NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
80’S REVIVAL PAGE 24
HEALTH AND SAFETY TOOLKIT
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE CHANGES
WHICH IS THE RIGHT PAYROLL FOR ME?
REVERE MAGAZINE
PAGE 8
PAGE 12
PAGE 22
PAGE 43
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
REMINDER: IMPORTANT racts Building Cont
d g the update have you Are you usin ssociation or A e th by ed racts. nt provid co g in own build updated your d by Law in terms require The minimum ged from an ch s racts ha cts Building Cont ilding contra bu d 15, thus ol 1st Januar y 20 ply. may not com
IN THIS
ISSUE Message from the Chair
1
From the Operations Desk
3
Toolbox Seminars
5
Around the Regions
6
Feature: Health and Safety Toolkit
8
Certified Plans
10
Feature: LBP Skills Maintenance Changes
12
Feature: Right Payroll
22
Centrespread: 80’s Revival
24
ITAB
30
Feature: Revere Magazine
43
From the Media
46
Message from the Chief
49
Refugee crisis aside the construction industry must be right up there as far as contentious and polarising issues are concerned. It seems like every week there is another revelation, conflict or major announcement in the media. Sector players are getting pretty competent at damage control and obfuscation. It is a shame that such an important contributor to the national economy is too often surrounded by negativity. Especially when behind the scenes there are stakeholder groups working to address problematic issues, review policies, improve productivity and implement new strategies. Ours is a robust, vibrant and evolving industry that is currently riding the crest of unprecedented growth. Of course there will be challenges but I think we have the resources and collective will to identify and deal with these. Exciting times! The other day I looked at a job where the builder had badly let down a client. Overpromising and under-delivering, especially on timeframes, can have a major impact on the homeowner and their families. Poor performance reflects negatively on all of us so I’d like to think that our members would work hard to ensure that their projects finished on a positive note. Which brings me to the support that our builders have at their disposal – six helplines, Toolbox seminars, quality contracts, compliance documents and an Association that is committed to finding and implementing new resources to enhance and improve the business skills of our members. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of all this information at your disposal? After all that’s what you pay your subs for! Your Board is currently working on a couple of exciting new initiatives that will make life easier for you all, save you precious time and open up some interesting opportunities. Watch this space. I’m really excited about our new Revere magazine. It’s fantastic to see an idea emerge from our ranks and become a reality. This will be a brilliant resource for our members and a great showcase of our talents. Well done!
Contact Farming House 102 – 104 Spring Street PO Box 13405, Tauranga Central, Tauranga 3141 Phone: 07 927 7720 | Freephone: 0800 CERTIFIED Fax: 07 927 7721 | Email: editor@certified.co.nz www.certified.co.nz ISSN 2463-3305
Cheers,
Dave Brown Chairman
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
1
GIB ® Standard. the new Standard for BuIldInG peace of mInd.
Since re-engineering GIB® Standard 10mm and 13mm in 2010, its strength, flexibility, and reputation for ease of installation and long lasting quality have been well proven on building sites nationwide. Simply put, it’s the new standard for building peace of mind.
Robust, fibreglass reinforced composite core with honeycomb technology.
what makeS GIB® Standard the new Standard?
Strong, thick paper liner.
Clean score and snap means cleaner cuts and better edges. Low edge breakout and damage means less wastage. the new Standard In performance. Built-in high performance makes it suitable for multiple uses: maintains bracing performance of GS1 and GS2 systems and ceiling diaphragms as presented in GIB EzyBrace® Systems 2011; and can be used in relevant GIB® Fire Rated and GIB Noise Control® Systems.
Easy screw bedding means quicker installation. Excellent uniformity means a consistent, quality finish. Great flexibility means easy sheet manoeuvrability with less risk of damage and wastage.
the new Standard for ceIlInGS.
Thicker 13mm GIB® Standard plasterboard is recommended for use on ceilings for a better quality finish, especially where New Zealand’s wet and humid conditions mean ceiling sag can be amplified. Used in ceilings it can withstand point loads up to 3.0kg/m2 easily supporting loads such as R5.0 insulation.
Strong and rigid with low sag for easy sheet lifting and flat ceilings.
trIed. truSted. true. 2
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
WWB/CBANZ15
To find out more about GIB® Standard Plasterboard, visit gib.co.nz/newstandard
ASSOCIATION NEWS
FROM THE OPERATIONS DESK Jason McClintock – Operations Manager
To test or not to test That is the question Grab a coffee, slide on the slippers and let me talk you through an unexpected journey... The Association has been fielding much enquiry regarding the enforcement of testing and tagging as the only means of meeting Worksafe’s requirement of acceptable levels of electrical safety for portable electrical equipment. Much of this has been fuelled by those with an interest in selling test and tag equipment or services and also Worksafe’s inspectors own “personal” interpretation of meeting the objectives of all practicable steps. Members have been seeking an option which can be applied on site and one which will better cater for the day to day risks of electrical safety. There are two sides to this coin, test and tag or bring an alternative to the table. For the Association to entertain an alternative we first had to establish, what does it mean to take all practicable steps, as this is the line in the sand to step over. All practicable steps When applying the test of all practicable steps there is actually a formula that can be applied as an effective measure, this is one of consequence of risk verses probability, and works on a sliding scale i.e. one has a direct effect on the other. This allows for a level of innovation and other safe alternatives to be employed. It works much like an “Alternative Solution” we are familiar within the building industry to meet the requirements of the building code.
We can take the method of test and tag which is deemed as a greater level than that of “all practicably steps”. Or suggest an alternative which does not necessarily have to be as excessive but still meets the test of all practicable steps, we’ll call this the sweet spot. Let’s take a practical look at the facts of electrical safety when using portable equipment on the job site. • An effective RCD between the device and the power source will cut the electrical supply, insulating the user from an electrical shock • Damage to leads and equipment is the potential reality at a day to day level • 90% of electrical faults will be picked up through a visual inspection • The tools used each day, have safety features built into them protecting the user from not only electrical fault but also other hazards • The probability [frequency] of electrocution through portable equipment is low. Taking these facts where does the sweet spot sit? To be honest I have no idea, and since I could not find any New Zealand case law on the subject, I turned to Worksafe New Zealand for guidance. Dealing with a Principal Technical Advisor, EnergySafety at Worksafe we cut to the case and looked at where on the sliding scale does all practicable steps sit, and then looked at a proposal which met this test. Continued over page... INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
3
Safe
Increasing cost
All Practicable steps
Effects of time
Region of innovation
Deemed to be safe provisions
Sweet spot Increasing risk
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Optimal safety
Tolerance limit
Previous requirements Mandatory and deemed to be unsafe provisions
Unsafe
Frame work of proposal A good start was to draw up a company policy which members could adopt, this was a non negotiable set of steps, so our proposal was an all or nothing deal. RCD’s are a proven and effective means of cutting the electrical supply so that was a good place to start, secondly if 90% of faults will be picked up through a visual inspection it makes good sense that this will be done regularly. And if there are safety features on equipment which have greater safety benefits best we acknowledge these too. These steps will need frequency to them, and also a registration system to monitor and ensure no unsafe equipment is returned to service before it’s repaired.
sand of all practicable steps. As this is a package deal the Association will now set to work to template this up so members can not only become competent with this regime but also have a set of documents which can be used as evidence should it be contested at a site level. We’ll advise when this is finished and will make available within the members section of the website, with further education on the methodology behind this framework through the Association’s ToolBox Seminar Series. I would like to thank the members in Nelson who kept me motivated and the Whangarei members who wouldn’t take no for an answer. Without you guys I don’t think I would have been able to climb the constant barriers to get to this point of packaging up an alternative to test and tag for members.
The line in the sand Taking this framework, what happens when we put some detail around it? It’s called stepping over the line in the
Kind regards Jason McClintock
CERTIFIED BUILDERS WEDNESDAY WEBINARS! STARTING SOON! We’ll be kicking off our first WEBINAR on Wednesday 21st October @ 5.30pm. Hosted by Millie and Jason from National Support Office, we’ll run through the ins and outs of the online Fixed Price+ Building Contract. • Step by step guidance on how to fill in an online Fixed Price+ Contract • Answers to the frequently asked questions coming through our office • Clarification on deposits • Q&A session This session will be great for new Business Members to the Association or those wanting to become familiar with using our online contracts. Keep an eye on your email inbox for an invitation to register for the first Webinar on 21st October. Alternatively please contact millie.t@certified.co.nz or call 07 557 9214 (DDI). *All Webinars are expected to have a 45 minute duration.
4
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
CHANGES COMING SOON Continuing to up skill and keep ahead of our changing industry is an important aspect of the LBP scheme. This component of Skills Maintenance will be changing for Practitioners on 2nd of November. Skills Maintenance will become more site relevant with what is called a “mix model” approach. This will better suit practical learning styles of practitioners who face many challenges with each design and build project, overcoming these challenges carry great learning opportunities. The intent of changes means it will no longer be about points gathering but targeted, meaningful learning. In doing so LBP’s will undertake new ways of meeting Skills Maintenance requirements, along with new ways of recording these learning opportunities.
In this ToolBox Seminar we will step you through this new approach and what MBIE has developed online for recording learning activities, or if you prefer to work in real time we’ll show you a Skills Maintenance app. With support from your building partner Carters, we look forward to seeing you at a venue in your town. We have on board the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment to take us through the changes. Certified Builders will make life easier for builders through an LBP app which we will walk you through on the night, incorporating the new changes and condensing your LBP activities at a click of a button.
FIND A TOOLBOX SEMINAR IN YOUR REGION
Dates and locations for the Toolbox Seminars across the country are listed below. Pencil it into your calendar now..
NORTH ISLAND DATE OCTOBER
DAY
TIME
CITY
VENUE
ADDRESS
19 October 2015
Monday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Gisborne
No.2 Wharf Shed, The Esplanade
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Napier
Gisborne Tatpoutu Sports Fishing Club Taradale RSA
20 October 2015
Tuesday
27 October 2015
Tuesday
28 October 2015
Wednesday 6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Auckland (Northcote) The Backyard
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Auckland (Remuera)
The Commerce Club
27/33 Ohinerau Street, Remuera 31 Northcote Road, Northcote
02 November 2015
Monday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Taupo
Cosmopolitan Club
5 Taniwha Street, Taupo
03 November 2015
Tuesday
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Hamilton
Flagstaff Club
Commodore Avenue, Hamilton
09 November 2015
Monday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island Rugby Club
10 November 2015
Tuesday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Whangarei
North Tec Whangarei
11 November 2015
Wednesday 5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Kerikeri
KeriKeri RSA
17 November 2015
Tuesday
Hotel Coachman
18 November 2015
Wednesday 6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start New Plymouth
The Ugly Duck
The Pavilion Onetangi Sport Park O’Brien Road Gate 1 Learning Centre Raumanga, Valley Road Next to Kerikeri Centre 37 Cobham Road 140 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North 601 Devon Street East
24 November 2015
Tuesday
Speights Ale House
75 Jackson Street, Petone
25 November 2015
Wednesday 6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Waikanae
Waikanae Chartered Club
8 Elizabeth Street, Waikanae
DATE OCTOBER
DAY
TIME
20 October 2015
Tuesday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Christchurch
Hornby Working Men’s Club
02 November 2015 Monday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Cromwell
Cromwell Town & Country Club 32 Melmore Terrace, Cromwell
03 November 2015 Tuesday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Wanaka
Lone Star Wanaka
50 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
04 November 2015 Wednesday 5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Dunedin
The Edgar Centre
116 Portsmouth Drive, Andersons Bay
09 November 2015 Monday
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Queenstown
Queenstown Events Centre
Joe O’Connell Drive, Frankton
10 November 2015 Tuesday
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Winton
156 Gloucester Street, Remuera
NOVEMBER
5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start Palmerston North
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Wellington
SOUTH ISLAND CITY VENUE
ADDRESS 17 Carmen Road, Hornby
NOVEMBER
Winton Middle Pub
232 Great North Road, Winton
11 November 2015 Wednesday 6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Invercargill
Ascot Park Hotel
Corner Tay Street & Racecourse Road
23 November 2015 Monday
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Blenheim
Admirals Motor Lodge
161 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands
24 November 2015 Tuesday
6.30pm Light Refreshments 7pm Start Nelson
Nelson Suburban Club
168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson
Rangiora Golf Club
Golf Links Road, Rangiora
25 November 2015 Wednesday 5.30pm Light Refreshments 6pm Start
Christchurch (Rangiora)
ASSOCIATION NEWS
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE
WAIKATO APPRENTICES AWARDS Warwick Leigh-James, Tom Leigh-James, Ben Missen and Greg Forsyth
At the general meeting on 4th August 2015 Greg Forsyth Associate Manager of BCITO for the Waikato region presented Ben Missen and Tom LeighJames with their National Certificate Carpentry on their completion of their apprenticeship. They are flanked by Colin Johnstone director of Build Building Contractors Ltd and Vice President of Certified Builders Association Waikato and Warwick Leigh-James director of Absolute Construction New Zealand Ltd and President of Waikato Region.
