Finding construction business tough in New Zealand? This Auckland industry event in month 8 can help you find customers and cut costs

As market conditions change, so do the questions construction businesses are asking. Which new materials and technologies are ready for use on real projects? How can building performance and construction efficiency be improved? Where can businesses find policy guidance, workforce assistance and technical support? And where are the next opportunities for collaboration?

From 14 August to 15, the 2026 New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES) will take place at Auckland's Due Drop Events Centre.

More than 100 exhibitors will gather again this year. Beyond its scale, however, NZIBES is expanding the scope of a traditional building expo: from building materials, equipment and professional services into high-performance buildings, university research, government support, new-energy transport and interactive technology. These additions give this year's theme, ‘Engage · Empower · Elevate — collaborate in harmony, empower progress’, a more tangible expression.

If you are already planning to attend, what new features can you look forward to this year?

If you are still deciding, take a look at this year's highlights.

100+ exhibitors: explore the entire construction supply chain in two days

For builders, developers and construction professionals, the most immediate value of an expo is efficiency. More than 100 exhibitors are expected this year, covering building materials, construction equipment, architectural design, property development, construction technology, finance and insurance, legal advice, and education and training.

Suppliers, service providers and industry resources that would normally require separate enquiries can be compared in one place, with face-to-face conversations. Some visitors come to find new products for their projects, others to explore technical solutions, and others to meet potential customers and partners.

The familiar PlaceMakers Zone will also return. PlaceMakers will join numerous partner brands to showcase products and solutions spanning building materials, doors and windows, waterproofing, insulation, hardware and tools.

This eye-catching ‘blue brigade’, will once again be among the areas worth visiting first in this year's exhibition hall.

Innovation Zone debuts, bringing innovation into everyday life

One of this year's most notable additions is Innovation Zone making its debut. This new zone will be jointly created by NZIBES and High Performer Building（HPB）, focusing on high-performance buildings, new materials, sustainable solutions and practical applications.

The focus here goes beyond what is ‘new’ to how these technologies can be used in real projects. Can they improve building performance? Can they make construction more efficient? Can they address practical concerns such as energy savings, comfort and long-term running costs?

For professionals seeking new products, planning business transformation or interested in high-performance and green buildings, Innovation Zone will be worth spending time in this year.

Speak directly with businesses, tertiary institutions and government agencies

An industry's development depends on more than products. It also requires people, research and public resources.

This year, tertiary institutions including Massey University and Unitec will attend the expo to showcase research findings, workforce development and industry partnership projects.

Businesses can learn directly what universities are researching and what skills their students are developing, while institutions can hear about real needs from projects and construction sites. For businesses recruiting staff, seeking research partners or considering the industry's future capabilities, these face-to-face discussions offer more value than simply reading information. Government agencies and organisations including Auckland Council and MSD will also attend, providing information on policy, approvals, employment and related support.

Attendees can bring their practical questions and speak directly with the relevant organisations. This makes this year's NZIBES a place to obtain information and solve problems, as well as a platform for showcasing products.

From international brands to new-energy vehicle test drives

Discover new connections across construction

As the expo's influence grows, more international brands are using NZIBES to connect with the New Zealand market.

This year, alongside returning names such as PlaceMakers, Barfoot & Thompson, KONE and James Hardie, numerous new-energy brands will appear.

Among them, Farizon, Geely Group's new-energy commercial vehicle brand, will attend NZIBES for the first time, bringing new vehicle models and on-site test drives. Many industry professionals will no doubt want to experience them first-hand, and the expo on August 14–15 will give you that opportunity!

Drone Soccer brings more interactive technology to this year's expo

This year's event will also feature a special interactive experience: Drone Soccer.

Created by Drone Soccer New Zealand, the experience zone combines AI, drone technology, STEM education and team competition. Visitors can watch matches and may also have the chance to take part. It brings technology beyond display boards and concepts, giving young people and families a more direct and entertaining way to engage with the expo.

For visitors planning to bring children, this could be one of the liveliest areas at the event. A building expo can be great fun, too.

Spend two days discovering where the industry is heading

NZIBES 2026 is about more than bringing additional exhibitors into one venue.

From established supply chains and professional services to Innovation Zone, and from tertiary institutions and government resources to new-energy transport and interactive technology, this year's expo presents a more complete and open construction industry ecosystem.

If you are looking for products, bring your project requirements and compare the options;

if you have questions about policy, staffing or business development, come and discuss them directly;

if you are exploring your next direction for growth, Innovation Zone, international brands and new-energy displays all deserve a closer look.