NZCB InHouse magazine December/January 2022

Contents

NZCB NEWS

From the Editor 2

NZCB Board Report 4

National Support Office holiday closure 5

Chief Executive Report 6 NZCB advocacy 8

National Support Office Report 10

Halo refresh on the way 12 NZCB 2023 Diaries 13

REVERE submissions are still open 14

Advertising Levy spend statistics 16

The year that was 18

NZCB suite of Employment Agreements 20

NZCB Strategic Partners and Affinity Partners 76 NZCB National Partners 77

NEWS BITES 22

TRADIE ACADEMY

Get tax sorted before Christmas – or feel IRD’s wrath 26

How much profit should I make on a project? 28

Should you play offensive or defensive right now? 30

Why choosing a good business name is important 32 Holidays and entitlements this festive season 34

The new Code of Ethics for licensed builders 36 Tax on Christmas parties and presents 42

Planning a trip? What you need to know about travel insurance 44

OUR PEOPLE

Recognising our members 38

LEADERSHIP

HEALTH

WELLNESS

Mindset spotlight – preparing for a great 2023 54

The NZCB Group Health Plan through nib 56

Building your house of wellbeing 58

REGIONAL NEWS

Waikato Family Zoo Day 60 Auckland Golf Day raises over $10k for Cancer Society 62

EVENTS

NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo 2023 63 NZCB Events Calendar 2023 64

APPRENTICE SUPPORT

ITAB Apprentice Completions 66 Changes for ITAB Apprenticeship Programme 68

INDUSTRY NEWS

Taking recycling to the next level 69 Why Building Code updates matter to builders 70 BCITO 2023 and beyond 72

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Adhesives: Sometimes moisture is your friend 73

To strip or not to strip? 74

Take the hard work out of chemical anchoring 74

InHouse

InHouse is the official magazine for the New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB). Published bi-monthly in hard copy and online, InHouse is posted to NZCB members, industry partners and stakeholders and sent electronically to carpentry apprentices and polytechnics.

New Zealand Certified Builders Association Inc. PO Box 13405, Tauranga Central, Tauranga 3141 10 Marsh Street, Tauranga 3110 07 927 7720 0800 237 843 www.nzcb.nz

Editor Linda Moody 07 557 9214 linda@nzcb.nz

General Manager –Marketing and Partnerships Karla Farrar 021 906 234 karla@nzcb.nz

Advertising and Content Linda Moody 07 557 9214 linda@nzcb.nz

Designers Wave Agency www.waveagency.co.nz

Print and Distribution Kale Print Limited www.kaleprint.co.nz

Mailing List

If you have received a copy of InHouse and wish to opt out, you would prefer to receive it via email, or would like to update your details please email linda@nzcb.nz.

From the Editor

Only a few more sleeps till tools down and boots off team! Time to blow the cobwebs out of the barbie, respool the reel on your fishing rod, and dig your jandals out of the back of your closet, in preparation for some fun and relaxation on a well-deserved break!

As this issue goes to post, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office are regrouping and catching our breath from another full-on but successful Conference and Expo, in Hamilton. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year’s event memorable. And a massive thank you to all our sponsors, whose support makes our Conference and Expo possible.

Well done to the 19 apprentices who went head-to-head in this year’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Final, held in conjunction with the NZCB Conference and Expo. As with previous years, the competitors definitely brought their ‘A-game’.

A full recap of both the NZCB Conference and Expo and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM, will follow in the February/March issue of InHouse

It has been quite a year, with COVID-19 and supply shortages still creating havoc, on top of all the other challenges we have faced. In this issue we recap some of the highs and lows for the Association, as well as bringing updates from our Chief Executive, Malcolm Fleming, and the NSO team. We also highlight the changes to come for the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) programme, catch up on recent successful events in a couple of our regions, and acknowledge and recognise members for their dedication and support to the Association over the years.

With our Partners having many new products and updates to share, you will find four

pages of News Bites to keep you in the know. We also have articles on topics to help our members prepare for, and stay up to date over, the summer and holiday seasons: from getting your tax sorted before Christmas, to preparing for the hazards of working in summer.

But it’s not all about summer and the holidays: we still have a great mix of articles to help keep members on top of the basics and address more challenging topics, from health, safety and wellbeing to insurance and strategic planning to build a resilient business.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one who has contributed in some way to InHouse magazine this year! Your efforts, commitment and support are much appreciated and contribute to the amazing educational, informative, and up-to-date content that makes our magazine what it is.

So, before the madness of the Christmas rush kicks in, why not open a block of Whittaker’s chocolate (I hear the new ‘Hazella’ is pretty good), park up, and read the last issue of InHouse for 2022. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday filled with relaxation, great company, lots of laughs and pavlova, to prepare you for 2023!

InHouse Editor

InHouse magazine, including the wrap, is 100% recyclable. InHouse is printed on PEFC-certified paper, supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide. The press used to print InHouse has a UV light drying system (LED), meaning there is no solvent to evaporate, and no environmental pollutants are formed. It also uses less power than traditional print technology, which helps reduce overall C02 emissions.

The contents of InHouse may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the Editor. All material received will be assumed to be intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’ and will be published at the discretion of the Editor. Views expressed in articles in InHouse are not necessarily those of New Zealand Certified Builders Association. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, the designers, publishers, and editor take no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Articles are not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

A busy and rewarding 17 months

In July 2021, I started as an Independent Director on the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Board. It has been a busy and rewarding 17 months, including being Acting Chief Executive (CE) for NZCB and for Halo Guarantees Limited for a time this year, while new Chief Executives were recruited and ‘installed’. I also joined the Halo Guarantees Ltd Board in August of this year.

A lot has happened during this time. There have been changes and challenges, and much has been achieved. The NZCB Board and NZCB National Support Office (NSO) have worked hard to support members through the challenges and disruption caused by COVID-19 and the impact this had on building supply chains, and the subsequent economic downturn. This is what NZCB is here for – to support its members, to back you, and to advocate on your behalf.

The commitment of my fellow NZCB Board members to the success of NZCB, their knowledge, experience, and passion for the sector, and the desire of the NSO to deliver real value to members, is what makes NZCB a successful membership organisation with a bright future.

It is a privilege to be part of a Board where the organisation’s members are front and centre and there is strong commitment to promoting quality building, investment in trade skills and training, as well as business skills and business support for its members.

We want you, our members, to be the best and to be successful. We want homeowners to actively seek NZCB members to build their homes, knowing they will get a quality job. We want NZCB members to be recognised and valued for their skills. We want NZCB and our NSO to be an organisation that engages openly and works collaboratively for the betterment of our members. We want to be the ‘go to’ for knowledge and expertise and commentary on the building sector. It is time to lift our profile and build our capability.

It’s great to see new Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming getting out and about, engaging with members and Presidents of our 22 regions. Stepping strongly into an active advocacy role on behalf of NZCB, he has also had success in influencing the Government, for example through getting changes to the timeframe for H1 implementation, thereby allowing the building sector to better respond.

I know Malcolm has an absolute commitment to NZCB/NSO being ‘at the table’ and involved in discussions and decisions that impact our sector and members. I look forward to NZCB being actively involved in developments and delivery of trade training/apprenticeships under the new Te Pūkenga vocational training model.

With the appointment of David Lee as Chief Executive of Halo Guarantees Ltd, we have a dedicated leader in place who knows the insurance sector and has the experience necessary to make Halo Guarantees Ltd a success. David can take the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee product to where it needs to be and make it an attractive product for NZCB members to offer to their clients. A review of the product has been completed, and there will be changes and improvements to both the product and the way it operates. These will provide greater clarity, simplify and streamline processes, and make it easier for both NZCB members and the homeowner. The message remains the same: NZCB stands behind our members and the quality of their work.

Katrina Bach NZCB Board Independent Director

It is a privilege to be part of a Board where the organisation’s members are front and centre and there is strong commitment to promoting quality building, investment in trade skills and training, as well as business skills and business support for its members.

National Support Office holiday closure

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office (NSO) will be closed from 4:00pm on Friday 23rd December 2022 for the holiday period, reopening at 8:00am on Monday 9th January 2023.

Online contacts

The online Building Contracts and Employment Agreements will still be accessible on the members’ only Toolshed for you to complete over the holiday period.

You will be required to pay for these via credit card before purchasing them, and a paid invoice will be emailed to you in January 2023. When paid for, your contract will be saved to the ‘My Contracts’ tab, ready for you to download it.

Fisher & Paykel and Online Shop orders (including hard copy contracts)

Please make sure your Fisher & Paykel and members’ only Toolshed Online Shop orders are placed by 4:00pm on

Wednesday 14th December 2022, to allow us time to process and arrange postage (if items are in stock), before we close. If your order is placed after this date, it may not be processed until late January 2023.

The Online Shop will remain open over the holiday period but if you place an order, over this time, it will not be processed until late January 2023.

The NZCB NSO would like to wish you and your families a safe, happy and relaxing holiday season. We look forward to working with you all again in 2023!

Chief Executive Report

In September, I met members across the country at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) On-The-JobLearning (OTJL), LBP workshops. A few funny moments followed my introductory comments at these events, particularly in the South Island, where I mentioned my Twizel childhood. In the Christchurch audience was someone of a similar age who, at the time lived diagonally across the road from my childhood home. Although he couldn’t remember me, or my father’s car (a rather distinctive Daytona Bronze HT Monaro), he did remember my younger sister!

I also enjoyed meeting and getting to know many of you at the NZCB Conference and Expo last month, in Hamilton.

The low turnout for OTJL led to the NZCB National Support Office (NSO) Marketing Team producing and sending a survey to members, designed to provide the NSO with an understanding of why the content and format didn’t draw the numbers expected. Feedback is being analysed and will help us as we look to develop educational material that will be more attractive and valuable.

At one of the OTJL workshops, I was asked what NZCB would be doing for its members given the forecasted construction slowdown and, by extension, whether the Association would be reducing its fees to members and in tandem, trimming its costs. With regards to the forecast tougher economic environment, my response was twofold:

• We will be looking to further differentiate a NZCB builder (trade qualified and supported by a key trade association) from those who are not, in the eyes of homeowners. Over the past five years or so, high demand for builders has meant that homeowners have not had the option to be discerning about the builder they engage. In harder economic times, clients will have greater choice, and we can expect homeowners to undertake greater due diligence on builders: something that will play to NZCB members’ advantage. NZCB media commentary across September introduced this theme.

• NZCB will be looking to provide non-technical educational content to its members (and to those who support the member in their business) designed to provide members with the tools they need to be more productive and profitable, with that content tailored to the current environment.

The strategy that NZCB will be adopting, is to expand on its service offering and to create a closer interface between members and the NSO:

• Provision of an expanded education offering requires resourcing to identify gaps and to deliver appropriate content that will benefit members. Neither a reduced income, or a trimming of resources will allow for this strategy to be delivered.

• The transition of the regional Business Development Manager positions to being more wide-ranging Territory Management roles, reflects a change in emphasis away from sales driven roles, to ones that are more relational based. South Island and Lower & Central North Island Territory Managers started with NZCB in late October. Members will see the three Territory Managers engaging with them in the field, supporting our Regional Committees, and elevating the Association’s visibility across the regions.

The more members I meet, the clearer it is for me that NZCB members are proud of their profession and craft, and passionate about the NZCB and the status that their membership of the Association conveys. Expect more work from us on how we can amplify the latter.

Regarding whether NZCB will be cutting subscription fees and trimming our costs in response, my answer, in short, was no. During an economic downturn, good Associations become more relevant and important through greater provision of service and by providing a recognisable quality mark to set the member apart.

Malcolm Fleming

NZCB Chief Executive

During an economic downturn, good Associations become more relevant and important through greater provision of service and by providing a recognisable quality mark to set the member apart.

The strategy that NZCB will be adopting, is to expand on its service offering and to create a closer interface between members and the NSO.

NZCB advocacy

Providing a voice to represent New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is a collective effort. The NZCB Board, Members and Chief Executive sit on several National boards and Industry Groups and attend various industry functions. Below you will find some of the great advocacy work that has been recently completed.

MBIE Advisory Groups

Across August and September, NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming was invited to represent the Association on two Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Advisory Groups:

•

Critical Materials Taskforce

The Plasterboard Taskforce has morphed into this new group, the purpose being to take a system view over supply-constrained materials and products, as well as looking at market imbalances, to identify potential emerging issues. The group will also take watching briefs over spiking demand for specific materials and products, as well as innovations and new materials and products.

The advisory group will meet monthly for the next six months, with short meetings of up to 60 minutes duration. Frequency of the meetings will be assessed in April 2023. The Critical Materials Taskforce had its first meeting in late October 2022.

• MBIE’s

Building Sector Working Group

This is a standing committee that is comprised of Building Consent Authority (BCA) representatives, along with builder representation via NZCB and the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA). The September meeting was the first in a year, at which live trialling of initiatives designed to streamline the building consent process within individual BCAs was reported on. Going forward, the group will help inform regulatory changes in the Building Consent System review space.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

NZCB working with MBIE on the development of H1 Educational Collateral

Following on from an MBIE/New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC) H1 workshop in late August, NZCB was provided the opportunity to view the draft of the first two (of four) MBIE produced H1 Educational Modules. Feedback was provided via the Regional Presidents in September, with the follow-up being a late October workshop with MBIE and BRANZ, which NZCB, RMBA, and the Insulation Association of New Zealand were invited to. The purpose of the workshop was to finalise the H1 Educational Collateral.

Earth Building in New Zealand

Since 1998, New Zealand has had a suite of three Earth Building Standards. These are NZS 4297 Engineering Design of Earth Buildings, NZS 4298 Materials, and Construction for Earth Buildings, and NZS 4299 Earth Buildings Not Requiring Specific Design. The types of earth building covered in these standards are adobe, cob, pressed-earth brick, rammed earth, and poured earth.

Around 2017, a new committee was established (which included some original members and the Chairperson from the 1998 committee) to revise/update the standards, and to expand them to cover a variety of earth building techniques, ranging from dense rammed-earth materials at 2,200 kg/m3 down to straw bales at 90 kg/m3 . Completion of this standard is being undertaken by a partnership between Standards New Zealand and the Earth Building Association of New Zealand (EBANZ).

The role of all members of the Standards Development Committee and their nominating organisations, of Standards

The resultant H1 Educational Collateral was launched to members and the construction industry at the NZCB Conference and Expo, in November.

NZCB representatives: NZCB Board Chairperson Nick Farrelly, NZCB Board Member Director Mike Craig, NZCB Nelson Bays President Dave Gunter

New Zealand, and of EBANZ, in the success of this collaborative process is acknowledged.

Thanks also to EBANZ for the research and fundraising that enabled this project to progress, to Martin Ulenberg for work on diagrams, and to all those from within New Zealand or from overseas who offered support or made donations of time or money for this project, including Te Kāhui Whaihanga/ New Zealand Institute of Architects. Particular thanks are given to the development lead, Ian Brewer, for his administrative and editing work.

Currently the Standards Development Committee and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are working on alignment of the last few areas. We then aim to have the standards put out for public comment, and subsequently cited, in 2023.

NZCB representative: NZCB member and Director of BioBuild, Alan Drayton

Updates from National Support Office

Sadly, we recently said goodbye to three exceptional staff members from the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office (NSO) – Gavin Lord, Rose-Anne Smith, and Trudi Pipes.

joined the team at NSO in September 2021, as Finance Manager and played a key role within the NZCB Management Team. He was responsible for the Finance Team and the financial function of NZCB including budgets, analysis, and overseeing year end to year end financials. Gavin provided IT support to all staff members and was always looking at ways to improve procedures and systems.

We wish Gavin all the best in his new role for a design and storage solutions company in Tauranga. We will miss Gavin greatly, including his knowledge, expertise and cheeky personality.

Currently, we have a temporary accountant filling Gavin’s position, and we are in the process of advertising for a replacement. For any financial queries please email accounts@nzcb.nz.

Rose-Anne joined the team at NSO in August 2019 as our Accounts Administrator and played a key role in the Finance Team. Rose-Anne was the bubbly, welcoming voice on the other end of the phone when you had an account to pay. Rose-Anne’s role included supporting the Finance Manager, membership category confirmation and advertising levy maintenance and administration, processing creditors and debtors, answering NZCB or Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) account queries and general accounts administration. Rose-Anne was also part of the initial set up of the Halo Guarantees Limited team.

We wish Rose-Anne all the best in her new venture while completing her studies and spending time with her granddaughter. We will miss Rose-Anne’s bubbly, warm personality, and great baking!

