Infrastructure for a City That Works
Wellington is at a turning point. Our capital is grappling with major infrastructure challenges — from ageing water pipes and limited housing supply to questions of climate resilience, seismic risk, transport investment, and long-term urban planning. The decisions we make now will shape how our city grows, how we move, how we live, and how we care for the generations to come.
This timely and engaging panel event brought together leaders, experts, and passionate Wellingtonians to explore the critical role infrastructure plays in our future. We tackled the big questions: What kind of infrastructure does Wellington truly need? How do we invest wisely and sustainably? And what values and vision should guide the transformation of our capital city?
The evening began with a welcome from Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of Air New Zealand and ASB. The conversation was then facilitated by Kirsten (KP) Patterson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors — a respected governance leader with a sharp eye for strategy, accountability, and the long view.
Panellists
Liz Mellish. Wellington business leader and advocate for Māori economic development. Liz brings a te ao Māori perspective to infrastructure and development and holds governance roles across iwi, business, and public institutions.
Phillippa Harford. Former CFO of Infratil and current Chair of One New Zealand. Phillippa brings two decades of experience in infrastructure finance and governance, and now serves as a Partner at Morrison, where she leads the firm’s Inclusion and Diversity Forum.
Ross Copland. Former CEO of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga). Ross led the development of Aotearoa’s first national infrastructure strategy and brings national perspective and practical insight to sustainable city-building.
Key themes
Key themes captured by a live scribe at the event. Click to download as a PDF.
