Accord is ‘go to’ forum for industry-govt dialogue – independent evaluation

The report, by consultants Martin Jenkins, evaluates how the Construction Sector Accord and Construction Sector Transformation Plan have progressed and the early outcomes achieved.

It says “the Accord Steering Group (ASG) has strengthened the collaboration between industry and government” and the ASG “has become the go-to partner for government’s engagement with a diverse and fragmented industry – that view emerged consistently in interviews and focus groups.”

The evaluation says the Accord and the Transformation Plan have directly stimulated some behavioural and culture shifts, including:

• greater trust and better relationships and collaboration between government and industry
• improved procurement practices and capability within government departments
• improved awareness and support for mental health within the industry sector/greater awareness of the importance of improving approaches within the sector to mental health, diversity, and climate change.

“This evaluation tells a strong story about progress in the first three years of the Accord. The sector was and is fragmented, but the Accord has brought focus and leadership. Yes there’s still a daunting amount to do to really transform the sector but we are confident that the work done and the work planned will bring real results,” said Judy Zhang, Accord Transformation Unit Director.

The evaluation makes a number of recommendations including that the Accord should have an explicit focus on te ao Māori, increase its visibility, and review its governance.

“It’s certainly not a perfect report card but we can confidently say that all issues raised in the evaluation are either being addressed now or will be under the new Transformation Plan to be launched in July. Growing the Māori construction sector is one of six new goals, we have launched an awareness campaign, and we’ve overhauled our governance for the next three years of the Accord,” said Ms Zhang.

The evaluation was prepared during 2021 and is being proactively released by the Accord, ahead of the launch of the new Transformation Plan 2022-2025 (TP25). The government allocated nearly $37.5 million in Budget 2022 to deliver the new Plan.

Martin Jenkins Transforming the construction sector early outcomes evaluation [PDF, 1.37 MB](external link)

Funding supports new construction sector Transformation Plan

Background

The Construction Sector Accord is a joint commitment from government and industry to work together to create a high performing construction sector for a better New Zealand.

The Accord's new Transformation Plan, to be launched in late July, has a 2030 vision of a thriving, fair, and sustainable construction sector that enables the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand's people and its environment.

Over the longer term, the Accord aims to increase productivity, raise capability, and improve resilience in the sector.