GITNUXREPORT 2026

New Zealand Building Industry Statistics

Construction growth continues despite fewer residential starts and a significant skills shortage.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In the year ending June 2023, the total value of building construction work put in place in New Zealand was $52.3 billion, up 4.2% from the previous year.

Statistic 2

Residential building consents issued in New Zealand for the September 2023 quarter totalled 9,248, a decrease of 18.7% compared to the September 2022 quarter.

Statistic 3

The value of non-residential building work put in place rose by 12.5% to $15.4 billion in the year to June 2023.

Statistic 4

Heavy and civil engineering construction value increased by 8.1% to $18.7 billion for the year ending June 2023.

Statistic 5

Building construction contributed 5.8% to New Zealand's GDP in 2022, with a total output of $48.1 billion.

Statistic 6

Total value of consented residential buildings in Auckland reached $12.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 7

Infrastructure construction GDP contribution was 2.1% in 2022.

Statistic 8

Building investment as % of GDP was 7.8% in the year to March 2023.

Statistic 9

Export of construction services from NZ totalled $1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 10

Price index for building construction inputs rose 12.3% in 2023.

Statistic 11

1,850 construction insolvencies recorded in year to June 2023.

Statistic 12

Canterbury construction output grew 6.5% to $8.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 13

Digital construction market value projected at $2.5 billion by 2025.

Statistic 14

Prefab manufacturing output increased 18% to $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 15

Construction productivity grew 1.2% annually from 2018-2023.

Statistic 16

Maori-owned construction firms numbered 1,200 in 2023 directory.

Statistic 17

Offices and commercial buildings consented value reached $2.1 billion in year to Sept 2023.

Statistic 18

Industrial buildings accounted for 45% of non-residential consents by number in 2023.

Statistic 19

Retail building work put in place totalled $1.8 billion in the year to June 2023.

Statistic 20

Educational facilities construction value was $1.2 billion for consents in 2023.

Statistic 21

Healthcare building consents increased 15% to $850 million in year to Sept 2023.

Statistic 22

Infrastructure projects under construction totalled 1,200 km of roads in 2023.

Statistic 23

NZ$25 billion in commercial building pipeline as of mid-2023.

Statistic 24

Hospitality sector renovations valued at $450 million in 2022.

Statistic 25

Auckland hosted 40% of non-residential consents by value in 2023.

Statistic 26

28 new data centres consented with $1.5 billion value in 2023.

Statistic 27

Sports and recreation facilities consents totalled $600 million in 2023.

Statistic 28

15% of non-residential buildings consented in 2023 were seismic retrofits.

Statistic 29

Logistics warehouses floor area consented was 450,000 sqm in 2023.

Statistic 30

Government-funded non-residential projects totalled NZ$4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 31

Christchurch non-residential consents up 22% post-rebuild phase in 2023.

Statistic 32

320 new childcare centres consented nationally in year to June 2023.

Statistic 33

Agricultural buildings consents value fell 10% to $300 million in 2023.

Statistic 34

Retail trade buildings work in place $1.9 billion year to June 2023.

Statistic 35

52 new supermarkets consented with 150,000 sqm in 2023.

Statistic 36

Hospital expansions totalled $1.1 billion consents in 2023.

Statistic 37

NZ$8.5 billion roading projects underway mid-2023.

Statistic 38

65 schools rebuilt or expanded under bootcamps by 2023.

Statistic 39

Logistics sector consents 550,000 sqm floor space in 2023.

Statistic 40

120 EV charging stations integrated into commercial builds in 2023.

Statistic 41

Dunedin non-residential consents up 28% to $900 million.

Statistic 42

15% of commercial consents for co-working spaces in 2023.

Statistic 43

Water infrastructure $3.2 billion invested in 2023 consents.

Statistic 44

Green star rated commercial buildings: 45 new certifications in 2023.

Statistic 45

2,800 heritage buildings retrofitted with $500 million spend.

Statistic 46

75% of new non-residential buildings in 2023 incorporated green building standards.

Statistic 47

Building Code compliance rate for insulation standards was 98.2% in 2022 audits.

Statistic 48

42 leaky building claims settled under Weathertight scheme totalled $1.2 billion by 2023.

Statistic 49

85% of construction firms reported adopting digital tools for compliance in 2023.

