Importance of Best Practice Asset Management for Water Infrastructure Owners and Managers in New Zealand
Effective asset management is crucial for water infrastructure owners and managers in New Zealand. It ensures the sustainability, reliability, and efficiency of water services, which are vital for public health, environmental protection, and economic development. Best practice asset management involves a systematic approach to managing infrastructure assets to minimise the total cost of ownership while delivering the desired service levels.
Key Benefits of Best Practice Asset Management
1. Prolonging Asset Life: By implementing proactive maintenance and timely rehabilitation, asset management helps extend the lifespan of water infrastructure assets, reducing the need for costly replacements
2. Optimising Investment: It enables better decision-making regarding the allocation of resources, ensuring that investments are made in the most critical areas
3. Improving Service Delivery: Effective asset management ensures that water services meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations, enhancing overall service quality.
4. Cost Efficiency: By focusing on lifecycle costing and preventive maintenance, asset management reduces operational and capital expenditure.
New Water Services Delivery Plans
The introduction of the new Water Services Delivery Plans under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024 marks a significant step towards improving water service delivery in New Zealand. These plans require councils to assess their water infrastructure, identify investment needs, and outline how they will finance and deliver these services This framework supports the adoption of best practice asset management by providing a structured approach to planning and accountability, which Āpōpō is ideally placed to support.
Role of Āpōpō
Āpōpō is the leading association for infrastructure asset management professionals in New Zealand. It provides a platform for learning, sharing knowledge, and professional development. Membership with Āpōpō offers access to industry best practices, ongoing learning and development, and networking opportunities, which are essential for implementing effective asset management strategies. Our members come from local and regional councils, central government and consultants and companies that support them.
Impact on the Water Sector
Good asset management practices have a profound impact on the water sector. They enhance the resilience and reliability of water services, ensuring that communities have access to safe and
clean water. By optimising the use of resources and improving infrastructure performance, asset management contributes to the sustainability of water services. It also fosters better intergovernmental relations and public support by demonstrating transparency and accountability in managing public assets.
Best practice asset management is vital for water infrastructure owners and managers in New Zealand. It ensures the efficient use of resources, prolongs asset life, and improves service delivery, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and reliability of water services.
To find out more go to www.apopo.co.nz . Apopo has a free online digital badge GOV 101Infrastructure Leadership and Governance which provides essential knowledge for anyone in a leadership or governance role in an organisation that owns or manages infrastructure assets. You can access the digital badge here.