diff --git a/.golangci.yml b/.golangci.yml
index 99f0c5238a..334333a5f2 100644
--- a/.golangci.yml
+++ b/.golangci.yml
@@ -81,7 +81,6 @@ linters:
       disable:
         - omitzero
         - fmtappendf
-        - newexpr
     revive:
       rules:
         # The following rules are recommended https://github.com/mgechev/revive#recommended-configuration
diff --git a/designs/warmreplicas.md b/designs/warmreplicas.md
index db14247916..de3dd60f2d 100644
--- a/designs/warmreplicas.md
+++ b/designs/warmreplicas.md
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Warmup runnables are also stopped in parallel with non-leader runnables during s
 
 Controllers expose the option via:
 
-- `ctrl.Options{Controller: config.Controller{EnableWarmup: ptr.To(true)}}`
+- `ctrl.Options{Controller: config.Controller{EnableWarmup: new(true)}}`
 
 If both `EnableWarmup` and `NeedLeaderElection` are true, controller-runtime registers the controller as a warmup runnable. Calling `Warmup` launches the same event sources and cache sync logic as `Start`, but it does **not** start worker goroutines. Once the manager becomes leader, the controller’s normal `Start` simply spins up workers against the already-initialized queue. Enabling warmup on a controller that does not use leader election is a no-op, as the worker threads do not block on leader election being won.
 
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ If both `EnableWarmup` and `NeedLeaderElection` are true, controller-runtime reg
 ```go
 mgr, err := ctrl.NewManager(cfg, ctrl.Options{
 	Controller: config.Controller{
-		EnableWarmup: ptr.To(true), // make every controller warm up
+		EnableWarmup: new(true), // make every controller warm up
 	},
 })
 if err != nil {
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ if err != nil {
 builder.ControllerManagedBy(mgr).
 	Named("slow-source").
 	WithOptions(controller.Options{
-		EnableWarmup: ptr.To(true), // optional per-controller override
+		EnableWarmup: new(true), // optional per-controller override
 	}).
 	For(&examplev1.Example{}).
 	Complete(reconciler)
diff --git a/pkg/builder/controller_test.go b/pkg/builder/controller_test.go
index 389f53e73c..023428d106 100644
--- a/pkg/builder/controller_test.go
+++ b/pkg/builder/controller_test.go
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
@@ -711,7 +710,7 @@ func doReconcileTest(ctx context.Context, nameSuffix string, mgr manager.Manager
 					Name:       deployName,
 					Kind:       "Deployment",
 					APIVersion: "apps/v1",
-					Controller: ptr.To(true),
+					Controller: new(true),
 					UID:        dep.UID,
 				},
 			},
diff --git a/pkg/cache/cache_test.go b/pkg/cache/cache_test.go
index 875f022a3e..2a3a0670d7 100644
--- a/pkg/cache/cache_test.go
+++ b/pkg/cache/cache_test.go
@@ -42,7 +42,6 @@ import (
 	kscheme "k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	kcache "k8s.io/client-go/tools/cache"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
@@ -148,10 +147,10 @@ var _ = Describe("Multi-Namespace Informer Cache", func() {
 
 var _ = Describe("Informer Cache without global DeepCopy", func() {
 	CacheTest(cache.New, cache.Options{
-		DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: ptr.To(true),
+		DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: new(true),
 	})
 	NonBlockingGetTest(cache.New, cache.Options{
-		DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: ptr.To(true),
+		DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: new(true),
 	})
 })
 
diff --git a/pkg/cache/defaulting_test.go b/pkg/cache/defaulting_test.go
index b4b4dd030a..36cbb4eccb 100644
--- a/pkg/cache/defaulting_test.go
+++ b/pkg/cache/defaulting_test.go
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/schema"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/tools/cache"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 )
 
@@ -205,23 +204,23 @@ func TestDefaultOpts(t *testing.T) {
 			name: "ByObject.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy gets defaulted from DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy",
 			in: Options{
 				ByObject:                     map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {}},
-				DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: ptr.To(true),
+				DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: new(true),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(true)
+				expected := new(true)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].UnsafeDisableDeepCopy)
 			},
 		},
 		{
 			name: "ByObject.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy doesn't get defaulted when set",
 			in: Options{
-				ByObject:                     map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {UnsafeDisableDeepCopy: ptr.To(false)}},
-				DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: ptr.To(true),
+				ByObject:                     map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {UnsafeDisableDeepCopy: new(false)}},
+				DefaultUnsafeDisableDeepCopy: new(true),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(false)
+				expected := new(false)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].UnsafeDisableDeepCopy)
 			},
 		},
@@ -229,23 +228,23 @@ func TestDefaultOpts(t *testing.T) {
 			name: "ByObject.EnableWatchBookmarks gets defaulted from DefaultEnableWatchBookmarks",
 			in: Options{
 				ByObject:                    map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {}},
-				DefaultEnableWatchBookmarks: ptr.To(true),
+				DefaultEnableWatchBookmarks: new(true),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(true)
+				expected := new(true)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].EnableWatchBookmarks)
 			},
 		},
 		{
 			name: "ByObject.EnableWatchBookmarks doesn't get defaulted when set",
 			in: Options{
-				ByObject:                    map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {EnableWatchBookmarks: ptr.To(false)}},
-				DefaultEnableWatchBookmarks: ptr.To(true),
+				ByObject:                    map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {EnableWatchBookmarks: new(false)}},
+				DefaultEnableWatchBookmarks: new(true),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(false)
+				expected := new(false)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].EnableWatchBookmarks)
 			},
 		},
@@ -253,23 +252,23 @@ func TestDefaultOpts(t *testing.T) {
 			name: "ByObject.SyncPeriod gets defaulted from SyncPeriod",
 			in: Options{
 				ByObject:   map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {}},
-				SyncPeriod: ptr.To(5 * time.Minute),
+				SyncPeriod: new(5 * time.Minute),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(5 * time.Minute)
+				expected := new(5 * time.Minute)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].SyncPeriod)
 			},
 		},
 		{
 			name: "ByObject.SyncPeriod doesn't get defaulted when set",
 			in: Options{
-				ByObject:   map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {SyncPeriod: ptr.To(1 * time.Minute)}},
-				SyncPeriod: ptr.To(5 * time.Minute),
+				ByObject:   map[client.Object]ByObject{pod: {SyncPeriod: new(1 * time.Minute)}},
+				SyncPeriod: new(5 * time.Minute),
 			},
 
 			verification: func(o Options) string {
-				expected := ptr.To(1 * time.Minute)
+				expected := new(1 * time.Minute)
 				return cmp.Diff(expected, o.ByObject[pod].SyncPeriod)
 			},
 		},
diff --git a/pkg/client/apiutil/restmapper.go b/pkg/client/apiutil/restmapper.go
