2019 NZ Crane Training Company of the Year Major Oak Safety Training Ltd (Most) is taking the lead in the mission to provide safer, more competent and efficient candidates to fill the skill gaps for crane/construction equipment operators and dogman. 2020 sees ‘Most’ bring world class immersive simulation training to NZ with an industry leading state of the art crane …
Article provided by the NZ Safety Council. Under the Primary Duty of Care in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, preventing falls from height is a requirement for all PCBU’s and they must ensure that work at height is actively managed so that people are not harmed. A PCBU who manages or controls a workplace must …
Making sure you have a professional that’s qualified and competent to do the insulation work you need is the minimum you should expect out of an installer. Basic questions for your insulation installer: Are you a member of IAONZ? What training has the installer completed? How many projects have you completed? When you have a retrofitter or industry professional that’s …
Henderson Demolition has come a long way since it was formed in 1999 with a handful of employees. It is now one of the largest demolition companies in Auckland. Glenn Henderson had a hankering to build his own business and in 1999, after working in demolition, he set up his own company with much of the initial work “stripping out” …
Some relevant info for people considering demolition work is: any properties built before the year 2000 will need to have a demolition asbestos survey done by a competent person, preferably a licensed asbestos assessor. It is a legal requirement that any asbestos in a property is identified before demolition work takes place so it can be removed safely. There is …
The staff at Ward Demolition are leaders in the demolition industry, and they’re at the forefront in demolition, resource recovery and salvaging. Ward Demolition offers professional advice backed by over 25 years’ experience, whether it’s about the demolition of your house or commercial building or the removal of asbestos and contaminated soil. In regards to COVID-19, Ward Demolition is back …
The designIT® sITe App has been growing in popularity with builders as a must-have onsite tool when working with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) based products. The app, developed in house by the Futurebuild LVL team, has been around since 2011. Colin Taverner, Business Development Manager at Futurebuild LVL, takes great pride in demonstrating the App and seeing the reaction it …
Concrete NZ chief executive Rob Gaimster believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a gigantic blow to the New Zealand construction sector, the real consequences of which will not be fully understood for many months. “Yet despite the upheaval there has been a reassuring display of co-operation amongst all groups, particularly as measures were developed for a safe return to …
Creating effective conferences involves a combination of content, creativity, coordination and collaboration. So here are some key elements to help keep things simple and engaging for attendees. Set objectives Design the conference based on the needs of participants and ensure the content is supportive of and aligned with the core message/s. People fear repetition, but don’t ignore the value of …
With the growing use of structural steels it is understandable that misconceptions might arise about different types of certification, the role of product certification in particular, and comparative acceptability of steel and steelwork certified by different schemes applicable to structural steelwork construction. That’s more than 60 years’ servicing the industry through all the challenges those decades have brought. Metalcraft Roofing …
The steel industry is taking control of its own future, taking a lead on the sustainability front and ensuring that the steel sector is part of the national conversation. The Sustainable Steel Council (SSC) is a group of industry leaders committed to the circular economy – the economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continual use of resources – as …
Waterproofing Membrane Association Inc. – Email: chairman@wmai.org.nz | www.wmai.org.nz The Waterproofing Membrane Association Incorporation (WMAI) has developed and produced several new Codes of Practice for Waterproof Membranes for the industry to accept, adapt and adhere to, all aimed at raising standards that will vastly improve the building industry. In the wake of COVID-19, there is going to be large number …
A new line of electric-powered Snorkel Speed Levels is electrifying the work-at-height industry. Market research conducted by Snorkel shows a gradual decline in demand for diesel machines due to increasing regulations on noise and emissions. The lithium-ion electric Snorkel SL26RTE and SL30RTE models lead the way with a forwarding-looking solution that delivers. Initially previewed at Bauma 2019, the Snorkel SL26RTE …
By Nuralite Waterproofing managing director John Simmons. A realisation that all businesses, no matter how big or small, have to start making changes to reduce carbon emissions was behind the decision of Nuralite Waterproofing to become one of the first building supply companies in New Zealand to be certified carboNZero by Toitū. Nuralite is a typical New Zealand small medium …
By NZISM president Greg Dearsly. Businesses are being urged to focus on known and understood health and safety risks, alongside those of COVID-19, to limit any spike in incident numbers. New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) president, Greg Dearsly echoes the comments of the Government in support of “safe” economic activity and the importance of staying safe and looking …
The Government’s announcement on May 1 of interest free loans for a year to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, together with the tax reforms providing more than $3 billion in tax relief, will provide much needed support for small business, says Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Leeann Watson. The Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme will provide assistance of …
