ABOUT | REGISTRATION | PROGRAMME | SPEAKERS | ACCOMMODATION | SPONSORS
Date: 26 March 2026
Venue: Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
ABOUT | REGISTRATION | PROGRAMME | SPEAKERS | ACCOMMODATION | SPONSORS
Date: 26 March 2026
Venue: Majestic on Durham, 189 Durham Street South, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
BuildUP26, the flagship annual conference of the Building Institute Aotearoa, is the premier gathering for the people who make Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment happen. This year, BuildUP26 will be held on 26 March 2026 at Majestic on Durham, Christchurch, a vibrant and contemporary venue in the heart of the city.
Expect real conversations that matter, smart thinking backed by experience, and tools and strategies crafted for immediate impact across construction and infrastructure. Whether you’re on site, in management, design, or a specialist role, BuildUP26 is your opportunity to engage with peers, hear from thought leaders, and help build better outcomes for our industry and communities.
At the heart of the Institute are building people, individuals passionate about doing things better and raising the bar across Aotearoa’s built environment.
The theme of BuildUP26 dives into the three Ps that drive our industry forward:
If you’re involved in shaping construction in Aotearoa, BuildUP26 is made for you. From project managers and site leaders to designers, cost managers, digital innovators, and sustainability champions, everyone passionate about improving how we plan, build, and perform will find their place here.
Our attendees are connectors, collaborators, and communicators, the people who make complex projects come to life. As a truly pan-industry event, BuildUP26 welcomes all roles across construction and infrastructure, bringing together diverse expertise to foster connections that drive smarter, stronger outcomes.
Member Super Early Bird $450 + GST
Member Early Bird $600 + GST
Member Standard $700 + GST
Non member Super Early Bird $690 + GST
Non member Early Bird $890 + GST
Non member Standard $1000 + GST
Student Standard $150 + GST
*BuildUP26 delegates can attend the Site Visit: GIB Factory, Christchurch on Friday 27 March 2026 at no additional cost—an exclusive benefit usually priced at $50 for non-members. Please note that separate registration for the site visit is required here.
8:00am Registration
8:30am Opening Remarks
Conference host Petra Bagust officially opens BuildUP26, framing the day’s conversations around the interconnected pillars of people, performance, and productivity. Expect an energetic, purpose-driven start that reminds us why collaboration and innovation must shape the industry’s next chapter.
Speaker: Petra Bagust, Conference Host (MC)
8:45am Introduction to NZ Keynote – Te Waihanga (NZ Infrastructure Commission)
Laying the Foundations for Confidence: The National Infrastructure Plan
Speaker: TBC
9:05am NZ Keynote plus Q+A – PRODUCTIVITY LESSONS IN NZ
Cracking the Productivity Puzzle
Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan takes a hard look at New Zealand’s construction productivity. He unpacks where we stand, what’s holding us back, and what structural shifts could unlock a more productive and sustainable future for the sector.
Speaker: Gareth Kiernan, Chief Forecaster, Director at Infometrics
9:45am International Keynote plus Q&A – PRODUCTIVITY LEARNINGS FROM ABROAD
James Pearce from Populous shares international perspectives on delivering complex projects more efficiently. Attendees will explore global best practices in productivity—and how these insights can fuel real change in the New Zealand context.
Speaker: James Pearce, Senior Principal of Populous
10:30am Morning Tea + Showcase Area
11:00am Panel Discussion: Breaking the Logjam: Moving from Intent to Action
Despite policy momentum and clear demand, delivery remains sluggish. This panel of senior industry leaders dives into what must shift in planning, procurement, and collaboration to convert strategic intent into project momentum and sector confidence.
Panel speakers: TBC
11:55am International Keynote plus Q+A – PERFORMANCE FOCUS
Designing for Human and Digital Synergy
Nathan Kirchner from Robotics Australia Group showcases how robotics, automation, and digital innovation can lift both performance and productivity — aligning deep tech with human expertise to drive smarter, safer, and more consistent results.
Speaker: Nathan Kirchner, Robotics Australia Group
12:45pm Lunch + Showcase Area
1:30pm Round Table Sessions
With lively table topics responding to the day’s proceedings (3x 20min)
10 – 12 specific roundtables for attendees to select from.
