Public infrastructure stories
Up to 60,000 new homes could be built years earlier after the government backed roads and waterworks in five fast-growing councils.
Councils could gain a clearer picture of housing pressures as a new MBIE dashboard maps demand, supply and affordability data.
Rising housing pressure and ageing assets are forcing councils to seek new funding tools as LGNZ urges election contenders to back infrastructure renewal.
Seventeen council projects have made the cut for LGNZ's Excellence Awards, highlighting work that is already improving services, the environment and jobs.
Limited housing growth in Auckland is being blamed on poor infrastructure funding, with the OECD urging new ways to pay for public works.
A coordinated overhaul could unlock more homes in Auckland, after a taskforce report highlighted the barriers holding back development.
The opening will complete most of Auckland’s Western Ring Route, giving commuters and freight a faster link across the city from early July.
More housing and infrastructure funding won approval from the Property Council, though it says New Zealand still needs deeper planning reform.
Freight on the Picton-Christchurch route could resume by year end as KiwiRail prioritises speed over looks in the Main North Line rebuild.
New funding could help replace ageing roads, schools and hospitals while easing bottlenecks for housing and business growth across New Zealand.
Industry leaders say the extra NZD $11 billion in capital spending could unlock private funding for roads, hospitals and housing.
Building owners and insurers in New Zealand can now track structural risk in real time as Mainmark introduces STRAAM for damage assessment.
Growing councils may soon gain new ways to pay for roads and water as a report urges options beyond rates and debt.
Opening of the Waterview Tunnel has slipped by up to three months as safety testing of its complex systems continues.
Councils say tourism growth is straining toilets, roads and car parks, with more than 680 projects worth NZD $1.38 billion in train.
Communities face billions in upgrade costs as local councils seek a single framework linking freshwater standards, funding and affordability.
New Zealand taxpayers could face a heavier bill for roads, schools and hospitals unless migrants are charged to help fund growth.
Nine in ten major government projects are on track or better, though five remain flagged for delivery risks in a GBP £37 billion programme.
In week two of my return to Telecom I found myself in front of the Finance and Expenditure select committee, talking to them about tax.