index 7a7a0d1145..ef5d0fee97 100644
--- a/pkg/client/apiutil/restmapper.go
+++ b/pkg/client/apiutil/restmapper.go
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/client-go/discovery"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/restmapper"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 )
 
 // NewDynamicRESTMapper returns a dynamic RESTMapper for cfg. The dynamic
@@ -197,7 +196,7 @@ func (m *mapper) addKnownGroupAndReload(groupName string, versions ...string) er
 				}
 			}
 			if len(failedGroups) > 0 {
-				return ptr.To(ErrResourceDiscoveryFailed(failedGroups))
+				return new(ErrResourceDiscoveryFailed(failedGroups))
 			}
 			return nil
 		}
diff --git a/pkg/client/client_test.go b/pkg/client/client_test.go
index 878927f467..f0b49fc035 100644
--- a/pkg/client/client_test.go
+++ b/pkg/client/client_test.go
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ U5wwSivyi7vmegHKmblOzNVKA5qPO8zWzqBC
 
 			Context("with the DryRun option", func() {
 				It("should not create a new object, global option", func(ctx SpecContext) {
-					cl, err := client.New(cfg, client.Options{DryRun: ptr.To(true)})
+					cl, err := client.New(cfg, client.Options{DryRun: new(true)})
 					Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 					Expect(cl).NotTo(BeNil())
 
@@ -1038,7 +1038,7 @@ U5wwSivyi7vmegHKmblOzNVKA5qPO8zWzqBC
 				Expect(cm.Data).To(BeComparableTo(obj.Data))
 
 				// Apply with ResourceVersion unset
-				obj.ResourceVersion = ptr.To("")
+				obj.ResourceVersion = new("")
 				data = map[string]string{
 					"a-new-key": "a-new-value",
 				}
@@ -1149,7 +1149,7 @@ U5wwSivyi7vmegHKmblOzNVKA5qPO8zWzqBC
 
 				By("Creating the eviction")
 				eviction := &policyv1.Eviction{
-					DeleteOptions: &metav1.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: ptr.To(int64(0))},
+					DeleteOptions: &metav1.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: new(int64(0))},
 				}
 				err = cl.SubResource("eviction").Create(ctx, pod, eviction, &client.SubResourceCreateOptions{})
 				Expect((err)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -1665,7 +1665,7 @@ U5wwSivyi7vmegHKmblOzNVKA5qPO8zWzqBC
 				deploymentAC, err := appsv1applyconfigurations.ExtractDeployment(dep, "foo")
 				Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 				deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-					Replicas: ptr.To(int32(1)),
+					Replicas: new(int32(1)),
 				})
 				Expect(cl.Status().Apply(ctx, deploymentAC, client.FieldOwner("foo"))).To(Succeed())
 
diff --git a/pkg/client/dryrun_test.go b/pkg/client/dryrun_test.go
index 35a9b63869..4ecd141553 100644
--- a/pkg/client/dryrun_test.go
+++ b/pkg/client/dryrun_test.go
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ import (
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
 	appsv1applyconfigurations "k8s.io/client-go/applyconfigurations/apps/v1"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 )
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@ var _ = Describe("DryRunClient", func() {
 	var ns = "default"
 
 	getClient := func() client.Client {
-		cl, err := client.New(cfg, client.Options{DryRun: ptr.To(true)})
+		cl, err := client.New(cfg, client.Options{DryRun: new(true)})
 		Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 		Expect(cl).NotTo(BeNil())
 		return cl
@@ -266,7 +265,7 @@ var _ = Describe("DryRunClient", func() {
 		deploymentAC, err := appsv1applyconfigurations.ExtractDeployment(dep, "test-owner")
 		Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 		deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-			Replicas: ptr.To(int32(99)),
+			Replicas: new(int32(99)),
 		})
 
 		Expect(getClient().Status().Apply(ctx, deploymentAC, client.FieldOwner("test-owner"))).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -281,7 +280,7 @@ var _ = Describe("DryRunClient", func() {
 		deploymentAC, err := appsv1applyconfigurations.ExtractDeployment(dep, "test-owner")
 		Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 		deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-			Replicas: ptr.To(int32(99)),
+			Replicas: new(int32(99)),
 		})
 
 		opts := &client.SubResourceApplyOptions{ApplyOptions: client.ApplyOptions{DryRun: []string{"Bye", "Pippa"}}}
diff --git a/pkg/client/fake/client.go b/pkg/client/fake/client.go
index 2a07bd40b2..dd538ebd43 100644
--- a/pkg/client/fake/client.go
+++ b/pkg/client/fake/client.go
@@ -67,7 +67,6 @@ import (
 	clientgoapplyconfigurations "k8s.io/client-go/applyconfigurations"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/testing"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client/apiutil"
@@ -1621,13 +1620,13 @@ func extractScale(obj client.Object) (*autoscalingv1.Scale, error) {
 func applyScale(obj client.Object, scale *autoscalingv1.Scale) error {
 	switch obj := obj.(type) {
 	case *appsv1.Deployment:
-		obj.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(scale.Spec.Replicas)
+		obj.Spec.Replicas = new(scale.Spec.Replicas)
 	case *appsv1.ReplicaSet:
-		obj.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(scale.Spec.Replicas)
+		obj.Spec.Replicas = new(scale.Spec.Replicas)
 	case *corev1.ReplicationController:
-		obj.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(scale.Spec.Replicas)
+		obj.Spec.Replicas = new(scale.Spec.Replicas)
 	case *appsv1.StatefulSet:
-		obj.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(scale.Spec.Replicas)
+		obj.Spec.Replicas = new(scale.Spec.Replicas)
 	default:
 		// TODO: CRDs https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/extend-kubernetes/custom-resources/custom-resource-definitions/#scale-subresource
 		return fmt.Errorf("unimplemented scale subresource for resource %T", obj)
diff --git a/pkg/client/fake/client_test.go b/pkg/client/fake/client_test.go
index db7d1c6279..d15efd03b5 100644
--- a/pkg/client/fake/client_test.go
+++ b/pkg/client/fake/client_test.go
@@ -50,7 +50,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/fake"
 	clientgoscheme "k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/testing"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client/interceptor"
@@ -1727,7 +1726,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 		objOriginal.APIVersion = actual.APIVersion
 		objOriginal.Kind = actual.Kind
 		objOriginal.ResourceVersion = actual.ResourceVersion
-		objOriginal.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(2))
+		objOriginal.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(2))
 		Expect(cmp.Diff(objOriginal, actual)).To(BeEmpty())
 	})
 
@@ -2590,7 +2589,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 				Name: "foo",
 			},
 			Spec: appsv1.DeploymentSpec{
-				Replicas: ptr.To[int32](2),
+				Replicas: new(int32(2)),
 			},
 		}
 		cl := NewClientBuilder().Build()
@@ -3011,7 +3010,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 		Expect(cm.Data).To(BeComparableTo(map[string]string{"other": "data"}))
 
 		// Apply with ResourceVersion unset
-		obj.ResourceVersion = ptr.To("")
+		obj.ResourceVersion = new("")
 		obj.Data = map[string]string{"another": "data"}
 		Expect(cl.Apply(ctx, obj, &client.ApplyOptions{FieldManager: "test-manager"})).To(Succeed())
 
@@ -3193,7 +3192,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 		Expect(cl.Apply(ctx, obj, client.FieldOwner("foo"))).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 		// Ideally we should only test for it to not be empty, realistically we will
 		// break ppl if we ever start setting a different value.
