Launch of the Construction Sector Accord

Prime Minister Ardern: The Construction Sector Accord is the first step in creating a strong partnership between government and industry. And it has created a platform for industry leaders to come together to work towards what I know is a common goal.

Minister Salesa: It is about strengthening and aligning the vision of government as well as the vision of industry. Strong leadership from both of us is required for New Zealand's construction sector to realise it’s full potential.

Peter Reidy: What I've been most impressed about as we approach this, is both parties, government and the industry, have actually started to have a really good look and say what can we do, what are we accountable for to drive change.

David Kelly: I think the Accord is a fundamentally important signal that the industry wants to step up and needs to step up and recognises that. And that the government does as well and that both sides are saying we want to make this work, and that we are prepared to change and we are prepared to lead.

Roger McRae: Well we see this as a really important initiative about providing greater certainty for the industry.

Doug Johnson: And I think we've got a real opportunity to do world leading construction examples. We can just make New Zealand a great place to travel in, to live in, to work in ...and most of all a safe place for people to live. Creating an environment where we can have happy lives and happy homes. It's a really good thing to do.

Geoff Hunt: Construction is a hugely collaborative activity and the best results come if the parties — the procurers, the main contractors, the designers and so on can all work together.

Francois Barton: Today's an opportunity I think for the sector to really demonstrate with government about a desire to lift its focus. And how it can work together and so it's a start, but it's a great start. The balls in all of our court now to take it forward, I don't think the works going to be done for us and I think that's a great opportunity. The sector wants to own its future - now's the chance to do that.