a public benefit?
In global terms, New Zealand is a new player in the world of public-private partnerships (PPPs). The current government considers them an option for developing major public infrastructure with a long-term life. Since 2011, eight PPP projects, ranging across prisons, schools and roads, have been initiated. More are under negotiation and, in May, Finance Minister Steven Joyce signalled his wish for yet more PPPs to help with government’s infrastructure development programme.
This is not just a National government initiative. Recently, [then] Labour leader Andrew Little told National Radio that if elected to government his party would also consider PPPs to help address a “massive shortfall in infrastructure requirements”.
Advocates talk up their merits and point out how we have been able to learn from overseas experience. Critics speak of inherent risks, and privatisation. How are we really faring?
READ MORE in the attached article (from Public Sector 40:2)