For families across New Zealand, it’s vital that our infrastructure is fit-for-purpose. The recent storm damage destroying housing, roads, bridges, and businesses was devastating. Natural disasters are only one part of the challenge of building and maintaining infrastructure.
Demand has outpaced the infrastructure we have across multiple areas including transportation networks, energy supply, healthcare facilities, water management, and natural disaster resilience. This complex range of issues needs a long-term view, significant investment, and a strategic approach. I’m proud to be part of the Government leading the vision to solve this complicated need.
As a central part of our “Going for Growth” agenda, we campaigned to develop and strengthen our country’s infrastructure, to fix the basics, and build a better future for Kiwis. After becoming the Government in late 2023, we ensured the NZ Infrastructure Commission began work on a National Infrastructure Plan. Last week’s release of this Plan, incorporating feedback from the infrastructure sector and wider public, outlines delivery of the comprehensive 30-year view, our roadmap to improve the way we will plan, fund, deliver, and maintain essential infrastructure. Importantly, this has been a bipartisan opportunity, with all Parties in Government invited to be briefed on the Plan’s development. We understand Kiwis welcome the surety of knowing that an independent view of our infrastructure needs and our assets, and assessment of the plan forward, has buy-in from across the political spectrum. We’re holding a special debate in Parliament to ensure all Parties’ views are heard as we develop our formal response to the Plan’s recommendations (due mid-year). This strategic approach ensures we all work together on the infrastructure systems, facilities, and networks we need as a nation, long term, rather than at risk of change following an election, with much needed projects cancelled – such as in 2018 under Labour when the Cambridge to Piarere section of the Waikato Expressway was cancelled, now commencing construction this year under our Government’s leadership.
Working together to plan and invest in the infrastructure we need as a country is essential. Our Government is providing record investment in the healthcare required for our aging population. Our Local Water Done Well reforms are prioritising strong economic oversight in our delivery of water management. Our transition to the Electronic Road User Charges across the transport fleet ensures a fairer system for all road users. Prioritising land transport projects, including extending the Waikato Expressway and other Roads Of National Significance (RONS), ensures our roading network provides the arterial links needed by both families and commercial users. Our nearly $200 million investment in the Regional Infrastructure FUND (RIF) enables 74 flood resilience projects across the country. Our legislation changes to replace the Resource Management Act brings a more durable and stable framework, prioritising planning and national standards. We’re leading the way, focused on fixing the basics, building the resilient infrastructure networks Kiwis need and going for growth. Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.
