Waikato transport leaders are calling for a closer examination of why major infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly expensive, as councils grapple with rising costs and growing pressure on ratepayers.
The Waikato Regional Transport Committee has written to Transport Minister Chris Bishop, supporting the Government’s investigation into infrastructure costs and calling for greater scrutiny of the regulatory, compliance and industry factors contributing to escalating project prices.
The committee has highlighted the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere project as an example of the significant gap emerging between earlier estimates and more recent funding allocations. Concerns have also been raised about consistency in project estimating and business-case development, particularly following the pausing of Hamilton Southern Links.
The committee supports Bishop’s call for Te Waihanga Infrastructure Commission to independently examine why New Zealand infrastructure costs what it does and identify opportunities to deliver major projects more cost-effectively.
Committee chair and Waikato regional councillor Liz Stolwyk says the region has significant transport infrastructure needs, making it increasingly important that available investment delivers better connectivity, safer roads and stronger regional outcomes.
The committee says understanding what is driving escalating costs will be increasingly important as central and local government face competing infrastructure demands and councils across Waikato contend with pressure on rates.
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