Banks have begun taking applications for mortgage holidays from consumers affected by Covid-19. So, Consumer NZ looks at the pros and cons of deferring mortgage repayments. What is a mortgage holiday? A mortgage holiday lets you temporarily stop making repayments on your home loan if you’re under financial pressure. Homeowners who are struggling financially as a result of the Covid-19 …
By CCNZ chief executive Peter Silcock. Government guidance on handling construction contracts will give many construction companies the confidence to continue to employ their people and take a lead role in the economic recovery following the lockdown, say New Zealand’s civil contractors. Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive, Peter Silcock says government commitment to a fair and consistent approach to …
By NZPI treasurer Jonathan Clease & NZPI chair Karyn Sinclair The New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) cautiously welcomes the Government’s announcement of fast-tracked consenting for eligible development and infrastructure projects, but says it is important that environmental and community outcomes are not sacrificed in the process. Minister for the Environment, David Parker announced in the first week of May that …
Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie. 7 things you should know, and be working into your plan now, while you still have time Coronavirus has sparked a chain reaction of events that is completely changing the landscape of how we all do business. For most tradies, it’s little to no income until your team can get back to …
The latest QV House Price Index data for March provides us with a view of the housing market as New Zealand headed into lockdown on 25th March. But what it doesn’t tell us is what happens beyond the proverbial brick wall that the COVID-19 lockdown has created. The data shows the property market was continuing to perform strongly throughout early-mid …
By Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy. At the time I wrote this, we were a week into Alert Level 3 and we were preparing for the transition to Level 2. Building firms had returned to work but they were having to observe all the social distancing, personal protection equipment, hygiene, contract tracing, and other precautions that applied to both those levels. …
The construction sector has an important role to play in kick-starting the New Zealand economy. To support this, the Construction Sector Accord has temporarily shifted focus from industry transformation to industry resilience and recovery. The Accord is a collaboration between construction sector leaders from across government and industry. The Accord Steering Group (ASG) has been asked by the Government to …
Burcin Kaplanoglu – Executive director Innovation, Oracle Construction and Engineering, www.oracle.com/nz As more stories come out about the potential use of 5G across different industries, the construction industry is one that could quickly see specific – and significant – benefits from the technology. One such use case could be around the “network slicing” capability of 5G, which enables communication service …
By Jon Grayson – Chief executive, NZ Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, www.infracom.govt.nz The average New Zealander rarely gives infrastructure a second thought unless it isn’t working. It’s in times of crisis that we start to value the essentials such as energy, clean water, good telecommunications and transport systems. Life as we know it in this country is changing rapidly. However, …
By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law In law, a force majeure isoften referred to as an “act ofGod”, an event that no partiesto a contract would normallyhave anticipated. Many contracts include standardforce majeure clauses, but theNZS 3910 has no default forcemajeure clause. The COVID-19 pandemic, the declaration of a state of national emergency on 25 March …
The Matamata-Piako District Council (MPDC) is focussing on supporting local businesses to get back to business after the COVID-19 epidemic. “We know that the lockdown has had a major impact on business in New Zealand,” says Matamata-Piako Mayor, Ash Tanner. “But local government plays a key role in times of economic downturn. “We’re continuing our capital work programme, and looking …
New TYCO® ESFR-34 Sprinkler provides industry’s tallest ceiling-only warehouse protection with added flexibility Early-suppression, fast-response sprinkler gives facilities design flexibility for increased storage
By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law The recent worldwide outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as Covid-19 has impacted many businesses including the construction industry. It is indeed a Pandora’s box. A worldwide health crisis of this nature is not an ordinary event, and our nation rarely gets a mandate for people to go into self-quarantine. …
by Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie. It sounds so easy: Go out on your own. Provide excellent service. Get happy clients, referrals, repeat work, 5-star reviews and a reputation as one of the best. But have you ever had something go wrong on a job and despite your best efforts, the client ended up unhappy with how …
by Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy Occasionally building projects go off the rails. The relationship between the owner and the building company breaks down, the invoices don’t get paid, and the building work grinds to a halt. The building company usually has to initiate some action to recover the money it believes it is owed, and the owner responds with a …
By CCNZ chief executive, Peter Silcock Could the 2020s be the decade of major infrastructure investment in New Zealand? The government recently announced a $12 billion injection into major infrastructure projects, and political parties have begun unveiling their election year policies, with spending on transport at the forefront of debates. Finance Minister Grant Robertson revealed $6.8 billion of …