NSO is now in the process of recruiting for Rose-Anne’s replacement and in the meantime should you require assistance please contact Esmerelda on: esmerelda@nzcb.nz or 07 987 6337.

joined the team at NSO prior to the first lockdown in March 2020, as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive (CE). Often referred to as ‘Camp Mother’ or ‘Happy Glue’ at NSO, Trudi wore many hats and played a key role in supporting the CE, the NZCB Board of Directors, the Halo Guarantees Limited Board of Directors, NZCB Presidents, and staff at both NZCB NSO and Halo Guarantees Limited. Trudi also supported the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Regional Finalists at our Annual Conference and Expos. Always available at the drop of a hat, nothing was ever an issue for Trudi who made sure everything ran like clockwork, ensuring everybody had what they needed, and they were happy.

We wish Trudi all the best in her new role for an Agri-tec company in Tauranga and will miss her infectious laugh, enthusiasm, and willingness to assist wherever she could, and her forever caring attitude. The recruitment process to fill Trudi’s position will begin later this year.

Should you need to get in touch with NZCB’s Chief Executive or the NZCB Board of Directors please contact NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming on malcolm@nzcb.nz or 07 985 6269.

If you need assistance with the NZCB Conference and Expo please contact NZCB General Manager – Marketing and Services, Karla Farrar on karla@nzcb.nz or 021 906 234.

If you are unsure or require further assistance, please contact the NZCB NSO on 0800 237 843.

Report

Below you will find updates on what the team at the NZCB NSO have been working on. Should you require any further information about what has been keeping our teams occupied, please contact the respective manager for that team using the contact details below.

Finance Team Manager to be appointed | accounts@nzcb.nz

• Collection of outstanding debts.

• Accounts administration as normal.

Membership and Education Team Manager Shane Ririnui | 021 906 489 | shane@nzcb.nz

• On-The-Job-Learning workshop series.

• New Territory Manager appointed for Central and Lower North Island.

• New Territory Manager appointed for South Island.

• Andrew Macdonald is now the Territory Manager for Auckland and Northland.

• Homeowner Complaints have increased for the month of September.

• New Membership is on track for another record year.

• Investigation of new paperless processes for memberships.

Marketing and Membership Services Team

Manager Karla Farrar | 021 906 234 | karla@nzcb.nz

• NZCB Conference and Expo 2022 in Hamilton – final preparation and planning.

• NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo 2023 – planning underway. Save the date Christchurch – Te Pae, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2023.

• REVERE Volume 6 published and distributed.

• REVERE Volume 7 submissions now open.

• Certified Plans – market research being undertaken to improve the product.

• NZCB Member event attendance market research being undertaken.

• New NZCB Employment Handbook produced for NZCB members that includes vehicle use policies etc.

• Lots of Regional Golf Day communications.

• On-The-Job Learning workshop series.

• Regional events have ramped up with most regions now planning social events.

• Investigating a new app to deliver NZCB News to members, to help reduce the number of email newsletters sent out.

Apprenticeship Support Team

Manager Nick Matthews | 021 906 483 | nick@nzcb.nz

• Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Apprenticeship Programme – support to Apprentices, Employers and Regional Campuses of Te Pūkenga.

• NZCB Apprenticeship Support Programme (new initiative) –further development.

• NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – National Final planning and preparation.

Halo refresh on the way

With a new, dedicated Chief Executive and a full team now on board, things are looking up for Halo Guarantees Limited! Look out for forthcoming changes and improvements for the product offering and processes…

New team

After two years of hard work, Halo Guarantees Ltd now has its own dedicated Chief Executive and a full team of professionals to take the business – your business – forward. Ashley Carlson and Gabby Surtees (currently on maternity leave) have been with us from the beginning and are now joined by Jennifer Berry, Sarah Fergusson, and myself, David Lee.

The new team have been working through a large backlog of unprocessed and incomplete applications and are now up to date. We appreciate that there has been some frustration with delays and process issues in recent times and we thank you for your patience, support, and kindness to our team during this period. We have worked very hard to get on top of it.

New T’s and C’s, processes and acceptance criteria

We are in the final stages of implementing a new digital software platform along with more streamlined ‘onboarding’ processes for the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee (Halo Guarantee) product. We will also be launching a new web-based application process, updated Terms and Conditions, and improving the way we interact with you, as New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members, and your clients. Ultimately, it is this last group that are Halo Guarantee Ltd’s customers, as the Halo Guarantee is there to provide peace of mind to the homeowner when things go wrong. These changes are designed to ensure Halo Guarantees Ltd operates on a commercial and sustainable footing well into the future.

This is a work in progress, with both the NZCB Board and Halo Guarantees Ltd Board involved. We were able to share some of these changes at the NZCB Conference and Expo in November.

Help us to help you

Whilst better technology and processes will improve the Halo Guarantee ‘experience’ and eliminate much of the frustration that has been encountered to date, we still rely on the information provided to us.

Currently, we spend too much time chasing up missing information, seeking clarification because we have not been provided with the full picture up front, or requesting the documentation that we need at key stages of the process. You can help us by:

H Providing full details of the scope of contracted work

H Applying for the Halo Guarantee before project commencement

H Providing all supporting documentation – including the weathertightness risk matrix if this is not included in the stamped plans

H Responding quickly to any requests from Halo Guarantees Ltd for more information.

By working together effectively we can reduce delays and issues, and ultimately deliver a better service, and greater confidence to our mutual clients – the homeowners!

Halo Guarantees Limited team, left to right: Chief Executive David Lee, Ashley Carlson, Sarah Fergusson and Jennifer Berry.

Completion Certificates

Unlike the old NZCB insurance product, the Guarantee offering through Halo Guarantees Ltd does not come into force until practical completion has been achieved and a valid Practical Completion Certificate is provided to us. This makes providing a completed Practical Completion Certificate critical. That means getting it right first time, on time, and having the scope of work and total value of the Halo Guarantee correct, thereby ensuring peace of mind for your customer, the homeowner.

Halo Guarantees Ltd’s customers are your customers, and the Halo Guarantee is issued to them to provide confidence and assurance for the work that any NZCB Business member completes under a building contract. Key requirements for Halo Guarantees Ltd to issue a Halo Guarantee are:

H Final contract value – does not include the value of land if the contract is over a house and land package (for example)

H Details of any contract variations:

– If variations to the contract have been incurred due to price increases or cost over-runs and the scope of works did not change, then no additional information is required. Only confirmation of the revised total of the contract is required.

– If variations to the contract have been incurred because of a change in the scope of works (detail changes, product changes, additional work) we will need, either:

• A copy of the revised consented plan (approved by Council) if one was required

• If no consent was required for the variation(s), confirmation that the variation(s) were completed according to the current building code and/or relevant standard(s).

H Practical Completion Certificates must be signed by the current homeowner. If there is an issue determining the practical completion date, please contact Halo Guarantees Ltd immediately. The Terms and Conditions of the Halo Guarantee identify how to determine a practical completion date.

With regard to this last point, when faced with a homeowner who is unable or unwilling to sign, you will need to contact Halo Guarantees Ltd, as there is provision in the Terms and Conditions to allow for the Halo Guarantee to be issued.

Note: The approval of any Halo Guarantee applications is at the discretion of Halo Guarantees Ltd.

Halo Guarantees Ltd is a subsidiary company of NZCB, operating independently of NZCB, with its own Board of Directors and Management team. If you have any issues or queries in relation to the Halo Guarantee, please contact us on 0800 141 490 or applications@halo.nz.

David Lee Halo Guarantees Limited Chief Executive

NZCB 2023 Diaries

All New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Individual and Business members are entitled to ‘one’ free diary per year.

Diaries are available in two sizes: A4 (297mm x 210mm) and A5 (148mm x 210mm).

To receive a diary you must place an order, through the NZCB members’ only Toolshed.

Simply log on to the NZCB members’ only Toolshed, scroll to the bottom of the menu on the left-hand side and select ‘ORDER 2023 DIARY’ www.nzcb.nz/members/diary/.

Double check all your details are correct, select the size you require and press the ‘Submit’ button.

If your postal address is different to what appears on the form, please contact the NZCB National Support Office: 0800 237 843 or info@nzcb.nz, so it can be updated to ensure your diary is sent to the correct address.

NOTE: we are experiencing longer than normal delivery times.

Submissions are still open …

Designed and published by NZCB, Revere magazine celebrates and displays some of New Zealand’s most inspiring homes built by NZCB members.

A great sales tool

Revere is a magazine to be proud of as well as a great sales tool. Those members that successfully contribute to Revere will each receive 20 complimentary copies per submission along with a digital file of all professional photographs taken, an electronic copy of their article(s) and, also become eligible to use the ‘REVERE Accredited’ logo.

REVERE Accredited logo

To add to the value and excitement of Revere, all members that contribute to this magazine will have access to the ‘REVERE Accredited’ logo. This gold standard logo is available to current and past contributors of Revere further promoting recognition of our members involvement in this magazine, in honour of their craftsmanship, work ethic and quality as some of the industry’s best in the business. The Revere logo can be included on all company collateral including your vehicles to further promote the members business.

Distribution

Distribution of Revere is far and wide to our target audience, the homeowner. Over 10,000 printed copies are circulated nationwide to our members, partners, Air New Zealand Koru lounges, architects, lawyers, various media outlets and offices of influence as well as with various other magazines. It is also electronically posted onto the well-known websites, Houzz and Issuu, reaching over 200,000 people.

How does it work?

I’ll make it easy for you! All you need to do is complete an application form and submit it to myself at the National Support Office. I will organise a professional copywriter to write an article about your project and a professional photographer to come to site to complete the photography.

Your investment

Such a publication is a large financial undertaking and does require some financial support from those NZCB members submitting successful material along with a limited number of merchants/ national partners that may also contribute to the magazine. A two-page submission is $1500+gst and four pages $2750+gst.

Two-page submission Four-page submission

For more information or an application form, email: julie@nzcb.nz or give me a call on 0800 237 843 ext 7227.

NZCB Revere Magazine Editor and Project Coordinator

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) are excited to announce that submissions for REVERE Volume Seven are still open!

Julie Thomas

Advertising Levy spend statistics

September 2022 activity results

Following requests from this year’s New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), annual membership survey we will now bring you regular updates on the performance of the Advertising Levy budget. The digital report below reports on our Google Adverts, Facebook, Instagram and Programmatic spend for September 2022.

Summary

• Homeowner enquiry is starting to slow down but the results are still up from 2021

• New Membership enquiries are up 124% against the benchmark

• Google Ads showed fantastic results across the board with the Conversion Rate and Cost Per Click showing only small changes of -3% and +4% respectively. The click-thru rate showed a 13% MOM increase

• Of all conversions on the website, we saw the most significant uplift in: Membership enquiries of +30% MOM, with an average session duration of +12% MOM, total website conversions of +7% MOM

The year that was

As we count down the days to the holiday season, let’s take a minute to reflect on some of the highs and the lows this strange year has brought the Association.

We had a rough start to the year, with COVID-19 still making life difficult and changing what we had come to assume was ‘the norm’. We all had to adjust to new health and safety protocols under the ‘Traffic Light System’, which meant the postponement or cancellation of many New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National and Regional events, including the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Conference and Expo. Traditionally held in person, during May or June, we were fortunate to be able to postpone our AGM, until it could be held, via Zoom, in June. Our ever popular Conference and Expo took place in November –our first ever spring conference.

While there were a few restrictions in place, we were lucky to be able to go ahead with the regional rounds of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM. 95 talented and dedicated carpentry apprentices competed in a tough eight-hour challenge. Of them, 19 apprentices went on to represent their region at the National Final, held in conjunction with the NZCB Conference and Expo, in November. The level of skill that apprentices put into the challenges, their builds, and the Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race, was outstanding! You have all ably represented your regions and done yourselves, your families, and your employers proud.

We were also fortunate to hold our Regional AGMs along with our first dedicated Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee workshop, aimed at discussing the basics of the new Halo Guarantee product with members and gathering feedback on some of the challenges our members have been experiencing.

Other regional events were significantly affected but, as restrictions have eased, it is great to see our regional committees getting together and bringing back some old events, while also introducing some new and exciting ways to reconnect with our members – and their families. Great effort guys!

Well done also for the effort our members and regional committees have put into regional, non-NZCB and NZCB fundraising events. You are all inspiring, generous people, and I’m sure the money you raised and donated has been greatly appreciated by your chosen charities.

The biggest event in the NZCB calendar, our annual Conference and Expo, was set to go ahead in May, but had to be postponed to November. It was another successful, well-attended event, and we are very grateful to our sponsors whose support made it possible. A huge thank you also to everyone who attended and helped make this another memorable Conference and Expo.

Farewells and new faces

With sadness and gratitude, in March, we farewelled an exceptional leader, mentor, colleague, and friend, long-standing Chief Executive, Grant Florence. Grant has chosen to embark on a new chapter, after being with the Association for 10 years. His dedication and commitment saw him not only muck in with the team at the National Support Office (NSO), but also lead them to some outstanding achievements, making improvements that have ultimately led to the growth and development of the Association.

Following Grant’s departure, NZCB Board Independent Director Katrina Bach stepped in as Acting Chief Executive for both NZCB and Halo Guarantees Limited, before Malcolm Fleming was appointed by the NZCB Board in May, to join the team at the NSO as the NZCB Chief Executive. Malcolm came to us with experience and knowledge of the building sector, having held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB) for seven years.

Halo Guarantees Limited Board also appointed a new Chief Executive, David Lee, who joined the Halo Guarantees Limited team in August. David has extensive experience in insurance and financial services. His previous roles have included Group Chief Executive Officer of Capital Insurance Group Limited, General Insurance Underwriting Manager for the Medical Assurance Society New Zealand, and commercial underwriting roles with Farmer Mutual Group.

NZCB divides New Zealand into 22 regions, with each region led by a president and supported by a local committee – roles that are voluntary. This year’s NZCB regional AGMs brought many changes, with 10 presidents stepping down and 10 new/returning presidents being elected in their place. A massive pat on the back and thank you needs to go to all NZCB presidents, both past and present, for the amazing effort you put into your regions and the support you show your members.

This year saw one of the NZCB Board Member Director positions come up for renewal, a role that had been held by Taupō’s Ian Chamberlain, of Chamberlain Carpentry & Joinery, for the past three years. Ian was also our Chairperson at the time. Ian chose to stand for re-election and a ‘Call for Nominations’ went out to members, with one other person being nominated: Garry Nott of Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited. Garry was elected as our new Member Director in the subsequent vote.

Following the above changes, the NZCB Board elected NZCB Board Member Director Nick Farrelly as the new NZCB Board Chairperson (the Association’s 12th Chairperson), and NZCB Board Member Director Mike Hayward took up the position of Vice Chairperson.

Decades of service recognised

At this year’s Conference and Expo, we celebrated some outstanding achievements of our members, with 75 achieving 10 years of membership, and 52 members achieving 20 years. We also thanked and acknowledged 10 members with Certificates of Appreciation for their exceptional contributions to the Association, predominantly within their respective regions. Two members, Dave Whitehead and Brent Chatterton, were awarded Honorary Membership for significant contributions to NZCB over the years, and Bob Monteith (who was already an Honorary Member) was awarded Life Membership for his extraordinary contribution to NZCB over the years. See pages 38 to 41 for a list of these members.

At the other end of the scale, this year’s new memberships have exceeded expectations. With a month still to go, we have welcomed 10 new individual members and 274 new business members. Another positive year.

New relationships built

This year has also meant the start of many new relationships for the Association, including a new preferred employment lawyer for members, Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers, as our previous employment lawyers chose to pursue a different path.

We welcomed two new National Partners and three new Affinity Partners (Carter’s Tyre Service, Warehouse Stationery, and HazardCo), while also strengthening and improving current agreements to bring members better deals and services.

While the NSO has said goodbye to a couple of exceptional staff during the year, we have welcomed some equally dedicated members to our team. More details of recent changes can be found on page 10.

With significant growth of our South Island membership, our NZCB South Island Support Office, which had been based in the home office of Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews, has moved to new, dedicated premises. The new office is one of 12 businesses located in B-18 Studios, in Addington, Christchurch.

Revere Volume 6 goes nationwide

Designed and published by NZCB to celebrate and display some of New Zealand’s most inspiring homes (as built by NZCB members), Volume 6 of Revere magazine was published. Over 10,000 copies were printed and distributed nationwide, to members, partners, Air New Zealand Koru lounges, architects, lawyers, various media outlets, and offices of influence, as well as being posted electronically on well-known websites, Houzz and Issuu – reaching over 200,000 people. Our members’ builds from Revere are also used in social media posts by the Association, and in our commercials and ad campaigns. Submissions for Revere Volume 7 are still open – see page 14 for more information.