Statistic 50

Carbon emissions from construction sector were 4.5 Mt CO2e in 2022.

Statistic 51

12,500 buildings assessed under GIB earthquake rating system in 2023.

Statistic 52

Healthy Homes Standards compliance reached 92% for rentals by end-2023.

Statistic 53

30% reduction target in construction waste set for 2030 under policy.

Statistic 54

2,100 Building Consent Authorities processed 95% of consents digitally in 2023.

Statistic 55

Methane mitigation features included in 18% of new consents in 2023.

Statistic 56

65% of firms trained in modern methods of construction (MMC) by 2023.

Statistic 57

1,200 enforcement actions for building code breaches in 2022-2023.

Statistic 58

Solar PV installations on buildings totalled 450 MW capacity in 2023.

Statistic 59

22 new regulations introduced for cladding materials in 2023.

Statistic 60

88% pass rate for building consent applications under new fast-track in 2023.

Statistic 61

Building levy collected $45 million for research in 2022-23.

Statistic 62

95% of consents now require biodiversity assessments post-2023 rules.

Statistic 63

1,500 LBP holders suspended for non-compliance in 2023.

Statistic 64

Waste from construction sites diverted from landfill: 52% in 2023.

Statistic 65

28% energy reduction in new homes under Homestar v4 2023.

Statistic 66

450 km of cycleways built under urban policy in 2023.

Statistic 67

Climate adaptation plans mandated for 1,200 coastal builds in 2023.

Statistic 68

76% of firms compliant with new machinery safety regs 2023.

Statistic 69

Timber use in construction up 22% under low-carbon policy.

Statistic 70

3,200 audits for weathertightness compliance in 2023.

Statistic 71

Fast-track consenting bill passed 85 projects worth $12 billion.

Statistic 72

67% reduction in consenting times targeted by 2025 policy.

Statistic 73

Modular construction policy incentives claimed by 320 firms in 2023.

Statistic 74

New dwelling consents in New Zealand totalled 39,100 for the year ending September 2023.

Statistic 75

Standalone houses accounted for 52% of residential consents issued in 2023.

Statistic 76

The average value of residential building consents was $452,000 in the September 2023 quarter.

Statistic 77

Auckland region issued 28% of all residential consents nationally in 2023.

Statistic 78

Townhouse, flats, and unit consents fell 25% to 18,200 in the year to September 2023.

Statistic 79

Residential construction work put in place valued at $32.1 billion in year to June 2023.

Statistic 80

65% of new residential dwellings consented in 2023 were for 3+ bedrooms.

Statistic 81

Completion rate for residential consents was 92% within 12 months in 2022.

Statistic 82

Prefabricated residential buildings made up 8% of consents by value in 2023.

Statistic 83

Renovation work on residential buildings totalled $9.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 84

15,300 social housing units were consented in the year to June 2023.

Statistic 85

Average floor area of new standalone houses consented was 192 sqm in 2023.

Statistic 86

Wellington region saw a 35% drop in residential consents in 2023 due to earthquake risks.

Statistic 87

22% of residential consents in 2023 included energy efficiency upgrades beyond code.

Statistic 88

Multi-unit residential developments averaged 12 units per project in 2023.

Statistic 89

Hamilton residential consents totalled 2,800 units in year to Sept 2023.

Statistic 90

35% of consents were for apartments in urban areas in 2023.

Statistic 91

Off-site manufactured homes consents up 25% to 4,200 in 2023.

Statistic 92

48% of new homes consented had double glazing standard in 2023.

Statistic 93

Queenstown-Lakes residential value consented $2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 94

1,200 tiny homes (under 50sqm) consented nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 95

Retrofit insulation subsidies claimed for 45,000 homes in 2023.

Statistic 96

Bay of Plenty standalone house consents averaged 210 sqm floor area.

Statistic 97

18% drop in first-home buyer consents in 2023.

Statistic 98

9,500 bedrooms added via residential consents in Sept 2023 quarter.

Statistic 99

NZ$42 billion residential pipeline as at Q3 2023.

Statistic 100

The construction sector's share of total employment in New Zealand was 9.2% as of 2023.

Statistic 101

There were 278,500 people employed in the construction industry in New Zealand in September 2023, up 2.1% year-on-year.

