New Centre for Infrastructure Research (CIR) set up to help practitioners and policy-makers make “smarter” infrastructure decisions will be launched in Wellington today.

The University of Auckland has formed the specialist research centre to help tackle the country’s infrastructure challenges.

The new entity, which aims to improve infrastructure decision-making and management through research, training and policy development, will provide those building and maintaining the New Zealand’s infrastructure with greater access to emerging technologies developed within the university and associated overseas universities.

Head of the department of civil and environmental engineering Professor Bruce Melville said it is an effective way for the university to contribute its expertise and practical “know-how” in the field.

”As well as providing government and industry greater access to infrastructure research, CIR will help practitioners and policy-makers make smarter decisions for better infrastructure provision.”

The centre, which will be working with the Auckland Council in several areas of infrastructure investment, has already started working with water utilities on asset management and investment prioritisation, on social housing projects, with EcoMatters Trust on its Auckland Sustainable Development Centre, and on a Low Impact Stormwater Design project in Waitakere.