Over the last three days we have heard from politicians, academics, consultants, central and local government officials and thought leaders, emerging professionals, senior practitioners and inspirational icons – from all around the motu.
Their message has been consistent. Delivering infrastructure value is challenging. Often there are headwinds driving against us. Funding and financing limits, misalignment of decision maker motivations, unreliable or non-existent information. At times in our careers it can feel a bit too hard, a bit hopeless. The Cameron Bagrie reality check can set in.
As we saw from yesterday’s Infrastructure Debate, things are pretty evenly balanced right now. Will the next generation enjoy better infrastructure value than the last? With some of the best minds of infrastructure and asset management in the land battling it out for and against on stage, still it’s a wafer thin margin either way.
The Minister’s announcement on Wednesday give cause for optimism. Asset management is being recognised. Central Government leadership in striving to get its own portfolio in order will no doubt also motivate local government and private infrastructure asset owners to seek continuous improvement in their asset management performance. Bi partisan support – which we heard confirmed by Kieran McAnulty this morning – for the upcoming National Infrastructure Plan will provide the stability that we so desperately need in order to make long lasting decisions that can be relied upon.
But we are at a cross roads. We know that our work can make a difference. We know what we need to do and even how we need to go about doing it. The question then becomes are we up for the challenge? Are we going to tackle the barriers, apply ourselves to the task and drag our organisations forward to truly deliver the infrastructure value that our communities deserve? Well my answer is yes.
Gilbert Enoka showed us yesterday the power of standards. The All Black who was empowered to stand up and call out the Coach – yes, the iconic Coach of the All Blacks – for not meeting the team’s standard for being on time – is a lesson I feel we need to heed. To make asset management count, each one of us needs to feel empowered to call out poor asset management practices. We can’t just be sitting back deferring to others who may have organisational authority, but who are letting the team down by failing to maintain the standards that their communities deserve and need.
Āpōpō stands ready to support you as professional infrastructure asset managers with world class locally relevant practice guidance, training and development, globally recognised certifications and locally valued accreditation, peer support through networking and knowledge sharing events and conferences as well as being your voice in the national conversation that is now beginning about infrastructure asset management.
Events like the 2025 Āpōpō Congress are designed to help you gain knowledge, inspire your motivations, and make doing your job both satisfying and effective. This year we have continued our Āpōpō focus on your well-being while at Congress and we have celebrated the achievements of our peers. How about that Route 52 Tararua District Council Project. Creating lasting resilience for roading infrastructure that provides reliable connection for communities vulnerable to isolation as climate change impacts intensify and become more frequent. Congratulations to the Tararua team. And to all the award and competition winners and scholarship recipients for 2025.
Please remember to record your CPD from Congress in support of your professional obligations. Up to 25 total hours of CPD may be recorded and for those of you holding CPEng or Engineering New Zealand membership alongside Āpōpō’s membership, Engineering New Zealand will also recognise your CPD hours from attending this Congress.
Thank you to your Board, the Organising Committee and most of all to you all. Thank you for your support of Āpōpō and congratulations on your commitment to your profession.
