Latest news with #InfrastructureCommission
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Addressing New Zealand's Infrastructure Asset Management Challenge
Press Release – New Zealand Government In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. Its not good enough. … Minister for Infrastructure The Government has launched a new work programme to improve public infrastructure asset management, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. 'We need to be honest about the fact that we've done asset management poorly in the public sector for decades. We rank fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, with a number of government agencies reporting non-compliance with Cabinet expectations relating to depreciation funding, asset management plans and asset registers. The public sector performs poorly compared with the private sector. 'Poor asset management results in expensive renewals and emergency works, poor infrastructure quality, asset failures, and less funding for new services. The Infrastructure Commission estimates that for every $40 spent on new infrastructure, we should be investing $60 in maintenance and renewals. 'In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. It's not good enough. New Zealanders deserve better. 'To ensure we get the most out of every dollar we invest, Cabinet has agreed to an all-of-Government work programme that will improve central government asset management and performance, with a focus on infrastructure. 'The objective of the programme is to strengthen the infrastructure system to lift asset performance and service outcomes for New Zealanders, ensure there is adequate investment in planned asset maintenance and renewal activities, ensure new investment decisions can be made within the overall context of agencies' asset management plans, and improve accountability, capability, and oversight of our infrastructure. The work programme will be broken up into two phases: Phase One (short term improvements), including: Continued work to update to the Better Business Case (BBC) and Gateway frameworks. Self-assessment of New Zealand policy and institutional settings against the IMF Public Investment Management Assessment framework. Improved asset management and long-term planning performance indicators and guidance – providing more detailed guidance on expected asset management and long-term planning practice, including which indicators will provide Ministers, stakeholders and the public with confidence that agencies are delivering value for money. Supporting the growth of a 'Community of Practice' to build capability – the Infrastructure Commission is partnering with Āpōpō to build a 'community of practice' through collaborative events for public service asset management professionals. A possible national Underground Asset Register – officials are providing advice on opportunities to scale the Wellington City Council underground asset register for use across New Zealand. Phase Two (beyond December 2025): Phase two will consider more fundamental changes to system settings to ensure that asset management outcomes improve, and will include: The development of the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) to ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities that help New Zealand plan, fund and deliver important infrastructure. As part of their work developing this plan, the Infrastructure Commission will recommend system changes to strengthen investment and asset management outcomes. Investigating legislative requirements for the development of ten-year investment plans by capital intensive agencies and performance reporting requirements. A refresh of the Cabinet Office circular CO (23) 9, to give effect to broader changes across the IMS and restate Cabinet's expectations on investment planning, assurance, and asset management practices. The refresh of the Circular will be undertaken in parallel with the NIP, to allow the refreshed Circular to take into account the NIP recommendations. 'The draft 30-year National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be published in June this year and it will then go out for public consultation. 'I intend to consider proposed recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission as part of the Government's response to the Plan in 2026. 'Making improvements to our investment management system will ensure New Zealanders' infrastructure investments are well-managed. These improvements will enable greater economic growth and deliver efficient infrastructure which will have long-term impacts on the cost-of-living,' Mr Bishop says.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Addressing New Zealand's Infrastructure Asset Management Challenge
Press Release – New Zealand Government In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. Its not good enough. … Minister for Infrastructure The Government has launched a new work programme to improve public infrastructure asset management, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. 'We need to be honest about the fact that we've done asset management poorly in the public sector for decades. We rank fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, with a number of government agencies reporting non-compliance with Cabinet expectations relating to depreciation funding, asset management plans and asset registers. The public sector performs poorly compared with the private sector. 'Poor asset management results in expensive renewals and emergency works, poor infrastructure quality, asset failures, and less funding for new services. The Infrastructure Commission estimates that for every $40 spent on new infrastructure, we should be investing $60 in maintenance and renewals. 'In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. It's not good enough. New Zealanders deserve better. 'To ensure we get the most out of every dollar we invest, Cabinet has agreed to an all-of-Government work programme that will improve central government asset management and performance, with a focus on infrastructure. 