Plasterboard taskforce set up to ease shortages

Building and Construction
  • Ministerial taskforce of industry experts will give advice and troubleshoot plasterboard shortages
  • Letter of expectation sent to Fletcher Building on trademark protections
  • A renewed focus on competition in the construction sector

The Minister for Building and Construction Megan Woods has set up a Ministerial taskforce with key construction, building consent, and supply chain experts to look at what more can be done to ease plasterboard shortages, including the potential for legislative or regulatory change.

“The Government is committed to supporting the building sector to deliver the homes and buildings that New Zealand needs. That’s why my top priority is to ensure builders, from big companies to single tradies have the materials they need to do their job with confidence,” says Megan Woods.

Winstone Wallboards, a subsidiary of Fletcher Building, with its GIB brand of plasterboard, currently makes up around 95 per cent of the New Zealand market, and has not been able to keep up with demand.

The taskforce will:

  • Troubleshoot the regulation of alternative plasterboard products, including examining whether legislative change or regulatory change is needed
  • Look at ways to streamline the use of products that are currently untested in the New Zealand market
  • Explore new distribution models
  • Provide advice regarding the appropriate approach to consenting
  • Act as a forum for related supply chain concerns

“While GIB is well-known, it is not the only plasterboard available. The Building Code allows for the use of any product which meets performance specifications. The taskforce has a very clear aim, to increase sector productivity as quickly as possible, and to remove any unnecessary barriers, including around certification, to facilitate the use of different types of plasterboard. I will convene our first meeting next week.

“I am also concerned that trademarks on colours may be impeding the importation of alternative plasterboard brands. That’s why I have written to Fletcher Building to seek confirmation that they will work with the sector and not take action with regard to their trademark protections, to further free up supply.”

Meanwhile, the Government is continuing to support the construction industry with a range of initiatives including:

  • The Commerce Commission’s inquiry into the price of building products
  • An all-of-Government supply chain monitoring group
  • The Construction Sector Accord

“The Commerce Commission is currently undertaking a market study into whether competition is working in our residential building supplies market, with questions surrounding the high concentration of some brands in the supply chain. I look forward to receiving the final findings of this study, along with the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in December,” said Megan Woods.

“More homes are being built under this Government than ever before, the last two months have seen the number of new homes consented in a year break 50,000 for the first time, so working with the building sector on supply chain challenges is a priority. In my role as Minister for Building and Construction I will continue to look for further ways to ensure the system is delivering for New Zealanders,” Megan Woods said.

Notes for editors

Taskforce members:

  • Rick Herd CEO of Naylor Love 
  • Dave Kelly CEO of Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand
  • Shane Brealey, Simplicity Living, managing director
  • Sir Stephen Tindall, Founder and former Chair, The Warehouse Ltd and The Tindall Foundation
  • A LGNZ representative
  • Tex Edwards, 2degrees founder