Geoff Cooper. Image: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga has revealed the identity of its new chief executive officer.
Geoff Cooper will take over the top job after Ross Copland announced his intention to step down earlier this year. Copland led the commission for four years after joining in September 2020.
Cooper, who previously served as general manager of strategy at the commission, has been the acting chief executive since June 2024 while the board conducted its search for Copland’s replacement.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Commission through its formative years as we have studied, listened, summarised and built consensus on the big infrastructure issues and opportunities for our country,” Copland said at the time.
“It feels like the right time to pass the baton as we reach the end of the financial year and shift gears from a focus on developing a robust infrastructure strategy for New Zealand into supporting the execution of our strategic recommendations and commencing work on the National Infrastructure Plan.”
Ross Copland. Image: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga
Cooper has experience in several industries, including stints at the United Nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the United States Federal Reserve.
He is a former chief economist for both PwC and Auckland Council, where he worked on infrastructure, housing, regulation and financial policy, including business case development for Auckland’s City Rail Link.
Dr Alan Bollard, chair of the Te Waihanga Board, said Cooper has the expertise and knowledge to help Te Waihanga build on its success, and drive its work to improve New Zealand’s infrastructure system.
“Geoff has already led some major pieces of work at Te Waihanga. As general manager, he led the National Infrastructure Pipeline and the development of New Zealand’s first Infrastructure Strategy, which pinpointed both the challenges our infrastructure system faces as well as solutions,” he said.
“Geoff also has a significant profile as an economist and infrastructure expert, with a talent for communicating important issues in a way that resonates.
“These are vital skills as Te Waihanga now works to develop a National Infrastructure Plan to help build consensus on our long-term infrastructure priorities.”
Cooper added: “I’ve been at Te Waihanga since 2020 and know firsthand how important a part it plays in helping New Zealanders get the infrastructure they need.
“It’s a huge privilege to lead the team in building on the work we’ve done, advising government and setting the direction for a better infrastructure system.
“The Commission brings together experts from across sectors that are dedicated to a New Zealand that is more competitive, sustainable and resilient in the face of significant change and challenge. I couldn’t hope for a better team as we work on a National Infrastructure Plan that provides a long-term view of our infrastructure needs and priorities.”
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