-		Expect(obj.ResourceVersion).To(BeEquivalentTo(ptr.To("1")))
+		Expect(obj.ResourceVersion).To(BeEquivalentTo(new("1")))
 	})
 
 	It("ignores a passed resourceVersion on SSA create", func(ctx SpecContext) {
@@ -3204,7 +3203,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 
 		cl := NewClientBuilder().Build()
 		Expect(cl.Apply(ctx, obj, client.FieldOwner("foo"))).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
-		Expect(obj.ResourceVersion).To(BeEquivalentTo(ptr.To("1")))
+		Expect(obj.ResourceVersion).To(BeEquivalentTo(new("1")))
 	})
 
 	It("allows to set deletionTimestamp on an object during SSA create", func(ctx SpecContext) {
@@ -3331,7 +3330,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 				Name: "foo",
 			},
 			Spec: appsv1.DeploymentSpec{
-				Replicas: ptr.To[int32](2),
+				Replicas: new(int32(2)),
 			},
 		},
 		&appsv1.ReplicaSet{
@@ -3339,7 +3338,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 				Name: "foo",
 			},
 			Spec: appsv1.ReplicaSetSpec{
-				Replicas: ptr.To[int32](2),
+				Replicas: new(int32(2)),
 			},
 		},
 		&corev1.ReplicationController{
@@ -3347,7 +3346,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 				Name: "foo",
 			},
 			Spec: corev1.ReplicationControllerSpec{
-				Replicas: ptr.To[int32](2),
+				Replicas: new(int32(2)),
 			},
 		},
 		&appsv1.StatefulSet{
@@ -3355,7 +3354,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 				Name: "foo",
 			},
 			Spec: appsv1.StatefulSetSpec{
-				Replicas: ptr.To[int32](2),
+				Replicas: new(int32(2)),
 			},
 		},
 	}
@@ -3392,16 +3391,16 @@ var _ = Describe("Fake client", func() {
 			switch expected := objExpected.(type) {
 			case *appsv1.Deployment:
 				expected.ResourceVersion = objActual.GetResourceVersion()
-				expected.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(3))
+				expected.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(3))
 			case *appsv1.ReplicaSet:
 				expected.ResourceVersion = objActual.GetResourceVersion()
-				expected.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(3))
+				expected.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(3))
 			case *corev1.ReplicationController:
 				expected.ResourceVersion = objActual.GetResourceVersion()
-				expected.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(3))
+				expected.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(3))
 			case *appsv1.StatefulSet:
 				expected.ResourceVersion = objActual.GetResourceVersion()
-				expected.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(3))
+				expected.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(3))
 			}
 			Expect(cmp.Diff(objExpected, objActual)).To(BeEmpty())
 
diff --git a/pkg/client/namespaced_client_test.go b/pkg/client/namespaced_client_test.go
index d7be6eeee6..d3712ca501 100644
--- a/pkg/client/namespaced_client_test.go
+++ b/pkg/client/namespaced_client_test.go
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ import (
 	corev1applyconfigurations "k8s.io/client-go/applyconfigurations/core/v1"
 	metav1applyconfigurations "k8s.io/client-go/applyconfigurations/meta/v1"
 	rbacv1applyconfigurations "k8s.io/client-go/applyconfigurations/rbac/v1"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 )
@@ -638,7 +637,7 @@ var _ = Describe("NamespacedClient", func() {
 			deploymentAC, err := appsv1applyconfigurations.ExtractDeployment(dep, "test-owner")
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-				Replicas: ptr.To(int32(99)),
+				Replicas: new(int32(99)),
 			})
 
 			Expect(getClient().SubResource("status").Apply(ctx, deploymentAC, client.FieldOwner("test-owner"))).To(Succeed())
@@ -653,7 +652,7 @@ var _ = Describe("NamespacedClient", func() {
 		It("should set namespace on ApplyConfiguration when applying via SubResource", func(ctx SpecContext) {
 			deploymentAC := appsv1applyconfigurations.Deployment(dep.Name, "")
 			deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-				Replicas: ptr.To(int32(50)),
+				Replicas: new(int32(50)),
 			})
 
 			Expect(getClient().SubResource("status").Apply(ctx, deploymentAC, client.FieldOwner("test-owner"))).To(Succeed())
@@ -668,7 +667,7 @@ var _ = Describe("NamespacedClient", func() {
 		It("should fail when applying via SubResource with conflicting namespace", func(ctx SpecContext) {
 			deploymentAC := appsv1applyconfigurations.Deployment(dep.Name, "different-namespace")
 			deploymentAC.WithStatus(&appsv1applyconfigurations.DeploymentStatusApplyConfiguration{
-				Replicas: ptr.To(int32(25)),
+				Replicas: new(int32(25)),
 			})
 
 			err := getClient().SubResource("status").Apply(ctx, deploymentAC, client.FieldOwner("test-owner"))
diff --git a/pkg/client/options.go b/pkg/client/options.go
index a6b921171a..c5bd9f0b8c 100644
--- a/pkg/client/options.go
+++ b/pkg/client/options.go
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/fields"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/labels"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/selection"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 )
 
 // {{{ "Functional" Option Interfaces
@@ -741,12 +740,12 @@ type UnsafeDisableDeepCopyOption bool
 
 // ApplyToGet applies this configuration to the given an Get options.
 func (d UnsafeDisableDeepCopyOption) ApplyToGet(opts *GetOptions) {
-	opts.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy = ptr.To(bool(d))
+	opts.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy = new(bool(d))
 }
 
 // ApplyToList applies this configuration to the given an List options.
 func (d UnsafeDisableDeepCopyOption) ApplyToList(opts *ListOptions) {
-	opts.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy = ptr.To(bool(d))
+	opts.UnsafeDisableDeepCopy = new(bool(d))
 }
 
 // UnsafeDisableDeepCopy indicates not to deep copy objects during list objects.
