Summary

• Government sets the rules of the game for infrastructure providers. It should smooth the path for infrastructure by creating a well-designed, stable, and enabling operating environment that facilitates new investment, maintains social licence, and reduces unnecessary complexity.

• Infrastructure providers need conditions that support effective coordination across sectors and with other parties, while ensuring they manage any negative impacts.

• Legislative churn can stall development. The resource management system and wider policy environment need to be stable, predictable, and enduring to maintain investor confidence.

• Consistent and transparent processes for reviewing existing policies and consulting on changes help adapt to technological and demand shifts without undermining long-term investment planning.

• Spatial planning should have legal weight as a high-level tool to coordinate land use with future infrastructure development and funding.

• More permissive land-use regulation, including enabling more housing in major cities, remains one of the most efficient ways to maximise the benefits of both new and existing infrastructure.

• Enabling the transition to renewable, reliable, and affordable electricity is essential for economic growth and achieving net zero carbon targets. Government interventions must strengthen, rather than distort, private investment incentives.

• With domestic gas output projected to halve again over the next decade, alternatives will be required alongside a rapid build-out of renewable generation and storage.

• New Zealand’s infrastructure workforce of more than 100,000 people will need to grow to meet investment aspirations. Public sector capability must also lift to plan, govern and deliver projects effectively.

• Infrastructure ultimately exists to serve people. Strong, consistent oversight, assurance and consumer protection mechanisms are needed to ensure that investments reflect community values and the needs of New Zealanders who use and pay for infrastructure.