New Appointments Strengthen Boards of Key New Zealand Infrastructure Agencies

The New Zealand Government has announced a series of significant board appointments across three major infrastructure entities — Crown Infrastructure Delivery Ltd (CID), National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd (NIFFCo), and the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga). The new and reappointed directors bring extensive governance, financial, and technical expertise to strengthen the country's infrastructure planning and delivery systems, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop confirmed.

"These appointments bring deep experience and proven leadership to our infrastructure institutions," Minister Bishop said. "They will ensure these organisations are well-equipped to deliver the infrastructure that underpins our economy and improves the lives of New Zealanders."

Crown Infrastructure Delivery Ltd (CID): Leadership Renewal and Strengthening

Among the most notable appointments, Pamela Bell will join the CID Board on 6 October 2025, initially as a Director, before stepping into the role of Chair from 1 March 2026 for a term ending 30 September 2028.

Bell, a recognised leader in sustainable construction and prefabrication, is expected to bring strategic insight into innovation, design, and delivery efficiency within the infrastructure sector. She has previously served in leadership positions across both the private and public sectors, focusing on modern building methods and long-term resilience planning.

Joining Bell on the CID Board are Philip de Joux and Adrian Wimmers, both appointed from 6 October 2025 for two-year terms through 30 September 2027. De Joux, known for his experience in corporate affairs and governance, and Wimmers, with a strong background in finance and infrastructure investment, are expected to contribute to CID's efforts to streamline project delivery and improve collaboration with regional authorities and private partners.

Two further appointments — Abby Foote and John Sproat — will take effect from 1 March 2026 for three-year terms. Foote, an experienced company director with governance roles across major Crown entities, and Sproat, a senior infrastructure lawyer, bring a balance of financial oversight and legal expertise to the CID Board.

"These appointments ensure that the CID Board continues to have the right mix of governance, commercial, and infrastructure experience as we deliver key projects across the country," Bishop said.

National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Ltd (NIFFCo): Strengthening Financial Capability

In addition to the CID appointments, the Government has confirmed the appointment of David Webster to the NIFFCo Board for a three-year term beginning 1 September 2025. Webster's extensive background in infrastructure finance, risk management, and project delivery will help advance NIFFCo's mission of supporting innovative funding models for major public infrastructure.

He joins Tim Brown and Greg Lowe, who began their three-year terms on 1 March 2025, along with Melissa Cameron, appointed from 1 April 2025. Together, these directors bring a blend of financial expertise, engineering leadership, and public-private partnership experience critical for NIFFCo's expanding portfolio.

"NIFFCo plays a vital role in unlocking new ways to fund and finance essential infrastructure. These appointments will ensure the Board continues to deliver robust oversight and innovative solutions," said Minister Bishop.

Te Waihanga: Continuity and Experienced Leadership The Government has also reappointed Sue Tindal as Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga) for a further one-year term. Tindal's reappointment provides continuity and stability as Te Waihanga continues to lead national efforts on infrastructure strategy, investment planning, and long-term resilience.

"Sue has made a strong contribution to Te Waihanga's governance, helping to guide its work on the 30-year infrastructure strategy and its efforts to improve coordination across sectors. Her reappointment ensures that this momentum continues," Bishop said.

Supporting New Zealand's Infrastructure Vision

Minister Bishop highlighted that the appointments reflect the Government's broader goal of building a high-performing, future-ready infrastructure system capable of meeting the country's growing population, economic, and climate challenges.

"These boards play critical roles — from funding and delivery to strategic oversight," he said. "Their members bring the right mix of skills to ensure New Zealand's infrastructure pipeline is efficient, affordable, and resilient."

With growing pressures on infrastructure investment due to population growth, technological change, and climate adaptation needs, the new appointees are expected to help align delivery with the Government's Infrastructure Action Plan, ensuring projects are better prioritised, financed, and executed.

"New Zealand's infrastructure future depends on strong governance, disciplined investment, and innovative thinking," Bishop concluded. "These appointments reflect our commitment to all three."