BIF NZ Newsletter

July 2026

Chief Executive's Report:

Julien Leys

Welcome to our July newsletter.

I'm excited to present our next episode in the Building Leaders Forum series, this time with Sara Johnson, CEO of ITM. Sara also sits on our BIF NZ Board - we are very lucky to have her. Sara and I discuss all things building, from reforms to relationships to boom and bust cycles. Watch our latest episode by clicking the thumbnail below.

BIF NZ: Building Leaders Forum with Sara Johnson, CEO of ITM

There are some encouraging signs emerging across the building sector. Just released Stats NZ figures show the annual number of new homes consented has increased by 19 percent compared with the previous year. While activity remains below previous peaks, it is a positive signal that economic conditions are beginning to improve after a challenging period.

At the same time, significant policy discussions continue to shape the future of our industry. The introduction of the Building Amendment Bill, including proposed changes around proportionate liability and home warranties, represents one of the most important regulatory developments in recent years. BIF NZ will continue to monitor progress closely and advocate for outcomes that support a productive, sustainable, and resilient building sector.

It's hard to believe we are over halfway through the year. It hasn't been an easy first half - let's hope there are more green shoots in the next six months. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. We look forward to continuing working alongside our members as we advocate for a stronger and more successful building industry. As always, feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions, concerns, observations, or would just like to chat about the industry: julien@bifnz.co.nz

Finally, you may have seen that this year is a special milestone for BIF NZ as we celebrate 25 years of representing New Zealand's building supply chain. For a quarter of a century, our focus has remained the same: providing an independent voice for the industry and bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, merchants, and industry partners to address common challenges and opportunities. We invite you to join us at our celebration, networking, and AGM event on Wednesday 26th of August. See information below, and get in touch if you would like to attend: office@bifnz.co.nz

Wishing you a safe, warm, and happy long weekend. Mānawatia a Matariki.

Ngā mihi nui,
Julien Leys
Chief Executive, Building Industry Federation of New Zealand

In this newsletter:

Industry news
BDO Construction Sector Report 2026
BRANZ: Building Research Levy Act repeal
Green Property Summit 2026
CreditWorks Insights
Stats NZ: Annual number of home consents up 19 percent
Forsyth Barr's Building Sector Insights

Industry news

8 June, BusinessDesk: Infrastructure funding changes 'a long way from workable'
9 June, Inside Government: Plans for local LNG import facility a step closer
9 June, Reuters: Meta funds skilled trades job program for IA data centre buildout
17 June, BusinessDesk: Fletcher Building's $450 asset sales trim debt, as surging costs shut down new projects
17 June, NZ Herald: Fletcher Building cuts debt with $450m asset sales
26 June, BusinessDesk: RMA replacement legislation delayed by four weeks as MPs grapple with detail
30 June, RNZ: Here's where housing is most affordable - and where it's becoming more
8 July, BusinessDesk: Construction and infrastructure drive the big law firm promotions
8 July, BusinessDesk: Logistics giant Qube acquires Auckland stevedoring company amid A$11.7b takeover
8 July, BusinessDesk: Education Ministry considers slashing number of contractors used for school builds
9 July, BusinessDesk: Port of Auckland trims planned 2027 access charge hike
9 July, 1News: Govt pulls flagship roading projects into the slow lane

Source: POAL via BusinessDesk

BDO Construction Sector Report 2026

BDO has released their 2026 report on the state of the construction sector in New Zealand. announcing key findings of the 2026 BDO Construction Sector Report.

The report reveals signs of resilience building in New Zealand’s construction sector, amid continued economic and political uncertainty. It explores where to next for the sector, addressing national, regional and subsector issues, as NZ construction business leaders navigate a challenging context compounded by the recent fuel crisis and Middle East conflict.

View the report here.

Source: BDO

BRANZ: Building Research Levy Act repeal

The Government has announced a major reform of how building research is funded in New Zealand, including repealing the Building Research Levy Act 1969, which funds the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ).

BRANZ spoke to industry leaders who voiced their concerns about how repealing the levy may impact New Zealand's built environment going forward. Read about the concerns the sector has on the matter here.

Source: BRANZ Judgeford Research Facility, via IRANZ

Green Property Summit 2026

The New Zealand Green Building Council are holding "The Green Property Summit" next month in Auckland. Find out more about the event here.

CreditWorks Insights

CreditWorks have published their May 2026 month-end credit insights - read here.

Source: CreditWorks

Stats NZ: Annual number of home consents up 19 percent

There were 39,737 new homes consented in New Zealand in the year ended May 2026, up 19 percent compared with the year ended May 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Read more about home consent data here.

Meanwhile, in May 2026, the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings consented fell 4.0 percent, after rising 11 percent in April 2026. Read more about building consents issued here.