The Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council will be created by an Order in Council. Submissions on the draft Order are currently open. CCNZ has written a draft submission commenting that without major amendments, the Order will not create an organisation that is fit for purpose.

Te Waihanga Ara Rau will play a leadership role in ensuring construction and infrastructure has a skilled workforce that can meet the industry's needs in terms of people development and capacity. It is important this organisation is created with a clear role and the right purpose.

Key points:

1. The purpose of the WDC mentioned in the Order in Council needs to be specific to the construction and infrastructure industry, the construction and infrastructure workforce and the outcomes of the work the industry does
   
   It should be focused on the specific responsibilities of Te Waihanga Ara Rau (less use of the word 'contribute', more use of 'lead' and 'ensure') and clearly set out its leadership role in developing the construction and infrastructure workforce.
   
   The purpose should also be specific about the role of Te Waihanga Ara Rau in making sure the education system meets the needs of the construction and infrastructure industry (and workforce).
   
   
2. Remove the list of the issues Te Waihanga Ara Rau should take account of from the purpose – these will change over time and should be captured in the Statement of Strategic Intent
   
   
3. The minimum number of employer representatives should be raised from two (including one nominated by Māori employers) to four 
   
   
4. Construction and Infrastructure industry associations should be able to nominate employer representatives
   
   
5. A clear definition of “Māori employer” is needed. Is it a person or company who employs Māori or a company owned by Māori?
   
   
6. The Selection Committee that recommends who should be appointed to the Council should be chaired by someone who is not on the Council. It should be made up of people who are not on the Council except for one person (that person can’t chair the Selection Committee)
   
   
7. The definition of industry in terms of engagement needs to include employers, employees, industry associations and unions
   

CCNZ considers the role of the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council is to make sure the education system meets the needs of the people working in the construction and infrastructure industry, resulting in a skilled construction and infrastructure workforce that can deliver on the country’s forward work pipeline. This does not come across in the purpose statement.

If you have feedback on CCNZ's draft submission or the role of the Council, please email Peter@civilcontractors.co.nz by 1 February, or make a submission directly.

Read CCNZ's draft submission>>

Visit the CIWDC submissions page to read more and make a submission>>

Update: CCNZ's final submission was made on 4 February 2021. Read the submission>>