Updates from our Education and Technical Manager

Kia ora everyone, I hope you have settled back into mahi for the 2023 year after the (dare I say it) summer break. I would like to begin with an update from my desk and team, which shows a rather promising start to the year.

Member complaints

Even though there has been a huge spike in complaints, we have had very little enquiry escalating to a Formal Complaint. The majority of the enquiries have been very low level, i.e. around project timing, lack of communication, and lack of understanding. With the pressure of delays, inflation, and price of living increases, it is crucial to maintain transparency with clients by constantly updating them (more than normal) with the progress of the build or any changes to either build times, building scope, and/or price estimation.

Membership

Membership enquiries tapered off considerably at the end of 2022, however, they’ve increased again over the break and through January. The new Territory Managers have been following up on enquiries to convert them into new members. Terminations are on the incline with more and more default notices made against members in the last three months and some resulting in liquidations. Economists predict this year will be a very difficult and challenging one for the industry. If you are experiencing tough times, please remember you are part of an Association, so don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance (0800 237 843). If we can help, we will most definitely try, or connect you with people who can. In tough times, being part of a group, like an association, invites unity and support, which is part of the ethos this Association was built on – being there for each other.

Education and events

Some excellent educational workshops have kickstarted the year with a bang. However, with unforeseen and unusual weather conditions and a lack of interest in live events, we have had to cancel the MATES in Construction workshop events. I believe this workshop would have been right on the mark timing-wise because the industry as a whole will start to feel the brunt of the downturn in work and stress levels will begin to rise. And while the flooding in the upper and central North Island will bring in more repair work, it may also add to the pressure.

We have another roadshow presenting the H1 Changes and Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) Code of Ethics, which both came into effect at the end of last year. This roadshow will be well worth attending as we have the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) delivering the H1 Changes, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) responsible for the Code of Ethics content. So, if you want to learn from the experts what these changes will mean for you, come along to one of the events. For more information see page 50 or the Events Calendar on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed. Nga mihi.

Shane Ririnui NZCB Education and Technical Manager