With the success of our ‘Let’s build something special’ commercial in 2021 (after which we saw an increase in traffic to our NZCB website and the highest recorded increase in the number of ‘Find a Builder’ searches), another campaign to sell the skill of our members was put together. Again, the source of our featured homes was the Revere magazine. This year’s campaign included a range of properties including tiny homes, boat sheds, modern homes, and beautiful renovations. The new online commercial went live at the start of August and has been displayed on Google, Facebook, Instagram, TV OnDemand, and in programmatic advertising. A new advert was also created and is being used in various media and other homeowner-targeted magazines.

As you can see, it’s been a pretty big year – and I’m sure I have missed a few things! But thank you everyone who has contributed to the Association this year. Your effort, commitment, and support are greatly appreciated.

NZCB suite of Employment Agreements

It is compulsory to have a signed employment agreement in place with each employee. This should be agreed and signed off by both parties before employment begins.

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) have several Employment Agreements available for Business members to complete online, via the members’ only Toolshed. There are a range of contracts to choose from, dependant on the type of employment, e.g:

Permanent

For any staff you employ on a permanent basis, full time, or part time. Employment continues until terminated in accordance with the employment agreement provisions.

Fixed Term

For where you employ a person for a specific term, e.g. for the duration of a building contract. Note: It is unlawful to use a fixed term agreement to trial somebody for employment.

Casual

For any staff you call upon on a “as required” or “upon demand” basis. There is no ongoing obligation to offer or accept employment by either the employer or employee, and employment is intermittent or irregular. 8% holiday pay is additional to the Employees wage.

Permanent Apprentice

For any staff you employ as an apprentice on a permanent basis.

Fixed Term Apprentice

For any staff you employ as an apprentice on a fixed term basis, e.g. the apprentice may only work with you for six months to achieve certain unit standards or after the four-year duration of their apprenticeship there is no obligation for the Employer to offer the Employee ongoing employment.

Independent Contractor

An agreement between you and another Builder who works for you on a contract basis, e.g. the builder looks after his own tax, insurances, etc.

Office Based Permanent

For any staff you employ on a permanent basis, full time, or part time who are office based. Employment continues until terminated in accordance with the employment agreement provisions.

NZCB Employment Agreements can be located and completed on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed, under the ‘EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS’ section. If you run out of time or need more information to complete the agreement, simply click the ‘Save’ button and come back to it later. When saved, the contract will sit under your ‘My Drafts’ tab.

Upon completing and purchasing, the contract it cannot be edited and will sit under the ‘My Agreements’ tab of this section, ready for you to download and print.

Sample Agreements

Sample copies of all the employment agreements are also available to download, from the ‘EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS’ section, under the ‘Sample Employment Agreements’ tab.

Employee Handbooks

We suggest providing all employees with an Employee Handbook. An Employee Handbook (also known as employee manual, staff handbook or company policy manual) explains to your employee’s everything they need to know about your business. It covers company policies, rules, and procedures and is an easy way for employees to understand what is expected of them in the workplace.

NZCB now have a fully editable Employee Handbook for members to download and edit to suit their own company. The handbook includes vehicle use policies, performance reviews, leave, training etc. and can be found in the ‘EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS’ section, under the ‘Dashboard’ tab.

Templates

Under the ‘EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS’ you will also find a section of ‘Employment Agreement Templates’ with several employment related documents to assist members, e.g. hiring, leave and holidays, bullying, termination. grievance and disciplinary process.

Unsure of which contract to use? Contact the NZCB National Support Office on 0800 237 843.

Do you have an employment related question? Contact the team at Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers on 0800 354 821, for a free 15-minute consultation.

Trade Insurance for NZCB Members

News Bites

New year, new show room for Franklins!

Off the back of Franklins’ rapid growth in 2021 we’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our design studios! With Silverdale being the first to open in early 2023.

Our family has provided New Zealand architects, homeowners, developers, builders, and plumbers with premium bathroomware for over 65 years. After our years of experience, we have learnt the importance of creating a retail atmosphere where customers feel inspired. Which has led us on our new journey in evolving our retail experience.

Our new showrooms aim to create a home-like experience for our customers showcasing our exclusive European brands. This will be done through new bathroom modules which create a more visual process for our customers when planning their bathrooms.

Follow us on our socials to stay up to date with showroom progress and the opening date, @franklins_nz

Oil and water do mix…

Just when you thought you had mastered which paint was which, Resene has a new category for you to choose from for your projects. Once there were solventborne paints, then there were waterborne paints, and now there are waterborne alkyd hybrid technology paints that combine the best of both.

The new evolution to waterborne alkyd technology, provides additional performance benefits combined with the environment in mind. They look like a traditional solventborne paint, but with the easy water wash-up and lower VOCs of a waterborne paint. Compared to a waterborne enamel, a waterborne alkyd has a tougher finish, but it is slower to dry. The slower dry time allows the painter more time to work the finish without resulting in excessive brush or roller marks.

Waterborne alkyds are ideal for use where a very hardwearing waterborne finish is preferred, such as in bathrooms and wet areas.

New Resene hybrid waterborne alkyds include Resene Room Velvet (low sheen), Resene Waterborne Lusta Gloss (semigloss) and Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain and are available from Resene ColorShops.

For more information visit www.resene.co.nz

Find the right stuff to stick, seal or fill!

Check

We’ll recommend a product for your job or if it’s a little tricky connect you with our technical helpline!

This new online tool is all about empowering you with the information to be UP TO IT!

Employee Handbooks – free to download from the Toolshed

We suggest providing all employees with an Employee Handbook.

Also known as employee manual, staff handbook or company policy manual, this tool explains to your employees everything they need to know about your business. It covers company policies, rules and procedures, and is an easy way

for employees to understand what is expected of them in the workplace. NZCB now have a fully editable Employee Handbook for members to download and edit to suit their own company.

The handbook includes vehicle use policies, performance reviews, leave, training etc. and can be found in the ‘EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS’ section, under the ‘Dashboard’ tab.

Experienced builders seek new opportunities

A career change can be daunting for most, Red LBP franchise owner Trevor Garrett had already traded his toolbelt for a construction management role, but long commutes and high-pressure environments meant he was taken away from fishing more than he wanted.

As a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) with tons of experience Trev was confident in taking on a Red LBP

franchise but he knew the house inspection game included lots of time-consuming paperwork – or so he thought, Red LBP had solved this issue with a super easy to use app that almost “writes reports for you” winning Trev back his time... couple that with admin and marketing support from HQ making the change was a no-brainer.

These days? Kapiti based Trev blocks out his calendar to go fishing

Induro 2-Point Mortice Lock

The Induro 2-Point is a culmination of extensive research, prototyping and stringent testing. The new 2-Point Lock offers an improved locking system with adjustable deadbolt projection. When deadlocked, the Induro 2-Point mortice lock provides increased security with two points of locking.

The Induro 2-Point lock features an adjustable latch projection and unlike the Optimum or our other legacy

locks, the deadbolt projection on the Induro can be easily changed to either a 13mm short throw or 24mm long throw with a turn of a screwdriver. With a redesigned locking mechanism, the Induro is solid and robust, providing reliability and strength for larger doors. The handing of the lockset can easily be adjusted by reversing the orientation of the latch bolt.

The Induro 2-Point lockset is New Zealand made with a stainless steel

Introducing Simx new Ventair Skyfan DC

Simx, home of leading ventilation and extraction products and customer support, including the trusted Manrose range, is proud to introduce the Ventair Skyfan DC.

An intelligent energy saving DC 3-blade ceiling fan that uses up to 75% less power. Designed to be extremely quiet with an inbuilt anti-vibration system, making the Ventair Skyfan DC ideal for bedrooms, indoor and covered outdoor areas.

Included is a 6-speed multifunction LCD remote with selectable eco, sleep and timer function, suitable for any home application.

Make the Ventair Skyfan DC smart with the App control module (available separately), enabled app connectivity including compatibility with Google Home and Alexa.

The Skyfan DC is available in a selection of 4 sizes, with the colour options of black, white, or teak, and with or without 5 step dimmable LED light.

See the full range on the Simx website or by scanning the QR code.

whenever he likes. He works the hours that suit him, earns the money he wants to, and has the full support of the RedLBP team behind him and amazing systems to make the whole thing as easy as possible.

Like Trev, 16 other experienced LBP’s have made the change and own a Red LBP franchisee – you can too. To find out more call Matt on 021 525 324 or flick him an email at sales@redinspect.co.nz

forend plate and accepts Euro style cylinders. The Induro 2-Point lock achieves the Australian Standards – AS4145: 2008 Security Level S7 and Durability Level D7.

The Induro 2-Point lock is a direct retrofit for Millton, Optimum and LCL locks and is designed to be used in conjunction with the Aria, Palladium, Verona, and Apex furniture ranges.

For more information visit www.assaabloy.com/induro-2-point

News Bites

Premium refrigeration, designed to fit any project

Fisher & Paykel’s extensive range of column refrigerators and freezers can be mixed and matched, with different sizes and finishes. Installed side by side or individually throughout the kitchen, you can create a cooling solution to suit your lifestyle (or project). Customise with your own kitchen cabinetry and handles or purchase our stainless steel door panel and handle options.

Our range of integrated refrigerators and freezers fit flush, with only 4mm gaps around them and no visible exterior hinges or grilles and can be seamlessly hidden behind your cabinetry, or you can purchase our stainless steel door panel.

Whether you’re designing a compact luxury apartment, a five-bedroom home or anything in-between, our product offering is designed to fit.

View the entire integrated line up at: www.fisherpaykel.com/nz/cooling/ refrigeration/integrated-refrigeration/

For Trade Pricing on any Fisher & Paykel item, please take a note of the product code and contact Kirsty at the NZCB National Support Office: kirsty@nzcb.nz

LBP Code of Ethics now in force

In October 2021, the Government announced a new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), with a one-year transition period before it became enforceable. This one-year transition period is now up and the new code of ethics for LBP’s has now been enforceable by the Building Practitioners Board since 25 October 2022.

Where can you find more information?

Information and education resources to help LBPs learn about and understand their obligations under the code of ethics are available on the LBP website.

This includes a detailed guidance document which takes you through each principle and standard and provides examples that apply to LBPs work. An on-line learning module is also available where a LBP can learn about the code of ethics in an interactive and engaging way. The module takes 20-30 minutes to complete and can count towards a LBP’s skills maintenance activities (note a LBP must log in to the module for it to count towards skills maintenance).

Visit https://www.lbp.govt.nz/for-lbps/codeof-ethics/ to learn more about the code of ethics and to access education resources.

New Vulcan Nexus Cladding by Abodo

Ideal for Long Length Applications.

Vulcan Nexus Cladding is the newest addition to Abodo’s thermally modified range of eco-timber products, and is available in set lengths of 6m.

Manufactured using finger jointed timber to create cladding the longer 6m lengths, Vulcan Nexus ensures optimum use of each radiata pine tree harvested and is ideal for sustainability-minded builders, architects and homeowners who are looking to minimise waste.

Additionally, one universal profile allows for secret fixing in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Its unique visual aesthetic and vertical grain orientation are ideal for both interior and exterior applications.

Vulcan Nexus Cladding is a renewable alternative to Western Red Cedar timber cladding. It is both carbon negative and FSC® certified, providing the assurance that it comes from responsibly managed sources.

For more information, please get in touch with Abodo’s Sales Support Team on 09 249 0100 or visit www.abodo.co.nz

Win a set of tyres

Injured? Don’t tough it out – taihoa ake, and get help

ACC has launched a new campaign to improve Māori awareness and access to their services. Kia Mahea, Kia Puāwai (making it clear so we can flourish) aims to share practical information about services and support available to whānau when they are injured. This includes access to rongoā Māori –traditional Māori healing.

Central to the campaign is the message – Don’t tough it out –Taihoa ake, and get help.

The content has been created in collaboration with, and features, well-known Māori journalist, writer, actor, comedian and social media influencer, D’Angelo Martin. The campaign includes appearances by reigning kapa haka champions (Ngā

HomePlus introduces a new mini-post balustrade system

HomePlus has added a new corrosion-resistant mini post system to its range of balustrades.

The Edgetec Matador® balustrade and pool fence is a top fixed mini post system for frameless glass. Manufactured out of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel, which is noted for its corrosion resistance and smart aesthetic appeal, the Matador® system incorporates hidden fixings to provide a handsome premium product.

Extremely versatile, but particularly suited to swimming pool fencing,

Matador is also compliant with Clause F4 for the purpose of preventing a fall over 1m. Easy and quick to install, no holes are required for the glass panels and at a touch, these can be tilted allowing inline adjustment with our patent-pending technology.

Panels come as either 12mm toughened safety or 13.52mm laminated SentryGlas®, interlinking top rail (not required for pool fencing or with SentryGlas) are available finished in a range of powdercoat colours.

Tūmanako) and their tutor Kawariki Morgan, champion power lifter Montel Tivoli, and Aunty Ana BerryTumoana from Whakaata Māori’s What’s Up with the Tumoanas.

To view the videos or for more information visit: https://www.acc.co.nz/dont-toughit-out/

Carter’s Tyre Services are offering New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members the chance to WIN a set of tyres every month for the next 12 months. All you need to do is send in your photos of a completed new build or renovation project. The winning projects will be used as part of the NZCB social media advertising.

To enter:

• Submit high-resolution photos (professional photographs preferred) or video (max. duration 1-minute).

Note: As your images and video may be used as part of the NZCB social media advertising, please ensure you have the homeowner’s approval for them to be used.

• A short description of the project (approx. 50-100 words) – where is the home situated, any special products used, features of the project, and bullet points on the client brief. Winners will be notified and announced during the 1st week of every month via email and Facebook.

To enter the draw, email your photos or video to Karla at the NZCB National Support Office: karla@nzcb.nz

This custom-made solution with its hardwearing and stylish Crafted covers hiding the engineered stainless-steel fixings and clamping plates represents a stylish proposition allowing for uninterrupted views of your surroundings.

Please contact HomePlus for more information at specify@homeplus.co.nz

Looking out for your workmates

Many injuries that are sustained here in Aotearoa will require time off work, which means more pressure on your team while you recover.

Around two thirds of the injuries that cause people to take time off work occur outside of their workplaces. These preventable injuries are adding significant pressure to workplaces around New Zealand that are already stretched.

To address this, ACC has launched a campaign that encourages New Zealanders to think about the impact their own injuries have (or would have) on their workmates.

To encourage people to help keep their workmates injury free ACC has released a series of online videos and other marketing activity that features some activities people receiving weekly compensation are getting injured through.

You can view the video’s on the ACC website, https://www.acc.co.nz/ newsroom/stories/looking-out-foryour-workmates/

ACC hopes more New Zealanders take the time to ‘have a hmmm’ then do things the smart way. By being injury free people can keep doing what they love and keep making valuable contributions in their workplace.

Get tax sorted before Christmas – or feel IRD’s wrath

You may feel like Inland Revenue (IRD) has got it in for builders. Not only are they monitoring your tax affairs like a hawk as part of their increased investigations focus on the construction sector (you may have seen the ‘tax crime’ ads), but they could also be about to ruin your well-deserved Christmas/summer break.

How? Two important tax payments – provisional tax and GST –are due on January 15.

Talk about awful timing. They are to be paid when business activity usually goes into hibernation and cashflow can be tight. Most accountants are also enjoying respite from preparing and filing returns.

But IRD does not recognise that. No. They want you to pay your tax obligations on January 15 – and you will feel their wrath (steep interest and late payment penalties) if you do not.

With non-compliant tradies feeling taxman’s wrath on the back of the increased investigations activity, it really pays to keep in IRD’s good graces.

Getting tax-ready often involves doing a few basics before you down tools for the year. These small things can make a big difference (well done if you are already doing them).

There is also an option which lets you pay provisional tax when it suits you, not in the middle of January.

Firstly, it’s important you know your current cashflow situation. This can be ascertained by reviewing your books and making sure all financial records are up to date.

Doing a quick budget to determine what expenses you need to cover while off work will also help you identify any issues you may encounter.

There are things you can do right away to improve your bank balance.

Prioritise finishing jobs that can be completed quickly. The faster you finish something, the faster you can invoice clients and receive payment.

Speaking of which, see if anyone who owes you money can pay early (consider offering them a discount to encourage this). Don’t forget to chase those who have not paid for work you completed a while ago.

You may also wish to talk with your suppliers to see if you can re-negotiate a new settlement date.

If, having done all that, you will still have difficulty paying tax on time, consider entering a payment arrangement with an IRD-approved tax pooling intermediary. Intermediaries let you choose how and when you pay provisional tax, without incurring IRD’s wrath.

The key to paying tax is not leaving things until the last minute.

As you prepare to get everything related to your January 15 payments sorted before Christmas, be sure to contact your accountant. They can work with you to come up with a cashflow management and tax payment strategy.

