The report, which calls for a strategic reset in how existing infrastructure assets are managed, was discussed by report author Kali Mercier, and a panel that included Lower Hutt Mayor and LGNZ Vice President Campbell Barry, Infrastructure Commission CEO Geoff Cooper, Auckland Council Chief Engineer Ross Roberts, and facilitator Elke Beca from WSP.
In opening remarks, former Prime Minister and Foundation patron Helen Clark urged a shift away from the prevailing 'build and forget' mindset.
“Infrastructure is so essential to our lives,” she said. “We must be far more strategic in how we care for what we already have. Without good asset management, even new infrastructure can become a liability.”
Kali highlighted a core message of the report - that as much as 99 percent of the infrastructure New Zealand will rely on in coming years is already built.
“Our pipes, roads and schools are under increasing pressure,” she said. “We need to shift focus to proactive maintenance, better data and consistent national standards to ensure we get the basics right.”
Geoff reinforced that point, noting that every dollar spent should prioritise maintaining existing infrastructure before embarking on new builds.
“Much of our infrastructure is approaching the end of its first or second lifecycle,” he said. “Deferred maintenance today leads to higher costs tomorrow.”
Campbell spoke about the tensions councils face balancing investment and affordability, noting that communities expect good infrastructure, but aren’t always willing - or able - to pay for it. He said that deferring renewals isn’t sustainable, and ringfencing funding may be part of the answer.
From fragmented planning and inconsistent data systems to capability shortages and short-term thinking, the panel agreed that asset management is both a leadership imperative and a long-term investment.
Among a slate of recommendations, the report calls for the establishment of an independent watchdog agency to improve oversight and public accountability. It also calls for a national asset scorecard, so New Zealanders can understand how infrastructure is being managed and benchmarked across regions.