For the 2020 election, the New Zealand Construction Industry Council (CIC) developed a list of six election platforms representing key opportunities and threats facing the New Zealand construction industry. These platforms were sent to the Building & Construction spokesperson of each of the five main political parties, who were invited to participate in a recorded interview with Radio New Zealand journalist, Phil Pennington.
nziob.org.nz/news/latest-news/cic-video-political-briefs/
The New Zealand construction industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy with
over 184 thousand people employed in this industry as at the first quarter of 2020, a significant
increase from the prior decade prior. With over 61 thousand enterprises engaged in the sector
the GDP contribution reached over 15 billion New Zealand dollars in 2019.
With a low productivity quotient compared with most other sectors, there is scope for
improvement to deliver sustained capability, capacity and productivity.
NZCIC’s members believe the following initiatives are integral to improving built outcomes for the betterment of New Zealanders.
1. Strong and ongoing Construction Sector Accord support….
2. Building Regulatory Improvement
There is a lot of room for improvement through the initiation of regular and appropriately
funded ongoing reviews that produce appropriate “fit for purpose” changes to Building
Regulations. Through elevated engagement between the regulator and industry (including
NZCIC) we can ensure their ability to support a high conforming and quality built environment.
Areas of focus should be:
• Building Code System Review
• Building Levy – broadening levy use to enhance building practitioners’ capabilities to
ensure an increase in the quality and productivity of a build
• Product Information and Product Assurance Regulations – the sector desperately
needs an actively enforced product information and assurance scheme that will
deliver consumer confidence. This should include a mandatory third-party
certification programme for a small but appropriate number of critical building
products
• Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Legislation – that ensures manufacturers
take responsibility for the compliance and quality of their products
• Building Standards – activation of a plan to review and strengthen agreed industry
priorities
• Building Resilience/Climate Change – broader industry engagement on proposed
building regulations.
3. Construction industry people capability and capacity investment….
4. Constructions role in post-COVID-19 economic recovery….
5. Progress key commercial construction industry law changes….
6. Sustainability and resilience….
nzcic.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NZCIC-2020-Election-Platforms
View the videos:
Conversation with Shane Jones of the New Zealand First Party
Conversation with Marama Davidson of the Green Party
Conversation with Duncan Webb of the Labour Party
Conversation with Tim Van de Molen of the National Party
Conversation with David Seymour of the Act Party