New Zealand’s building and construction sector is facing the largest challenge of a generation, with Auckland housing, the Canterbury rebuild, booming house prices, a lack of resource supply and the aftermath of the global financial crisis just a few of the urgent issues that need to be tackled.
That’s why the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA) is leading Constructive, a forum to be held in Christchurch from 21-23 September to address New Zealand’s key issues with a view to improving outcomes and performance for all.
RMBA Chief Executive David Kelly says Constructive is a fantastic opportunity for the wider building and construction sector to engage with the issues as a whole, including economists, financiers, insurers, councils, regulators, engineers, builders, architects, quantity surveyors, planners and industry training organisations.
“Housing is New Zealand’s number one issue right now, the government and the sector need to come together to tackle these challenges and discuss strategies to overcome them,” he says. “Constructive is the first time this broad group will come together. It will play a critical role in New Zealand’s development.”
Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, along with Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith, will discuss the importance of the construction sector to New Zealand’s economy and the challenges that the country faces.
A number of speakers from a range of disciplines in the building and construction sector will also share their views and participate in discussions to develop strategies for New Zealand’s future success, including:
• David Kelly, Chief Executive, Registered Master Builders Association
• Connal Townsend, Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
• Teena Hale Pennington, Chief Executive, New Zealand Institute of Architects
• John Coop, Chairman and Regional Principal of Warren and Mahoney
• Chris Parker, Chief Economist Auckland Council
• Mark McGuiness, Managing Director, Willis Bond & Co
• Gary Walker, Executive General Manager, Hawkins Construction
• Craig Price, Director and South Island Regional Manager, Beca Ltd
• Mike Greer, Managing Director, MHG NZ Ltd
• John Bridgman, Industry Director, Civil Infrastructure, AECOM
• Andrew McKenzie, General Manager Finance, The Fletcher Construction Company Ltd
• Murray Sherwin, Chair, New Zealand Productivity Commission
• Sir Maarten Wevers, Chair, EQC.
The speakers will discuss a broad range of topics including lessons to be learned from the challenges that arose from the Canterbury earthquakes, the impact of the global financial crisis, industry changes and emerging trends and issues.
