Building Nations 2026

Building a smarter, faster, better infrastructure future at Building Nations 2026

Christchurch is the place to be for New Zealand’s infrastructure sector this week, as Infrastructure New Zealand’s Building Nations 2026 brings together leaders from across Aotearoa.

As a platinum sponsor, Tonkin + Taylor is proud to be part of the conversation about building the infrastructure New Zealand needs. The conference will explore practical solutions, future opportunities, and the challenges shaping our country’s growth, from planning and procurement to funding, delivery, data, innovation, and capability.

Building Nations 2026 takes place on 20–21 August and focuses on delivering infrastructure smarter, faster, and better, without compromising quality or long-term outcomes.

Panel Highlight: Smarter Energy Futures

Ensuring a secure, reliable, and resilient energy supply is more critical than ever. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities in powering the nation, from energy security and grid resilience to renewable integration and future-proofing infrastructure. Secure, reliable, and resilient energy underpins a prosperous, growth-oriented economy and delivers benefits now and for future generations. Speakers will share insights on policy, investment strategies, and how collaboration ensures that Aotearoa meets its energy needs while building a sustainable, future-ready energy system.

Energy strategy is the path for a prosperous, sustainable future

Read ‘Energy strategy is the path for a prosperous, sustainable future’ by Dr Tim Fisher, Tonkin + Taylor’s Group Managing Director and former President of Engineering New Zealand. This article explains why New Zealand needs a clear, long-term energy strategy to strengthen energy security, improve affordability, support economic growth, and reduce emissions. It considers the role of renewable generation, firming capacity, energy markets, infrastructure resilience, and coordinated policy in helping Aotearoa make the most of its renewable energy advantage and build a prosperous, sustainable future.

Project Highlight: Ruakaka Energy Park

Tonkin + Taylor is supporting the development of the Ruakākā Energy Park, a large-scale solar farm and energy storage facility near Whangārei in Northland. Led by Meridian Energy and designed and built by Ethical Power New Zealand, the project will feature 250,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 165MWdc of electricity, enough to power around half the homes in Te Tai Tokerau. Tonkin + Taylor is providing civil, geotechnical, hydrological, structural, and construction support services to address the site’s challenging topography, low-lying land, drainage, flooding, and ground conditions. The project also includes the design of a 5ha wetland beside Site 3, creating habitat for native species such as matuku-hūrepo and weweia. Together with nearby battery storage and Transpower infrastructure, the Ruakākā Solar Farm will help strengthen Northland’s energy resilience and support a more sustainable energy future.

Stay up to date with the latest news in our Energy Sector and check out more of our projects.

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