At a critical time for New Zealand infrastructure, the national commission is seeking a new CEO to lead the way forward.
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, is currently recruiting for a Chief Executive at a critical time for both the organisation and New Zealand’s infrastructure system.
“New Zealand faces some major infrastructure challenges whether it is hospitals in need of renewal, burst water pipes, growing congestion in our cities, or the demand for the pipes, powerlines and roads needed to support more homes,” says New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga Board Chair Dr Alan Bollard.
“Since it was established in 2019, the Commission has built an understanding about these and other critical issues and identified solutions. In 2022, Te Waihanga released New Zealand’s first Infrastructure Strategy providing a long-term view of the changes we needed to make.
“Te Waihanga is now developing a National Infrastructure Plan that will build on this, seeking to develop an enduring consensus on the infrastructure priorities that will meet current and future needs – from taking care of and making better use of existing assets, to ensuring new investments provide value for money.”
At the same time, Te Waihanga continues to provide support to challenging projects, advise on infrastructure policy, build infrastructure leadership within the public sector, grow the New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline and much more.
“This busy work programme presents the opportunity for a Chief Executive who can lead an organisation driving long-term change, helping New Zealand thrive. Te Waihanga is a high-performing organisation of around 50 people, who are experts in what they do. It has built profile and reputation as an authoritative voice on infrastructure, through trusted, evidence-backed advice.
“We’re on the lookout for someone with the expertise and experience to build on this success, show great leadership for our people, while building relationships with the Government and stakeholders across the sector.”
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga announced in June that, Chief Executive Ross Copland (pictured) would be stepping down from the role and returning home to family in Queenstown.
Copland joined Te Waihanga in September 2020 and led the organisation through the development of New Zealand’s first Infrastructure Strategy, the growth of the New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline, as well as providing guidance and insight to industry, government and others.
Copland says, “It has been a privilege to lead the Commission through its formative years as we have studied, listened, summarised and built consensus on the big infrastructure issues and opportunities for our country.
“It feels like the right time to pass the baton as we reach the end of the financial year and shift gears from a focus on developing a robust infrastructure strategy for New Zealand into supporting the execution of our strategic recommendations and commencing work on the National Infrastructure Plan.”
Te Waihanga Board Chair, Dr Alan Bollard says, “Ross’s energy and insight have made a huge contribution to building a dynamic organisation, and also to helping improve our country’s record on infrastructure. We thank him for his work and offer our best wishes for his future career.
“The Commission has a talented team in place and a big work programme lined up for the year ahead supporting a range of significant policy reforms, major projects and working with asset owners to develop the National Infrastructure Plan.”
With this busy work programme ahead, the role of Te Waihanga remains as important as ever. Copland will be formally finishing in the role in the coming months. Geoff Cooper, General Manager - Strategy at the Commission will take on the Acting CE duties while the Board recruits and onboards a new CE.
