Steel Construction New Zealand Incorporated (SCNZ) is the voice of New Zealand’s diverse steel construction industry promoting the benefits of steel solutions in building and infrastructure projects; and plays a pivotal role in supporting the industry as it strives to grow through innovation, investment in technology and market development.

SCNZ has a membership of over 300 companies that represent New Zealand’s entire steel construction industry, including manufacturers of structural steel and steel products, distributors, fabricators, erectors, designers, detailers, galvanisers, and paint and building supply companies.

Most are small to medium-sized, owner-operated companies like (SCNZ) that train, employ and support people from their local communities all over New Zealand. A key SCNZ priority is to promote the use of locally manufactured structural steel in the private sector and government-backed building and infrastructure projects.

(SCNZ) currently have over 500 members nationwide. (SCNZ) membership represents the whole supply chain, from manufacturers of structural steel and steel products, to distributors, fabricators, designers, detailers, galvanisers, and paint and building supply companies.

With a strong focus on fostering business and technical excellence, (SCNZ) provides the industry with advice on the latest in steel design trends and standards, networking opportunities, and represent views to key industry and government decision-makers.

Today, structural steel’s market share is more than 50% nationwide. In Christchurch, due to the material’s proven seismic performance, steel has grown its share of the multi-level construction market to almost 80%, up from virtually nil prior to the Canterbury earthquakes.

Structural steel construction in New Zealand has undergone a renaissance over the last three decades, following the fallout from the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) building in the 1980s. However, the strong position of the structural steel sector in 2016 is not a matter of chance but the fruit of a proactive and visionary industry.

During this period, the industry has succeeded in working together for the common good, whilst maintaining healthy competitive tension in the marketplace. Industry body SCNZ – along with its predecessors and HERA – has played a significant role in this success, facilitated by industry’s willingness to finance its representative bodies; and to invest in technology and facilities, resulting in steel’s cost competitiveness compared to other construction materials.

Many of the factors that have brought industry to today’s healthy position will be required to ensure its continued prosperity, and with industry at the heart of the association through its governance structure, SCNZ will continue to play a key role in this success.