The New Zealand government has called for more private sector involvement to help pay for the country’s infrastructure.
Infrastructure and finance minister Bill English has announced that future infrastructure projects by government agencies that are worth more than $25 million will be required to consider and evaluate alternative procurement options – including public-private partnerships (PPPs).
The announcement comes as part of measures aimed at improving public sector decision-making on infrastructure investment. The government also plans to publish a regular investment statement which will set out the country’s assets and liabilities. The first statement would be released by the end of the year.
In related news, a report in the New Zealand Herald states that Chinese firm global China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is looking to make investments in major New Zealand toll road projects including the long-planned Wellington motorway.
The report also suggests that New Zealand’s transport minister has already green lighted the Chinese bidders to compete for major road contracts.
Last month, the government also announced its plans to launch a PPP programme for the building and maintenance of schools. The tenders for the first PPP schools could be issued next year.
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