Event report • Events BTP - Construction - Infrastructures

Throwback - NZ-France Collaboration for Infrastructure Growth: Panel Discussion & Networking Session (Apr. '25)

The 7 April 2025

A full house in Auckland for a high-level NZ-France Forum on infrastructure growth, PPPs, and future-ready transport and water solutions.

It was a full house at the 𝗡𝗭-𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 in Auckland - a timely gathering focused on accelerating infrastructure development through bilateral collaboration and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Building on the momentum of the 𝗡𝗭 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁, the Forum explored the role of PPPS, funding tools and the fast-track process in delivering future-ready transport and water infrastructure.

Insightful keynotes from HE Laurence Beau, French Ambassador to New Zealand and Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, set the stage for two expert-led panel discussions featuring public sector leaders and major French infrastructure players.

👥💬 Panel 1 explored the current investment landscape, featuring:
– James Lewis & Ariana Stuart (Hesketh Henry) on the regulatory and legal frameworks shaping infrastructure delivery;
– Ray Salter (Ministry for the Environment | Manatū mō te Taiao) on streamlining fast-track consenting;
– Graham Mitchell (National Infrastructure Funding and Financing) on funding models and investment strategies.

👥💬 Panel 2 spotlighted French innovation in transport and water:
– Domitille Dejean-van Cappelle (VINCI Highways) on road PPPs
– Pascal Dupond (Alstom) on future-ready rail
– Emma Brand (Veolia Australia and New Zealand) on evolving water infrastructure

Organised by the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNZCCI), the Forum was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of VINCI Construction Grands Projets, event hosts the Auckland Business Chamber and the valued support of the Embassy of France in New Zealand Economic Department - ANZ & Pacific.

The evening concluded with a French-style networking reception by Maison Vauron - a great opportunity for industry leaders and decision-makers to connect, share insights, and explore future partnerships.