WARWICK’S RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
6
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Pictured is Scott & Holly McKenzie from McKenzie Construction Ltd receiving a $1595.00 plus GST accountancy voucher from Sue De Bievre, Beany.biz This voucher was purchased by Warwick Leigh-James at the AST auction, Christchurch Conference this year. Warwick realizing that he had no use for it went and found a worthy recipient and donated it to them.
AROUND THE REGIONS
GISBORNE BOARD WALK Character Building Limited won the tender to build 562 metres of timber boardwalk along Waianae and midway beach in Gisborne. It was a 10 week program which was tight however we stuck to it. The total project was $1.5million and my team contributed 562 linear metres of the boardwalk being a $400k portion of the project. Four staff members and I built the boardwalk with timber supplied by Carters. Certified Builders Gisborne volunteered to lay the boards from Grey Street to Roberts Road - 211 metres but this did not happen. There was a slight change of plan as I was trying to make it as easy for all members so I fixed all the boards down and left two rows of screws over the length of the boardwalk for the Certified Builders members to come and screw in the screws - 562m two rows equals 14,990 screws
put in by Certified Builders as volunteer component. All Certified Builders enjoyed lending a hand and a lot offered to come back again if I needed help. I think all Certified Builders enjoyed the project so much as it was putting their stamp on the boardwalk something their kids and family would come down and use. Since opening the boardwalk it has had a huge positive feedback from the public and a huge amount of use. On a Saturday or Sunday at any given time there are 100150 people on the boardwalk. • 564 piles 2.000 deep driven in • 376 bearers • 4,496lm of joists • 3,780 decking boards • 44,960 100mm stainless screws Road ends, concrete and bbq areas were carried out by another contractor Earthworx Solutions. Phillip Claffey, Character Building Limited
THE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TOOLKIT
The Absolutely Essential Health and Safety Toolkit
FOR SMALL CONS TRUCTION SITES
Site and Services Checklist
Just because the job is small doesn’t mean the risks are too. A house build, re-roofing work – WorkSafe New Zealand’s data shows that smaller constructions sites account for the highest proportion of workrelated deaths in the construction sector. Why are small sites more risky? There could be any number of reasons. Maybe the margins are lower and so corners are cut. Maybe people are trying to do too many jobs on site and end up doing work that is outside of their expertise. Maybe it’s a lack of awareness about health and safety and a lack of planning. Whatever the reasons, WorkSafe wants to help the construction industry manage risks at small sites better, and has developed the Absolutely Essential Health and Safety Toolkit for Small Construction Sites. It’s a starter-course in the basics of good health and safety practice that you can slip into your back-pocket and use again and again. The toolkit covers a range of topics including working at height, hazardous substances and how to handle emergency situations. But in this article we will look at a Site and Services Checklist. Whenever you start a job one of your top priorities should be ensuring the worksite is as safe as possible. That starts with access on site: • Can everyone get to their place of work safely, and work safely when they do? • Are access routes in good condition and clearly signposted? • Is their suitable edge protection in place to prevent falls? • Are any holes properly covered and marked? • Is the site tidy – are materials and tools stored safely? • Is the lighting adequate?
8
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Before work can safely start at site you will also need to think about the services you will require – and in particular electricity. You will need power to get the job done, of course, but electricity can be a real hazard on construction sites. As ever, a bit of planning at the outset is the key: • Have all the necessary services required for the job been arranged? And have you identified existing services (electricity cables, gas mains and the like) on site and taken effective steps to manage the risk they may pose? • Is the electricity supply isolated from earth with a voltage between phase and earth conductors not exceeding 230 volts? • Are your electrical extension cords connected using a Residual Current Device (RCD) or Isolating Transformer? • Are all cables and leads in good condition and protected from damage? What about the plugs and connections – are they suitable? Are tools and equipment checked by users and regularly inspected and tested by a competent person? • Are any hidden electricity cables and other services been located and marked, and have you taken precautions for safe working? • Don’t forget about overhead lines. Has the electricity supply been turned off or have other precautions been taken, such as providing ‘goal posts’ or taped markers?
• Are all ladders removed or their rungs boarded to prevent use?
Work outdoors can mean work in all types of weather – provide wet-weather gear if necessary and a warm, dry shed for people to shelter in. And for when accidents do happen make sure there is a full first-aid kit that is checked regularly.
• Is all plant immobilised to prevent unauthorised use?
You will also need to consider protecting the public. Life will be going on as normal all around your site and you have a duty to make sure members of the public are not put at risk: • Is the work fenced off from the public? • Do road works have barriers around them – and are they lit at night? • Are the public protected from falling material? • Do you have clear signs in place to warn people of any danger?
FEATURE
As part of your site preparations think about the welfare of workers on site too. Make sure there are suitable toilet facilities, including access to a clean wash basin, hot water, soap etc. You’ll need to think about meal facilities too, including a provision for boiling water.
• Have all excavations and openings been securely covered or fenced off?
• Are bricks and other materials safely stacked? • Have all flammable or dangerous substances been locked away in secure storage? Planning is the key to ensure your worksite is a safe one. Before you rip into a project to identify your hazards and take steps to minimise the risk. Investing a bit of time at the start of a job could be the difference between a safe, smooth job and one where someone gets seriously injured or worse. he Absolutely Essential Health and Safety Toolkit T for Small Construction Sites is available on the WorkSafe New Zealand website. It does not cover legal requirements and is a guide only. There is also plenty more information at business.govt.nz/worksafe/construction.
At the end of the work day make sure your site is left in proper state. Ask yourself these simple questions: • Is the boundary secure?
MONTH 15 14 October
sweet Specials for SPRING projects gst ) on any SPend over $4,000 (excL james hardie® products and receive a:*
Hitachi 240V Multi tool with accessories *See Carters’ October 2015 Trade Offers mailer for Terms and Conditions.
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
9
New Concept Plans Update As a result of the Advisory Group reviewing the recently developed concept plans in July these designs have now been finalised. Work has commenced on scheme, pricing and working drawings along with new imagery and plan naming and we hope to have these new plans distributed to our members by the end of the year. New Build Under Way
Congratulations to “Simpson Residential” who are building the Ponga plan on the West Coast. Hayden Simpson’s client approached him with an idea to build a modern 2 bedroom home which would suit their rural/coastal section. At that stage the client had not spoken to an architect and was very open to ideas and suggestions. Whilst listening to what the clients had in mind for their project Hayden realised that one of the Certified Plans would fit the mould. The client instantly fell in love with the Ponga design and was keen to put their mark on it. Featuring polished concrete flooring throughout the house with board and batten and stacker bond cladding this open plan living has extensive coastal views. The design also includes front and back decking, a wetback multi fuel fire and a carport extension. The process of changing a Certified Plan through ACD architecture was a very straight forward and stress free experience. Both Hayden and Bryony from Simpson Residential were really impressed with the fast turn around and once the client was happy with the changes, the time frame from submitting the plans to council to getting consent was very quick.
www.certifiedplans.co.nz
10 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
CERTIFIED PLANS On A Roll... A further enquiry for Simpson Residential!! Nathan was approached to quote the labour only part of an A1 plan and so took the opportunity to show the range of Certified Plans. The clients were really impressed and the Rata plan was selected and priced up. Although Nathan and Bryony are still waiting for a decision, the feedback they have received so far is that their proposal is very competitive. Fingers crossed!
NEW MEMBER! Welcome to Simon Hardy, Hardy Building, Cambridge
For further information contact Julie at National Support Office: julie@certified.co.nz 0800 237 843 www.certifiedplans.co.nz
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 11
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE
CHANGES COMING SOON Paul Hobbs- Registrar Building Practitioner Licensing
LBP skills maintenance (new changes time in for some soon) The LBP scheme was established to make sure building practitioners like you have the right skills and knowledge needed to carry out or supervise restricted building work (RBW). As you know, once you have been assessed and licensed as an LBP, it is your responsibility to ensure you continue to meet the minimum standard required to keep your license. Maintaining these standards keeps you up to date with industry practices and regulatory changes.
Whether you earn your points under the current scheme or the new scheme, you will continue to have two years to complete your skills maintenance activities. So, if you relicense on November 10 2015 for example, you will have New identity/logo for LBP skills until November 2017 to complete all the requirements maintenance to continue to hold your LBP licence. The scheme will be rolled out to LBPs as their current 2-yearly skills maintenance cycle comes to a close. In simple terms, you should carry on with what you are doing until you are directed to change. Notification of your commencement in the new scheme will also be included in your annual relicensing contact letter.
A new LBP Skills Maintenance scheme is about to be introduced that changes how you keep your skills up to In launching the new scheme the Ministry has designed a date. The aim is to encourage you to get the regulatory eachlook of theand sevenfeel, which includes adopting a suite of icons new and technical information you need and, at the same time, Icons for different license classes for each of the seven license classes. The icons will be used choose elective activities that are relevant to what you do. help to identify relevant in Codewords to identify relevant material for each of the material seven classes. The wider sector will be encouraged to use Start date The ‘ALL’ icon relates to these icons when delivering skills maintenance to LBPs. guidance that is relevant The transition to the new LBP Skills Maintenance scheme Examples are provided below. seven license classes e.g. starts on 2 November 2015. From this date between 1200regulatory change that 2000 LBPs will start moving across to the new platform on a touches all license classe monthly cycle. New identity/logo for LBP skills maintenance
Icons for each of the seven different license classes help to identify relevant material The ‘ALL’ icon relates to guidance that is relevant to all seven license classes e.g. regulatory change that touches all license classes
Here’s how it will work Under the new LBP Skills Maintenance scheme you need to do a combination of compulsory and elective activities. As is illustrated below12 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Here’s how it will work Under the new LBP Skills Maintenance scheme you need to do a combination of compulsory and elective activities. As is illustrated below-
FEATURE The activities you must do
Activities you choose
The intent of the new scheme is to make it easy for you to find the technical and regulatory information you need and to make the most of information that already exists as a result of your day-to-day practice and learning on the job. Under the new scheme, there are two types of activities you must complete every two years:
You also need to complete elective activities. Each hour you spend learning equals 1 point. A good elective activity is one that gives you the learning you need to maintain your professional competence in relation to your licence class. As is the current case you can choose any activities that are useful to you and the work you do. Here are some examples:
1. Read Codewords/LBP Knowledge link articles and complete a short quiz You need to read the Codewords/LBP Knowledge link articles that are relevant to your licence class and then complete a short quiz for each one. The articles will be e-mailed to you and will cover the changes to the law and technology that you need to be aware of. The quiz will reinforce the important messages and help you remember what you have learned. And 2. On-the-job learning You will need to show at least two examples of on the job learning for your licence class over the 2 year period. Each example can be a project where you have learned something new on the job that is relevant to your licence class. Examples include: • • • • • • •
Peer review of a peers design Research a new building product or method of construction Implement a learning from a product tutorial Complete a record of work or certificate of design and capture a learning outcome relation to a new product or building method Design or building an alternative solution Third-party observation of your work- Engineer, Council inspection Evidence of applying a legal test e.g. section 67, 75, 112, 115 of the Building Act
• • • • • • • • • • • •
conferences seminars and lectures trade events presentations and tutorials subscription to a trade magazine courses and/or other formal studies lecturing/teaching publishing professional articles or research perform a service to the industry learning about workplace safety mentoring on-the-job learning (can be additional to those already mandated)
Certified Builders Association and MBIE have collaborated on a series of national seminars about the system. Further information can be found at: https://www.certified.co.nz/ about-certified-builders/tool-box-seminars/ You may wish to enter your seminar information here….
on-the-job learning (can be additional to those already mandated)
Other opportunities to attend seminars and webinars will be published in future editions of Inhouse and Codewords. Click here for more information on the new Skills Maintenance scheme www.lbp.govt.nz
The Ministry has developed an online Record of Work and Certificate of Work form which can be used to record your learnings as they happen.magazine-words from the LBP Registrar CBANZ InHouse
LBP skills maintenance (new changes time in for some soon) The LBP scheme was established to make sure building practitioners like you have collaborated on a series of national seminars about the system. Further have the right skills and knowledge needed to carryCBANZ outand orMBIE supervise information can be found at: https://www.certified.co.nz/about-certified-builders/tool-boxrestricted building work (RBW). seminars/ You may wish to enter your seminar information here….
