NZ Advances 30-Year National Infrastructure Plan to Secure Future Development

"During the election, we promised to create a 30-year national infrastructure plan, and I’m pleased to report that we are on track to deliver it," said Minister Bishop.

The New Zealand Government is making significant strides in developing a comprehensive 30-year National Infrastructure Plan, aimed at providing greater stability and clarity for the country’s infrastructure priorities. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced that the plan will guide New Zealand’s infrastructure needs, investments, and reforms over the next three decades.

"During the election, we promised to create a 30-year national infrastructure plan, and I’m pleased to report that we are on track to deliver it," said Minister Bishop. "The plan will outline New Zealand's long-term infrastructure needs, detail planned investments for the next 10-15 years, and recommend priority projects and reforms to address gaps between our current infrastructure and future requirements."

The National Infrastructure Plan, led by New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission, will focus on optimizing the use of existing assets while ensuring that new investments deliver value for money. It builds on the Commission's previous work on the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy and involves collaboration across central and local government, as well as the private and broader infrastructure sectors.

The Plan is structured around four key components:

Infrastructure Needs Assessment: Analyzing New Zealand’s long-term infrastructure needs and financial capabilities over the next 5-30 years.

Strengthened National Infrastructure Pipeline: Providing a national overview of upcoming infrastructure projects over the next decade.

Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP): Conducting a structured independent review of unfunded projects and initiatives.

Priority Reforms: Enhancing the processes for selecting, investing in, delivering, and maintaining infrastructure.

The Infrastructure Priorities Programme draws inspiration from Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List, which has helped build political consensus on enduring project priorities—a model New Zealand aims to replicate.

Minister Bishop announced the launch of the IPP website, inviting the private sector, non-governmental organizations, local governments, and communities to submit their infrastructure proposals. The first round of priority proposals will be published in April 2025, followed by a second round in June.

To ensure the plan's long-term stability, Minister Bishop stressed the importance of bipartisan support. He has invited the Infrastructure spokespeople from all parties represented in Parliament to receive formal briefings on the Plan’s development, which will be offered every six months. Additionally, he has proposed an annual special debate in Parliament to discuss the Plan, highlighting areas of agreement, disagreement, and potential compromise in the best interest of New Zealanders.

"The road ahead won’t be easy, but our Government is committed to long-term thinking and ambitious plans for New Zealand’s future. The National Infrastructure Plan is a crucial step in that journey," Minister Bishop concluded.

The National Infrastructure Plan is scheduled for delivery in December 2025.