Infrastructure
Trading of radio spectrum to support rural connectivity.
In 2021 – 22 I assisted MBIE to reach agreement in principle with the three mobile network operators to trade the value of the 3.5 Gigahertz radio spectrum (supporting the rollout of 5G communications) for increased pace and penetration of mobile services deployment.
Assessment of market trading measures and a portfolio of other solutions to address the dry year problem facing the NZ electricity sector.
in 2022 I assisted MBIE’s preparation of briefing papers assessing dry year solutions beyond the proposal for pumped hydro at Lake Onslow.
Investment in Northland rail
In 2018 -19 I managed oversight of the Ministry of Transport’s engagement of consultants preparing the business case for investment in the North Auckland Line.
Shift of the Ports of Auckland as part of the Upper North Island Supply Chain Strategy
In 2019 – 20 I managed the Ministry of Transport’s further assessment of an Independent Working Group’s recommendation to relocate Ports of Auckland’s freight functions.
Business case for heavier and longer trucks on NZ roads (HPMVs)
In 2009 I developed a case study of the Auckland / Waikato / Bay of Plenty areas to assess the possible benefits of proposed high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) rules. These rules allow heavier and longer vehicles on NZ roads under permit conditions. In 2011, 2013 and 2016 we came back and monitored for the Ministry of Transport the emerging costs and benefits of the new regime.
Better Business Case (BBC) for 50MAX heavy vehicles
In 2012 I provided a “Better Business Case” for the 50MAX heavy vehicle initiative. 50 tonne operation provides a 20% efficiency gain along with extensive State highway and local road access. We wrote a Better Business Case (BBC) format report for the NZ Transport Agency assessing likely industry uptake along with pavement and bridge impacts.
Water management business cases
The structure of management and governance for water supply, waste and storm water has been a particular challenge for local government in recent decades. Since the late 1990s I have worked on a range of business cases for the establishment of corporate entities for the management of water services including:
- Establisment of “Capacity” – the Hutt and Wellington City that has become Wellington Water.
- Case for the entry of Porirua City to Wellington Water.
- Review for Waipa District of the business case for Water Services in the Waikato.
Waterview twin tunnels proposal
I helped The Treasury review the Business Case for the twin tunnel option for the Waterview motorway extension.
Restructure of PNG Telikom
PNG Telikom was battling to expand its infrastructure while dealing with poor customer relations. We partnered with KPMG on a complete re-design of PNG Telikom, from an engineering-led to a customer-focused organisation.
Rail Access Charge Negotiations
The charges for track usage run to the heart of the viability of rail transport. We acted on behalf of Toll New Zealand on proposed track access charges by Ontrack. This required analysis of budgets and forecasts for operation, maintenance and development of network assets. The result was a recommended framework that was fair and reflected the commercial realities of a complex rail network.
Waterview Road Tunnels
We worked with The Treasury’s infrastructure team to prepare the business case and Cabinet report on the twin bored tunnels option for the Waterview Connection of the Auckland motorway.
Use of fixed charges in the funding of NZ road transport
Most transport revenue comes from petrol excise and Road User Charges. A relatively small, but still material amount comes from fixed charges on vehicle licencing. I assisted both the Ministry of Transport and NZ Transport Agency to assess the efficiency and equity considerations for fixed charges.
