Transforming infrastructure for all New Zealanders

How to be an Effective Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) is a practical, plain-language guide for leaders accountable for major public sector infrastructure investments. It is aimed at first-time public sector infrastructure SROs. Experienced leaders will also find value in reflecting on and refreshing their practice by using this guide. It may also be useful for leaders of other project types that operate in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

We’ve got many expectations on what we need and what we want from our infrastructure – our roads, schools, hospitals, water networks and more. And we know that we need to make some big decisions about getting the infrastructure we need in the right places, at the right time – and in a way that’s affordable. To do that we need to develop a shared, long-term view of our infrastructure needs and priorities.

This document sets out good practice guidance on asset management and investment planning approaches for central government agencies. It supports those agencies' compliance with the requirements set out in Cabinet Office circular CO (23) 91 and any subsequent updates.