The Green Revolution
Chief executive of New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), Andrew Eagles, says when it comes to thinking about buildings and construction in modern cities there is one question he likes to ask – what would Aristotle say about our buildings? And the answer is Aristotle would have a lot to be excited about. “A wider range of organisations are now …
Skills shortages-not just a New Zealand problem
By Kevin Everett (as advised by Andy King (LIA 200800912) of Network Migration Services in Henderson With consents now as high as recorded in 2004 and the forecast for further growth, where do we go from here? We have residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure sectors all at extremely high levels of activity based on demand, with the recent natural disasters …
Drug Testing
A measured response to meth in the workplace “It’s an epidemic!” scream the headlines. News articles over the past six months have claimed ‘P’ is easier to get than weed, “rampant” in the West Coast workforce. Meth use in Christchurch is often blamed on the influx of construction workers. Employers are understandably worried about their responsibilities, and may feel …
FTMA chairman keen to raise industry profile
By Jo Bailey The Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association’s (FTMA) new chairman, Alan Westwood, is focused on raising the profile of the frame and truss sector and optimising the training and service offering the Association provides to its members. “I’ve made it a priority to build the credibility of FTMA with government agencies, so the association is more widely recognised …
Playing it Safe
The costly business of falls from height By Kathryn Heiler Every year hundreds of New Zealand workers are seriously injured due to falls from height at work, some of them fatally. The cost of these falls from height is estimated to be $24 million a year in ACC claims – and that doesn’t even touch the human cost of losing …
Riding the wave
BY Rod Auton CEO of the Crane Association of New Zealand Strong population growth continues to boost housing demand and, along with robust household spending, is driving non-residential construction demand. Cuts in interest rates and strong population growth are also flowing through to housing demand. The National Construction Pipeline Report 2016 forecasts building and construction activity in New Zealand, and …
Always consider the asbestos factor
April 2017 marks the one-year anniversary of the new regulations for working with asbestos. It will also mark the launch of the first ever Asbestos Awareness Week in New Zealand. Asbestos is New Zealand’s number one killer in the workplace with around 170 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases*. That is why the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association …
Many benefits to hiring gear
By Jo Bailey There are many reasons why hiring tools and equipment rather than buying is a great option for businesses from small enterprises through to large multi-national organisations, says Phil Tindle, HIANZ CEO. “Hirers can access quality, reliable equipment with the latest technology without having to make a capital investment upfront. The benefits are obviously even greater with some …
HIANZ conference a stunning success
This year’s Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) conference is being hailed as “one of the best” following positive feedback from delegates. Over 200 hire company owners, staff, equipment and service suppliers to the industry from New Zealand and Australia attended the event in Rotorua in late August, enjoying an extensive programme of workshops, guest speakers, trade show, and …
Excellence rewarded
Four companies were honoured at the Hire Excellence Awards Dinner, which closed the 2016 HIANZ conference in Rotorua. Hirepool Wellington and Stella Hire of Invercargill received Gold Awards, while Timaru Hire, and Tool Hire Taranaki were the recipients of Silver Awards. “We congratulate the four winners, who have met the rigorous standards required to rightly refer to their companies as …
Training and ‘business partner’ programme raises industry standards
Phil Tindle, HIANZ CEO, says the Association provides robust industry training as well as an innovative ‘business partner’ programme that helps its members run their business more sustainably and profitably. “The hire industry is no different when it comes to issues such as health and safety compliance, business sustainability and profitability. Through our business partner programme we have brought in …
HIANZ serves industry in growth mode
“Like many suppliers to the trade sector the hire industry is in growth mode, aided by the construction boom,” says HIANZ CEO, Phil Tindle. “There are always pockets in regions that will be a little quieter as they may be more reliant on what local government is doing in terms of roading infrastructure. The hire industry is typically in growth …
Steel Fabricator Certification to become mandatory
By Jo Bailey Members of Steel Construction New Zealand have voted unanimously at the organisation’s AGM to introduce Steel Fabricator Certification as a compulsory requirement for all structural steel fabricator members. Steel Fabricator Certification (SFC) is an industry-led quality assurance scheme developed jointly by SCNZ and the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) in line with best practice European standards. It …
Many highlights at the SCNZ Conference
