The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Conference

Smart Funding for Infrastructure: Delivering with Confidence will bring together government and industry to explore how we can deliver infrastructure in a way that’s strategic, streamlined and successful. With a focus on building capability, coordinating a national pipeline, and securing fit-for-purpose funding, this conference will cover key topics including long-term planning, asset management, unlocking local government investment, funding social infrastructure, and attracting private capital. The conference will highlight global success stories, align a shared vision, and shape a system that delivers with confidence.

Speakers

Hon Chris Bishop

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, Sport and Recreation, Leader of the House, and Associate Minister of Finance

Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Leader of the House, and Associate Minister of Finance. He is the MP for Hutt South. Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt where he lives with his wife and young son. He has a first-class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington and was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year. Before serving as an MP, Chris worked as a researcher for the National Party in Opposition and was later an advisor to Ministers in the John Key-led Government. Chris was the National Party Campaign Chair for the 2023 General Election.

Nick Leggett

Chief Executive, Infrastructure New Zealand

Nick Leggett commenced in the role of Chief Executive of Infrastructure New Zealand in April 2023. Previously Chief Executive of the road transport industry peak body, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, Nick’s professional career has always centred around the need for quality and sustainable infrastructure. As Mayor of Porirua City between 2010-2016 he understands the need for great infrastructure to power opportunities for people and provide a bedrock for economic growth and social progress.

Nick is strongly of the view that Aotearoa New Zealand must be bolder in its funding, investment and scale of world leading infrastructure projects. We must collectively encourage and welcome a more diverse range of people into the industry to deliver on this.