TMNZ is a NZCB National Partner and New Zealand’s leading tax pooling pioneer. Get in touch with TMNZ on 0800 829 888 or support@tmnz.co.nz if you have any questions about tax pooling.

Like you, we’re proudly building for New Zealand.

Every day, passionate and dedicated people come together as an industry to build a brighter New Zealand, and Winstone Wallboards is proud to be part of the team.

Made in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions

For over 90 years, we have supplied the market with products and systems locally made for the New Zealand conditions, meeting and exceeding the requirements of New Zealand’s stringent building codes and BRANZ appraisals.

New Tauranga manufacturing and distribution facility

With facilities in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and a new GIB® Plasterboard plant about to open in Tauranga, we’re on an exciting growth trajectory. Not only are we committed to meeting the evolving needs of New Zealand’s construction sector, but we are passionate about helping people like you providing healthy, dry, and warm homes for Kiwis.

gib.co.nz

Plasterboard Locally Made

Construction stages of the new GIB ® plasterboard manufacturing and distribution facility in Tauranga.

How much profit should I make on a project?

Clients often ask how much profit they should make on building projects. My flippant answer is “profit is like horsepower; you can never have too much”. Your level of profit should reflect the value that you add to a project in comparison to your competitors. When customers feel good about what you provide, and they value it, they’re willing to pay more for it.

Our industry tends to think that price equates to cost plus profit –but it shouldn’t be that way. YourQS works with over 200 builders, and we see mark-ups ranging from 8% to 53%. We even see wide variances within the same markets, which shows that the margin you can make is not necessarily related to your costs.

There are lots of examples where the price that clients are willing to pay has little to do with cost. I’d bet that the cost to make a Louis Vuitton case is not that different to a Samsonite one. The difference in perceived value, however, means that the price people are willing to pay is very different. The skill is creating greater value than your competition.

So, what’s the best way to calculate a profitable mark-up?

When I come across builders who are using a 10% mark-up, I remind them that they’re running a business, not just doing a job. Being in business means you need to be making a profit over and above what you earn for the work you do. You need to cover overheads, make a return on the capital invested in the business, and get something for the risks of being in business. Otherwise, you’re better off working for someone on a wage.

Most businesses have overheads of 8% to 14% of turnover; so, a 10% mark-up might be okay if the job is charge-up (i.e., low risk) and you have low overheads. If you have an office and any sort of admin staff, then you probably aren’t making any profit. If you are fixing prices, and therefore taking on more risk, then you want at least a 20% mark-up. A 25% mark-up would more likely be needed to give you a return better than just investing your cash in the bank.

What’s the difference between mark-up and margin – aren’t they the same thing?

Mark-up and margin are just different ways of looking at profit.

When you know your cost and you set your sell price by applying a mark-up to it, that achieves your target profit. Margin is when you know your sell price and you want to know how much of it is your profit.

me explain by using an example.

Our cost is $100. If we add a 25% mark-up, the profit is $25 and the final price is $125.

If I want to know how much of the sale price is profit (the margin) then I calculate the profit of $25 divided by the sale price of $125. I get a 20% margin.

We’re using the same input numbers, just with a different perspective: cost up or sell price backwards.

The margin view is important as you tend to look at operating costs in relation to turnover, which is the same perspective. This helps you understand what portion of your sell price is available to cover your operating expenses. If your operating expenses are 20% of your turnover, then you need at least 20% margin to cover them. So you then need to apply a 25% mark-up to ensure you have enough margin.

Here’s another analogy.

Imagine we’re making some concrete using 4 bags of builders mix and 1 of cement. The resulting 5 bags of concrete is made up of 20% cement (1 bag divided by a total of 5 bags), but we added 25% of cement (1 bag) to the 4 bags of builders mix we had.

Let

Understanding what makes up your build costs – and how to control them

The pie-chart (right) shows the breakdown and analysis of the 2,331 projects that we have done estimates for since the start of 2019. I looked at renovations and new builds, general builders vs group housing, and the breakdown was similar across them all.

Ideally, you should be getting quotes from your subbies; the allowances are controlled by your client choices and changes should be passed on. Materials are what you would typically get from a merchant, so the prices are hard to fix down. But even if you are out by 10%, that is only 1.4% of the total job, so not worth spending too much time worrying about. Site expenses must be managed, but typically you have limited ability to affect their price.

The big controllable is the labour. This has two aspects – the labour rate and the estimated labour times.

How to calculate your labour costs

When we estimate labour costs, we work out the hours of work involved with the project and allow for it as Labour Carpenter. We then work with our customers to set an hourly cost rate for their typical team. That way, it doesn’t matter who is doing the work –the cost for the time going into the job is being covered.

When determining your hourly cost rate, the main driver is obviously the amount the person is paid. But there are many other employment costs and factors to consider:

An easy way to calculate how these factors affect labour costs

At YourQS we have developed a spreadsheet tool to help you accurately calculate labour costs. It allows you to enter details for each team member (whether they’re an employee or contractor), and it works out your average hourly cost rate and helps you determine your charge-out rate from this. If you would like free access to this labour calculator, email me at nick@yourqs.co.nz.

“Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future!” This is a great quote from Nobel Prize laureate and physicist Niels Bohr. Predicting the future is exactly what cost estimation is – and labour is more so.

There are three key methods that builders use to estimate labour:

1. Schedule of rates

A schedule of rates is built up for the different elements of the job.

2. Square metres (or linear metres, etc.)

A cost or hours per m2 of floor area or similar.

3. Rule of thumb

An experienced builder looks over each aspect of the project and estimates how many people and how many days each will take (e.g. 3 guys x 5 days).

At YourQS, we aim to be as accurate as possible on every job. We use the power of computing, many years of research and development, and a lot of builder feedback to do a first principles labour calculation on every element in the building project.

For more information, visit www.yourqs.co.nz

email nick@yourqs.co.nz.

Should you play offensive or defensive right now?

At the time of writing this article, the jury is out as to whether we will be going into an economic recession in 2023. Many of the deciding factors are internationally based and beyond our control and, if we do go into recession, will it be just a short dip and then back to growth again, or something more extended?

I believe it is naïve to assume things will be business as normal in 2023/24. However, it is also important not to totally withdraw into one’s shell and slam the gear lever into reverse. So, what’s the right balance to strike?

In rugby, like most team sports, the coach has a basic decision to make when deciding how to play against a certain opposition. Do we play a defensive strategy or an offensive one? The same applies to business, especially now as we enter this time of uncertainty. Should you go conservative, or go for growth?

Truth is, you should play a bit of both, but make sure you do the right things in the right order and don’t get stuck in one mode for too long. It makes good sense to play defensive at the start, to ensure your business is as strong and stable as possible for the fight ahead. Continuing to do what you have always done and ignoring the ‘strength of the opposition’ will likely find you out. You need to work on your weaknesses and fix any injuries you have, so you are not over-run in the first 10 minutes of the game ahead.

Once you have worked on some of the defensive issues, it is important not to stay in that mode for too long. Staying defensive, taking no risks, will mean that the market and your competitors may pass you by. Opportunities will come up over the next little while, so you need to be ready to take advantage of them. Those companies that did that during the last recession (the ‘GFC’) came out stronger for it and returned to pre-recession levels of revenue and profit much faster than defence-focused companies.

Rod Anderson of Sandbox Marketing presented a list of defensive and offensive strategies you should consider in your planning. I have summarised and modified the list, right. For help in prioritising which strategies are right for your business and how to implement them, contact me at andy@tradescoach.co.nz.

You can book a complimentary strategy session to put a plan together to survive, then thrive, during these uncertain times.

I hope you use the downtime over the summer break to step back and look at your business through this strategic planning lens – after you have kicked back and relaxed for a while. That view will provide you with a better framework in which to develop your business in the next year or so. Reach out if you want help to put this together – then to hold you accountable to it on a quarterly basis.

Defensive strategies

1. Plan for the worst 2. Manage all expenses. Trim excess 3. Right size your team 4. Collect on all accounts conscientiously 5. Extend your cash runway (working capital) 6. Expand operating lines of credit 7. Revise your Strategic Plan (or create one) 8. Protect your high-value customers 9. Sell off or discontinue low-margin services or divisions 10. Last, but not least, look after yourself.

Now you have tightened up on procedures and removed some of the operational sloppiness that has perhaps built up in your business over the past few years, it is time to start implementing that strategic plan and meeting the future business environment head-on.

Offensive strategies

1. Continue to hunt new business 2. Close all sales that are ’a bird in the hand’ 3. Refine your Brand Marketing message 4. Script how you communicate with clients and prospects 5. Increase your marketing activities 6. Invest in training and innovation 7. Manage your pricing 8. Drive the organisation around the strategic plan 9. Be entrepreneurial again and look for opportunities on the upswing.

027 688 6721 or email andy@tradescoach.co.nz.

Andy Burrows Director of The Trades Coach and NZCB National Partner. I encourage you to take advantage of a free business strategy review session to see how we can improve your business performance. Call Andy today on

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Why choosing a good business name is important

Think about the companies you purchase from regularly: Countdown, New World, PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, Bunnings, Carters. Have you ever stopped to think that their business name may be responsible for their success? Their names are all short and relatively easy to say.

To your customers, your name helps differentiate you from thousands of builders in the industry. Your name is their first impression of your business. Giving it extra thought now may make all the difference as your company grows.

While your business name is important, what matters most is the brand you create around that name. Additionally, a business name is not set in stone and can be changed. A recent example of this is Vodafone, which is now changing to one.nz. Their name change will be an interesting journey to watch.

Coming up with a good company name

The name should sound good when you say it aloud. I’m a big fan of keeping names short: make sure it isn’t a ‘she sells seashells on the seashore’ situation.

When you come up with a possible name, you should search on Google to make sure there is nothing bad associated with it. Also, run it past a few friends – they may notice something wrong with it that you don’t.

You might want to keep it simple and name the business after yourself. There are pros and cons to this. If your name is not a common one, a business brand name may be easier to spell and pronounce. If your name is common, a business brand may be more distinctive. A business brand is not named after one person; nor does it reflect one person’s values, ideas, and opinions. Business brands create the impression that more than one person is running or working for a business.

That said, there are plenty of examples of leading brands that use the name of their founder, or founders, as their business name: Michael Hill Jeweller, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson spring to mind. But until you’re famous it can come across that you’re a one-man-band business.

Do you also need to think about what happens if you sell your business? Research does show that the value of a brand is impacted by what you call it, and data from Harvard Business Review states that you tend to get more money for a company if it isn’t using your own name.

Five mistakes to avoid when coming up with a name:

1. You failed to do a trademark search

Designing a logo and building a brand is an investment. It costs lots of money. One of the worst things that can happen is that you spend time and money promoting a certain name, only to find out someone else has been using it. Even if you haven’t registered a trademark, it will be a tough fight between lawyers to establish who has the right to the name if they were using it first. You may be forced to rebrand and change. Trademarking your logo isn’t too expensive. You can do it yourself online. Always check on https://www.iponz.govt.nz/about-ip/trade-marks/search/

Viewers of your Facebook or Instagram pages will be more likely to view your business favourably if they see you responding to comments and reviews.

2.

Your name is too generic

A common error I see is being too generic. How many companies do you know that are ABC Services or XYZ Technologies? Being too generic will cause people to overlook you if you sound like every other company out there.

3. People can’t tell what you do Related to the above is having a name that doesn’t tell your potential clients anything about you. This is a potential problem when using your own name (e.g. John Smith Limited) or having a poorly chosen business brand.

4. Not getting the website domain name to match Don’t underestimate the importance of SEO (search engine optimisation), especially if you don’t have a big marketing budget. Make sure you pick a name that you can register at the Companies

Office and that you can have a domain name that matches. Don’t pick a domain name that has ‘hyphens’ (e.g. top-notch-builders.co.nz). Check on https://companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/ to see if a company name is taken. Check domain availability through domain name websites such as www.1stdomains.co.nz

Only go ahead when you can secure both!

5. Not getting feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for outside opinions when you are coming up with a company name. Ask your clients, peers, and suppliers what they think. Make sure that you find a name that resonates with those you are trying to target.

It can be fun thinking about a name for your company but don’t forget it’s important to take it seriously and do it right.

Karla Farrar, General Manager – Marketing and Services, NZCB

With 20+ years’ experience in marketing and communications, Karla has a breadth of knowledge across large and small New Zealand organisations, including owning and managing her own boutique advertising and communication agency. She specialises in acquisition, digital development, branding, communications and marketing.

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Holidays and entitlements this festive season

What you need to know…

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations.

Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.

Closedown periods

In a closedown period, employees can be required to use annual holidays or take unpaid leave. Closedown periods are available to employers provided they are “customarily” used, and employees are given at least 14 days’ notice.

Annual holidays

Employees who are entitled to annual holidays, can be required to take these with 14 days’ notice if agreement as to the timing of holidays cannot be reached.

Public holidays

Employees are entitled to be paid for any public holiday, even if they don’t work that day, if it falls on a day that would ‘otherwise be a working day’ for them.

Where an employee works on a public holiday, they must be paid at the employee’s normal pay plus half that amount again, and if the public holiday is on a day that an employee would otherwise have worked, they will also be entitled to an alternative holiday. Alternative holidays can either be used, by agreement or at the employer’s direction, or may be cashed out by agreement, after 12 months has passed since accrual.

What is an “otherwise working day”: Not sure if your employee would have otherwise been working? The Holidays Act 2003 lists factors to consider including, what the employment

agreement states, what the work patterns are, any rosters or systems in place, whether the employee works only when work is available, and the reasonable expectations of the parties.

Working out whether the day is an otherwise working day is a practical task, and each situation needs to be considered based on the employee’s specific situation and work pattern.

Transfer of public holidays

This year Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday meaning these days are automatically transferred to the Tuesday following the weekend. This transfer occurs where the weekend is not one day than an employee would otherwise have worked.

Employers can also agree in writing with employees to transfer any public holiday to another day. The new date cannot be another public holiday and must be a day the employee would otherwise have worked.

If you would like advice regarding public holidays, annual holiday entitlements or closedowns our team can help – for a free 15-minute consultation, give us a call on 0800 354 821.

Kate Ashcroft, Partner, of Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers

Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers operate the NZCB Employment helpline and providing specialist advice, representation and support across employment, immigration and health and safety law, to businesses throughout New Zealand. Why us? We know what works, and partner with you to achieve the results you want.

www.copelandashcroft.co.nz

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The new Code of Ethics for licensed builders

As a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), you enjoy a privilege that isn’t available to anyone else – the exclusive right to do the more complex residential building work. No-one else is allowed to. But that privilege comes at a price – you have to prove your credentials, you have to keep upskilling, you have to closely supervise your staff, and you have to answer to the Building Practitioners Board (the “BPB”) if anyone files a complaint about you.

However, there’s no point in feeling singled out or hard done by. Every occupation that has been granted a monopoly over their type of work – including lawyers, doctors, dentists, engineers, architects, electricians, plumbers, drainlayers and gasfitters –are all subject to much the same controls. But the reason I feel sympathy for the licensed builder is that the work that they do is often the biggest investment their clients are going to make in their lives. Which means it’s going to drag on a long time, cost a lot of money, and put the owners under a lot of stress. Consequently, there’s a much greater risk of the relationship falling apart, and therefore a much greater risk of an eventual complaint, than, for example, when a lawyer prepares a will, or a dentist fills a tooth. Ever since licensing got underway in 2012 the BPB has been investigating complaints about LBPs and imposing penalties in appropriate cases. But homeowners can’t get the BPB to investigate any old grievance they may have. The grounds under which the BPB can discipline a LBP are strictly defined under section 317 of the Building Act. They are limited to such things as being convicted of a serious offence, being negligent or incompetent, working outside the LBP’s licence, not complying

with a building consent, failing to submit a record of work promptly, obtaining a licence under false pretences, misrepresenting or working outside of his or her competence, and doing something that brings the LBP regime into disrepute.

Ever since 2012 the BPB has also had power to discipline a LBP for a breach of the LBP Code of Ethics. Only there hasn’t been a LBP Code of Ethics, until 25 October this year. Now there is one, and it significantly broadens the grounds on which a LBP can be disciplined. Bear in mind that you are only bound by the Code of Ethics while you hold a current licence that is not suspended. But if you breached the Code while you were fully licensed, the BPB can still discipline you whether or not you are still a LBP.

To avoid straying into an unexpected trap, it pays to know what the Code of Ethics requires of a LBP. Because it goes a lot further than just being a nice person, acting with integrity, upholding high standards, being honest and law-abiding, behaving fairly and reasonably, and similar kinds of things. There are 19 different requirements, and you won’t satisfy them all just by applying common sense. Some of them will take you by surprise.

