BIF NZ Newsletter

August 2026

Chief Executive's Report:

Julien Leys

Welcome to our August newsletter.

Firstly, how interesting it is to see that Hon. Erica Stanford has announced that one of the nine new subjects being introduced in schools is "Construction and Built Environment." These new subjects appear to have been built around some of New Zealand's biggest industries and are expected to help students to develop practical, relevant skills, explore emerging career opportunities, and make confident choices about their next steps. I will be intrigued to see how they fit into students’ secondary school qualifications and support pathways into university, trades, training and the workforce, whether that's in building and construction or elsewhere. I'm excited to see how this, alongside the other newly announced subjects, lands. Hopefully it will facilitate more motivated young people into our industry. You can read the full release about these new subjects here.

In case you missed it, I was honoured to write another piece for the New Zealand Infrastructure Review, this time on the ambitions of the National Infrastructure Plan 2026, and I ask the critical question: Can New Zealand’s building materials and products supply chain help deliver this infrastructure pipeline more efficiently and affordably? You can read my thoughts about how the building supply chain will make or break New Zealand’s infrastructure ambitions on the New Zealand Infrastructure Review website here.

via 1News

Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to engage with members across our network. Despite ongoing challenges in the wider economic and business environment, there remains a strong sense of optimism and determination. I find myself quite inspired by the innovation, resilience, and commitment I continue to see. It makes me think of a piece I read recently from Master Builders president Kieren Mallon, who said that while it’s important to stay informed about global issues affecting us locally, we should be careful to not allow negative sentiment alone dictate our decisions. He makes a great point. From what I have seen recently, it seems as though many in our industry are embracing this outlook, too. After all, progress is often achieved when we acknowledge challenges while remaining focused on opportunities and long-term outcomes. You can read the whole piece from Mallon here.

As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to continue leaning into opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection. Even small steps can create significant outcomes over time. The most successful individuals and organisations are often those who remain curious, open-minded, and prepared to embrace change.

I would also like to thank everyone who contributes to making BIF NZ such a valuable and supportive community. Your participation, ideas, and engagement help create an environment where people can learn from one another and succeed together. On that note, we have our AGM coming up, which is also marking BIF NZ's 25th anniversary with an industry networking event. We invite you to join us at our celebration, networking, and AGM event on Wednesday 26th of August. See details below, and get in touch if you would like to attend: office@bifnz.co.nz

I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the coming months and to continuing our journey of growth and collaboration, and I hope to see you at our networking event too. In the meantime - keep warm!

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

In this newsletter:

Industry News
Constructive 2026
Updates on the Planning and Natural Environment Acts
BRANZ: Proposed changes to NZS3604
Russell McVeagh: Managing fuel supply disruption in construction contracts
Stats NZ: Over 40,000 home consents in year ended June 2026

Industry News

6 July, Interest: Auckland's residential construction industry may have to increase capacity by 20% over the next two years to keep pace with the number of new homes being consented
7 July, 1News: Ministry considers cutting number of firms constructing school property
9 July, 1News: Govt pulls flagship roading projects into the slow lane
12 July, RNZ: Inside New Zealand's shrinking building and construction industry
15 July, NZ Herald: National pledges to take some building consents off councils
18 July, The Press: ‘Everything was hard’: Liquidations on the rise in fickle building industry
20 July, The Post: DIY granny flats hit Kiwi market ahead of looser rules for small homes
21 July, 1News: Council warns of 'tipping point' for building consent costs
21 July, BusinessDesk: Construction sector at risk of skills shortage once conditions improve, report says
27 July, BusinessDesk: Auckland eyes ways to reward the 'right' projects, push back on unanticipated growth
30 July, BusinessDesk: Bunnings’ backyard pods: DIY dream or legal minefield?
30 July, BusinessDesk: Z Energy warns fuel crisis ‘still has a long way to run’
31 July, BusinessDesk: Multiple suitors circle Fletcher residential arm: 'Caught a bid of late'
3 August, BusinessDesk: NZ new-home consent numbers snap 2023 ceiling
4 August, Newsroom: Regulatory relief will turn planning into a bureaucratic and litigious nightmare

Source: iStock via 1News

Constructive 2026

Constructive 2026 is taking place next month on the 3rd and 4th of September in Auckland. Registrations are now open to attend and join New Zealand's building and construction leaders for two days of inspiring speakers, practical learning and meaningful conversations that will help shape what's next.

Check out their website for details on the event, including the programme and how to register, here.

Updates on the Planning and Natural Environment Acts

The Government is proposing its biggest planning reform in over 35 years, replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) with two new laws: the Planning Act for land use and development, and the Natural Environment Act for environmental protection and management.

Earlier in July, Hon. Chris Bishop and Hon. Simon Watts reported back from the Environment Committee with changes that "improve the workability of New Zealand's new planning system while retaining its core design." For our industry, the Planning Act is likely to have the greatest day-to-day influence, as it will impact land development, subdivision planning, and urban growth.

The key changes from the Environment Committee can be found here. Key features of the new system as a whole can be found here.

BRANZ: Proposed changes to NZS 3604

Public consultation is now open on the draft revision of NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings. The proposed updates reflect changes in building practice, materials, research and regulatory requirements over the past 15 years.

The Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) have summarised the most significant changes to the revised standard. View the key points of the revision on the BRANZ website here.

Russell McVeagh: Managing fuel supply disruption in construction contracts

Breaking Ground is Russell McVeagh's monthly construction law blog where their experts share their perspectives on the key developments shaping the sector.

As we know, recent fuel price volatility is creating pressure across the construction sector in New Zealand, affecting transport costs, freight, logistics, plant, equipment and material pricing. This month, they explore six key insights on navigating uncertainty and building resilience into projects, including cost escalation mechanisms, extensions of time, force majeure provisions and risk allocation. Read the latest blog here.

Stats NZ: Over 40,000 home consents in year ended June 2026

There were 40,581 new homes consented in New Zealand in the year ended June 2026, up 19 percent compared with the year ended June 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ recently. Meanwhile, in June 2026, the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings consented fell 3.6 percent, after falling 4.9 percent in May 2026.

“This is the first time we've seen the annual number of new homes consented exceed 40,000 since 2023,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

Read about the home consents data here, or about the building consents issued in June 2026 here.