Alliance Party Proposes “KiwiWorks” To Rebuild Public Infrastructure Capability
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.
