A new survey is aiming to find out why the number of women in the infrastructure and construction industry is so low, and what can be done to draw more in.
Those already in the jobs say it's getting better, but it's still hard.
Often it's a battle to get toilets they can use, and sexist comments are a daily occurence.
Tairawhiti Contractors managing director Kat Kaiwai, and first year electrical apprentice Elizabeth Cramer-Robert spoke to Corin Dann.
