Major projects confirmed for 2026 so far

Major projects confirmed for 2026 so far 

As forecast in the latest National Construction Pipeline Report, construction activity is set to rebound in 2026, with a number of projects already approved to move forward 

As previously reported on by Under Construction, the report, prepared by BRANZ and Pacifecon for MBIE, shows the sector moving out of a two-year downturn, with total activity expected to rise steadily through to 2030. National construction activity is projected to reach $65.4bn by 2030, up from a low of $55.7bn in 2025.  

Construction activity is expected to return to growth in 2026, driven by strengthened residential, non-residential and infrastructure pipelines. 

With conditions improving, a growing number of major projects around the country have now been approved to proceed. Below is a summary of key developments confirmed to date.  

Beachlands South development stage one – Auckland  

• Sod-turning for the multi‑billion‑dollar Beachlands South development took place in November 2025, with first-stage construction confirmed to begin in 2026. 

• The full development spans 307ha and is to serve as a housing and employment hub. 

• The first 37ha will include a new primary and secondary school, a village centre, housing and community facilities. 

James Kirkpatrick Group – Wiri warehouse hub – Auckland  

• The James Kirkpatrick Group is developing a major new logistics hub on Puhinui Road in Wiri, comprising approximately 65ha of speculative industrial and warehouse space. 

• The $1b project includes a 6.5ha warehouse building, which CBRE identified as the largest new build in Auckland’s current construction pipeline. 

Auckland Airport redevelopment – Auckland  

• Auckland Airport is undertaking an $800m terminal replacement project, already under construction with Hawkins appointed. 

• The development is part of the AKL Master Plan 2025, a 25-year vision for land use and infrastructure to support future growth in air travel and airport operations. 

Mansons TCLM – 35 Graham Street, Auckland CBD – Auckland  

• The 11‑storey, $650m office project at 35 Graham Street in Auckland’s CBD will total about 24,649m² of indoor floorspace when completed.  

• Demolition of the existing building was completed in 2025, and the development is on track to enter vertical construction through 2026. 

Christchurch Men’s Prison expansion – Christchurch  

• A $700-800m contract will be awarded in 2026 for the expansion of Christchurch Men’s Prison in Yaldhurst. 

• The expansion will add 240 high‑security beds across 160 cells, increasing Christchurch Men’s Prison capacity from 926 beds, including 346 high‑security beds, to a total of 1,166 beds. 

Lakeview Te Taumata – Queenstown 

• Settlement for Stage One of the $2b Lakeview Te Taumata development in Queenstown was completed in December 2025, with CMP Construction appointed and a sod-turning scheduled for February 2026. 

• The project will be delivered in seven stages over about ten years, and will include hotels, hospitality and retail spaces, laneways between buildings, a wellness retreat, and over 1,000 apartments.