1:30pm Parallel MĀTĀTAHI Session for the Next Gen and Young Professionals
Hosted by the Young Professional Advisors and Next Gen members of the Institute
2:40pm Afternoon Tea + Showcase Area
3:00pm Address from Hon Chris Penk – Minister for Building and Construction
Minister Penk shares the government’s perspective on the state of the building and construction sector, outlining upcoming priorities and the collaborative role industry will play in shaping resilient built environments across Aotearoa.
3:25pm Keynote – PEOPLE FOCUS
Courage, Leadership and Legacy
Janine Branje shares her deeply personal journey—merging her leadership in interior construction with a story of resilience and advocacy. This powerful keynote underscores the human side of high performance, reminding us that leadership often begins with vulnerability and purpose.
Speaker: Janine Branje, General Manager, Hush Interiors
4:05pm Introduction: NZIOB Charitable Education Trust
A brief insight into how the Trust is supporting education and advancement within the building profession for the next generation.
4:10pm Keynote – PEOPLE FOCUS
High Performance, Simplified
James Laughlin, best-selling author of Habits of High Performers, reveals how high-performing teams and individuals thrive through clarity, consistency, and self-leadership. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for building habits that elevate both personal andorganizational performance.
Speaker: James Laughlin - #1 Best-selling Author of Habits of High Performers
5:00pm Closing remarks + Social gathering
Reflect, Connect and Celebrate
The BuildUP26 conference wraps up with closing reflections from the CEO, followed by a relaxed social gathering - a chance to continue the conversations that will drive industry progress long after the day ends.
Speaker: Kirsten Magnusson, CEO, Building Institute Aotearoa
OUR HOST
Petra Bagust
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Gareth Kiernan. Chief Forecaster, Director, Infometrics Limited
James Pearce, Senior Principal, Populous
Dr Nathan Kirchner, Robotics Australia Group
Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction
Janine Branje, General Manager, Hush Interiors
James Laughlin, Best selling Author of Habits of High Performers
Special rates are available for conference participants at the hotels listed below. We recommend booking early as availability is limited. Guests are responsible for direct payment to the hotel.
Rates are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and include GST of 15%. Prices shown are indicative only.
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
(4 Star Hotel)
52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
+64 3 372 2111
Distance to venue: 15-minute walk
Price: From $471.60 per room per night
Discount: 10% off the flexible room-only public rate
Offer valid: 24–27 March 2026
Click here to book
Ibis Christchurch
(3.5 Star Hotel)
107 Hereford Street, Christchurch
+64 3 372 2111
Distance to venue: 12-minute walk
Price: From $280.72 per room per night
Discount: 12% off the flexible room-only public rate
Offer valid: 24–27 March 2026
Click here to book
BreakFree on Cashel
(4 Star Hotel)
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
+64 3 360 1064
Distance to venue: 15-minute walk
Price: From $119 per room per night
Discount: 10% off the Best Unrestricted (Flexible) Rate
Offer valid: 25–26 March 2026
Click here to book
Quest on Cambridge
(3 Star Hotel)
79 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
+64 3 244 9222
Distance to venue: 9-minute walk
Price: From $255 per room per night
Discount: 10% off online rates
Offer valid: 25–28 March 2026
Click here to book
Booking instructions: Click the link, select your dates and room, enter promo code ‘BuildUP26’ at the top, then add and confirm your rate.
Hotel Give
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 3 550 7005
Distance to conference venue: 15 minute walk
Price: From $176 per room per night
Discount: 10% off online Rate of the day
Offer valid: 24–28 March 2026
Click here to book
Quest on Manchester
54 Manchester Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 3 974 9256
Distance to conference venue: 11 minute walk
Price: From $200 per room per night
Discount: 10% off online Rate of the day
Offer valid: 24–28 March 2026
Booking link: https://www.questapartments.co.nz/properties/south-island/christchurch/quest-on-manchester
Click here to book reservations
Additional Accommodation Option (No special rates)
Drifter Christchurch
Opened in 2024, Drifter is a modern hybrid hotel and hostel offering private suites, shared rooms, and stylish communal spaces.
96 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City
+64 3 659 0066
Distance to venue: 12-minute walk
Price: From $63 – $297 per night
Click here to book
Be part of BuildUP26 and put your brand front and centre in New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure industry. Connect with industry leaders, showcase your expertise, and play a role in shaping the future of our built environment.
With a range of sponsorship options available, there’s a way for your organisation to make a real impact and get noticed.
Contact Hayden Blucher, Engagement Lead, today to explore opportunities and secure your place.
Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support
National Partner
National Sponsors
