Media Release
29 February 2012
RMBF says too early to predict sustained uplift in building activity
Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF) says the latest building consent figures released today indicate a pick up
in activity when compared to this period in previous years.
Statistics New Zealand figures show 1098 new homes and apartment Building Consents issued for Jan 2012 a 27% increase in
January 2011.
RMBF CEO Warwick Quinn says that 2011 saw the lowest level of building activity since records began in 1965 and was one
of the toughest years in living memory with a little over 13,500 new home consents issued. However December 2011 and
January 2012 has shown an improvement but it is still too early to predict if this is a sustainable trend or a catch up
for the lack of activity during 2011.
Mr Quinn says that due to the current work shortage there is no immediate skill shortage however we have an imminent
medium to long term skills capability problem. He cites the Canterbury rebuilding work, the housing shortage in Auckland
and the leaky home repairs needed as known work streams and says the economy will also eventually recover to a point
where there is a general increase in construction activity.
Mr Quinn says that with the Licensed Building Practitioner scheme coming into affect tomorrow, the public can have
confidence that the tradespeople undertaking the work have the appropriate skills. These skills will be paramount to
maintain quality new housing when the market recovers and imported labour/tradespeople may be required to meet demand.
ENDS