Covid projects 'let down' by 'absence of clear records'

Auditor general John Ryan has found a pattern of poor record-keeping on covid infrastructure decisions (Image: Supplied)

Pattrick Smellie

Wed, 13 Dec 2023

Too little information exists on too many ministerial decisions made during the covid-related splurge in infrastructure and so-called “shovel-ready” projects, the auditor general says in a new report.Tabled in Parliament this afternoon, the Making Infrastructure Investment Decisions Quickly report says that while officials often warned ministers of project risks, “it is unclear how ministers assessed or managed risks when approving projects”.Auditor general John Ryan's report reserves greatest criticism for the proce...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets

NZ sharemarket up 0.4% after Potentia sells Vista stake

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,133.2, up 58.38 points or 0.45%.

Graham Skellern 04 Sep 2025

Primary Sector

a2 Milk share price looks high as Forsyth Barr downgrades

It's share price is up over 60%.

Riley Kennedy 04 Sep 2025

a2 Milk share price looks high as Forsyth Barr downgrades

Retail

Not just Auckland: Ikea eyes online sales at 25-35%

The Swedish furniture giant stresses that sales will be made online too.

Victoria Young 04 Sep 2025

Not just Auckland: Ikea eyes online sales at 25-35%

Sponsored

Are employers doing enough to prepare workers to retire well?

When one third of the New Zealand workforce is aged 55 or older – are employers doing enough to help them prepare for retirement?

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Bold Steps: reshaping women’s leadership in Aotearoa

Dame Therese Walsh and Dame Joan Withers reflect on the summit’s unlikely beginnings – and how it has evolved into a platform for ambition and impact today.

OnBeingBold