CGF Monthly News | Apr 2026

ConstrucTrend 2026 participation, scholarship applications, and sector engagement.

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The construction sector has started the year at pace, with conferences, research initiatives, and scholarship activity already underway across the CGF network.

In this month’s update we highlight the start of the sector’s conference season, share progress on the next ConstrucTrend research report, and provide an update on the strong response to the 2026 CGF scholarship programme. We also share some encouraging signs of CGF’s growing reach across the sector. As always, thank you to our member associations and industry partners for the ongoing collaboration and support.

CONFERENCE & EVENTS

Season Underway

March marked the beginning of the member association conference and events calendar, with CGF supporting and attending the Building Institute Aotearoa BuildUP26 Conference in Christchurch. The event was a great success, bringing together industry leaders and practitioners from across the sector. It was great to see so many familiar faces, share more about CGF and our work, and hear how others across the sector are progressing.

For member associations who have not yet reached out to CGF regarding conference or event support, we encourage you to do so. Please log in to the CGF Member Portal for further information on available support and how to apply. Applications for 2026 conference and event support closes on 30 June 2026.

ConstrucTrend 2026: Associations Invited to Participate 

The ConstrucTrend Report released in late 2025 provided valuable new insights into workforce capability across the construction sector. As a pilot research project, it demonstrated the value of richer data to help inform industry discussions and future training priorities.

One of the key findings highlighted a gap in business capability across several trades, suggesting opportunities for vocational education and training to better reflect the practical realities of running a construction business.

CGF is now seeking expressions of interest from member associations and others who would like to participate in the 2026 research report. The next phase aims to re-visit the three core trades of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, and possibly expand the scope to other industries/trades too.

CGF Brand Momentum Continues to Grow

CGF continues to build a trusted and highly engaged platform within New Zealand’s construction sector.

Recent digital activity highlights the growing reach of the organisation. Website visitors increased by 366% in February compared with January, driven largely by promotion of the CGF Impact Scholarships. Our email newsletter also performed strongly, achieving a 79% open rate and a 43% click-through rate. This is well above typical industry averages of around 30% and 2–4%. The mailing list also grew by a record numbers.

Social media channels are gaining traction, with LinkedIn emerging as the primary platform for professional engagement across the sector. Member engagement is also strengthening, with 13 of the 17 CGF member associations now active in the Member Portal.

These early indicators reinforce CGF’s growing role as a trusted hub for sector capability, insight, and collaboration.

We would like to thank all those across the sector who follow, engage with, and support CGF. Your ongoing involvement plays an important role in building a more connected and informed sector.

We encourage you to share CGF’s work with your networks to help extend the reach of these insights and opportunities across the sector.

Stay Connected with CGF

Stay up to date with the latest sector insights, research updates, and funding opportunities by following CGF on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Strong Interest in CGF Scholarships for 2026

The first round of CGF scholarships for 2026 has now closed. This year also marked the introduction of the new CGF Impact Scholarship, and we were encouraged by the high calibre of applications received. Several promising research and innovation project applications have been submitted, and we look forward to announcing the successful recipients in next month’s newsletter.

CGF would like to thank our members for helping promote the scholarships and sharing the communications with their members.

The next step is for CGF to undertake due diligence with members to confirm applicant eligibility before formally announcing the successful scholarship recipients.

Scholarship applications received as at 20 March:

• CGF Impact Scholarships – 6

• CGF General Scholarships – 50

AGM Reminder – 30 April 2026 

Reminder that voting members are invited to attend the 2026 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 30 April 2026 at 9.00am. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing members to attend either in person or online.

The formal Notice of Meeting, proposed agenda, and 2025 AGM minutes have already been circulated to those eligible. The 2025 Annual Report and any remits will be distributed ahead of the meeting.

For queries, please contact Jeanine.McAuley@cgf.org.nz. 

Got a Question?

If you have a project with strong industry value but are unsure whether it fits the criteria, we encourage you to get in touch for a discussion. You’re welcome to contact Chief Executive Brian Dillon directly via email or on 027 252 7001.