The Government’s decision to extend the state housing network by a further 2000 houses will provide extra certainty for the building industry as it faces the prospect of an industry slowdown, according to the Registered Master Builders Federation. Chief executive Pieter Burghout says the RMBF is expecting a slight downturn in work over the next couple of years, especially in the lower value residential sector.
“The addition of extra state houses will help fill this gap,” he says. “With the recent announcement, our builders will have more opportunity to showcase their excellence in the community and not-for-profit sector.” The RMBF introduced the Community Development Award into its House of the Year awards programme three years ago.
Sponsored by Housing New Zealand Corporation, the award is open to community residential developments built or modified (in excess of $100,000) to high quality standards to meet the needs of the community and not-for-profit sector. In 2006, there are 15 entrants in the category.
“The Community Development Award is a true acknowledgment of the importance of government, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and councils in their role in increasing and improving social housing,” Mr Burghout says.
