BuildNZ to deliver practical value across learning, trade engagement
For builders and construction professionals, keeping skills current while running a viable business remains a constant challenge. Regulatory change, product innovation and shifting market conditions all require ongoing learning. In this context, BuildNZ, taking place at the Auckland Showgrounds on July 15 and 16, continues to provide a practical forum for education, connection and industry engagement.
Tony Waite, sales and content director at XPO Exhibitions, says the event is structured to reflect real industry needs. “BuildNZ is about giving builders and the wider sector access to information and suppliers in a way that is practical and immediately useful on site and in business,” he says.
A key feature of the 2026 event is the LBP Education Day, held alongside BuildNZ and structured to support both professional development and compliance. Licensed Building Practitioners have the opportunity to earn up to six elective LBP points in a single day, while accessing material directly relevant to current site and business realities.
The NZCB LBP Education Day, running on July 15, offers a structured programme of short, focused sessions delivered by industry specialists. A mix of classroom-based learning and on-floor presentations allows attendees to move through practical topics efficiently, covering technical updates, compliance requirements, product knowledge and best practice construction approaches. While hosted by New Zealand Certified Builders Auckland, the Education Day is open to all builders and construction professionals, ensuring the wider industry can access these updates.
Paul Webster-Young, Auckland president of New Zealand Certified Builders, says the programme is designed to deliver immediate value. “The Education Day focuses on practical, forward looking knowledge builders can apply straight away – supporting better outcomes on site and stronger businesses,” he says.
Running concurrently, the BuildNZ trade exhibition brings together suppliers from across the construction sector, offering builders the chance to assess products and systems, speak directly with manufacturers and service providers, and better understand emerging solutions. For many, this direct access helps inform purchasing decisions and supports productivity improvements.
“The strength of BuildNZ is being able to bring education and the trade floor together,” Waite says. “People can learn something in a session and then go straight out and talk to suppliers about how it applies in practice.”
The exhibition floor typically includes a wide range of categories, from building materials, tools and equipment through to digital construction technologies, project management systems and offsite solutions. Live demonstrations and product showcases provide additional context, allowing visitors to see how systems perform in practical applications.
BuildNZ extends beyond licensed builders. Apprentices, project managers, subcontractors, designers, specifiers, architects and company owners can all benefit from the education programme, networking opportunities and exposure to new tools and technologies.
By combining targeted learning with a comprehensive trade exhibition, BuildNZ offers a streamlined way to cover a wide range of professional development and supplier engagement within a two-day timeframe.
Tickets for the NZCB LBP Education Day will be released soon. BuildNZ is free to attend.
Sponsored content: For more information or to register visit www.buildnz.com.