RMBA, NZSTCF and CCNZ come together to offer practice advice

RMBA, NZSTCF and CCNZ come together to offer practice advice to builders and sub-contractors

Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA), the NZ Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (NZSTCF), and Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) have come together at today’s Constructive Forum to offer practical advice to builders and sub-contractors to help transform the building and construction sector.

RMBA Chief Executive David Kelly says they are working closely with NZSTCF and CCNZ, who share similar concerns about the state of the sector and believe the key to resolution is for the industry to work better together.

“No one is winning in the current environment. There is not enough cash in the system, contractors have no certainty, margins are too low, they are taking on too much risk, and there is a lack of schedule of quantities – this affects not just our Master Builders, but the sub-contractors and other industry professionals as well,” he says.

“It is up to the industry to step up. We cannot expect the change to only come from the clients. We can do more to educate them and put an end to the race to the bottom. The cheapest price will very rarely result in the best value outcome,” he says.

President of NZSTCF Graham Burke agrees, saying members of all organisations need to be mindful of the types of projects they are taking on.

“The industry knows only too well that there is a lot at stake here. We are calling on all contractors, whether they are the lead on the project or the sub-contractors, to make sure they fully understand the contracts they are taking on.”

Chief Executive of CCNZ Peter Silcock says there is some very good practice out there.

“The best results are achieved when everyone involved works together ­– property owners, designers, engineers, contractors and subcontractors. There are opportunities for everyone to add value over the course of a project. With this as the focus rather than lowest cost, we can achieve great results.”

Kelly says the collaboration with NZSTCF and CCNZ is only one part of puzzle, and more is needed across the industry.

“Our current issues are complex and multifaceted. They require the industry to work together, and with Government, to navigate the changes required.

“This is too important an issue to get wrong. We are talking about more than just buildings, these are the homes, workplaces and communities our society is based on. We are pleased to see the industry come together today at Constructive and look forward to the practice solutions discussed.”

The Constructive Forum takes place today at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.

ENDS

© Scoop Media