Building Nations Infrastructure Conference tackles the Christchurch
rebuild, insurance, transport funding and local government reform
New forms of transport funding, local government reform and
insurance, the Christchurch rebuild and infrastructure resilience
are the three key themes of New Zealand's largest infrastructure
conference being held on Tuesday and Wednesday this week in
Wellington.
The New Zealand Council For Infrastructure Development Building
Nations Symposium has attracted nearly 300 delegates from the
public and private sectors. Attendees include central and local
government officials together with industry leaders from the
design, construction, finance and legal and professional advisory
firms.
"This is the peak infrastructure industry conference in New
Zealand", says NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood.
"We aim to address the key issues facing the infrastructure sector
each year and discuss ways to resolve problems.
"It is clear that if New Zealand is to realise its potential for
economic growth new methods of funding investment in our transport
system will be required especially given the level of investment
necessary in Auckland.
"Equally it is critical that we address the difficulties in
insurance and speed up the reconstruction of Christchurch.
"The government's desire to improve delivery of local
infrastructure signals the need for new thinking in local
government organisation and procurement.
"And earthquake risk, other natural disasters and the ongoing
effects of climate change mean that we must continually review the
resilience of our infrastructure, especially our critical network
infrastructure.
"All of these public policy issues will be debated and discussed.
The Symposium provides the opportunity for the best minds in
infrastructure delivery to meet and work with public sector
officials and government leaders to share knowledge and experience
and discuss new ideas.
"Keynote speakers include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Finance the Hon Bill English and Transport and Earthquake Recovery
Minister the Hon Gerry Brownlee. In addition to Ministerial
presentations, a panel of government and opposition spokes people
will debate alternative views on infrastructure procurement.
"Premier sponsor of the Symposium, ANZ Bank, have brought out
Michael Deegan, Head of Infrastructure Australia to present on the
current state of play in Australia. ANZ are also hosting the gala
dinner for delegates at Te Papa with men's Olympic gold medal
rowing pair Hamish Bond & Eric Murray being interviewed by Sky
Sports' Scotty Stevenson.
"Other international speakers include Mick Lilley, Managing
Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources Advisory, National
Australia Bank, who will discuss public private partnerships from
an Australian and New Zealand perspective.
"Dr Jonas Eliasson, Director, Centre for Transport Studies in
Sweden and Gunnar Soderholm, Director, Environment and Health
Administration, City of Stockholm will explain the secrets of
success in introducing road pricing in Stockholm by video
conference all the way from Chicago.
"Thomas O'Rourke, Professor of Engineering, School of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Cornell University (USA) will update
worldwide thinking on developing resilient national infrastructure
including critical policy planning issues for New Zealand.
"New Zealand speakers and panellists include leading public
officials and experts in finance all discussing advanced
procurement, the Christchurch rebuild, insurance, resilience and
local government reform.
"This is a key event for NZCID each calendar year. We are very
pleased to be in Wellington. It's great to have such strong
representation from central government.
"The learning from the conference will form the basis for NZCID
policy about how we and our members can help advance best practice
in infrastructure delivery in New Zealand", Selwood says.