@@ -953,19 +952,19 @@ var ForceOwnership = forceOwnership{}
 type forceOwnership struct{}
 
 func (forceOwnership) ApplyToPatch(opts *PatchOptions) {
-	opts.Force = ptr.To(true)
+	opts.Force = new(true)
 }
 
 func (forceOwnership) ApplyToSubResourcePatch(opts *SubResourcePatchOptions) {
-	opts.Force = ptr.To(true)
+	opts.Force = new(true)
 }
 
 func (forceOwnership) ApplyToApply(opts *ApplyOptions) {
-	opts.Force = ptr.To(true)
+	opts.Force = new(true)
 }
 
 func (forceOwnership) ApplyToSubResourceApply(opts *SubResourceApplyOptions) {
-	opts.Force = ptr.To(true)
+	opts.Force = new(true)
 }
 
 // }}}
diff --git a/pkg/client/options_test.go b/pkg/client/options_test.go
index 88ef4a1839..3c1fc32666 100644
--- a/pkg/client/options_test.go
+++ b/pkg/client/options_test.go
@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@ import (
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/fields"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/labels"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 )
 
@@ -143,7 +142,7 @@ var _ = Describe("ApplyOptions", func() {
 		Expect(newApplyOpts).To(Equal(o))
 	})
 	It("Should set Force", func() {
-		o := &client.ApplyOptions{Force: ptr.To(true)}
+		o := &client.ApplyOptions{Force: new(true)}
 		newApplyOpts := &client.ApplyOptions{}
 		o.ApplyToApply(newApplyOpts)
 		Expect(newApplyOpts).To(Equal(o))
@@ -185,7 +184,7 @@ var _ = Describe("CreateOptions", func() {
 
 var _ = Describe("DeleteOptions", func() {
 	It("Should set GracePeriodSeconds", func() {
-		o := &client.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: ptr.To(int64(42))}
+		o := &client.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: new(int64(42))}
 		newDeleteOpts := &client.DeleteOptions{}
 		o.ApplyToDelete(newDeleteOpts)
 		Expect(newDeleteOpts).To(Equal(o))
@@ -258,7 +257,7 @@ var _ = Describe("PatchOptions", func() {
 		Expect(newPatchOpts).To(Equal(o))
 	})
 	It("Should set Force", func() {
-		o := &client.PatchOptions{Force: ptr.To(true)}
+		o := &client.PatchOptions{Force: new(true)}
 		newPatchOpts := &client.PatchOptions{}
 		o.ApplyToPatch(newPatchOpts)
 		Expect(newPatchOpts).To(Equal(o))
@@ -291,7 +290,7 @@ var _ = Describe("DeleteAllOfOptions", func() {
 		Expect(newDeleteAllOfOpts).To(Equal(o))
 	})
 	It("Should set DeleleteOptions", func() {
-		o := &client.DeleteAllOfOptions{DeleteOptions: client.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: ptr.To(int64(44))}}
+		o := &client.DeleteAllOfOptions{DeleteOptions: client.DeleteOptions{GracePeriodSeconds: new(int64(44))}}
 		newDeleteAllOfOpts := &client.DeleteAllOfOptions{}
 		o.ApplyToDeleteAllOf(newDeleteAllOfOpts)
 		Expect(newDeleteAllOfOpts).To(Equal(o))
diff --git a/pkg/controller/controller_integration_test.go b/pkg/controller/controller_integration_test.go
index e09813eee2..7b3af49463 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/controller_integration_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/controller_integration_test.go
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ import (
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/schema"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller"
@@ -72,7 +71,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 							reconciled <- request
 							return reconcile.Result{}, nil
 						}),
-					EnableWarmup: ptr.To(enableWarmup),
+					EnableWarmup: new(enableWarmup),
 				},
 			)
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
diff --git a/pkg/controller/controller_test.go b/pkg/controller/controller_test.go
index 0a250bd0a4..faafecc459 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/controller_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/controller_test.go
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ import (
 	corev1 "k8s.io/api/core/v1"
 	utilnet "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/net"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/config"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller"
@@ -79,7 +78,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		It("should return an error if two controllers are registered with the same name and SkipNameValidation is set to false on the manager", func() {
 			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{
 				Controller: config.Controller{
-					SkipNameValidation: ptr.To(false),
+					SkipNameValidation: new(false),
 				},
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -97,7 +96,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		It("should not return an error if two controllers are registered with the same name and SkipNameValidation is set on the manager", func() {
 			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{
 				Controller: config.Controller{
-					SkipNameValidation: ptr.To(true),
+					SkipNameValidation: new(true),
 				},
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -119,7 +118,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			Expect(c1).ToNot(BeNil())
 
-			c2, err := controller.New("c6", m, controller.Options{Reconciler: rec, SkipNameValidation: ptr.To(true)})
+			c2, err := controller.New("c6", m, controller.Options{Reconciler: rec, SkipNameValidation: new(true)})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			Expect(c2).ToNot(BeNil())
 		})
@@ -241,7 +240,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		})
 
 		It("should default RecoverPanic from the manager", func() {
-			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{RecoverPanic: ptr.To(true)}})
+			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{RecoverPanic: new(true)}})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller-4", m, controller.Options{
@@ -257,11 +256,11 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		})
 
 		It("should not override RecoverPanic on the controller", func() {
-			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{RecoverPanic: ptr.To(true)}})
+			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{RecoverPanic: new(true)}})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller", m, controller.Options{
-				RecoverPanic: ptr.To(false),
+				RecoverPanic: new(false),
 				Reconciler:   reconcile.Func(nil),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -274,7 +273,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		})
 
 		It("should default NeedLeaderElection from the manager", func() {
-			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{NeedLeaderElection: ptr.To(true)}})
+			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{NeedLeaderElection: new(true)}})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller-5", m, controller.Options{
@@ -289,11 +288,11 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 		})
 
 		It("should not override NeedLeaderElection on the controller", func() {
-			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{NeedLeaderElection: ptr.To(true)}})
+			m, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{Controller: config.Controller{NeedLeaderElection: new(true)}})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller-6", m, controller.Options{
-				NeedLeaderElection: ptr.To(false),
+				NeedLeaderElection: new(false),
 				Reconciler:         reconcile.Func(nil),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -416,7 +415,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller-14", m, controller.Options{
-				NeedLeaderElection: ptr.To(false),
+				NeedLeaderElection: new(false),
 				Reconciler:         rec,
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -465,7 +464,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 
 			c, err := controller.New("new-controller-17", m, controller.Options{
 				Reconciler:       rec,
-				UsePriorityQueue: ptr.To(false),
+				UsePriorityQueue: new(false),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
@@ -484,7 +483,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			// Test with EnableWarmup set to true
 			ctrlWithWarmup, err := controller.New("warmup-enabled-ctrl", m, controller.Options{
 				Reconciler:   reconcile.Func(nil),
-				EnableWarmup: ptr.To(true),
+				EnableWarmup: new(true),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
@@ -495,7 +494,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			// Test with EnableWarmup set to false
 			ctrlWithoutWarmup, err := controller.New("warmup-disabled-ctrl", m, controller.Options{
 				Reconciler:   reconcile.Func(nil),
-				EnableWarmup: ptr.To(false),
+				EnableWarmup: new(false),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
@@ -518,7 +517,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			// Test with manager default setting EnableWarmup to true
 			managerWithWarmup, err := manager.New(cfg, manager.Options{
 				Controller: config.Controller{
-					EnableWarmup: ptr.To(true),
+					EnableWarmup: new(true),
