It’s exciting to be starting this role so soon after significant infrastructure funding announcements by the Government in Budget 2026, which I hope will be a turning point for civil construction companies who have been struggling through a slow period. There’s positivity about the pipeline of work, but it’s best described as ‘cautious optimism’.
Civil Contractors New Zealand applauds the increased investment but seeks more clarity on regional delivery and says ‘cancel culture’ should be avoided. It follows a report by economist Shamubeel Eaqub detailing the cost of delaying, deferring or cancelling infrastructure projects. We also cover Awhi Group’s breakdown of the Budget funding most relevant to the sector.
Plan A General Manager Nick Cowan says work won’t suddenly flood the market but businesses ready before procurement starts will have an advantage. Law firm Dentons looks into early procurement and requests to vary contracts and Myne Talent director Rob Sellars warns labour shortages could return as infrastructure projects approach delivery.
In our cover story, Prime Fluid Management talks about how temporary systems are critical because the consequences of their failure can endure.
In this issue, we celebrate the life of CCNZ life member Morris McFall with an obituary written by former Contractor editor Gavin Riley.
Hugh Goddard from Pipeline and Civil has written another column – this time about the challenge in converting infrastructure opportunities into successful delivery outcomes. We also have new columns from Downer Transport and Infrastructure Contract Manager Samantha Riley – also CCNZ’s Young Contractors’ Group Chair – and CCNZ’s Technical Strategy and Engagement Manager Arne Corrie-Johnston.
In May, we farewelled Contractor magazine’s long-standing editor Alan Titchall, who has retired after 19 years with the company, during which time he advocated tirelessly for the sector. Many thanks Alan for such a thorough handover and for answering my endless questions. He has written about his journey with cancer on pages 40-41, which will be useful to many readers.
I will endeavour to build on the legacy Alan has built by keeping you informed, highlighting the great work in the sector and getting your views in front of the decision-makers. Please keep in touch and let me know of any issues or stories you want covered or anyone who deserves a profile. As Alan quoted from the first editorial of Contractor magazine, “we can’t do it by ourselves”.
Thanks also to the tight-knit team here at the magazine who have been so helpful, including General Manager David Penny who steers this ship so well, endlessly upbeat salesperson Charles Fairbairn and designer Tracey Asher whose 20 years-plus time at the company will be an invaluable resource for me.
I was heartened to meet so many enthusiastic young people in the sector at the Young Contractors’ Group event in Auckland in April. I look forward to getting to know more of you at the CCNZ Conference in Wellington next month. I will be giving a short speech to mark the 50th anniversary of Contractor magazine, no mean feat in an age of so many magazines coming and going.
Natasha Jojoa Burling
Editorial Manager
Avoiding ‘cancel culture’