Investment Decision Assurance (IDA) provides independent expert review and challenge at key decision points throughout an investment’s lifecycle.
Reviews provide evidence-based insights on critical risks, delivery confidence and value for money, together with forward-looking advice to help inform investor decisions. They are designed to assess whether an investment meets New Zealanders’ needs, represents value for money, can be successfully delivered, and is positioned to achieve its intended benefits and outcomes.
Investment Decision Assurance Point Reviews are not audits, compliance checks, approvals or endorsements. They inform investment and funding decisions, but accountability for planning, delivery and benefits remains with the Investment Agency.
Six reviews across the investment lifecycle
There are six mandatory IDA Point Reviews. Each is aligned to a key decision in the investment lifecycle, with the level of evidence and maturity expected changing as an investment progresses through planning, procurement, delivery and operation.
Each Point has its own workbook. The workbooks explain:
- what is being assessed at that Point
- the concepts and questions reviewers will consider
- what good looks like
- the types of evidence agencies would normally be expected to provide
The expected evidence is proportionate to the scale, complexity, risk and maturity of the investment.
Explore Point Review workbooks
Point 1: Strategic assessment
This review assess whether the idea worth investing in, is it aligned with government, sector or system priorities, and should the agency continue to business case development?
Point 2: Justification and options
This review assesses whether a sufficiently broad range of options has been considered. It also considers whether there is a credible preferred way forward to develop into an investment proposal.
Point 3: Delivery strategy
This review assesses whether the investment has demonstrated that the preferred option best meets the service need and provides value for money. It also considers whether the investment is ready to progress towards final design, confirmed funding and procurement.
What each review considers
Every Point Review looks across six key focus areas:
All six areas are considered at every Point, but their relative importance changes as the project matures. Earlier reviews place greater emphasis on the strategic case and value for money, while later reviews increasingly focus on financial, commercial and delivery readiness. Governance and capability remain important throughout.
Need to request a review?
Agencies need to request a review at least 4 weeks before the review starts. This allows time to confirm the review arrangements and provide the required information.
If you are at the stage where you need to book a review, please get in touch with our Investment Decision Assurance (IDA) team to book.