New Zealand’s civil infrastructure construction industry will flock to the capital this week to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, tackle major challenges and discuss the way forward for transport, road and essential community infrastructure with politicians and decision makers.

More than 600 movers, shakers, contractors and industry suppliers are set to attend The Civil Contractors Conference 2026 at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12-14 August in what will be a landmark event as New Zealand counts down to the 2026 election.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said holding this year’s conference in Wellington sent a strong message.

“Civil construction underpins the vital services New Zealand relies upon to function and this year is a great opportunity to make sure that message resonates with the people who will be shaping policy for the next three years.”

Hon Chris Bishop, Attorney-General, Minister of Transport, Housing, Infrastructure, RMA Reform and Associate Finance, will address the conference as a keynote speaker on Thursday, while November’s election will charge the cross-party political discussion on Friday 14 August.

The panel session will feature National MP Dan Bidois, ACT MP Simon Court, New Zealand First MP Andy Foster, Labour MP Tangi Utikere and Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter.

Mr Pollard expected the future pipeline of infrastructure work, improving local and central government procurement, building workforce capability and capacity and key issues identified by the industry through 12 nationwide events to be among the burning issues discussed.

He said the calibre of political and professional representation at the event reflected the importance of the industry and the value New Zealanders placed on getting infrastructure right.

“Having spokespeople from every major party in the same room, talking directly to the contractors who build and maintain New Zealand's infrastructure, is exactly what an election year calls for. It's an opportunity for both sides to listen as much as they speak.”

While the political dimension gives this year's event a unique slant, the conference programme is packed with a smorgasbord of experiences including industry-specific masterclasses. Topics range from reputation management in a crisis to the evolution of temporary traffic management and from solutions to recruitment challenges to practical tips for environmental management.

Keynote speakers include Peter Nunns, General Manager of Strategy at Te Waihanga, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, who led development of the National Infrastructure Plan and contributed to New Zealand's first Infrastructure Strategy in 2022.

Influential economist Shamubeel Eaqub will feature on Friday with an economic update, fresh from his work on The Cost of Stopping infrastructure report and tool. Friday sessions will close off with generative AI pioneer Matt Ensor, who will offer practical insights on harnessing artificial intelligence to improve productivity and help contractors work smarter.

Two site visits on Wednesday 12 August will showcase standout local infrastructure: the Ōtaki to North of Levin Te Pae o Tararua highway and Te Ara Tupua – the shared walkway and cycle path linking The Hutt Valley and Wellington. Members of the teams who delivered the projects will host the trips and bring them to life by telling their stories.

The conference coincides with the famous Wellington on a Plate and Burger Wellington events, and the capital’s unique creative character will be on display to wow delegates and complement the festival atmosphere during and after conference.

Finishing off in style on the evening of 14 August, the CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, Z People Awards and Connexis Civil Industry Training & Development Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding projects, people and training initiatives driving civil construction. Further information on exceptional people and projects is online in this year’s award finalists book.