Most regions of New Zealand are experiencing increased residential activity, while the unprecedented investment in commercial construction and transport projects across Auckland is creating significant skill shortages.With residential companies busier than ever and teams growing as a result, residential Quantity Surveyors are in very short supply. Some of these candidates are moving to the Bay of Plenty due to the number of residential developments there as well as for a lifestyle change, which adds to the shortage of necessary construction skills in Auckland.

Commercial construction is also very active, with new names entering the Auckland market and new start-ups also stretching the workforce. Given the skill shortage, some employers are increasing salaries to secure candidates however there is concern that these candidates do not always have the experience to expect such rates at other contractors.

The majority of projects are based in the CBD or at Auckland International Airport and will continue to develop over the next six to 12 months.

The Wellington market is moving forward with a number of large private and government commercial construction projects either underway or announced.

There is high demand for Site Managers in the new build commercial construction space as well as intermediate to senior

Project Managers to work on fit-out and refurbishment projects.

Seismic strengthening work continues across the Wellington region. This is causing a skills shortage, particularly in the contract project management area.

Civil construction activity is also increasing with new highways being built across the region, while the residential market continues to grow.

Employers need to move quickly to secure talent as the market is job heavy but candidate short.

Hotspots of demand

In Auckland Residential Quantity Surveyors with new build experience rather than earthquake recovery experience are in high demand. We’re also seeing a need for senior and professional residential Quantity Surveyors with strong experience due to the Auckland housing shortage. Areas like Pukekohe, Pokeno and Hobsonville are all being developed into new subdivisions and companies are moving into the Auckland market, which is adding to demand.

Commercial Quantity Surveyors with New Zealand experience are needed too. Major projects are underway in the already busy

QUARTERLY REPORTCONSTRUCTION | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2016

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commercial sector causing the demand for candidates to continue to grow. With the increase in high rise apartments, candidates with 5 or more years of New Zealand multi-story experience are in high demand.

Meanwhile demand for Senior Quantity Surveyors is still at an all-time high.

Senior Commercial Estimators are sought by companies moving into the Auckland market. Employers want candidates with New Zealand experience, and the high turnover within Auckland is adding to demand.

Site Managers with commercial experience on structures and concrete are in high demand. It is expected that Site Managers with interiors experience will see demand increase this quarter as we approach Christmas and retail fitouts become a priority.

Within infrastructure there is a massive need for experience Project Managers with large structures experience.

Wellington needs mid to senior level Project Managers, particularly in interiors and commercial fit-out. Qualified intermediate to senior Quantity Surveyors with commercial construction experience are sought too, as are Site Managers with large-scale commercial construction experience gained in New Zealand, Australia or the UK. Candidates must be well presented with good communication skills for client-facing roles.

In Christchurch Forepersons with the ability to manage a site while also working on the tools are in demand as the commercial sector ramps up.

Site Managers are also needed in the commercial sector as the number of

projects above $5 million increases. Employers want a good Site Manager to manage programs, sub-contractors and the day-to-day running of the site. Health and safety changes have also seen a large portion of health and safety responsibility fall to the Site Manager, which further adds to demand.

Project Directors are sought too as larger, more high profile projects commence in Christchurch. These are usually rare opportunities but overseas consultancies as well as local tier 1 contractors are currently interested in local candidates.

Candidate trends

Candidates often receive multiple offers in response to current candidate shortages. As a result employers need to move quickly and be competitive in the salary on offer if they are to secure their preferred candidates.

We are also seeing an increase in the number of candidates who have been with a business for 10 to 12 years but are now starting to look for a new role. These candidates typically want a new job that will provide them with career progression or a cultural change.

To find an office near you visit: hays.net.nz/office-locator

Go to hays.net.nz/report to see the full list of hiring hotspots.

“Most regions of New Zealand are experiencing increased residential activity.”