Recently released research from BRANZ has revealed that construction companies now make up nearly a third of all business liquidations in New Zealand. Their latest industry data shows construction business liquidations were up 37% in the year to February, and made up 31% of all business liquidations.
Credit reporting company Centrix also reported that a total of 728 construction companies went into liquidation in the year to March - up nearly 50% from the prior year - noting that new home builders and property developers were among the business types with the highest number of company failures.
But what's behind these numbers? And when can we expect to see things improving for the building and construction industry?
BIF NZ Chief Executive Julien Leys was interviewed for The Post on this economic downturn, the long-term outlook for the construction sector, and why people ought to remain positive. You can view the article here.
He was also invited to chat with Heather du Plessis-Allan about the downturns on NewstalkZB. You can listen to his interview with Heather here.
Building Leaders Forum series: second episode out now
The second instalment of BIF NZ's Building Leaders Forum series is now live on YouTube.
In this episode, BIF NZ Chief Executive Julien Leys chats with Robin Davies, Chief Executive of New Zealand Steel, New Zealand's leading steel making company and a subsidiary of BlueScope Steel Limited.
You can watch the video on the BIF NZ YouTube here.
Pictured: Julien Leys of BIF NZ, left, with Robin Davies of New Zealand Steel
BuildLink Trade Show
Last month, BuildLink held their annual trade show in Auckland.
The BuildLink Trade Show brings together a variety of companies within the building and construction industry to learn what each other has to offer. BIF NZ Chief Executive Julien Leys attended on behalf of BIF NZ and was delighted to see so many people in attendance.
“It was a great day, full of insights,” said Leys. “It was a combination of some of the up-and-coming tools and trends within the industry, and the tried, trusted, and true.”
BIF NZ also ran a small giveaway while at the trade show - congratulations to the giveaway winners Doug and Craig.
Leys wishes to thank Simon Burden and the BuildLink Group on behalf of BIF NZ for running yet another great trade show.
Pictured, left to right: Julien Leys of BIF NZ, Jo Wilson of Gunn Talent, & Andrew Skinner of Urlich Milne Lawyers
Critical Infrastructure Bill: submissions open
Public submissions are now being called for the Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Bill.
This bill proposes to streamline the land acquisition process under the Public Works Act 1981 for:
infrastructure projects listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024
Roads of National Significance (RoNS) outlined in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024
View more information, including how to make a submission on the Critical Infrastructure Bill, here.
The closing date for Critical Infrastructure Bill submissions is 11.59pm on Friday, 13 June 2025.
Building Product Specifications: feedback
The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment are seeking feedback on product standards and other references that are proposed to be included in the first edition of the Building Product Specifications.
The Building Product Specifications is the first of three new pathways being implemented by MBIE to enable a greater range of building products to be used more easily in Aotearoa New Zealand.
View more information, including how to give feedback on the new Building Product Specifications, here.
Submissions for Building Product Specifications consultation closes at 5pm on Monday, 23 June 2025.
In addition to this, the Building Performance team is hosting a webinar at 11am Monday 9 June to discuss the Building Product Specifications, what these pathways will look like, and to answer your questions. If interested, you can register for the webinar here.
Shaping the Future of Health & Safety in Construction
The WorkSafe Board is hosting a networking event in Auckland on 16 June, bringing together Board members and Chief Executives of key organisations from across the construction sector. This is a chance to directly engage with WorkSafe, share your insights, and help shape the future of health and safety in construction.
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by 6 June 2025 with any dietary and/or access considerations to venise.comfort@worksafe.govt.nz.
Stats NZ: Home consents down in April 2025
Stats NZ has released new data around home consents, revealing that new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand were down 17 percent compared with April 2024. Stats NZ noted that the drop in new homes consented in April 2025 may have been impacted by the timing of Easter weekend and Anzac Day, with people potentially taking time off in between.
In total, there were 2,418 new homes consented in April 2025.
In addition to this, Blackburn Management have issued their New Zealand Construction Report for March 2025. You can view it here.
Regulatory Standards Bill: update from Russell McVeagh
The Regulatory Standards Bill was introduced to Parliament two weeks ago and passed its first reading under urgency.
The Bill is a key element of the coalition Government's reforms intended to "slash red tape" and reduce the amount of unnecessary and poor-quality regulation, with the ultimate goal of lifting productivity and wages in New Zealand.
Russell McVeagh published an article last week on an overview of the bill, its principles. and purpose. You can read the article and learn more about the bill here.
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