New guidance aims to lift standards in how NZ manages public infrastructure

The newly released guidance, developed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, sets out clearer expectations for government agencies and establishes a consistent definition of good practice.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has announced the release of new Asset Management and Investment Planning guidance, aimed at significantly improving how government agencies maintain, manage and invest in New Zealand’s infrastructure.

Mr Bishop says the move addresses a long-standing weakness in public sector performance, noting that central government owns nearly half of the country’s infrastructure assets but has consistently failed to care for them to an acceptable standard.

Drawing a simple comparison, he said asset neglect in the public sector mirrors what happens when homeowners fail to maintain their properties. Just as unpainted weatherboards eventually rot, schools, hospitals, roads and public buildings deteriorate when maintenance is deferred or poorly planned.

The consequences of this neglect are already evident across the country. Mr Bishop pointed to leaky hospitals and classrooms, mould-affected police stations and courthouses, frequent rail service disruptions, and Defence Force personnel being housed in sub-standard accommodation. He described these outcomes as unacceptable and said New Zealanders deserve infrastructure that is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

The newly released guidance, developed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, sets out clearer expectations for government agencies and establishes a consistent definition of good practice. For the first time, agencies will have access to a single, practical and authoritative framework that explains what is required, how performance should be measured, and how asset management should be properly aligned with investment decisions.

According to Mr Bishop, the guidance strengthens accountability across the public sector and is designed to ensure that maintenance, renewals and long-term asset planning are adequately funded rather than deferred until failures occur.

He acknowledged that asset management capability varies widely across government, with the weakest performance often found in large social infrastructure sectors such as health, education and justice. Many agencies, he said, continue to report non-compliance with Cabinet expectations, particularly in areas such as depreciation funding, maintaining reliable asset registers, and keeping asset management plans up to date.

Common challenges identified across the sector include limited understanding of asset management principles, competing budget priorities, poor information on asset condition, and a culture that tolerates inadequate practices. The new guidance, Mr Bishop said, clearly defines the standards agencies are expected to meet and provides practical tools to help lift performance.

The initiative forms part of a broader Government work programme focused on improving the long-term stewardship and performance of New Zealand’s infrastructure. The release of the guidance marks phase one of this programme, concentrating on practical improvements that agencies can implement immediately. Phase two will introduce longer-term system changes, informed by the upcoming National Infrastructure Plan.

Mr Bishop emphasised that most of the infrastructure New Zealand will rely on over the next three decades already exists, making proper maintenance and renewal essential. Failing to act now, he warned, will ultimately cost taxpayers far more through expensive replacements and service failures.

He said the new guidance offers agencies a clear pathway to better care for the assets they manage, smarter investment decisions, and more reliable public services, ensuring infrastructure continues to support communities and economic growth well into the future.