Early authorities, such as the New Zealand Company in the 1840s, and the government in the 1870s, offered immigration assistance to builders. Settlers needed houses and shops, and skilled tradesmen were needed to build larger public buildings such as post offices, pubs, churches and cathedrals. Tenders were let, and self-employed builders and contractors put in bids. Carpenters employed by builders were so sought-after that they were able to insist on improved working hours – eight hours a day, Monday to Saturday.
As towns grew in the 1870s and 1880s, there was a boom in suburban land speculators, builders and companies supplying building materials.
As towns grew in the 1870s and 1880s, there was a boom in suburban land speculators, builders and companies supplying building materials.