Land Development Engineering Group Forum 2025: Accelerating Growth with Resilient Infrastructure

Event recap

Day 1 – Thursday 20 November 2025

The Land Development Engineering Group (LDEG) Forum 2025 was held at Holiday Inn Remarkables in Queenstown this November, supported by platinum sponsor Stormwater360. It brought together 75+ industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners under the theme “Accelerating growth with resilient infrastructure.” The sold-out event featured thought-provoking presentations, practical workshops, and candid discussions on the future of land development and infrastructure in Aotearoa.

The forum opened with a warm welcome from Darren Rewi, who reminded attendees of the critical role infrastructure plays in shaping New Zealand’s future. He emphasized unity, purpose, and the importance of integrating local histories and values into decision-making. Introductions followed from Clare Hamilton Forum MC, Kelly LaValley LDEG SIG Chair, and Murray Pugh Āpōpō CE, setting the stage for a day of collaboration and insight.

True cost of Growth – Sam Broughton, President of Local Government New Zealand

Sam Broughton shared lessons from Selwyn District, New Zealand’s fastest-growing region, highlighting the strain rapid growth places on infrastructure and social services. His presentation underscored systemic challenges: centralized governance, funding imbalances, and inflation outpacing council budgets. Sam called for new funding tools, long-term planning, and stronger partnerships with mana whenua, warning that failure to plan for growth risks inequitable outcomes.

Shifting Boundaries – Facilitating Growth in Hawea through the Upper Clutha Wastewater Conveyance Scheme – Iain Partington, QLDC

Iain outlined QLDC’s ambitious wastewater project connecting Hawea to Wanaka’s upgraded treatment plant. This scheme will enable housing for an additional 15,000 residents over 25 years while addressing compliance issues and improving resilience across the Upper Clutha network. With 20 km of pipeline and major pump station upgrades, the project exemplifies forward-thinking infrastructure delivery.

Behind the Standards: Building for the Future in Queenstown – Sam Metcalfe & Mike Pridham QLDC

Sam and Mike discussed QLDC’s updated Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice, emphasising its role in ensuring safe, sustainable infrastructure. Key changes focused on stormwater resilience amid climate challenges. Lessons learned included the value of early scope definition, stakeholder engagement, and whole-of-life asset management. Mike reinforced that infrastructure decisions today shape community well-being for decades to come.

RMA Revolution – Mike Doesburg, Wynn Williams

Mike unpacked the complexities of New Zealand’s resource management system and the impending reforms replacing the RMA with the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act. These changes aim to simplify processes, standardise rules, and reduce delays. Stakeholders were urged to engage early as national policy directions will heavily influence future development frameworks.

Sealing for success: Next generation materials & smart techniques in road construction – Dr Bryan Pidwerbesky, Fulton Hogan

Bryan explored innovations in pavement design and sealing techniques, stressing that durability starts with strong foundations. He highlighted advanced testing methods, intelligent compaction technologies, and rejuvenation techniques that extend pavement life. His key message: “You can’t make up for a poor pavement with a good surfacing.”

Clare Hamilton, Tauranga City Council (LDEG SIG): Digital Badge updates, LD101, and LD220: Understanding the land

Clare provided an overview of the Apopo digital badges most relevant to land development professionals and their teams. Designed to enhance capability, these cover the basics and then extend foundations.

Workshop: Life on the ground – facilitated by Clare Hamilton and Jeremy Rees.

Participants were encouraged to join tables and create groups with a mix of council, consultants and contractors, bringing a range of perspectives to the conversation. Delegates were given a scenario, and conversation prompts to guide their search for solutions – assessing risks, priorities and limitations. Teams then shared their insights with the wider group.

Growth in Motion: Shaping the future of Queenstown Lakes one Structure Plan at a time – Catriona Lamont & Cameron Wood, QLDC

Catriona (pronounced Catrina) and Cameron’s session focused on managing rapid growth through strategic structure planning. The Te Tapuae Southern Corridor plan will accommodate up to 10,000 homes over 30 years, integrating housing, transport, and Three Waters infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on cultural partnerships, ecological connectivity, and innovative transport solutions to tackle congestion and preserve Queenstown’s unique character.

Hanley’s Farm: Beyond the engineering – making a place for people to live – Iain Banks and Patrick Leslie, Stantec

Hanley’s Farm showcased how developer-led infrastructure can accelerate housing delivery while creating vibrant communities. The project invested heavily in lifelines and amenities – parks, childcare, and trails – alongside environmental initiatives like flood mitigation and native planting. Lessons included adapting to changing housing trends and designing for active travel and sustainability.

Shannon Farm: The long journey to a successful development – Paul Croft, Infinity Investment Group

Paul shared the challenges of delivering Shannon Farm, a premium subdivision in Cromwell with large lots and community amenities (mountain bike park). Despite strong demand and community support, the project faced costly delays, reinforcing calls for planning reform. His message: collaboration, compromise, and long-term vision are essential to overcome systemic barriers and enable growth.

Panel: Smart growth, strong foundations

Chaired by Jeremy Rees

Panel: Catriona Lamont – QLDC, Hayden Bed – QLDC, Paul Croft – Shannon Farm and Mike Doesburg – Wynn Williams

The closing panel brought together perspectives from planning, engineering, development, and law to tackle one of the forum’s most pressing questions: how can infrastructure be delivered quickly while ensuring it remains resilient for generations?

The discussion highlighted a persistent disconnect between long-term planning frameworks and on-the-ground delivery. While spatial plans look decades ahead, consenting processes and funding cycles often operate on much shorter timelines, creating friction and uncertainty. Panelists pointed to systemic challenges such as rigid district plan processes, adversarial consent systems under the RMA, and resource constraints within councils that lead to cautious, risk-averse decision-making.

From the developer perspective, predictability and accountability were emphasised as critical. Large projects carry significant holding costs, and delays can undermine viability. Ideas such as expedited processing for major developments and clearer pathways for private investment in infrastructure were floated as potential solutions.

Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme. Early engagement, honest communication, and risk-based decision-making were seen as essential to overcoming barriers. Spatial planning that co-prioritizes infrastructure investment alongside housing and community needs was identified as a practical way forward.

The conversation closed on a forward-looking note: councils must adopt a more market-aligned approach to zoning and growth decisions, supported by bold leadership and outcome-focused planning. Panellists urged attendees to think about legacy – what future generations will say about today’s choices, and to embrace courageous governance that prioritizes resilience, affordability, and community well-being.

Closing Thoughts

The LDEG Forum 2025 reinforced that resilient infrastructure is the backbone of sustainable growth. From funding models and planning reforms to technical innovations and community-building, the conversations highlighted both challenges and opportunities. As Aotearoa faces unprecedented development pressures, collaboration and long-term thinking will be critical to shaping thriving, future-ready communities.

Evening networking function

The technical programme was followed by an evening of networking, with a dinner at Skyline Queenstown. Delegates were also invited to enjoy the luge – an adrenaline fuelled course looking over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Day 2 – Field trip – Friday 21 November 2025

The field trip took participants to Hanley’s Farm (with commentary from Patrick Leslie), Shannon Farm (hosted by Paul Croft) and Wooing Tree Estate developments (insights from Stephen Cornwall), with a stop at Old Cromwell Town.

Thanks to Mike Wardill and Jeremy Rees for providing commentary on the bus.

LDEG 2025 Recap