The expo
The 2024 New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES) concluded successfully on 10 August.
This year’s building expo attracted more than 110 exhibiting brands, setting a new record. Whether visitors were looking for building materials, design inspiration, construction support, lending services or even legal advice, NZIBES offered a one-stop opportunity to connect with providers. Alongside extensive product displays, exhibitors used interactive games and hands-on experiences to give visitors a close look at the industry’s latest technologies and trends. The venue was bustling with crowds.
The figures show that over the two-day expo on August 9–10, we set further records for the event:
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Expo attendance exceeded 10,000 visits
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Number of exhibitors participating: 110+
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Total expo sponsors: 34 brands
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Expo supporters numbered as many as 18 organisations and institutions
This year’s theme was “Mobilising the construction industry” (Capacity, Capability, Collaboration). Many visitors said NZIBES 2024 was more than a major construction industry gathering: it was a feast of ideas and a showcase of cutting-edge industry technologies. From brand displays and interactive experiences to expert Q&A sessions, every part of the event gave participants plenty to take away.
Gala dinner and Excellence Awards presentation
On the evening of 9 August 2024, the New Zealand International Building Expo & Summit (NZIBES) held its gala dinner in The Great Room at Cordis in Auckland. The dinner brought together leaders and leading professionals from New Zealand’s construction industry, while providing an important platform to showcase the Chinese community’s contribution to the sector. Nearly 1000 prominent New Zealand political and business figures and construction industry leaders gathered to witness the announcement and presentation of all the Excellence Awards and special awards at the “2024 NZCBIA Excellence Award” ceremony.
The dinner and awards ceremony also set several new records:
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The highest-ever gala dinner attendance, reaching 850 guests
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The widest range of Excellence Award categories, covering 11 categories
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The highest number of shortlisted Excellence Award projects, reaching 29 projects
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The highest number of Excellence Award-winning projects, reaching 12 projects
The dinner opened with a warm address by New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZCBIA) President Frank Xu. He began by expressing his heartfelt thanks for the successful staging of the expo and praising the outstanding contribution of the Chinese community to New Zealand’s construction industry. He then announced the official release of the NZCBIA Annual Construction Industry Report, commissioned by the New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZCBIA) and written by renowned New Zealand economist Shamubeel Eaqub. In his speech, Frank emphasised the report’s importance: “This report not only gives us a comprehensive picture of the industry, but also points the way forward for its future development.” Shamubeel Eaqub then presented the report’s key findings in detail as the lead author of the NZCBIA industry report.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and New Zealand Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk all delivered speeches, highly praising NZCBIA’s leadership and the contribution of Chinese businesses to advancing construction industry cooperation between China and New Zealand.
Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk、Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Labour’s Building and Construction spokesperson Arena Williams
Fletcher Distribution Chief Executive James Peter
Barfoot & Thompson Highland Park Branch Manager Shawn Shao
Brilliance Steel founder Ellen Wu
The dinner reached its high point with the presentation of the NZCBIA Excellence Awards. These recognised outstanding industry contributors and gave particular acknowledgement to the vital role Chinese businesses play in advancing the sector. The successful expo and dinner showcased the overall strength of New Zealand’s construction industry and brought widespread recognition to the Chinese community’s contribution.
At the Excellence Awards ceremony, China Pet Foods’ NPTC smart wet pet food manufacturing facility in New Zealand received the “NZCBIA 2024 Special Contribution Award”. Its exceptional construction efficiency and innovative approach set it apart from the other entries, establishing a new benchmark for industrial buildings. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally presented the award to China Pet Foods, demonstrating strong recognition of its project delivery and global brand influence.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon presents an award to China Pet Foods
Atelier I-N-D-J, a design studio founded in Shanghai, won another special award at the 2024 NZCBIA Excellence Awards for its distinctive design philosophy and innovative work across disciplines. Starting from traditional architectural practice, founders Sabrina and Ian gradually expanded into fields including coding, technology and innovation, creating a versatile design team akin to a “Swiss Army knife”. Their projects range from ice-sculpted hotel rooms to large entertainment venues, demonstrating exceptional design and delivery capabilities. In their acceptance speech, Ian and Sabrina said they were honoured to receive NZCBIA’s recognition and thanked the clients and partners who supported their work. They said they would continue pushing the boundaries of technology and design, bringing more innovation and surprises to projects in New Zealand.
Atelier I-N-D-J founders Ian and Sabrina with Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk