Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop outlined his vision for improving how infrastructure projects are structured when he met with ACE members in Wellington last week.
He highlighted the important role consultants play in major projects and acknowledged the significant challenges the Government faces when planning and funding large-scale developments. It was clear he was focused on finding efficiencies and reducing costs.
“I’m trying to get the system to be better and get the Government and my colleagues to be better as well.”
ACE members shared their perspectives on key issues affecting the sector, including funding constraints, tight timeframes, talent shortages and bureaucratic hurdles.
The minister encouraged ACE and consultants to engage more widely across the political spectrum, urging them to highlight the importance of continuity in infrastructure planning regardless of which party is in government.
Bishop said he was open to ongoing input from the sector, particularly around project costing and planning.
“Consultants can help clarify the thinking of government.”