All articles by James Paul

Touted as a one-stop shop, the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill was introduced under urgency in March 2024 to try and establish a permanent regime that streamlines the approval process for infrastructure and development projects of significant regional or national importance.

New Zealand’s approach to road construction has long been dominated by asphalt, but as infrastructure demands evolve, the question of long-term cost-effectiveness and sustainability has become increasingly pressing. Recognising the need for a thorough analysis of concrete pavement as an alternative, Concrete NZ commissioned Infometrics Ltd to reassess the case for concrete roads.

The proposal includes constructing new infrastructure to enhance the trail’s appeal and accessibility. “We’re aiming to create one of the largest cycleways in New Zealand,” Mr Kirton says, “attracting year-round tourism, generating jobs and boosting local businesses.”

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission’s latest report, Taking Care of Tomorrow Today: Asset Management State of Play, shines a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities in managing New Zealand’s aging infrastructure.

Drowsy driving has long been a silent threat on the roads, responsible for countless accidents and near-misses worldwide.

James Paul talks to Jim French of Teletrac Navman about the state of the civil construction sector and why local supply chain challenges may persist. The 2024 Construction Industry Survey, an annual collaboration between vehicle and asset management provider Teletrac Navman and industry association Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ), reveals a civil construction sector in crisis, resulting from a lack of work in the market. 

Infrastructure and asset management professionals are lauding the Government’s 30-year National Infrastructure Plan. The president of Āpōpō Gary Porteous says it’s long past due that New Zealand has a bi-partisan, strategic view about infrastructure development and management. 

The freight and supply chain system faces substantial changes over the coming years but a new strategy sets out goals and focus areas for the next three, 10 and 30 years.

Cyclone Gabrielle claimed the lives of 11 people, described as the worst weather event of this century. It devastated Hawke’s Bay, causing unprecedented damage to lives and livelihoods. There was also a loss of life to the north, in Tairawhiti, while two volunteer firefighters died in a Muriwai landslide. But while life has returned to normal for many in Hawke’s Bay, many thousands of others across the region still face a long and difficult journey to return to some semblance of normality.

Gisborne transport operator Steve Weatherell has navigated his fair share of adverse weather events, slips and blocked roads. So, the disastrous impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle weren’t going to stop him […]

Booth’s Logistics in Hastings found itself at the epicentre of Cyclone Gabrielle’s impact. Its Executive Director, Stewart Taylor, says the weather’s effects were felt throughout the business’ entire network – not just in Hastings and Hawke’s Bay.

Following the cancellation of 509 flights, Air New Zealand’s international and domestic network was back up and running on 15 February. Flying into heavily impacted regions New Plymouth, Napier and Gisborne had also resumed with some minor disruptions as the airline worked through operationalising the routes.

A new report summarises the updated health and air pollution in New Zealand 2016 (HAPINZ 3.0) study which evaluates the effects of air pollution on human health across New Zealand and the resulting social costs.

Local Government NZ’s message is clear – one-off, competitive, and after-the-fact recovery funding from central Government is not a sustainable solution to give New Zealanders the flood protection they deserve.

The quality of New Zealand’s roads and the infrastructure we drive over have been top of mind for many frustrated drivers of both small and commercial vehicles. However, there may be smoother roads ahead thanks to a $400 million funding boost.