CGF Monthly News | Mar 2026

CGF Scholarships Open. Mentoring opportunities available. AGM Approaching.

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In February, CGF hosted our first in-person Member Leadership Forum for 2026, bringing together all 17 associations around one table. The strength of collaboration in the room was clear. The strongest feedback? Members value the opportunity to engage directly, share challenges openly, and think collectively about the future of the sector. A second forum is now planned for September.

March shifts us from conversation to action. Scholarships are open, mentoring opportunities continue, ConstrucTrend continues to provide fresh workforce insight, and preparations are underway for our 2026 AGM and governance training programme. Across each initiative, the focus remains the same: strengthening capability, lifting leadership, and backing our sector with credible, practical support.

NOW OPEN

General Scholarships

The CGF General Scholarships are now open for 2026, offering up to $3,000 to support individuals undertaking construction-related education or training. This flexible scholarship is intentionally broad, covering NZQA Level 5–9 qualifications, diplomas, degrees, leadership and governance training, digital construction and BIM courses, sustainability programmes, and other capability-building learning that strengthens the construction sector.

Available to members of, or those employed by, a CGF member organisation, the scholarship can be used for course fees, required materials, equipment, and even living costs such as childcare or petrol where these directly support study. With 35 scholarships available in 2026 and two application rounds each year, this is a practical investment in lifting technical, professional, and leadership capability across the industry.

1 in 4 Tradies Start a Business Within 2 Years of completing their qualification. Are They Ready?

ConstrucTrend gives CGF member associations something the sector has historically lacked: consistent, credible workforce and business insight gathered directly from those working in construction. It tracks trends across training pathways, business ownership, skills development, technology uptake, and career progression, providing evidence to support advocacy, funding bids, member services, and industry positioning.

Rather than relying on anecdote or one-off surveys, members can draw on longitudinal data to identify emerging capability gaps, workforce pressure points, and policy misalignment. The result is stronger submissions to government, sharper media commentary, and more targeted member support. ConstrucTrend strengthens influence, supports strategic planning, and positions CGF associations as evidence-led voices in a sector often rich in opinion but short on data.

Notice of AGM – 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. Members wishing to submit remits or items of special business must do so by 5.00pm on Thursday 2 April 2026.

Chairperson Training

CGF invites all member association Chairpersons, Deputy Chairs or Chair-in-succession to attend a dedicated Chairperson Training Course on Tuesday 28 July, 9.00am–5.00pm in Auckland. The course will be delivered by governance specialist Richard Westlake and is designed specifically for those leading boards, focusing on the distinct responsibilities and influence of the Chair role.

While some participants may already hold formal director qualifications, this programme has been developed exclusively to explore the role of the Board Chairs and addresses the practical realities of guiding board performance, culture, and decision-making.

Governance Training

Governance Essentials for Not-for-Profit Leaders is a one-day intensive programme for directors, trustees, and emerging leaders. It focuses on practical governance frameworks, strategic thinking, and confident leadership.

• Wednesday 29 April 2026 – FULL

• Wednesday 28 October 2026 – Rydges Wellington Airport

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.