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Is another “major event” coming to New Zealand’s Asian construction sector this month?

Construction has long been recognised as a pillar of New Zealand’s economy. According to a Deloitte report, before the pandemic, in 2019, construction output accounted for 6.9% of New Zealand’s gross national product, and the sector provided 10% of all full-time jobs.

Construction has long been recognised as a pillar of New Zealand’s economy. According to a Deloitte report, before the pandemic, in 2019, construction output accounted for 6.9% of New Zealand’s gross national product, and the sector provided 10% of all full-time jobs. The industry also comfortably outpaced the wider economy, with annual growth of 4.9% in vertical construction and 4.2% in horizontal construction, exceeding average GDP growth of 3.5% between 2015 and 2019.

Even so, the construction industry faces many challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers, skills gaps and relatively low productivity. The pandemic made 2020 the most turbulent year in the industry’s history. Lockdowns, social distancing and other public health measures inevitably made it harder to keep construction progressing, while logistics and freight delays caused supply problems for many building materials.

Yet risks and opportunities always go hand in hand. Supportive policies have encouraged more people to move into construction and take up apprenticeships. Meanwhile, the construction market is booming, particularly the Asian construction market. The pandemic has not dampened enthusiasm for the industry: many people have recognised opportunities and entered property development and subdivision, while becoming increasingly eager to learn more about construction and building materials. 

To meet market demand, this year the Asian Construction Forum, developed by the CMS (Construction Marketing Services) team, has expanded further and been renamed the Asian Construction Expo. Previously held annually, it will now run twice a year and offer free admission to industry professionals. 

The first event will open at Eventfinda Stadium on the 22 of this month, offering an excellent platform for learning, refreshing your knowledge and exchanging ideas. Highlights include:

  • Brand showcase: More than 50 leading industry brands exhibiting
  • Seminars: Discussions on innovative products and topical issues such as zoning and consents for mixed-use developments
  • Ask an Expert: One-to-one question-and-answer sessions, with experts including Auckland Council representatives on hand to answer your technical questions
  • Plenty of prizes and giveaways, plus free parking

James Hardie, a global leader in fibre cement supply, will also take part. A longstanding partner of organiser CMS, the company has long been trusted by Chinese construction professionals and homeowners in New Zealand. As both an industry leader and an innovator, James Hardie is committed to researching, developing and manufacturing fibre cement products, providing the market with high-performance, high-quality building material solutions. Its exterior cladding, interior wall and flooring products have been widely praised in New Zealand over the years. Designed specifically for New Zealand’s climate and homes, its fibre cement products offer numerous benefits when correctly installed, including fire resistance, moisture resistance, sound insulation, durability and low maintenance. Its flagship Linea™ Weatherboard was developed in New Zealand and has gradually reached overseas markets following more than 20 years of continuous refinement.

Beyond these advantages, James Hardie fibre cement products offer endless design possibilities. They can be painted in a wide range of colours, including the dark shades often used in contemporary designs, while remaining durable and resistant to deformation. James Hardie’s extensive product range also lets you mix and match to realise distinctive design ideas, such as creatively using exterior cladding indoors.

James Hardie fibre cement products are commonly used in new residential and commercial buildings and renovation projects. Applications include:

  • Exterior cladding
  • Internal linings — floors, ceilings and interior walls
  • Structural flooring
  • Wet areas — bathrooms
  • Eaves, gazebos and carports
  • Fire-resistant, sound-insulating walls and floors
  • Bracing solutions

If you have any questions about using or installing James Hardie fibre cement products, visit its stand at the Asian Construction Expo. Meng Zhang and Judy Ang from James Hardie’s Chinese-language sales and service team will be there to answer your questions.

 

You can also visit James Hardie’s official WeChat account now, or go to James Hardie’s Chinese-language website https://www.cn.jameshardie.co.nz/ to explore practical technical manuals, product information, design inspiration and project examples.