Advocacy and Engagement Update April 2025
April seems to have flown by as we all enjoyed some welcome holidays following a hectic start to the year. At the start of the month the Coalition Government issued their Q2 Action Plan. The focus continues to be on significant system changes including the introduction of amendments to the Public Works Act, consultation on the National Direction to the RMA to enable infrastructure and housing, as well as signalling the agreement of the first Regional Deal Memorandum of Understanding, and legislative changes to make it easier to attract foreign investment. We are already seeing a number of infrastructure announcements such as the launch of the National Health Infrastructure Plan and some roading announcements ahead of Budget 2025.
Legislation and Other Submissions
INZ made several submissions over the last month on draft legislation and other public consultations. You can read them all here on our website.
We submitted on the Inland Revenue Department’s consultation issues paper Taxation and the not-for-profit sector organisations, pointing out the public good benefit of the work that organisations like INZ do.
INZ has long advocated for a longer Parliamentary term in the interests of providing a more stable environment for infrastructure development and delivery to occur within. We submitted on the Term of Parliament (Enabling a 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill and recommended a number of changes, including a straightforward switch to a four-year Parliamentary term.
Similarly, we have submitted on Local Government New Zealand’s Local Electoral Reform Draft Position paper – there are some synergies between what is being proposed here with a four-year local government term and the Parliamentary four- year term. It makes good sense from both an infrastructure and public policy perspective to align the length of both central and local government electoral terms.
INZ submitted in support of the Land Transport (Time of Use Charging) Management Amendment Bill, emphasising the importance of making provisions workable and robust to ensure the success of New Zealand’s first time of use charging schemes.
Resource Management Act and Public Works Act
INZ, along with Business NZ, EMA and Property Council NZ, met this month with Under Secretary Simon Court, as well as Ministry for the Environment officials to get an update on all the Resource Management Act reform Phase 2 and 3 work programmes and timings. There is significant work underway, and we look forward to the upcoming consultation on the National Direction due next month. These instruments will fill a long existing gap and should assist, in the interim, with streamlining infrastructure planning and decision-making. We are also expecting, over the next month or so, the introduction of legislation implementing changes to the Public Works Act. There is significant duplication between the Public Works Act and the Resource Management Act, which leads to project delays and greatly increases the cost of developing critical public infrastructure. We hope to see this ironed out.
INZ Policy Development
A key focus over the last month has been finalising the programme for our international delegation to Canada, with a diverse range of topics and speakers coming together.
We wish to thank the Canadian High Commission for hosting the pre-delegation briefing.
Connecting Canterbury
INZ partnered with Simpson Grierson to host a Connecting Canterbury workshop with key stakeholders and invited guests. The Minister for the South Island and Associate Minister of Transport, Hon James Meager, opened the event and emphasised Canterbury and the South Island’s importance to the Government’s Going for Growth agenda. Ngāi Tahu Holdings’ CEO Todd Moyle also addressed the gathering and advocated for asset recycling, particularly around the principle of owning assets when value can be added and selling when others are better placed to add that value. The importance of resilient connections was also highlighted.
The workshop then discussed four key issues as they relate to Canterbury:
- Improving Transport Connectivity
- Funding Infrastructure Improvements
- Supporting Local Councils
- Strengthening Bridge Infrastructure
The next step is to develop a White Paper which can be used to inform a regional deal for Canterbury.
Events
Market-led Proposals Event Series
Infrastructure New Zealand recently wrapped up its Unlocking Opportunities: Market-Led Proposals (MLPs) event series, delivered in partnership with the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFF). With sessions held in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, the events brought together public and private sector leaders to explore how MLPs can unlock innovative delivery pathways.
Beth McKay (NIFF) provided an overview of the updated MLP guidelines, designed to offer the private sector a clearer route to present infrastructure proposals directly to government. A key theme was ensuring proposals demonstrate public interest, exclusivity, and value for money across four evaluation stages, from initial idea to implementation.
Panels featuring Kate Broadhurst (NIFF), Zinzan Currey (Treasury), Nick Hardy (BDO) and Louise Marsden (Mafic) offered practical advice: engage early, understand the criteria and bring a strong commercial case. They emphasised that government doesn’t have all the best ideas – private sector insight is vital.
Case studies from NSW’s NorthConnex and urban revitalisation efforts were discussed, along with tips for crafting compelling proposals and engaging constructively with agencies. The takeaway? MLPs are a real opportunity for innovation, provided proponents do the groundwork and align with government priorities.
To learn more or start a conversation, contact: marketledproposals@niff.govt.nz.
INZ Annual General Meeting
INZ held its Annual General Meeting this month. As well as the election of the first Industry Advisory Council we also had a panel discussion facilitated by our CEO, Nick Leggett, and featuring Sarah Sinclair (MinterEllisonRuddWatts) and Amelia Linzey (Beca) exploring a vision for Aotearoa New Zealand and how infrastructure can contribute to this. We were heartened to hear that other organisations such as Business NZ, Iwi and other community groups are having similar conversations, presenting opportunities to collaborate.
Identifying where New Zealand has an advantage and looking to make the most of this is a key aspect. The Government’s Infrastructure Investment Summit in March highlighted this and also looked to portray an open approach to international commercial relationships. The sustainability challenge was discussed as was the embracing of our biculturalism and the need to focus on areas of common interest.
Media
Over the last month INZ has done media on the Interislander ferries including the resilience of port facilities and the launch of the National Health Infrastructure Plan. We supported the Local Government Business Forum call for the publication of council voting records and also jointly released a media statement with LGNZ calling for alignment between a four-year Parliamentary term and the local government electoral term. INZ was also sought interviews on the Government’s more relaxed Granny flats provisions.
You can read our media releases here.
Welcoming New Members
Nau mai haere mai, welcome, to our new Infrastructure New Zealand members. We’re so glad to have you on board and look forward to continuing to engage with you.
Gamuda
Cuesko
The Infrastructure Advisory
Port of Auckland
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