The DominionPost is reporting that shortages of engineers are likely to drive up the costs and delay the completion of infrastructure projects across the country:

New Zealand will suffer a shortage of engineers and technical professionals as it embarks on multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects over the next decade, industry sources say. The shortage could push out the timeframe and cost of some projects ... Major infrastructure schemes in the pipeline include the development of the Government's seven roads of national significance – including Transmission Gully in Wellington ... The shortage could mean projects took longer to complete, cost more than expected, or that very few suppliers bid for contracts.

The takeaway message? Expect the $51 million currently being quoted for construction of the Basin Reserve flyover to look like a distant memory in a couple of years.