 				},
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
@@ -534,7 +533,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller.Controller", func() {
 			// Test that explicit controller setting overrides manager setting
 			ctrlOverridingWarmup, err := controller.New("override-warmup-disabled", managerWithWarmup, controller.Options{
 				Reconciler:   reconcile.Func(nil),
-				EnableWarmup: ptr.To(false),
+				EnableWarmup: new(false),
 			})
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 
diff --git a/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil.go b/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil.go
index 0f12b934ee..a9a2a95a06 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil.go
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1/unstructured"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/schema"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client/apiutil"
@@ -88,8 +87,8 @@ func SetControllerReference(owner, controlled metav1.Object, scheme *runtime.Sch
 		Kind:               gvk.Kind,
 		Name:               owner.GetName(),
 		UID:                owner.GetUID(),
-		BlockOwnerDeletion: ptr.To(true),
-		Controller:         ptr.To(true),
+		BlockOwnerDeletion: new(true),
+		Controller:         new(true),
 	}
 	for _, opt := range opts {
 		opt(&ref)
diff --git a/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil_test.go b/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil_test.go
index a716667f6a..28fc86a01b 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/controllerutil/controllerutil_test.go
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller/controllerutil"
 )
@@ -786,7 +785,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerutil", func() {
 			assertLocalDeployWasUpdated(ctx, nil)
 
 			op, err = controllerutil.CreateOrPatch(ctx, c, deploy, func() error {
-				deploy.Spec.Replicas = ptr.To(int32(5))
+				deploy.Spec.Replicas = new(int32(5))
 				deploy.Status.Conditions = []appsv1.DeploymentCondition{{
 					Type:   appsv1.DeploymentProgressing,
 					Status: corev1.ConditionTrue,
diff --git a/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue.go b/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue.go
index c534a0b1c5..69ac25083b 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue.go
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ func (w *priorityqueue[T]) lockedAddWithOpts(o AddOpts, items ...T) {
 
 		var readyAt *time.Time
 		if after > 0 {
-			readyAt = ptr.To(w.now().Add(after))
+			readyAt = new(w.now().Add(after))
 			w.metrics.retry()
 		}
 		if _, ok := w.items[key]; !ok {
diff --git a/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue_test.go b/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue_test.go
index 89c3216fbf..b46a715c62 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue_test.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/priorityqueue/priorityqueue_test.go
@@ -132,8 +132,8 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerworkqueue", func() {
 		q, metrics := newQueue()
 		defer q.ShutDown()
 
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "foo")
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(2)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(2)}, "foo")
 
 		item, priority, _ := q.GetWithPriority()
 		Expect(item).To(Equal("foo"))
@@ -149,8 +149,8 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerworkqueue", func() {
 		q, metrics := newQueue()
 		defer q.ShutDown()
 
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(2)}, "foo")
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(2)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "foo")
 
 		item, priority, _ := q.GetWithPriority()
 		Expect(item).To(Equal("foo"))
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerworkqueue", func() {
 		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{}, "foo")
 		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{}, "bar")
 		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{}, "baz")
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "baz")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "baz")
 
 		item, priority, _ := q.GetWithPriority()
 		Expect(item).To(Equal("baz"))
@@ -296,13 +296,13 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerworkqueue", func() {
 		q, metrics := newQueue()
 		defer q.ShutDown()
 
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{After: time.Hour, Priority: ptr.To(0)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{After: time.Hour, Priority: new(0)}, "foo")
 		Expect(q.Len()).To(Equal(0))
 		metrics.mu.Lock()
 		Expect(metrics.depth["test"]).To(Equal(map[int]int{}))
 		metrics.mu.Unlock()
 
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "foo")
 
 		Expect(q.Len()).To(Equal(1))
 		metrics.mu.Lock()
@@ -325,9 +325,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Controllerworkqueue", func() {
 		q, _ := newQueue()
 		defer q.ShutDown()
 
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(0)}, "foo")
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "bar")
-		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(1)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(0)}, "foo")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "bar")
+		q.AddWithOpts(AddOpts{Priority: new(1)}, "foo")
 		Expect(q.Len()).To(Equal(2))
 
 		item, priority, _ := q.GetWithPriority()
diff --git a/pkg/envtest/crd.go b/pkg/envtest/crd.go
index 8ed2224cfe..da9b4fb67d 100644
--- a/pkg/envtest/crd.go
+++ b/pkg/envtest/crd.go
@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/retry"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/yaml"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
@@ -362,7 +361,7 @@ func modifyConversionWebhooks(crds []*apiextensionsv1.CustomResourceDefinition,
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	url := ptr.To(fmt.Sprintf("https://%s/convert", hostPort))
+	url := new(fmt.Sprintf("https://%s/convert", hostPort))
 
 	for i := range crds {
 		// Continue if we're preserving unknown fields.
diff --git a/pkg/envtest/komega/default.go b/pkg/envtest/komega/default.go
index dad1f551ae..b4b5ef9cae 100644
--- a/pkg/envtest/komega/default.go
+++ b/pkg/envtest/komega/default.go
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ func UpdateStatus(obj client.Object, f func(), opts ...client.SubResourceUpdateO
 // It can be used with gomega.Eventually() like this:
 //
 //	deployment := appsv1.Deployment{ ... }
-//	gomega.Eventually(k.Object(&deployment)).Should(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", gomega.Equal(ptr.To(3))))
+//	gomega.Eventually(k.Object(&deployment)).Should(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", gomega.Equal(new(3))))
 //
 // By calling the returned function directly it can also be used as gomega.Expect(k.Object(...)()).To(...)
 func Object(obj client.Object) func() (client.Object, error) {
diff --git a/pkg/envtest/komega/default_test.go b/pkg/envtest/komega/default_test.go
index 1a1de72cf3..1e663b9d38 100644
--- a/pkg/envtest/komega/default_test.go
+++ b/pkg/envtest/komega/default_test.go
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import (
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
 	appsv1 "k8s.io/api/apps/v1"
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 )
 
 func TestDefaultGet(t *testing.T) {
@@ -95,7 +94,7 @@ func TestDefaultObject(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	g.Eventually(Object(&fetched)).Should(And(
 		Not(BeNil()),
-		HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(ptr.To(int32(5)))),
+		HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(new(int32(5)))),
 	))
 }
 
@@ -110,7 +109,7 @@ func TestDefaultObjectList(t *testing.T) {
 		Not(BeNil()),
 		HaveField("Items", And(
 			HaveLen(1),
-			ContainElement(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(ptr.To(int32(5))))),
+			ContainElement(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(new(int32(5))))),
 		)),
 	))
 }
diff --git a/pkg/envtest/komega/interfaces.go b/pkg/envtest/komega/interfaces.go
index b412e5c1bf..94d9c5a853 100644
--- a/pkg/envtest/komega/interfaces.go
+++ b/pkg/envtest/komega/interfaces.go
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ type Komega interface {
 	// Object returns a function that fetches a resource and returns the object.
 	// It can be used with gomega.Eventually() like this:
 	//   deployment := appsv1.Deployment{ ... }
-	//   gomega.Eventually(k.Object(&deployment)).To(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", gomega.Equal(ptr.To(int32(3)))))
+	//   gomega.Eventually(k.Object(&deployment)).To(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", gomega.Equal(new(int32(3)))))
 	// By calling the returned function directly it can also be used as gomega.Expect(k.Object(...)()).To(...)
