Industry welcomes step-change in Govt thinking

Civil contracting industry welcomes step-change in Government thinking

The New Zealand Contractors’ Federation (NZCF) today welcomed the Government’s recent announcements on increases in infrastructure spending.

NZCF Chief Executive Richard Michael said the funding announcement came after many months of lobbying the Government to ‘get real’ about infrastructure spending.

“We are very pleased that the Government has finally listened to our concerns. It is excellent news that New Zealand is now at the OECD average for the first time in a long while and that expected spending is anticipated to increase further.

“Previously, even the Government acknowledges we have been below the average and that has been of concern to the industry because infrastructure is vital to New Zealand’s drive to get back into the top half of the OECD.”

Mr Michael’s comments followed a speech by Transport Minister Hon. Pete Hodgson at the NZCF annual conference in Christchurch today.

Mr Michael said the pre-election funding announcements do represent a step-change in Government thinking around infrastructure and the industry hopes that it is not just electioneering.

“Funding is a key part of the infrastructure picture but the industry is also keen to continue to advance the significant issues around planning and skill shortages.

“These need to continue to be a key area of focus for any Government in the future,” says Mr Michael.

ENDS

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