# 53 years in the same business and I've never been so short of work

> Infrastructure NZ chief says political stop-starts cost NZ billions in wasted planning.
- Title: 53 years in the same business and I've never been so short of…
- Summary: Infrastructure NZ chief says political stop-starts cost NZ billions in wasted planning. 93% of infrastructure workers say cross-party agreement on major…
- Keywords: infrastructure nz, nick leggett, election 2026, cross-party agreement, infrastructure projects, government funding, politics, news, years, same, business, I've
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/53-years-in-the-same-business-and-ive-never-been-so-short-of-work-the-front-page/JGZSLY6H7BDBLMOGXPIC3WI35Q
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: infrastructure nz, nick leggett, election 2026, cross-party agreement, infrastructure projects, government funding, politics, news
## Infrastructure survey
Infrastructure New Zealand surveyed 290 sector professionals ahead of election.
## Top priority
93% of respondents ranked cross-party agreement on major infrastructure priorities as their top priority.
## Industry concern
40% of respondents lost staff to overseas in the last year, a trend over three years.
## Political promises
National's Chris Bishop and Labour's Kieran McAnulty promised bipartisan infrastructure approaches.
## Election uncertainty
91% of respondents said election created uncertainty for investment decisions.
## Government impact
Current government paused or delayed infrastructure projects, worsening industry constraints.
## Industry readiness
56% of respondents said nz is ill-prepared for infrastructure investment in next 12 months.
## Funding pipeline
Industry wants funded multiyear pipeline that survives government changes.
## Long-term solution
Leggett says long-term sequenced funding reduces costs and builds industry confidence.
## Government change risk
91% of respondents believe government change would alter infrastructure priorities.
## Current challenges
Energy projects and Auckland Airport face delays due to political stop-starts.
## Industry confidence
Some projects like watercare show confidence despite political uncertainty.
## Future outlook
Industry seeks stable funding to keep workers and equipment in new zealand.
## Key takeaway

93% of infrastructure workers say cross-party agreement on major projects is their top priority ahead of election.