New Chapter for Women in Construction

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has launched its Top of the South chapter, a milestone for all women working in construction in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

“It’s great to see how the representation of women in construction has grown and today they are hard at work in just about every job – quantity surveyors, project managers, suppliers, planners, designers, architects, engineers, tradespeople, students, apprentices, health and safety managers and lawyers, to name just a few,” said the mayor of Marlborough, Nadine Taylor, at the launch event.

“The work of NAWIC with its values to ‘include, respect and inspire’ is integral to ensuring women feel supported and inspired to push forward in the profession. Together we – the new Te Tau Ihu/Marlborough/Nelson/Tasman chapter – look forward to supporting your work and that of all women in the sector.”

She made special mention of Marlborough’s leadership in this area, noting that women were already successfully engaged in both construction and the businesses that provide services to the sector.

“Our wonderful award-winning library and art gallery building – Te Kahu o Waipuna – is a stellar example of this with a number of women involved in its construction, ranging from on-site roles, administration, design and consenting through to project management, environmental engineering and governance.”

Advancing Women in Construction

The launch of NAWIC’s Top of the South chapter provides a support network, mentorship, and professional development, helping more women enter and advance in the field.

By formalising this support through NAWIC, more women can contribute to the industry, bringing diverse perspectives to infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects that are essential for the region’s growth.

This can help address skills shortages, promote innovation, and create a more inclusive work environment across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough.

Women in the construction industry have made significant strides in recent years, evidenced by the record number of NAWIC award nominations the association received in 2024.

“We were elated with the way the industry has answered the call to enter a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Equally impressive is the high calibre of nominees received, and we acknowledge it will be a tough job for the judges,” said Stacey Mendonça, Excellence Awards Director and NAWIC Co-founder.

For more information, go to: www.nawic.org.nz