The iconic Jeep Wrangler – one of the most recognised vehicles in the world – delivers off-road capability and on-road practicality. The off-road ability is the product of more than seven decades of Jeep’s 4×4 engineering experience. That’s all well and good – but it’s the Wrangler’s fold-down windshield and innovative removable tops that allow it to seamlessly morph into …
Workplace health and safety has always been a top priority in New Zealand, but as COVID-19 rapidly gathers momentum, businesses across the country are more focussed than ever on keeping their people safe. With the government actively encouraging work from home options and social distancing, the value of online training has never held more weight. Lucky then that Safety ‘n …
Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy There are plenty of situations where a builder might want to cancel a building contract. You might have suffered a personal tragedy or a serious health setback, or you might have unexpectedly lost one or more senior staff members. You might have overcommitted yourself and taken on more projects than you can handle. Alternatively, you …
By Andrew Nah, law clerk at Queen City Law www.queencitylaw.co.nz The construction industry has seen constant and significant leaps and bounds in technology. Now that we have entered a new decade, this is a good time to take a look at what new technologies are being used in the construction sector and what we should be keeping an eye …
Vehicle customisation is nothing new, but when you take a hi-spec vehicle to start with, and the customisation is done by the manufacturer – you end up with something special. And that’s exactly the case with this one-off Hilux Gladiator. Already a highly spec’d model, this version of the Hilux SR5 has been uniquely modified beyond recognition into …
John Shingleton, managing director of First Law – www.firstlaw.co.nz Since May 2019, if you employ more than 19 employees, you are no longer permitted to have any new employees on a 90-day trial. Instead, you will have to satisfy yourself with employees on a probationary period. Trial periods are still governed by the Employment Relations Act 2000 and …
How often have you quoted a job but ended up losing on it because the hours blew out? It happens to everyone once in a while… but get this wrong too often and you won’t be very profitable. Even the big players in our industry get this wrong more than they’d like to admit… Fletchers got in trouble last …
Turanga, the new Christchurch Central Library, won the over $50 million category. Building twice holds the secret to creating better buildings – a method demonstrated by the winners of Registered Master Builders inaugural BIM (Building Information Modelling) Innovation Awards. BIM technology was used by all entrants to model the projects in the virtual world, before the physical building …
Tool theft is a growing problem in New Zealand, with equipment often stolen from the back of utes, cars and even construction sites. The impact of such crimes isn’t limited to cost of replacement — it can also mean jobs need to be cancelled until new equipment is purchased, impacting livelihoods. Claiming on insurance can be a lengthy process …
Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy Payments in advance (otherwise known as deposits or down-payments) are common in the construction industry. Sometimes they are needed because building materials have to be ordered and the supplier insists on some kind of payment up front. Sometimes the builder has to do a lot of preparatory work like pricing, design, or consent applications, and he …
D&H Steel Construction’s ability to deliver exceptional workmanship has again received the highest praise at arguably the most prestigious event in the steel construction industry. The company was just awarded the 2019 SCNZ Supreme Award for Excellence in Steel Construction for its stunningly successful work on the AIAL International Departures Terminal redevelopment. As impressive as this sounds, D&H Steel …
Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie. You’ve built up a good reputation. You don’t want to lose it. But to achieve good strong profits for the long haul, you need to grow. Win bigger and better projects. Be able to command higher prices. Unfortunately, as you grow, it can be hard to keep control. If staff are messing …
By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law Risk allocation is a pivotal point in negotiating construction contracts and all parties approach this with centrifugal force and persistent attempts to drive risk away from oneself. There are several parties involved in the successful completion of a construction contract including the principal developer, contractor, project manager, engineer …
By Colleen Jones, director of Jones Consultancy Have you noticed that diversity and inclusion has become a more common topic in business conversation lately? Increasingly organisations are responding to the call to recognise workplace inequities and address the biases – both conscious and unconscious – that we all hold. Many larger firms have implemented formal policies to provide information …
by Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie. Its 3am. Luke can’t sleep. Why? His biggest customer owes him just shy of $50,000. And he’s worried they’re not going to pay. It’s been eight weeks now… and they’ve missed two progress payments. “It’s coming” they say, “once we get paid, we can pay you”. This is causing some …
by Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy Asbestos is a nasty substance, which is mined from rock-forming minerals, and contains fibres with little hooks in them that once in your lungs, never get out. They can cause serious diseases such as cancer that don’t become evident until 10-40 years later. It was widely used from the 1940s to the 1990s (and …
When the temperatures head southwards it’s time to think about protecting yourself and your team from the elements. Winter weather can lead to more injuries as the cold affects decision-making and leads to fatigue. This can lead to people taking shortcuts to finish the job to get back where it’s warm and this in turn can cause injuries or …
