At this ‘lite’ lunchtime branch event there was the opportunity to network over nibbles and drinks, followed by two presentations and a Local Government Panel discussion.

Big thanks to Penny Kneebone, CE of T+T for her welcome to the event.

Wioletta Gilfoyle of Tonkin + Taylor shared the Network Capacity Assessment Tool she has been working with. This was water-focused and she provided an in-depth technical explanation of this tool.

The new Apopo Valuation and Depreciation Guide was shared with attendees as a useful resource for asset managers who are working on valuations for the AMS and LTP’s.

There was a panel discussion with three local government representatives, each did an intro to their role and council, then discussed the questions below.

The panelists were:

• Paul Gower, Hamilton City Council
• Peter Higgs, Waipa District Council
• Glen McIntosh, Thames Coromandel District Council

Panel discussion opening and questions

Last week the Helen Clark Foundation released a report – Built to Last – How can we take a more strategic approach to Infrastructure Asset Management in Aotearoa New Zealand?

The report has some interesting insights, the executive summary states – The ability of Aotearoa New Zealand’s infrastructure to provide for future wellbeing hinges in no small part on the often-overlooked discipline of lifecycle asset management. As the country faces growing demands on its aging infrastructure, the need for a more strategic approach to managing assets throughout their lifecycle has become critical.

Leaning on the recommendations I put to the panel the following questions.

1. How good (or bad) are we at making investment decisions about infrastructure assets over the full lifecycle, what do you see as the biggest challenges in this area?
2. Waters funding is now ring fenced as of 1 July this year, what are your thoughts on ring fencing renewals for other public assets? Good or bad idea?
3. Talking about the asset lifecycle, generally organisations are good with the capital/new build.

How do we get more focus on understanding performance, condition and the associated maintenance spends?

Well, you just had to be there to hear the insightful answers!

A huge thanks to Tonkin + Taylor as the host and sponsor of this branch event.