Govt Targets Costly Delays from Poor Underground Utility Records

“Infrastructure projects up and down the country are slowed down because often no one knows exactly where underground pipes and cables are, or what condition they’re in,” Bishop said.

The New Zealand Government is taking decisive action to address one of the most persistent and costly problems in infrastructure development — delays and budget blowouts caused by missing or inaccurate records of underground utilities. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop announced a new initiative aimed at improving the nation’s asset management systems to ensure projects are delivered faster, cheaper, and with fewer disruptions.

“Infrastructure projects up and down the country are slowed down because often no one knows exactly where underground pipes and cables are, or what condition they’re in,” Bishop said. “Too often the same road gets dug up twice in a matter of months, or a project is delayed because utilities aren’t where the plans say they are. That’s a waste of time and money, and it causes huge disruption to businesses and the public.”

The Cost of Inaccurate Utility Records

The problem has plagued public and private construction projects for decades, with outdated or inconsistent records creating logistical and financial headaches. A notable example, Bishop said, is the Stage 1 Cameron Road redevelopment in Tauranga, which suffered months of delays and millions of dollars in cost overruns due to inaccurate data about underground utilities.

Such cases are not isolated. Across New Zealand, local councils, utility operators, and contractors often work with incomplete or incompatible mapping systems, leading to inefficiencies and duplication. The lack of a coordinated national approach has made it difficult to plan, coordinate, and maintain infrastructure efficiently.

A National Review to Strengthen Underground Utility Records

To address the issue, Cabinet earlier this year approved a comprehensive programme to upgrade New Zealand’s asset management systems. As part of this initiative, the New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group has been tasked with reviewing how underground utility records are kept and exploring options to standardise and strengthen data management practices nationwide.

One key proposal under consideration is the expansion of Wellington City Council’s successful pilot of an underground asset register — a system designed to capture real-time data every time work is done beneath the road surface.

“The idea is simple,” Bishop explained. “Every time the road corridor is opened — whether to fix a water leak, install a bus lane, or move electricity cables — the register is updated. Over time, it builds a living library of underground asset information that keeps everyone on the same page.”

Fixing a Flawed System

Currently, New Zealand’s National Code of Practice for Utility Operators’ Access to Transport Corridors requires all utility providers to keep accurate records of their assets. However, compliance has been inconsistent, particularly for older infrastructure installed before digital recordkeeping became standard.

“The Code was meant to be self-regulating, but it’s clearly not working as intended,” Bishop said. “We need a system that actually saves time, cuts costs, and keeps projects moving.”

Poor recordkeeping not only slows down construction but also increases risks to worker safety, damages to existing networks, and unplanned service outages. The introduction of a reliable national register could significantly reduce these risks and enhance collaboration between agencies.

Potential Benefits Across the Economy

A modern, centralised utility register would benefit multiple sectors — from local councils and transport agencies to construction firms, telecommunications companies, and power suppliers. Improved data sharing would help coordinate street works, reduce duplication, and allow better forecasting of maintenance and investment needs.

It would also support smarter infrastructure planning, particularly as the Government prioritises road renewals, water network upgrades, and climate resilience projects. According to industry estimates, better utility data could save millions in public expenditure annually and significantly reduce delays in large-scale projects.

Next Steps: Review Due Early 2026

The Utilities Advisory Group’s review will be completed early next year, with recommendations expected to inform new policy or legislative changes aimed at standardising underground asset management across the country.

Bishop said the initiative reflects the Government’s broader commitment to infrastructure reform and productivity growth, ensuring that taxpayer-funded projects deliver value without unnecessary waste.

“This is about doing the basics right,” Bishop concluded. “Knowing what’s under our roads shouldn’t be a guessing game. With accurate records and smarter systems, we can save time, money, and frustration — and deliver the infrastructure New Zealand needs to grow.”