Despite tough times recently, building sector sources say they are beginning to see increasing signs of activity as the construction sector begins to improve.
Matthew Duder
Matthew Duder, managing director of EBOSS, tells The News the sector is showing signs of stabilising. EBOSS surveys the industry regularly and provides an online library of product catalogues from more than 200 of New Zealand’s leading architectural product suppliers. The firm usually surveys around 400 building companies and close to 500 architectural firms each year. Duder notes the architectural and building sectors are closely related.
The building sector report came out earlier in the year. Speaking to The News following the company’s just-released survey on the architectural industry, Duder says he believes the building sector generally is beginning to stabilise.
Referring to the recently released architectural firm survey, Duder says the report has captured that sentiment has grown significantly compared to last year.
“So we feel that this very much a reflection of how quickly we can grow from here,” he says.
The construction section is looking up. Photo: Rodolfo Quirós: pexels.com
He notes that since the survey data was captured earlier in the year there is still some movement from architectural practices to right size.
“But we feel there is [now] a stabilisation occurring and eyes are firmly on the horizon, working slowly towards recovery.”
He acknowledges that some architectural firms were starting to “right size” reflecting a change in industry activity over the past 18 months, as well adapting to the differing requirements of the building market.
Meanwhile, in a report released in September by the Registered Master Builders Association, data from its 2025 stocktake shows builders are starting to take a more positive view of the year ahead.
Some 63% think the overall economy will improve within 12 months and 62% expect their own businesses to be in better shape come the end of 2026. The report says this is beginning to show up in workloads, with 64% reporting strong or steady order books, up from 51% last year. Those facing a critical drop‑off in work have fallen to 11% from 15%. Conditions remain uneven, with the southern region improving more quickly whilst Wellington and Auckland still face headwinds.
Despite a tough few years for the construction sector, most New Zealand homeowners describe their recent build as a positive experience, according to this annual 2025 State of the Sector of around 1,000 master builders and their homeowners. Two-thirds say they were satisfied overall, with the biggest challenge being council consenting.
CEO of Master Builders, Ankit Sharma, says the results show a sector that is resilient and professional, but still held back by systemic issues.
Sharma was quoted as saying that homeowners were telling them that, even in challenging conditions, building in New Zealand can still be a rewarding experience.
“Two-thirds had a positive journey, which speaks to the professionalism of our master builders across the country. But we cannot be complacent, there are also areas where improvements can lift the sector further – faster consenting, clearer pricing, and stronger communication.”
The construction sector is looking up. Photo: SevenStorm Photography. pexels.com
