Optimisation and prioritisation

Climate change is having a significant impact on businesses, society, and individuals and it is increasingly understood a shift towards a low-carbon economy is needed. The construction sector will play a central role in this shift.

New Zealand’s recent labour shortage has brought into sharp focus the need to carefully look ahead and plan for future workforce needs. An appropriately skilled workforce will also be the heart of transitioning to a net zero carbon economy and unlocking the enormous economic opportunity. 

New Zealand has an emissions profile unlike many other countries. The majority of emissions come from primary industries, with the bulk from biogenic methane in the agriculture sector. While New Zealand is one the most efficient dairy and meat producers in the world, with a carbon footprint nearly half that of other international producers, reducing on-farm emissions to achieve net-zero targets is not as simple as decarbonising our energy and transport systems, for which there are known solutions.

Our  State of the State 2023 report paints a challenging picture of what lies ahead for Aotearoa – climate change, chronic inequities, and other global challenges feel like they are at our doorstep. Our typical approaches for managing significant change in our country have long lead times, with investment lifecycles measured in years rather than months. We need a more accelerated fit-for-purpose approach. Otherwise, how will we survive, let alone thrive, over the next few years?