More than 100 SCNZ members and their partners descended on The Old Church in Napier in mid September for the 2016 Steel Construction New Zealand Conference and AGM, which formed part of the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Delegates enjoyed a packed programme in the Art Deco capital, which included a mixture of forums, the SCNZ AGM, a gala dinner and …
Apprentice ‘stoked’ to win inaugural award
Thomas Forbes believes his drive to demonstrate initiative was one of the keys to him being awarded the first ever Apprentice of the Year title by Steel Construction New Zealand. “I’m constantly focused on improving outcomes, such as decreasing fabrication time through different fabrication methods and procedures. I’m also always up for a new challenge. I am stoked to win …
Sustainable Procurement a major research focus
The relationship between steel sustainability and the importance of this in the procurement process by central and local government is a major research focus for Metals New Zealand, which in the last few months has taken over the portfolio of the Sustainable Steel Council (SSC). “We have implemented a priority advocacy project around the implementation of government principles and rules …
Metals New Zealand new home of Sustainable Steel Council
Metals New Zealand has taken over the portfolio of the Sustainable Steel Council, which was founded in 2009 to promote steel as a sustainable material. The Council was previously operated by a board representing a range of stakeholders such as HERA, Steel Construction NZ, University of Auckland along with major steel producers and manufacturing associations. Other members include the coatings …
New sustainability ratings lead to new opportunities
The heavy engineering sector now has the ability to measure its sustainability and improve its global standing in climate reform due to work completed by the Sustainable Steel Council (SSC). This was one of the key objectives met by the Council in phase one of its work, before it came under the umbrella of Metals New Zealand, six months ago. …
Greater awareness needed around sustainability of steel
Although the sustainability benefits of steel such as low production waste, design flexibility, speed of erection, safety, reusability and full recyclability are well recognised overseas, there is a general lack of awareness in New Zealand, says Gary Hook, chief executive of Metals New Zealand, which runs the Sustainable Steel Council. “The global steel industry is committed to developing steel as …
New manager for SCNZ
After 11 years working for Steel Construction New Zealand and the last six-and-a-half as manager, Alistair Fussell has left to run his own business. Bob Hawley, chairperson of SCNZ says it soon became apparent after commencing as acting manager in 2009 that Alistair had the skills to take on the position full time. “He has been a strong leader and …
More engineers urgently needed
By Jo Bailey Engineering is an ‘incredible’ profession for young graduates, particularly in the current climate, says Dr Charles Clifton, a Professor who educates the next generation of structural engineers at the University of Auckland’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “The demand for engineers is probably the highest I can remember. It is an exciting time for students and …
Staying safe at height
Five years ago you would have been hard pressed to find scaffolding on your average residential house build. You probably wouldn’t have seen safety nets or harnesses either. And fall arrest systems such as air bags were totally out of the question. But you might well have seen a painter using a fully extended ladder leaning against a wall. You’d …
Standards overhaul underway for height safety equipment
By Jo Bailey New standards for height safety equipment are a work-in-progress, as new technology introduced over the last few years has significantly changed the industry. “Some of our current standards are now pretty old and haven’t been updated until now due to costs. At the moment the AS/NZ Standards Committee has started a new project to update the current …
Three questions to a safe work site
If employers with staff working at heights can answer three questions about their projects with a definitive ‘yes’ they should be on the right track to providing a safe environment for their employees and meeting the new Health and Safety regulations, says industry expert Doug Carson. “The first question to answer is ‘do you have a written plan?’ This must …
Leaky buildings still a major issue
By Jo Bailey Weathertightness of structures has been a hot topic in New Zealand since the leaky building crisis became public in 2002. New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) executive member Nick Gaites says it is impossible to tell the exact numbers of homes affected. However, the weathertightness expert says after years immersed in the problem, he believes well …
Learning from the mistakes of the past
Weathertightness is not only an issue for New Zealand’s existing housing stock. Nick Gaites, director of Reveal Building Consultants and an executive member of NZIBS, says many builders concerned about “risky” designs for new homes they are being contracted to build, are turning to Registered Building Surveyors for advice. “We are seeing an increase in the number of complex designs …
Demand for building surveyors greater than ever
The leaky building crisis is not the only issue facing the New Zealand construction industry. Poorly repaired homes in Christchurch post-earthquake and sub-standard construction in an overheated Auckland market are also having an impact on the sector, along with the substitution of cheaper, lower-quality building materials by some contractors. William Hursthouse, acting vice president of the New Zealand Institute of …