As you know, once you have been assessed and licensed as an LBP, it is your Other opportunities to attend seminars and webinars will be published in future editions of Inhouse responsibility to ensure you continue to meet the minimum and Codewords.standard required to keep your license. Maintaining these standards keeps you up to INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 13 date with industry practices and regulatory changes.
TO CELEBRATE OUR
TENTH ANNIVERSARY THE BIGGEST TOOL EXPO AUCKLAND HAS EVER SEEN Come and check out the bargains at The Shed hall at Big Boys Toys. Meet some of our regular correspondents and see up close some of the great projects from The Shed.
WWW.THESHEDMAG.CO.NZ WWW.BIGBOYSTOYS.CO.NZ MACHINE TOOLS POWER TOOLS
WELDING GEAR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
3D PRINTERS DEMONSTRATIONS
WORKING MODELS MAGAZINE BACK COPIES
FRIDAY OCTOBER 30-SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1 2015 | ASB SHOWGROUNDS, GREENLANE, AUCKLAND TICKET PRICES Adults $25 at the Gate Children u12 Free (if accompanied by an adult – limit 2 per adult) Students $20 (with Student ID) Online Specials $20 Adults (through iTicket) $17 Student (through iTicket)
AUCKLAND’S BIGGEST TOOL EXPO The Shed magazine, one of New Zealand’s favourite DIY and artisan magazines, is 10 years old. To celebrate they are holding the biggest tool expo ever staged in Auckland. In conjunction with Big Boys Toys, The Shed has taken an entire hall and filled it to bursting with power tools, machine tools, hand tools, welders and assorted items of interest to anyone with a shed. Big Boys Toys runs from 30 October -1 November 2015 at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane. Makita have taken more than 100 square meters of display space and Hitachi and Dewalt both have substantial footprints. The machine tool dealers are out in force too with Machinery House, W&R Jack, Carba-Tec and Campbell Hausfeld represented. There are new brands too: Harvey saw benches from Woodworking HQ, and the new Hammer combination machine line-up from W&R Jack are well worth a look. If you are into welding come and talk to our resident welding guru Greg Holster on the Lincoln Electric stand. Greg can get you fitted out with the equipment that will work for you at the best price. We also have a virtual welder courtesy of Unitec that will enable anyone to test his or her welding ability without actually creating a spark. Test yourself against your mates. The show is intended as a cash and carry and there will be plenty of bargains either to take away or have delivered. Here’s a chance to take your wish list and compare and contrast, to kick the tyres on the latest tools available and replace those aging items in the tool chest. There will also be back issues of The Shed and copies of the Best of the Shed book to be had. In addition to all this tool goodness there is also the NZ motorcycle show to enjoy and the Driven hall features the latest in luxury vehicles: McLarens, Lamborghini, Audi and Jaguar for successful builders and the latest in Utes from Nissan and Ford for those who still have to work for a living. The Auckland Excavator Operator competition is staged here too where you can admire the skills of digger drivers opening boiled eggs and pouring a cup of tea with a 15-tonne machine. Don’t miss out—get along to the greatest Tool Expo Auckland has ever seen. Early bird tickets are now available from: www.bigboystoys.co.nz www.theshedmag.co.nz www.iticket.co.nz
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 15
SUCCESS THROUGH CHANGE
18TH ANNUAL CERTIFIED BUILDERS CONFERENCE & EXPO TSB Bank Arena & Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Wellington
Thursday 26th May – Welcome Function:
26th to 28th of May 2016 – book it in your calendar NOW……
Are you arriving in Wellington on the Thursday? Then pop down to the TSB Bank Arena, to register early and to attend the popular Thursday Welcome Function, catch-up with your fellow builders and peruse the trade stands with a drink and a nibble in your hands!
A quick glance at next year’s conference and expo: Thursday 26th May – Wellington Factory Tour (worth 5 skills maintenance points): • BRANZ • Firth Concrete • Dulux Paints • WelTec School of Construction
TSB Arena
16 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th May – the 18th Annual Certified Builders Conference & Expo: TSB Bank Arena will be brimming with trade partners showcasing their latest services/tools and sharing their expertise with our members, there will be over 70 trade stands in the expo area with great prizes and giveaways up for grabs. Museum of Wellington
ASSOCIATION NEWS The conference agenda is already shaping up to be the most comprehensive and informative conference yet with all sessions held in Shed 6 – with a wide variety of keynote speakers and experts to keep all of our members up to date with everything building! What more could you ask for!
winner of the 2016 Carpentry Apprentice Challenge winner, followed by an evening of ‘cutting some shapes’ on the dance floor to the highly renowned and incredibly popular band The Noodles – all topped off with a fanciful theme of Black and Gold Tie evening and a scrumptious 3 course dinner to fill up your tanks for the night!
Friday 27th May – Friday Evening Mingler: The Friday Evening Mingler is the most popular event during the conference attended by both trade partners and conference delegates and this year it is sure to impress yet again. We have hired out the whole of the Museum of Wellington City & Sea where you are sure to be wowed! You will discover Wellington’s diverse history – from the depths of our harbour to the top of our hills, the hubbub of the city and the beauty of the surrounding region. Full catering will be included in the cost to attend. Saturday 28th May – Black & Gold Tie Awards Evening: The Saturday Awards Evening will be held in Shed 6 on Queens Wharf. This prestigious event will announce the
Shed 6
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 17
ASSOCIATION NEWS
TECH TIPS
ip nounce our partnersh We are excited to ane world’s leading with Houzz.com - th novation and design. platform for home re
n to be a nals, Houzz has prove For building professio casing their e new clients by show valuable tool to sourc borate lla ec tive resource to co work, as well as an eff st. co jobs – all at no effec tively on existing rs globally who 35 million homeowne There are more than re than 250,0 00) – nth (in NZ alone, mo use the site each mo projec ts for their ing are ac tively plann ich wh of ity jor ma the y. nues to grow each da home – and this conti ership provides ied Builders, the partn As a member of Certif benefits: you with a number of team to help you ation with the Houzz • A priority consult for success and set your profile up understand the site er Badge on your rtified Builders Memb Ce a g sin ca ow Sh • the other set you apart from all profile page that will z professionals on Houz d res • Special events an
Builders to follow the Certified Please also make sure vantage of ad e tak to uzz Profile and Association of NZ Ho ouzz.com to set ove, email jonathan@h the opportunities ab t your profile set up. up a time to help ge
ources over time
VODAFONE SURE SIGNAL
Limited mobile coverage? Give it a boost with Sure Signal Sure Signal uses your Vodafone fixed broadband to boost the 3G mobile signal throughout your house or office, giving you more bars on your mob ile and enhanced call quality. So, if you’re living or working in an area with limited mobile coverage, Vodafone Sure Signal cou ld be just the boost you need. Benefits • • • •
Never miss a call or TXT again Easy to install 14-day money back guarantee
Strong signal and enhanced call qua lity Stay connec ted and stay producti ve • $199 incl GST • Boosts the 3G signal through out your house by up to 30 metres • Allows up to eight people to be on their Vodafone mobiles at the same time • Easy to install - connec ts to you r Vodafone fixed broadband line •
18 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Global Roaming made easy Stay connec ted with Daily Roamin g. For just $5 a day, you can use your plan’s included minutes , TXTs, data in the places more Kiwis travel to, including destinations across Australia, USA, UK, Fiji, and more. You can make calls and send TXT s within a Daily Roaming country just like you do at home, as well as call and TXT back to NZ. There’s nothing to set up - Daily Roaming kicks in when you land and use your pho ne to make or receive a call, send a TXT or use mobile data . If you run out of data, you can buy more with Flexi Data, just like at home. All other rates will apply as per your NZ mobile plan. Available on all of our mobile plans currently on sale and on Red Sure Spend plan s (for Red Sure Spend customers who have requested Dail y Roaming) when you roam in one of 23 destinations. Keeping an eye on your usage • If you’re on a Vodafone Red pac kage, you’ll have unlimited minutes and TXTs (to NZ and Oz), so you can roam worry free when making calls back to NZ, to Australia, or within the Daily Roamin g country. • Keep track of your TXT and data usage in My Vodafone. Use the App or sign in online.
Construction Team, working with Certified Builders across New Zealand. Today’s builders need more than a good accountant and Crowe Horwath will help you get the right business systems and information, tax strategies and leading advice on business growth and succession. Please go to www.crowehorwath.co.nz/ construction for further information.
BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS ARTICLE 5 –
SALES - PROCESS, TIPS AND JUST GETTING ON WITH IT! This series will help you combine technical construction skills with core business concepts to improve business performance. Previous articles have covered the essentials of successful business planning and implementation. We now examine the key functional areas that your construction business needs to manage to be successful. A few years ago, at a sales training course, we were directed to practice what we were learning by “role-playing” at being a salesman. The universal muttering of protest, said it all! And how many times have you heard the line – “we are not selling, we are helping the customer to buy” or other phrases that attempt to make sales more palatable? So, for those of you who don’t enjoy sales or who have lost the knack of selling, this article is for you. Sales is an inescapable necessity of business life, but it is definitely easier if you get the basics right. Sales starts with strong marketing
Marketing
It is not an accident that the topic of “sales” follows last month’s topic of “marketing”. A clear and stand-out brand proposition, aligning your business with your brand to give a consistent message and effective promotion is needed to help your customers find you and choose you. Every step after marketing should then be a logical and simple process as shown in the diagramme below.
Branding & promotion
leads
Build relationships
customers
Sales
Build a referral artwork
Happy customers
Great construction, finishing & service
Current jobs are part of the sales process Your reputation is what enables you to take a series of jobs and turn them into a business. For this to work, you need to focus on managing customer relationships throughout each job and delivering value all the way (from the perspective of the customer). And don’t forget the neighbours and local community who see your site signage and observe the pace, quality and design of the job. Get others to do the selling for you Satisfied customers are great referrers, as well as neighbours who have been impressed while watching the job progress. You might need to help this along, for example with mail drops to neighbours informing them about what’s happening and asking your happy customers for leads. And don’t forget insurance companies, banks, real estate agents and other professionals who also live by referrals – just make sure you reciprocate. Sales is relationship building No matter how good you are at construction, you will have to build relationships in order to win business. This means establishing rapport, LISTENING to requirements and demonstrating how you will deliver. If a lead is not a match, you may still win a referral that is a better fit. However, if you are missing more than you are matching, you should review your product proposition – is it really what people want and is it fairly priced? And take an honest look at your communication skills – do they need a polish? In summary, “sales” is the sum of doing five core things well. These are: strong marketing, development of referrers, good relationship-building skills, doing good construction jobs AND managing the whole process in a connected way so that the steps flow logically. No more protesting! Disclaimer: This article provides general information only, current at the time of production. Any advice in it has been prepared without taking into account any specific circumstances. Businesses or individuals should seek professional advice before acting on any material. Crowe Horwath (NZ) Limited is a member of Crowe Horwath international, a Swiss verein. Each member firm of Crowe Horwath is a separate and independent legal entity. Crowe Horwath (NZ) Limited and its affiliates are not responsible or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath or any other member of Crowe Horwath and specifically disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath or any other Crowe Horwath member. ©
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 19
FEATURE
Tracy McElroy-Rivett is a member of the Crowe Horwath
E S I M O R P WE 250 core trade items always in stock Over 100,000 products available 60
30
1 hour order & pick up service To answer your call within 30 seconds or we’ll call you back within the hour Accurate invoicing – no surprises To deliver to site in full & on time or we refund the delivery fee To deliver your frame & truss order within the agreed time or we pay you $200 per day Conditions apply. Find out more in-store.
