News

There’s been a rise in copper thefts nationwide, with thieves risking electrocution for a handful of dollars of the precious metal. More than 200 copper earthing wire thefts have occurred from power poles across North Canterbury in the first nine weeks of 2026. Orion documenting 173 thefts across its network in six months—including 60+ in […]

The industry has welcomed the Government’s 30-year infrastructure plan. The long-term strategy emphasises maintenance and nonpartisan thinking as it anticipates the real challenges ahead. The report focuses on the key challenges for the nation’s roads and transport, hospitals, schools, water and power systems.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says New Zealand’s infrastructure spending isn’t reflected in […]

More homes are being consented to, and more concrete is being poured nationwide, yet non-residential activity continues to decline. Against the backdrop of high inflation and unemployment, the industry has an uncertain future.  36,944 new homes were consented to in New Zealand in the year ended January 2026, says Stats NZ. That’s a 9.3% increase […]

About 98% of potholes on state highways are fixed within 24 hours, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency. This exceeds government targets set in July, which ordered NZTA to repair 95% of potholes on main state highways and 85% of those on regional state highways within 24 hours of discovery. Transport Minister Chris Bishop […]

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, […]

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 […]