MANIFESTO
We represent over 2,200 builders and tradies across New Zealand, and this manifesto sets out what we’re asking every political party to commit to ahead of the 2026 General Election. Drawing on our own member survey data, we lay out the issues we’re hearing about every day — inconsistent and delayed consenting, unclear liability settings, and a proposed warranty scheme that risks shutting good, capable builders out of the industry altogether.
We’re calling for faster, accountable consenting; fair and workable liability reform; a competitive warranty market that doesn’t create new gatekeepers; and productivity gains that actually reduce cost and time, not add to it.
Download our full manifesto to see the data behind these calls and where we stand ready to work with all parties to fix a system that’s no longer working for the people expected to deliver New Zealand’s homes.
PRESS RELEASE
CBS Releases 2026 Election Manifesto for a Fairer, Faster Building System
CBS Co-operative's 2026 Election Manifesto sets out a builder-led blueprint for fairer, faster building consenting and a truly independent warranty system.
23
Jul
Jul
Mandatory Warranty Scheme: Risk to NZ Builders | Video
Combined Building Supplies react to NZ's proposed mandatory warranty scheme. Watch why access — not accountability — is the real concern for the trade.
22
Jun
Jun
CBS Responds to New Mandatory Building Warranty & Insurance Reforms
CBS the Government's mandatory warranty and PI insurance reforms but warns of monopoly risk if only a handful of providers are approved.
10
Jun
Jun
Hundreds of Builders Warn Proposed Warranty Scheme Could Shut Out Small Operators
A CBS survey finds most small NZ builders are unsure if they'll qualify for the proposed mandatory home warranty scheme, warning it could push good operators out.
01
May
May
Kiwi Co-op Expands Across the Tasman After Strong Growth Supporting Local Builders
New Zealand-founded CBS Co-operative is expanding into Australia, launching at the Bunnings Trade Expo Brisbane after eight years of local growth.
30
Apr
Apr
“Builders Are Carrying It — But They Can’t Much Longer”: Fuel Costs Hit Breaking Point
A CBS survey finds 84% of NZ builders are feeling significant fuel and freight cost pressure, with many absorbing rising costs on fixed-price contracts.
31
Mar
Mar
Councils Failing Builders with Inconsistent and Inefficient Consenting Processes
A CBS nationwide survey finds most NZ builders rate council consenting as poor or highly inconsistent, with CBS calling for a nationally consistent framework.
13
Nov
Nov
CBS Co-operative Launches into Rural Sector Following Huge Success in Building
CBS Co-operative expands its collective buying model into New Zealand's rural sector, giving farmers and growers access to exclusive supplier discounts.
01
Nov
Nov
The Start of a New Era for Building in New Zealand
CBS welcomes the Government's building liability shake-up but calls for independent home guarantees, insurance reform, and a streamlined consenting system.
18
Aug
Aug
Builders Busy Now, But Caution Creeping In | CBS Member Survey
CBS Co-operative's August 2025 member survey finds NZ builders busy but cautious, with client hesitation, cashflow pressure and thinning pipelines the top concerns.
01
Aug
Aug
CBS Welcomes Government Reforms That Boost Innovation in Residential Building Supplies
CBS Co-operative welcomes Government reforms easing overseas building product imports, following its submission to the Residential Building Supplies Market Study.
01
Apr
Apr