MATES in Construction: Industry Insights

By Praneel Hira, MATES Communications and Events Advisor

In July 2025, MATES worked alongside the wider construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure industries, hearing from over 3,300 workers through the MATES Industry Well-being Survey, supported by ASB.

The 2025 survey revealed a workforce proud of what they do and deeply connected to the meaning in their mahi. While job satisfaction remains strong, the results also highlighted ongoing challenges to worker well-being — including exhaustion, workload, financial stress, and physical health issues.

At the same time, the survey reinforced what we know works: mateship, meaningful work, respect, and connection. These are real, tangible protective factors. The challenge now is for industry, employers, and systems to align — reducing risks and embedding these positive supports into the fabric of everyday site life.

Workers were clear about what helps keep them well: time with whānau (family), wairua (spirituality/faith), being part of a good team, access to trusted support when it’s needed, fair pay, and reasonable hours.

As one of Aotearoa’s largest industries, construction is uniquely placed to drive change — to build a safety net that supports workers every day. We all have a role to play in that net: it starts with igniting hope and creating connection — on site, in the office, and in our communities.

The question for each of us is: what can we do to ignite hope?

Hope can be sparked in the smallest of acts — a smile, a word of encouragement, a kind gesture, a call from a mate, a moment of learning, or the courage to ask someone how they’re really doing.

But hope can also be complex — found in bigger shifts like changes in workplace culture, leadership, policies, or legislation. Whether simple or structural, these actions build momentum. And with that momentum, we create not just safer workplaces, but stronger, more connected lives.

As we wrap up 2025, we acknowledge the courageous conversations that have taken place across our sites, offices, and communities — moments where workers opened up, supported each other, and stood together to say that mental health matters. These conversations take strength, and they are changing the culture of our industry.

Looking ahead to 2026, the challenge for the industry is to build on this momentum — to keep listening, keep learning, and continue creating a culture where connection, compassion, and hope are part of everyday working life.

If you would like to explore the findings of the 2025 MATES Industry Well-Being Survey, visit www.mates.net.nz/research