37022 (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:	37022 (2026)
Question asked:	17 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_37022_2026
Document guid:	65809e21-69a2-4ba6-9a51-ec5b917e75ef

37022 (2026). Arena Williams to the Minister for Building and Construction: As Building and Construction Minister, does he believe that New Zealand currently has enough qualified tradespeople to deliver New Zealand's building and construction needs; if not, which areas need improvement?

Hon Simon Watts: Some key trades, particularly plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying, are under pressure as activity recovers and an ageing workforce retires.