December 3 2025 | Procure | Tenders | Public-Private Partnerships
New Zealand’s infrastructure sector showed up in full force in November for Ansarada Procure’s Procurement & PPPs Unpacked: Insights for Aotearoa and Beyond breakfast forum, as senior government officials, advisors, and industry leaders gathered in Wellington and Auckland.
The events brought together a rare combination of perspectives, all aligned around a single objective: accelerating the delivery of infrastructure across Aotearoa.
Across both cities, the discussions underscored a clear theme: New Zealand is entering a pivotal period for investment and procurement of major infrastructure. According to NIFFCo , the national infrastructure agency and Crown-owned company created by the New Zealand Government to attract funding and financing for infrastructure outlined that while the country delivered several major projects between 2010 and 2017, there has been a significant pause in activity right through to 2025.
Despite this gap, the strength of the upcoming pipeline has not deterred local or international investors. With two projects now actively in procurement and more on the way, market confidence remains strong and engagement continues to build.
Infrastructure procurement and PPP models take centre stage
The world has its eyes on New Zealand, making it more important than ever to set clear standards and deliver consistency both to maintain investor confidence and to demonstrate global leadership in how major projects are procured and delivered.
The need for more disciplined, predictable, and transparent procurement has never been clearer.
Attendees of our forum emphasised the importance of consistent project preparation, stronger visibility across the national pipeline, and smarter procurement settings that give both government and the market greater confidence to invest.
They also noted the rising relevance of PPP models as fiscal pressures increase and project complexity grows. The international experience from the speakers demonstrated how well-structured partnerships can improve certainty, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Digital readiness emerges as essential infrastructure foundation
A recurring theme was the role of digital readiness in supporting faster, more accountable delivery. As infrastructure projects become larger and more interconnected, trusted digital platforms and data-driven processes are increasingly viewed as essential foundations for procurement and governance.
What stood out across both Wellington and Auckland was the level of alignment.
Agencies, advisors, and industry participants demonstrated a clear willingness to collaborate, share lessons, and build a more coordinated approach to the country’s infrastructure pipeline. The conversations reflected a sector that recognises the urgency of the moment — and is ready to act.
As New Zealand prepares for its next wave of infrastructure investment, the insights and momentum generated this week offer a promising sign. The path ahead will require clarity, consistency, and cooperation, but the message from both events was unmistakable: the sector is united, the opportunity is significant, and the momentum for meaningful progress is building.
