The Alliance Party is proposing the creation of a new
state infrastructure agency, “KiwiWorks”, to rebuild New
Zealand’s capacity to design and construct major public
works.
Alliance Party Leader Victor Billot says
decades of outsourcing and privatisation have left New
Zealand dependent on private contractors, contributing to
rising costs, delays, and infrastructure
failures.
“New Zealand has lost much of its ability
to build its own infrastructure,” Billot
says.
“KiwiWorks would be a Ministry of Works for
the 21st century.”
The proposal follows warnings
from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission that New
Zealand faces infrastructure investment needs running into
the hundreds of billions of dollars over coming
decades.
Recent failures at Wellington’s Moa Point
Wastewater Treatment Plant, which resulted in sewage
discharges into coastal waters, highlighted the consequences
of deferred maintenance and fragmented delivery systems,
Billot says.
“KiwiWorks would restore permanent,
in-house engineering, planning, and construction capability
within the public sector.”
The proposed agency
would:
- design, build, and maintain core
infrastructure including transport, water, and energy
systems - reduce reliance on external consultants and
contractors - rebuild public-sector engineering and
project management capability - expand trade
apprenticeships and workforce training - prioritise
climate-resilient infrastructure
“KiwiWorks
would ensure New Zealand once again has the public capacity
to build and maintain the infrastructure our future depends
on.”
The Alliance Party says funding would come from
tax reforms targeting speculation, large financial
transactions and wealth.
“This is about rebuilding
national capability and investing in New Zealand’s
long-term future,” Billot
says.
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