This failure to plan far enough ahead to ensure infrastructure keeps up with population growth is a symptom of the short-termism that has long infected NZ government, at a national and local level.
Whether it is roads, ports, zoning or water storage, the failure to plan ahead is evident throughout the country.
The solution is harder to find than the problem, but could include longer election cycles, a full overhaul of the RMA, and a better standard of public servant!