Āpōpō Welcomes ‘Built To Last' Report As Mandate To Strengthen Aotearoa's Infrastructure Asset Management System
The reports emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with pps purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, …
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington – Āpōpō – Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals, Aotearoa New Zealand's lead association for asset management professionals, welcomes the Built to Last report released by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP as a timely and compelling call to invest in the long-term resilience of the nation's infrastructure.
The report's emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, equity, and system reform aligns directly with Āpōpō's purpose: to enhance the capability of asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand through education, accreditation, guidance, and thought leadership.
Supporting a Future-Ready Workforce
Āpōpō strongly endorses all seven recommendations made in the report – particularly Recommendation 4: Increase Asset Management Workforce Capability. With 99% of infrastructure already in place (Te Waihanga 2024), and future investment expected to prioritise maintenance and renewal, effective asset management is more critical than ever. Skilled knowledgeable professionals are needed now and in the future to take responsibility for delivering that effective asset management. New Zealand does not have sufficient capability in asset management to ensure we are realising all the economic, environmental, social and cultural value from our past current and future investments in infrastructure.
'Meeting these challenges requires more than money – it requires a shift to long-term, integrated thinking to deliver the competency and capacity in asset management that we require,' says Murray Pugh, Āpōpō Chief Executive. 'Asset management must be recognised as an essential discipline that safeguards intergenerational wellbeing, and this must be supported by formal education and certification pathways to ensure credible practitioners are added to the profession.'
Āpōpō is already leading this shift. Through nationally recognised learning pathways, credentials, and technical guidance, the organisation is upskilling professionals across central and local government, the private sector, and community organisations. Its Professional Practice Accreditation Scheme – aligned with the Global Certification Scheme (GCS) of the World Partners in Asset Management – (WPiAM), offers recognition for practitioners at two levels: Asset Management Associate (AMA) and Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP).
Underpinned by Āpōpō's Competency Framework, which integrates international standards (GFMAM) and ISO, the Pou Herenga model of culturally grounded practice, this scheme is building a skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical asset management workforce for the future.
Strengthening Organisations and System Leadership
Āpōpō is preparing an Organisational Accreditation programme to help lift asset management maturity at a system level. The initiative will recognise public and private infrastructure asset owning organisations for demonstrating excellence in asset governance, planning, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and value realisation.
Additionally, Āpōpō co-convenes with Te Waihanga – New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, the Central Government Asset Management Community of Practice. This collaboration provides a platform for asset owning agencies to share challenges and coordinate efforts for better outcomes.
Embedding Long-Termism and Te ao Māori Values
The HCF and WSP report highlights the tension between short-term political cycles and the long-term nature of infrastructure decisions. Āpōpō advocates for systems thinking, where infrastructure planning and asset management are grounded in wellbeing, resilience, and intergenerational equity.
Āpōpō's work draws on global frameworks and adapts them to Aotearoa's unique context. Te ao Māori principles are woven throughout guidance and professional standards (such as the next generation authoritative Āpōpō Guide and the Infrastructure Valuation and Depreciation Guidelines), reinforcing stewardship and interconnectedness for delivering value that benefits all communities.
The 2024 Āpōpō Supreme Award for Asset Management Excellence went to Nelson City Council for its Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework – an iwi-led, values-driven approach that exemplifies the future of asset management in Aotearoa. Built to Last recognises this project as a national exemplar.
Professionalising the System
Āpōpō calls on central government to take immediate action to support the professionalisation of the sector:
Recognise Āpōpō's accreditation schemes within the public sector capability framework.
Invest in professional development and an education-to-employment talent pipeline.
Support organisational accreditation to lift asset management maturity and embed continuous improvement.
Partner with professional bodies to co-develop national guidance, build communities of practice, and align with public value.
Building a Resilient Future
Built to Last affirms what asset management professionals have long known: our infrastructure future depends on people, capability, and culture.