 	Object(client.Object) func() (client.Object, error)
 
diff --git a/pkg/envtest/komega/komega_test.go b/pkg/envtest/komega/komega_test.go
index 8867ac239a..9adf0158b6 100644
--- a/pkg/envtest/komega/komega_test.go
+++ b/pkg/envtest/komega/komega_test.go
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@ import (
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
 	appsv1 "k8s.io/api/apps/v1"
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	fakeclient "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client/fake"
@@ -20,7 +19,7 @@ func exampleDeployment() *appsv1.Deployment {
 			Name:      "test",
 		},
 		Spec: appsv1.DeploymentSpec{
-			Replicas: ptr.To(int32(5)),
+			Replicas: new(int32(5)),
 		},
 	}
 }
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ func TestObject(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	g.Eventually(k.Object(&fetched)).Should(And(
 		Not(BeNil()),
-		HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(ptr.To(int32(5)))),
+		HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(new(int32(5)))),
 	))
 }
 
@@ -132,7 +131,7 @@ func TestObjectList(t *testing.T) {
 		Not(BeNil()),
 		HaveField("Items", And(
 			HaveLen(1),
-			ContainElement(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(ptr.To(int32(5))))),
+			ContainElement(HaveField("Spec.Replicas", Equal(new(int32(5))))),
 		)),
 	))
 }
diff --git a/pkg/handler/enqueue_mapped.go b/pkg/handler/enqueue_mapped.go
index 62d6728151..6f8dde7d15 100644
--- a/pkg/handler/enqueue_mapped.go
+++ b/pkg/handler/enqueue_mapped.go
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ import (
 	"context"
 
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller/priorityqueue"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/event"
@@ -142,7 +141,7 @@ func (e *enqueueRequestsFromMapFunc[object, request]) mapAndEnqueue(
 		if !ok {
 			if lowPriority {
 				q.(priorityqueue.PriorityQueue[request]).AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{
-					Priority: ptr.To(LowPriority),
+					Priority: new(LowPriority),
 				}, req)
 			} else {
 				q.Add(req)
diff --git a/pkg/handler/eventhandler.go b/pkg/handler/eventhandler.go
index 88510d29ed..582547eb86 100644
--- a/pkg/handler/eventhandler.go
+++ b/pkg/handler/eventhandler.go
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ import (
 	"time"
 
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller/priorityqueue"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/event"
@@ -135,7 +134,7 @@ func (h TypedFuncs[object, request]) Create(ctx context.Context, e event.TypedCr
 			PriorityQueue: q.(priorityqueue.PriorityQueue[request]),
 		}
 		if e.IsInInitialList {
-			wq.priority = ptr.To(LowPriority)
+			wq.priority = new(LowPriority)
 		}
 		h.CreateFunc(ctx, e, wq)
 	}
@@ -162,7 +161,7 @@ func (h TypedFuncs[object, request]) Update(ctx context.Context, e event.TypedUp
 			PriorityQueue: q.(priorityqueue.PriorityQueue[request]),
 		}
 		if any(e.ObjectOld).(client.Object).GetResourceVersion() == any(e.ObjectNew).(client.Object).GetResourceVersion() {
-			wq.priority = ptr.To(LowPriority)
+			wq.priority = new(LowPriority)
 		}
 		h.UpdateFunc(ctx, e, wq)
 	}
@@ -225,7 +224,7 @@ func addToQueueCreate[T client.Object, request comparable](q workqueue.TypedRate
 
 	var priority *int
 	if evt.IsInInitialList {
-		priority = ptr.To(LowPriority)
+		priority = new(LowPriority)
 	}
 	priorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: priority}, item)
 }
@@ -241,7 +240,7 @@ func addToQueueUpdate[T client.Object, request comparable](q workqueue.TypedRate
 
 	var priority *int
 	if evt.ObjectOld.GetResourceVersion() == evt.ObjectNew.GetResourceVersion() {
-		priority = ptr.To(LowPriority)
+		priority = new(LowPriority)
 	}
 	priorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: priority}, item)
 }
diff --git a/pkg/handler/eventhandler_test.go b/pkg/handler/eventhandler_test.go
index 2023156146..d5f6161583 100644
--- a/pkg/handler/eventhandler_test.go
+++ b/pkg/handler/eventhandler_test.go
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client/apiutil"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller/controllertest"
@@ -508,7 +507,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 						Name:       "foo2-parent",
 						Kind:       "ReplicaSet",
 						APIVersion: "apps/v1",
-						Controller: ptr.To(true),
+						Controller: new(true),
 					},
 					{
 						Name:       "foo3-parent",
@@ -519,7 +518,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 						Name:       "foo4-parent",
 						Kind:       "ReplicaSet",
 						APIVersion: "apps/v1",
-						Controller: ptr.To(true),
+						Controller: new(true),
 					},
 					{
 						Name:       "foo5-parent",
@@ -910,7 +909,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 						handler.TypedFuncs[client.Object, reconcile.Request]{
 							CreateFunc: func(ctx context.Context, tce event.TypedCreateEvent[client.Object], wq workqueue.TypedRateLimitingInterface[reconcile.Request]) {
 								if pq, isPQ := wq.(priorityqueue.PriorityQueue[reconcile.Request]); isPQ {
-									pq.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(100)}, reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{
+									pq.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(100)}, reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{
 										Namespace: tce.Object.GetNamespace(),
 										Name:      tce.Object.GetName(),
 									}})
@@ -923,7 +922,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 							},
 							UpdateFunc: func(ctx context.Context, tue event.TypedUpdateEvent[client.Object], wq workqueue.TypedRateLimitingInterface[reconcile.Request]) {
 								if pq, isPQ := wq.(priorityqueue.PriorityQueue[reconcile.Request]); isPQ {
-									pq.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(100)}, reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{
+									pq.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(100)}, reconcile.Request{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{
 										Namespace: tue.ObjectNew.GetNamespace(),
 										Name:      tue.ObjectNew.GetName(),
 									}})
@@ -969,7 +968,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 					}
 
 					Expect(actualOpts).To(Equal(priorityqueue.AddOpts{
-						Priority:    ptr.To(expected),
+						Priority:    new(expected),
 						After:       test.after,
 						RateLimited: test.ratelimited,
 					}))
@@ -1039,7 +1038,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Eventhandler", func() {
 						expectedPriority = test.overridePriority
 					}
 
-					Expect(actualOpts).To(Equal(priorityqueue.AddOpts{After: test.after, RateLimited: test.ratelimited, Priority: ptr.To(expectedPriority)}))
+					Expect(actualOpts).To(Equal(priorityqueue.AddOpts{After: test.after, RateLimited: test.ratelimited, Priority: new(expectedPriority)}))
 					Expect(actualRequests).To(Equal([]reconcile.Request{{NamespacedName: types.NamespacedName{Name: "my-pod"}}}))
 				})
 
diff --git a/pkg/internal/controller/controller.go b/pkg/internal/controller/controller.go
index f2638b9d9b..bf81da39b6 100644
--- a/pkg/internal/controller/controller.go
+++ b/pkg/internal/controller/controller.go
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import (
 	utilruntime "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/runtime"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/uuid"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/controller/priorityqueue"
 	ctrlmetrics "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/internal/controller/metrics"
@@ -485,7 +484,7 @@ func (c *Controller[request]) reconcileHandler(ctx context.Context, req request,
 		if errors.Is(err, reconcile.TerminalError(nil)) {
 			ctrlmetrics.TerminalReconcileErrors.WithLabelValues(c.Name).Inc()
 		} else {
-			c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{RateLimited: true, Priority: ptr.To(priority)}, req)
+			c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{RateLimited: true, Priority: new(priority)}, req)
 		}
 		ctrlmetrics.ReconcileErrors.WithLabelValues(c.Name).Inc()
 		ctrlmetrics.ReconcileTotal.WithLabelValues(c.Name, labelError).Inc()
@@ -500,11 +499,11 @@ func (c *Controller[request]) reconcileHandler(ctx context.Context, req request,
 		// We need to drive to stable reconcile loops before queuing due
 		// to result.RequestAfter
 		c.Queue.Forget(req)
-		c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{After: result.RequeueAfter, Priority: ptr.To(priority)}, req)
+		c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{After: result.RequeueAfter, Priority: new(priority)}, req)
 		ctrlmetrics.ReconcileTotal.WithLabelValues(c.Name, labelRequeueAfter).Inc()
 	case result.Requeue: //nolint: staticcheck // We have to handle it until it is removed
 		log.V(5).Info("Reconcile done, requeueing")
-		c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{RateLimited: true, Priority: ptr.To(priority)}, req)
+		c.Queue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{RateLimited: true, Priority: new(priority)}, req)
 		ctrlmetrics.ReconcileTotal.WithLabelValues(c.Name, labelRequeue).Inc()
 	default:
 		log.V(5).Info("Reconcile successful")
