The global construction sector has experienced an average annual growth in labour productivity at 1%, compared to a 3.6% increase in manufacturing in the last two decades. New Zealand’s construction sector (NZCS), second-largest GDP contributor, ranked eighth in productivity among fifteen industries between 1996 and 2021. To address this productivity gap, offsite construction (OSC) emerges as a promising alternative, offering time and cost savings. Research also indicates that applying lean principles has potential to further enhance productivity of OSC. Hence, conducting an in-depth study of bringing together lean principles and OSC in NZCS is important. Therefore, this study aims to synthesise scholarly research on the synergy between lean principles and OSC in NZCS. The research aim was achieved by investigating the potential barriers and enablers of adopting lean practices within OSC, through a systematic literature review utilising the Scopus database. Subsequently, a thematic analysis was conducted. The research explained potential barriers and enablers in applying lean strategies, like standardisation, 5S, and value stream mapping (VSM) in OSC stages. As found, the key barriers were (i) lack of willingness to adapt to changes and (ii) improper training on lean, whereas the key enablers were (i) training managers and labourers on lean and (ii) lean policy implementation. The initial findings are intended to foster innovation in the New Zealand construction sector, enhancing its competitiveness.