Two days of events conclude, but the momentum continues! 2026 NZIBES Auckland wraps up successfully
From 14 August to 15, the Auckland edition of the 2026 New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES) took place at Due Drop Events Centre. The two-day event recorded 11,597 visits, bringing together more than a hundred exhibiting brands and representatives from government, construction, property, design, engineering, supply chains, education and professional services. This year’s theme was ‘Working in synergy, empowering progress’.
From 14 August to 15, the Auckland edition of the 2026 New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES) took place at Due Drop Events Centre. The two-day event recorded 11,597 visits, bringing together more than a hundred exhibiting brands and representatives from government, construction, property, design, engineering, supply chains, education and professional services. This year’s theme was ‘Working in synergy, empowering progress’.
Alongside the two-day expo, the 2026 NZCBIA Annual Gala Dinner & Excellence Awards Ceremony was successfully held at Cordis Auckland on the evening of 14 August, with around 840 guests attending.
More than a hundred brands connect businesses across the construction supply chain
The Auckland edition of 2026 NZIBES officially opened on the morning of 14 August. Government representatives, industry organisation leaders, business representatives, builders, developers, designers, engineers, suppliers and professional service providers attended the opening.
Over the two-day exhibition, more than a hundred brands showcased products, technologies and solutions spanning building materials, construction, design and planning, green technology, smart products and professional services.
As a comprehensive platform for exchange across New Zealand’s construction and property sectors, NZIBES offers businesses throughout the construction supply chain opportunities to showcase products, exchange market insights and develop commercial partnerships through exhibitions, industry networking and related activities. It also presents emerging industry trends in technology, materials, efficiency and sustainability.
Annual gala dinner welcomes more than eight hundred guests
On the evening of 14 August, the 2026 NZCBIA Annual Gala Dinner & Excellence Awards Ceremony was held at Cordis Auckland. Around 840 guests attended from politics, business, construction, property, design, engineering, education and professional services.
Attendees included New Zealand Minister of Finance and Minister for Economic Growth Nicola Willis, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Labour building and construction spokesperson Arena Williams MP, National MP Nancy Lu, Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and Chinese Consul-General in Auckland Chen Shijie.
In her speech, Nicola Willis discussed the pressures facing New Zealand’s economy and market, and thanked the construction industry for its longstanding contribution to housing, infrastructure and economic development. She said that, in the face of challenges, government, businesses and the wider community needed to continue working together and take practical action to advance New Zealand’s future development.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown discussed the construction industry’s important role from an urban development perspective. He said Auckland’s development depended on the sustained commitment of builders, developers, designers, engineers, suppliers and other industry participants. Addressing challenges in urban development and infrastructure required more practical and efficient cooperation between local government, businesses, professionals and communities.
NZCBIA: construction industry generates around NZ$92,000,000,000 in annual revenue
In his address, NZCBIA president Frank Xu said the construction industry had faced challenges over the past year including declining activity, tighter profit margins, more cautious financing and weak market confidence. However, New Zealand’s long-term housing and infrastructure needs remained.
According to the 2026 NZCBIA New Zealand Construction Industry Annual Report, the sector generates around NZ$92,000,000,000 in annual revenue and directly provides nearly 300,000 jobs. Around 70% of that revenue, or approximately NZ$64,000,000,000, flows through the wider supply chain.
Frank Xu said that in the current market, the industry needed to keep investing in people, technology, safety and productivity, while strengthening cooperation between businesses and across the supply chain.
As he put it: ‘Don’t wait for confidence; create it together.’
Recognising achievement, with four scholarships supporting young talent
This year’s gala dinner also gave special recognition to member organisations and individuals who had been members of, or supported, NZCBIA for 5 years and for 10 years or more, thanking them for their longstanding involvement in association activities and support for industry development. The association also presented Outstanding Contribution Awards to young artist Yang Yi and 3Eyes Construction, recognising their contributions to industry development in their respective fields and highlighting the positive role of diverse contributors.
Four NZCBIA Scholarships were also awarded at the event, supporting students who aspire to enter the construction industry.
NZCBIA said developing talent and passing on experience were important foundations for the industry’s long-term development. Through scholarships and other initiatives, it hoped to strengthen connections between the industry and young talent, encouraging more young people to enter construction and related professions.
Excellence Awards announced, with Te Kaha project taking top honour
The 2026 NZCBIA Excellence Awards Ceremony held that evening recognised outstanding projects and teams from the construction and property sectors over the past year.
The awards covered property development, commercial and residential construction, subcontracting, residential and engineering design, project management, industry collaboration, and health, safety and wellbeing. They focused on performance in project quality, technical innovation, management capability, industry cooperation and social responsibility.
The highest honour, the Supreme Award, went to Jinggong Steel New Zealand for its One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha project.
Next stop: Christchurch in September
After a two-day expo and a gala celebration, the Auckland edition of 2026 NZIBES has drawn to a close.
But the connections established, the exchanges fostered and the renewed industry confidence will continue beyond the departure of the crowds.
Facing challenges in costs, financing, talent, productivity and the regulatory environment, no business can find every answer on its own. During an industry adjustment, sharing knowledge, connecting resources and developing talent become all the more necessary, as does wider participation. Thank you once again to all the major sponsors for their strong support of the event!
With the Auckland event concluded, the next stop is already on the horizon.
2026 NZIBES will head to Christchurch for the South Island Summit and Gala Dinner at the Air Force Museum.
See you in Christchurch on 18 September!