A group of Mainzeal sub-contractors are calling for a bond or retention system to be set up so tradesmen don't lose money when building firms go under.
New Zealand's third largest building company went into receivership last week, forcing hundreds of sub-contractors to stop work while receivers PWC try and sell the company.
About 20 contractors met in Christchurch on Thursday to discuss the issue and consider picketing Mainzeal sites where have been left in limbo and without payment.
Peter Diver, whose children run a family plumbing firm that is owed about $500,000 by Mainzeal, called the meeting.
Mr Diver says sub-contractors want a way to avoid big losses in receiverships and would like to see their retention money, which is held by building companies as a bond for work, instead held by a third party so it is safer.
"It's so easy for a contractor when he gets in the cart just to pull the plug and put his company into receivership and remain afloat himself and start up again."
Mr Diver says the total amount owed to the contractors who met on Thursday would be in the millions of dollars.
