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Budget 2026 could be a turning point for New Zealand’s construction sector — but only if it delivers certainty, not just stimulus. Our Property and Construction Services Leader, Dan Lowe says the constant message he’s hearing from the market is a reliable infrastructure pipeline, faster consenting, and fairer procurement settings are critical to restoring confidence, supporting investment, and helping construction businesses plan for long-term growth.

For civil construction businesses, margins and machinery only tell part of the story about their value. In this article, Louisa Meredith and Matt Thomson cover the operational, governance and financial factors that can make your business more resilient, more profitable and ultimately more attractive to acquirers long before any sale is on the table:

If the margins in your construction business are already razor thin, rising fuel and material costs could push profitability even closer to the edge. Matt Hannah explains why accurate job costing, real-time financial visibility, and stronger systems have never been more important for construction businesses. He covers where risk is building across the sector, how poor costing can quietly erode profits, and the practical steps you can take to protect your cashflow, improve decision making, and strengthen your business for the years ahead.

Owning a mortgage-free home has traditionally been the optimal situation for the Kiwi retiree. But for many people, that’s not an option as an increasing number of New Zealanders are approaching retirement as renters. Dan Lowe, property and construction services leader at Grant Thornton New Zealand looks at how build to rent developments could support our elderly population.

Big changes could be coming for earthquake-prone buildings in New Zealand. Proposed reforms aim to cut red tape, shift to a more risk-based system, and potentially save building owners billions. For many, this could mean fewer buildings on the EPB register and far more affordable remediation. Grant Thornton partner Matt Hannah and Matt Williams from BMC Consult reveal what might this mean for your building’s value, rent, insurance or lending:

You’ve heard it all before: Kiwi tradies are moving to Australia because they can earn far more money. But if wages are so much higher, why is construction cheaper in Australia?

How can New Zealand’s construction sector invest in a more successful future when times have been so tough? Business leaders with the foresight to build people resilience now will be ready to profit as their pipelines begin to flow freely again.

When it comes to sport, New Zealand tends to punch above its weight on the world stage. But, what’s our win rate on infrastructure projects? Infrastructure is the backbone of our entire economy, yet we underperform on delivering and maintaining our most essential facilities and systems.

The civil construction industry has been hammered over the past two years. How can business owners escape this trap?

Considering buying a commercial property in the next two years? By getting your ducks in a row early, you could save yourself hundreds of thousands of dollars. That was the message from the experts who spoke at a recent panel event, hosted by ANZ in Christchurch.

Our tax and industry experts have cut through the noise to focus on the most significant announcements in Budget 2025, and reveal what they mean for your business.

Only 5% of businesses have cyber insurance, even though everyone is at risk of a cyberattack – and the cost of an incident can sink your entire organisation.

The recent EBOSS Builder Sentiment Report reveals a stark outlook for New Zealand's property sector. According to the report, 70% of builders anticipate a decline in building activity over the next 12 months, with 62% of respondents citing the current economic climate as a significant concern in the residential market. This widespread pessimism underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to stabilise the industry and prevent further decline. If left unaddressed, this negative sentiment risks not only stalling the construction of much-needed residential dwellings but it could also prompt a potential exodus of skilled tradespeople seeking opportunities abroad. As one respondent in the report noted, "The lack of certainty is pushing good people out of the industry," highlighting the immediate need for solutions that can restore confidence and retain talent. Why Build to Rent? Build to Rent (BTR) offers a unique opportunity to address two pressing issues simultaneously: the shortage of affordable housing and the current lull in construction demand. The EBOSS report identifies a "softening market" as a major challenge, with the majority of builders expecting fewer new builds in the coming year. BTR developments, which involve constructing residential properties specifically for long-term rental, can provide a steady stream of quality housing for New Zealanders while keeping the construction sector active. However, the economic conditions and prevailing uncertainty have made New Zealand less attractive to institutional investors who might fund these large-scale projects. By introducing targeted incentives, such as rebates on qualifying BTR expenditures or tax breaks for large-scale residential developments, the Government could significantly improve the financial viability of these projects. This would not only attract much-needed investment but also ensure that the building sector remains engaged, even during periods of economic downturn. Preventing a talent drain The EBOSS report notes 45% of builders are considering reducing staff numbers, a move that could lead to a significant drain of expertise from the industry. If domestic opportunities continue to dwindle, there is a real danger our most qualified and experienced workers will seek employment overseas, leaving New Zealand ill-prepared to meet future demand when economic conditions eventually normalise. By incentivising BTR projects, the Government can help maintain a robust pipeline of work for builders and tradespeople. This, in turn, will keep our skilled workforce engaged and prevent a depletion of expertise that could otherwise take years to recover from. The long-term nature of BTR projects means that once established, these developments will continue to generate employment and economic activity, creating a more resilient property sector overall. The challenges facing New Zealand's property sector are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The EBOSS Builder Sentiment Report clearly illustrates the depth of concern within the industry. By taking a proactive approach and implementing targeted incentives, the Government can help steer the industry through this period of uncertainty. Incentivising Build to Rent projects represents a strategic investment in the future of both our housing market and our construction workforce. It is a solution that not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the foundation for a more stable and prosperous property sector in the years to come.

Dan Lowe says uncertainty is the enemy of confidence and investment and that when it comes to property and construction, continuous tinkering with tax settings has made the sector an easy target.

Major public sector agencies have been instrumental in driving lasting benefit through strategic procurement and broader outcomes. Think hydro dams, railways and hospitals built by the previous generation. This approach has lifted the quality and resilience of public services, the capability of a range of suppliers and also set a precedent for addressing the burgeoning issue of infrastructure technical debt.

There’s new GST legislation in place for online marketplaces, which includes short-term accommodation platforms like Airbnb, ride-sharing platforms like Uber and delivery services like Uber Eats. These online platforms must now collect 15% GST and return it to Inland Revenue. This ‘app tax’ came into effect on 1 April 2024, and it’s already having an impact on the market.