What’s New
Master Builders Call for Smarter, Fairer Government Procurement Rules
April 2025
Master Builders has made a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the proposed changes to the Government Procurement Rules, supporting efforts to improve how public money is spent in construction.
The submission calls for smarter planning, fairer risk-sharing, and more consistent procurement practices across government agencies. It also supports greater recognition of value beyond price – highlighting quality, resilience and long-term outcomes.
Key suggestions include:
Raising the threshold for international tenders to support local firms
Updating the GETS threshold to reflect today’s costs
Simplifying process to reduce barriers for smaller contractors
Promoting better in-house procurement capability
Encouraging use of alternative, more collaborative procurement models.
Procurement plays a major role in shaping outcomes across our sector. These changes are an opportunity to build a more resilient, efficient system that delivers better results for everyone.
We thank our vertical construction members who shared feedback to help shape this submission. Your practical insights and on-the-ground experiences continue to inform our advocacy and help ensure that policy settings reflect the realities of project delivery.
New SA-2025 Coming Soon
New SA-2025 Coming Soon
March 2025
Master Builders, in partnership with the Specialist Trade Contractors Federation and Hazelton Law, have been actively working to update the SA-2017 subcontract agreement to align with the latest standards introduced in NZS 3910:2023.
This revision aims to reflect the updated contractual frameworks, risk allocation, and best practices outlined in the new standard, ensuring greater clarity and fairness for all parties involved in construction projects.
The updated agreement is in its final stages and is expected to be released soon, providing subcontractors and main contractors with a modernised and industry-aligned contractual tool.
Master Builders unveils sector first - principles and guidelines for Good Contracting
July 2024
Master Builders has introduced new principles and guidelines to improve productivity and ensure fair risk allocation during the planning stages of major construction projects. Lengthy and inconsistent procurement processes have been identified as key barriers to delivering critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools on time and within budget.
Developed by Master Builders’ Commercial Working Group, the Vertical Construction Leaders Group, and Hazelton Law, the Principles of Good Contracting provide guidance on key contract areas such as Termination for Convenience clauses, Extension of Time Principles, and Risk Allocation under NZS 3910. It also includes a standard pre-construction contract template to help fairly distribute risk in long-lead procurement projects.
Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma emphasised that “good contracting produces good outcomes,” fostering collaboration between clients and contractors from the start. Nick Clayton of Naylor Love, who contributed to the initiative, highlighted that project success depends on trust and fair risk allocation rather than self-interest.
Designed by the sector, for the sector, these resources aim to lift productivity and empower contractors to take on projects with confidence.
Official launch of the Vertical Construction Leadership Group
1 November 2022
The Group’s establishment brings the sector together to provide a coordinated focus on crucial issues impacting productivity and the sector’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure, including our schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
The Group is due to be formally launched by Minister of Building and Construction, Hon Dr Megan Woods on 1 November 2022 in Auckland.
