There are many parts that make up the CCNZ value proposition for members, explains Alan Pollard, the CEO.
One of our most critical roles, but often least visible, is advocating on behalf of our members on matters that can have a significant impact on member businesses.
As an organisation we have worked hard to raise our profile not just in Wellington with central government but across the country with local government. We have partnered with an advocacy firm, Awhi Group, which works with our Communications and Advocacy Manager, Fraser May, and me to improve our presence and reputation.
Last year we engaged with numerous government politicians including the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Ministers Bishop (Infrastructure, RMA Reform, Transport), Watts (Local Government), Stanford (Education and Immigration) and Simmonds (Environment and Vocational Education). We have connected with coalition partners Minister Jones (NZ First – Regional Development), Minister Seymour (Act – Deputy Prime Minister, Regulation) and Under-Secretary Simon Court (Act – Infrastructure, RMA Reform).
With 2026 being an election year, we have also engaged with key Labour and Green Party MPs. With the election currently too close to call, it is important that we inform policies and engage across the parliamentary spectrum.
This work is paying off. We are getting good traction and recognition at a government level and across parties. We can say with confidence that CCNZ is recognised as a relevant, reliable, trusted and credible voice for the civil construction sector.
Some may say “so what?”. But we cannot underestimate the value that being recognised in this way has for our industry and our members. When political decision-makers seek us out for our input and feedback, our ability to influence the direction of government policy to address the concerns and aspirations of our members is significantly enhanced, and our members remain ‘front of mind’.
We take that responsibility seriously and use it wisely.
The importance of these relationships extends to government officials as well. Again, we are increasingly being approached for comment or feedback as policy ideas are being tested and invited to participate in agency forums from health and safety through to procurement.
Of course, we don’t always agree with politicians and officials. At times, that can lead to frustration on both sides. In those situations, our role is to advocate for what we believe is the right outcome and make sure that decision-makers understand the consequences of taking a path that is contrary to our advice. We will always argue our position strongly but professionally – integrity is an important value for us.
We have submitted on, or are in the process of submitting on, numerous government bills, including the Planning and Natural Environment Bills (replacements for the RMA), Emergency Management Bill, Public Works Amendment Bill, Commerce (Promoting Competition and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, and many more.
It is important we capture member sentiment as we draft our submissions to bring a practical lens to the process. Sometimes the time frame for submissions is very tight (for example the first reading of the RMA replacement Bills was held before Christmas, triggering the consultation period, with submissions closing on the 750-page draft Bills on 13 February!), and that limits the time available to consult with members, obtain their feedback, and incorporate that feedback into our submissions.
We do appreciate and value the feedback that we do receive from members.
On a similar note, we are currently consulting members on the development of our 2026 election manifesto. This is a document that will address three key questions:
• What are the civil construction industry’s current and future challenges?
• What are the civil construction industry’s suggested solutions to those challenges?
• What are the civil construction industry’s expectations for the incoming government?
Once completed, the document will be physically presented to each main political party. To ensure maximum member engagement and input into this important piece of work, our government relations partner, Awhi Group, will be facilitating an in-person member consultation workshop in each region of our branch network.
The workshop consultation events will be framed around answering those core questions. Look out for communications from our respective branches promoting these events.
Again, timing is tight, but we appreciate members taking the time to attend these workshops if they can, to provide feedback into this process. Feedback from a representative cross-section of the industry is important.
CCNZ has a clear strategy in place focused on four key pillars: work pipeline (including converting the pipeline to real projects, procurement, and the like); workforce capacity and capability (including industry career promotion, training and education, immigration); industry capability and best practice (largely delivered via a restructured and more focused technical committee structure); and more consistent member engagement across our branch network to demonstrate and enhance the value proposition of membership.
Our advocacy work described above primarily supports the first two pillars.
As always, we are keen to hear from members, either through our Regional Manager Network or direct to Fraser or me, about any ideas, issues, or concerns that you may have. This is your association. Your voice matters, and your feedback enables us to remain relevant and useful for all members.
Contractors and civil emergencies