ARTICLE
ACC IS BRINGING INTERNATIONAL H & S EXPERT, LAWRENCE WATERMAN, BACK TO NZ! Lawrence Waterman has worked on some of the UK’s largest construction projects – including the 2012 London Olympic build and currently, the Battersea Power Station development. Earlier this year, Lawrence delivered a series of workshops and presentations to ACC stakeholders, partners and a range of industry representatives. His impact and influence has been phenomenal and ACC receives regular feedback and examples of behaviour change initiatives, particularly from within the construction sector, resulting from Lawrence’s training and advice. ACC is bringing Lawrence back to NZ in October. We’re keen to ensure construction sector businesses have an opportunity to engage with Lawrence. Public events include Employers’ Forums in Auckland and Wellington, and H & S rep training in Christchurch. For more information or to register your interest in attending one of Lawrence Waterman’s events, please contact: nikki.hawkey2@acc.co.nz Safety is good business: AGL Scaffolding & Rigging
“We’ve got literally hundreds of people working on our platforms every day and all of them rely on AGL for their safety. Health & Safety in our business is a huge responsibility and we take it very seriously” says Health and Safety Officer, Kanei Johnson. The entire team at AGL is committed to Health & Safety. The business takes a structured approach that includes robust systems, software, policies and processes and “the boys” bring it all to life with their culture of awareness and engagement. “We have full confidence in our men when they go out to a job. We know that they take Health & Safety as seriously as we do. It’s embedded in our business – we talk about it, we report on it, we celebrate it. The culture change I’ve seen across our business is amazing – and now with new guys starting, they jump straight into the culture. The thing about Health & Safety is that you might think you’re taking a hit at the start, but it really pays off in the long run.” Kanei says there are lots of businesses and people out there who still don’t get the value of Health & Safety. “They focus on nothing but cost. At AGL, we’re committed to raising standards across the industry and our clients know they are guaranteed peace of mind with us.” Regardless of the size of the job, AGL meets with its clients prior to starting work, to go over Health & Safety on the site; they undertake a job safety analysis sheet for every job - and that’s on top of the SSSP and TA requirements. “As well as all the paperwork to support Health & Safety, when the boys turn up to build the platforms, they do their own 5 x 5 – they assess the environment, note the hazards and then set up to work accordingly. It’s an active, engaged approach which really works for our business, our industry and our clients.”
Some of the team at AGL
AGL Scaffolding & Rigging are leading the way with their big time commitment to Health & Safety. The strong team has been operating in Canterbury for three years and during that time they’ve gone “above and beyond” to ensure their level of Health & Safety is top notch.
AGL became Signatories of the Canterbury Rebuild Safety Charter in June 2015. They are Members of SARNZ, SITE SAFE, ADT Drug Free workplace, and green light members of APPCON/SITEWISE. AGL’s next big Health & Safety step will be to achieve Tertiary level in ACC’s WSMP programme.
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 21
ARTICLE
Sue de Bièvre is the CEO of beany.biz – Real Accountants Online. Beany.biz works with the construction sector to help streamline accounting and business processes and is an associate member of Certified Builders.
WHICH IS THE RIGHT PAYROLL FOR ME? This is coming up as a question to our customer support team frequently so here are a few things to think about when considering the (many) options. It used to be Commac, Ace or an excel spreadsheet. All on your desktop, and doing quite a reasonable low cost job of managing your payroll (except the spreadsheet!). So what should you think about now? How many employees have you got? Most of the cloud based options are priced on how many employees you have. The more you have the less cost effective the cloud is. How much work do you want to do? Most of the cloud options now offer a full service where you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting – the service pays your employees, keeps track of your liabilities (holiday pay etc) and files your IRD returns. This is great as a ‘set and forget’ option. What other cool bits of software might integrate with your payroll software? Most of the cloud based options nowadays integrate to Xero – but there are also many other great options for processing in the field. So, for example, if you have tradesmen out in the field, what else can you use to connect them to the rest of your software. You could try Tradifyhq. com which allows you to quote, invoice and integrate to your accounting software. Are there any subsidised services out there? Yes, the government is providing some subsidies for payroll providers. The IRD has a complete list of subsidised payroll providers - you can find the clickthrough at http://beany. biz/2015/09/which-is-the-right-payroll-for-me/ to the IRD page on this.
22 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
How much support is provided? This can be of crucial importance if it’s the day after a tricky public holiday and you’re not sure what to do when Bob who normally works a Saturday, was rostered on and it’s a public holiday then he calls in sick (yes, that happened to me). Time and a half, day in lieu, sick pay or just go home and call in sick yourself! How much is your time worth (or that of your payroll clerk)? Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more and releasing valuable time elsewhere. How much does it cost? Always a key question. We do not want to make any blanket recommendations as it really does depend (except the spreadsheet, that’s a ‘No’ from us). If you go to our blog on this, there’s a detailed cost comparison at http://beany. biz/2015/09/which-is-the-right-payroll-for-me/ Payroll Costs – August 2015 – as taken from the supplier’s websites 1. I’ve assumed that you pay weekly. Essential Payroll Tips from the beany Team • Check out the amazing resources at our partner, HR Toolkit, to save you drama in the long run. • Make sure everyone has a signed contract before they start work • Use a proper updated payroll – your Holiday Pay Act responsibilities are real and most easily managed in appropriate software. • Always be reasonable and transparent with your employees – it saves drama in the long run! • Before each public holiday, check out the Department of Labour website for your legal responsibilities around time and a half and lieu days. This information was supplied by the team at beany.biz and the full article can be read on their website, or call 0800-755333 if you want to talk to one of our team about any of the issues raised in this article.
EMPLOYMENT Q&A
EMPLOYMENT Q&A The below content is by its nature general, and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice.
There is a flurry of activity in relation to new employment legislation at present. The Health and Safety Reform Bill has now passed into law. There has also been a name change and the Act is called the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Apart from some provisions dealing with the making of regulations, the Act will come into force on 4 April 2016. In this column, we discuss the Employment Standards Legislation Bill which was introduced to Parliament on 13 August 2015. This Bill is what is termed an omnibus Bill. This is because the Bill deals with amendments to various employment legislation and interrelated topics according to a broad policy. Overall, the Bill is intended to promote fairer and more productive workplaces by providing enhanced protections and benefits for both employers and employees. It is intended to divide the Employment Standards Legislation Bill at the “committee of the whole House” stage so that: • P art 1 becomes the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Bill which includes the following changes: • • • • •
E xtension of parental leave payments to nonstandard workers (such as casual and seasonal employees); Introduction of the concept of “negotiated carer leave”; Extension of parental leave entitlements to a wider range of primary carers than just biological or formal adoptive parents; Provision of greater flexibility to how unpaid leave it taken Introduction of keeping in touch days so employees can work limited hours during their unpaid leave.
• •
provisions regarding penalties; Introduction of enforcement provisions in relation to employment standards; Extension of powers of Labour Inspectors;
• P art 3 becomes the Holidays Amendment Bill covering amendments which includes the following changes: • •
xtension of penalty provisions to a person involved E in a failure to comply with certain requirements; Extension of record keeping obligations for holiday and leave records;
• Part 4 becomes the Minimum Wage Amendment Bill covering amendments which includes the following changes: •
•
I ntroduction of ability Labour Inspectors to recover arrears of wages from a person other than the employer if the person is “involved in the noncompliance”; Extension of penalty provisions to other persons in certain circumstances;
• Part 5 becomes the Wages Protection Amendment Bill covering amendments which includes the following changes: • •
I ntroduction of the concept of unreasonable deductions from wages; Extension of recovery of arrears of wages and penalty provisions.
• Part 2 becomes the Employment Relations Amendment Bill covering amendments which includes the following changes: • • • •
I ntroduction and definition of the term “employment standards” and “minimum entitlement provisions”; Extension of employer record keeping obligations in relation to minimum entitlements and wage and time records; Introduction of new hours of work requirements for employment agreements and the limitation of some types of hours of work provisions; Extension of Employment Relations Authority
Danny Jacobson and Trudy Marshall are Partners at Employment Lawyers, Barristers and Solicitors, Tauranga, and they specialise in employment law. They operate our Employment Helpline for CBANZ members : phone 07 928 0529. They have also previously produced a Guide for Employers in the Construction Industry which CBANZ can send out to any members on request.
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 23
80’S REVIVAL
automatic louvres, bi fold and sliding windows or, if the weather’s not the best, flick the heaters on and enjoy the view comfortably under cover.
There is a great appreciation when you can stand back and look at what you have helped create. This home is a prime example of the kiwi dream, with commanding views of the beach and ocean from every room, all within a stone’s throw away. Beautiful features of the house and outdoor living areas provide options to enjoy the home rain or shine. Just being there gives you the feeling of a luxurious home away from home. Daily passers-by, be it people walking, driving and the odd boat or paddle boarder, would often stop to stare and admire the house, with nothing but positive comments from everyone that we spoke to. Wow factors that made this house special include the pre-cast concrete columns and raking glass and garden in between; these great features lead you into the main entrance foyer with large floor to ceiling pivot door. As you step through the foyer and leading into the main living area you can’t help but look up at the light flooding in from the top light windows onto the feature V shape tg&v cedar ceiling, which defines the open plan environment. Your eye is automatically drawn to the amazing sight of the beach and ocean, and with the flick of a lock you bring
26 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
In most major alterations/renovations architectural/high end homes are not without challenges and surprises with the existing structure along the way. However the end result was well worth the effort. We transformed an existing tired 1980s house into a modern architectural home to admire. In the early days we found the existing slab running significantly out of level from end to end and remedied the problem by lifting the mid floor and re framing. We had an engineer on board to complete calculations to underpin the existing foundations to avoid any future problems giving us a solid base to work from.
the outside in. Large stacker doors bring you out onto the main deck from the lounge with panoramic views of the beach, or go alfresco by opening up the architectural sliders which open at a right angle on both sides giving you unobstructed access to the alfresco area and stunning views of the ocean. On sunny days open up the
The existing base was constructed out of brick, a decision was made to delete a lot of this, however some of the existing brickwork was retained and added onto which was a task cleaning up old bricks and matching in. Changes were made to the front entrance - originally we had mahogany columns connected with ss brackets, the clients being in the concrete industry were keen to make the change from mahogany to precast
concrete columns. There was a full re-design of foundations to work in with the change, and further structural and geotec engineering footings to fix the existing poor ground/fill. Everyone agreed it was a great transformation and really gave it that wow factor contrasting the concrete against the cedar and copper. One of the most impressive features V ceiling - or as the boys called it “the boat hull� almost didn’t happen, the decision was made to go ahead with it one afternoon as we discussed kitchen layout. The V was originally going to be gib lined but a change was made to use tg&v cedar with a copper leading edge and negative detail to gib. This broke the high raking ceiling up and complemented the raking top light windows and defined open plan areas.
