In our ongoing commitment to industry engagement and service excellence, RTL’s Business Development Representative Naomi recently attended the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Conference at Claudelands, Hamilton. This strategic attendance aligns with RTL’s targeted approach to the construction sector, particularly project managers who oversee critical infrastructure projects.  According to Naomi, “The conference provided invaluable insights into the construction industry’s current challenges and future direction, and particularly impressive was NZCB’s commitment to their members and their focus on sustainability initiatives.” 

The conference highlighted several critical developments in the construction sector:

• Industry support through challenging economic conditions, addressing recent liquidations
• NZCB’s strong position as one of New Zealand’s top 10 largest associations with over 2,000 members
• Increased investment in internal marketing expertise
• Exceptional event organization with tailored content streams for Advanced Business, Small Business, and Technical audiences

For Naomi, the conference represented more than just business development—it provided significant personal growth opportunities. “This was one of the best-run conferences I’ve ever attended,” she reflects. “The international keynote speakers delivered highly relevant content focused on resilience and managing change—essential skills in today’s business environment.” A particularly valuable experience was Naomi’s attendance to the NZCB Annual General Meeting, normally restricted to members only. This provided rare insights into the association’s financial strength and operational transparency. “It was inspiring to see the passion and commitment from both the Board of Directors and the wider membership”

A standout theme at this year’s conference was the industry’s shift toward sustainability practices. NZCB acknowledged a sobering reality: approximately 50% of landfill waste currently comes from the construction sector. This recognition has sparked determined action throughout the industry. Naomi shared with us post conference that many major players like Mitre 10 are taking proactive steps. She spoke with their Sustainability Manager Julie Roberts who was  working alongside 3R Consulting to authentically integrate sustainability throughout their operations—a genuine commitment rather than “greenwashing.”

“When I mentioned RTL’s Go Well partnership, Julie was genuinely impressed,” Naomi shared.  “She commented that we seem to be approaching sustainability ‘the right way’ and overall that it has created a meaningful mindset shift for their team.”

The NZCB Conference highlighted the power of effective industry associations. At approximately $500 per person, the event delivered exceptional value through its networking opportunities, educational content, and industry insights. “I would love to see a similar association formed in the traffic management industry,”, “An affordable, well-organized association could transform how our sector collaborates and innovates.”

Naomi particularly noted the potential for specialised groups within such an association : “Organisations specifically for young professionals in TTM or women in TTM could address the growing diversity in our industry. These targeted communities would support professional development while creating stronger networks across companies.”