‘Open for business’: Key highlights from the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit
‘Open for business’: Key highlights from the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit
The New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit 2025 offered a fascinating insight into the future of our nation's infrastructure. The core message was clear: 'New Zealand is open for business’.
Held in Auckland on 13 and 14 March and hosted by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, the event brought together global investors worth a combined $6 trillion. Attendance was by invitation only and included more than 100 senior executives from global and domestic infrastructure investor, financier, sponsor, construction, asset management and consultancy companies - alongside major political parties and iwi.
A BDO perspective from the summit
BDO Deputy Board Chair Warren Johnstone attended the Infrastructure Investment Summit and says it was encouraging to see so much international interest in investing in New Zealand, with the summit presenters emphasising the many benefits of doing business here.
“The key message coming through from the summit was that New Zealand is open for business - and not only that, it’s a sound place to do business. There was a real emphasis on the stability of our democracy, secure borders, strong trading relationships, and positive growth outlook. The Government made it clear that they are willing to work collaboratively with investors and take action quickly - it was a very positive and dynamic two days.”
Benefits of investing in New Zealand
Summit attendees heard that investment opportunities are plentiful in sectors including renewable energy, transportation, and aquaculture. In addition, it was stressed that not only does New Zealand have a transparent, business-friendly environment, but we are a nation of innovators who think outside the box - positioning our country as a highly favourable location to do business in.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay emphasised New Zealand’s global connectivity and rich opportunities. “To accelerate growth, and create better paying jobs for Kiwis, we welcome investors who bring capital, global expertise, networks, and the ability [to] scale faster and compete globally,” he said in a media release.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said that the Government wants to make New Zealand an even better place to do business, saying "Our Government has a clear mandate to drive growth-enhancing reforms across a broad range of public policy."
A sign of things to come
Sean O'Meara, BDO Project and Infrastructure Advisory Regional Director views the summit as a positive sign of the Government's intent to invest in infrastructure.
“New Zealand’s projected $210 billion infrastructure deficit is a matter of national significance, and steps need to be taken to fund and build the roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, tunnels and infrastructure that keeps this country running. The summit extended a clear invitation to offshore investors and stakeholders to consider investing in New Zealand, and in particular highlighted the strong potential for Public-Private Partnerships. We’re enthusiastic about contributing to New Zealand’s infrastructure development and will be keeping a close eye on further announcements from the government.”
Looking ahead
The summit saw Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop say he would deliver the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan in December 2025, outlining New Zealand’s infrastructure investment intentions in the private and public sectors over the next 10 years. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay committed to establishing Invest New Zealand, a ‘one-stop shop’ for investors that promises to streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, by 1 July.
In the meantime, work will continue to attract investment opportunities to our shores.
“At BDO, we were delighted to be invited to attend the summit and enjoyed hearing from a range of speakers. Infrastructure is incredibly important for the future of New Zealand and investment in infrastructure impacts not only the people directly involved in working on these projects, but the wider business community throughout Aotearoa. We look forward to contributing to the ongoing growth and development of infrastructure in this country.” - Warren Johnstone, BDO Deputy Board Chair.
Just as New Zealand is ‘open for business’, BDO is ready to support infrastructure projects through our project and infrastructure advisory, tax, deal advisory, and financial modelling services.
To learn more about how BDO can help your business, reach out to your local adviser or contact us here.