28 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
The main cladding on the house was machine coated shiplap cedar - there was a lot of running measurements to get this to gel with the joinery and openings. The decking we used was 140mm wide weather shed profile vitex fixed with countersunk ss screws. Other features that evolved were the columns on the main deck. Scott, the architect had a vision of diamond columns using shiplap cedar. The structural part of the columns was constructed from hot dip galvanised steel 200x200 shs craned in. With a lot of careful planning, and precision, we developed a method to get the diamond columns to work and cladded them with shiplap cedar and cooper leading edges, the large diamond columns and racking fin visually ground the house giving it that grand architectural look.
The only way projects like this work is with good communication with all involved keeping everyone up to date, careful planning and precise construction. I take my hat off to the team they really worked hard to make it all happen and it was great to work alongside them on this one. And finally it makes all the difference when you have clients who understand the construction process and a passionate architect on board. Haris Goodwin Director of Goodwin Construction
“Having purchased a property in a fabulous location with superb sea views we decided to engage local architect Scott Jury of Jurado Architects to redesign the original 1970’s home into a modern but classic style home with the main brief being a sea view from every room but retaining the original footprint. A year’s planning and waiting on council permits we were ready to commence the renovation/rebuild with
Goodwin Construction as the main contractor. Haris and his team were great to work with, involving us every step of the way. He also supplied some excellent sub-trades to help complete our home. We are delighted with the result. A stunning design from Jurado Architects complimented by Goodwin Construction’s expertise in building and alterations.” Home Owners
We enjoy projects where the client is a very positive and valuable influence throughout the whole process. With a brief to improve an old 1980’s home on such a special cliff top property we aimed to turn this home into something a modern family can enjoy.
Maintaining a timeless aesthetic allowed us to play on a dramatic yet subtle sense of inspiration as you embark on the journey through the home and experience its charm. Having a great team put this project together on site, the client can now enjoy their own vision for many years to come. A fitting quote for such a project sums up our thoughts. “A profound design process eventually makes the patron, the architect, and every occasional visitor in the building a slightly better human being.” Juhani Pallasmaa (1936-) Jurado Architects Architect - Scott Jury
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 29
EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING The third and final round of ToolBox Seminars for 2015 focuses on the upcoming changes to the Licensed Building Practitioner scheme and as LBP members how we will now earn and record our required points, depending on what class of licence you hold. It promises to be a good series with plenty of practical information about how we can gain our skills maintenance points from onsite learning’s while completing building tasks as well as some clever new technology to record the evidence on your smart phone. Recently ITAB made a contribution towards funding a new Trades Training sign at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) Trades Campus in Nelson which has been erected on the side of a carpentry trades building.
The new sign looks great and includes logos from each of trade associations linked to the region including Certified Builders and ITAB. This is a good example of how ITAB can support Industry Training Providers and increase brand awareness, nice work NMIT Carpentry Staff. StudentCard have launched their new online App available for iPhone and Android mobile devices which is great for ITAB Apprentices, meaning they now have even more access to exclusive benefits and discounts nationwide. The app has many extra features including shortcut access to websites like Certified Builders, BRANZ, MBIE, Studylink and NZQA learner login, for more information please see the advertisement in this edition of InHouse. See you at the Toolbox Seminars.
Nick Matthews Business Development Manager – South Island
Shane Ririnui Business Development Manager – North Island
Kia Ora everyone! I’m gearing up again for the final TBS (Tool Box Seminar) Series to close out the year. This TBS Series is about the new Skills Maintenance to the LBP Scheme which the Ministry will be introducing 2nd November this year. So please see the benefits of attending your local TBS to be well informed and geared up for the changes coming our way. My first TBS for this series was in the Whakatane Region which ended up being a really good informative night. We had some really good questions and feedback from the members. These questions will be posted up on the website with answers for our members to access for their own knowledge. I will also be visiting your areas attending upcoming local events such as “Golf Days” and “Home Shows”. Attending the Auckland Home Show mid September it was a pleasure and very motivating to join Grant Boylan and the boys on their stand and to see just how passionate they are towards Certified Builders Association in their efforts to strengthen the quality of a Certified Builder in the Auckland region.
30 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
I will be attending the Spring Show in Gisborne mid October and also a couple of Golf Days over the next couple of months. I look forward to seeing you in your region very soon. Shane Ririnui
The benefits available to ITAB apprentices through the AST are considerable, and can ease the burden for apprentices in some aspects of the training, which in turn can mean less for the employer to worry about. Congratulations to Matty Hull from UCOL (Palmerston North) who placed 15th in the Carpentry section at the recent World Skills Games in Brazil. The AST was one of Matty’s many supporters, and it was good to see Sam Dean from Whitireia Polytechnic there as one of the content experts, as well as support for Matty. I, along with many others, am attending the BCITO Skills Summit on October 22nd, where the skills shortage in the industry,
including apprentices, will be a big discussion point. Attracting people to this challenging and rewarding industry seems to be a key first step, and it’ll be interesting to see what actions are generated to address the current shortage. The trustees continue to provide support to the AST when needed. Long time administrator Lisa Henderson has left CBANZ, and a key task of the new administrator will be to work with the ITP’s to strengthen their understanding of the grant application requirements and processes.
EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING
The profile of the AST is continuing to be raised, with staff from various Polytechnic’s speaking at industry meetings, including the latest LBP roadshow events for Skills Maintenance. I spoke at the Cambridge and Tauranga events recently, and was heartened by the level of interest in employing apprentices. Clearly this is partly driven by demand, but there’s also a strong theme of wanting to upskill the industry, and give these budding young carpenters an opportunity.
Brian Dillon AST Chairman
Brian Dillon Chairman AST Trust
MATTY HULL AN NZ TOOL BLACK IN BRAZIL Matty Hull Competitor in Skill: Carpentry Country: New Zealand
Yes, learning more skills that you wouldn’t learn if you were to stick with a run of the mill apprenticeship.
How did you get interested in your skill? As a kid I was always building things and I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and seeing the finished product.
What do you currently do? Where do you work? A builder in Eketahuna.
Where did you do your training for your skill? With my bosses and at UCOL in Palmerston North Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career? No one really, I just always liked Building and it’s all I ever wanted to do. Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills? Winning the national competition. Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills. It was fun and exciting learning new things and meeting new people. Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
What are your future career aspirations? Having a successful business. The competition was held in a huge shed Anhembi Sambadrome complex in Sao Paolo. It is the largest vocational education and skills excellence event in the world and brings together the best young people from around the globe in their chosen profession. Almost 1500 competitors from over 50 countries simulate real work challenges that must be completed to international standards of quality.
They were judged on: • t heir ability to read and interpret drawings and written instructions • accurate plan and set out • f orm neat joints and prepare wood for assembly •a ssemble and fasten all components of the structure with a high level of precision •p roduce a neat finish that conforms with the specifications.
Matty Hull finished 15th overall - in countries such as New Zealand, carpenters are primarily trained in more broad and functional skills.
Competitors at the international event were required to: • draw sufficient details of the project to determine the length • shape, angles and joints for each piece of wood • mark out the wood accurately • prepare the materials by cutting to length, forming bevels and forming joints • assemble the project using a variety of fixing devices.
About WorldSkills NZ: WorldSkills New Zealand is an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, dedicated to encouraging young people to excel in vocational skills. This is achieved through exposure to competitions at regional, national and international levels. For more information, in the first instance please contact: Chrissy Fletcher - WorldSkills NZ www.worldskills.org.nz/
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 31
ITAB STUDENT
CARD ITAB in association with StudentCard are pleased to announce the new StudentCard APP available for iPhone and Android mobile devices.
Lost your StudentCard? No problem........ The new StudentCard App means as long as you have your mobile you have your StudentCard on hand. After the 1st of September ITAB Apprentices will no longer receive the traditional two cards which were too confusing........ Now ITAB Apprentices will receive one card that looks like the two old cards combined and has the benefits of both with even more exclusive discounts to the owner! For more information go to www.studentcard.co.nz or call 0800 66 44 09
32 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING
RENTICES
Christchu
rch Poly te
chnic Inst itute of Te Jamie Berr chnology yman, Me tz g e r Builders Nicholas H are, C Lun d & Son (S Christoph I) Limited er Howde n, Radius B Komihana u ilding Limit Mitchell, S ed zyndala Lim ited Eastern In stitute of Technolog y (EIT) Lee Hollo way, Simk in Constru Joshua Jo c tion nes, Flynn Building Lim Sean Skee ited t, Ainswort h & Collinso n Limited Nelson M arlboroug h Institute of Techno R ya n H u n logy (NMIT t, Constru ) c tion & Inte Ben Payne ri o rs (NZ) Lim , Atawahi B ited uilders Ltd Daniel Wy lde, CZ Ch ing Buildin Ryan Yate g Limited s, Blue Sum mit Constru c tion Limit ed Southern Institute o f Technolo gy (SIT) Robert Bra y, Lit tle Bu ild e rs Mitchell C ochrane, D S Building Samuel Cro Limited ss, NJL Bu ilders Limit Cameron ed Gardiner Hor, G J G Ludovic G ardner Ho mes (Otag auchet, M cGeady Bu o) ilders Limit ed UNITEC N ew Zealan d Anthony H aimotu, C omplete B Josiah Plo uild Auckla eg, Coope nd Limited r & C oo pe r Limited
The revolutionary award winning system WWW.INTAKS.CO.NZ
Z
EA
LAN
D DE S
IG
N
E D
A
D
N
D
R
E
INFO@INTAKS.CO.NZ
W
07 577 6469
NE
GOOD JOB GUYS!
COMPLETE D APP
MA
N U FAC
TU
Geoff Hardy provides legal advice to CBANZ and all of its member builders. Contact Geoff on (09) 379 0700 or geoff@madisonhardy.com. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.
DOES LIQUIDATING YOUR COMPANY PROTECT YOU FROM LIABILITY? By Geoff Hardy of Auckland commercial law firm Madison Hardy When the Government appointed Messrs Hunn, Bond & Kernohan to enquire into the causes of the leaky building syndrome in 2002 (they were called “The Overview Group on Weathertightness”) they took it upon themselves to investigate and report on all the failings of the construction industry in New Zealand. In their otherwise excellent report (issued in two parts on 31 August & 31 October 2002) they offered the following comments: “it is understood that [the Companies Act] offers little … protection to a home-builder/buyer consumer in the event of the vendor company … being put into voluntary liquidation by the directors” “there is currently nothing to stop the unscrupulous … builder from liquidating their company … to avoid claims and action from dissatisfied purchasers” Since then I have lost count of the number of times I have heard a Minister of Building and Construction express disgust at the ease at which a builder can simply wind up his company and escape liability to his creditors while setting up business under a new company the very next day. It is a very popular misconception, and it is frequently parroted by the news media. So entrenched is the belief that this strategy will work, that accountants routinely advise their builder clients to put their companies into liquidation as a means of “cleaning the slate” and unsurprisingly, many builders take that advice. The only problem with that theory, is that it is a complete fallacy. Since the early 1990s our Courts have consistently ruled that the people who run companies can be equally as liable as the companies themselves, for wrongful acts
34 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
and omissions committed in the course of the company’s business activities. A limited liability company does protect shareholders from having to contribute more money if the company can no longer pay its debts, but it does not protect the directors and senior managers from liability if the company does something wrong and they were responsible. The principle is best illustrated in the context of leaky home claims. When a homeowner is bringing a claim in the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (“WHRS”) against a number of respondents including a small building company, it is virtually automatic that the owner/operator of that company is joined as a respondent as well. In WHRS Claim no. 734 known as Heng v Walshaw, Adjudicator Green when issuing his decision on 30 January 2008, went so far as to say (at paragraph 297) “In the case of a one man building company it will be an almost insuperable hurdle for a director to avoid personal liability for defective work”. Why does the fallacy persist, if that is the case? One reason is that directors and officers of large companies (as distinct from small-medium enterprises) do tend to escape liability when their company goes under. That is because personal liability usually stems from the director or officer being actively involved on site, either on the tools, or in a supervisory capacity. The Courts talk of the person being “in control” or “personally assuming responsibility”. In a large development or construction company the senior people tend to be more remote from the action, and they delegate to project managers or site supervisors. Ironically, that means the big guys tend to get off the hook while the little guys don’t. And it is the large, spectacular failures like Mainzeal that attract all the publicity.
