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Introduction

The Council exists to
  • promote the interests of the broader construction industry to central government
  • create conditions in which the sector can prosper
  • work together for the general good
We do this by:
  • providing a forum for discussion. This enables member organisations to exchange views and identify issues of common concern within the sector
  • representing industry interests by lobbying Government departments and politicians. We also communicate industry views via media and public relations activity, and distribute information
The Council is funded solely by contributions from members and its associates. There is no compulsion to join. All members are peak industry bodies in their own right which are not-for-profit organisations. Each member organisation is governed by an elected Board or Council comprising trusted and respected leading members from within the sector.

The Council provides a focal point for debate and dialogue on cross sectoral issues which would be difficult or impossible for any single organisation, no matter how large, to undertake alone.

Representation
The Council is an important pressure group, with members often working together in alliances. It represents the views and interests of the industry to politicians and other key individuals and organisations nationally and internationally. The dialogue is not one-way. Governments with proposals in mind will normally approach the Council for a view on any important issues likely to affect their particular sector of industry.

The Council seeks to influence legislation. Recent examples include lobbying the government on:
  • Changes to the Building Act
  • Changes to the licensing of building practitioners
  • Changes to ACC and health and safety practices within industry
The Council seeks to work co-operatively with the new Department of Building and Housing, the key government regulator affecting the industry. The Council seeks to influence public opinion through the media - e.g. in newspaper articles and television appearances.

Public Relations
The Council aims to generate a positive image of their sectors and to provide regular news and information to the media. If the sector is in the news, they are able to provide an authoritative voice. For example, the Council took the lead in providing commentary during the leaky building crisis in 2002.

Information
The Council is well placed to produce authoritative information on the industry sector - e.g. guidance on new legislation, new regulations and other technical, legal and commercial developments that may affect the sector. This is an important service. Recent publications have included our Design Documentation Guidelines and our discussion paper on Best Practice in Procurement.

Sector Development
The Council plays an important, enabling role for the sector by carrying out activities that will encourage business success. They help develop a strategic vision for their sectors, often working with a range of stakeholders to co-ordinate mutually beneficial strategic action. Examples include:
  • Research - encouraging development and transfer of technology via the Building Research Association
  • Skills and Training - collaborating with education and training providers to develop career paths and to prevent damaging skills shortages
  • Technical standards - working with standards bodies such as Standards New Zealand and SAI Global and international bodies to ensure compatibility and quality of products and services
  • Improving the quality of the built environment by participating in a widespread debate on improved urban design
Current Challenges
The current work of the Council is focused on:
  • Developing a policy document on best practice in procurement and promoting that to central government.
  • Implementing a health and safety strategy for the sector
  • Working with Ministry for the Environment on to improve urban design
  • Working with the Department of Building and Housing on a review of the Building Code
Conclusion
The Council is a key part of the business world, offering industry and consumers better standards, more security and greater peace of mind about the quality of the businesses with which they are dealing. We encourage high quality, self-regulation of sectors, better training standards and a stronger voice for those businesses facing external regulation. We also ensure that governments stay in touch with the real world.