Statistic 102

The construction unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 3.8% in the June 2023 quarter.

Statistic 103

BCITO apprenticeships in building trades numbered 13,456 as of June 2023, a 5% increase from 2022.

Statistic 104

Median hourly earnings for construction workers in New Zealand were $32.50 in 2022.

Statistic 105

42% of construction workers in New Zealand were aged 25-44 in 2023, the largest age cohort.

Statistic 106

Female participation in the construction workforce reached 13.5% in 2023, up from 11% in 2018.

Statistic 107

7,200 new construction apprentices registered with BCITO in the year to June 2023.

Statistic 108

Construction firms reported a skills shortage for 68% of roles surveyed in 2023.

Statistic 109

Average hours worked per week by construction employees was 40.2 in 2022.

Statistic 110

15,200 FTEs in engineering services subsector in 2023.

Statistic 111

Turnover time for apprentices to full qualification averaged 4.2 years in 2023.

Statistic 112

5,600 migrants filled construction roles under work visas in 2023.

Statistic 113

Health and safety incidents in construction fell 14% to 2,800 in 2022-23.

Statistic 114

28% of workforce had formal health & safety training certification in 2023.

Statistic 115

Youth apprentices (under 25) comprised 42% of new starts in 2023.

Statistic 116

Wage growth in construction was 6.8% for 2023.

Statistic 117

3,400 self-employed builders deregistered due to compliance issues in 2023.

Statistic 118

Regional disparity: Northland construction employment up 4%, Southland down 2% in 2023.

Statistic 119

67% of firms facing recruitment difficulties for carpenters in 2023 survey.

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While New Zealand's building sector hammered out over $52 billion worth of work last year, a closer look reveals an industry at a fascinating crossroads, grappling with soaring non-residential projects, a cooling residential market, and a relentless push toward sustainability and skilled labour.

Key Takeaways

In the year ending June 2023, the total value of building construction work put in place in New Zealand was $52.3 billion, up 4.2% from the previous year.
Residential building consents issued in New Zealand for the September 2023 quarter totalled 9,248, a decrease of 18.7% compared to the September 2022 quarter.
The value of non-residential building work put in place rose by 12.5% to $15.4 billion in the year to June 2023.
The construction sector's share of total employment in New Zealand was 9.2% as of 2023.
There were 278,500 people employed in the construction industry in New Zealand in September 2023, up 2.1% year-on-year.
The construction unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 3.8% in the June 2023 quarter.
New dwelling consents in New Zealand totalled 39,100 for the year ending September 2023.
Standalone houses accounted for 52% of residential consents issued in 2023.
The average value of residential building consents was $452,000 in the September 2023 quarter.
Offices and commercial buildings consented value reached $2.1 billion in year to Sept 2023.
Industrial buildings accounted for 45% of non-residential consents by number in 2023.
Retail building work put in place totalled $1.8 billion in the year to June 2023.
75% of new non-residential buildings in 2023 incorporated green building standards.
Building Code compliance rate for insulation standards was 98.2% in 2022 audits.
42 leaky building claims settled under Weathertight scheme totalled $1.2 billion by 2023.

Construction growth continues despite fewer residential starts and a significant skills shortage.

Economic Performance

In the year ending June 2023, the total value of building construction work put in place in New Zealand was $52.3 billion, up 4.2% from the previous year.
Residential building consents issued in New Zealand for the September 2023 quarter totalled 9,248, a decrease of 18.7% compared to the September 2022 quarter.
The value of non-residential building work put in place rose by 12.5% to $15.4 billion in the year to June 2023.
Heavy and civil engineering construction value increased by 8.1% to $18.7 billion for the year ending June 2023.
Building construction contributed 5.8% to New Zealand's GDP in 2022, with a total output of $48.1 billion.
Total value of consented residential buildings in Auckland reached $12.4 billion in 2023.
Infrastructure construction GDP contribution was 2.1% in 2022.
Building investment as % of GDP was 7.8% in the year to March 2023.
Export of construction services from NZ totalled $1.2 billion in 2022.
Price index for building construction inputs rose 12.3% in 2023.
1,850 construction insolvencies recorded in year to June 2023.
Canterbury construction output grew 6.5% to $8.2 billion in 2023.
Digital construction market value projected at $2.5 billion by 2025.
Prefab manufacturing output increased 18% to $1.8 billion in 2023.
Construction productivity grew 1.2% annually from 2018-2023.
Maori-owned construction firms numbered 1,200 in 2023 directory.

