36495 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction

Written Question

Published date: 27 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	36495 (2026)
Question asked:	16 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Arena Williams
Portfolio:	Minister for Building and Construction
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	23 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_36495_2026
Document guid:	033e813c-5741-4d8e-8d7b-3016d94ced21

36495 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction: Should larger building and construction projects in New Zealand have minimum apprenticeship requirements; if so, what minimums?

Hon Simon Watts: This is not current government policy. I am focused on measures that strengthen the whole construction sector and make trades more attractive as careers, with pathways into work. This includes reforms to create a stronger and more consistent pipeline of work, and lifting productivity so the industry can offer better opportunities. These steps will help encourage more young people into roles across the trades, including electrical.