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
8:00am Registration
8:30am Opening Remarks
BUILDUP = People, Performance, Productivity
Presented by Petra Bagust, Conference Host
8:45am Introduction to NZ Keynote
Te Waihanga (NZ Infrastructure Commission)
National Infrastructure Plan – boosting industry confidence to invest in people, technology, and equipment they need to build more efficiently
8:55am NZ Keynote
Gareth Kiernan, Chief Forecaster, Director, Infometrics Limited
Productivity Lessons in NZ – An overview of the latest productivity data and trends in the construction sector to help understand the root causes of low productivity and what potential solutions the industry has to overcome these current barriers
9:45am International Keynote
Productivity Lessons from Abroad – productivity and digital innovation for a better built environment
10:10am Quick Fire Panel
Applying Productivity Lessons to the NZ Context
10:30am Morning Tea + Showcase Area
11:00am Case Study
A dynamic panel of industry leaders share insights on delivering major construction projects that overcome complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and high-performance practices
11:45am International Keynote + Q&A
Dr Nathan Kirchner, Robotics Australia Group
Performance Focus – how digitally-led approaches and robotics can align with core strategy to enhance productivity and people performance
12:45pm Lunch + Showcase Area
1:30pm Round Table Sessions
Early Contractor Engagement and other topics to be confirmed – 10–12 specific roundtables for attendees to choose from
1:30pm Parallel Session: MĀTĀTAHI
For Next Gen and Young Professionals
2:45pm Next Gen Report
Learnings from the parallel session highlighting the value and perspectives of the next generation in contributing to organisational success
3:00pm Afternoon Tea + Showcase Area
3:15pm Keynote: People Focus
Janine Branje, General Manager at Hush Interiors, delivers a powerful keynote sharing how the profound personal loss of her daughter in a water tragedy shapes her pioneering leadership philosophy and drives her commitment to fostering safety, resilience, and purpose-driven culture in every construction project she leads
4:00pm Keynote: People Focus
James Laughlin – Habits of High Performers, empowering teams to embrace personal mastery, adaptability, and high-performance habits. His proprietary frameworks cut through complexity and give people clarity and tools to achieve extraordinary results
5:00pm Closing Remarks + Social Gathering
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
