Paying for highways, bridges, public transport networks, railroads, water systems, community facilities and more, has become a pressing concern for our society as trends such as extreme weather from climate change and population demographics stretch our infrastructure to the limit.

The report considers who should pay - for what, when, and how - in order to achieve the most efficient and equitable outcomes. Different funding and finance options spread the cost burden in different ways. Questions of intergenerational fairness are important, as are decisions about how to spread costs between current members of society who may ‘consume’ more or less infrastructure, or who may be more or less well off.

Kickstarting a conversation:

The report aims to be the catalyst for a national conversation about infrastructure funding and financing, which we hope will ultimately help position New Zealand as a global leader in infrastructure delivery.

Strategic approach for infrastructure:

The report calls for a long-term bipartisan strategic approach to secure New Zealand’s infrastructure future.

Revenue sources and debt financing:

Recognising our growing infrastructure needs, the report suggests using a range of approaches to fund and finance infrastructure. While debt financing and taxation/rates will play a significant role, identifying revenue sources tied to new infrastructure can allow us to deliver more, faster. 

Toolkit of public and private financing:

To improve infrastructure investment, the report recommends using the full toolkit of public and private funding, financing and delivery approaches - removing ideologies and taking a best-for-project approach.

Learning from international experience:

The report encourages learning from other countries’ infrastructure investment approaches. With the proposed restart of the public-private partnership (PPP) programme in Aotearoa New Zealand, we can learn from experiences here and overseas to ensure the best outcomes.