The booming construction sector has led to a record number of big cranes in use with demand expected to stay high.
(file image) Photo: Unsplash / EJ Yao
The latest tally by quantity survey firm Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) showed 150 long-term cranes on construction sites in seven main centres, eight more than last September's survey.
More than two-thirds were in the Auckland region, and more than half were working on residential developments.
RLB director Chris Haines said the record number of cranes showed the strength of the sector, despite all disruptions and rising costs.
Although, the commercial sector appeared to be holding back, Haines said.
"Whilst we are seeing a strong pipeline generally, most non-residential sectors are almost hoping the residential sector will ease to assist with the labour and material shortages that has largely been driven by the flat-out residential sector," he said.
"Some may be considering to wait in the hope of more future capacity in the market and more price and material supply time and cost certainty."
Haines said his firm was expecting another 6 percent rise in building costs in the first half of the year, which followed last year's 10 percent lift.
He said headwinds were strengthening for the property sector, but a slowdown in house prices and builds was still not likely to dim demand for building materials, labour and equipment such as cranes.