How the ICE is enabling better infrastructure in New Zealand

The importance of strategic planning is the central principle of the ICE-convened Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) programme.

This past year, the EBI network has been helping the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, develop its ambitious 30-year plan for infrastructure.

And in May, the EBI team joined Te Waihanga in person for a week of activities to strengthen the plan, ahead of its launch later this year.

How has the ICE supported New Zealand to date?

Te Waihanga first launched its infrastructure strategy in 2022.

The strategy sets out how infrastructure will help people, places, and businesses thrive for the coming 30 years and beyond.

The country is now moving from a strategy to a plan.

To ensure the plan delivers, Te Waihanga approached the EBI team – and international expert network – for specialist insight and advice.

Work to date includes:

• Three dialogues to help identify New Zealand’s long-term needs and shape its pipeline of projects.
• An October 2024 podcast with Professor Jim Hall, ICE President and chair of the EBI programme.
• Two events to share key insights on building consensus and avoiding costly mistakes.
• Participation as an international expert on Te Waihanga’s infrastructure plan quality review panel.

What did the visit involve?

During a packed week, the EBI team participated in the second review panel – the first having taken place in late 2024 – to assess the development of the draft plan.

They took part in a roundtable about the roles and responsibilities of infrastructure commissions worldwide, and how this insight applies to New Zealand.

They joined a podcast with Te Waihanga chief executive Geoff Cooper to share international examples of efficient and effective infrastructure planning.

They presented at the Te Waihanga Infrastructure Leaders Network in Wellington about the importance of trust-building in infrastructure projects.

They met with Māori infrastructure experts to gain a better understanding of the range of infrastructure needs, perspectives, priorities and aspirations of Māori.

And they visited Christchurch to learn about post-disaster governance.

Why this matters

Infrastructure must deliver multiple benefits: for the economy, for the environment, and for society.

But infrastructure takes time and money to deliver. And its benefits take time to realise.

Nothing is certain. But strategic planning gives governments the best possible chance of getting it right.

The ICE’s EBI guidance includes eight simple, actionable principles to help them strengthen the early stages of planning and prioritisation.

And, through its growing, collaborative network of international experts, the EBI team works with policymakers around the world to make these principles a reality.

The team’s ongoing work with Te Waihanga demonstrates the value of this specialist advice.

By putting its principles into practice, it grows the body of evidence and insight for other governments to draw on.

And, most importantly, it helps Te Waihanga plan and prioritise projects that will improve the lives of the 5 million people who call New Zealand home.

The EBI team will continue to work with countries around the world, including New Zealand, to help them plan infrastructure with purpose, certainty, and pace.

Read more

• New Zealand Infrastructure Commission visits ICE HQ