23 Apr 2026
New measures to support clearer, more consistent advice and enhanced scrutiny of investments in major public infrastructure projects is a step in the right direction, Engineering New Zealand says.
The Government has announced a suite of changes including transferring responsibility for infrastructure project assurance from The Treasury to the NZ Infrastructure Commission.
Ministers say this will remove duplication and make full use of the Commission’s specialised expertise, ensuring they receive early, independent, and frank advice to support sound investment decisions.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Engineer Tania Williams says it shows the Government is listening to concerns raised by the sector.
“Independent oversight will help ensure infrastructure investment is appropriately assessed on need, value for money, and deliverability.”
Other changes include the introduction of a standardised ‘Fitness Assessment’ for major infrastructure investment proposals, new assurance of asset management and long-term investment plans, and greater oversight and review of investment plans. This will support a better long-term, coordinated approach to infrastructure management.
“Engineering New Zealand supports better information and advice to inform decision-makers on prioritising the right projects, as recommended by the National Infrastructure Plan. This is a step in the right direction," Williams says.
“It gives us cause for optimism ahead of the Government’s forthcoming response to the National Infrastructure Plan in June.”
However, the success of these changes will depend on governments acting on expert advice and ensuring approved projects are progressed through to completion, Williams says.
“We ultimately want to see a more stable pipeline of work that’s less vulnerable to political cycles because it’s backed by solid evidence. It’s also important the pipeline includes the renewal and replacement projects to maintain the infrastructure we already have.
“As the Government implements these long-term system changes, we urge Ministers to keep focusing on the delivery of projects that are already underway or ready to go, both large and small. This is absolutely critical for the economy and helps provide certainty for the engineering workforce.”