Like all codes of ethics, the LBP Code only requires a standard of behaviour of one party to the project. There is no code of ethics for homeowners, no professional body to discipline them, no repercussions if a complaint turns out to be vexatious or unfounded, and no concession or allowance given to the poor LBP if he or she has the misfortune to come across a “client from hell”. You can’t help thinking that these codes get written by well-intended policy graduates from university who haven’t had much in the way of life experience yet, and haven’t ever done a building project, let alone run a business. Nevertheless, a lot of the requirements of the LBP Code of Ethics are uncontroversial. Let’s start with those first.

You have to take responsibility for health and safety. You have to know what restricted building work you are and aren’t allowed to do. You need to ensure your clients have enough information to enable them to make fully informed decisions about the building project. You must own up to any defective building work and you must advise your clients of any delays as soon as they become apparent. You must do your work to an “acceptable standard” whatever that means. You have got to act professionally and treat your clients and colleagues with respect. If a dispute arises you must act in a professional and respectful manner and you must attempt to resolve the dispute in good faith and give everyone a fair hearing. You have to maintain adequate records of the project. You can’t disclose your client’s confidential information. And, perhaps in recognition of the more enlightened age we live in, you must avoid harming the environment, and you must respect different cultures and values.

Then there are the more demanding obligations. With health and safety, you can’t just be a passive observer of unsafe behaviour or work practices. You have to take some positive action by raising it with the person responsible, and if that doesn’t work, reporting it to a higher authority. And that isn’t the only law you become an enforcer of. As a supervisor of restricted building work, you become a kind of policeman to ensure your subordinates comply with a whole range of building legislation – Acts of Parliament that even the most versatile lawyer would struggle to have a full understanding of. Although the Code suggests that all you have to do is raise the issue, and report it if it continues, the Code is also clear that you must “ensure” that these various laws are complied with.

Next, it is your responsibility to become your client’s risk manager. Notwithstanding the fact that the client is an adult who owns a home, and the plans and specifications have been designed

by university-educated architects and engineers and approved by a Building Consent Authority, it is your job to inform your client of all design and construction risks and how to manage them. If a new risk arises during construction, you actually have to inform your client “in writing”.

You are required to follow your client’s instructions at all times, which is fair enough, unless it would be dumb or unlawful to do so for a variety of reasons. But if your client remains obstinate, then you are required to betray your client by dobbing them in to some appropriate authority. When it comes to conflicts of interest with your client, you don’t have to avoid them at all costs, you just have to declare them and manage them. Both of those concepts are fairly alien to a lawyer, who has to observe much stricter standards of client loyalty.

Finally, there are some requirements around the pricing of jobs that perhaps best illustrate the innocence of the authors of the Code of Ethics. For a start you can’t pay bribes – except small ones to foreign public officials! And understandably you can’t quote an unrealistically low price with the intention of winning the job and then overcharging to make up the difference later. Next, when you are asked to quote a price, you can’t assess or estimate it “unfairly” (not carelessly or recklessly), which is fair enough.

But the crunch comes when you “become aware that a contract for building work may involve additional costs”. Since when does a building project not involve additional costs – through variations, provisional sums, cost escalations, COVID-19 restrictions, shortages of materials or labour, or delays caused by the client? The Code of Ethics requires the LBP to advise the client of every additional cost, and not incur that cost unless the client agrees. Does that override what the building contract says? And what do you do in a cost-reimbursement project – notify the client and request their consent every second?

Fortunately, this Code of Ethics is going to be enforced by a Board comprised of pragmatic people who are experienced in the construction industry. Thank goodness for that.

This

is not

Geoff Hardy is a partner in the Auckland law firm Martelli McKegg Lawyers and is a construction law specialist. Geoff also operates the Business Related Legal helpline for NZCB members, contact Geoff on 09 379 0700 or geoff@martellimckegg.co.nz for 20 minutes of free advice.

article

intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

To avoid straying into an unexpected trap, it pays to know what the Code of Ethics requires of a Licensed Building Practitioner.

There are 19 different requirements, and you won’t satisfy them all just by applying common sense. Some of them will take you by surprise.

Recognising our members

Congratulations on 10 years of NZCB membership!

Auckland

Craig Harkness David May

David Mellis David Sievers

Eli Gilmore Edward Fenton James Yang Jason Mann

John Cran Jung Na Kang-Chien Liu Karl Nicholas

Kieran Pollard Leonard Winter Mark Van Den Anker Nicholas Smith

Paul Young Perry Carr Robert Hollinger Ross Maskell

Shane Fisher Steven Holmes Stuart Mytton Tony Will

Wade Haldane Warren Bale William Kearsley Zane Raphael

Zhao Ming Chu

Bay of Islands

Alwin Roessler Ian Rikys Joshua Alley Mark Chignell

Blenheim/Marlborough Travis Taylor

Canterbury Allan Kershaw Bryan Dempster Changshan Zhao Graham Ryken James Woods John McMillan Leighton Baker Nathan Brown

Paul Arthur Poorya Behnam Rodney Boyd Shane Taylor Shawn Cotton Simon Thomson Steven Muir Wayne Mawson

Central Otago Stefan Cammell

Hambrook Otago Jared Copland Tobias Hammond

Taranaki Aaron Collins Jarrod Werder Taupō Peter Grant

Jamie Fairbairn Jeffrey Parkes

Waikato Danny-Craig Bowers Trevor Arnold

Wellington Geordie Grieve Richard Methorst Robert Maughan Steven McStay

Whangārei Kenneth Topp Kevin Singleton

Membership Awards

In recognition of outstanding contributions to NZCB the following members have recently received awards for Honorary Membership, Life Membership and of Appreciation.

Life Membership is awarded to individual members of NZCB, who have been recognised by the NZCB Board, to have made extraordinary contribution to NZCB which has benefitted the Association.

Honorary Membership is awarded to individual members of NZCB, who, in the opinion of the NZCB Board, have made significant contributions to NZCB or the construction industry in general over a period of time.

Appreciation Awards are awarded to members or associated regional support people of NZCB, who, in the opinion of the NZCB Board, have made significant contributions to and within their NZCB Region.

Life Membership

Bob Monteith

Bob joined NZCB in 1999 and is a highly respected member of the Association. Bob has been a consistently strong advocate of the Association and represented NZCB on numerous industry-related working groups, including a member on the Building Practitioners Board from 2015 to 2021.

Involved in numerous aspects of the Association, Bob was on the NZCB Board for seven years, including holding the position of Chairperson from 2002 to 2004 and has also been a part of the NZCB Mentor Programme. The NZCB Mentor Programme helps match experienced NZCB builders with members who are either new to business or looking to expand. In recognition of his efforts over the years Bob was awarded Honorary membership in 2013.

Bob is well known in the local building and business community including assisting on the local NZCB Taupō committee for the last 10 years and has been instrumental in the organisation and running of every NZCB Taupō Golf Day.

Honorary Memberships

Dave Whitehead

Dave joined NZCB in 2009 and has been an active member of the Auckland region for many years, including interim NZCB Auckland President for six months in 2011 and sponsoring food for the Auckland regional, NZCB Apprentice Challenge, for several years.

Dave was elected to the NZCB Board in 2011, before he stepped down in 2021. Over the years Dave has represented our members and the Association in several ways and been part of many different groups, such as the Auckland Council Customer Advisory Group, Industry Training Association Building (ITAB), Industry Advisory Committee – Building & Construction for UNITEC, ACC, Worksafe, Regional Skills Leadership Group, Productivity Partnership, BCITO, Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust (AST), as well as meeting with Members of Parliament.

Brent Chatterton

Brent joined NZCB in 2005 and has been an active member of the Canterbury committee for over 10 years.

Elected to the NZCB Board in 2012 Brent held the role of Chairperson from 2016 –2018 before stepping down from the Board in 2019.

Brent is also a Certified Plans Foundation member. Certified Plans Foundation members helped get the Certified Plans product off the ground when it started and without these members, we would not be able to offer this today.

Recognising our members continues...

Appreciation Awards

Phillip Claffey

Phillip joined NZCB in 2006, has been an active member in Gisborne, and held the position of NZCB Gisborne President from 2017 – 2022.

Paul Riedel

Paul joined NZCB in 2000, has been an active member in Taupō, and held the position of NZCB Taupō President from 2019 – 2022.

Adan Larsen

Adan joined NZCB in 2008, has been an active member in Taranaki, and held the position of NZCB Taranaki President from 2016 – 2022. Adan is a Certified Plans Foundation member.

Adrian Reid

Adrian joined NZCB in 2010, has been an active member in Wellington, and held the position of NZCB Wellington President from 2016 – 2022. Adrian was a Certified Plans Foundation member.

Richard Poff

Richard joined NZCB in 2008, has been an active member in Canterbury, and held the position of NZCB Canterbury President from 2017 – 2022. Still active in the Canterbury region, Richard has been the NZCB West Coast President since earlier this year. Richard was a Certified Plans Foundation member and has been a mentor to other NZCB members as part of the NZCB Mentor Programme.

Dan Gallagher

Dan joined NZCB in 2008, has been an active member in Mid and South Canterbury, and held the position of NZCB Mid and South Canterbury President from 2017 – 2022. Dan is also a Certified Plans Foundation member.

Andy McRae

Andy joined NZCB in 2008, has been an active member in Central Otago, and held the position of NZCB Central Otago President from 2016 – 2022. Andy is also a Certified Plans Foundation member and featured in our NZCB ‘special’ campaign in 2021.

Paul Young

Paul joined NZCB in 2003, has been an active member in Southland, and held the position of NZCB Southland President from 2017 – 2022.

Paul James

Paul joined NZCB in 2011, has been an active member in Tauranga Districts, and has held the position of NZCB Tauranga Districts President from 2016 – 2021.

Bevin MacCarthy

Bevin joined NZCB in 2003, has been an active member in Bay of Islands, and held the position of NZCB Bay of Islands President from 2012 to 2016. Bevin is also a Certified Plans Foundation member.

Thank you, everyone, for the time you have sacrificed from your own business and family, the support and knowledge you have provided is greatly appreciated!

Tax on Christmas parties and presents

Christmas is fast approaching. If you’re planning a staff Christmas party to boost morale and mark the end of the year, that’s great – but what are the tax implications?

Below is an overview of different types of expenses and the percentage claimable for your business under the IRD’s entertainment rules, or whether it’s subject to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).

What is a Fringe Benefit?

A benefit supplied by or arranged by an employer that has a ‘private’ element attached to it, such as health insurance, gym memberships, or motor vehicles available for personal use.

Staff Christmas party

The cost of food, drink, and any incidental expenditure relating to things like equipment hire, music, or other entertainment is only 50% deductible for income tax and GST purposes. This applies whether the party is held on the business premises or off-site.

Christmas lunch/dinner

The cost of taking colleagues out for an end-of-year lunch or dinner will generally be 50% deductible.

Cash bonuses

These must be included in the employee’s wages for the week paid as a discretionary bonus with the applicable PAYE paid on them.

Gifts to staff or clients

The cost of gifts (other than food and beverages) to staff or clients will generally be 100% tax-deductible. However, any gifts relating to food, beverages, and supermarket vouchers are deemed entertainment and therefore only 50% deductible.

Under FBT rules, if staff gifts are under the threshold of $300 for the October to December quarter for quarterly filing or under $1,200 per year for annual or income year filing, and also under $22,500 per year for the employer the costs should not be subject to FBT. If those thresholds are breached, FBT will be applicable and payable to IRD.

For more information on FBT, talk to your accountant or you can view the IRD’s guide to working with FBT (IR409) under the ‘Forms and Guides’ section at www.ird.govt.nz. The IRD’s Entertainment expenses guide (IR268) also lives there.

Findex provides services that include Business Advisory, Accounting, Tax, Insurance and Payroll, the Findex team have the local knowledge and global expertise to help you meet your personal and professional goals. As proud partners of NZCB, we’re one of you. To find out more visit www.findex.co.nz

Proud

Planning a trip?

What you need to know about travel insurance

With travel restrictions now mostly a thing of the past, many New Zealanders are planning to go on holiday. Whenever you’re planning to leave New Zealand, travel insurance should be the first thing you pack.

We get it – no one wants to think about what could go wrong on their holiday. Sadly, all too often things can and do go wrong. Travel insurance can give you peace of mind.

Whether your holiday is disrupted by illness or injury, or the inconvenience of lost luggage, delayed flights, or a traffic accident, having travel insurance means you don’t have to worry: help will be available when you need it.

Getting the right policy is really important. Many people think they’re covered only to find out that their policy excludes the very thing they need the most. So, it’s essential to understand your policy and make sure you’re covered for the important things. This can include flight cancellations, stolen valuables, medical expenses, and even the loss of your New Zealand passport.

Here are five factors you should consider when looking for the right insurance:

With the right coverage, New Zealand travellers can have complete peace of mind that your holiday won’t be ruined. And the right travel insurance doesn’t have to cost the earth either.

Assessing different travel insurance options post a global pandemic can be tricky to navigate. Many insurers have reviewed their COVID-19 exclusions, and some are now providing limited coverage. For example, some now include provision for additional expenses if the insured tests positive for COVID-19 whilst on holiday and is required to self-isolate as per the current local health authority regulations. There is also cover available from some insurers if you catch COVID prior to your trip and can’t fly.

1. Consider your destination and your potential activities. If you’re travelling to a country like the United States where medical care is prohibitively expensive, you’ll definitely need your medical bills covered. And, if you’re engaging in “high-risk” activities, you’ll need to make sure your policy covers you for that too. Check the policy wording carefully to see what needs to be done to ensure cover is in place. You should also make sure that the policy covers the activities you’re planning on doing during your trip and find out if you can take out extra cover if you think you need it.

2. Take out cover as early as possible. It is important to purchase travel insurance as early as possible, typically when you book your flights. This is important to ensure that you have loss of deposits coverage available immediately.

Whenever you’re planning to leave New Zealand, travel insurance should be the first thing you pack.

3. Review the different policy options available with a broker and choose one that covers you thoroughly. Each insurer’s policy wording is slightly different, and one might suit you and your travel plans better than another. It’s important to consult an expert who will read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Some things may be covered in certain circumstances but not in others. Read the policy carefully so you can determine whether it’s right for your needs.

4. Don’t be fooled by low premiums; you usually get what you pay for.

Sometimes, people choose to pay the lowest possible premium for a policy to save money. However, these policies are often fairly basic and you could find out you’re not covered just when you need to make a claim. It could be worth paying a slightly higher premium to avoid costs and make sure you’re fully covered.

5. Cover can be subject to limitations or meeting certain conditions.

There may be limitations on certain travel destinations. There might also be conditions you have to meet in order to be eligible for cover. The conditions often include:

• declaring all pre-existing medical conditions, undertaking a medical examination, or paying an additional premium

• activating the travel insurance policy

• not travelling for longer than a specified period. The best way to make sure you get the right coverage for your holiday is to talk to a BWRS broker. Our insurance brokers can share their expertise and advise the best travel insurance solution for your holiday.

Planning to lie on a beach in Australia? Experience jetboating or horse riding in Brazil? Take artistic photos in Canada? Don’t risk it; contact a BWRS broker today on, 0800 644 444 to find out how we can help you get the right insurance for your needs.

REDi Builders’ Insurance is administered by BrokerWeb Risk Services Limited and is exclusive to NZCB members. BrokerWeb Risk Services also operate the NZCB members’ only, Insurance helpline and can be contacted on redi@bwrs.co.nz or 0800 644 444

It’s important to consult an expert who will read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

How to build a resilient business in a tough economy

While the New Zealand economy isn’t facing a recession, there’s no doubt there’s a squeeze on. The construction industry is particularly affected by the economic downturn; the housing market is slowing down; prices are slumping; interest rates are climbing; supply shortages are on-going; and the frenzy of new builds has slowed down.

What can construction companies do to build a resilient business? While the current environment is challenging, there are steps you can take to build a resilient business that’ll not only weather the storm –but come out the other side, thriving. The main thing to do is to work at securing revenue – in other words, bringing on new clients. And it’s also important that you keep your team engaged so you retain your best people. In practical terms, that

How to give a great sales experience

The fact that over half of decisions are made according to the sales experience is noteworthy and important to focus on in your organisation. The key to providing a great sales experience is to have a robust and consistent sales process that’s enjoyable for buyers – and has a high sales conversion rate.

The sales experience begins online

Consider the buyer’s digital journey too. In the high price point consumer market – for example, investing in a new house –buyers are already 54% down the buying process by the time they contact you. That means that as well as having a sales process that covers your sales teams’ interactions with buyers; you also need to have an online sales process that creates a positive online sales experience. Do you have this in place? Or do you need to adjust your approach?

