News and COVID-19 updates

COVID 19: New guidance on contract variations

11 May 2020

Government has worked with the Construction Sector Accord to release new advice to the sector as clients work with contractors to agree a fair value for contract variations due the COVID-19 lockdown.

COVID 19: Rapidly mobilising construction projects

11 May 2020

The Accord has today issued new guidance to local and central government agencies on getting construction projects up and running quickly following the COVID-19 disruption. Several models for rapid mobilisation have been outlined that will help agencies streamline processes and improve project efficiency.

COVID 19: Looking after mental health

15 April 2020

Agencies and organisations are stepping up to offer better mental health support during the COVID-19 shutdown. Many people in the workforce are already reaching out to MATES in Construction to talk and get help, and other organisations are providing free resources.

COVID 19: Government contract guidelines to support industry

7 April 2020

Government has implemented the first action from the Accord’s Construction Sector Response Plan and set out expectations and guidance to agencies on managing contracts during the shutdown.

COVID-19: Response plan for the construction sector

5 April 2020

The Accord Steering Group has released a response plan to support the sector during and after COVID-19.

COVID-19: Further steps to protect New Zealander's jobs(external link)

28 March 2020

The Government has modified the wage subsidy scheme to ensure people don’t lose their jobs during the national lockdown.

Covid-19: Information for building and construction sector (as at 24 March 2020)(external link)

25 March 2020

Some initial information has been created for those in the building and construction sector (as at 24 March).

COVID-19: $12.1 billion support for New Zealanders and business(external link)

17 March 2020

The Government has outlined a $12.1 billion package to support New Zealand in response to the global impact of COVID-19.

Construction Sector Transformation Plan to lift sector productivity (external link)

26 January 2020

A joint industry and government action plan to transform the construction sector was announced today by the Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa.

Mates in Construction

1 November 2019

MATES In Construction formally launched this week to improve awareness of the significance of suicide in the construction industry.

New Construction Procurement Guidelines to promote better practices

11 October 2019

New Construction Procurement Guidelines were jointly announced by the Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford and Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa.

Mental Health in Construction

11 October 2019

CHASNZ has launched two new guides for the sector — Mental Health in Construction: Information for Managers, and a simple pocket guide that all workers can carry with them. The intent is to normalise conversations about mental health and create a more supportive workplace.

2019 Building and construction pipeline report released(external link)

4 September 2019

Improving the visibility of the construction pipeline has emerged as an important issue for the Construction Sector Accord and for achieving sector transformation. MBIE today released the 2019 National Construction Pipeline Report which forecasts construction activity over the next six years and supports better planning in the sector.

Construction contracts under the microscope

2 September 2019

The Construction Sector Accord programme is helping to tackle the 'culture of mistrust' identified in a recent Treasury report into the use of standard contracts in construction.

Infrastructure Pipeline launched(external link)

9 May 2019

The Government has published a prototype Infrastructure Pipeline, to show what projects will be delivered by major central government agencies over the next five years.

Innovate, Partner, Build — a better way to work with industry

15 April 2019

Housing New Zealand is creating new way of working more smartly with the construction industry through their Innovate, Partner, Build programme.

Government and industry sign Construction Sector Accord(external link)

14 April 2019

Government and construction industry leaders have today signalled a shared commitment to transform New Zealand's construction sector.

Accord set to change 'rules of the game' in construction industry

14 April 2019

Building industry leaders today welcomed the signing of an agreement with government that provides a platform to reinvent the construction sector, and improve its ability to contribute to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of New Zealanders.