Beyond the impacts of COVID-19

This report addresses fiscal stimulus and the role of infrastructure in times of crises, the current infrastructure pipeline in New Zealand - highlighting which sectors and regions are being invested in - and proposed actions we can take now to deliver maximum economic and social benefits.

Fiscal stimulus and the role of infrastructure

Debt may be mounting, but this is not a reason for the Government to cut investment. Public sector investment improves the productive capacity of the nation and provides employment in the short-term through direct employment and increased demand for supply inputs. 

Current infrastructure pipeline

Early this year, the Government announced $12 billion of additional infrastructure spending, bringing the total package to $41 billion between 2019 and 2023. This will help fund the record level of projects over the next decade, primarily in Auckland and Wellington. We look at the private/public spending divide for each sector, and the value of projects across each region.

What can we do now?

Investment in infrastructure is a key policy focus of Government but requires careful planning and delivery monitoring to achieve desired outcomes. Evidence-based decision making is critical when it comes to prioritising projects in the short-term. This report highlights opportunities to target existing assets for ‘quick wins’ and in taking a precinct approach to development to create wider economic and social benefits. Finally, the report explores the role of technology in delivering timely and cost-effective infrastructure.