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 […]

A pilot that gives high school students manufacturing industry experience will expand to new regions. Launched in Waikato in February, the ‘Earn as You Learn’ initiative gives students paid, real-world experience while they study.  “We know that meaningful, well-paid employment is one of the most powerful ways to change a person’s life and open doors […]

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. […]

Showing how building costs have surged ahead of other common costs, national construction costs have increased by about 61% since 2015, compared with a 33% increase in the CPI. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of inflation for the nation’s households that records changes in the price of goods and services. New Zealand’s construction […]