Diversity in Construction initiative “great news” for women in construction

Minister Williams highlighted the Construction Sector Accord's Diversity in Construction initiative, and celebrated the nearly 40,000 women employed in the construction-related workforce.

Minister Williams celebrated the nearly 40,000 women employed in the construction-related workforce.

"May that number continue to grow and may you flourish, thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging in the building and construction industry," she told the event.

However, she noted that with less than 20% female participation, "the building and construction sector has been missing out on a massive pool of potential talent."

The Accord has partnered with Diversity Works New Zealand, the national body for workplace diversity and inclusion, to encourage more diverse talent into construction opportunities. The Diversity in Construction initiative will build a roadmap to better invest in and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the building and construction sector.

It will include the first ever in-depth research on diversity and inclusion practices across a whole sector, to better understand how we can improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

"This is great news for the future of the building and construction sector, great news for the women who work in it, and great news for those women who are considering embarking on a construction career," said Minister Williams.

"With the number of women training to be apprentices growing at nearly twice the rate of male apprentices, it is fantastic to see the tide turning towards a more inclusive industry where women can grow, belong and thrive," she said.

The awards are supported by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) and were held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Auckland's waterfront, in the presence of 'the Auld Mug', the America’s Cup.

Among the judges was Graham Burke, member of the Accord Steering Group and Chair of the Construction Industry Council.

"I was privileged to be part of the judging team and was blown away by the quality of the entrants and the amazing stories of perseverance and resilience. There were lots of fantastic present and future industry leaders collecting awards on the night," he said.

For details of the winners, and more pictures of the big night, visit NAWIC's website.(external link)

More information

Read more about the Construction Sector Accord's Diversity in Construction initiative.

Read more about Diversity Works New Zealand(external link) - diversityworksnz.org.nz

Read more about the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation(external link) - bcito.org.nz