diff --git a/pkg/internal/controller/controller_test.go b/pkg/internal/controller/controller_test.go
index d54fcf7640..7803426983 100644
--- a/pkg/internal/controller/controller_test.go
+++ b/pkg/internal/controller/controller_test.go
@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
 	utilnet "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/net"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache/informertest"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
@@ -107,7 +106,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			defer func() {
 				Expect(recover()).ShouldNot(BeNil())
 			}()
-			ctrl.RecoverPanic = ptr.To(false)
+			ctrl.RecoverPanic = new(false)
 			ctrl.Do = reconcile.Func(func(context.Context, reconcile.Request) (reconcile.Result, error) {
 				var res *reconcile.Result
 				return *res, nil
@@ -135,7 +134,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			defer func() {
 				Expect(recover()).To(BeNil())
 			}()
-			ctrl.RecoverPanic = ptr.To(true)
+			ctrl.RecoverPanic = new(true)
 			ctrl.Do = reconcile.Func(func(context.Context, reconcile.Request) (reconcile.Result, error) {
 				var res *reconcile.Result
 				return *res, nil
@@ -637,7 +636,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 
 		It("should return an error if a source fails to sync", func(ctx SpecContext) {
 			ctrl.startWatches = []source.TypedSource[reconcile.Request]{
-				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: ptr.To(false)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
+				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: new(false)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
 			}
 			ctrl.Name = "test-controller"
 			ctrl.CacheSyncTimeout = 5 * time.Second
@@ -650,7 +649,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 		It("should not return an error when sources start and sync successfully", func(ctx SpecContext) {
 			// Create a source that starts and syncs successfully
 			ctrl.startWatches = []source.TypedSource[reconcile.Request]{
-				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: ptr.To(true)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
+				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: new(true)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
 			}
 			ctrl.Name = "test-controller"
 			ctrl.CacheSyncTimeout = 5 * time.Second
@@ -940,7 +939,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will request a requeue")
 			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{Requeue: true}, nil)
@@ -952,7 +951,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					RateLimited: true,
-					Priority:    ptr.To(10),
+					Priority:    new(10),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -969,10 +968,10 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will request a requeue")
-			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{Requeue: true, Priority: ptr.To(99)}, nil)
+			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{Requeue: true, Priority: new(99)}, nil)
 			Expect(<-reconciled).To(Equal(request))
 			Eventually(func() []priorityQueueAddition {
 				q.lock.Lock()
@@ -981,7 +980,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					RateLimited: true,
-					Priority:    ptr.To(99),
+					Priority:    new(99),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -1028,7 +1027,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will ask for RequeueAfter")
 			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{RequeueAfter: time.Millisecond * 100}, nil)
@@ -1040,7 +1039,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					After:    time.Millisecond * 100,
-					Priority: ptr.To(10),
+					Priority: new(10),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -1057,10 +1056,10 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will ask for RequeueAfter")
-			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{RequeueAfter: time.Millisecond * 100, Priority: ptr.To(99)}, nil)
+			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{RequeueAfter: time.Millisecond * 100, Priority: new(99)}, nil)
 			Expect(<-reconciled).To(Equal(request))
 			Eventually(func() []priorityQueueAddition {
 				q.lock.Lock()
@@ -1069,7 +1068,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					After:    time.Millisecond * 100,
-					Priority: ptr.To(99),
+					Priority: new(99),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -1115,7 +1114,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will return an error")
 			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{}, errors.New("oups, I did it again"))
@@ -1127,7 +1126,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					RateLimited: true,
-					Priority:    ptr.To(10),
+					Priority:    new(10),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -1144,10 +1143,10 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 				Expect(ctrl.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
 			}()
 
-			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: ptr.To(10)}, request)
+			q.PriorityQueue.AddWithOpts(priorityqueue.AddOpts{Priority: new(10)}, request)
 
 			By("Invoking Reconciler which will return an error")
-			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{Priority: ptr.To(99)}, errors.New("oups, I did it again"))
+			fakeReconcile.AddResult(reconcile.Result{Priority: new(99)}, errors.New("oups, I did it again"))
 			Expect(<-reconciled).To(Equal(request))
 			Eventually(func() []priorityQueueAddition {
 				q.lock.Lock()
@@ -1156,7 +1155,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 			}).Should(Equal([]priorityQueueAddition{{
 				AddOpts: priorityqueue.AddOpts{
 					RateLimited: true,
-					Priority:    ptr.To(99),
+					Priority:    new(99),
 				},
 				items: []reconcile.Request{request},
 			}}))
@@ -1373,7 +1372,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 
 	Describe("Warmup", func() {
 		JustBeforeEach(func() {
-			ctrl.EnableWarmup = ptr.To(true)
+			ctrl.EnableWarmup = new(true)
 		})
 
 		It("should track warmup status correctly with successful sync", func(ctx SpecContext) {
@@ -1391,7 +1390,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 		It("should return an error if there is an error waiting for the informers", func(ctx SpecContext) {
 			ctrl.CacheSyncTimeout = time.Second
 			ctrl.startWatches = []source.TypedSource[reconcile.Request]{
-				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: ptr.To(false)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
+				source.Kind(&informertest.FakeInformers{Synced: new(false)}, &corev1.Pod{}, &handler.TypedEnqueueRequestForObject[*corev1.Pod]{}),
 			}
 			ctrl.Name = testControllerName
 			err := ctrl.Warmup(ctx)
@@ -1652,8 +1651,8 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 					return log.RuntimeLog.WithName("controller").WithName("test")
 				},
 				CacheSyncTimeout: time.Second,
-				EnableWarmup:     ptr.To(false),
-				LeaderElected:    ptr.To(true),
+				EnableWarmup:     new(false),
+				LeaderElected:    new(true),
 			})
 			nonWarmupCtrl.startWatches = []source.TypedSource[reconcile.Request]{
 				source.Func(func(ctx context.Context, _ workqueue.TypedRateLimitingInterface[reconcile.Request]) error {
@@ -1856,7 +1855,7 @@ var _ = Describe("controller", func() {
 
 	Describe("Warmup with warmup disabled", func() {
 		JustBeforeEach(func() {
-			ctrl.EnableWarmup = ptr.To(false)
+			ctrl.EnableWarmup = new(false)
 		})
 
 		It("should not start sources when Warmup is called if warmup is disabled but start it when Start is called.", func(specCtx SpecContext) {
diff --git a/pkg/internal/metrics/workqueue_test.go b/pkg/internal/metrics/workqueue_test.go
index c3cb7378e7..d7f50feab0 100644
--- a/pkg/internal/metrics/workqueue_test.go
+++ b/pkg/internal/metrics/workqueue_test.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ limitations under the License.
 package metrics
 
 import (
+	"strings"
 	"sync"
 
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
@@ -41,10 +42,7 @@ func (f *fakeGaugeVec) WithLabelValues(lvs ...string) prometheus.Gauge {
 	f.mu.Lock()
 	defer f.mu.Unlock()
 
-	key := ""
-	for _, lv := range lvs {
-		key += lv + "|"
-	}
+	key := strings.Join(lvs, "|") + "|"
 	if _, ok := f.gauges[key]; !ok {
 		f.gauges[key] = 0
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/manager/internal/integration/manager_test.go b/pkg/manager/internal/integration/manager_test.go
index 570c932abc..3ea8fcb61b 100644
--- a/pkg/manager/internal/integration/manager_test.go
+++ b/pkg/manager/internal/integration/manager_test.go
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1/unstructured"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime"
 	clientgoscheme "k8s.io/client-go/kubernetes/scheme"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	metricsserver "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/metrics/server"
 
 	ctrl "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime"
@@ -169,7 +168,7 @@ var _ = Describe("manger.Manager Start", func() {
 			ctrl.NewControllerManagedBy(mgr).
 				For(&crewv2.Driver{}).
 				Named(fmt.Sprintf("driver_warmup_%t", warmupEnabled)).
-				WithOptions(controller.Options{EnableWarmup: ptr.To(warmupEnabled)}).
