Kia ora koutou, this week is a big one for the sector, as we wait to see what initiatives Government will unveil in the Budget this Thursday.
There’s a general election coming soon, so we’ve been working hard to get the important issues from our sector considered by our political leaders.
It was great to see a real advocacy win yesterday, with news of Government support for industry and other big energy users to get off gas. We've asked our members what issues they want us to fight for - and we've used them to develop our 2026 Manifesto: “Building a smarter, lower cost energy future for Kiwi families”.
Policies we're pushing for include:
Faster consenting for energy efficient homes and buildings
Energy labels for buildings allowing investors and tenants to see which buildings are energy efficient
Helping to move gas out of buildings and homes - freeing it up for industry, keeping jobs and businesses in NZ and lowering energy costs
Improving access to rooftop solar and batteries through low‑ or zero‑interest loans
Expanding Warmer Kiwi Homes to support efficient space and water heating, ventilation and lighting
Introducing rebates for hot water heat pumps
Requiring replacement appliances to be energy‑efficient and electric, rather than gas‑powered
Funding deep retrofits for the least efficient homes
Our recent survey of members had an amazing response. Engagement was up 48%, which was great to see. Members satisfaction with our work was up 2% to 83% who were "happy or very happy" with the NZGBC. And members told us they really want to see us advocating for government action on energy efficient healthy homes and buildings. We are delivering.
This manifesto is the result of a lot of engagement with political parties across the spectrum, as well as discussions with third party organisations and industry stakeholders in the construction and property sector.
A document like this is the result of engagement with parties across the political aisle. It focuses on solutions that really delivers cost savings while also supporting productivity and long term economic resilience.
Pictured: Taking our 2026 manifesto to political leaders
And these aren’t expensive or radical changes! They will cut power bills, reduce pressure on energy prices, free up energy for productive industries, improve resilience and deliver healthier, more comfortable buildings. And they’ve already been adopted in most OECD countries.
A big thanks to the New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC), which represents 70% of workers in the construction industry for its support. Other organisations backing the manifesto include Certified Builders NZ, Engineering NZ, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, the NZ Institute of Quantity Surveyors and Community Housing Aotearoa.
Thanks to everyone who has got behind this agenda, let's keep making the case for these sensible policies!
The roll out of our new Green Star Fitouts tool is going well, with the aim of enhancing sustainability in fitouts across New Zealand. This new rating tool, developed in collaboration with the Green Building Council of Australia, focuses on creating healthier, more circular, and future-ready spaces.
Get in touch if you have a project you think might be suitable for Green Star Fitouts, we’re keen to help set up the tool and ensure that we have the settings right for the New Zealand market. We’re offering discounted fees for the first projects registered.
Each refresh has implications for embodied carbon, waste, occupant wellbeing and project costs, yet these impacts are often underestimated or treated as short‑term choices.
I think Green Star Fitouts is a real game changer — it gives owners, project teams and tenants a clear, scalable path to healthier, more circular and future‑ready spaces.
Check out the new information pamphlet here: Green Star Fitouts certification
By now you would have received an invitation to register for the Green Property Summit, being held in Auckland on Tuesday, 11 August. The programme includes:
- Election-year Political Panel
(Senior ministers and party spokespeople discuss priorities for construction and property, including regulation and consenting, resilience, energy security, workforce capability and affordability.)
- An overview of global trends facing buildings and construction
- Great case studies on smart electrification: lower costs, better performance, future-ready buildings.
- From novelty to necessity: AI for sustainable buildings
- Fitouts reimagined
- How Green Star is going mainstream – Unlocking 4 Star Buildings
Early bird tickets close Friday 29 May. Secure your 20% discount before it's too late! Register here: Green Property Summit 2026
Stay tuned for our updates on the Budget – we’ll be sending out an assessment of the Budget to members this Friday.
Ngā mihi
Andrew Eagles
Main picture: Moderating an electric transport panel at this month's Electrify Queenstown Event