8. Question No. 8—Building and ConstructionANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister for Building and ConstructionQuestion No. 8—Building and Construction8. ANDREW BAYLY (National—Port Waikato) to the Minister for Building and Construction: When was the Government first made aware of the nationwide Gib shortage and when does she expect to implement any recommendations made by yesterday's reported high level taskforce"?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS (Minister for Building and Construction): The Government first became aware of supply chain issues for Gib and other building products in the context of alert level 4 restrictions in August-September of last year. As a result of this on 10 September when the chief executive of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) authorised certain businesses or services that were located within the alert level 4 area to operate the manufacture of Gib Winstone Wallboards was one of these businesses. At the time it was thought to be not a systemic supply issue and its stock levels were OK but it was a matter of logistics. However in November 2021 the building and construction industry began to report shortages of a number of products including Gib. In response MBIE issued guidance on product substitution on 6 December 2021 to ease shortages. This guidance included plasterboard. In response to the second part of the question it's important the member understands this is not a formal ministerial inquiry. This is a group of private sector experts brought together to advise me to ensure the effective and swift execution and implementation of measures taking place. I expect issues raised at the first meeting next Monday will be actioned straight away.Andrew Bayly: Why did she claim yesterday that "The task force has already got action under way. There are 28 containers of plasterboard that are on their way to New Zealand that will help alleviate the shortage." when the task force had absolutely no role in obtaining those supplies?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I said it because it is the case. If the member cares to have a look at the membership of the task force—in particular Shane Brealey of Simplicity Living who we have been working with for a number of weeks—these are the group of people that are taking the actions that will solve this crisis and why our Government is committed to working in partnership with them.Andrew Bayly: Does she agree with Bright Build director Jennifer Taylor on reputable international plasterboard brands that "We could get their products certified for New Zealand incredibly easily. The Government could assist to actually get these fast-tracked onto containers and into New Zealand" and if so why hasn't she instructed MBIE to just do that?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Yes I do agree with the person the member is quoting and this is exactly what is happening. In fact I think the member is referring to an interview this morning where the actual product Boral that she was referring to has already been covered off by guidance that MBIE has issued earlier this year in addition to three other certified products.Andrew Bayly: When she said yesterday that "if only the world were that simple" what is so difficult about allowing accredited international plasterboard manufacturers to supply New Zealand automatically provided they meet New Zealand standard 2588?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: I think the member needs to look at the complexity of this problem. Obviously the—SPEAKER: Order! Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: —accreditation is an incredibly important part of this. We have already taken measures in terms of issuing guidance. In terms of identifying other products that meet the New Zealand standard this is an issue that we do need to bring several parts to. Believe me if this was as simple as passing a simple piece of legislation we would have done that months ago when we began working on it but I prefer the advice of private sector individuals that are working at the coalface of this than the member of Parliament opposite.Andrew Bayly: Is she aware those 28 containers of plasterboard represent 0.003 percent of annual plasterboard demand in New Zealand and if so why is she taking public credit for a close to zero increase in plasterboard supply?Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS: Obviously 28 container loads of plasterboard are not going to solve the current problem we have in New Zealand and far from taking credit I announced yesterday that we are going to work with the individuals that are finding solutions to this. I fail to see why it is the Opposition are so averse to working with the private sector on solving this."