Contractors celebrate

The Northland branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand's annual awards reinforced the improved capability of Northland businesses and their ability to compete with national companies.

Last month the Northland branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand held their annual awards, reinforcing the improved capability of Northland businesses and their ability to compete with national companies for work throughout the region.

More importantly, it demonstrated how local business can collaborate with outside companies to build capability and capacity in a way that provides long-term benefits and employment in Northland.

The sector is about much more than using large machinery to shift vast quantities of materials.

The work can be extremely complex and involve high levels of risk. Therefore it requires a highly trained and skilful workforce, working within an environment that encourages creative problem solving.

It was interesting to see the innovative and practical approaches many entrants had adopted to solve particularly challenging construction problems. In many instances these solutions resulted in cost savings and reduced inconvenience or disruption to communities.

So why is this sector important to our region?

It plays an important role in our region's development through the building and maintenance of roading, transport, energy and public services infrastructure and services to the residential and commercial construction sectors.

In other words those things a modern developed economy must have to operate efficiently and deliver high living standards.

No matter what path New Zealand takes in terms of land transport strategies in the next 30 to 50 years, one thing is certain: investment in transport infrastructure will continue to increase, whether it be road or rail. This will result in a continued and growing demand in this sector.

Certainty around demand allows local firms to invest in equipment and people.

This sector has worked hard to create strong vocational pathways through which young people can develop skills and enjoy meaningful employment with opportunities for financial reward and career advancement.

Celebrating the success of these businesses will hopefully remind parents and educators that these are legitimate career paths for young people to pursue.