Geoff Cooper

Geoff Cooper, chief executive of New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission, leads the National Infrastructure Plan and advises on asset strategy. He explains why maintenance and renewals dominate costs. The plan reframes choices about big new projects, growth on the fringe, and who ultimately pays. It stresses better asset data, portfolio thinking, and realistic spending limits.

Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive of Te Waihanga, dives into New Zealand's infrastructure struggles. He reveals why high spending yields low returns and stresses the urgent need for reform. The discussion highlights the critical importance of maintenance investments and developing solid business cases for major projects, like the Northern Expressway. Geoff also examines the Infrastructure Priorities Programme, which aims to prioritize essential developments while navigating the complexities between central and local governments.

Margaret Mutu, Māori Studies professor advocating Te Tiriti and consensus decision-making. Kenneth Roth, former Human Rights Watch director on international accountability and pressure tactics. Geoff Cooper, head of New Zealand’s Infrastructure Commission with a national plan prioritising maintenance, funding fixes and staged projects. They discuss infrastructure risks, targeted leverage for rights abuses, and Māori co-governance and democratic practice.