On 15 August 2025, the Auckland University of Technology Conference Centre hosted the New Zealand Asset Management Symposium, bringing together asset management leaders and practitioners to explore the theme “Delivering Value through Innovation.”
Keynote speaker Andy Hagan, General Manager, Investment at the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, set the tone with From Plans to Performance – Putting the NIP’s ‘Start-with-Maintenance’ Agenda to Work. His address outlined how the Draft National Infrastructure Plan seeks to shift New Zealand’s infrastructure outcomes through stable funding, long-term planning, and independent assurance.
The day featured a rich line-up of speakers showcasing practical innovation in action:
- Transpower’s Kevin Stevens and Cijina Lazo-Ron demonstrated how advanced corrosion modelling and drone technology are extending the life of overhead power lines.
- Auckland Transport’s Myles Lind and Cam Gordon examined how innovation often reinforces enduring principles in infrastructure management.
- KiwiRail’s Bevan Assink walked delegates through the journey of City Rail Link’s rail assets from requirements to entering service, while Andy Lyon explored embedding innovation into major programmes.
- Andrew Gatland (Asset Dynamics) revealed how sweating the data assets can deliver more actionable insights.
- Maurice Hoban (GHD) inspired attendees with Smart Seeds, a program empowering emerging leaders to collaborate and innovate.
- Toby Horstead (AMCouncil) provided updates on AMCouncil activities and innovation initiatives.
A lively panel discussion on Lifting New Zealand’s Productivity through Innovative Infrastructure Management drew together diverse perspectives on how asset management can create enduring value across sectors.
The symposium provided attendees with both thought leadership and practical tools to apply in their organisations, reinforcing the vital role of innovation in delivering value for New Zealand’s infrastructure future.
