New Zealand Infrastructure Projects Recognised as Finalists in Infrastructure Sustainability Council 2026 Awards
Major New Zealand infrastructure projects – including City Rail Link, Watercare’s Central Interceptor and Te Ara Tupua – have been named finalists in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2026 Awards.
The New Zealand finalists reflect the scale and ambition of the country’s infrastructure program and the capability of industry partners delivering complex projects that support growing communities, improve connectivity and contribute to long-term economic, environmental and social outcomes. They also demonstrate how sustainability-led delivery is creating measurable value, with ISC-certified projects achieving material efficiencies – typically delivering avoided costs of around 10% of total CAPEX through reductions in energy use, materials, waste and emissions*.
ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent congratulated all nominated project teams on their achievement, noting the consistently high standard of work being delivered across New Zealand.
‘Congratulations to all the New Zealand project teams recognised as finalists this year,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Projects such as Te Ara Tupua, Watercare’s Central Interceptor and City Rail Link highlight the depth of expertise across the sector and the strong partnership between industry and government to delivering high-quality, future-focused infrastructure for New Zealand communities.
‘Through the application of the IS Ratings Scheme, we see more efficient use of resources, reduced lifecycle costs and better coordination across projects – supporting more resilient, better-performing infrastructure and improved long-term value.’
The ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme provides a consistent and transparent framework to measure and incentivise performance across major infrastructure projects. Several New Zealand projects have been recognised across multiple award categories including ‘Outstanding Achievement’, as well as leadership in environmental, social and governance outcomes.
By embedding sustainability considerations into project planning and delivery, government agencies are working closely with construction partners, designers and operators to support innovation and continuous improvement. These approaches are driving improved productivity and strengthened resilience and support better asset performance and whole-of-life value for infrastructure and communities across New Zealand.
‘These nominations reflect not only excellence at the project level, but also the strength of collaboration between government, agencies and industry in lifting standards across the sector,’ Mr Kent said. ‘New Zealand’s infrastructure sector continues to demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and a clear focus on delivering long-term public value.’
The winners of the Infrastructure Sustainability Awards will be announced at the ISC Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gala Dinner & Awards in Brisbane on 3 June 2026.
About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. ISC works with governments, infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.
* Infrastructure Sustainability Council (2025), Infrastructure Sustainability Council Strategy 2030: Powered by purpose
Media enquiries
Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org
www.iscouncil.org
New Zealand Project Finalists – Infrastructure Sustainability Awards
| Project |
Award Category |
Delivery Partners |
|
City Rail Link: Stations and Tunnels |
Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes |
City Rail Link Ltd / Link Alliance |
|
Watercare’s Central Interceptor |
Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes |
Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture, for Watercare Services Ltd |
|
Te Ara Tupua |
Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes |
Te Ara Tupua Alliance – Joint Venture with NZTA (Waka Kotahi), Tonkin + Taylor, Downer NZ and HEB Construction |