By strengthening regional capability and incentivising local, regional and central government institutions to collaborate, we can tackle complex issues and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders, says outgoing Infrastructure NZ CEO Stephen Selwood   Devolving transport, housing and other regionally specific services to an empowered and capable regional government would improve national outcomes by strengthening delivery and incentivising all of government to work towards shared objectives. Continue →

While the Productivity Commission’s draft report on Local Government Funding and Financing provides some useful recommendations to improve the current system, the report falls short of advancing the level of change need to lift New Zealand’s productivity, says Stephen Selwood Chief Executive of Infrastructure New Zealand It is pleasing that the Commission has reinforced earlier findings which emphasise the importance of beneficiaries contributing a greater share of local government costs and of the urgent need for three waters services reform. Continue →

Long overdue reform of the water sector has created the opportunity for a first principles discussion of what local government can and should do and with what resources, says Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Stephen Selwood “Operating infrastructure networks is a technical activity demanding flexible use of capital and strong asset management capability,” he explains. Continue →

The Productivity Commission’s inquiry into local government funding and financing is welcome, but it is concerning to see the Terms of Reference will constrain an objective assessment of all options, says Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Stephen Selwood It is particularly disappointing that ‘asset recycling’ – the process of selling down public shareholding in one public asset in order to invest in another more valuable asset – has been precluded from the terms of reference, he adds. Continue →

Two game-changing documents will allow Australian and New Zealand councils to save millions of dollars on ‘smart city’ street lighting projects. Continue →

Local Government Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner says the fate of a final proposal for a combined Wairarapa District Council lies in the hands of the Wairarapa public. Continue →

The Local Government Commission’s proposal for a single Wairarapa District Council is welcome but a more comprehensive approach is needed, says Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Selwood. Continue →