Top achievers recognised
Darin Devanny was among the ‘best of the best’ to be recognised during the presentation of industry awards at the New Institute of Building Surveyors conference held at Church Road Winery in Hawke’s Bay. He picked up the Innovation in Building Surveying Award for designing a robot called ‘Hades’ that does the hard work seeking out damage and defects underneath …
New diploma huge step forward for building surveyors
Earlier this year, NZIBS with the assistance of NZQA recognised training specialist Vertical Horizonz, assessed the NZIBS Core Module training and that resulted in it being accepted as a new Diploma in Building Surveying ISO9001:2008 (level 5), which is a ‘huge step forward’ for building surveyors, says Sally Dunbar, General Manager of NZIBS. “The new diploma demonstrates the Institute’s commitment …
Inspirational Carmen is Tradeswomen of the Year
By Jo Bailey Ten years ago Carmen Sutton had barely swung a hammer and had learning difficulties that prevented her from reading. Now she has been named the National Association of Women in Construction’s Tradeswoman of the Year at the Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards. “It was great to win. I definitely wasn’t expecting it,” says Carmen, who attended the awards …
New building programme pushing the envelope
Tauranga Boys’ College and Classic Builders Tauranga inaugural building pathway programme for students is paying off with completion of transportable cabins now for sale, students finding employment and apprenticeships, plus an extension of the programme. Mr Mangan, Tauranga Boys’ College principal, says the Wood-Related Trade Programme was a huge hit for its Year 13 students this year. “Our enthusiastic, dedicated …
Otago Polytechnic addresses inequality
Otago Polytechnic has come up with a boost for women wanting to get into the male-dominated fields of engineering and IT. Recognising that women are under-represented in these industries, Otago Polytechnic has created two scholarships, each worth $1000 for every year of study. Director of Communications, Mike Waddell, says it’s important to promote inclusion in all programmes. “Otago Polytechnic values …
Sustainable Business Survey 2016: NZ firms poised for progress
New Zealand businesses are taking mostly tentative steps into the world of sustainability, but may be gearing up to tackle the big issues, according to a University of Auckland survey. The survey, conducted by the University’s Business School, found over half (53 percent) of the 33 respondents – chosen because they’d already made moves towards improved sustainability – aimed to …
Roger MacDonald appointed Chief Executive at Panuku Development Auckland
Roger MacDonald will bring a wealth of experience delivering multi-billion dollar developments across the globe when he takes on the role as head of Auckland’s urban development agency. The Englishman will start as Panuku Development Auckland’s Chief Executive next week after spending the last 20 years leading property and infrastructure projects in the Middle East, the UK, Europe, India, the …
Concrete placers supported by range of new initiatives
Members of the New Zealand Master Concrete Placers Association (NZMCPA) are being kept up to date with the latest good practice advice across a range of concrete placing topics, thanks to new initiatives introduced by the Association this year. Specifically, this has involved the distribution of a re-designed On The Level newsletter, Placing In Practice leaflets and Good Reads e-alert. …
Association dedicated to the needs of concrete placers
The New Zealand Master Concrete Placers Association (NZMCPA) is an industry association dedicated to meeting the needs of those involved with concrete contracting, with a focus on the placing and finishing of concrete. The association works on behalf of its members by advocating their views in relation to issues such as training, qualifications and health and safety, as well as …
Apprentice Award a conference highlight
The presentation of the inaugural Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award was a highlight of the New Zealand Concrete Industry Conference, held in Auckland in early October. The honour was won by Carl Hay an apprentice at Eastern Bay Concrete 2014, Opotiki. Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) Chief Executive, Rob Gaimster said the quality of the …
Best in the ready mixed industry recognised
The best of the best have been named at the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NZRMCA) 2016 Awards, which were presented at the Concrete Industry Conference. Atlas Concrete’s Takapuna plant has won the Plant Audit Scheme Supreme Award for its consistent excellence over an extended period of time, producing large quantities of concrete to a reliably high standard in …
Precast NZ Certification sets the standard
The Precast NZ Plant Certification Program is starting to gain critical mass and is setting the benchmark for off-site precast concrete manufacturers, says Rod Fulford, executive director of Precast New Zealand Inc. “A number of precast plants have now achieved certification and many others have either applied or are intending to. The program provides project specifiers, head contractors and building …
Supporting plasterers and tilers for over 100 years
With many ‘cowboys’ in the market, Berenice Chaston, president of Canterbury Master Plasterers and Tilers (CMPTA) says checking the credentials of plasterers or tilers before engaging them as sub-contractors, or to carry out private work is essential. “We have heard of jobs that have not been finished to a professional standard which can cause potential hidden issues. An example of …
