Construction Crisis: New Zealand Builders Face Soaring Suicide Rates
Mental Health Strain Plagues Industry, Calls for Urgent Reform
A deepening mental health crisis is gripping New Zealand’s construction sector, with alarmingly high suicide rates and a system failing to support its workers. Industry leaders are demanding systemic changes to address the pressures driving builders to the brink.
Alarming Statistics Reveal a Growing Problem
Research indicates that suicide rates among construction workers are 25 percent higher than in other industries. Marti Amos, New Zealand head of The Professional Builder, highlighted the devastating toll, stating “Nearly one construction worker dies by suicide every week.”
This translates to roughly 52 construction workers lost each year. According to provisional data from New Zealand’s Ministry of Health, suicide rates across *all* sectors increased by 8.6% in the year ending February 2024, underscoring a broader national trend but highlighting the acute vulnerability within construction. (Ministry of Health, 2024)
Financial Strain and Lack of Support
Amos, author of The Profitable Builders Playbook, points to financial instability, rising living costs, and low wages as key contributors to the crisis. He explained that many builders enter business ownership without adequate financial literacy or training, leading to significant stress. “The construction industry has some of the highest suicide rates around the world. The key drivers – especially for company owners – is they don’t understand their numbers well.”
The pressure of fixed-price contracts, where even small errors can lead to substantial financial losses, exacerbates the problem.
The economic burden of suicide within the construction industry is estimated at around $1.1 billion annually, a figure that reflects not only the tragic loss of life but also the associated costs of lost productivity and healthcare.
The “Builders Hamster Wheel”
Amos described a cycle where builders feel trapped in a relentless pursuit of work, constantly worrying about securing the next project and maintaining employment for their teams. “It’s like they build themselves a prison, a business they grow to hate and that they can’t get out of, ‘cos you can’t scale chaos and you can’t scale lack of profits.”
This constant pressure can lead to sleepless nights and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
Government Response and Future Plans
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, stating that the past few years have been particularly tough. He highlighted government efforts to reform the building consent system and invest in mental health support initiatives like MATES in Construction. Penny Simmonds, Minister for Vocational Education, emphasized the government’s commitment to integrating mental health and wellbeing into apprenticeship programs, ensuring apprentices receive appropriate pastoral care.
A new, industry-led model for work-based learning is slated for rollout in 2026, aiming to provide more flexible and responsive training aligned with regional needs. This model will involve the creation of Industry Skills Boards to set training standards and develop qualifications.
Amos believes a fundamental shift is needed, urging the industry to move beyond accepting crisis as normal and proactively address the root causes of stress and financial hardship. He emphasized the importance of visibility and financial confidence in relieving pressure and ultimately saving lives.
