March has flown by, with a busy events calendar and continued work on legislative reforms.
Submissions
INZ presented its views to the Environment Select Committee following its written submission on the Resource Management reform bills in February. This followed a series of engagement events in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, along with meetings with members to test and refine views across the sector on the proposed changes. In its submission, INZ noted the reforms have the potential to transform how we create communities and how infrastructure is planned and delivered in Aotearoa, expressing support for the overall direction of a faster, more integrated planning system with stronger spatial planning. INZ also highlighted the need for amendments to improve legislative clarity, resourcing and implementation.
Events
The month began with an event hosted by INZ and Committee for Auckland, Transporting Auckland Forward: A Call to Action Summit – Aligning Leaders for a 30-Year Transport Strategy. The event brought together around 60 leaders from across the sector to discuss the future of Auckland’s transport system. With the city facing growing congestion, fragmented investment and pressure on productivity, the summit aimed to foster discussion on the long-term vision for Auckland’s transport network. We are grateful for contributions from Mayor Wayne Brown, and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown, followed by a political panel featuring Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, Labour MP Shanan Halbert and ACT MP Simon Court.
A consistent them from the discussion was the need to optimise Auckland’s existing transport networks before defaulting to major new projects, alongside stronger spatial planning and better alignment between transport, land use and housing. Participants also highlighted the importance of integrated, multi-modal investment, including rapid transit expansion, improved airport connections and a second harbour-crossing, while emphasising the need for a broader funding toolkit and clearer long-term direction for the city.
We were joined by more than 200 people in person in Auckland and via livestream to celebrate International Women’s Day at our Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) lunch. We were privileged to hear from Helen Davidson, CEO of ACE, who challenged attendees to think about how the sector moves beyond equal treatment and toward truly equitable systems. As WIN celebrates it 10-year milestone, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on progress across the infrastructure sector while looking ahead to the next decade. We are also grateful to event sponsors Tonkin + Taylor and ACCIONA. The event raised more than $6,000 for Women’s Refuge New Zealand and collected over 200 clothing items for Dress for Success through a clothing drive. We look forward to celebrating the incredible wahine in our sector again next year.
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.
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