHES NZ'S FIRST NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE SYMPOSIUM TO FULL HOUSE
The Minister for Economic Development, Hon. Trevor Mallard, launched the 1st Annual NZCID Symposium: Building Nations to a full house on Novemeber 23rd. More>
12 October 2006
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT ON WESTERN RING ROUTE
Australia is completing projects of comparable size in less than four years, and NZCID claims that Transit would be smart to take on board the lessons from those projects which would enable them to deliver the Western Ring Route even earlier, by 2012. More>
12 October 2006
NO SUCH THING AS A FREE ROAD
People concerned about having to pay tolls to drive Auckland's Western Ring sooner, need to consider the fact that there's no such thing as a free road. More>
29 September 2006
GEOGRAPHY AND POLLUTION CHALLENGES NO EXCUSE TO PUT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE TOO HARD BASKET
New Zealand's geography and population challenges should be the impetus for more focus and positive moves to deliver New Zealanders the infrastructure they desperately need, not an excuse to put infrastructure in the too hard basket. More>
29 September 2006
NEED FOR STRONG GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP & COMMITMENT TO INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT TOPS NZCID FINDINGS
Strong leadership from the Government and their commitment to national infrastructure development tops the list of essential recommendations.
29 August 2006
MOVES TO ADDRESS PLANNING CERTAINTY WELCOME, FUNDING AND TIMEFRAMES STILL WAITING IN THE WINGS
Today's announcement extending the State Highway Plan for an extra year is great progress enabling better alignment of central and local planning and give roading constructors much needed certainty to develop capability and capacity. More>
08 August 2006
NZCID WELCOMES IMPROVED GOVERNMENT POLICY ON TRANSMISSION AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Changed Government policy statements on electricity transmission, distribution and the regulatory environment will encourage investment in infrastructure and importantly build confidence for investing in New Zealand. More>
31 July 2006
IS INCREASED FUNDING NEVER GOING TO BE ENOUGH FOR CRITICS
We just need to hit the mark on funding maintains NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood pointing to other nations who have faced the same as New Zealand and yet have seemingly turned things around in a big way. More>
13 June 2006
TASKFORCE URGENTLY REQUIRED TO AVOID FURTHER ELECTRICITY FAILURES
Widespread electricity system failures across the country yesterday clearly indicate the urgent need for a taskforce to ensure ongoing security of electricity supply. More>
01 June 2006
REVISED 400KV TRANSMISSION UPGRADE PROPOSAL WELCOME
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed Transpower's decision to submit a revised North Island 400 kV transmission line proposal. More>
19 May 2006
WAIKATO AND MARAMARUA EXORESSWAYS MORE THAN 10 YEARS AWAY DESPITE WAIKATO FUNDING BOOST
The additional $215 million funding boost for Waikato roads is great news for the region but completion of SH1 Waikato and SH2 Maramarua expressways is still more than ten years away. More>
18 May 2006
BUDGET 2008 ROADING CATCH-UP WELCOME BUT INVESTMENT STILL WELL BEHIND COMPARATIVE NATIONS
Although Budget 2006 represents a major step forward in committed transport funding it is still vastly inadequate to address the nation's transport infrastructure deficit. More>
26 April 2006
TRANSPORT FUTURE VISION LAUNCHED TO FULL HOUSE
To a full house of infrastructure leaders, the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development and infrastructure experts GHD tonight launched their substantive joint initiative.
27 January 2006
TIME FOR TANGIBLE GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP ON TRANSMISSION & TOLLS
It is time the Government transformed their economic aspirations into tangible leadership on transport funding and the national transmission upgrade. More>
20 January 2006
PRIME MINISTERIAL FOCUS ON ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION WELCOME
The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development has welcomed comments by the Prime Minister to the NZ Herald that developing infrastructure is high on the Government's economic agenda. More>
18 January 2006
AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE WITH PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN SCHOOLS PROVIDES LESSONS FOR NZ
A New South Wales Treasury post implementation review of new schools delivered under a PPP model gives clear insight into the tangible benefits of public and private sector partnerships. More>