KEY POINTS:
Business is alarmed at the state of the national infrastructure but is not ready to give the Government a free hand to put it right.
Corporate chief executives want new power plants fast-tracked and more investment in the national grid but they're not prepared to pay more for electricity or have power stations closer to major cities.
The New Zealand Herald Mood of the Boardroom survey reveals major disquiet about the the country's infrastructure.
Half of those surveyed didn't believe the country had sufficient energy supplies for new growth, 70 per cent wanted new power stations fast-tracked and 90 per cent wanted investment in the national grid completed. But they didn't want power prices increased.
Chief executives said they wanted the regulatory framework fixed, particularly for electricity. "The Electricity Commission is a big mistake as currently structured," said an electricity sector CEO.
Among power company chiefs there were fewer concerns over long-term power supply than there were over transmission. At issue was the difficulty in getting planning approvals for major transmission projects.
They suggested incentives for more oil exploration, examination of fuel alternatives and seriously reviewing nuclear options.
Many (52 per cent) saw a role for the Government in investing directly in broadband but nearly three-quarters opposed it buying Telecom's copper loop and optic network. A similar percentage were against the Government investing directly in a new network. Fifty-six per cent supported major telecos taking a stake in Telecom.
CEOs said it was vital to move fast to world-class broadband. "The Government should select the best option to get there fast - don't rule anything out," said one local government head.
In roading, 54 per cent of chief executives supported the regional fuel taxes, but 40 per cent opposed them.
There was strong support for private capital investment in roads (71 per cent) but overwhelming opposition (93 per cent) to the principal means of funding that investment - tolls. The chief executives also opposed congestion taxes (70 per cent).