3. Goal setting

Once you’ve defined your company vision, it’s time to set some goals. This helps create team commitment and builds a strong company culture. As well as setting organisational goals, it’s also important to work with every team member to set personal and professional goals – and help them achieve them.

Personal Goals

2. Company vision

It’s imperative to keep your crew together over these stormy times. Now is not the time for you to have to deal with a key player leaving to work for a competitor. To avoid that scenario, it comes down to motivating and aligning your team. And a key part of that is to have a strong company vision so everyone’s on the same page.

The steps to creating a company vision are as follows:

• Project five years into the future.

• Determine your purpose and position as an organisation.

• Describe what success looks like in your organisation.

• Consider your company type and structure.

• Reference your competitors or create an analogy.

Summary

While there are likely to be some challenging times ahead, getting ready for them now will help your business become more resilient, more focused, and keep motivated.

Need help? Contact us on 09 215 3378 for a free consultation to see how we can help with your sales process, company vision, and goal setting.

©

Jason Dinan, Executive Coaching & Consulting. With 28 years of leadership experience working in 23 countries, Jason specialises in growing organisations through developing peak performance leaders, teams, sales effectiveness and strategy. He was the project head for a leading home builder, helping grow annual sales from between 47% to 311%.

Goal in Detail Steps/Plan to Achieve itResources RequiredTimeline

The Australian and New Zealand builders’ scene

Over the last few months, I have been to Australia a number of times and worked with a number of Australian builders, as well as working with our New Zealand builders in the technology and business areas.

What I have observed has been really interesting and, although there are some similarities in the challenges faced, there are also some interesting differences.

Now, before I get too far into this article, let me qualify by saying I am making general observations and it doesn’t mean every builder fits into these generalisations. However, there may be some useful lessons in this for you.

When I was growing up, my dad used to say when it comes to sport and competition with Australia, always back New Zealand in the rugby and Australia in the cricket. Maybe it’s not so true these days, with New Zealand doing well in both. The point, however, is that each side of the Tasman has strengths we can learn from.

What are some of the key differences I have picked up in my travels this year?

Estimating/Quoting

As a builder in New Zealand, you can drop your plans in to your merchant, and they will have a takeoff priced for you. This doesn’t happen in Australia, and the builder must sort out their own takeoff solution. In fact, the merchants are often reluctant to give the builder a price file. Australian builders either do a takeoff themselves or they find a QS to do it for them. This has proved a frustration for the Australian builders I have talked to, and we have found the provision of a takeoff service feeding direct into our BuildaPrice software is a concept they really like. (We provide this service in New Zealand as well.)

This leads to one of the first major points I have noticed with Australian builders: that they are looking for ways to improve their productivity and they are happy to pay for it. Anything that can save time through automating their business is seriously looked at. In Australia (like New Zealand), there is a serious shortage of carpenters, and Australian builder owners will pay for solutions that lead to improved productivity from the staff they have. This desire is so strong that, nine times out of 10, when they look at our BuildaPrice software, they see the productivity increase they want, and price becomes a secondary consideration. I see several New Zealand builders with this productivity mentality as well (and it is growing), but I sense there is still a gap to be closed between the two countries.

Admin/Bookkeeping

One of the most popular features in our software with Australian builders (which surprised me) was our invoice processing service (IPS). The Australian builders are jumping on this as they see their supplier invoices going through BuildaPrice into

Xero electronically, without any paperwork or manual invoice input required. It is another example of providing a productivity improvement in an area that currently involves time-consuming manual processes.

I sat between two builders in Brisbane recently, who were both looking for a bookkeeping solution so they could focus their time on the business and family. With BuildaPrice, we are seeing more customers picking up the bookkeeping services from our licensees, on both sides of the ditch.

This is one area where the ground is common. Australian and New Zealand builders want ways to get their evenings and weekends back. Builders in both countries want their ‘family time’ to be for family and not for doing paperwork. This is one of our fundamental goals at BuildaPrice: to provide the single solution that gives time back to builder’s families.

“What? You can do Cost-Plus contracts in New Zealand?”

This was one of my major lessons from Australia. Australian builders are not allowed to do Cost-Plus contracts, and they couldn’t believe the amount of these we do in New Zealand. This is one of the reasons several Australian building companies have been caught out, as prices rise, and they are caught in the middle without the right cost escalation clauses in place.

We are now starting to see the growth of Cost-Plus in Australia, as builders test the process (Government and Banks) and look to provide more Cost-Plus contracts. There is pressure to look at alternative methods for contracts, as high inflation hits Australia at similar levels to New Zealand.

Cost-Plus contracts are one of the many strengths of the BuildaPrice platform. When we show an Australian builder this, they are quick to utilise the tools available to them. New Zealand builders are already working well in this area.

There is a place for both Cost-Plus and Fixed Price contracts; you just need the right systems around both.

Health and Safety

This is a key focus for the construction industry and its regulators. This is an area where Australia leads New Zealand, in focus and activity, with Australian builders clearly understanding their personal liability. New Zealand builders are raising their game but, at present, I perceive a gap between the countries process and focus. We expect to see this gap close over the next couple of years.

One key to helping this process is to incorporate Health and Safety into your standard operating system. That way, when you establish your projects, data flows through to your task allocation, responsibilities, and customer interaction, to protect Health and Safety for all parties, remembering that as the director your processes protect you from liability and prosecution.

At the time of printing, BuildaPrice will have released its Health and Safety module as part of its single solution for builders. You will now be able to incorporate your tasks, from pricing right through to site, ensuring compliant Health and Safety processes and reporting.

Profit

In both Australia and New Zealand, there is a shortage of builders. This situation is not going to get better in the short term. With that in mind, there should be no reason why a building company owner shouldn’t make a reasonable return for the management and delivery of their projects. In both countries the builder is responsible for the site, coordination, project management, risk, and delivery, yet the builder doesn’t necessarily see a return for this. Often, the sub trades do better from the project – without the same levels of pain. The keys to ensuring a good profit include having good processes and procedures, knowing where your profit is made, knowing which jobs you should be doing, what to spend your time on, and what to hand over to others.

In summary, Australian and New Zealand builders are very similar, but there are some differences that both sides of the Tasman can learn from. The key common point is the shortage of time, and how builders can change their business and processes to utilise their time in the most efficient way.

At BuildaPrice we understand these points, and our software is designed to improve your life in these areas. Book a demo at www.buildapricegroup.com.

Darren Wallbank Builda Price. Builda Price is a NZCB National Partner and was developed to help builders quickly and accurately price jobs along with tracking their progress and costs live on the job. Quoting, Time-sheeting, Job Tracking, bill processing and Project Management (shortly) on mobile and desktop. For more information visit www.buildapricegroup.com

H&S tasks to tick off for new contractors

What is Contractor Management?

Contractor management is a health and safety term used by any company that uses contractors to assist with work or workplace activities. It refers to the process of checking if your contractors are competent and work safely.

As a building company, what do I need to do?

Your obligations as the main contractor are pretty straightforward. First, you need to make sure contractors have the right skills and experience to do the job, and second, you need to make sure they are going to carry out the work safely. Once they are on board, you must also monitor if the contractor is following good health and safety practices on-site. Ensure you are including contractors in Toolbox Meetings to give them the opportunity to have input into health and safety.

Collecting evidence of this process is important so we recommend putting a system in place, so nothing falls through the cracks: What you should be asking your contractors for:

Pre-qualification company checks once a year:

• Insurance (public liability).

• A policy and procedures document and evidence they follow good processes.

Pre-site induction of workers:

• Trade qualifications and experience.

On-site induction of workers:

• Have they read and agreed to the Site Specific Safety Plan?

• Have they been made aware of any hazards on-site?

• Are they bringing any hazards on-site?

• Have they been made aware of the on-site incident reporting process and emergency procedures?

On-site health and safety

As a yardstick, good health and safety on-site would be your contractor completing at least two Toolbox Meetings and four Risk Assessments each month, and a Task Analysis anytime high-risk work is carried out.

The on-site induction is your opportunity to set expectations of how you expect the contractor to participate in risk identification and management. New workers are at a greater risk of injuring themself than your existing crew, so a good induction is vital in avoiding injuries and downtime.

Stay on top of these checks with an automated system

When you’ve got a lot of contractors coming and going, it can turn into a bit of a headache trying to stay on top of checking all these documents. HazardCo has created a simple, automated system to nail contractor management. We will send reminders to complete the documentation, you will get alerts if someone scans into a site who hasn’t been approved, and we will even send notifications if the documents are about to expire. Unless you hear otherwise, you can be sure everyone on-site is good to go.

Find out more about HazardCo Contractor Management on our website at www.hazardco.com/nz or give us a call on 0800 555 339.

The HazardCo Team. HazardCo is a NZCB Affinity Partner and, as your trusted safety partner, we provide you with the tools and support you need to #SortYourSafety.

Hidden hazard for outdoor workers

When it comes to safety on the job site, there are many hazards to be aware of, but harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, while not immediately obvious, are one of the biggest risks for outdoor workers. People who work outside receive up to 10 times more UV radiation exposure than indoor workers, putting them at high risk of developing skin cancer.

Cancer Society Medical Director Dr Kate Gregory says: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unfortunately, many outdoor workers in New Zealand are not provided adequate shade or are not wearing adequate sun protection equipment even though these actions can make a real difference in reducing the risk of skin cancers.”

Waikanae-based builder and joiner Phil Morgan, 42 (Te Whānauā-Apanui), says: “I think about skin cancer regularly.” After years in the building industry, Phil established his company Morgancraft Construction Limited in 2018. For Phil, as a single parent of four young children, looking after his health means looking after his whānau. “Protecting my skin means protecting my livelihood and my family”.

Establishing his own company led to looking into his entitlements as a business owner and understanding what business purchases are tax-deductible. “As I’m self-employed, it’s good to know that sun protection items are tax-deductible for outdoor workers.”

Phil has had skin checks in the past but hasn’t attended one for a while. He’s now conscious of the need to check his skin monthly and go to his GP if there are new spots or changes in the shape, colour or size of any existing spots or moles. “I really need to book in for a skin check.”

Dr Kate Gregory says: “Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if caught early. It is so important for everyone, particularly those spending large amounts of time outdoors to regularly check their skin. And remember that you cannot see or feel UV radiation – it can be harmful even on a cool or cloudy day. Because UV damage accumulates over time, we recommend that outdoor workers use sun protection year-round. Be particularly careful from September to April between the hours of 10:00am to 4:00pm when UV levels are high.”

A sample sun protection policy for your workplace is available at https://www.cancer.org.nz/assets/ Downloads/ SunSmart/SunSmart-Sample-Policy- Workplaces.docx. For more information, visit www.cancer.org.nz.

Employer responsibilities

Employers have a duty of care to not put workers at risk from UV radiation under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 2015. If UV radiation is identified as a potential hazard, employers must take steps to eliminate and minimise the risk, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Here are some ways to reduce your workers’ exposure to UV radiation, as well as heat exhaustion:

Limit time working outside

If possible, move tasks inside or adjust work times to when UV radiation levels are lower, such as early morning or late afternoon. You can check UV levels through this app –https://niwa.co.nz/our-services/online-services/uv-ozone/ uvi-smartphone-apps

Provide shade

Allow workers to do tasks under trees or other shaded areas, or put up temporary shade structures like an outdoor gazebo. Remind staff to take breaks in shade whenever possible. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce overall UVR exposure.

Provide SunSmart personal protective equipment

Depending on the requirements of your industry, sunprotective clothing could include:

• a long-sleeved, collared shirt, ideally in a tight-weaved, dark fabric

• a wide-brimmed hat or helmet with a peak and neck guard (legionnaire’s flap)

• close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet safety and sun protection standards (check the label).

Provide sunscreen

Ensure easy access to a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30+. Ensure sunscreen is within its expiry date and not stored anywhere too hot, like a car glovebox. Provide a cooler bag with an icepack for transport in cars.

Remind employees to be SunSmart

Regularly talk to your employees about being safe when working outdoors, including the application and reapplication of sunscreen.

Encourage skin checks for early detection of skin cancers

Workers find it hard to take time off, so be a proactive boss and talk to staff about how to make it work for you and your employees to get their skin checked by a doctor. Encourage your employees to undertake regular self-checks by talking about it and providing information.

Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country’s leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders. We are committed to working with communities and decision makers by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in information and support, research and health promotion.

The

Helping at every stage is our trade.

At Bunnings Trade, we’re here to help at every stage, with a wide range of products and the services you need to get the job done from foundation to fit out. Plus, our dedicated Account Managers can help manage your projects from start to finish. Find out more about how we can help your business at bunnings.co.nz/trade

Mindset spotlight –preparing for a great 2023

As we finish up our last tasks for 2022 and get ready for a well-earned break, it helps so much to pause and take stock of the good things that came from the past year. What wins did your Business have? What great staff do you have to thank for their dedication and efforts? What jobs went well? And what do you want to change in 2023?

Whether or not we realise it, our mindset in 2022 has played a major role in our wins and losses this year. Our mindset is the most important factor in determining the success of our Business and our ability to sail through the challenges we face. It affects our confidence in our Business, how we interact with others, the decisions and choices we make, and how we view the world around us. And therefore ultimately, it affects either the success, or the struggle of our Business.

Looking ahead to a better 2023 – is it possible to change our mindset to allow for more happiness and success in business and life? Absolutely!

A happy and positive mindset makes all the difference to our success. Our brains are actually wired to work at their best when we’re feeling positive. We do our best work, make the best decisions, and are the best version of ourselves when we’re feeling good.

However, we all know that feeling good doesn’t always come easy – it’s not just a switch we can flick on, and in fact sometimes it feels like a distant reality.

Understanding the process of how our thoughts affect our reality, can help to motivate us into changing our thought patterns and behaviours, and therefore changing our outcomes.

• The process starts with our thoughts – are they positive or negative? Is Business easy, or hard? What are we focussing on?

• The filters in our brain then show us more events and circumstances to match these thoughts – meaning we’ll either notice more of the good things going on around us, or we’ll notice more of the challenges and struggles around us.

• We then start to believe our thoughts or suspicions are actually true, because we see, or think we see, evidence of them everywhere. So, when we’re thinking good positive thoughts, we see more of the good things, and therefore we believe that life (and Business) is fundamentally good. However, when we’re thinking mostly negative thoughts, then we see more of the negative things around us, and we therefore come to believe that life (and Business) is a struggle.

• Over time, our beliefs become our reality. Our negative thoughts and beliefs literally shut down the parts of our brain that would have helped us to find solutions to our problems. Whereas deliberate positive thoughts and beliefs actually switch our brain on to identifying the information, resources and people we need to help us to thrive.

How does this pattern affect us?

• Our Day – Are our thoughts focused on all things going well or on the few negative situations? And how is this making us feel?

• Our Health – The cells in our body literally listen to what our brain is telling them. When we hold onto thoughts of being sick, and we think and talk about our illnesses, then our brain sends messages out to the cells in our body to tell them we are sick, and our cells diligently oblige in keeping us unwell. When we change our thoughts to healing and being well, our cells conform to this message, and in this way we can help speed up our healing process.

• Our Relationships – Are we more focused on the good qualities of our loved ones, or on the things that annoy us, and how does this affect our relationship with them?

• Our Business –If we are having to spend a significant amount of time focusing on things that aren’t going well, then we need

to make sure we balance this by deliberately taking note of all the things that are going well. Make a mental list of them each day, or even better, write them down, and feel as grateful you can for them.

When we have a negative thought, we can take a moment, take a breath or two, and deliberately transition it into a positive thought.

So next time you hit your thumb with a hammer, remember how lucky you are to have a nail gun. Have a wonderful summer break, you deserve it.

Rachelle Hawes is the Director of Your Happy Place Limited She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in improving Mindset, Happiness and Success to their flagship Mindset Programme, the Positive Mindset Challenge. She is also a Social Entrepreneur dedicated to Sharing Kindness, Touching Hearts and Changing Lives. www.positivemindsetchallenge.com

Every positive thought helps to create a better future.

The NZCB Group Health Plan through nib

Advice Financial have partnered with New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) in conjunction with nib, to provide a group health plan that significantly benefits employers, their teams and their families.

Here’s why…

Health Insurance is a valuable benefit for your employees

Being seen as a good employer in a tight employment market can provide you with an advantage over competition.

Since the Group Health plan has been up and running, over 700 staff and their immediate families have joined and nib have paid out over $1.6 million dollars in claims. Without their Group Health Plan many of those colleagues of yours would still be waiting for that operation or treatment.

A solid health plan reduces absenteeism as your staff are able to seek treatment immediately, reducing the business risk associated with non-availability of key staff.

