As we head into the final weeks of the year, the pace shows no sign of slowing. The Governments Quarter 4 Action Plan outlines a few key initiatives still to be launched, including the long-awaited Resource Management legislation. Both the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill remain on track for release before Christmas, with submissions expected to run over the summer holiday break.
Legislation and Other Submissions
Infrastructure New Zealand (INZ) has made a submission on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill. The Bill proposes to restore democratic control to Auckland Council as the key funder of transport initiatives in the city, transferring most transport functions from Auckland Transport back to the Council. The Bill will also establish an Auckland Regional Transport Committee, which will develop a 30-year transport plan, recognising the importance of strategic alignment in the planning and implementation of transport activities. Submissions closed on 9 November, with the Bill now awaiting its second reading. View all INZ submissions here.
Events and Masterclasses
INZ opened the month with its annual Senior Leaders’ Retreat at Formosa, Beachlands. Over two days, delegates heard from a range of speakers before taking part in an interactive session focused on priorities ahead of the 2026 election. Discussions emphasised the need for a strategic, bipartisan, long-term approach to infrastructure, one that links investment to social outcomes, national identity, and productivity. Participants highlighted the importance of creating greater certainty across the system to help ‘lock in progress’.
The second PPP and Private Finance Masterclass was held in Wellington this month, bringing together attendees for two days of interactive learning with leading international practitioners Martin Locke and Ian Greer. The sessions focused on building a deeper understanding of project finance fundamentals and how public-private partnerships can deliver transformational infrastructure and services. Participants examined Australian case studies that highlighted both successful PPP delivery and the risks when projects go off track. The masterclass equipped attendees with practical insights into structuring effective deals, managing risk, navigating financing models, engaging stakeholders, and supporting stronger and more resilient approaches to future infrastructure delivery in Aotearoa.
Research
INZ is proud to launch the I2S Next Generation Engagement Research Programme in Aotearoa, examining how social factors shape the planning and delivery of infrastructure. The research aims to build a strong evidence base to support better, more consistent decision-making across the sector. It will also help us to draw out just how much political decisions to delay or cancel projects cost the country.
Funded by INZ, The Institute for Infrastructure in Society (I2S) at the Australian National University will deliver the research, extending a well-established Australian study. Previous findings there show that community and stakeholder opposition has been a leading driver of project delays over the past seven years. The New Zealand component aims to gain better understanding of the various social challenges and opportunities that impact our infrastructure sector, using insights to help guide INZ’s advocacy and policy work.
INZ invites infrastructure professionals nationwide to participate in the survey and contribute insights that will strengthen understanding of the factors influencing project success and public trust. We also encourage you to share the survey with colleagues to broaden the evidence base. Results will support improved engagement practices across the sector.
The survey launched on 31 October with a webinar by Professor Sara Bice and Kirsty O’Connell of Next Generation Engagement which you can view here. It will close on Friday 5 December and can be accessed here. Findings will be presented back to the industry in April 2026.
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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