Local Government NZ (LGNZ) has welcomed the Infrastructure Commission’s draft National Infrastructure Plan, which calls for the Government to commit to greater transparency and more rigorous business cases for major infrastructure projects.

LGNZ national council member Mayor Neil Holdom says councils – unlike the Government – already operate under robust legal requirements for long-term planning, transparent reporting and prudent asset management.

“This is exactly what the Infrastructure Commission is calling for, and it’s great to see central government starting to hold itself to the same standards it expects of councils,” says Mayor Neil Holdom.

“We all know there are a number of infrastructure challenges in New Zealand, and the best way to tackle these challenges is for central and local government to work together constructively to find the best outcomes.

“There are many things we can learn from one another, and we owe it to our communities to do that if we want to achieve the desired outcomes.

“However, it’s also important that we caution against complacency. Councils' experience shows that even with strong frameworks in place, the real challenge lies in prioritising investments that deliver the greatest value for communities and ensuring maintenance and renewals are not overlooked in favour of new, 'shiny' projects – as well as making sure funding and financing settings support both these aims.

“We look forward to working with the Government on a way forward, in order to deliver on better infrastructure outcomes for the country.”

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