About the Infrastructure Priorities Programme
Find out more about the Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) and how it works.
New Zealand faces some big challenges. We can’t afford to build the infrastructure we need to solve them all. The Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP) is a way for us to identify the top infrastructure issues and solutions - so we can be sure we’re making the right decisions.
How it works
The IPP is a public menu of priority infrastructure proposals that have been submitted to us and gone through a standardised independent review process. This ensures that proposals meet key assessment criteria. A successful proposal will: meet New Zealand’s strategic objectives, represent value for money, and be a project or solution that can actually be delivered.
Anyone can submit a project or proposal for any part of New Zealand. This could include central government agencies, Crown entities, state-owned enterprises, mixed-ownership model companies, local government, council-controlled organisations, community housing providers, charitable organisations, community groups, individuals, and the private sector.
A proposal doesn’t have to be a built piece of infrastructure. It could be a solution to avoid the need for building new infrastructure, like a congestion charge that can help manage use of an existing road. Proposals can be submitted at different stages, from the initial idea, to options assessment, to the stage at which they are ready to be built. Submitters shouldn’t need to collect any additional information beyond what would normally be included as part of good project planning.
We will work to assess projects within a reasonable time frame and all endorsed proposals will be publicly listed on our website.
What’s the benefit?
The New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy recommended the development of an Infrastructure Priorities Programme to help provide certainty about future projects and solve our long-term challenges; from addressing climate change, improving our cities, connecting all regions of New Zealand, strengthening resilience and moving to a circular economy.
A robust assessment process can have benefits for infrastructure providers, decision-makers and the construction sector in determining future capability needs. Whether your proposal is successful or not, you will receive free, independent, and targeted advice from our assessors on how it could be improved.
Independent review panel
Five leading infrastructure experts have been appointed on an independent review panel for the IPP.
The five independent reviewers bring expertise in infrastructure economics, engineering, governance and investment appraisals. They will review the assessments made by Te Waihanga and make recommendations before assessments are released.
The independent review panel is an important part of making sure the Infrastructure Priorities Programme processes are independent, robust and follow best practice.
Panel members
Steve Richards is a well-known expert in infrastructure assessment, review and assurance, with significant experience including major reviews and Gateway reviews throughout Australia’s infrastructure sector. These included leading reviews of major road and rail projects under the Australian government’s $100 billion/10-year Infrastructure Investment Programme. In New Zealand, he led interim and post-construction reviews of Transmission Gully. He is currently assisting the Ministry of Education as Independent Quality Advisor for the PPP Schools Expansion Programme, on commercial negotiations and programme governance. Steve holds degrees in commerce and teaching (University of Queensland), and lives in Australia.
David Carter is a highly experienced engineer with a diverse sector background spanning water, industrial, energy, airports and roading. He has worked both within New Zealand and internationally and is experienced with a range of project delivery mechanisms. He holds several strategic roles, including Executive Chair of Beca, a Guardian of both the Aotearoa Circle and Koi Tū, and Chair of The University of Auckland Foundation. He has a PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from UC Berkeley and received the award for Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to Infrastructure at Building Nations 2024. He lives in Auckland.
Mike Underhill (Ngāti Raukawa) is a well-regarded governance and energy expert. He has decades of experience in infrastructure and asset management across a range of industries, including as Chief Executive of several energy businesses in both the private and public sectors. He has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Economics (Hons) from Canterbury University, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School. Mike is a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering NZ and lives at Ōtaki Beach.
Anna Chau is one of Australia’s foremost infrastructure economists, specialising in investment appraisals, business case evaluations, and assurance. As Infrastructure Australia’s Executive Director of Project Advisory, Anna was responsible for the development and delivery of the annual Infrastructure Priority List (Australia’s equivalent of the IPP), which included chairing the Assessment Panel that recommended projects to the Board for inclusion on the List.
Anna was Infrastructure Australia’s Acting CEO for nine months. Prior to this, she was the Chief Economist at AECOM, and led Ernst and Young’s Economics team in Sydney. She has a Masters of Commerce (Economics, High Distinction) from the University of NSW and, in 2018, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia awarded her Professional Woman In Logistics and Transport.
Stuart Donovan is a highly regarded urban economist with expertise advising large public-sector organisations on the economics of infrastructure, particularly transport and urban development. Over the last two decades, Stuart has contributed to research and major projects across Australasia. More recently, Stuart was appointed to the Housing Expert Advisory Group, advising the New Zealand Government on its “Going for Housing Growth” programme. Stuart is a Senior Fellow at Motu Research in Wellington, having recently returned to New Zealand from Australia. Originally trained in engineering science, Stuart now holds a PhD in economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Applications are open
The third round of applications for the Infrastructure Priorities Programme is now open. Applications close on 15 December.
Have a question about the Infrastructure Priority Programme? Take a look at our Frequently asked questions or email us.
