23 Oct 2026
2 days ago
70 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund will invest $6 million towards replacing the Monowai Suspension Bridge in western Southland, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson and South Island Minister James Meager say. The funding will support construction of a new bridge on Lake Monowai Road, ensuring continued access to Monowai Valley and Fiordland National Park. “This bridge is a vital link for the Monowai Valley communities and businesses, and the historic Monowai hydroelectric power station which has contributed to the electricity network for more than 100 years,” Mr Patterson says.
22 Oct 2026
3 days ago
109 views
Papakura’s new courthouse remains on time and on budget, with construction complete and preparations underway to open a safer, higher-capacity court in January 2027, say Courts Minister Nicole McKee and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith who are in Papakura today to mark the completion of construction and handover of the building to the Ministry of Justice. “Taxpayers deserve public infrastructure that is delivered when promised, within budget, and does the job it is needed for. This project is on track to meet those expectations,” says Mrs McKee.
19 Oct 2026
6 days ago
120 views
Education Minister Erica Stanford today joined students and staff at Northcross Intermediate in Browns Bay, Auckland, to open eight new classrooms delivered on time and under budget to meet significant roll growth. Students are moving into their new classrooms today, providing more space for teaching and learning as the school continues to grow. The opening is the latest example of the Government’s work to deliver the classrooms schools need, faster and at a better price.
16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
205 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to guide businesses and workers on health and safety responsibilities in New Zealand's residential construction sector, effective from April 1, 2027. Developed with industry input, the ACOP clarifies roles and coordination among multiple trades on site, aiming to improve safety outcomes without imposing new duties, and may provide safe harbour status after reapproval. WorkSafe will assist industry in implementing the ACOP, which sets a practical, sector-specific standard to manage risks and enhance compliance amid upcoming legislative changes.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
541 views
Construction has begun on Nelson Hospital’s new 128-bed inpatient building to address bed shortages and support a growing, ageing population. The redevelopment, funded through Budget 2025, will add at least 41 adult medical and surgical beds and include various patient and support facilities, with completion expected to start rising on site by late 2027. Meanwhile, a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward made from off-site manufactured modules is being installed to quickly increase capacity with minimal disruption.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
560 views
Construction has begun on Nelson Hospital's new 128-bed inpatient building to address growing demand and bed shortages, with initial site preparation expected to take around 12 months. The new facility will add at least 41 adult medical and surgical beds and include various patient and support services, marking stage two of the hospital redevelopment funded through Budget 2025. Additionally, a 28-bed rapid-build inpatient ward made of off-site manufactured modules is arriving on campus to quickly increase capacity with minimal disruption.
20 Aug 2026
2 months ago
593 views
WorkSafe has introduced a new prequalification template to simplify the contractor health and safety assessment process, addressing frustrations over inconsistent and duplicative requirements in New Zealand’s construction industry. This template, supported by a position statement, promotes a consistent, risk-based approach that reduces unnecessary costs and paperwork, particularly benefiting small businesses and sole traders. Government agencies are expected to adopt the template in procurement processes, helping contractors avoid multiple prequalification forms and making bidding more efficient and cost-effective.
13 Aug 2026
2 months ago
725 views
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission's latest update reveals the National Infrastructure Pipeline's value has risen by $15 billion to $290 billion, with fully funded projects increasing by $4.5 billion to $95.8 billion. The pipeline includes nearly 12,500 projects across sectors like healthcare, roads, water, and schools, reflecting sustained momentum and improved planning that supports economic growth and job creation. Additionally, $17.5 billion in initiatives are progressing through planning to start construction within the next year, signaling ongoing investment and development nationwide.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
763 views
New Zealand is launching industry-led, future-focused secondary school subjects from 2029 to better align education with emerging job markets in sectors like manufacturing, energy, health, and tourism. These subjects, developed with industry input and valued equally to traditional subjects, aim to equip students with practical skills and clear pathways into trades, university, or employment, supported by a $15 million investment. The initiative fosters student engagement by connecting learning to real-world careers, benefiting both employers seeking skilled workers and students preparing for rewarding futures.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
680 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the second quarter was challenging for New Zealand's labour market, with rising costs and uncertainty causing employers to pause hiring, resulting in a 5.6% unemployment rate. The government is focusing on policies to boost economic growth and business confidence, including support for tourism, international education, major construction projects, infrastructure investment, and the Investment Boost initiative. These measures aim to encourage employers to invest and expand, fostering long-term job creation rather than quick fixes.
03 Aug 2026
2 months ago
602 views
More than 40,000 new home consents were granted in the year to June, marking a 19% increase and signaling a positive turnaround for the building sector after recent declines. The government is implementing reforms such as reducing red tape, allowing trusted overseas building products, and introducing mandatory inspection targets to boost construction activity and job growth. Significant legislative changes include replacing joint liability with proportionate liability, enhancing homeowner protections, consolidating Building Consent Authorities, and fast-tracking consents for sustainable homes.
30 Jul 2026
2 months ago
810 views
The New Zealand Government has signed a landmark public-private partnership agreement with the Northway consortium to design, build, finance, maintain, and operate the 26-kilometre Northland Expressway section from Warkworth to Te Hana, aiming to boost regional economic growth, improve safety, and reduce travel times. The $3.649 billion project, supported by a $1.6 billion Crown Capital Contribution and structured with performance-based payments over 25 years, incorporates extensive infrastructure including tunnels, bridges, and interchanges, with construction starting in late 2027 and completion expected by 2034. This PPP model leverages competitive procurement, risk-sharing, and local employment opportunities, ensuring value for taxpayers while fostering sustainable development and long-term operational standards.
24 Jul 2026
3 months ago
720 views
Construction has begun on the final 500-metre section of Auckland's Eastern Busway, completing a rapid transit corridor from Panmure to Botany that will enhance public transport reliability and efficiency by 2027. The project, a $1.4 billion joint investment by the Government and Auckland Council, includes separated busways, walking and cycling paths, and is expected to significantly increase daily public transport trips while supporting population growth and reducing congestion. Together with the City Rail Link, the Eastern Busway will transform Auckland’s transport network by providing fast, safe, and connected travel options for thousands of residents.
23 Jul 2026
3 months ago
747 views
The Government has signed a public-private partnership agreement with Southern Renewal Partners to redevelop Christchurch Men's Prison, marking a major milestone for New Zealand's infrastructure and corrections system. Phase One includes constructing a new high-security accommodation unit with 240 beds, a mental health intervention building, and a health centre, with construction expected to finish by late 2029 and operations starting mid-2030. This redevelopment aims to increase prison capacity, replace aging facilities, support local employment, and enhance rehabilitation services to improve community safety and reduce reoffending.
02 Jul 2026
3 months ago
984 views
The Building Amendment Bill introduces the most significant building system reforms in 20 years to make construction easier, faster, and more affordable while enhancing homeowner protections through a fairer liability system and mandatory safeguards like professional indemnity insurance and home warranties. It aims to modernize the sector by improving consistency among Building Consent Authorities, reducing processing times, enabling fast-track consents for sustainable buildings, and expanding exemptions for offsite-constructed dwellings. These reforms, developed with extensive sector engagement, seek to unlock innovation, increase accountability, and support New Zealand’s housing and construction needs sustainably and efficiently.