Hawke's Bay's building industry remains in the doldrums, with the number of new dwelling consents issued in March falling 23 per cent compared with March last year.
Statistics NZ said that, nationally, new dwelling consents had fallen steadily since April 2010 to its lowest level since records began in 1982.
Hawke's Bay
Master Builders' Association president Gordon Sanson said the industry in Hawke's Bay was "most definitely" in contraction.
"All the members I have talked to are quiet, but there is a reasonable amount of work in the planning stages," he said.
All tradespeople he had spoken to were running on a minimum of staff, which could lead to a possible skills shortage when the industry recovered.
"It might be a week or it might be six months, but it will happen - where are they going to find new staff?"
He said the Christchurch earthquake had not yet had a big effect on the industry. "Last time it took six to eight months before things got into gear, so in the same time frame it would be around July or August - they have a lot to plan."
The demand for skilled help was starting to be felt in Hawke's Bay, Mr Sanson said. "Just about everyone knows a tradesman who has popped down to give a hand for a week or two."
