All-of-sector meeting tackles housing issues

New Zealand’s building and construction sector is facing the largest challenge of a generation. Auckland housing, the Canterbury rebuild, booming house prices, a lack of resource supply and the aftermath of the global financial crisis are just a few of the issues calling for an all-of-sector forum next month. 

The Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA) is leading Constructive, a forum held in Christchurch from 21-23 September. Attendees will address New Zealand’s key issues with a view to improving outcomes and performance for all. 
David Kelly, Chief Executive of RMBA says Constructive is a fantastic opportunity for the wider building and construction sector to engage with the issues as a whole. Those attending include 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, intend to discuss the importance of the construction sector to New Zealand’s economy and the challenges that we face ahead.
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.

The speakers and facilitators include: 
•    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

David Kelly is pleased with the quality and breadth of speakers lined up for the forum.
“It’s fantastic that we have such a strong group of leaders who will be working with us to address the issues we’re facing. If we work together we can ensure our sector is strong, and moves in a positive direction,” he adds. 
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. 
Constructive will consist of informative and interactive panel discussions on topical issues within the industry, followed by a series of site visits/tours. Various industry leaders will be attending the forum which takes place on 21-23 September 2016. 
The forum will be formally opened at a cocktail function on Wednesday 21 September.  The panel discussions will take place on Thursday 22 September with a gala dinner to follow and then the site visits/tours on Friday 23 September.
 

Photo: David Kelly. For more information, visit www.constructive.org.nz.