Economic Performance Interpretation

The building industry is a paradoxical powerhouse, simultaneously booming with record investment while groaning under the weight of rising costs and a slowdown in new homes, proving that even a $52 billion sector can't quite build its way out of a squeeze.

Non-Residential Sector

Offices and commercial buildings consented value reached $2.1 billion in year to Sept 2023.
Industrial buildings accounted for 45% of non-residential consents by number in 2023.
Retail building work put in place totalled $1.8 billion in the year to June 2023.
Educational facilities construction value was $1.2 billion for consents in 2023.
Healthcare building consents increased 15% to $850 million in year to Sept 2023.
Infrastructure projects under construction totalled 1,200 km of roads in 2023.
NZ$25 billion in commercial building pipeline as of mid-2023.
Hospitality sector renovations valued at $450 million in 2022.
Auckland hosted 40% of non-residential consents by value in 2023.
28 new data centres consented with $1.5 billion value in 2023.
Sports and recreation facilities consents totalled $600 million in 2023.
15% of non-residential buildings consented in 2023 were seismic retrofits.
Logistics warehouses floor area consented was 450,000 sqm in 2023.
Government-funded non-residential projects totalled NZ$4.2 billion in 2023.
Christchurch non-residential consents up 22% post-rebuild phase in 2023.
320 new childcare centres consented nationally in year to June 2023.
Agricultural buildings consents value fell 10% to $300 million in 2023.
Retail trade buildings work in place $1.9 billion year to June 2023.
52 new supermarkets consented with 150,000 sqm in 2023.
Hospital expansions totalled $1.1 billion consents in 2023.
NZ$8.5 billion roading projects underway mid-2023.
65 schools rebuilt or expanded under bootcamps by 2023.
Logistics sector consents 550,000 sqm floor space in 2023.
120 EV charging stations integrated into commercial builds in 2023.
Dunedin non-residential consents up 28% to $900 million.
15% of commercial consents for co-working spaces in 2023.
Water infrastructure $3.2 billion invested in 2023 consents.
Green star rated commercial buildings: 45 new certifications in 2023.
2,800 heritage buildings retrofitted with $500 million spend.

Non-Residential Sector Interpretation

New Zealand's builders are clearly hedging their bets, furiously constructing data centres for our digital future while also bolting down the past with seismic retrofits, all while Auckland happily hoards nearly half the action.

Policy and Sustainability

75% of new non-residential buildings in 2023 incorporated green building standards.
Building Code compliance rate for insulation standards was 98.2% in 2022 audits.
42 leaky building claims settled under Weathertight scheme totalled $1.2 billion by 2023.
85% of construction firms reported adopting digital tools for compliance in 2023.
Carbon emissions from construction sector were 4.5 Mt CO2e in 2022.
12,500 buildings assessed under GIB earthquake rating system in 2023.
Healthy Homes Standards compliance reached 92% for rentals by end-2023.
30% reduction target in construction waste set for 2030 under policy.
2,100 Building Consent Authorities processed 95% of consents digitally in 2023.
Methane mitigation features included in 18% of new consents in 2023.
65% of firms trained in modern methods of construction (MMC) by 2023.
1,200 enforcement actions for building code breaches in 2022-2023.
Solar PV installations on buildings totalled 450 MW capacity in 2023.
22 new regulations introduced for cladding materials in 2023.
88% pass rate for building consent applications under new fast-track in 2023.
Building levy collected $45 million for research in 2022-23.
95% of consents now require biodiversity assessments post-2023 rules.
1,500 LBP holders suspended for non-compliance in 2023.
Waste from construction sites diverted from landfill: 52% in 2023.
28% energy reduction in new homes under Homestar v4 2023.
450 km of cycleways built under urban policy in 2023.
Climate adaptation plans mandated for 1,200 coastal builds in 2023.
76% of firms compliant with new machinery safety regs 2023.
Timber use in construction up 22% under low-carbon policy.
3,200 audits for weathertightness compliance in 2023.
Fast-track consenting bill passed 85 projects worth $12 billion.
67% reduction in consenting times targeted by 2025 policy.
Modular construction policy incentives claimed by 320 firms in 2023.

