The New Zealand steel industry stands at a critical juncture, its future dictated in large part by the country´s infrastructure plans. With rapid population growth, evolving climate requirements and technological shifts reshaping public needs, the nation’s pipeline of major infrastructure projects is both a beacon of opportunity and a test of resilience. The coming 12 months promise ground-breaking activity across transport corridors, healthcare facilities, water networks and energy systems. Yet, this progress will need to overcome the systemic hurdles of strained consent regimes, plus the reorganisation and reprioritising within agencies responsible for pipeline infrastructure projects. Furthermore, a weak economy threatens to delay timelines, and the 2026 elections could also influence the prioritisation of certain project decisions. That said, recent triumphs in clearing design and consent stages for some projects show that persistence, innovation and collaboration are pushing projects from blueprints to construction sites.

This has a direct impact on the amount of steel needed and consumed. Looking to the future, here is a list of 10 major infrastructure projects.

Drury Rail Stations Development. Scheduled for continued construction through 2025, the Drury stations – Drury, Paerātā, and Ngākōroa – are vital links in Auckland’s expanding rapid transit network. Funded by the government, these stations exemplify collaborative successes in securing consents and aligning stakeholder interests.

Auckland Airport. Under private development, construction began in 2024 on a new domestic jet terminal linked to the international hub. An $800 million contract was recently awarded, backed by a $1.4 billion equity raise, signalling strong investor appetite even amid aviation uncertainty. Completion is targeted for 2029.

Dunedin Inpatients Hospital. This flagship health infrastructure project has progressed smoothly through consent and is now advancing to full construction. Set for completion in 2028, the hospital will offer a strategic response to healthcare capacity gaps.

Northland Corridor (Warkworth to Te Hāna expressway). A critical transport artery aiming to improve freight efficiency and safety, this expressway has entered the procurement phase for its first section. Construction is anticipated within the next year.

Tauriko Enabling Works (Tauranga). This multi-agency-funded initiative, including SH29 upgrades and the new Omanawa bridge construction, is critical to unlocking residential and commercial growth in Tauranga’s expanding suburbs. Early construction works have commenced, indicating streamlined project governance and effective resource allocation.

Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm (Northland). A renewable energy project by Mercury Energy, construction began in March 2025. Twelve Vestas turbines will deliver 77 MW, with completion by the end of 2026. This project underscores swift consent-to-construction transition under renewable policy momentum.

Scott Base Redevelopment (Antarctica). Although remote, this strategic science infrastructure upgrade has cleared environmental and funding hurdles, with construction scheduled to begin soon. It underscores New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable research and environmental stewardship.

Takitimu North Link – Stage Two. This second stage is entering construction to enhance regional freight and commuter connectivity. Its smooth transition from design to construction is a positive indicator of evolving delivery capabilities.

Ōtaki to North of Levin expressway. As part of a $3.9 billion roading rollout generating thousands of jobs, this extension of the State Highway 1 expressway from north of Ōtaki to north of Levin is slated to begin construction in 2025, easing congestion and unlocking land in the Horowhenua district.

TGH Inland Port / Ruakura Superhub. While construction began earlier, the next critical phase of the inland port is due to launch in the next year. At 490 ha and $3.8 billion scale, this multi-use logistics and residential hub illustrates major stakeholder convergence in planning and consent.

It is self-evident that projects such as these will only be finished on time and cost-effectively in the context of a simplified delivery process. Lengthy resource consent processes and overlapping regulations, plus community opposition, give rise to uncertainty, extended project timelines and escalating costs. Constraints with infrastructure maintenance funding has also traditionally lagged behind capital investment, creating legacy issues that impede new project efficiency. To accelerate infrastructure delivery, a multi-pronged strategy is essential. Some key issues are:

Consent Process Reform. Simplifying and digitizing consent applications, expanding “fast track” project categories, and encouraging early community consultation can reduce delays and improve transparency.

Workforce Development. Targeted investment in vocational training, apprenticeships, and immigration policies tailored to critical skill shortages will bolster the labour pipeline.

Supply Chain Resilience. Strategic stockpiling of essential materials, fostering local manufacturing, and diversifying supply sources will mitigate disruption risks.

Maintenance Prioritization. Proactive maintenance funding and asset management will prevent infrastructure degradation, preserving project efficiencies.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Encouraging PPP models with clear risk-sharing mechanisms can unlock private capital and innovation, facilitating timely delivery.

Integrated Planning and Investment. Strengthening coordination across local and central government and private stakeholders ensures alignment on priorities and funding pathways.

Through these combined measures, New Zealand can enhance its capacity to translate ambitious infrastructure blueprints into reality. We can build resilient, equitable and future-proof assets that underpin economic prosperity and community wellbeing. With targeted reforms and sustained collaboration, the nation’s forthcoming wave of major projects has the potential to deliver enduring benefits which meet the needs of a growing, dynamic society.