Construction industry develops practical plan at “all-of-industry” forum
New Zealand’s building and construction industry developed a practical plan to help respond to the country’s building
and construction needs at the “all-of-industry” Constructive Forum, which was held on 2-4 August in Auckland.
The Constructive Forum, hosted by the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA), is the only “all of industry” forum, bringing together
the entire supply chain with Government to develop a practical plan to achieve system wide transformation.
“The focus of Constructive is on breaking down the industry silos to deliver the step change required to respond to New Zealand’s growing building
and construction demands. Last year’s Forum resulted in a mandate for change; this year’s Forum was about progressing
that change,” says Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly.
“The industry’s transformation began last year following the inaugural forum, and it has gained more momentum this year.
This year’s forum provided a strong and united view that we need to change the way companies, the sector and government
collaborate. It also recognised that there are multiple levers we need to pull to respond meaningfully to our industry’s
needs – there are no silver bullets.
“The opportunities for our economy, the environment and our social wellbeing are massive if we get this right. New
Zealand’s building and construction sector accounts for 10% of GDP, 10% of employment and 10% of all businesses. At the
same time, we know that globally 30% of greenhouse gasses are caused by the construction industry, so the sector has an
important part to play in reducing New Zealand greenhouse gas levels.”
Constructive also discussed and built consensus for the New Zealand Transformation Agenda, initiated by BRANZ and developed by
industry leaders including RMBA.
“The forum discussed an emerging theme globally that technology and innovation are at the core of addressing the
industry’s issues. The adoption of innovative technologies, integrated planning and risk management were identified by
participants as clear priorities, which we now need to progress,” says Kelly.
“As an industry, we need to lift and reward innovation. We need to think about how real-time collaboration, building
information modelling (BIM), pre-fabrication, and artificial intelligence, can move our industry forward. These are
technologies consistently considered most impactful globally, and we need to take advantage of these in New Zealand.
“Constructive provided the sector with a plan for transformation, to change the way companies, the sector and government collaborate
to meet New Zealand’s building and construction needs.”
ENDS