Outside of the leaky home context, putting a company into liquidation may sometimes be an effective ploy simply because it creates an obstacle that the creditors can’t be bothered trying to overcome. It’s not an obstacle in a WHRS case because that is a low-cost, informal system where the personal liability of an owner/operator is simply assumed. In the Courts or in an arbitration, however, the creditor would have to spend a lot of money in the hope of persuading the Judge or Arbitrator that the case law points to personal liability on the facts of their particular case. Nevertheless, when their only other option is to pursue a defunct company, they will be more motivated to do so.
Liquidation isn’t exactly a cure-all either. No matter how friendly the Liquidator may appear to be, they have a duty to the creditors to bring in as much money as they can. That means that if you want to take the business assets like the vehicles, the tools, the plant & equipment, office furniture & appliances, computer hardware and software, etc. and put them into your new company, then you will need to pay a fair price for them. You also need to be wary of the liquidator’s powers to claw back benefits that you extracted out of the company at an undervalue, in the years leading up to the liquidation. And if the company can’t pay all its debts, you might find yourself facing an action for breach of your director’s duties, and you might struggle to get credit terms from your building materials supplier for a while. Finally, you need to know that if your company was insolvent, our phoenix trading laws limit your ability to trade under the same business name in the future, and you might ultimately be banned from being a company director if you leave too many failed companies in your wake. So tread carefully, before regarding liquidation as the easy option.
If your clients are expecting quality results with their interior linings, then choose a Certified Business member of the AWCI. WE are the professionals when it comes to interior linings for both installation and finishing. Supported by
A full list of Business members can be found on www.awcinz.org.nz or phone 0800 292 469
www.awcinz.org.nz INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 35
ARTICLE
Our law on personal liability lacks clear guidelines on when you will or won’t be personally liable. The Courts come up with all sorts of justifications for it, but in reality they tend to find senior people personally liable in situations where they and the company are effectively one and the same, and the creditor the insolvent company owes the money to, deserves a lot of sympathy. It is pretty tough on the small business proprietor, because after all, a company is a fictional entity that you can’t touch or feel, so it can’t do anything without some human being doing it for it. When that person volunteers to be the action man/woman for the company, I imagine it would the last thing on their mind that they are offering to expose all their personal assets to risk, in the course of simply doing the company’s business. And yet the Courts routinely find that they did.
3 YEAR WARRANTY
DUSS
THE BEST GERMANY HAS TO OFFER DUSS CORE DRILLS. DIA 400W 3200W/MAX DRILLING 400MM DIA/3 SPEED.
DUSS SDS PLUS DRILLS. P16SDS 600W/MAX DRILLING 24MM/ ADJUSTABLE I/M 0-4400.
DIA 303W 2000W/MAX DRILLING 300MM DIA/3 SPEED .
P26C 710W/MAX DRILLING 30MM/ ADJUSTABLE I/M 0-3700.
DUSS SDS MAX DRILLS. PX48A 920W/MAX DRILLING 55MM / ADJUSTABLE I/M 0-3700.
DUSS DEMOLITION BREAKERS. PK 300A 1700W/ADJUSTABLE I/M 10001900-17-27 J S/I ENERGY.
PX78 1500W/MAX DRILLING 80MM / ADJUSTABLE I/M 1800-3370.
PK 600 2000W/ADJUSTABLE I/M 8501500-18-41 J S/I ENERGY.
STOCKISTS OF A LARGE RANGE OF:
CALL US
• SDS MAX & PLUS BITS • DIAMOND BLADES • CORE BITS (WET & DRY) • BLOCK & BRICK SAWS • DEMOLITION BREAKER TOOLS
09 277 8830
25 Norman Spencer Drive, Manukau City, Auckland.
wall bracing NZ’s only BRANZ appraised bracing cavity slider just got better! Simple fixing system Higher bracing units Wide range of options available
Tested by BRANZ to the P21 standard for bracing units.
T 0800 754 337 E info@csfordoors.co.nz W www.csfordoors.co.nz
Another quality product from:
By Nick Collins, Beacon Pathway
FEATURE
MARKET WILLING TO ACCEPT SMALLER HOMES The 40m2 one bedroom house in the Test Lab
While Auckland’s average house size starts to shrink, Hobsonville Point’s Small Home Test Lab showed there is a market in New Zealand for smaller homes.
• a 87m2, two storey, two bedroom home on a 152m2 section
The NZ Herald reported (14 September 2015) that the floor area of the average Auckland home for sale has dropped in size from 158sqm in 2013 to 114sqm in 2015. Realestate.co.nz chief executive Brendon Skipper said the reduction reflected the growing demand for smaller townhouses.
The Test Lab attracted a lot of interest – even some offers on the spot! Most interestingly, 69% of visitors said they could see themselves comfortably living in one of the three show homes.
Is this true? In some ways it seems to be going against the trend for the construction of larger houses we are seeing in developments across Auckland and for covenants requiring minimum size. And yet the logic of changing demographics would indicate that as New Zealanders age (a quarter of us will be over 65 by 2030), and with increasingly small households, bigger homes are not always appropriate. The interior and outdoor area of the one bedroom house
• a 89m2, single storey, three bedroom home on a 185m2 section.
Perhaps that’s because these small houses retained features important to the New Zealand lifestyle, such as indoor outdoor flow and a small but well landscaped backyard with room for a vege garden. These are sometimes missing in higher density designs, especially apartments, and may account for visitors comparing the houses very positively to apartments. The three bedroom house proved most popular - 71% of visitors could see themselves living there. As you’d expect it had the greatest appeal to those with young families, older empty nesters and first home buyers. First home buyers were most interested in the two bedroom house; this was two storeyed which was not preferred by some in the older age group. And older age groups looking to downsize were most interested in the one bedroom house as a good alternative to retirement village living. The good design and clever layout of the houses was often commented on: “Clever use of a small footprint space; light, sloping ceilings; light colours to add to sense of space” Where the house sits, also matters; many people are happy to have a smaller sized house in a location with easy access to public open space. The main things visitors wished the houses had more of were storage, garaging (not just for cars but also for storage and activity space) and larger living areas.
Hobsonville Point, a master-planned development in Auckland’s northwest, has tested this out with the Axis Series Small Home Test Lab. Three small homes were built on small sections to test visitor reactions: • a 40m2, single storey, one bedroom home on a 111m2 section
It’s worth keeping this trend in new homes top of mind. Affordability and changing demographics are slowly but surely going to push down the size of our homes; the trick is clever design in communities with good amenities. Read more about the Axis Small Home Test Lab http://www.axisseries.co.nz/lab/
Beacon Pathway is an Incorporated Society committed to transforming New Zealand’s homes and neighbourhoods through research and demonstration projects that show how to make homes more resource efficient, healthier to live in, adaptable, resilient and affordable. For further information about Beacon Pathway visit: www.beaconpathway.co.nz
Something new to go with smoko Download our FREE app for 20 MiTek Fixings training videos
38 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
ARTICLE
CONCRETE PROOF THAT GOOD FLOOR SLABS COME DOWN TO SKILL A study by BRANZ has confirmed the best approach to minimising the effects of drying shrinkage in concrete floor slabs for new homes is through good mix design and workmanship. Researchers set out to establish why floor slabs crack as a result of concrete shrinkage. If the effects of shrinkage could be reduced or eliminated altogether, the cost of cutting control joints could be avoided, and the performance of the slab as a structural member could be improved.
MOBILE SCAFFOLD TOWER
AJJA 5000 SERIES
New Zealands Most Affordable 5.0mtr Scaffold Tower. Frames . Built from 2.0mm 6061 T6 aluminium . Fully welded for maximum strength & Lifetime guarantee on welding
Platforms all aluminium frames complete with anti slip plywood
. 400mm transom centres . Integral ladders built into the end frame for safe access . Complies to Australian & New Zealand Standard AS.NZS1576:1995
Braces are self locking Colour coded for easy I.D.
$3695.00 inc Tough, adjustable 200mm castors with brake
Ph 0800 360 009
However, Roger Shelton BRANZ senior structural engineer said that following extensive testing, measurement and analysis of test slabs showed the best way to minimise shrinkage is through the tried and tested approach of good concrete mix design and good workmanship. Roger said: “It was noticeable during our investigations of residential buildings following the recent Canterbury earthquakes that, if the concrete floor slab remained intact, the damage to the building was relatively light. However, if the slab failed due to ground movement, repair costs were so high that demolition was often the only option. “This highlighted the conflict between maintaining the continuity of the slab as the main structural member of a timber framed building, and the need to cut it into smaller sections to relieve the effects of concrete shrinkage.” The tests were carried out on slabs constructed by a building contractor at the BRANZ yard near Wellington, following typical slab details from NZS 3604:2011. Friction tests were carried out on six test slabs built on a gravel car park, and slab edging tests on four foundations built on a cleared site. Slabs for these were variously laid: On a 0.25mm polythene membrane directly onto the base course; with a sand blinding layer; with a double polythene membrane, and on a 50mm layer of polystyrene insulation. Concrete weights were used to simulate imposed gravity load. The study also investigated whether including a drainage layer under a slab could reduce curling stresses but found this provided no benefits. This was because analyses of the restraint provided by typical NZ foundation details had shown that concrete stresses due to curling are considerably higher than those due to direct shrinkage. Roger said that, while concrete shrinkage can also be minimised by certain proprietary products or systems, these were outside the scope of the project, as contracted by the Building Research Levy. “While products and systems such as shrinkage compensating cements and shrinkage reducing admixtures, and post-tensioning the slab are used in the commercial field in New Zealand, they are not currently routinely used in residential construction.” The full report and conclusions are available from the BRANZ website www.branz.nz : SR340 (2015) Revisiting concrete ground floor slabs.
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 39
DRAFTFCB M10 8108
The Mitre 10 Trade online hub gives you the tools to keep your business running smoothly online. Visit mitre10.co.nz /trade
Scruffs have come on board with Certified Builders and can offer ground-breaking safety footwear and workwear that tradesmen really want to wear. Built to survive the rigours of industrial work use, Scruffs clothing is made to be worn hard. Scruffs gives you the comfort and protection you need to get the job done – in style. Scruffs is loaded with high-tech materials and functional features, giving you an ultra-confident and professional image to get you noticed at work and in your leisure time. CHECK OUT THE ONLINE SHOP FOR SCRUFFS APPAREL INCLUDING WORK BOOTS, TROUSERS, SHORTS AND JACKETS! WWW.CERTIFIED. CO.NZ/MEMBERS/ONLINE-SHOP/
SEE WHATS CHANGED! IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ONLINE BUILDING CONTRACTS We’ve been working on some improvements to make the Online Building Contracts a little smoother..... You can no longer produce the PDF directly from the website, instead you will be prompted to enter an email address and we will email you the Building Contract within 10 minutes. Our website was getting very slow due to the number of Contracts being created so we’ve had to generate the contracts another way. Check out the visuals to see what’s changed!
‘STEP 1 CONTRACTS’: Client Names and Property Address now sit within step 1 of the Online Form so if you make a mistake you can easily amend it!
‘CONTRACT PAYMENT’: Now you can add a purchase order number which will show on your invoice.
‘ACRES’: Choose m2 or acres for the land area.
GAIN MAINTENANCE SKILL POINTS
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE RECORD OF ACTIVITY Hours spent reading InHouse October/November 2015
Using the InHouse covers shown, tick inside the white circle which of these you have read to gain Maintenance skill points for your Building Practitioner licence.
Points Claimed: (1 hour = 1 point)
Keep this page along with other articles, seminars, flyers of training nights as evidence of your attendance. This is the responsibility of the LBP and not the training provider.
