New research developed in collaboration with ConCOVE Tūhura and Martin Jenkins underscores the critical importance of worker‑centred support in addressing labour shortages and improving retention across New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure sector.

With a projected shortfall of 157,490 workers by June 2027, low apprenticeship completion rates, and stagnant productivity levels, the findings make one message clear: solving workforce challenges starts with meeting worker needs.

The report identifies key opportunities for Government and industry collaboration, including:

• Developing flexible pastoral care frameworks.

• Incentivising best practices through policy and procurement.

• Expanding successful regional initiatives.

• Supporting ongoing research and data collection.

To complement this, a sector roadmap has been created, focusing on leadership, capability building, and collective action to embed pastoral care as a core workforce priority. Together, these resources offer a strong evidence base to inform future policy and position pastoral care as a strategic cornerstone for a more inclusive, resilient, and productive workforce.

An editable worker toolkit has also been released alongside the report and roadmap, providing practical guidance and resources for construction and infrastructure employers across the country.

👉 Explore the full report, roadmap, and toolkit here: Transforming Workforce Wellbeing in Construction & Infrastructure – Waihanga Ara Rau