Construction stories
One-third of construction jobs are at risk as firms brace for insolvencies and shift training and services online to survive the lockdown.
Bond markets and prolonged virus disruption could strain weaker firms, with airlines, shipping and non-food retail facing the biggest risk.
Billions in COVID-19 spending could be used to unlock projects, create jobs and speed New Zealand’s economic recovery, Infrastructure NZ says.
Auckland's housing crisis could deepen if the Drury project fails to deliver affordable homes despite NZD $2.4 billion in transport spending.
Companies can face serious penalties if they hire untrained contractors, after a forestry worker suffered major chest injuries in Waitakere.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Contractors are already seeing clearer project oversight and faster reporting as the new Acuite-photoSentinel link feeds live camera data into dashboards.
Tight housing supply and surging demand are pushing Dunedin values up 17% a year, with buyers still outpacing new listings.
Civil contractors say the Government must back already designed transport works quickly to protect jobs as big projects finish.
Wearlon sheaves can cut rope wear and maintenance, helping cranes, elevators and other plant stay safer for longer.
Greater transparency on future works could help New Zealand firms plan labour and capital as the pipeline tops USD $20 billion.
Mass timber is opening up faster, cheaper projects across Australia, with new code changes and local supply widening its use beyond niche builds.
New procurement rules could ease contract risk and cut legal costs, if agencies shift from lowest price to outcome-led construction deals.
The deal should improve certainty for contractors and could cut costs as Watercare pursues long-term savings and sustainability goals.
Better procurement could unlock billions of dollars in value from New Zealand’s $129 billion infrastructure pipeline, industry groups say.
Uncertainty over project timing is hampering hiring and investment, with 77% of contractors wanting a clearer pipeline of government work.
New dwelling consents are still climbing despite labour and materials constraints, with Auckland’s smaller homes now outpacing standalone houses for the first time.
Visitors could soon sleep under the reef, as Queensland backs a GBP £1 million pontoon project expected to draw 160,000 more tourists a year.
Manufacturers are gaining cheaper, safer and lighter parts as advanced plastics replace metal in machinery, buildings and bulk handling.
The wearable tech industry, which is set to reach $54 billion by 2023, offers a significant opportunity for the construction industry.
