Infrastructure New Zealand has applauded the Government’s Regional Deals plan for councils, but warned that political consensus will be critical if these deals are to be a success.
Infrastructure New Zealand’s Advocacy and Strategy Lead, Martina Moroney says a 30-year vision focusing on economic growth and productivity and underpinned by the delivery of critical infrastructure and housing sets the right tone for the establishment of regional deals in New Zealand.
“However, if regional deals are to make a serious contribution to overcoming our infrastructure deficit, enduring political consensus on their objectives will be required,” said Ms Moroney.
“We know from experience that if political objectives in infrastructure shift, momentum is easily lost. We cannot find ourselves back at square one again.”
She said Infrastructure New Zealand was also pleased to see the Government take a “broad partnership approach” to the framework.
“Both the private sector and iwi must play a key role in implementing regional deals and we would like to see other important civil society institutions, such as universities and research institutes, formally included in time.”
“The Government’s focus on funding and financing tools is positive, and Infrastructure New Zealand would like to see central government also establish a 30-year fund, similar to what has been so successful in the UK. In a difficult economic environment, the consolidation of existing capital funds for infrastructure might be a good first step to achieving more flexibility for councils to invest.”
“Initially focusing on five regions for these deals is sensible,” says Ms Moroney.
“International experience shows that taking the time to identify the extra growth that councils, central government and their partners can create together in a region will be key to their success. Again, this is another reason why an enduring political consensus is vital for the success of regional deals in New Zealand,” she said.