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER2015 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014
InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
MERRY CHRISTMAS
TE MIRUMIRU WINS
NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD
PUT THOSE STOCKINGS UP THEN ITS TOOLS DOWN TEAM
TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS
PAGE 26
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 2014
InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
TE MIRUMIRU WINS
NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD
ARE YOU SORTED FOR CONFERENCE? 21st to 23rd May 2015 PAGE 14
PAGE 26
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER APRIL/MAY 2015 2014
InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
TE MIRUMIRU WINS
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER APRIL/MAY JUNE/JULY 2015 2015 2014
InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
TE MIRUMIRU WINS
NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD
NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
80’S REVIVAL
CHALLENGE CARPENTRY WINNER APPRENTICE
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
PAGE 28
REGIONAL WINNERS
PAGE 26
PAGE 26
PAGE 24
PAGE 26
PAGE 28
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
REGIONAL WINNERS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
InHouse
NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE
CHALLENGE CARPENTRY WINNER APPRENTICE
CHALLENGE
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND
WORLD CARPENTRY APPRENTICE
PAGE 26
CARPENTRY APPRENTICE
InHouse
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
TE MIRUMIRU WINS
WORLD CARPENTRY APPRENTICE
PAGE 26
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER APRIL/MAY JUNE/JULY AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015 2015 2015 2014
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
WINNERS LE REGIONAL FABLEUX POULET CHICKEN SHEDS 2015 PAGE 26
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
PAGE 24
CERTIFIED FIRST CERTIFIED BUILDERS PLANS5K RAISE BUILD
APPRENTICE ON ISLAND ICE LARGEST SOUTH ‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME’ CONFERENCE & EXPO
THEFT ON THE PAST, PRESENT BUILDING SITE AND FUTURE
APPRENTICE ON ICE THEFTAPPRENTICE ON THE BRINGING CERTIFIED CERTIFIED BUILDERS HAPPY ENDING FOR NZ CARPENTRY BUILDING ‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME’ PLANS RAISE TO5K LIFE! HISTORIC LOMAS HOUSE CHALLENGE 2015 SITE
PAGE 4 9
GO TO16www.itab.co.nz PAGE
PAGE PAGE45 26
PAGE PAGE 4 9
PAGE GO 22 TO www.itab.co.nz
PAGE 28
PAGE 45
CERTIFIED WIN $500 BUILDERS OF RAISE SWAZI 5K GEAR PAGEPAGE 9 19
APPRENTICE ON ICE CONFERENCE
‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME’ GOOD TO GO! GO TOPAGE www.itab.co.nz 34
THEFT ON THE RETENTION BUILDING SITE RULES CHANGING PAGE PAGE 41 45
APPRENTICESHIP CERTIFIED WIN $500 BUILDERS OF SCHOLARSHIP TRUST RAISE SWAZI 5K GEAR PAGE 11PAGE PAGE 9 19
17TH ANNUAL APPRENTICE ON ICE CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE ‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF&AEXPO LIFETIME’ GOOD TO GO! PAGE 20 GO TO www.itab.co.nz PAGE 34
SELLING THEFT ON THE RETENTION SPEC HOUSES BUILDING SITE RULES CHANGING PAGE PAGE PAGE 41 4526
APPRENTICESHIP TOOLBOX SEMINARS CERTIFIED WIN $500 BUILDERS OF SCHOLARSHIP TRUST PAGE 4SWAZI RAISE 5K GEAR PAGE 11PAGE PAGE 9 19
17TH ANNUAL COMPLETED APPRENTICES APPRENTICE ON ICE CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE PAGE 31 ‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF&AEXPO LIFETIME’ GOOD TO GO! PAGE 20 GO TO www.itab.co.nz PAGE 34
SELLING FROM THE MEDIA THEFT ON THE RETENTION SPEC HOUSES PAGE 46 BUILDING SITE RULES CHANGING PAGE PAGE PAGE 41 4526
HEALTH AND SAFETY TOOLKIT
WHICH IS THE RIGHT PAYROLL FOR ME?
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE CHANGES
REVERE MAGAZINE
PAGE 8
PAGE 22
PAGE 12
PAGE 43
ASSOCIATION NEWS
INTRODUCING REVERE MAGAZINE LEARN MORE ABOUT REVERE MAGAZINE AND BE APART OF OUR CELEBRATION! Q: Why are we proposing this concept of a coffee table style magazine? A: As an Association we wish to showcase the outstanding work of Certified Builders to generate an increase in lead sales and brand awareness. The idea of a premium “coffee table” publication came from a suggestion from the Regional Presidents.
IP CRAFTSMANSH CELEBRATING ST CALIBRE OF THE HIGHE VOLUME ONE 2015
Q: Where did the name come from and what does this mean to the Certified Builders Association? A: After much research and consideration the name “Revere” has been chosen giving value to our association and members meaning “To regard with respect, tinged with awe, feel deep admiration”. Q: How often do we plan on releasing this publication? A: Potentially this will be an annual publication however it will depend on the level of interest shown by our members in supporting this publication.
E IN THIS ISSU
FORM MODERN BARN D RE TREAT IDYLLIC ISLAN UP ALL MESHED ODE INNER CIT Y AB
THE CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION D OF NEW ZEALAN
.co.nz www.certified
Q: When will the first publication be released? A: Dependant on interest, the launch could potentially coincide with our Conference in 2016. Q: Who is our Target audience? A: Homeowners, both current and perspective and other industry influences.
Q: What cost will there be to those members wanting to feature their builds? A: At this stage we have approximate figures to cover the photographer, copy written and print costs. N.B. These figures are based on a 100 page publication.
4 Page Spread $2,000 + gst
2 Page Spread $1,000 + gst
Q: Where will the publication be distributed? A: A number of copies will be given to those members who contribute articles and then potentially ‘all’ Certified Builders members. Additionally, the publication will be targeted at professional venues e.g. all architect offices within New Zealand and other offices of influence. Q: What will the format of the magazine be? A: Our intention is to break the magazine into sections e.g. Residential/Alterations and possibly Light Commercial. Q: Will there be any sponsorship? A: We will look at having up to a maximum of three major partners involved to assist with the publication but ideally we may limit this to one.
Q: How will the submissions be approved for photography and print? A: This is still to be confirmed. We may recruit design experts outside of Certified Builders Association who will make the call on those entries submitted that go to press. What Do You Need To Do? 1) Email Julie at julie@certified.co.nz to confirm your interest in participating in the publication 2) Highlight to us the opportunity i.e. the build details 3) Confirm approval of the home owner to allow a photographer/ interviewer to visit site 4) Liaise with us regarding the photographer/interviewer For further information contact Julie at National Support Office julie@certified.co.nz, 0800 237 843
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 43
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Save time and As a member money of Certified Builders you are for your fleet entitled to a number of great benefits. with BP Fuelcard Certified Builders Association and Toyota Finance have teamed up to give members a BIG FINANCE deal on Hilux and Hiace. With Toyota’s proven reliability, strength and versatility to get big jobs done - this is an amazing offer not to be missed. So what are you waiting for? Go in to your local Toyota dealer and mention you’re a Certified Builder for some great Tradies deals.
The Caltex StarCard® is an excellent way to efficiently manage your fuel expenses and reduce your running around costs. t: 0800 733 835 For all the info you need andThe a benefits at BP include: fantastic online shop check •outA the free Fuelcard online system to manage fleet costs purchase limits and product restrictions • PIN security, members section of the Certified to reduce fraud risk Builders website. Simply login with • Receive discounts at over 200 retail stores, 60 truck your details and start exploringstops and 130 Noel Leeming discounted GAS Alley sites nationwide everything Certified Builders member Up to 40 days free credit prices exclusive to • can offer you and your business.For more information, Certified Builders. visit bpfuelcard.co.nz www.certified.co.nz
BP & G.A.S Alley Discounts
To find your nearest BP7 , visit bpfinder.co.nz Save cents off the pump BP0749 Fuelcard Print for Company Vehicle - 210x297.indd 1
Special members price for AA membership. AA Business Care – Passenger Standard $43.00 per vehicle per year. Normally costs $67.00.
price at BP, BP Truckstop and G.A.S. Alley stations across the country with no card or transaction fees. Simply download the application form on the Deals & Discounts page of the members website.
13/09/13 1:36 PM
Need some of the world’s most durable outdoor clothing for doing the stuff you enjoy? Hunting, fishing, building or sports? Grab your Swazi gears at trade price! Join Clan Swazi as a CBANZ member today and you will be able to purchase Swazi Clothing at special CBANZ prices! www.swazi.co.nz/Prodeal/CBANZ
Certified Plans
Vodafone Contact Alex Marshall on 0800 422 202 for some great business smart plans with up to one month free on signup!
We have partnered with Fisher & Paykel to bring you discounted prices exclusive and confidential to members. Take advantage of these special prices and pass on the discounts to your clients to sweeten the deal. Check out the Certified Builders website for the latest monthly price list.
44 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
This scheme is a powerful new tool to help secure new clients and new home building projects! The plan range consists of approximately 24x architecturally designed new home plans. Check out: www.certified.co.nz/members/certifiedplans/
CBA Insurances Limited & Homefirst 10 Year Builders Guarantee. Access to the resources of CBA Insurances Limited – your Insurance Brokers, and to the Homefirst 10 Year Builders Guarantee.
TOOL SEMINAR BOX SERIES Regional Trade Training and ToolBox Seminars Regular Trade Training and ToolBox Seminars in your region which are provided to both up skill your knowledge as well as teach good business practice. LBP Skills Maintenance Points are awarded for attendance.
INHOUSE Magazine The official Magazine of Certified Builders – comes to your letterbox bi-monthly bringing you up to date with issues that affect members and happenings within the Association and the Industry.
Site Safe
Clothing As a member you can purchase a range of clothing which comes with the Certified Builders logo embroidered or screenprinted. T-Shirts, polo shirts, vests, jackets, overalls, hoodies, beanies, and sun hats all available for purchase! Why not get your company logo on your clothing too!? Millie T can organise this all for you! View our online shop under the members section of the website.
MEMBER
Ensure that your Health and Safety is up to scratch with Site Safe’s Safety By Steps – join Site Safe and get 10% discount off. If you are already a member of Site Safe you can apply for the 10% discount after 1 June 2015 by stating that you are a current member of Certified Builders.
NZS3604:2011 Get the members rate for the new version of the NZS3604:2011, E2 Moisture Manual 2011, NZS Onsite Handbook or any other Acceptable Solution.
Stationery A range of stationery available including: presentation folders, letterhead, self-adhesive logo stickers, electronic Certified Builders logo’s, invoice books, variation books, subcontractor forms, site signage and much more. View our online shop under the members section of the website.
Websites & Online Advertising It is VITAL to have an online presence in this day and age and CBANZ offers our members two different website solutions. The first option is an enhancement of your information that sits on the Certified Builders website (under Locate a Builder) which we call a Display Page (setup for $390 + GST). We list ALL of our members details to be found by consumers looking for builders (over 3,000 people per month) – here you can enhance the information by including your logo, images of past projects and even yourself and your team as well as text to build trust and interest with the consumer. You can also link directly from your Display Page to your Website (if you have one?) and if you don’t have one CBANZ can build you a 4 page website for just $750 + GST. Go to www.websites.certified.co.nz for more info.
