SR408 Medium-density housing: Can we build it? (February 2020)

New Zealand is facing significant housing pressure, and medium-density housing (MDH) is set to be an important part of the solution. This study investigated who in the building industry has the interest and ability to deliver MDH and what skills gaps exist that might impede this delivery.

105 building industry members were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts. Themes that emerged around industry interest and ability to deliver MDH focused on financing, government support for delivery, community acceptance of MDH, building regulations and the drive for profit.

Several specific industry sectors affected by skills gaps and shortages were identified, as well as more general themes around skills deficits. These themes focused on MDH skills shortages, MDH skills gaps, upskilling the building industry in MDH, MDH training, undervalued trades careers and the impact skills gaps and shortages have on building outcomes. The implications of these themes and possible solutions to the issues they raise are discussed.