Builders warn customers to expect delays as timber shortage hits New Zealand

PHOTO: Timber shortage. GETTY

Building industry groups are meeting on Monday to discuss a nationwide timber shortage before taking their concerns to the Government later in the week.

It comes after Carter Holt Harvey cut the supply of structural timber to big retailers Bunnings and Mitre 10, adding further stress to the industry. It hasn’t yet said why it has stopped its supplies.

Builders are already warning customers if they’re planning on building a house or are part way through to expect delays.

The Building Industry Federation says the cut is bad timing since more people are wanting to build, there’s an increased need to fill a housing shortage, and more homes are multi-level.

“They need a lot more timber for joints, trusses, and floors,” says Julien Leys, CEO of Building Industry Federation.

Builder Nick Farrelly says it adds to the stress.

“It just seems that wherever we turn there seems to be some sort of shortage whether it be nails, timber, structural LVL beams, it just seems everywhere at the moment,” he says.