'We thank the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP for their leadership in advancing this critical conversation,' says Murray Pugh. 'The time to act is now – together, we can support competent and capable asset management professionals to deliver enduring public value from our infrastructure assets.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Auckland Chamber Welcomes Advanced Technology Institute In Auckland
The Auckland Business Chamber and Auckland Tech Council are welcoming today's announcement that the Government will base the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology in Auckland — a move that follows clear calls from the business community to supercharge the city's tech future. 'In April, we put a vision on the table for Auckland to become a serious global tech hub,' says Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. 'We made the case — and now the Government is listening.' While the Institute will initially be incubated within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, today's announcement confirms that Auckland will be its central base. The Chamber and Tech Council had earlier identified Auckland's Newmarket innovation precinct as the natural home for cutting-edge research and commercialisation — with the scale and connectivity to anchor a nationally significant tech hub. 'Newmarket offers the full package — advanced R&D, space to scale, and commercial potential,' says Bridges. 'I certainly hope the Institute will be based at Newmarket, it is the right place for it. But regardless of the precise final location, Auckland is the right launchpad for a national push into advanced tech.' The city is uniquely positioned to connect research, business, and investment. With world-leading AI and quantum researchers already based at the University of Auckland, Auckland can serve as a critical link between academia, startups, and global partners. The Chamber's recent tech report, developed in partnership with leading businesses and institutions, laid out a clear roadmap — calling for major investment, a regulatory sandbox for MedTech, and urgent action to close the capital and skills gaps. 'Today's announcement is proof that when business leads with a clear, ambitious plan, Government can move too,' says Bridges. 'This is just the start. We now need to double down on digital skills, commercial investment, and putting our startups on the global map.' 'With the private sector already stepping up, this gives Auckland a real shot at becoming a magnet for talent, capital, and world-class innovation.' Note: A copy of the Time for Growth: The Plan Auckland Needs to Be a Global Tech Hub report is available here: Key recommendations from the report include: Levelling up the technology district opportunity – Newmarket Innovation Precinct The front door to a new Advanced Technology Public Research Organisation An Auckland Technology and Innovation Alliance Technology trade mission Develop a regional innovation strategy Tech and Innovation job development accord Build a series of regulatory sandboxes (with a focus on MedTech) Increase the diversity of funds investing in Auckland ventures Leveraging partnerships with peer tech and innovation cities for mutual gain Increasing PhD enrolment and empowering PhD students to start businesses in NZ Investing in grassroots initiatives to foster entrepreneurship in areas outside of science, starting at the high school level.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Scoop
Iwi Hosts Meeting With Multiple Crown Agencies For New Strategy
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust has met with senior officials from 12 Crown agencies to begin the development of a new strategy to transform social and economic outcomes for whānau. Crown representatives travelled to Masterton to meet with the iwi on Wednesday 9 July, including from: Health NZ; the Ministries of Education, Social Development, Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Justice, Housing and Urban Development; Oranga Tamariki; NZ Police; Department of Corrections; Te Puni Kōkiri; Social Investment Agency; and Ministry for Primary Industries. Settlement Trust Chair, Paora Ammunson, said the inaugural hui was a formal discussion to begin to realise the opportunities of 'He Kawenata Hōu', a commitment included in the iwi's Treaty settlement legislation. 'Our settlement was signed back in 2021 and included a new covenant – He Kawenata Hōu – as the platform for us to build a new Tiriti relationship between Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua and the Crown,' said Mr Ammunson. 'Having these senior government officials all come to us here in Masterton, signifies the unique and ongoing nature of He Kawenata Hōu. 'We are talking about a foundational strategy for the social and economic revitalisation of our iwi. Crucially, we must plan how to address the severe inequities that our whānau are facing.' Mr Ammunson said that the development of the strategy was an important opportunity for the Crown and its responsible agencies to demonstrate their commitment to authentic Treaty Partnership. 'Our iwi is committed to making this mahi our priority focus, and as our Treaty partner, we expect the Crown to do the same. 'Discussions with these agencies so far have been positive and supportive of our hapū-led approach.' Settlement Trust Group Chief Executive, Ray Hall, said yesterday's inaugural meeting in Masterton was a significant step for all parties. 'We are encouraged by the shared willingness to explore practical initiatives that will start to make a real difference for whānau who are facing serious deprivation in our communities,' Mr Hall said. 'Our goal is to enable our whānau to thrive in their daily lives, across all areas of hauora including health, education, employment, income, housing and cultural connection.' Mr Hall said that the overarching strategy is expected to be developed over the coming months and finalised later this year. Notes: Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua are mana whenua iwi of the Wairarapa and Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (Dannevirke) regions. Their rohe (tribal area) extends from Turakirae in the south, to the headwaters of the Manawatū Awa in the Ruahine Ranges in the North, to Poroporo at Cape Turnagain on the eastern coast. Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust is the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) responsible for receiving and administering settlement assets on behalf of the iwi.
