Industry Insights - Mood of the Nation 2026

What is the current mood of New Zealand's construction industry? While confidence is beginning to return, the sector remains characterised by regional variation, cautious investment, and ongoing uncertainty.

In this webinar, Building Institute Aotearoa Chief Executive Kirsten Magnusson was joined by Terry Buchan - Hawkins (Building Institute Northern Region Representative), Craig Hopkins - Generation Homes (Building Institute Co-Deputy Chair - Membership Representative & Northern Region Committee Chair), and Josh Gibbons - Cook Brothers Construction (Southern Region Committee Member), and our moderator Hayden Blucher, Head of Engagement and Events at Building Institute Aotearoa, to discuss the state of the industry and what lies ahead for residential and commercial construction.

The panel explored the challenges businesses have faced over the past year, including fluctuating market confidence, political and economic uncertainty, workforce pressures, and the need to maintain capability through quieter periods. While Auckland and Wellington continue to experience slower conditions, regions such as Christchurch and Queenstown are seeing stronger activity, highlighting the increasingly varied outlook across New Zealand.

Looking ahead, the discussion focused on the opportunities emerging across the sector. Panellists highlighted the importance of investing in people, embracing innovation, improving productivity, and adopting new technologies such as AI to support better decision-making and more efficient project delivery. They also emphasised the value of early collaboration, stronger industry relationships, and maintaining training and development to ensure the workforce is ready when the next wave of major projects begins.

Throughout the conversation, one message remained consistent: while uncertainty continues, the industry's long-term outlook is positive for organisations that remain adaptable, continue investing in their people, and focus on collaboration, innovation, and delivering value.

Watch the recording to hear practical insights and perspectives from industry leaders on navigating today's market and preparing for the opportunities ahead.

Thank you to the Industry Insights series supporter, Procore Technologies.