Advocacy

The Construction Growth Foundation (CGF) uses its collective voice to influence policies and practices that shape the future of New Zealand's construction sector. 

As the umbrella body for 17 construction industry associations, we represent 12,000+ employers and 25,000 employees. When we advocate, we amplify member voices to drive meaningful change that protects and strengthens our sector. 

Why advocacy matters 

Advocacy isn't about making noise. It's about delivering real value to our members by shaping the policies, regulations, and decisions that affect how the sector operate, train your people, and plan for the future. 

We advocate to: 

Deliver tangible outcomes. We push for beneficial legislation and work to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, directly impacting your bottom line and making membership worthwhile. 

Amplify voice. Individual concerns become collective power. Together, we have influence with lawmakers and regulators that no single association could achieve alone. 

Drive systemic change. We don't just react to problems, we address root causes by influencing policies, funding flows, and industry frameworks for long-term benefit. 

Protect the sector's future. From safeguarding not-for-profit tax settings to reforming vocational education, we ensure construction has a strong, sustainable future in New Zealand. 

Keeping informed. We help members navigate complex policy issues, understand what's at stake, and know their rights. 

How we advocate 

Our approach is strategic, evidence-based, and collaborative. 

We identify what matters. Through member input, research, and sector intelligence, we uncover the issues and opportunities that will shape the construction sectors’ operating environment. 

We build coalitions. We form alliances with industry partners, peak bodies, and stakeholders to strengthen our message and broaden our impact. 

We make the case. We present clear, well-reasoned submissions to government, backed by member insights and sector data. Our advocacy is constructive but firm—we will say what needs to be said. 

We mobilise members. When industry or sector voices are needed, we make it easy for groups to participate, whether that's contributing to a submission, sharing astory, or joining a call to action. 

We report back. Advocacy isn't effective if members don't know what's happening. We close the loop with regular updates on what we're working on and what we've achieved. 

Our advocacy in action 

CGF actively engages on the issues that matter most to construction capability, workforce development, and sector sustainability. Recent examples include: 

• Protecting not-for-profit tax settings – We've made strong representations to Inland Revenue about proposals that would undermine the financial sustainability of industry associations, arguing that the focus should be on preventing commercial exploitation, not taxing member subscriptions. 

• Reforming vocational education and training – We've advocated consistently for industry-led standards setting, simpler transitions, and funding models that incentivise on-job training and support smaller trades. 

• Strengthening industry input – We push for genuine industry ownership of standards and qualifications, not just consultation but because the system works best when it's truly responsive to sector needs. 

Get involved 

Advocacy works best when members are engaged. Here's how members and others can contribute: 

• Share insights. Respond to our surveys, attend member workshops, and let us know what's affecting your association and members. 

• Tell stories. Real examples from real businesses make our case stronger. Help us show government the on-the-ground impact of policy decisions. 

• Stay informed. Read our advocacy updates, join our quarterly briefings, and follow our progress through the member portal. 

• Amplify our messages. When we take a position on behalf of the sector, help us reinforce it by sharing updates within your own networks. 

Together, we're stronger. CGF advocacy transforms individual member concerns into collective influence by creating a more favourable environment for everyone in construction. 

Have a policy issue you'd like us to consider? Please contact Brian Dillon, CGF Chief Executive.