As Aotearoa New Zealand seeks to secure long-term prosperity in a changing climate, awareness of the role nature-based infrastructure can play in driving economic growth, improving resilience and delivering value is increasing.
The Aotearoa Circle, with the support of our Partners and other leaders, is in the first stages of developing a 30-Year Natural Infrastructure Plan (30-NIP), a bold, long-term vision for embedding natural infrastructure into national planning, investment and decision-making.
Importantly, this plan aligns with and complements the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission’s Built National Infrastructure Plan, sharing a common goal: environmental integrity and economic growth.
“If we can enable natural infrastructure to work with built infrastructure, we will see reduced costs, reduced impacts, and better productivity for long-term, vital sectors like seafood, energy, agriculture and tourism,” says Vicki Watson, CEO, The Aotearoa Circle.
“We don’t have all the answers as yet but we’re grateful for the commitment and vision of our Partners as we work our way towards a draft 30-year Natural Infrastructure Plan over the coming months.”
Representative experts from Beca, PWC NZ, EY and Deloitte – all Partners of The Aotearoa Circle - shared real-world examples of projects where nature is being restored and or protected with environmental benefits as well as economic returns. KPMG is also assisting the Circle with the work. We are continuing to develop, debate and test the plan with our Partners and will be sharing more in the coming months. If you want to find out more, email us.
