36498 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction

36498 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction: What, in the new Minister's view, is the biggest barrier preventing more young people from entering construction apprenticeships in New Zealand today?

Hon Simon Watts: The biggest barrier is that we’re still coming off the previous high-inflation, high-interest-rate environment this government inherited. That has made it harder for businesses to take on and retain apprentices, both in construction and in other sectors. That is why the government is focused on our economic recovery.