Places are selling fast for Constructive 2021 — to be held in Wellington on August 12-13 — and the conversations have never been so important.
While the construction sector is in a building boom, the industry is also facing unprecedented disruption from shortages of skilled labour and key supplies. The issue is complex and will require short-term solutions as builders navigate the current situation, as well as long-term planning to ensure a more sustainable and robust sector for New Zealand.
The sector is also grappling with how New Zealand responds to the significant issues of housing supply and affordability, sustainability and climate change, and it is facing a period of major regulatory change. Constructive will discuss the impacts on what and how the sector builds.
With so much to discuss, this year Constructive is being held over two days to enable robust discussion and the opportunity to share ideas and opportunities.
The first day will be centred on continuing discussions on commercial construction, while day two turns to residential building.
Constructive provides an opportunity for the sector to share its views and experiences. Participants will come away with practical insights and examples to improve the way they operate in the current environment.
An update on Constructive’s speakers
In addition to Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, a range of high profile leaders for Constructive 2021 has been announced, with more to be confirmed over the coming weeks.
Day One: A continued focus on commercial construction
• Chris Hunter, NZ Strong: One of New Zealand’s leading commercial constructors will provide his views on the state of the sector and how to be effective in the current environment.
• Paul Southey, A1 Homes: As a residential builder, Paul has recognised the benefits of employing a more diverse workforce. He will share his insights into how we can expand the talent pool in the current environment.
• Peter Cody and Lara Bennett, PWC: They will share their work with the sector to define what successful and high-performing construction looks like now and into the future.
• Ross Copeland, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission chief executive: Ross will provide an update of the Commission’s first year, including progress on the 30-year strategy.
• Stacey Mendonca, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) president: Stacey will share her thoughts about the diversity opportunity in our sector.
Day Two: Transforming our approach to housing
• Andrew Crisp, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development chief executive: Andrew will share insights from across the Government’s housing and urban development programme.
• Mark Holland, Hazelton Law: Mark will provide insights into how to manage risk and conflict arising from the current capacity pressures.
• Johnny Calley, Calley Homes: Johnny will share his views of how to manage current supply lines and customer expectations.
• Mark Todd, Oakham Residential: Mark is a leading developer who is focused on redeveloping Auckland to be a more workable and liveable city. He will share his views on the residential construction sector and the regulatory environment.
• Arthur Grimes, Motu: Arthur will draw on his experience as a leading economist, professor of well-being and public policy, and Reserve Bank of New Zealand chair to share his views on how we can rethink our approach to housing and social housing policy for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
• Oliver Hartwich, The New Zealand Initiative: Oliver will discuss our current approach to housing, how our problem is shared by many western societies, and what we can do to transform our approach.
• Sandra Hazlehurst, Hastings District Council mayor: Sandra will share the council’s approach to addressing local housing needs, by working closely with iwi and community to understand their specific issues and to find local solutions.
Constructive 2021 is to be held in Wellington on August 12-13. For more information visit https://constructive.org.nz/constructive/programme.
Register now at constructive.org.nz.