'The objective of the programme is to strengthen the infrastructure system to lift asset performance and service outcomes for New Zealanders, ensure there is adequate investment in planned asset maintenance and renewal activities, ensure new investment decisions can be made within the overall context of agencies' asset management plans, and improve accountability, capability, and oversight of our infrastructure. The work programme will be broken up into two phases: Phase One (short term improvements), including: Continued work to update to the Better Business Case (BBC) and Gateway frameworks. Self-assessment of New Zealand policy and institutional settings against the IMF Public Investment Management Assessment framework. Improved asset management and long-term planning performance indicators and guidance – providing more detailed guidance on expected asset management and long-term planning practice, including which indicators will provide Ministers, stakeholders and the public with confidence that agencies are delivering value for money. Supporting the growth of a 'Community of Practice' to build capability – the Infrastructure Commission is partnering with Āpōpō to build a 'community of practice' through collaborative events for public service asset management professionals. A possible national Underground Asset Register – officials are providing advice on opportunities to scale the Wellington City Council underground asset register for use across New Zealand. Phase Two (beyond December 2025): Phase two will consider more fundamental changes to system settings to ensure that asset management outcomes improve, and will include: The development of the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) to ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities that help New Zealand plan, fund and deliver important infrastructure. As part of their work developing this plan, the Infrastructure Commission will recommend system changes to strengthen investment and asset management outcomes. Investigating legislative requirements for the development of ten-year investment plans by capital intensive agencies and performance reporting requirements. A refresh of the Cabinet Office circular CO (23) 9, to give effect to broader changes across the IMS and restate Cabinet's expectations on investment planning, assurance, and asset management practices. The refresh of the Circular will be undertaken in parallel with the NIP, to allow the refreshed Circular to take into account the NIP recommendations. 'The draft 30-year National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be published in June this year and it will then go out for public consultation. 'I intend to consider proposed recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission as part of the Government's response to the Plan in 2026. 'Making improvements to our investment management system will ensure New Zealanders' infrastructure investments are well-managed. These improvements will enable greater economic growth and deliver efficient infrastructure which will have long-term impacts on the cost-of-living,' Mr Bishop says.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Addressing New Zealand's Infrastructure Asset Management Challenge
Minister for Infrastructure The Government has launched a new work programme to improve public infrastructure asset management, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. 'We need to be honest about the fact that we've done asset management poorly in the public sector for decades. We rank fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, with a number of government agencies reporting non-compliance with Cabinet expectations relating to depreciation funding, asset management plans and asset registers. The public sector performs poorly compared with the private sector. 'Poor asset management results in expensive renewals and emergency works, poor infrastructure quality, asset failures, and less funding for new services. The Infrastructure Commission estimates that for every $40 spent on new infrastructure, we should be investing $60 in maintenance and renewals. 'In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. It's not good enough. New Zealanders deserve better. 'To ensure we get the most out of every dollar we invest, Cabinet has agreed to an all-of-Government work programme that will improve central government asset management and performance, with a focus on infrastructure. 'The objective of the programme is to strengthen the infrastructure system to lift asset performance and service outcomes for New Zealanders, ensure there is adequate investment in planned asset maintenance and renewal activities, ensure new investment decisions can be made within the overall context of agencies' asset management plans, and improve accountability, capability, and oversight of our infrastructure. The work programme will be broken up into two phases: Phase One (short term improvements), including: Continued work to update to the Better Business Case (BBC) and Gateway frameworks. Self-assessment of New Zealand policy and institutional settings against the IMF Public Investment Management Assessment framework. Improved asset management and long-term planning performance indicators and guidance – providing more detailed guidance on expected asset management and long-term planning practice, including which indicators will provide Ministers, stakeholders and the public with confidence that agencies are delivering value for money. Supporting the growth of a 'Community of Practice' to build capability - the Infrastructure Commission is partnering with Āpōpō to build a 'community of practice' through collaborative events for public service asset management professionals. A possible national Underground Asset Register - officials are providing advice on opportunities to scale the Wellington City Council underground asset register for use across New Zealand. Phase Two (beyond December 2025): Phase two will consider more fundamental changes to system settings to ensure that asset management outcomes improve, and will include: The development of the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) to ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities that help New Zealand plan, fund and deliver important infrastructure. As part of their work developing this plan, the Infrastructure Commission will recommend system changes to strengthen investment and asset management outcomes. Investigating legislative requirements for the development of ten-year investment plans by capital intensive agencies and performance reporting requirements. A refresh of the Cabinet Office circular CO (23) 9, to give effect to broader changes across the IMS and restate Cabinet's expectations on investment planning, assurance, and asset management practices. The refresh of the Circular will be undertaken in parallel with the NIP, to allow the refreshed Circular to take into account the NIP recommendations. 'The draft 30-year National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be published in June this year and it will then go out for public consultation. 'I intend to consider proposed recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission as part of the Government's response to the Plan in 2026. 'Making improvements to our investment management system will ensure New Zealanders' infrastructure investments are well-managed. These improvements will enable greater economic growth and deliver efficient infrastructure which will have long-term impacts on the cost-of-living,' Mr Bishop says.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Relentless' effort needed to get Maine ready for extreme weather, commission says
