Driving Industry Insights for Success

Over the past eight years, the annual Construction Industry Survey from Teletrac Navman and Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) has sparked important conversations. The findings give stakeholders from local and central government to suppliers, recruiters and the media, insights into the key issues facing the construction and infrastructure industry. Just as importantly, the survey has elevated the profile of civil construction and its contribution to our communities in the eyes of New Zealanders.

Being involved since the beginning, we have seen how the results really highlight the power of cooperation in driving industry changes. The industry has undergone significant change in the last decade. Civil construction businesses now find themselves juggling managing expensive equipment, balancing the bottom line, and seeking ways to future-proof their operations.

Each year, the survey provides a key opportunity for the industry to highlight its concerns, aspirations and challenges to relevant decision makers. Over time, critical insights from the survey have contributed to better alignment between policymakers, customers and contractors and have fostered critical conversations about how best to work together to build the infrastructure the country needs.

Invaluable insights for stakeholders

The survey gives CCNZ a platform to outline its members’ operational challenges and the need for clear visibility into the future pipeline of work. Without that visibility, businesses can struggle to ensure they have the workforce, equipment and technology to fulfil upcoming projects.

These insights have been gold for planning and identifying where the industry can grow and how regulation can help or hinder. Over time, we’ve seen patterns emerge in the trends of what civil contractors want to see: a clear pipeline of work, a skilled workforce, better control of costs, and technology to improve the decision-making process and enhance productivity.

For Teletrac Navman, the survey has really helped us to understand what's happening in the sector. We’re able to fine-tune our solutions to ensure they’re providing what the industry needs. After all, we need to help customers succeed by making the best use of technology. We can share our customers' experiences to educate and support others in the industry and encourage collaboration.

The survey has also succeeded in highlighting the sector to the wider New Zealand public, showing the contribution of civil construction to communities and the broader economy.

Balanced and informed decision-making

For those whose work overlaps with the construction industry, the survey acts like a crystal ball – highlighting trends and customer demands around issues like sustainability, the use of technology, workforce diversity, and community engagement. Armed with these insights, businesses can ensure they’re up-to-date and aligned with their customers’ priorities.

The technology section of the survey sheds light on the value tech provides and identifies future demands and opportunities. We can track the growth in demand for technology to support asset management, health and safety, and sustainability, reduce administrative time and cost and boost productivity.

For instance, we know that Teletrac Navman’s software has greatly benefited the construction industry by saving time and money, allowing businesses to focus less on administrative tasks and more on essential operations and strategy.

Consistent industry voice and forward planning

The survey has ensured that everyone is on the same page about what needs to change and grow by giving the construction industry a platform to air its concerns and expectations. This understanding has been key to driving programmes that truly make a difference for the industry.

Over the years, we’ve seen an increasing focus on sustainability efforts in the sector and the role technology plays in supporting, monitoring and measuring these efforts. There is a real appetite to understand new developments and opportunities to contribute to New Zealand’s carbon-neutral goals. Kiwi construction businesses are embracing the potential of technology to reduce the industry's carbon footprint.

Challenges in recruitment and retention of appropriately skilled people have also been a recurring theme. The construction sector is one of New Zealand’s largest employers, but it has struggled to find skilled people to fill roles. Changes in immigration rules, industry training and apprenticeships and competitive salary packages have all impacted the industry over the years. Increasingly contractors are finding new and innovative ways to grow their workforce. We’ve seen a growing focus on inclusiveness, and diversity, as well as flexibility as ways to recruit more people into the sector.

We expect the 2024 survey to give us more critical data to build on the collaboration and insights delivered for the industry. Look out for the results of this year’s survey in late July. You can view the 2023 results here.