New EECA endorsement raises standards for CCCA members
The Climate Control Companies Association (CCCA) has several exciting new initiatives underway to encourage and support its members towards excellence and innovation, while promoting ethics and integrity in the sector. The Association’s Chair, Matthew Darby, a refrigeration specialist who owns and operates EcoChill, says CCCA has reached a Memorandum of Understanding with EECA, which has agreed to endorse a new, …
Master Electricians supports electrical licensing status quo
By Jo Bailey Maintaining the current regulations, standards and licensing of electricians is one of the current concerns of Master Electricians, says CEO Neville Simpson. “We are aware that government, in particular MBIE is looking at making some changes to licensing of electricians. Although we are still working through the details with them, as an industry we need to be …
New technologies to boost younger members
Master Electricians (ME) Hub app is an innovative tool for members, which helps them to record their testing results, manage health and safety risks, and complete Certificates of Compliance and ESCs while on the job. “A lot of our members are approaching retirement age so it is critical we appeal to younger business owners. One way we are doing this …
Apprentices rise to the top
Two bright sparks from Auckland have taken out the 2016 Electrical Apprentice of the Year Competition (the Master Electricians Challenge), the country’s toughest contest for apprentice electricians. The pair were among 10 finalists, selected during knockout heats around the country, who took part in the gruelling two-day final at the Hilton Lake Taupo. Chabb Chia, 21, from Parau, West Auckland, …
Trade careers need wider promotion says Master Electricians
A career in the electrical industry is a great choice, says Neville Simpson, CEO of Master Electricians. “Like all trade industries, apprentices are being paid while they learn, so don’t finish their training with a huge student debt. They learn skills they can transfer easily overseas, and can make some really good money.” Mr Simpson would like to see schools …
Master Electricians Conference another success
You could have heard a pin drop when Victoria Cross winner Willie Apiata addressed delegates at the Master Electricians 2016 Conference in Taupo, says CEO Neville Simpson. “Willie is an inspiring person and delegates were mesmerised during his speech.” Among other highlights was a talk by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, an adolescent psychologist, who spoke about the issue of depression in …
New licensing scheme possible for pool builders
For almost 25 years the New Zealand Master Pool Builders Inc (NZMPB) has worked hard to ensure high standards of pool construction in this country, with its members having to prove a required level of competence and other criteria in order to join. However there are still no legal licensing requirements from Government for pool builders in New Zealand, which …
New Zealand Master Pool Builders raising the standard
Almost a quarter of a century ago a bunch of working tradespeople got together to form the New Zealand Master Pool Builders Guild to help ‘weed out’ some of the poorer quality pool builders in the industry and promote the reputable ones. One of these founders of the Guild was Larry Ogden, who all these years later is current president, …
Top pools rewarded
The 2016 winners have been found for the New Zealand Master Pool Builders’ annual Photo Competition, which is judged by some leading industry professionals from New Zealand and Australia. An incredibly unique entry from Alvin Crosby of Acqua Pool and Spa (Auckland) took out the Commercial Swimming Pools category for a three level swimming pool he was commissioned to design …
Managing Risk in the Workplace
Health & Safety legislation has undergone a significant change with the passing of the Health & Safety at Work Act (HaSWA) and subsequent regulations made under that Act. The Health and Safety at Work Act changed the focus from compliance by managing hazards to managing Risk. Despite our best efforts, fatalities and serious injuries continue to occur, even among organizations …
Communication and Consultation
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HaSWA) is based on the premise that those who create or work with occupational risks, or can influence or direct them, must identify and manage those risks. The legislation is designed in part to cover modern working arrangements, which can contain multiple employers with diverse workforces made up of employees, contractors, subcontractors, …
Christchurch Adventure Park set to open by Christmas
Thrill seekers, mountain bikers and walkers and will soon have a new playground with the Christchurch Adventure Park opening it’s doors this December. The park stretches over 900 acres of pine forest on the Port Hills between Worsleys Road and Dyers Pass Road, 5km from the city centre. A high speed chairlift , the longest in New Zealand, will transport …
The 2016 New Zealand Architecture Awards announced
The 2016 New Zealand Architecture Awards were announced at an event in Wellington on Friday 11 November. Twenty-eight buildings and structures have won honours in the leading architectural awards programme, which recognises the best work across all the types of projects designed by New Zealand’s architects. The awards jury, led by Christchurch architect Jasper van der Lingen and comprising Auckland …
Utilities Disputes Ltd replaces EGCC
