CEO of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomed the National Infrastructure Plan released by Finance Minister Bill English in Auckland today. The Government seems to be serious about plugging New Zealand's infrastructure scarcity, said Charles Finny. Still he persuaded the Government to focus on Wellington and New Zealand's central regions.

"Wellington's location in the centre of the country, on State Highway One and on Cook Strait gives it a crucial strategic location on infrastructure networks. While our problems are less acute than Auckland's, Wellington's strategic location means its infrastructure deficit has a disproportionate effect on national productivity", said Mr. Charles Finny.

New Zealand is trading with potential restricted access in its road and electricity networks.

"There are bottlenecks in roads and electricity, but these are being addressed by increased investment and changes to regulation. While these bottlenecks exist, there are no obvious looming crises in the near term", said Bill English, Finance Minister.

The Government expects to control NZ$110 billion of assets it owns to reduce costs and debt. Most focus is on broadband, electricity and roads now, with irrigation an emerging priority.