The ramifications of the Canterbury Earthquakes and the GFC on the New Zealand building industry will form part of the discussion in September as the entire sector gathers for an inaugural forum.
The first Constructive forum, led by the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA) will build a collaborative platform for the industry to develop strategies for the future development of New Zealand’s building and construction sector.
RMBA Chief Executive David Kelly says Constructive is a first of its kind, and will play a critical role in sector development benefiting New Zealand and its economy.
“As industry leaders, we have a huge responsibility in ensuring our sector is healthy, and moving in a positive direction. The industry is in a critical period right now, and we need to work together to tackle the challenges and issues that we’re facing,” says Kelly.
“The ramifications following the Canterbury earthquakes and the global financial crisis have led to changes in the building industry as a whole. We need to address the changes, not only with our members but across the entire industry. We are in a period of growth, and more changes are on the horizon,” he says.
Property Council of New Zealand chief executive Connal Townsend says that New Zealand needs a strong construction industry for the vitality of its economy, and this is where the need for Constructive becomes so important.
“We need the industry to move beyond the previous boom/bust cycles, provide quality developments that meet the needs of the wider market, lift its productivity and provide a safe working environment for employees that minimises exposure to dangerous situations,” he says.
Constructive will consist of informative and interactive panel discussions on topical issues within the sector, followed by a series of site visits/tours.
Industry leaders including IPENZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene, NZIA chief executive Teena Hale Pennington as well as Townsend will be attending the forum which takes place on 21-23 September 2016.
The two-day forum will be formally opened at a cocktail function on Wednesday 21 September. The panel discussions will take place on Thursday 22 September with a gala dinner to follow and then the site visits/tours on Friday 23 September.
For more information, visit www.constructive.org.nz.
