Line Up Some Work‍

Construction is an industry that will always be in demand — people need homes, and New Zealand has a housing shortage. However, finding work is a continual challenge, especially in construction, where much of it revolves around tendering and building relationships.

Where Do I Find Work?

Your friends and their networks are a great starting point. Word-of-mouth travels far in New Zealand, and while it might feel awkward at first to ask or tell your friends about your business, think of it as offering something of value. You’re not just asking for favours; you’re adding value to their lives and solving their problems.

Facebook groups can also be useful for finding work. Many principal contractors post on these platforms looking for subcontractors (subbies) to help with their projects.

Another important strategy is to be sociable and actively meet new people. The construction industry thrives on relationships and geography. Your goal is to become the "mate with a construction company" or the "mate that does earthworks." In other words, the more people who know about your business, the more likely they’ll reach out when they need something done.

Can I Get Into Insurance and Council Work?‍

If you don’t yet have public liability insurance, business insurance, and robust health and safety systems in place, you won’t be able to take on insurance or council work just yet. However, if that’s a direction you’re interested in pursuing, I’ll be writing more about how to get started in these areas and tips on pre-qualifications.

Once you’ve found some work, move on to the next step.