New name reflects change in the utilities sector. Responding to rapid change in the New Zealand utilities sector, the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner (EGCC) becomes Utilities Disputes, Ltd today, November 1, 2016. “This change is an important evolution,” says Hon. Heather Roy, Chair of Utilities Disputes. “As providers innovate and expand their offerings, Utilities Disputes will provide a flexible and …
MAXRaft celebrates business success and ‘year of recognition’
Queenstown-based company MAXRaft has been recognised as Queenstown’s top up-and-coming business at the 2016 Westpac Queenstown Chamber Business Awards. The award-winning company took home the Destination Queenstown Best Emerging Business Award at a gala dinner this weekend, and was also a finalist in the SIT Excellence in Construction, Trade or Services Award category. The judges commented on the fact that …
New research reveals New Zealander’s could save over $70M through better insulation
A new research report on the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes has revealed that current minimum requirements for insulation under New Zealand’s building code are not the most cost effective. The research shows millions of dollars are set to be saved through higher standards of insulation. Across all New Zealand cities, insulation levels higher than the current minimum …
Invalid Payment Claims
By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang Timely payments in the construction sector is the bloodline for the sector. A late (or no) payment is fatal to the contractor or subcontractor. Section 20 of the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (“Act”) sets out the mandatory requirements for valid payment claims which, if unpaid, could provide the basis of a statutory demand or …
Health and Safety at Work Act: Worker Participation and Engagement
By Marcus Bathan With new legislation comes new confusion. As an ambassador for Health and Safety training I hope to bring you information that will help in thoroughly understanding the new Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and how it relates to your business and industry. I will break down the HSWA Worker Engagement, Participation and Representation Regulations, in particular, …
Tax implications of rewarding high performing employees
By Jamie Tulloch Hard working and committed employees always stand out. They are hard to find and when you do find them, you want to retain them by rewarding them with something meaningful and thoughtful – and something that will express your gratitude. We often get asked what can be given to employees that are of the best tax benefit …
How to find staff and keep them
By Kevin Everett As we are always being reminded building work has ramped up and so has the need to find and retain staff. Often, upskilling and promoting current staff is the best choice. Employers face a challenge finding staff when the market is tight. Recruitment methods may include: Filling gaps with overseas applicants Headhunting staff from other companies Promoting …
Quality at the heart of the concrete sector
Concrete is the second most consumed substance in the world after water, with the appetite for it in New Zealand matching worldwide demand, says Rob Gaimster, chief executive of the Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ). “Huge volumes are going out producers’ gates. We’re predicting that around four million cubic metres of concrete will be produced this year …
Exciting concrete innovations
Although it has been around for centuries, concrete is continually evolving as a construction material, with some exciting new innovations entering the market. Recent developments include Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), a concrete that is able to flow under its own weight and completely fill formwork, while maintaining homogeneity even in the presence of congested reinforcement, and then consolidate without the need …
Concrete the ideal choice for high-density structures
Concrete has long been a material of choice for both commercial and residential buildings, with the sector well poised to meet the growing trend towards high-density living, says Rob Gaimster, chief executive of the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ). “The choice of material for the structural frame of a high-rise building has a significant impact on its …
Student design competition goes from strength to strength
An initiative conceived by the Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) five years ago to encourage aspiring construction specialists to work together to incorporate the best insights and latest technology into a building design, continues to go from strength to strength. This year 30 of New Zealand’s top final year students in architecture, engineering and construction management from …
Top concrete apprentices to be recognised
Industry awards have become an important way to recognise and honour individuals or companies who have made a significant contribution. Across a two-year timeframe the wider concrete industry celebrates its own success in terms of ready mixed concrete, finishing and placing, engineering and architectural features, as well as its contribution to a sustainable built environment. “In doing so we shine …
Consolidation on the cards
The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) provides a range of services and facilities that are available to the wider industry, says chief executive, Rob Gaimster. “We offer an enormous amount of resources, with around fifty documents available to be downloaded free of charge. We also run a helpline, with a team of technical experts and specialist concrete …
Substantial changes to concrete industry ‘bible’
