Building boom puts strain on workforce

The number of new building consents issued nationwide in the year to August 31 jumped 25 per cent from the year before, with 29,556 approved since the end of August last year. Some 2704 were approved in August – the highest August monthly total for 25 years, Statistics New Zealand figures show.

Otago Master Builders Association president Graeme Sneddon, who represents 84 firms across Otago, said the situation was similar locally. A buoyant property market combined with a shortage of skilled labour meant firms were stretched, struggling to get the work started promptly.

"It all stems from the house market going up in prices. It is making it more economical to add on to your existing house or build a new house.

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