RMBA welcomes the Construction Sector Accord

RMBA welcomes the Construction Sector Accord

Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA) welcomes the Construction Sector Accord, launched today by the Prime Minister and Minister Jenny Salesa.

RMBA is pleased to have been part of an Accord Development Group, which has been working closely with Government and its agencies to establish a set of behavioural and value-based principles for the sector.

RMBA Chief Executive David Kelly says the Construction Sector Accord represents a significant opportunity for the industry to partner with Government to make positive change in the construction sector.

“The Government has given clear commitments to the industry and New Zealanders that the construction sector is critical to the success of our communities and cities.

“Our industry employs over 250,000 people and contributes $15 billion per annum to the economy. Our importance will continue to grow with the 10,000s of homes, commercial, industrial, and retail buildings needed now and in the future. New Zealand needs a healthy and vibrant construction sector, and this is a positive step towards achieving that.

“The issues are clear and have been well debated. We are facing skills and labour shortages, poor risk management, unclear regulations, and a lack of coordinated leadership. This Accord represents a tangible agreement between the industry and Government to try to address these issues, and to hold each other to account.

“Together with Government, the construction sector has agreed a shared vision for the sector, identified the primary challenges, defined the new behaviours required, and the priority actions we need to take.

“These are consistent with the discussions we started four years ago at our first Constructive Forum. We see the Accord as a valuable part of the process, providing us all with new ‘rules of the game’”.

Mr Kelly says The Vertical Construction Leaders Group, established after the second Constructive Forum in 2017, has been leading the commercial contractors’ response to the sector’s challenges.

“The Vertical Construction Leaders Group have established a set of principles outlining how to manage risk, and how to build capability in key areas such as project management. Now we need everyone within the wider sector to confirm the actions they will also take. This includes the developers, building owners, construction companies and the lawyers and advisers representing them.

“This year’s Constructive Forum looks to build upon the work started under the Accord, and we look forward to engaging with the broader sector. New Zealand needs a well-performing construction sector that can deliver tangible economic, environmental and social outcomes for its communities and cities. To achieve this, we need the wider sector to have their say and ensure their voice is heard.”

ENDS

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