NZCB InHouse magazine April/May 2021

Page 40

AROUND THE REGIONS —

Getting back to basics

Nick Matthews NZCB & ITAB Business Development Manager – South Island

SOUTH

I read an article at the start of summer warning tradies to be extra vigilant about causing scrub fires due to the hotter than normal weather conditions. It reminded me of something that happened to my team and I some time ago. A strong wind caught the sparks from an engineer’s angle grinder on-site, setting the empty neighbouring section on fire. We were lucky and managed to contain it. We had the basics covered by having an extinguisher and water hose handy, however, it could have gone so bad, so fast... We thought we had taken all practicable steps. Clearly, we had not.

I suspect we will see a similar result for 2021, as applicants advise they are seeking membership to:

Safety is no accident

• make the most of our proven support networks and business templates.

My point is, most reputable builders will do due diligence to health and safety because we must; it’s the law. Site inductions, toolbox meetings, identifying hazards, and eliminating them. This is all great stuff but let’s not forget about the basics. Having compliant equipment on-site, such as a fire extinguisher, a well-maintained First Aid kit, sunscreen, and appropriate PPE are basic items that can help prevent harm or limit the impact caused by unexpected incidents. When was the last time you checked yours?

• raise their business professionalism • gain access to NZCB’s industry-leading contracts • use our highly recognisable brand

These reasons for joining might seem obvious to you as an experienced campaigner and NZCB member. However, just like health and safety or the building process, getting the ‘basics’ right will ensure everything else is easier, safer, and forms the foundation for success.

NZCB events in 2021 In keeping with my article’s theme ‘Getting Back to Basics’ let’s hope 2021 sees the return of our annual New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) national events. At the National Support Office, we are all very much looking forward to the return of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM schedule for 10 April and our National Conference and Expo, scheduled for 11-12 June. This year’s conference theme is Sustainability – helping members to grow, thrive and succeed. This is something we are all passionate about. If you’ve never supported the Apprentice Challenge or attended Conference, now is the time to register!

We’re growing! Nationwide, membership with NZCB continues to grow. Business Development Managers (BDMs) Andrew MacDonald, Shane Ririnui, and I are experiencing high levels of inquiry, often leading to completed membership applications submitted. While not all applicants are successful, data for the year ending 31 December 2020 showed a record total of new memberships, surpassing our projected target by 59%. Not a bad result for a year that was affected by lockdowns, alert levels, on-site working protocols, and the temporary suspension of Halo Guarantee.

Jason McClintock at Slope Point (the South Island’s southernmost point), The Catlins – Southland, NZ.

A big thank you Sadly, on behalf of all his National Support Office (NSO) colleagues, it falls on me to farewell NZCB Group Technical Manager, Jason McClintock. For over 10 years, Jason has been in his role at NSO, but he’s been a loyal supporter of all things New Zealand Certified Builders since 1988, when he joined as a member. It’s now time for a change in direction and we wish him, his wife Margaret, and three grown-up kids, all the very best for the changes ahead. On a personal note, I thank him for his support, leadership, and camaraderie during my own time with NZCB. Jason will be missed for his industry knowledge and expertise. Go well mate, keep your string lines tight. Ngā mihi.

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Articles inside

NEWS BITES

6min
pages 48-49

NZCB Affinity Partners

1min
page 50

IN THE MEDIA

10min
page 45

OUR PEOPLE

4min
pages 46-47

Message from the AST Trust

1min
page 44

Message from South Island BDM, Nick Matthews

3min
page 40

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

3min
pages 38-39

Safe sites are better sites – get there with Project Plus

2min
pages 36-37

Tendering – the good, the bad and the ugly

3min
page 23

Low-level scaffolds – busting the myth

2min
page 35

TECH TIPS

2min
page 34

Minimum wage increase and triangular employment arrangements

2min
pages 24-25

Have your say on making our buildings more energy efficient

2min
page 22

Get keen on lean

2min
pages 20-21

Why you and your customer’s bank don’t always see eye to eye

7min
pages 18-19

Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee process

3min
page 17

Putting our partners in the spotlight

1min
page 16

Message from the Group Technical Manager

2min
pages 8-9

Risk management tips

4min
pages 14-15

Message from the Chief Executive

2min
page 6

Is your building project over/under $30K?

3min
pages 12-13

Notice of Annual General Meeting

0
page 7

Message from the NZCB Board

7min
pages 4-5
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