"Sector leader urges overhaul as builders face mental health crisis: 'You can't scale chaos'", 8 June 2025

... Research shows that suicide rates in the industry are 25 percent higher than other sectors, with Māori, Pasifika, women, migrant workers, apprentices and labourers among those most at risk. ...

In a statement to RNZ, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk said the past few years had been tough for the construction sector and its people.

"Building productivity has lagged for decades, but the rising cost of doing business, along with cancelled contracts from the pandemic and a tighter economy, has put real financial pressure on tradies and businesses."

Penk said the government was working to create the right conditions for the sector to thrive. ...

In a statement to RNZ, Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds said the government was "committed to ensuring that mental health and wellbeing are part of a successful apprenticeship journey for all learners". ...