Get Ready for a Massive Infrastructure Recovery Effort: 15,000 Additional Construction Workers Needed

As we navigate the aftermath of this year's devastating weather events, it's becoming clear that we'll need a massive workforce to rebuild our infrastructure. According to projections from the Infrastructure Commission Te Waihanga, we could require nearly 15,000 extra construction workers at the peak of the recovery effort.

These projections paint a vivid picture of the scale of the recovery from Cyclones Gabrielle and Hale, as well as the Auckland Anniversary floods, extending all the way to 2029. The last quarter of 2025 is expected to be the peak period, requiring an additional 14,859 workers to tackle various roading, rail, water, and energy projects.

But these numbers are subject to change. Te Waihanga, general manager of strategy, Geoff Cooper, emphasises that they are projections, not estimates, and will evolve as plans are solidified. The objective is for decision-makers in the sector to assess workforce capacity against the impending workload.

Ultimately, the goal is to prioritise critical infrastructure projects that will enable economic activity and social connections. This necessitates a reprioritisation of efforts and a thorough understanding of the full scope of the rebuild. The projections will help industry players see the big picture, prompting them to course correct if necessary.

In addition to the workforce, the industry needs to consider ancillary services like housing to ensure a smooth and efficient recovery process. There is already a concerted effort to recruit workers from overseas, but concerns remain about whether there will be enough manpower to meet the demands of the future workload.

Furthermore, the current immigration settings are not conducive to the industry's needs, particularly when it comes to civil construction roles. These visa settings must be revised to ensure that the industry can access the necessary workforce.

While infrastructure planning, prioritisation, and building are paramount, we must not forget about the people eagerly awaiting the restoration of their lives. Take the rural Hawke's Bay community of Puketapu, for example, where the loss of a bridge during Cyclone Gabrielle has severed connections and taken a toll on the locals.

The rebuilding process is not just about physical structures; it's about restoring communities and providing essential lifelines for economic and social activities. It's a complex endeavour, but one that is necessary for our collective recovery. We must work together, prioritise effectively, and ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to rebuild our infrastructure and reconnect our communities.

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