A nationwide shortage of Gib board is sparking major delays for the construction sector.

There's a waiting time as long as nine months for the product.

Prices are going through the roof and there's concern a black market is developing as Gib sells for up to five times its usual price.

Combined Building Supplies chairperson Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking it's quite simple – if builders can't get materials, they can't build houses.

He says there doesn't appear to be an improvement in terms of labour shortages and equipment.

“With the labour, when our guys put ads on TradeMe for new carpenters, they’re just not getting any responses whatsoever at all.”

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