Want to become a CB member? Check out our website for all the details www.certified.co.nz
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 45
MEMBERSHIP
Licensed Building Practitioner We help you get licensed! We have created a streamlined process for our members to make it quicker and easier for you. We also have LBP stickers available for purchase. There is a selection of vehicle size and stationary stamp size decals. Certified Builders liaise with Council and DBH giving guidance on compliance. We have also created a great tool for builder’s onsite – a detailed Licensing Handbook which is a paint by numbers approach with all things licensing on site, so you can get on with the next job and not waste time chasing compliance documents.
may not ecord, stribute, tion onsent of Agency. email her
PMCA licensed copy. You may not further copy, reproduce, record, retransmit, sell, publish, distribute, share or store this information without the prior written consent of the Print Media Copyright Agency. Phone +64-4-4984487 or email info@pmca.co.nz for further information.
rch
The Press, Christchu 01 Jul 2015
.00 cm² Property, page 12 - 293 (MTWTF--) 795 66, tion ula circ Metro ID 427695152
BRIEF CERTBUILDE
INDEX 1
PAGE 1 of 2
Ashburtons The Courier, Canterbury 03 Sep 2015 General News, page 16 - 127.00 cm² Community - circulation 15,145 (-T-----)
ASHBURTONS THE COURIER, CANTERBURY ID 459282859 BRIEF CERTBUILDE INDEX 1 03092015 03/09/2015
072015
URCH 01 THE PRESS, CHRISTCH 01/07/2015
Antarctic chill fails to deter hardy pair
the sea ice. pretty year, ‘‘During the days it’s For a few months this and ss, so the ald kne Don dar Mc our ke Bla 24-h s ch tice mu appren ng. er had far to work can get pretty tiri Peter O’Sullivan nev work, r. bee ir the ‘‘We focused on indoor ll go to chi ging doors rned han ng, retu t lini jus ll e wa hav as r h pai suc The t time.’’ t in and joinery, during tha from a five-month stin ‘‘With no TV : the ald for t Don por Mc sup ded as a Ad Antarctic a lot of d building at Scott Base, we did Antarctic New Zealan rntime – there the re sou spa y’s our ntr in g cou lkin the wa team on so much at Scott and ject see to pro n ch ctio mu so stru s wa most con rn. lea to y tor his Base. about time that ‘‘I was amazed to learn They had such a good nce they the scie into of y es sta typ ir nt the ere ed diff the they extend rked in do in Antarctica. winter, where they wo tre is k. ‘‘The Hillary Field Cen constant dar all the ald to Don et Mc ass l in, rea a ned be Du to going Both from pleted,’’ he selected by scientists once it’s com and O’Sullivan were to e mm gra pro CE said. the Apprent-I gramme is of the The Apprent-ICE pro work on a major rejig New a ctic tar An tre. by Cen ted suppor Hillary Field ed Builders r project Zealand and the Certifi The multimillion-dolla land, in r the next Association of New Zea will be completed ove Industry sons so it can conjunction with the two construction sea Building d for field Training Association be almost entirely use and the Building and and science work. Training had its Construction Industry But working on the ice losses or anisation. Org challenges. Material lation were failures and social iso h frequent hurdles, wit g from 5 temperatures rangin us 40C. degrees Celsius to min McDonald In this environment, ted by 10 and O’Sullivan, suppor 18,000 others, manually laid floor, put up paving blocks for the , put up new walls and framing of Gib board more than 500 sheets lazed and installed 10 triple-g windows upstairs. they told Via a live video link, Association the Certified Builders ut the abo nce fere con ual ann they harsh conditions, how dark, and managed to work in the rora Au the ing see ut abo talked Australis. tainly O’Sullivan said: ‘‘It cer I saw and e sid out d col y gets ver et to -48C, temperatures plumm resting which makes for an inte ssive time working in a ma the edge of uninsulated hangar on
46 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
Provided for client's interna research purpo l be further cop ses only. May not or published ied, distributed, sold the prior con in any form without sent of the cop owner. yright
Weekend Su n, Tauranga Bay of Plenty 11 Sep 2015 , by Jason Mc clintock General News , page 28 - 17 8.00 cm² Community circulation 63 ,800 (----F--)
WEEKEND S UN, TAUIDR46A 4571986 NGA BAY OF PLEN T Y 11092015 11/09/2015
BRIEF CERT BUILDE
INDEX 1
Opinion, page 9 - 304.00 cm² (MTWTF--) Metro - circulation 70,211
NGTON 428908544ILDE DOMINION POST, WELLI BRIEF CERTBU ID 428908544 03/07/2015
INDEX 1
PAGE 1 of 1
ASSOCIATION NEWS
may not PMCA licensed copy. You rd, further copy, reproduce, recoibute, distr ish, publ retransmit, sell, on share or store this informati ent of without the prior written cons Agency. right Copy ia Med Print the il Phone +64-4-4984487 or ema info@pmca.co.nz for further information.
Dominion Post, Wellington ence 03 Jul 2015, by Grant Flor
Tougher rules needed for building sector The Government has not gone far enough in beefing up the rules for licensing builders, writes Grant Florence.
T
PAGE
HE Government needs to strengthen the Licensed P) Building Practitioner (LB Scheme. give The scheme is designed to t the consumers confidence tha employ licensed tradespeople they form per and ds dar meet stan –a building work competently worthy goal given New n our Zealanders’ homes are ofte single biggest investment. major But the LBP Scheme has be to d nee t tha gs min shortco rests of addressed both in the inte consumers and builders. istry Administered by the Min 1 of 1 of Business, Innovation and eme has Employment, the LBP sch since t men elop dev l ima had min current its inception in 2012. The s scheme basically involve form and tradespeople filling out a and outlining their experience a fee. ing pay as l wel as g, nin trai Unfortunately, many in the as a industry view this purely hidden tax and box-ticking ers, it’s exercise. And for consum wa not much comfort to kno licensed tradesperson can become and form a out ng filli by simply paying a fee. For builders and other tradespeople, more robust ning minimum standards of trai nt nge stri e mor and l and skil requirements for ongoing
st also development. Members mu ctice comply with our code of pra duct. and code of ethics and con Alongside this, it is also important to strengthen the pliance. consequences of non-com e thes n tha er rath In addition, es compliance-related activiti ulator being managed by the reg on a central basis, trade tified associations, such as Cer d to date man be uld sho s, Builder ensure play a more active role to more comprehensive and informed oversight. e While consumers can hav builder a g agin eng in nce fide con on – certified by our organisati ts for given our own requiremen vision trade qualification and pro of ongoing professional have development – they cannot in nce fide con of l leve e sam the licensing cycle. licensed of engaging a builder who is But Certified Builders, one it building under the LBP scheme as New Zealand’s two major h the minor is wit er n oth eve ds, (the s stan ion ciat asso trade s these modifications due to be Master Builders), believe r. go not do ns atio implemented later this yea proposed modific bust’’ and om ‘‘bo al a oric is hist this t The far enough and tha y ustr ind g ldin bui the nature of missed opportunity. and has created legacy issues As well as raising the today m skill continues to present risk requirements for minimu driven by the and rk dem ewo e hug fram g h wit nsin lice levels, the e and by a Auckland housing shortag could also be strengthened . uild reb ury to ve terb iati the Can Government-led init ning It’s timely to address the create a standardised trai e g nsin lice the nsing framework, alongsid to lice ed link – way path framework, to their w nce gro plia to s com lder the bui for – regime tinue to ls. ensure consumers can con business acumen and skil in the nce fide con and t like s trus e ion hav Trade associat re. a key industry now and in the futu Certified Builders could play n that role in delivering this, give ders s to be ❚ Grant Florence is Certified Buil we already require builder . be to utive er exec f ord in chie d lifie trade qua eligible for membership and oing provide members with ong al education and profession
t would professional developmen can they g urin ens in role a play ons gati obli nce plia com r thei meet under the new Building Act ct in regulations that took effe January this year. ce is As it stands, the ambulan of the om bott bial ver pro the at in place cliff – with tough penalties new the h wit nce plia for non-com iciently regulations, without a suff to ensure robust licensing scheme ipped tradespeople are best equ ds. dar stan d ecte exp t mee some The LBP scheme is set for d ente lem imp be to s nge minor cha later this year – with new s to read requirements for builder tify MBIE’s LBP News, and iden ob he-j on-t of es mpl exa two r learning over the two-yea
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 47
ASSOCIATION NEWS
QUIZ ‘N’ THE GREY MATTER BRANZ published information for builders
Q1. G 12/AS1 what is the minimum temperature a HWC should be set at to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria?
Q6. G1/AS1 In a campground, no caravan or campsite site shall be more than how many meters from a toilet facility?
Q2. Under NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings, what is the maximum truss spacing for light timber weight roof?
Q7. U nder E2/AS1, can flashing tapes be used as a back flashing?
Q3. Timber weatherboards, does BRANZ recommend sealing the lapped timber weatherboard joint i.e. upper board lapping over lower board Q4. Under NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings, the maximum loading for a timber-framed deck is how many kPa? Q5. D oes insulating external walls require a building consent?
Q8. Under NZS 3604:2011 bearers be joined over braced or anchor piles? Q9. W hat is the maximum spacing for bracing lines in both directions for subfloors, is it 4, 5 or 6 meters? Q10. W hat is the maximum spacing for bracing lines in both directions at ground floor framing and other floor levels?
Answers: Q1. G12/AS1 requires that the storage water heater control thermostat shall be set at a temperature of not less than 60°C. Q2. 1200mm for light weight. Q3. No Q4. 2kPa, any higher requires engineering design. Q5. Yes. Q6. 75 meters. Q7. No. Q8. No. Q9. 5. Q10. 6
6 FREE Help Line Services For all members 1. Contracts
4. Insurance
PETER DEGERHOLM Contract issues? Call Peter for a free 20 minute session. Ph: 04 587 0061 Mob: 021 307 232 Fax: 04 587 0062 Email: peter@calderglen.co.nz
JIM RICKARD Insurance issues? Call Jim at CBA insurances. Ph: 07 579 6259 Mob: 0274 505 528 Email: jim@certified.co.nz
2. Business Legal Issues
5. Employment
GEOFF HARDY For up to 20 minutes of free legal advice on business-related issues, phone Geoff on 09 379 0700, Meika on 09 970 9568, or Simona on 09 969 5963, any time between 8.30am-5.30pm weekdays.
3. General Business Accounting or Tax STEVE BROCKLEBANK For general business, accounting or tax issues you can contact Steve Brocklebank of PricewaterhouseCoopers. You must identify yourself as a CBANZ member and any information you disclose will be treated with confidence. Call Steve Ph: 03 470 3615
48 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
DANNY JACOBSON TRUDY MARSHALL For advice on employment related issues, call for a free 10 minute session. Ph: 07 928 0529 Mob: 021 857 529
6. Health & Safety GREG WATTS For advice on any health and safety issues, call Greg for a free 30 minute session. Ph: 0800 555 339 Email: info@hazardco.com
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
LOOPY RULES? ITS COMMON SENSE REALLY...
It is interesting that the report back from the Government established Taskforce looking at Rules Reduction has shown that over 59% of the submissions were on issues in and around our building industry. Of the 59% the Building Act was 27% of the submissions and the Resource Management Act was 32%. In addition and not really surprising, of the top 10 recommendations from the Taskforce at least 5 were directly focussed on the building industry. One of the 10 recommendations that seemed to get a bit of ‘public airplay’ was the recommendations that builders should become able to undertake some sort of ‘self certification’ of their own work. This is similar perhaps to that undertaken by Electricians and Plumbers. This recommendation just makes common sense to me.
Grant Florence – Chief Executive know what they are doing, have been in the business for some time and just want to get on and do an outstanding job for their customer should have the ability (and status) to bypass this red tape and costly jungle. This concept is a topic that we as an Association believe in and are progressing our thinking and work with other stakeholders on. I understand that the watertight issue has had a significant impact on homeowners and others (including builders) and has caused homeowners to loose confidence in the industry but we have to move on from that.
There are mechanisms already in place (in law) for the We have to have some sort of plan and vision of a simpler, industry to work toward this type of reduction of rules and more efficient, more profitable and productive industry. red tape, such as Risk Based Consenting. This framework has been discussed on and off for some time and I am sure it is still on the agenda of the regulators at some level of priority. Although being able to do more building work without others approving this, thus reducing red tape and costs, will not be for every builder, as the other side of this equation is conceptually the need to take more risk. Surely it has to be something that the industry has to have as a clear target to work to. I am continually dismayed when I see ‘good builders’ – all of whom are members of Certified Builders, of course get put through the approval/audit/policing regime for no apparent reason other than to tick a box. I understand that the box tick is often about reducing potential risk and liability but surely any builder who has demonstrated they
INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 49