How to be an effective Senior Responsible Owner

Developed by Te Waihanga, the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, this Best Practice Guide supports Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) leading major public sector infrastructure investments.

Written primarily for first-time public sector infrastructure SROs, the guide also serves experienced leaders seeking to refresh their practice, and others operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. It is intended as a practical companion for use alongside agency governance arrangements and in partnership with Chief Executives, Project Directors and central agencies.

Its purpose is to clarify the SRO’s role as the single point of accountability, provide practical tools and checklists for governing effectively, and strengthen leadership capability across the public investment system. The guide complements formal requirements such as Better Business Cases and Gateway reviews, and emphasises both disciplined governance and the leadership behaviours needed to deliver long-term public value.