A group health plan provides for a more comprehensive remuneration package and is a great recruitment tool as you are providing an additional benefit when pay rates are similar.

Here’s how…

Group Health Plan key benefits:

3All pre-existing health conditions accepted from day one for all employees and immediate families (not including general exclusions).

3$300,000 per annum in surgical benefits, $200,000 in medical benefits and up to $300,000 non-Pharmac cover..

3This is an employer-to-employee offer. It requires an employer contribution and is paid through payroll to nib.

3Get your staff back to work more quickly – that’s a win-win-win for you, your team and clients.

3A great incentive to offer when competing for staff in a tight labour market.

Feeling better about Health Insurance?

3You get a lot more certainty with health insurance.

3Cover now for many unknown health issues that may arise later.

3Greater choice allows you to decide when, where, how and by whom you get treated.

3Financial support helps you stay healthier by stressing less about how to pay your healthcare costs.

3You can source the best and latest medical procedures with quicker treatment, avoiding long delays in the public health system.

Overall, this is an opportunity for your business to offer a significant benefit to your team and their families.

You will benefit from having staff who have health issues seeking early treatment and recovery, minimizing the downtime to your business. The cost per employee is generally less than an acceptable pay rise and is highly visible.

Who knows what the future holds? With an appropriate Group Health Plan, you are future-proofing against potential illness and accidents.

Building your house of wellbeing

What is ‘wellbeing’? A simple way of defining wellbeing is about us feeling good and functioning well

There is a wonderful Māori holistic model we have been using in Aotearoa New Zealand for nearly 40 years – Te Whare Tapa Whā (The House With Four Walls). It is the four cornerstones of Māori health, or wellbeing. Like any house, the four cornerstones are equally essential and should one of them become damaged or weakened, the house becomes unbalanced. If we’re not feeling our best, we can look at these areas and see which ones we can strengthen.

• Taha tinana (physical health)

• Taha wairua (spiritual health)

• Taha whānau (family health)

• Taha hinengaro (mental health)

Wellbeing is a package. We need to take a holistic approach and ensure we are nurturing the four walls that make up our “house” of wellbeing. As we near the Christmas season and all the challenges it can bring, now more than ever, your “house” is the most important job you should have on your books.

if you were to undertake a building inspection on your “house”, would you be able to sign you off? Or would you find cracks in the foundation, leaks in the cladding and a few tiles missing on the roof!

Keeping all of these balanced can seem overwhelming, so we wanted to share a few easy ways to boost your health over the Christmas break and beyond to have four strong walls of wellness.

Walking barefoot on the grass

Get those thick socks and steel caps off and plant your feet on some fresh green grass. Amazingly it can help prevent insomnia, reduce inflammation, stimulate your organs, and increase the level of endorphins (feel-good hormones). Research also shows that walking barefoot on grass helps to decrease stress levels by 62 percent.

Fishing

Yes, I said it. We all know and love it, but did you know you have even more reasons to get out on that boat, stand by a lake, or clamber round the rocks this summer? Simply being on or near water frees up our mind from daily stress and has a calming effect on our brain.

Fishing requires lots of focus and awareness. This takes your mind off internal conflict and stress, similar to meditation. As a result, it helps to reduce anxiety, increases concentration and promote relaxation. And perhaps one of the best benefits is that you get to connect with friends and family over something you all enjoy.

We know you start your day early, and we know you can face any number of challenges before you’ve even reached smoko. Weather conditions, contractors, lack of staff, material supplies, physical fatigue, injuries, calls from the bank and of course the relentless pandemic still doing its rounds. So, ask yourself,

Spring clean…

Hold on, don’t stop reading. You might be thinking this is the last thing you want to do, but evidence shows that a clean room improves your mental health.

Like any house, the four cornerstones are equally essential and should one of them become damaged or weakened, the house becomes unbalanced.

By cleaning and decluttering you are also increasing your productivity. Our recommendation is to get in that garage, mancave or family area, throw open the windows, blast those summer tunes, sing like no-one’s listening, and de-clutter.

Try something new Why? I say, why not! New experiences are good for our emotional health. Trying new things gives us a hit of dopamine (feel good chemicals) and makes us feel rewarded. Fear is often the biggest barrier to doing something new. Here are three reasons to try something new these holidays:

1. Time becomes more memorable! By trying new things regularly, time becomes marked by these special times, giving you memories, which will last a lifetime.

ai166785608754_M26. Human Ex_Half page.pdf 1 8/11/22 10:21 AM

2. You could find your passion or a new hobby. It enables you to learn more about yourself, and you might even find your superpower!

3. You experience more of life. Do not limit yourself. Go for it. If you are adventurous enough, you will come back with new life lessons, friends, and perspectives. Overall, you will become a well-rounded person.

As we know, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the second-best time… is today. Go on do something for you and kick start your wellness journey.

Lindsey Rayner, Director at Humanex Lindsey has over fifteen years’ experience working with organisations, to help them achieve their goals and aspirations. Her focus is supporting organisations to educate and empower their people to make positive change and create a company culture they are proud of. Lindsey specialises is Mental Health First Aid Aotearoa, which she is a Master Instructor.

Research also shows that walking barefoot on grass helps to decrease stress levels by 62 percent.

Waikato Family Zoo Day

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Waikato Committee was super excited to finally be able to offer NZCB Waikato and Coromandel members an event that catered for the whole family!

We threw lots of ideas around but, with so many COVID restrictions, it has been hard to get something across the line. Finally, we decided on a family day at the Hamilton Zoo, for Sunday 18 September.

The sun was shining, and the day went off without a hitch. As they came through the zoo gates, families collected goodie bags filled with snacks and drinks for the visit and were then free to explore

the zoo at their leisure. The feedback was very positive, and our members and their families loved the day.

We haven’t done an event like this before, where partners and kids are invited; it’s normally just the members and perhaps their building or admin team. So it was nice to do something that the whole family could enjoy.

Alan Warburton

NZCB Waikato President

Auckland Golf Day raises over $10k for Cancer Society

It had been a long wait, but on the 22nd of September, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Auckland Committee finally managed to hold our Charity Golf Day.

The Auckland Committee would like to say a big thank you to the sponsors of the day, as we could not have offered such an amazing event for our members without their generous contributions. The players were able to interact with sponsors throughout the day, participate in fun activities, and win some great prizes.

Congratulations to the 2022 winning teams:

1st place – Downright Construction

2nd place – Baysider Designer Homes

3rd place – Camden Construction

The committee was thrilled to host over 100 players at the Akarana Golf Club, to enjoy a day of golf, connection, and fundraising.

After a fine, but slightly overcast, morning, players were optimistic about the weather, as they mingled around the BBQ for a pre-tee-off lunch. Sadly, the skies opened mid-afternoon and, after 18 holes, the players were wet through when they got back to the clubhouse. But it had been over two years since Auckland held their last Charity Golf Day, and the players and sponsors weren’t going to throw in the towel because of a little downpour. It might have been cold and wet, but the rain couldn’t dampen people’s spirits!

The country has had challenging times over the past couple of years, and there have been few opportunities to mingle in a group this size. The day was enjoyed by all, and we received positive feedback from attendees, saying they loved being able to reconnect and have fun – all for a good cause.

Our charity of choice was the Cancer Society of New Zealand, and over $10k was raised on the day!

“You could see the Cancer Society was blown away at the result,” said NZCB Auckland Vice-President Paul Young, “We couldn’t have achieved such a successful outcome without Riggsy (from Hirepool) as the auctioneer on the night. He really got the audience involved and squeezed out those few extra dollars for the Cancer Society.”

Left to right: NZCB Board Chairperson Nick Farrelly, the winning team from Downright Construction – Daniel Hawe-Mills, Dillon O’Leary, Mathew Clark, Tai Fenton – and NZCB Auckland President Barbara MacGregor.

Barbara MacGregor

NZCB Auckland President

Left to right: Rowan Wade, Kris MacGregor, Donald MacGregor, Patrick Fraser.

Left to right: NZCB Auckland Committee member Clement Richer, NZCB Auckland President Barbara MacGregor, NZCB Auckland Committee member Grant Boylan presenting Cancer Society of New Zealand Auckland Northand Division’s Lucy Humphreys with a cheque for $10,450, the total money raised from the Charity Golf auction.

SAVE the DATE

26 and 27 May 2023

NZCB

AGM,

CONFERENCE AND EXPO

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Christchurch

‘Building for climate change’

With an estimated 750+ delegates expected to attend our Annual AGM, Conference and Expo, this is the biggest event in the NZCB calendar!

Whether you are an Individual member, a Business member or work behind the scenes in the office, next year’s choc-a-block agenda full of education, motivation, inspiration and tools has something for everyone: NZCB’s 25th members’ only AGM • Keynote and motivational speakers • 12 Educational Workshops

• Industry specific Expo stands • Final of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge • 2 x evening functions

This is the perfect opportunity for you and your team to learn, get inspired, have fun, make lifelong friends, and stay up to date and ahead of the competition!

ITAB Apprentice Completions

Congratulations to all the ITAB Apprentices who have recently completed their National Certificates in Carpentry Level 4!

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Patrick Harnett Angus McKellar Builders Limited

Shaun van der Plas Bushnell Builders Limited

Northtec – Future Trades

Benjamin Potter NPM Construction Limited

Chance Tautari Grant Tregidga Builders Limited

Aidan Williams McAulay Construction

Rawiri Webb Ian Rikys Builders

Floyd Chadwick Absolute Build Limited

Joshua Welsh Whangārei Builders Limited

Cameron Hill NPM Construction Limited

Otago Polytechnic

Jordon TeOhaere McIver Building

George Stoddart ATD Building (2007) Limited

Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)

Corey Baines JCC Build

Jed Handley-Copp Ridgeline Homes

Lucile Richardson Graham Walker Builders

Yonghui Nan 8 Great Homes Limited

Te Aoturoa Armstrong-Nield Hokioi Builders

Xinlong Zhong Intop Homes Limited

Aidan Williams is employed by McAulay Construction and attended NorthTec.

Joshua Welsh is employed by Whangārei Builders and attended NorthTec.

Applications for the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge are now open!

Competitors will be tasked to complete a challenging project for a specific end user within the allotted 8.0 hours. Thanks to ITM’s sponsorship, every competitor will receive a prize pack for participating as well as major prizes up for grabs for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters!

The Challenge is open to apprentices employed by NZCB builders or enrolled with ITAB. *conditions apply

Changes for ITAB Apprenticeship Programme

In February 2019, the New Zealand Government announced the Review of Vocational Education, commonly referred to as RoVE. The changes that have occurred due to RoVE will have a significant impact on carpentry and apprenticeship training nationwide, including the future of the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB).

Employers

If you employ or supervise an existing ITAB apprentice, our support and commitment to you and your apprentice will continue unchanged (conditions* apply) until they have either:

• completed their training and graduated from the ITAB Programme, or,

• elected to withdraw, or transferred to an alternative training programme.

Please note: the withdrawal of ITAB does not mean that your apprentice’s training will cease. They will continue to be supported for the duration of their apprenticeship by the Institute of Technology or Polytechnic that they are currently enrolled with.

If you have any concerns, please contact your Training Provider in the first instance.

Apprentices

Regretfully, ITAB will no longer be available to new apprentices enrolling after 31 December 2022. It will be phased out over the next 2 to 3 years while existing apprentices complete their apprenticeship training. If you are an existing ITAB apprentice, this will not affect you.

Even if your Training Provider has elected to withdraw from ITAB, as an existing apprentice, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), under the ITAB Apprenticeship Programme, will continue its support and commitment to you and your apprenticeship training (conditions* apply) until either you have:

• completed your training and graduated from the ITAB, or,

• elected to withdraw, or transferred to an alternative training programme.

The reasons for ITAB’s withdrawal

The decision to withdraw ITAB was not made lightly. ITAB’s Board of Directors and Management sought consultation with their affected Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic partners, and from ITAB’s Industry Advisory Group. All agreed, on balance, due to RoVE reforms, that ITAB would struggle to remain an effective mechanism to support apprentices and employers alike.

What’s next?

ITAB is an industry partnership between NZCB and Industry Training Providers nationwide. While ITAB will no longer be available from 1 January 2023, NZCB remains committed to quality training and support of carpentry apprentices and will be launching a new membership service, the Apprenticeship Support Programme, to replace ITAB. The Apprenticeship Support Programme will be exclusively available to NZCB Business Members.

If you would like to know more, please contact me on nick@nzcb.nz.

*Apprentices must remain financial members of ITAB.

Nick Matthews

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager

Taking recycling to the next level

Aliaxis New Zealand and Waste Management New Zealand are proud to announce a significant $12.5m investment in their mission to dramatically reduce plastic construction and demolition waste in New Zealand.

The investment includes a grant of $4.46m from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund (PIF) and is the result of a joint application by Aliaxis with Waste Management New Zealand, Unitec ESRC and the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) .

The $50 million fund was set up by Government in 2021 to support ways to reduce plastic waste in the environment. Aliaxis is one of the first four recipients of grants from the fund.

The joint project supports all five desired outcomes for the PIF –minimising plastic waste, supporting circular solutions, protecting the environment from harm, supporting the reduction of imported plastic and improving the behaviour of people and businesses.

The project includes:

• Investing in new plastic recycling facilities across New Zealand which will sort, wash and shred PVC and HDPE plastic from construction and demolition, commercial and industrial sources

• Establishing a network of metropolitan and regional PVC and HDPE collection services in partnership with Waste Management New Zealand

• Carrying out research with Unitec ESRC and BRANZ into practical solutions to minimise plastic construction waste and help to raise awareness of plastic recycling.

Collected plastic will be used at Aliaxis New Zealand’s sites to manufacture the next generation of PVC and HDPE piping systems used in building, infrastructure and agriculture projects across New Zealand, completing the loop and reducing overall plastic resin importation.

Scott Townsend, General Manager of Marketing at Marley (one of four Aliaxis businesses in New Zealand), says that the company is incredibly proud to be among the first to participate in this fund.

He says a key to the success of the project is the partnership with Waste Management to manage collection, sorting and collating of the product before on sending it to Aliaxis for re-processing.

“It was important that we had the collection and the logistical aspect that Waste Management provides. And as Waste Management operates nationally, it allows us to scale nationally, and to collect and recycle reasonably close to source to reduce the transport factor,” he says.

Townsend says that in the past three years he’s seen a significant change of perception across the Building and Construction industry and in deed the general public.

“Sustainability and environmental factors have often been ‘niceto-have’, as long as they didn’t affect the commercial aspects of a project – when it got to the actual, practical end in terms of the installation of the products and systems and delivery of a completed building project to a client, they were lower down the list of priorities.

“Whereas now the environment and waste reduction are definitely more front and centre,” he says.

The Aliaxis group has a global focus on sustainability, with a goal to reduce their carbon footprint by 75% by 2025. They’re already the largest manufacturer of PVC and PE in New Zealand so are well positioned to re-use end-of-life and off-cut PVC and PE. In fact, they have already recycled about 400,000 kilograms so far this year from a variety of external sources both within and outside the Building and Construction industry.

“PVC and PE are fantastic products when they’re used in long-use applications because they’re so durable and flexible and can be used in so many different products,” says Townsend.

“There are challenges to overcome in recycling PVC and PE, but the beauty of it is, if you can, the new products go back into service for another 20, 50, even 100 years sometimes – so you can genuinely create a circular loop that’s very long-lasting,” he says.

“If you look at it from a whole-of-life perspective, that’s a really good story.”

To learn more about Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha – The Plastics Innovation Fund, see the Ministry for the Environment website: https://environment.govt.nz/ what-you-can-do/funding/plasticsinnovation-fund/

Marley New Zealand. Marley is a NZCB National Partners and has been part of the Aliaxis group for 15 years, providing spouting, downpipes, building, plumbing and electrical solutions for kiwis since 1959. With local manufacturing sites employing local people, the vast majority of the products Marley sell are proudly New Zealand made.

Why Building Code updates matter to builders

The Building Code sets the performance standards for all building work in New Zealand. When it changes you need to know about it.

The Building Code should be something every builder is familiar with as all building work needs to comply with its requirements. This is the case whether a consent is required or not.

The Building Code sets the standards buildings must meet, covering things such as structural stability, durability, protection from fire, access, moisture control, services and facilities, and energy efficiency. Our building code in Aotearoa New Zealand is performance based. This means the code states how a building must perform, rather than describing how the building must be designed and constructed.

The Building Regulatory System

Our Building Regulatory System provides a framework for the building process. The system structure includes things that must be complied with – such as the Building Act 2004 and Building Code – as well as non-mandatory items such as acceptable solutions. Guidance documents are available to help show how you can comply with the Building Code, but you can choose if you want to use these.

