Favourable policies are coming, but can you seize the opportunity? New Zealand’s construction industry prepares for its final major event of the year—what are the highlights?

With New Zealand’s 2023 general election over, the property and construction industry finally has a clear answer. The government may now deliver, one by one, the policies supporting the housing market that it promised before the election. The result is widely expected to lead directly to house price rises over the next year or two, with the bright-line test highly likely to be shortened next year.

Meanwhile, mortgage interest deductibility for property investors is also set to be restored in stages, regardless of whether a property is newly built or existing, its type or its age. Policies easing restrictions on overseas home buyers will also undergo further discussion and planning. In the longer term, if the National Party reduces regulation of the property market and slows the push for housing intensification in major cities, these policies will have a positive impact on the construction and property markets.

Christopher Luxon acknowledges supporters as the results of New Zealand’s 2023 general election are announced

However, we cannot overlook the unprecedented challenges facing the recovery of New Zealand’s construction industry. These include construction costs rising year after year, with an annual increase of +10%, persistent labour shortages, rising interest rates and tighter access to finance. Frequent extreme weather events across many parts of New Zealand this year have made the path to recovery even more difficult.

 

So, as an industry professional, how can you seize the opportunities emerging from these changes and expand your future prospects?

Good news! The New Zealand International Building Expo and Summit (NZIBES) is coming to the South Island Free to attend, with plenty to gain! Many North Island industry professionals will travel to Christchurch to connect with local businesses and strengthen links between the islands Government agencies will also be on site to answer your questions Representatives of major companies and industry professionals will share information and resources with you face to face!

 

 How can businesses connected to construction seize the opportunity?

NZCBIA president Frank Xu said earlier this year that, with New Zealand’s borders fully reopened, he believed many overseas businesses and brands were eager to enter the country’s construction market. In today’s New Zealand market, keeping up with industry developments, building connections between the North and South Islands, and exploring the market in depth are among the most urgent needs of every industry professional.

For many years, NZIBES focused on the North Island. The NZIBES South Island Summit in October last year marked its first visit to the South Island. This year, NZIBES is bringing its expo to Christchurch for the first time! What highlights can visitors look forward to?

 

 > Highlight one: Exhibitors showcase their strengths, with plenty to explore

This year’s South Island NZIBES event will take place at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch on 3 November.

Event time: 3 November 2023 | 09:00–16:00 Venue: Exhibition Hall E3, Te Pae Convention Centre Free admission, no ticket required

Alongside building materials suppliers, builders and real estate sales professionals, businesses from across the industry’s supply chain will also participate. Notably, PlaceMakers, a core NZIBES partner for many years, will take part as a Diamond Sponsor, once again bringing a range of suppliers to the South Island event.

Homehopper is a Diamond Sponsor of this event. As a one-stop bulk procurement and supply chain platform for construction and home-related products, it provides professional, customised services and is building an ecosystem spanning the wider property industry’s entire supply chain. Strong partnerships pave the way for shared success!

Construction management software company Procore attracted considerable attention at the Auckland expo and will also appear at the Christchurch event. During the seminars, it will explain in detail how Procore supports project management. Brilliance Steel, a new sponsor of this year’s NZIBES Auckland event, will also exhibit as a Gold Sponsor.

 

 > Highlight two: Engaging seminars, all free to attend

To explore industry trends in greater depth, identify directions for growth and address current challenges and crises, every session and topic in the seminar series has been carefully designed around construction professionals’ needs. The aim is to inspire all attendees, accelerate innovation and enable direct discussions with experts about industry challenges and solutions. Leading exhibitors will introduce innovative technologies and products and share the latest industry information.

Several seminars will be open to everyone free of charge on the day. The detailed timetable follows, and you are welcome to join the discussions:

 

 > Highlight three: The annual gala dinner brings industry professionals together to build partnerships

On the evening of 3 November, the annual gala dinner will be held at Te Pae Convention Centre. It will provide a platform for investors, developers, building materials suppliers and other property and construction professionals across New Zealand, particularly in the South Island, to connect and collaborate. It also aims to create further opportunities for cooperation between the North and South Islands.

The dinner will also feature engaging speeches from several prominent guests, including the founder of the “all-electric cherry orchard” Forest Lodge Orchard, Mike Casey; the person responsible for the overall master planning and design of Marisfrolg’s Shenzhen headquarters, New Zealand architect Fred Van Brandenburg，Superthome Movement founder Bob Burnett; and New Zealand high jumper Hamish Kerr, among others.

This year, more than 20 representatives of the New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association from Auckland are also expected to attend. They will hold in-depth discussions and share insights with their South Island counterparts, hoping to establish strong business connections and expand opportunities for cooperation.

 

 > Highlight four: Government agencies answer questions on site to support safety

In New Zealand, compliance is a crucial part of every industry, particularly construction. From environmental matters and public safety to taxation and the law, every stage of construction depends on the cooperation and assurance provided by the relevant authorities.

Christchurch City Council, IRD, the Ministry of Social Development, Police, the University of Canterbury, Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), Advanced Safety and several other authoritative organisations will attend the expo to answer questions on site.

The organisers warmly invite all businesses and brands connected to the construction supply chain to participate in this year’s major event. Admission is free, and you are sure to leave with plenty to take away!

Thank you to all the sponsors for their generous support of the event!