Marking the start of construction on the new bridge over the Ōpaoa River in Blenheim, the NZ Transport Agency is holding a special sod-turning and blessing event this afternoon. Neighbouring residents, iwi, business and local community representatives will be attending.

A Canadian pension fund wants to roll up its sleeves and roll out Auckland's $6 billion modern tram project capable of moving 11,000 commuters an hour reports Bernard Orsman for NZ Herald.

A Beca-sponsored poll of infrastructure leaders at the recent Infrastructure New Zealand Building Nations Symposium indicates confidence is growing that New Zealand can meet its infrastructure challenges, but suggests there needs to be greater detail shared with industry and the community around plans to address Auckland’s infrastructure needs.

“Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones’ confirmation that the Government will establish an independent infrastructure entity – an i-body – is very positive news and warmly received by industry,” says Stephen Selwood CEO of Infrastructure NZ.

EMA is pleased its long time call for a comprehensive solution to how New Zealand invests in and delivers vital infrastructure projects has made a significant step forward today.

Infrastructure Minister, Shane Jones, announced at Infrastructure New Zealand’s Building Nations Symposium a new entity will be established to provide expert advice, planning and strategy to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the country.

"This has been a long time coming. We commend the Minister for taking the step to effectively create an agency which will have the mandate to pull together the long-term pipeline of our infrastructure needs," says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

"Agencies such as these have worked well overseas. This is a vital component of building the vibrant and productive economy the Government has stated it wants. Hopefully, this entity will be independent, future focused and empowered to make decisions which will take New Zealand forward and transcend the electoral cycle.

"We, along with Infrastructure New Zealand, have been calling for an independent agency of this nature for some time, as the nation grapples with how to fund and manage its infrastructure shortfall."We hope this newly announced entity will help manage the risk profile associated with large scale projects that are now required and provide a way forward for many local authorities struggling with inadequate infrastructure."

HE Ms Wu Xi, China’s Ambassador to New Zealand, today announced that Infrastructure New Zealand will be leading a senior delegation to China, Hong Kong and Singapore in March 2019.

"Major issues affecting the construction and wider infrastructure sector are the result of weak procurement capability across the board and strengthened government expertise and leadership is required to drive an overall lift in industry performance," says Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Stephen Selwood.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says infrastructure risk has reached "intolerable levels".

New Zealand's government has a strong enough balance sheet to close the nation's infrastructure deficit sooner, which the International Monetary Fund says would generate long-term economic gains

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall has hailed the Government's announcement of increased roading funding for Whanganui as "just fantastic".