Our experts talk about construction trends across New Zealand

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway business advisors from across the country have provided analysis and outlook for the sector, showing that work pipelines are running dry everywhere. Insolvencies are up, thanks to delays caused by Covid supply chain issues and labour shortages, which have sometimes triggered contractual demands for damages from lead contractors. Higher borrowing costs and difficulty getting finance have created the perfect storm, while Inland Revenue is actively pursuing unpaid taxes.

So what’s the view across New Zealand, and are there any positive steps businesses can take to strengthen their position until the next boom?

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch director Dorian Crighton

"In residential, there appear to be signs of supply exceeding demand in some areas such as apartments, creating a general slowdown, although we are seeing ongoing domestic and international migration," says Dorian. Some people are walking away from their new-build house deposits as banks tighten their lending criteria, or if they don’t have fixed-price contracts. 

Meanwhile, some developers who have already purchased bare land are delaying projects until the market and banking environment improve, although social housing projects are providing substantial work within the city.

In the commercial sector, projects such as Te Kaha stadium and the Metro Sports Facility are keeping demand steady. However, with increasing numbers of tradies shifting from residential, rates are sometimes being reduced to compete on smaller scale projects. This area remains strong in general though. "We have also observed an increase of people leaving for Australia or elsewhere in New Zealand, particularly Hawke’s Bay, to assist with cyclone recovery work," he says.

"On a positive note, businesses that made it through Covid are the survivors, so there’s not the same trepidation as before. Everyone’s just proceeding with care."

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Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke’s Bay director Libby O’Sullivan

Despite predictions of a post-cyclone boom, Libby says social housing and civil works involved in the clean-up are largely powering the Hawke’s Bay market. With insurance claims likely to take a while to come through, any “boom” will potentially be another year away.

Both residential and commercial sectors have seen a drop-off, with high interest rates halting projects at the feasibility study phase, and wet weather delaying existing projects. “It’s concerning that clients who used to have work behind them don’t now. However, for those larger businesses that are still holding steady, there are opportunities to recruit staff from smaller businesses that are having to let people go, and that’s something I’ve been seeing more often,” Libby says.

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Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland director Tony Maginness

In Auckland, medium-sized civil contractors and speculative builders have mostly felt the impact thus far, says Tony. “There’s been an increase in insolvencies, primarily in the construction sector, which is now also affecting property development. The storms led to an increase in civil contracting work but the machinery is often financed, so that – along with the wet weather during summer and winter – has meant they haven’t been able to operate to full capacity.”

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway client Teak Construction agrees that while they have good work and a great team of people, the situation is much tougher than expected. Budgets supplied by quantity surveyors no longer cover the full scope of their clients’ projects due to increased compliance, labour and material costs; and challenges with design approvals are resulting in increased legal fees.

Despite the slowdown, a lack of skilled workers, from consultants to carpenters and construction management teams, is still causing issues. “This will only be dealt with in the short term by immigration. However, at this point in time, why would people come to New Zealand rather than Australia, where wages are higher?” says managing director, Wayne Birchall.

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Advice for construction businesses

Despite the gloom, Tony says the market could “recover on a dime” if interest rates fall or migration sparks greater housing demand. He also says businesses that build in good margins will set themselves up for stronger outcomes.

“Don’t try to make up any shortfall on variations. And if you can, take bonds or guarantees,” he advises. “Construction always follows a boom-and-bust cycle. The boom will come back for those who take the right measures now.”

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki managing director Daimon Stewart 

Daimon recently spoke to a building client who is nearing retirement. That client said builders have gone through numerous boom-and-bust cycles, but the last peak was probably “longer than ever”. 

Younger builders who came into this boom time have never experienced an industry downturn, so it's a shock to their system, whereas the ones who've been around the block a few times know how to play the game. Those who haven't experienced it should talk to those who have, says Daimon. 

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• For more advice, contact a business advisor or property and construction specialist at your local Baker Tilly Staples Rodway office.