The construction industry in New Zealand is booming. Between mid-2001 and mid-2006, the construction industry was New Zealand's fastest growing employer. During this period, the number of people employed in construction grew by 41.4%, almost two and a half times the national average rate of growth. Growth was driven by demand created by the building construction boom, and most of it was owner-run businesses.
About 172,000 people work in the construction industry, making up almost 8% of New Zealand’s workforce. This includes bricklayers, carpenters/joiners, plasterers, glaziers, plumbers, painter/decorators and electricians, as well as labourers, machinery operators, managers and administrative personnel. Many builders are self-employed, and specialist sub-contractors usually work in small businesses.
With demand like this, now is the time to build a future – in New Zealand.