State of Infrastructure and Engagement heads to Aotearoa New Zealand

A deep dive into some of the reasons for project cancellations and delays is underway, with the launch of the I2S Next Generation Engagement Research Program in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The State of Infrastructure and Engagement survey is now in its eighth year in Australia, delivering the sector's longest-running insights into the social, political and community aspects of major project delivery. This year, Aotearoa will join the study delivering national insights and comparison data to inform the sector.

Infrastructure New Zealand (INZ) has funded the New Zealand component of this research, partnering with the Australian National University Institute for Infrastructure in Society (I2S) Next Generation Engagement Program to extend their established programme here. Through this partnership, INZ aims to understand the social dynamics shaping infrastructure planning and delivery at home and consider how it can shape their advocacy and policy work.

This is an important opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand's infrastructure sector to build a stronger understanding of the factors that influence project success and public trust. Your participation will help to create the evidence base that informs better outcomes for infrastructure projects and communities across Aotearoa. 

The study is being conducted independently by I2S at the Australian National University, ensuring robust and unbiased analysis, ANU Human Research Ethics Protocol 2023/234. Click here for research details and to access the Participant Information Sheet. 

Findings will inform INZ’s work program, including policy positions, submissions, and guidance for members, supporting more consistent and effective engagement approaches across the sector. We will be presenting the findings from this research back to industry in April 2026.