Low heights have their own dangers More people take chances at lower heights because they seem less of a risk, but these kinds of falls come with their own dangers. It doesn’t take much height to lead to a fatal fall. In fact, many falls from roofs and ladders that cause death or serious injury are from less than …
In the past, when looking for alternatives to ladders for low level access jobs, the only option was mains or battery powered access equipment. Now, JLG’s EcoLifts represent a third option. They combine the efficiency and safety of these electric units with the convenience of ladders. According to Safe Work Australia, every year an average of 29 Australians die …
Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy Everyone knows the old saying that the only winners in court cases are the lawyers. That reflects the reality that the traditional system of suing in the courts (litigation) has become so drawn-out, so complex and so expensive, that it is effectively out of the reach of the common citizen. Ironically, all that complexity came …
Jeep’s new Gladiator seems to have found that precarious balance between practical workhorse and plaything. It’s a capable midsize truck that offers open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility, solid on and off-road dynamics and a host of safety and advanced technology features. The company line is “Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is …
Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie. Making more profit in your tradie business is about so much more than working harder and doing more jobs. One simple and highly effective way to make your bank account happier is to control your jobs to ensure you are not losing out through leaks. By making sure there are minimal …
By Jeff Walters and Andy Glenie Improving outcomes for all parties when relationships break down Increased pressure on the construction industry is bringing with it increased disagreement between principals and contractors. But many of those using NZS:3910 are telling us that the dispute resolution procedures provided for under the contract are just not helping to bring such disputes to a …
By Colleen Jones, director of Jones Consultancy I’m not talking about your construction site or building project workplace (where realistically an expectation of accessibility for people with impairments, particularly mobility impairments, is not as achievable), but rather your office workplace; the place where your office staff are based and where your site-based staff occasionally call in. If your office …
Infrastructure Commission and Construction Accord aims for a healthier industry On April 14 the Government and construction industry leaders signalled a shared commitment to transform New Zealand’s construction sector. Jointly developed by Ministers, Government agencies and industry leaders from across the construction sector, the Accord offers up a unique opportunity for industry and Government to partner on a range of …
For a lot of people involved in the building trade, the requirement to be “licensed” is nothing new – take architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, gasfitters, and lawyers for example. Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy The requirement for builders to be licensed only came about relatively recently, following the emergence of the leaky building crisis and the Hunn Report published in …
The Government has recently announced that minimum wages will increase to $17.70 an hour on 1 April 2019. By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law We would assume that nobody in the construction sector is paying the minimum wage and therefore the labour force will remain unaffected. However, there will undoubtedly be flow-on affects including general …
Almost every time we hear about a main contractor being liquidated, we also hear subcontractors will be left out of pocket. Why is it that? Jeff Walters, specialist in property and construction law, K3 Legal After the collapse of Hartner Construction, the Construction Contracts Act 2002 was introduced to put an end to this problem. But come 2013, Mainzeal …
Are you working longer and longer hours and downright frustrated at the lack of profits? Is work coming in, but it’s just not consistent? One month you’re scrambling to get the work done and the next, you’re sweating out where the next job is coming from? By Daniel Fitzpatrick Or maybe you’re getting the work — but where the …
The G-Class, the luxury off-road vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, has long been considered a design icon. Its external appearance has not changed significantly since 1979, as its unmistakable shape is its trademark, meaning in 2019 the G-Class is very retro cool. But add its extraordinary off-road attributes and sumptuous interior and you have a dead-set trendsetter in the off-road segment. Individual …
The voluntary administration of Arrow International (NZ) announced recently will impact not just on the employees of the company and its clients, but the wider network of contractors and subcontractors who supported its construction projects. Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive, Peter Silcock, says Arrow’s collapse was yet another demonstration of what is wrong with the construction industry in New …
Leading construction lawyer Mark Williamson, a partner at DLA Piper, answers the pressing question— how to get the construction sector working? The vexed question of how we can build better is back in the headlines with much debate around the pace of Kiwibuild construction and the pros and cons of an Urban Development Authority. However, the question is what other …
John L. Grove founded JLG® on this day 50 years ago; pioneering the access industry McConnellsburg, Pa. — January 9, 2019 — JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE:OSK] and a leading global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, officially kicked off its year-long 50th anniversary celebration earlier today, marking a half-century since its founder spearheaded the access …
