WorkSafe is calling on all industries to follow through on controlling risks once they are identified after a gas explosion burned a forklift driver. In March 2024, the forklift caught fire, igniting LPG that was being released from condemned cylinders. Several nine-kilogram gas bottles exploded, fuelling the fire. The driver was hospitalised with burns and […]
A new school-based trade training initiative will see Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes students build transportable homes. The TradeBase program sees Breen Construction partner with Dunstan and Wakatipu High Schools, BCITO and the local industry to offer structured, competency-led learning on real Breen construction sites, right on school grounds. Managing director Lindsey Breen says the […]
New Zealand’s building sector focused on reducing delays, cutting costs and improving productivity in 2025, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk tells Builders and Contractors. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says 2025 was a year focused on making it faster, smarter and safer to build in New Zealand, with reforms aimed at cutting delays, […]
Electrical inspectors say a rule change has increased the risk of people being electrocuted in homes and businesses. The change lifted a ban on inserting a switch, circuit or fuse into mains power earthing systems. The rule change in November 2025 was introduced to support future technologies like electric vehicle charging and improve disaster resilience […]
Kiwis might tend to go for timber when building their homes, but bricks are experiencing a resurgence, and they aren’t going anywhere. From the Neolithic Age to New Zealand’s avenues, bricks are versatile, natural, energy-efficient, low-maintenance and more. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And with bricks, you won’t have to. Anna Carlton is […]
The Government continues to advance more overseas building products into the country, with the MBIE issuing 54 recognition notices that cover around 38,000 plumbing and drainage products already used widely in Australia. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme can now […]
When the Te Ara Pekapeka project, which claimed Supreme Winner and Over $3 Million Project of the Year at the SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards, it was a proud moment for Culham Engineering and Eastbridge Ltd. This achievement was not just an industry award; it was a celebration of engineering ability, collaboration, and environmental responsibility […]
Data indicates that building a house will likely become more expensive in 2026. Cotality’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) shows residential building costs increased by 0.9% in Q4 2025. Though it’s the largest quarterly rise since Q3 2024 (1.1%), the figure remains below the long-term average of 1%, indicating stability. With a hopeful outlook, […]
The construction sector has emerged as the biggest source of sustainability innovation in the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards. Despite ongoing economic challenges, 22 of the 119 finalists on the Next List 2025 come from the Built Environment, which is more than any other sector.The Next List is an annual showcase of New Zealand’s leading sustainable […]
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