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Free 2026 industry report

Construction
Confidence
Check 2026

What construction leaders expect next, and what it means for Australia & New Zealand.

Download the latest findings from more than 600 senior construction business leaders and decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand.

Explore the outlook for industry growth, the pressures affecting project delivery, how businesses are adapting and what will be required to meet future demand.

617 Senior business leaders and decision-makers surveyed
412 Respondents from Australia
205 Respondents from New Zealand
20+ Employee construction businesses
June 2026 Survey period
Data collected and analysed by YouGov
Research conducted by YouGovFifth year in Australia

Get the 2026 findings

Complete the form for instant access to the full Australia and New Zealand report.

Stuart Dean, Chief Executive Officer, Kennards Hire
A message from the CEO

A resilient industry adapting to a changing environment.

That’s the insight shared by more than 600 construction leaders across Australia and New Zealand who contributed to our fifth annual Construction Confidence Check survey. This year’s report highlights an industry that remains confident in its long-term future while navigating rising costs, workforce pressures and increasing project complexity.

Stuart Dean
Chief Executive Officer
Kennards Hire

See What's Inside

Confidence outlook and recovery

How industry stability, growth and recovery compare across Australia and New Zealand.

Growth drivers and industry pressures

The factors expected to support growth and the economic and operational pressures that could constrain it.

How construction businesses are adapting

Investment in people, technology, equipment hire, specialist expertise and supplier partnerships.

Future workforce readiness

What the industry needs to improve planning, capability, resourcing flexibility and project visibility.

Australia and New Zealand comparison

Where the two markets are aligned and where local conditions are influencing confidence, priorities and business decisions.

Construction site progress

Key findings at a glance (ANZ total, base n=617)

76%
Confidence remains, but has softened

Three in four ANZ decision-makers remain confident in industry growth and performance over the next five years, down from 91% in 2025.

40%
Infrastructure investment leads growth expectations

Infrastructure investment was the most commonly selected contributor to industry growth over the next five years.

62%
Supplier complexity is affecting delivery

Almost two in three identify managing and coordinating multiple suppliers and project managers as a cause of delays or reduced productivity.

53%
Reliance on equipment hire is increasing

More than half report increased reliance on hiring rather than owning equipment in response to cost-of-living pressures.

20%
Full workforce readiness remains limited

Only one in five believe the construction industry is well prepared to meet future workforce demand.

Make informed decisions with greater confidence

Download the 2026 Construction Confidence Check and explore the opportunities, pressures and priorities shaping construction across Australia and New Zealand.

For more information, requests for interviews with a Kennards Hire spokesperson or further data, please contact:

Liz Eassie | [email protected] | 0418 673 196