Building advocate Marti Amos says half the problems facing builders could be avoided if they had basic financial literacy as part of their training.
“We need reform to address the mental health crisis in New Zealand’s construction industry,” Amos (Ngāpuhi) told the Herald.
“Builders are some of our hardest-working people yet they’re under immense pressure and many are grappling with cashflow issues, long hours, and increasing stress.
“Kiwi builders have been taught how to create outstanding projects, they’re brilliant with the tools – but no one has taught them how to build a great business.
“When you’re constantly worrying about how to pay your subcontractors or secure payroll for the next week, it isn’t just your business that suffers – it’s your whole life,” he says.
“We need to integrate business management training into apprenticeship programmes for those who aspire to run their own businesses. The gap in business and financial skills is a major driver of the mental health crisis because it leads to stress, poor decision-making, and financial instability,” Amos said.
Amos was instrumental in helping Irving turn his business around.