1News
13-07-2025
- 1News
Electricity market concerns outlined in new campaign
A group of industry bodies and independent energy retailers have launched a new campaign calling for an overhaul of the energy market. In response, Energy Minister Simon Watts told 1News a review into the market's affordability and reliability was underway and announcements would come "in due course". In a full-page open letter in Sunday newspapers, the group asserts "our energy market is broken", claiming the existing market structure was hurting Kiwi households and businesses by suppressing competition and delaying investment in new generation. The groups involved include the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, the NZ Manufacturing Alliance, Consumer NZ, the Major Electricity Users group, and independent retailers such as Octopus Energy and Electric Kiwi. Appealing to the Prime Minister, they wrote in the open letter that "the competitive pressures that should attract new investors" and drive fair pricing are "severely diminished" in a market dominated by so-called "gentailers" – power companies that both generate electricity and retail it to customers. ADVERTISEMENT Power lines. (Source: 'Investment in new generation is being delayed, sustaining high prices, and contributing to the energy supply crisis we now face,' said the group, saying this results in lower productivity and international competitiveness, and drives up the cost of living. The four electricity "gentailers" were 51% owned by the Government. Karen Boyes, executive director of the Major Electricity Users Group, outlined her concerns in an interview with Q+A. She said if reforms were not made, New Zealand faced a "risk of deindustrialisation", citing closures of several industrial factories and sawmills during the 2024 winter that was partially attributable to rapid spike in electricity prices. In a worst case scenario, 'some businesses will struggle, particularly those who rely on both electricity and gas — things are getting twice as hard and it's getting very hard to get gas". "I think you'll see some struggle, hopefully we won't see more leave, but we did see last winter Winstone Pulp and Oji [Fibre Solutions] closed some of their facilities, which is really going to hurt those local regions who rely on them." ADVERTISEMENT Boyes also highlighted the opportunity cost currently facing New Zealand if more generation wasn't brought online. 'We'll lose opportunities as well. We've got some great opportunities with data centres who could come here and make the most of our abundant energy — if we can get it abundant — who can set us up to compete internationally and grow the economy.' Minister for Energy Simon Watts. (Source: Q+A/Irra Lee) Market performance review ongoing, announcements 'in due course' — Watts Energy Minister Simon Watts told 1News ensuring the security and affordability of the country's energy system was his "bottom line". New Zealand had both an energy shortage, with a low wind generation and faster than expected falls in gas production, and an electricity market "not functioning as well as it should", he said. "New Zealanders need to have confidence that the electricity market is doing its part to deliver on the long-term interests of Kiwis, and that there is enough competition to deliver the affordable prices we need." ADVERTISEMENT Watts said the Government initiated a review of the market's performance last year which looked at how it could be improved to support economic growth and accessibility of reliable and affordable electricity. "The Government will make announcements on this work in due course." For the full interview and story, watch the video above Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand On Air
