Infrastructure Plan receives top honours at the 2026 Spirit of Service Awards

The National Infrastructure Plan has received two top honours at the 2026 Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards.

At the awards ceremony in Wellington last night, the National Infrastructure Plan won Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award. The Plan was also awarded Te Tohu a te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Award, recognising it as the overall winner of this year’s Spirit of Service Awards.

The Spirit of Service Awards recognise initiatives and individuals across the public sector that are delivering great outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, Chief Executive Geoff Cooper says he is immensely proud of the Te Waihanga team and grateful to everyone who helped to shape the Plan.

“We’re thrilled to have this honour. It’s recognition of all the work and research that our people and others put into making this Plan right for New Zealand. Many, many organisations, infrastructure providers, experts and New Zealanders have contributed evidence, ideas and feedback throughout its development,” says Cooper.

“These awards also speak to the importance of infrastructure. The decisions we make about our infrastructure system have implications for all for us. Through the Plan, we provide independent advice on a 30-year, evidence-based roadmap for improving how New Zealand plans, funds and maintains its infrastructure.

“It brings together evidence about the country’s long-term infrastructure needs and sets out actions to improve the way we make decisions about infrastructure – helping New Zealand get better value from its investment and ensure our infrastructure supports future generations.”