Policy and Sustainability Interpretation

New Zealand's construction industry is diligently building a greener, more resilient future, one regulation at a time, though the ghost of leaky buildings and the sheer volume of carbon emissions remind us that this ambitious renovation project is very much a work in progress.

Residential Sector

New dwelling consents in New Zealand totalled 39,100 for the year ending September 2023.
Standalone houses accounted for 52% of residential consents issued in 2023.
The average value of residential building consents was $452,000 in the September 2023 quarter.
Auckland region issued 28% of all residential consents nationally in 2023.
Townhouse, flats, and unit consents fell 25% to 18,200 in the year to September 2023.
Residential construction work put in place valued at $32.1 billion in year to June 2023.
65% of new residential dwellings consented in 2023 were for 3+ bedrooms.
Completion rate for residential consents was 92% within 12 months in 2022.
Prefabricated residential buildings made up 8% of consents by value in 2023.
Renovation work on residential buildings totalled $9.8 billion in 2022.
15,300 social housing units were consented in the year to June 2023.
Average floor area of new standalone houses consented was 192 sqm in 2023.
Wellington region saw a 35% drop in residential consents in 2023 due to earthquake risks.
22% of residential consents in 2023 included energy efficiency upgrades beyond code.
Multi-unit residential developments averaged 12 units per project in 2023.
Hamilton residential consents totalled 2,800 units in year to Sept 2023.
35% of consents were for apartments in urban areas in 2023.
Off-site manufactured homes consents up 25% to 4,200 in 2023.
48% of new homes consented had double glazing standard in 2023.
Queenstown-Lakes residential value consented $2.1 billion in 2023.
1,200 tiny homes (under 50sqm) consented nationwide in 2023.
Retrofit insulation subsidies claimed for 45,000 homes in 2023.
Bay of Plenty standalone house consents averaged 210 sqm floor area.
18% drop in first-home buyer consents in 2023.
9,500 bedrooms added via residential consents in Sept 2023 quarter.
NZ$42 billion residential pipeline as at Q3 2023.

Residential Sector Interpretation

New Zealand's building industry, while impressively churning out a $42 billion pipeline of predominantly spacious, three-bedroomed houses, reveals a nation still stubbornly building big and standalone, even as it tentatively flirts with prefabrication and energy efficiency, all under the ever-present shadow of seismic anxieties and a chilling drop in affordable starter homes.

Workforce and Employment

The construction sector's share of total employment in New Zealand was 9.2% as of 2023.
There were 278,500 people employed in the construction industry in New Zealand in September 2023, up 2.1% year-on-year.
The construction unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 3.8% in the June 2023 quarter.
BCITO apprenticeships in building trades numbered 13,456 as of June 2023, a 5% increase from 2022.
Median hourly earnings for construction workers in New Zealand were $32.50 in 2022.
42% of construction workers in New Zealand were aged 25-44 in 2023, the largest age cohort.
Female participation in the construction workforce reached 13.5% in 2023, up from 11% in 2018.
7,200 new construction apprentices registered with BCITO in the year to June 2023.
Construction firms reported a skills shortage for 68% of roles surveyed in 2023.
Average hours worked per week by construction employees was 40.2 in 2022.
15,200 FTEs in engineering services subsector in 2023.
Turnover time for apprentices to full qualification averaged 4.2 years in 2023.
5,600 migrants filled construction roles under work visas in 2023.
Health and safety incidents in construction fell 14% to 2,800 in 2022-23.
28% of workforce had formal health & safety training certification in 2023.
Youth apprentices (under 25) comprised 42% of new starts in 2023.
Wage growth in construction was 6.8% for 2023.
3,400 self-employed builders deregistered due to compliance issues in 2023.
Regional disparity: Northland construction employment up 4%, Southland down 2% in 2023.
67% of firms facing recruitment difficulties for carpenters in 2023 survey.

Workforce and Employment Interpretation

While New Zealand's construction industry builds a sturdy 9.2% of the nation's employment and finally chips away at its stubborn gender gap, its frantic 6.8% wage growth and desperate 68% skills shortage reveal a sector furiously trying to plaster over the cracks of a worker exodus and a painfully slow apprenticeship pipeline.

Sources & References

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