Homeowners can now build granny flats up to 70 square metres in their backyard without a building consent. The legislation, which will come into effect early in 2026, was a key commitment of the coalition government. The Building Act changes were passed through their third and final readings with unanimous support from MPs. Homeowners will […]

By Helina Stil, NZDAA President 2025 has been a transformational year for the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA). It marks a renewed focus on lifting industry standards, strengthening training, and fostering a more connected, forward-looking demolition community. A key milestone has been the completion and release of the updated Demolition Guidelines — cornerstone […]

By Claire Falck, BRANZ CEO It’s been a year of challenge and change for building and construction.  We’ve felt the impacts of an economic downturn and navigated a fast-changing environment.  Whether it’s the pressure on housing affordability, tight margins or keeping up with new regulations, we’re being challenged on multiple fronts.  But as 2025 draws […]

The Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay region had the highest incidence rate of workplace injury claims in 2024, per Stats NZ data. There were 120 claims per 1,000 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). Yet the national incidence rate for work-related injury claims was 80 claims per 1,000 FTEs, the lowest rate since 2002. Trades workers had the […]

Apprentice training across the construction industry has certainly had its ups and downs in recent years. Currently, BCITO is supporting over 13,000 active learners (apprentices). This represents a snapshot of the learners we work with in a year, which is approximately 20,000 for 2025. Central to the success of every apprentice is their employer, who […]

The Government’s Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme is moving into the next phase of its development, but Transporting NZ wants bipartisan commitment to avoid future speed bumps. Combined funding of nearly $1.2 billion will advance key projects across the country. “The Government is committed to building a long-term pipeline of transport infrastructure investments to […]