Representatives from the New Zealand Concrete Society (NZCS) have had significant input into amendments to the New Zealand Concrete Structures Standard (NZS3101) primarily intended to address recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. “Work on this important Standard has been ongoing for the last couple of years and is in the final stages of development. It is essentially the concrete …
Non-complying bucket trucks major issue
An issue that has been brewing in the elevated work platform (EWP) sector for some time, could compromise safety and potentially cost contractors thousands of dollars. Mike Breen, board member of the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) says second-hand bucket trucks that don’t meet New Zealand regulations (AS/NZS1418.10) are being imported from Japan and illegally sold for this purpose. “Almost …
Safety major focus of EWPA
Safety has been the primary objective of the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) since its inception in 2003, says its CEO, Phil Tindle. “Mobile elevating work platforms are useful but complex pieces of equipment that are often used for access in hazardous areas. The aim of EWPA is to promote the best and safest practices for the use and maintenance …
Gather the facts when buying a second hand EWP
There is no doubt that buying second hand is a cost effective way to become an owner of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform. However people must ensure their EWP meets New Zealand and Australian Standards (AS/NZS1418.10, 2011), otherwise the cost may be high, whatever the purchase price. Phil Tindle, CEO of the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) says buying second …
Time for gender imbalance to be addressed
The booming construction sector and drive to get more people into trades, is attracting a growing number of women to the industry, with around 12 percent of all trade apprentices in New Zealand now female. Donna Howell, president of the National Association of Women in Construction says there are many reasons why the sector should look more closely at hiring …
Training essential for safe operation
Since it was established 13 years ago the Elevated Working Platform Association of New Zealand has advocated for consistently high standards of training for operation, maintenance and certification of EWPs. “Quality assured, unit standard based NZQA operator training is now widely available from a number of independent trainers throughout New Zealand, something that has been encouraged and endorsed by the …
Fishing in a new pond
The Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) is taking a strategic approach to ensure the future sustainability of the roofing industry, says new chief executive officer, Graham Moor. “There are several challenges facing the sector. In the short term this includes finding people of the right calibre and quality we need to take the industry forward. Like all employers in …
RANZ a collective voice for roofers
Over the last 30 years innovative architectural designs and the introduction of new and different roofing systems to the New Zealand market has seen roofing evolve to become a skilled specialist trade. The Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) was established in 1994 to provide a collective voice for the industry, advocate on its behalf with regulatory authorities, and to …
Falls reduced by a third
The roofing sector has made ‘massive strides’ in health and safety over the last couple of years, ahead of the new Health & Safety at Work Act which came into force in April this year, says Graham Moor, chief executive of RANZ. “We were given a target to reduce falls by 25 percent by 2020. However falls have already reduced …
Change at the top following loss of dedicated CEO
As the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) heads into its 23rd year, it is mourning the loss of its dedicated former CEO Lorraine Mills, who passed away in April. “Lorraine’s sudden death hit us all particularly hard. Having worked with her since 2002 it is difficult not having her around, especially as she had an amazing ability to recall …
Conference one of the best yet
Another successful RANZ annual conference was held at SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre in July, with one of the highlights being special guest speaker Hamish Matheson, RoofStar Technical Advisor for the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia, based in Vancouver. “Hamish’s presentation really opened our eyes to the opportunities out there, particularly around training. Our Canadian equivalent association has its own …
Free benchmark service could save thousands in ACC
Builders and Contractors readers are being offered a free ACC Benchmark service, which could potentially save their businesses thousands in costs. The new initiative is being offered by Manage Company, which has acted as ACC advisors for around five years. Managing director Martin Wouters says after working with more than 2000 different employers during this time the company had gathered …
CLT takes timber structures to new heights
The development and introduction of cross-laminated timber (CLT) is causing a lot of excitement in the Australasian construction sector, says Jeff Parker, technical manager of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. “CLT is a structural product suitable for load-bearing construction including multi-storey buildings. It is effectively a wooden form of a concrete tilt slab, which has already been utilised for …
Cutting edge Nelson Airport terminal a showpiece for timber industry