May 7—The Maine commission created in the wake of damaging storms has released its final report on how to prepare the state for extreme weather events. The 24-member Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission was established by Gov. Janet Mills in May 2024 after several extreme storms rocked the state in late 2023, wiping out infrastructure and flooding roadways. The commission aimed to create a long-term resiliency plan for the state as extreme storms become more common due to climate change. "Without relentless focus and attention, Maine risks losing the meaningful momentum it's gained since the devastating storms of December 2023 and January 2024, which prompted the creation of our Commission," the report said. The commission's plan has three core pillars: strengthening infrastructure and reducing disaster risk, improving disaster preparedness and response, and sustaining the state's resilience momentum. Some of the group's recommendations are already under way, including the establishment of the State Resilience Office, which will fund programs to strengthen homes, improve flood readiness, and support emergency response and communication systems around the state. View this document on Scribd The plan calls for that office to track and report the progress as the state works toward improved disaster resilience. The report by the commission highlighted the increased risk for natural disasters in Maine. Between March 2022 and May 2024, the report said, Maine experienced nine natural disasters. "The rising severity and frequency of these storms and floods raise urgent alarms about the increasing risks of extreme weather in our state and drive home the imperative that Maine plan for and invest in infrastructure resilience at the state, regional and local levels," the report said. Last week, the Mills administration announced $8 million in grant funding through the state's Community Resilience Partnership to help communities protect people, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding, storm surge and other climate effects. The report emphasized the importance of harnessing the resources available to make Maine safer in the wake of storms. "In Maine, we no longer know the storms of yesterday. Storms are now more frequent and dangerous, flooding our homes and businesses, washing out our roads and bridges, and threatening the health of our people and economy," Mills said in a prepared statement. "The changes to our weather and our climate are harming people, communities, and businesses across our state. "We must prevent as much damage as possible and be ready to quickly recover when storms take their toll. ... This plan will guide efforts in the year to come to protect this great state we all call home." A statement from Mills' office said the increasing uncertainty about federal disaster funding highlights the importance of the state's efforts to address climate change. "As the commission completed its work, the federal government proposed eliminating (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) and sunsetting critical funding programs such as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program," the statement said. "These developments underscore the importance of state-level leadership and investment in resilience." Copy the Story Link
RNZ News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Northland Expressway preferred routes: New road over Brynderwyn Hills to be built
A replacement for State Highway 1 over Northland's notorious Brynderwyn Hills will be built just to the east of the current road - a major change from the original plan of building the new four-lane highway well to the west of the slip-prone hills. Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced Waka Kotahi's preferred route for a Northland Expressway on Wednesday, stretching about 100km from the motorway's current endpoint at Warkworth all the way to Whangārei. The biggest surprise is that NZTA has dropped its earlier preference for a route that would have skirted around the western side of the troublesome Brynderwyn Hills. A slip on Brynderwyn Hills. Photo: Supplied / Waka Kotahi Instead, the new route will, like the current highway, go over the top of the Brynderwyns, but to the east of the existing route. Repairs to SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills after Cyclone Gabrielle cost $85 million and took months to complete. Photo: NZTA / Waka Kotahi Bishop said the Brynderwyn Hills section was highly challenging, due to the steep terrain and unstable geology. "Alternative options looked at western routes but following further investigation, NZTA has reassessed and found a near-east alignment close to State Highway 1. This is a more direct route with more predictable geology that can be managed through engineering design," he said. A slip on Brynderwyn Hills. Photo: Supplied / Waka Kotahi A timeline and potential cost for the project are not yet known, but the full Northland Expressway is expected to be one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in New Zealand history. Last year the Infrastructure Commission warned the project could consume $1 of every $10 spent by the Government on infrastructure during the next 25 years. Plans for a new route around the Brynderwyns were put on ice in 2017 but revived with urgency in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, when the highway was closed on-and-off for months due to slips and reconstruction. During the closures, traffic between Auckland and Northland was forced to use narrow back roads via Waipū, or the much longer State Highway 14 around the west coast. Even the $85 million repair job carried out on the unstable south side of the Brynderwyns in 2024 is expected to last only another seven to 10 years. A slip triggered by Cyclone Tam during Easter weekend, which blocked one lane and reportedly damaged a car, was another reminder of the route's instability. Also announced this morning were the preferred routes for two other sections of the Northland Expressway. Bishop said the 26km section from Warkworth to Te Hana, bypassing the summertime traffic jams of Wellsford, would be built mostly to the east of the current highway. Italian company Webuild confirmed earlier this year it would bid to build and operate that section of the Northern Expressway as a public-private partnership. The section of highway from the northern side of the Brynderwyns to Port Marsden Highway at Ruakākā would run west of the existing highway. A preferred route for the northernmost section, a notoriously crash-prone stretch of highway between Ruakākā and Whangārei, had yet to be determined. The highway through urban Whangārei would retain its current route but would be widened in places. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
