06. Infrastructure, investment and Budget 2026

09. Cross-party backing for the National Infrastructure Plan

This week, we unpack the Government’s response to the Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Plan. With 16 recommendations accepted, we look at the key themes shaping the future of infrastructure in New Zealand, including a stronger focus on maintenance, better reporting, more realistic planning around what the country can afford, and a greater role for private capital. We also discuss what it means that the plan has cross-party support, and why that matters for long-term delivery.

08. Alternative dispute resolution: Matching the process to the problem

In this episode, Sam and Hamish discuss alternative dispute resolution in New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sector. They explore why disputes arise so often on complex projects, why formal processes are not always the best answer, and practical options for resolving issues efficiently while keeping projects moving and relationships intact.

07. The cost of stopping: New report on the true cost of infrastructure delays

This week, Hamish and Sam discuss The Cost of Stopping, a new report by economist Shamubeel Eaqub estimating that stop-start infrastructure decision-making has cost New Zealand taxpayers $11.8b over the past 25 years. They unpack where those costs lie, consider how international experience compares, and discuss reactions to the report and its recommendations.

06. Infrastructure, investment and Budget 2026

This week, Hamish and Sam unpack the Government’s latest Budget and what it means in a time of economic uncertainty. They discuss the key infrastructure commitments, how the next few years may compare with the last, and whether the Budget sets a credible path forward. They also consider the Opposition’s response and the counterfactual: what might a Labour Government have done differently? A timely discussion on the choices shaping New Zealand’s economic future.

05. NZCIC: rules, risks, reality

In this episode, Hamish and Sam take a closer look at the NZCIC guidelines and their ongoing relevance for the construction sector. They unpack what the guidelines are designed to achieve, the key issues they raise for principals, contractors, and consultants, and how they continue to shape expectations around procurement, contracting, and project delivery. They also discuss where the guidelines carry real practical weight, and where challenges can still arise in applying them on the ground.