CGF Update: Advocacy, Collaboration and the Future of Construction
November 2025
As CGF moves toward our 2026–2028 strategy, we're reflecting on the powerful feedback you've shared, and how it's reshaping everything we do.
Your voice matters. Your challenges guide us. Your ideas drive us forward. This month, we're sharing how we're responding to what you've told us, and what it means for the sector.
1. FROM FUND TO FOUNDATION
In April 2025, we evolved from the Building and Construction Training Fund into the Construction Growth Foundation, a subtle name change that reflects a profound shift in who we are and what we do.
We're no longer just a fund. We're a partner. An enabler. A connector bridging 17 associations representing over 12,000+ employers and 25,000+ employees across construction.
Our purpose has sharpened: to empower the construction industry to take on more technical and professional roles, and create a sustainable, thriving sector that benefits workers, employers, and communities.
This foundation mindset means we're thinking longer-term. We're investing in capability, not quick fixes. We're building relationships, not just transactions. We're amplifying your work, not replacing it.
2. ADVOCACY, REDEFINED
Earlier this year, we asked you a hard question: What do you actually need from CGF in regard to advocacy?
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your honest feedback. Your insights have been instrumental in shaping how we work, and we heard a clear message: you want CGF to empower you to advocate for yourselves and provide support to that as/when needed. This has also helped inform a refresh of our organisational strategy, and where CGF will advocate more broadly.
In response, we will be introducing clearer consultation processes that give you choice in advocacy matters, and we look forward to working with you shape these.
CGF will provide the tools, research, and resources your associations need to develop and voice your own positions. Most importantly, we're committed to deeper relationships built on listening and genuine collaboration.
When we do take collective positions, it will be on issues where there's broad industry alignment and a clear mandate for CGF to lead.
What this means for you: You choose which positions align with your members' interests. CGF supports and amplifies your work, but your voice remains your own.
3. INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Capability. It's at the heart of everything we do. This year, we've invested significantly in the people shaping construction's future.
The numbers tell the story:
80+ learners supported through scholarships in 2025
50+ directors completed governance training through our partnership with the Institute of Directors
$70,000 additional approved for scholarship funding this year alone
At least of the projects we are funding have people-centric outcomes
But we're not stopping there. As we head toward 2026–2028, we're planning an increase in annual growth for our scholarship funding, to ensure more professionals can access the advanced education and training construction desperately needs.
Increasing governance capability remains critical too. The final 2025 course ran on the 23 September with 23 participants taking part. These courses aren't just about compliance, they're about building the leadership capability that transforms organisations.
If you have talented people in your member organisations considering further study, encourage them to apply for 2026. Scholarship application can be found at cgf.org.nz/scholarships-training
4. COLLABORATION IN ACTION
Strategy sounds good in theory. Collaboration is where it becomes real.
Right now, we're supporting 10 member-led projects that are setting new standards across the sector:
CGF has partnered with Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) to give small member businesses (under 20 staff) access to one-on-one mentoring. More than 170 participants have now joined the programme, with interest continuing to grow.
Built Environment Careers Map : The Building Institute Aotearoa is developing a careers map to showcase opportunities across commercial construction. The CGF Board recently approved further funding to include a digital skills focus. Completion is expected in December 2025.
Brick Veneer Best Practice Guide : In partnership with Concrete NZ, the Master Brick and Blocklayers Association is redeveloping the Brick Veneer Best Practice Guide. This project will lift industry standards and improve consistency in bricklaying. Expected completion: March 2027.
Master Floorer Initiative : Floor NZ is creating a professional standard for the flooring trade under the “Master Floorer” initiative. The project will enhance quality, safety, and professional recognition across the sector. Expected completion: March 2026.
Frame and Truss H&S Videos : The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) has produced tailored health and safety video resources for the sector, now available for wider industry use.
Pathway to Professional Programme : Architectural Designers NZ (ADNZ) is developing a Pathway to Professional programme to strengthen capability and career progression within architecture. The initiative aims to lift professional standards sector-wide. Expected completion: June 2026.
Homestar Training : The NZ Green Building Council (NZGBC) has launched Homestar training on energy-efficient building design and construction, available exclusively to CGF member organisations. Two courses have been filled, with the second to run before the end of 2025.
Insulation Seminar : CGF supported the Insulation Association of NZ (IAoNZ) to deliver a July seminar on new insulation standards and Building Code H1 changes. Subsidised registrations were provided for members of CGF associations.
NAWIC Conference Attendance : CGF funded NAWIC’s incoming president, Kirsty Hopewell, to attend the Trimble Dimensions Conference in Brisbane on digital innovation. Her learnings will be shared with all CGF member associations.
Apprentice Trust Strategy Support : CGF approved funding for the Apprentice Trust, a subsidiary of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), to engage a facilitator to help shape its new strategy. The Trust supports construction trainees, employers, and the wider industry.
This is what systemic change looks like. When associations have resources to develop standards, create training, and share knowledge, entire industries lift. Projects gain momentum. Best practice gets amplified.
We're also supporting member conference attendance, and investing in career pathway work that makes construction more accessible.
5. BUILDING INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE
Data. Insights. Evidence. These are becoming CGF's competitive advantage.
We're positioning CGF as the trusted source of construction workforce and skills intelligence for the sector, government, and training providers. This isn't theoretical, it's actionable insight that drives real decisions.
Here's what's coming:
ConstrucTrend and Workforce Journey Indicators data is now being integrated into CGF's analysis capacity
An annual State of Construction Skills report launching in 2026, member-facing, media-facing, and government-facing
Quarterly insights dashboards shared with members and media
Evidence-based advocacy backed by real data, not assumptions
Why this matters: When CGF speaks, it speaks with evidence. When your associations need research to support your advocacy, we'll have it. When government asks about construction's skill gaps or training needs, CGF will have answers.
This intelligence work also means we'll be asking for your input—sector data, workforce challenges, training trends. Your insights help us build a picture that's accurate, comprehensive, and useful.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more detail on:
Our refreshed 2026–2028 strategy
The advocacy consultation process and how to engage
2026 budget allocations for scholarships, governance training, and conference support
Roadmap for industry intelligence reporting
We'll also be scheduling one-on-one meetings with association leaders to discuss your priorities, challenges, and how CGF can best support your sector.
Questions or ideas? Reach out to Brian directly at brian.dillon@cgf.org.nz or 027 252 7001.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and partnership.
Together, we're creating a more cohesive, capable, and future-ready construction industry.