CGF Monthly News | September 2026

ConstrucTrend, New Tools and Funding Deadlines

Kia ora Subscriber First Name

September’s update brings together new research, practical employer resources and three time-sensitive opportunities for people and businesses across the CGF network.

The ConstrucTrend 2026 survey is nearly ready, with painting and concrete added to this year’s research. We also share highlights from NZCBIA’s latest construction sector report and introduce a printable Māori Cultural Confidence Toolkit for employers, managers and supervisors.

Business Mentors applications close on 30 September, while Round Two of the CGF General and Impact Scholarships opens on 1 October. Please explore these opportunities and share them with people in your networks who could benefit.

ConstrucTrend 2026: Sector-wide survey coming soon

Thank you to the member associations that have already expressed interest in participating in ConstrucTrend 2026.

CGF is putting the finishing touches on the online questionnaire and plans to launch it in October. Participating member associations will receive the survey and supporting materials to share with employers and tradespeople across their networks.

We have expanded this year’s research to include two additional specialist trades: painting and decorating, and concrete. They join the original focus areas of carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.

This broader scope will help build a clearer picture of current skills, capability gaps and future training needs across more of New Zealand’s construction sector.

For a refresher on the previous research click below for the findings.

New report: A snapshot of New Zealand’s building construction sector

Researched and written by economists Shamubeel Eaqub, Rosie Collins and Nihal Sohanpal, the report examines the sector’s economic contribution, workforce and training challenges, policy environment and outlook. It focuses particularly on helping businesses capture the value of training through productivity and retention, while highlighting the need for better coordination across the construction policy system.

The report is relevant to construction businesses and leaders of all sizes, industry associations, training organisations, policymakers and government agencies. It provides data and analysis to inform business planning, workforce development, advocacy and policy discussions.

A snapshot in numbers:

• $92 billion in construction sector revenue in 2026, including $64 billion paid to suppliers

• Nearly 300,000 people directly employed, with a further 250,000 jobs supported across related industries

• Nearly 75,000 paid employees left construction jobs in the year to May 2026, with most recruitment replacing people who had exited

• Almost 15% decline in real construction activity per person from the 2024 peak

• 98 policy instruments spread across 13 policy areas and seven government agencies

New training: Real Leadership: Tradies Tour

CGF has partnered with Roar Coaching to bring the Real Leadership: Tradies Tour to six centres across New Zealand this October and November.

The one-day, in-person workshop is designed for trade business owners, team leaders and construction professionals who lead people or are preparing to step into a leadership role. Participants will develop practical skills they can use straight away, including communicating clearly, setting expectations, giving useful feedback, building stronger team relationships and delegating with confidence.

CGF is funding 50% of the course fee for eligible members of CGF member associations, reducing the standard price from $595 + GST to $297.50 + GST per person (for the first 60 registrations). The subsidised price is limited to the first 60 eligible registrations. Participants can also claim 7.5 LBP Elective Learning points and will receive a Certificate of Learning.

Workshops will run from 21 October to 13 November 2026 in Hamilton, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Queenstown.

Member association marketing teams will receive a media kit this week containing ready-to-use email and social media content. Please share this opportunity with eligible members and employer networks.

New tool: Build Māori cultural confidence in your workplace

CGF research indicates that Māori make up approximately 16.7 per cent of New Zealand’s construction workforce.

Understanding te ao Māori, cultural values and workplace practices can help employers create more inclusive and supportive environments for Māori employees.

CGF is highlighting the Māori Cultural Confidence chapter of the Employer Toolkit. This printable resource introduces elements of te ao Māori, provides guidance on incorporating te ao Māori into the workplace and outlines practical actions employers can take. It also includes a glossary of commonly used terms.

Developing cultural confidence is an ongoing journey. Employers, managers and supervisors can use this toolkit to take practical steps towards building more respectful workplaces and stronger teams.

Reminder: Business Mentors applications close 30 September 

Eligible construction business owners still have time to apply for up to 12 months of one-to-one mentoring at no cost through CGF’s extended partnership with Business Mentors New Zealand.

CGF covers the $295 + GST registration fee, and participants are matched with an experienced mentor based on their business needs, sector and region.

Mentoring can assist with business strategy, financial management, profitability, marketing, team development and confidence. Applicants must own a construction business with fewer than 20 full-time equivalent staff and be a member of, or employed by, a CGF member association.

Sessions can be delivered in person or online. Spaces are limited, and applications close on 30 September 2026.

Reminder: CGF General and Impact Scholarships open 1 October 

Planning to invest in further study, professional development or leadership training? Round Two of the 2026 CGF General and Impact Scholarships opens on 1 October 2026.

General Scholarships

• Up to $3,000

• Supports construction-related education or training

General Scholarships can contribute towards qualifications, short courses and targeted development in areas such as construction management, supervision, leadership, governance, digital construction, sustainability, business capability and specialist technical skills. It may also help cover course fees, required equipment and materials, research expenses or study-related living costs.

Impact Scholarships

• Up to $10,000

• Supports research, innovation, and sector-improvement projects

Examples of eligible activities include:

• Research on construction innovation, digital transformation, health & safety, or sustainability in the construction sector

• Development of tools, models, or frameworks for industry use

• Investigations into sector capability, productivity, workforce, or training needs

• Applied postgraduate research with practical application

Applications for both scholarships close on 20 October 2026.

Contact us

If you’ve got a question or require further information, please contact us on the button below.