Nelson Airport’s new $32 million terminal redevelopment will highlight the capability of engineered wood products, says Jeff Parker, technical manager of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. “This stunning building will showcase wood in its construction and once complete will be a showpiece, both for the Nelson region and the wider timber industry.” LVL from Nelson Pine Industries is integral …
Kaikoura civic building uses world first technology
The new Kaikoura District Council building is a great example of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) being combined with other engineered wood products including CLT in a Pres-Lam (Prestressed Laminated) timber building. “Pres-Lam is the result of years of research and a unique collaboration between commercial and academic partners at the University of Canterbury’s School of Engineering to create innovative structural …
Bigger timber structures now a reality
New Zealand has always had the ability to build bigger timber structures. However it wasn’t until the emergence of the latest timber technologies that this has become a cost effective possibility, says Jeff Parker, technical manager of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association. “The economies of using products such as CLT and LVL, combined with new construction systems and connectors …
New Scheme ensures quality
A quality assurance programme for structural timber called the Timber Quality Scheme (TQS) is focusing on the material’s two main properties – durability, and physical characteristics of strength and stiffness. The new scheme is being established by the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF), with the Wood Processors and Manufacturers’ Association, in conjunction with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and …
Review: Mazda BT-50 GSX is a smooth operator.
By Damien O’Carroll The current Mazda BT-50 is arguably a better ute than the Ford Ranger, particularly when it comes to value for money. But it has always been the Ford’s more traditional and truck-like looks that have seen it win out over the Mazda. With the recently facelifted BT-50 Mazda New Zealand decided on a change of direction in …
Legislative changes present opportunities for insulation sector
A key piece of new legislation is starting to have a significant impact on the insulation sector, says Hamish Aitken, immediate past president of the Insulation Association of New Zealand (IAONZ). “Earlier this year the Government passed an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) which included new requirements for insulation and smoke alarms, strengthens enforcement powers and makes other …
Expert tips for noise reduction on the job site
The rise in high-density living and developments being undertaken closer to busy roadways has heightened the need to control noise and vibration on the construction site. With many new local and overseas builders and contractors entering the market, particularly in Auckland, it is critical they are made aware of the limits they must adhere to when it comes to noise …
CCNZ National Awards
The following people and companies were recognised at the national awards ceremonies during the CCNZ annual conference in early August. Category 1: Projects with a value up to $1M Winner Groundfix – Waterview Tunnel The Waterview Tunnel is a $1.4 billion project being delivered for the NZ Government by NZTA and a consortium of contractors working as the “Well Connected …
Civil Contractors New Zealand – from Peter Silcock, CEO
Despite the high level of contracting work available in many parts of the country, as we play catch up on past under investment in infrastructure, civil contractors are facing some big challenges with low margins, uncertain forward work programmes, ongoing industry restructuring and a shortage of skilled people. I have been on a steep learning curve since starting my role …
Construction – How a booming industry can open its doors to young New Zealanders
You only have to read any job forecasting report to know the construction industry is buoyant, with Seek construction job ads for May up by almost 40% in Auckland alone. The latest findings from The National Construction Pipeline Report (MBIE, 2016) confirms the sector is experiencing steady growth. New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming is positive …
FloorNZ – The Trade Association for the Flooring Industry
FloorNZ is the trade association for the flooring industry. We have two main functions – membership services and training for the industry. Unlike other trade associations FloorNZ is also the owner of a Private Training Establishment, the Allied Trades Institute, which is approved by NZQA to run national qualifications for the industry. We work in partnership with the BCITO to …
Consumer rights and remedies in relation to residential building work (Implied Warranties)
Introduction The residential building contract is an agreement between two or more parties to complete building work in exchange for some consideration. Such contracts can take a number of forms, they can be written or verbal, but if the essential elements of a contract exist then they are enforceable by law. In most residential building contracts the terms and conditions …
Managing Risk in the Workplace
Health & Safety legislation has undergone a significant change with the passing of the Health & Safety at Work Act and subsequent regulations made under that Act. The Health and Safety at Work Act changed the focus from compliance by managing hazards to managing Risk. Despite our best efforts, fatalities and serious injuries continue to occur, even among organizations with …