Many designs use the deemed-to-comply solutions that are provided in the acceptable solutions and verification methods. These set out ways that building work can be designed and constructed, and are an easy way of ensuring a building meets the performance requirements set out in the Building Code.

Updating the Building Code

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) updates the Building Code and the deemed-to-comply documents regularly. We do this to ensure that the system is effective and keeps pace with changes to construction methods, and that our buildings are safe, healthy and durable.

When we make changes to the Building Code, or to the acceptable solutions and verification methods, we run a consultation first. This gives everyone the chance to submit feedback on the proposed changes. After the consultation closes, all submissions are considered and analysed before we release the outcome of consultation and updated documents are published.

The public consultation phase is where you get to have your say about the changes that we are proposing. It’s a chance to look at what will change and consider how it will affect you and your business. We want to make sure that builders know about our consultations as it’s important that we hear what you think about the changes. Consultation proposals explain what we want to change and ask if you support the idea. We are also really keen to know how long you think we should allow before the change is effective, to give you enough time to prepare for it, and what help and information you think you will need.

The changes are likely to have a direct impact on how you build, so it’s vital that you find out about them as early as possible and take the opportunity to let us know what you think.

Recent changes to the Building Code

The Building Code

The Building Code outlines the minimum requirements that buildings must achieve. It’s a performance-based system, so designers, architects, and builders can meet the building standards in a number of ways.

An alternative solution can be used to show compliance for an unusual or new design. By focusing on how buildings perform rather than how they are built, the building standards can be met in flexible and innovative ways.

It’s fair to say that the 2021-22 period has been a challenging time for builders. We know that the pressures that the sector faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have meant that you are short on time. It may seem that finding out about updates to the building code documents and the impacts of these on how you build will take time that you don’t really have, but they are important, and we are keen to help you with this.

Here are some of the recent changes, and some help that is available to get you up to speed with them:

H1 Energy efficiency

• In November 2021 MBIE announced the biggest energy efficiency changes to the Building Code in over a decade which aim to reduce energy needed for heating residential homes by approximately 40%. We published updates to the acceptable solutions and verification methods for H1 Energy efficiency. You can find these, along with a summary of the changes on our website www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/ h-energy-efficiency/h1-energy-efficiency/

• The H1 changes are effective now, but there is a staged transition period for insulation in housing which is shown in the figure. You can check what climate zone your building is in in any of the acceptable solutions or verification methods.

• To help people understand the updated requirements, the Building Performance team have created two new learning modules covering insulation, energy efficiency and climate zones. Module 1 is aimed at homeowners and the general public. It helps you understand why insulation is important in buildings to increase energy efficiency and the benefits of installing better insulation. It explains how to identify the climate zones that different parts of the country fall into and the background to the new requirements for houses that will apply from May next year.

Windows and doors

Roofs

Floors

Climate zones 1 and 2 = R0.37

Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.37

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.37

Region A1 = R2.9

Region B2 = R3.3

All climate zones= R1.3

Walls

Skylights

Region A1 = R1.9

Region B2 = R2.0

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R0.37

Module 2 teaches you about the different compliance pathways for the Building Code’s energy efficiency requirements, including how to choose the appropriate acceptable solution or verification method for your building. It covers how to choose the compliance pathway for housing and other building uses.

H1 energy efficiency and insulation training modules –www.learning.building.govt.nz

• You can find tools and resources to help you understand the H1 changes on our Building CodeHub site –www.codehub.building.govt.nz/

• There is help available from some of our partner agencies too. You can find resources from our partner agencies such as the BRANZ H1 Resource Hub – https://h1hub.branz.nz/H1Hub/s/

Other changes:

• The 2021 Building Code updates also brought changes to some other code clauses, including G7 Natural light. We have published an online learning module to explain the changes. It covers the scope of the different deemed to comply documents and help choose the right one for your building. G7 Natural light training module – www.learning.building.govt.nz

Climate zones 1 and 2 = R0.46

Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.46

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.50

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R6.6

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zones 1 to 4) = R1.5

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zone 5) = R1.6

Slab-on-ground floors (Climate zone 6) = R1.7

Other floors (Climate zones 1 to 3) = R2.5

Other floors (Climate zone 4) = R2.8

Other floors (Climate zones 5 and 6) = R3.0

Climate zones 1 to 6 = R2.0

Climate zones 1 and 2 = R0.46

Climate zones 3 and 4 = R0.54

Climate zones 5 and 6 = R0.62

1 Region A comprises all of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui excluding the Taupō District, the Ruapehu District and the part of the Rangitikei District north of 39°50’S (-39.83), and all offshore islands north of 37°15’S (-37.25).

What next for Building Code updates?

This year MBIE consulted on changes that focussed on plumbing and drainage, protection from fire and structural stability of hollowcore floors.

You can read the consultation documents on the MBIE website https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/building-code-update-2022

The consultation closed on 1 July 2022 and we received over 100 detailed submissions and comments. MBIE have now made decisions on two of the proposed changes: limiting the maximum allowable content of lead in new plumbing products and removing the deemed to comply solution for new hollow-core flooring systems. Updated acceptable solution and verification method Building Code documents will be published for these on the Building Performance website in November 2023.

2 Region B comprises the Taupō District, the Ruapehu District, the part of the Rangitikei District north of 39°50’S (-39.83), the South Island/Te Waipounamu, Stewart Island/ Rakiura, the Chatham Islands, and all offshore islands south of 37°15’S (-37.25).

MBIE will now continue to work through the submissions on the proposed changes to protection from fire, and the other plumbing and drainage proposals. Due to the number of in-depth submissions received, we will announce the remaining decisions prior to publishing the Building Code acceptable solutions and verification methods in November 2023.

Changes to the Building Code affect what you do. Make sure that you stay up to date with these changes when they come into effect by subscribing for updates on our website www.building.govt.nz

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment . MBIE is the central regulator of New Zealand’s building system. Our Building System Performance (BSP) branch provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs. Find out more at www.building.govt.nz

BCITO 2023 and beyond

It’s important that industry understands what to expect of Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) in 2023 and beyond, our transition into Te Pūkenga and the end of fees free trades training through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) are particularly relevant topics, as we move toward the close of 2022.

BCITO’s transition into Te Pūkenga

Te Pūkenga is in the process of determining its future operating model for vocational education, which includes BCITO and other Work Based Learning divisions. The operating model and proposed structure of Te Pūkenga – the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology have been designed to give employers and learners more choice and flexibility in what, where and how learning happens within one system across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The initial transition step involved BCITO becoming a Transitional Industry Training Organisation (TITO) in 2020 as part of the Reform of Vocational Education. In 2021, Te Pūkenga Work Based Learning was established as a special purpose vehicle to receive transitional industry training organisations before integrating into Te Pūkenga. BCITO became a division of Te Pūkenga Work Based Learning on 4 October 2022 and along with all other Work Based Learning divisions will transition into Te Pūkenga on 31 December 2022.

Recently, you will have seen Te Pūkenga brand awareness advertising across Aotearoa New Zealand media channels, as Te Pūkenga made its nationwide introduction.

What you can expect 2023 and beyond

• In 2023, all delivery will be carried out by Te Pūkenga and there will be a transition from the current BCITO/ Te Pūkenga co-branding towards the Te Pūkenga brand.

• Rest assured, you will be dealing with the same people and receiving the same level of service, supporting the same qualifications in 2023, as you do today.

You can read the full story of what you can expect 2023 and beyond on our website: www.bcito.org.nz.

Fees free trades training via TTAF ends in 2022

Apprenticeships and most BCITO training programmes have been fully funded by the government since July 2020 through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund scheme, which is ending on 31 December 2022.

As of 1 January 2023, fees payable by either apprentices or employers (depending on who you named as payer in your Training Agreement) will be in effect.

2023 Pricing

To help you plan for future training cost, please go to our website: www.bcito.org.nz, to review either 2023 Course Fees or 2023 OffJob Training Fees. For more information, you can also contact our BCITO team at info@bcito.org.nz.

Certain fees are free in 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, some apprentices and other learners may be eligible for free fees under the Fees Free scheme that preexisted the TTAF and is still ongoing. Learners will need to check their eligibility using the NSN checker tool at www.feesfree.govt.nz. They will also need to enter their National Student Number (NSN). BCITO will inform any apprentices who were previously under the Fees Free scheme if they still have credit left in this scheme closer to the beginning of 2023.

BCITO. Through on-the-job training and regular guidance, BCITO is building a skilled workforce in which talented people can excel. Alongside our industry employers, we create futures for dedicated tradies. We help them develop successful careers and become valuable contributors in New Zealand’s building and construction industry. We honour and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all we do.

Adhesives: Sometimes moisture is your friend

We are so conditioned to be wary of moisture that it sounds odd to say that there are times when a little bit of moisture is definitely of assistance. As the summer temperatures hit us hard, key products such as polyurethane based construction adhesives, wood adhesives and foams will all adhere better with just a little bit of moisture applied to the surface first – with a wipe from a damp cloth or mist with a spray bottle.

This is because these products are moisture-cured, so as our summer temperatures rise both curing and adhesion rates decline. The tip from our Technical team is.. apply a small amount of water and you’ll get a better result!

For more helpful tips from Soudal, check out the ‘Soudal Knowledge Builders’ section of our website https://soudal.co.nz/extras-2/knowledge-builders/#

This Technical Tip was supplied by NZCB National Partner Soudal. Soudal are a key supplier of sealants, foams and adhesives to tradies under our iconic Gorilla brand. For over 30 years Gorilla Grip, Foam, Glues and Silicones have proven their quality, reliability and technical performance in kiwi conditions. www.soudal.co.nz

To strip or not to strip?

It is sad but true that we all deteriorate and weaken with age and the same goes for paint systems. The first coat of paint inevitably becomes the oldest as new repaints are applied on top of it. Eventually the original coat will just become too tired and simply let go and, when it goes, everything above it goes as well.

Picking just exactly when built-up paint systems require total removal is difficult because failure of the underlying system can be catastrophic with few early clues. An old original primer might be coping but the additional stress of applying yet another repaint could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

The old primer lets go of the substrate in blisters that go right back to the original surface. The fault is not the latest topcoat, but that the old primer can no longer perform. Total removal is then necessary as patching up is only a palliative.

The need for total removal can sometimes be predicted with a tape test.

You can use the following tape test to indicate how well the paint is adhered:

• Make a number of close crosshatch criss cross cuts in the paint using a shape blade.

• Press strong self-adhesive tape over the cut areas and make sure it is pushed down well so it is well adhered.

• Pull off the tape at a right angle to the surface.

• If paint flakes come off with the tape it generally indicates that paint adhesion is weak and that the paint should stripped off before repainting.

Take the hard work out of chemical anchoring

While chemical anchoring gives the wise builder a lot more freedom and options than mechanical anchoring, you still need to know the correct anchoring adhesive to use to install your bars, bolts, fastening systems, etc.

Most jobs can be categorised into either “structural” or “nonstructural” applications, but in New Zealand today there are now some jobs that require a “seismic” rated anchoring adhesive. So, how do you know what to use and how much you’ll need?

Sika wants to make it easier for you, so we’ve developed a short online course that covers the basics of chemical anchoring, what each Sika AnchorFix® product does and where they’re used. There’s a short quiz at the end and you also get a Sika certificate –great for logging up those LBP elective skills maintenance points.

And once you’ve built your brain with the course, you can save your brain by downloading the new Sika AnchorFix Volume Calculator APP – it’s the easiest way to work out how much Sika anchoring adhesive you’ll need for your job! (It’s a free download in the Apple Store or Google Play.)

For more information on the Sika AnchorFix range, use the QR codes below or visit https://nzl.knowledge.sika. com/a-guide-to-sika-anchorfixchemical-anchoring-adhesives

This Technical Tip was supplied by NZCB National Partners, Resene Paints Limited Resene Paints have been making quality paints, wood stains, coatings and colours in New Zealand since 1946. For more information visit: www.resene.co.nz

This Technical Tip was supplied by NZCB National Partners Sika NZ Sika is a National Partner of NZCB and a global supplier of construction products. Sika has more than 100 years of experience and combines strong global R&D with quality, Kiwi expertise. Visit www.sika.co.nz for product info or enquiries.

The Sika Knowledge Cenre. FREE online courses on all things construcion

The Sika AnchorFix APP FREE download of the volume calculator

ISUZU D-MAX Tough ute for tough builders

A great builder needs a great ute to help get the job done. That’s where our award-winning D-Max comes in. It’s not just NZ’s safest ute, it’s also NZ4WD Ute of the Year 2021. With the power and reliability of our 3.0L turbo-diesel engine and 3,500kg braked towing capacity, it’s quite possibly the best workmate you could have.

Even better, we have a special price for NZCB members. Get in touch with us to learn more.

www.isuzuutes.co.nz/nzcb-members

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) would like to thank the following companies, our Strategic Partners (corporate sponsors), who play a vital part in assisting to cover costs for our members personal development/training through NZCB regional seminars, NZCB Annual Conference and monthly live Zoom webinars. Their support also assists to cover expenses with our marketing and communications.

NZCB Affinity Partners

NZCB is proud to partner with the following companies, who are aligned with the Association to bring our members discounted services and products.

More information on these services and products can be found under the Member Benefits section, on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website, www.nzcb.nz/members/member-benefits/ or by contacting Kirsty at the NZCB National Support Office on 0800 237 843 or kirsty@nzcb.nz.

NZCB National Partners

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is proud to partner with the following companies who align with our Association and give NZCB members access to a wealth of expertise and support throughout New Zealand.

COMPANY WEBSITE

National Partners Standard

Abodo Wood Ltd www.abodo.co.nz

Altus NZ Ltd www.altus.co.nz

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions New Zealand www.assaabloy.co.nz

Bahco www.bahco.co.nz

Bowers Brothers Concrete Ltd www.bowersbrothers.co.nz

Builda Price (2016) Ltd www.buildaprice.co.nz

CS For Doors Ltd www.csfordoors.co.nz

CSR Building Products (NZ) Ltd www.csr.co.nz

ECKO Fastening Systems www.ecko.co.nz

FMI Building Innovation www.aslnz.co.nz

Franklin Plumbing and Builders Supplies Ltd www.franklins.co.nz

Free Up www.freeup.kiwi

Futurewood www.futurewood.nz

GCH Aviation Ltd www.gchaviation.com

GTEE.co.nz www.gtee.co.nz

Hilti (New Zealand) Ltd www.hilti.com

HomePlus www.homeplus.co.nz

Independent Building Supplies www.ibs.co.nz

INTAKS NZ Ltd www.intaks.co.nz

James Hardie New Zealand www.jameshardie.co.nz

JSC Timber www.jsctimber.co.nz

Kingspan Thermakraft Ltd www.thermakraft.co.nz

KLC Ltd www.klc.co.nz

Kopine www.kopine.co.nz

Laminex New Zealand www.laminexnewzealand.co.nz

Marley New Zealand Ltd www.marley.co.nz

Marshall Innovations Ltd www.mwnz.com

MiTek New Zealand Ltd www.miteknz.co.nz

My Smart Office Ltd mysmartoffice.co.nz

COMPANY WEBSITE

Open2view www.open2view.co.nz

Pacific Steel (NZ) Ltd www.pacificsteel.co.nz

Paslode New Zealand www.paslode.co.nz

Pro Clima New Zealand Ltd www.proclima.co.nz

Productspec Ltd www.productspec.net

Proven Systems Ltd (DVS) www.dvs.co.nz

Red LBP Ltd www.redlbp.co.nz

Red QS Ltd www.redqs.nz

Rosenfeld Kidson & Co. Ltd rosenfeldkidson.co.nz

Schneider Electric www.pdl.co.nz

Sellwood Products Ltd www.sellwood.co.nz

Simx Ltd www.simx.co.nz

Soudal Ltd www.soudal.co.nz

Tax Management New Zealand www.tmnz.co.nz

The Trades Coach www.tradescoach.co.nz

Tile Space www.tiles.co.nz

Viking Roofspec www.vikingroofspec.co.nz

Warmup NZ Ltd www.warmup.co.nz

YourQS Ltd www.yourqs.co.nz

National Partners Professional

Milwaukee Tools NZ www.milwaukeetools.co.nz

Resene Paints Ltd www.resene.co.nz

SIKA New Zealand www.nzl.sika.com

National Partners Premium

APL Window Solutions www.aplnz.co.nz

Bunnings Ltd www.bunnings.co.nz

Comfortech Building Performance Solutions www.pinkbatts.co.nz

Gerard Roofs www.gerardroofs.co.nz

PlaceMakers www.placemakers.co.nz

Red Stag Timber www.redstag.co.nz

Resene Construction Systems www.reseneconstruction.co.nz