+				WithOptions(controller.Options{EnableWarmup: new(warmupEnabled)}).
 				Complete(driverReconciler),
 		).To(Succeed())
 
diff --git a/pkg/manager/manager.go b/pkg/manager/manager.go
index af532ea741..d6fa7a4f28 100644
--- a/pkg/manager/manager.go
+++ b/pkg/manager/manager.go
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/client-go/tools/events"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/tools/leaderelection/resourcelock"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/tools/record"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	metricsserver "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/metrics/server"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/webhook/conversion"
 
@@ -444,7 +443,7 @@ func New(config *rest.Config, options Options) (Manager, error) {
 	errChan := make(chan error, 1)
 	runnables := newRunnables(options.BaseContext, errChan).withLogger(options.Logger)
 	return &controllerManager{
-		stopProcedureEngaged:          ptr.To(int64(0)),
+		stopProcedureEngaged:          new(int64(0)),
 		cluster:                       cluster,
 		runnables:                     runnables,
 		errChan:                       errChan,
diff --git a/pkg/manager/manager_test.go b/pkg/manager/manager_test.go
index 0e0d659c44..10a73072bb 100644
--- a/pkg/manager/manager_test.go
+++ b/pkg/manager/manager_test.go
@@ -895,11 +895,11 @@ var _ = Describe("manger.Manager", func() {
 				}
 
 				var lock sync.Mutex
-				var runnableDoneCount int64
+				var runnableDoneCount atomic.Int64
 				runnableDoneFunc := func() {
 					lock.Lock()
 					defer lock.Unlock()
-					atomic.AddInt64(&runnableDoneCount, 1)
+					runnableDoneCount.Add(1)
 				}
 				var wgRunnableRunning sync.WaitGroup
 				wgRunnableRunning.Add(2)
@@ -929,9 +929,7 @@ var _ = Describe("manger.Manager", func() {
 					defer GinkgoRecover()
 					defer wgManagerRunning.Done()
 					Expect(m.Start(ctx)).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
-					Eventually(func() int64 {
-						return atomic.LoadInt64(&runnableDoneCount)
-					}).Should(BeEquivalentTo(2))
+					Eventually(runnableDoneCount.Load).Should(BeEquivalentTo(2))
 				}()
 				wgRunnableRunning.Wait()
 				cancel()
diff --git a/pkg/manager/runnable_group_test.go b/pkg/manager/runnable_group_test.go
index 9a278a1495..67d3565780 100644
--- a/pkg/manager/runnable_group_test.go
+++ b/pkg/manager/runnable_group_test.go
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import (
 
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/cache/informertest"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/webhook"
@@ -197,7 +196,7 @@ var _ = Describe("runnableGroup", func() {
 	It("should be able to close the group and wait for all runnables to finish", func(specCtx SpecContext) {
 		ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(specCtx)
 
-		exited := ptr.To(int64(0))
+		exited := new(int64(0))
 		rg := newRunnableGroup(defaultBaseContext, errCh)
 		for i := range 10 {
 			Expect(rg.Add(RunnableFunc(func(c context.Context) error {
diff --git a/pkg/metrics/filters/filters_test.go b/pkg/metrics/filters/filters_test.go
index bd107fc56d..75f83f27c6 100644
--- a/pkg/metrics/filters/filters_test.go
+++ b/pkg/metrics/filters/filters_test.go
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ import (
 	rbacv1 "k8s.io/api/rbac/v1"
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/rest"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/manager"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/metrics"
@@ -256,7 +255,7 @@ func setupServiceAccountForURL(ctx context.Context, c client.Client, path string
 
 	tokenRequest := &authenticationv1.TokenRequest{
 		Spec: authenticationv1.TokenRequestSpec{
-			ExpirationSeconds: ptr.To(int64(2 * 60 * 60)), // 2 hours.
+			ExpirationSeconds: new(int64(2 * 60 * 60)), // 2 hours.
 		},
 	}
 	if err := c.SubResource("token").Create(ctx, sa, tokenRequest); err != nil {
diff --git a/pkg/source/source.go b/pkg/source/source.go
index c2c2dc4e07..e4f63ee5b5 100644
--- a/pkg/source/source.go
+++ b/pkg/source/source.go
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ import (
 
 	toolscache "k8s.io/client-go/tools/cache"
 	"k8s.io/client-go/util/workqueue"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/client"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/event"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/handler"
@@ -186,7 +185,7 @@ func (cs *channel[object, request]) Start(
 	}
 
 	if cs.bufferSize == nil {
-		cs.bufferSize = ptr.To(1024)
+		cs.bufferSize = new(1024)
 	}
 
 	dst := make(chan event.TypedGenericEvent[object], *cs.bufferSize)
diff --git a/pkg/webhook/admission/defaulter_custom_test.go b/pkg/webhook/admission/defaulter_custom_test.go
index 8fcae2bed2..4daa9d31bd 100644
--- a/pkg/webhook/admission/defaulter_custom_test.go
+++ b/pkg/webhook/admission/defaulter_custom_test.go
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ import (
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/schema"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/runtime/serializer/json"
 	"k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/util/intstr"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 )
 
 var _ = Describe("Defaulter Handler", func() {
@@ -273,7 +272,7 @@ func createSuperPod(hostname string) *corev1.Pod {
 			InitContainers: []corev1.Container{
 				{
 					Name: "vault-init", Image: "vault:1.13.1",
-					SecurityContext: &corev1.SecurityContext{RunAsUser: ptr.To[int64](1000)},
+					SecurityContext: &corev1.SecurityContext{RunAsUser: new(int64(1000))},
 				},
 			},
 			Containers: []corev1.Container{
@@ -328,10 +327,10 @@ func createSuperPod(hostname string) *corev1.Pod {
 				},
 			},
 			SecurityContext: &corev1.PodSecurityContext{
-				RunAsNonRoot:   ptr.To(true),
+				RunAsNonRoot:   new(true),
 				SeccompProfile: &corev1.SeccompProfile{Type: corev1.SeccompProfileTypeRuntimeDefault},
 			},
-			TerminationGracePeriodSeconds: ptr.To[int64](60),
+			TerminationGracePeriodSeconds: new(int64(60)),
 			ReadinessGates: []corev1.PodReadinessGate{
 				{ConditionType: "target-health.lbv3.k8s.cloud/my-tg"},
 			},
diff --git a/pkg/webhook/admission/webhook_test.go b/pkg/webhook/admission/webhook_test.go
index 5176077368..4612c533ef 100644
--- a/pkg/webhook/admission/webhook_test.go
+++ b/pkg/webhook/admission/webhook_test.go
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ import (
 	authenticationv1 "k8s.io/api/authentication/v1"
 	metav1 "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/apis/meta/v1"
 	machinerytypes "k8s.io/apimachinery/pkg/types"
-	"k8s.io/utils/ptr"
 
 	logf "sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/log"
 	"sigs.k8s.io/controller-runtime/pkg/log/zap"
@@ -236,7 +235,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Admission Webhooks", func() {
 				}
 				webhook := &Webhook{
 					Handler:      handler,
-					RecoverPanic: ptr.To[bool](true),
+					RecoverPanic: new(true),
 				}
 
 				return webhook
@@ -263,7 +262,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Admission Webhooks", func() {
 				}
 				webhook := &Webhook{
 					Handler:      handler,
-					RecoverPanic: ptr.To[bool](false),
+					RecoverPanic: new(false),
 				}
 
 				return webhook