NZCB InHouse magazine February/March 2023

NZCB NEWS

From

Chief Executive Report

NEWS BITES

TRADIE ACADEMY

Where to focus in uncertain times

What is your time worth?

NZCB Building Contracts: What changes should you not agree to?

Make tech a powerful, everyday tool

Workplace law update – what’s on the horizon?

LEADERSHIP

WELLNESS

EVENTS

NZCB Conference and Expo 2022 highlights 40

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM 2022 Final 44

NZCB Educational Events Calendar 2023 50

NZCB Regional Events Calendar 52

MATES In Construction Residential Wellbeing Workshops 2023 54

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Regional Competitions 2023 55

NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo 2023 56

REGIONAL NEWS

Auckland region events change pace 58

Waikato/Coromandel Annual Charity Golf Day 2022 60 Wellington end-of-year event 61 Canterbury new members evening 61

HEALTH & SAFETY

How can we stop hand injuries happening? 62 Starting out right with health and safety 64

APPRENTICE SUPPORT

ITAB Apprentice Completions 65 Introduction to the NZCB Apprentice Network 66

INDUSTRY NEWS

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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

Welcome to 2023! I hope you were able to take some time off over the holiday season, the cobwebs got blown out of the barbie (and it was put to good use), the new line on your fishing reel was well used and, above all, you shared some great company, pavlova and laughs with family and friends, and are ready to tackle 2023 head on!

As this issue goes to post, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office is a hive of activity once again, with planning well underway for the busy year ahead.

With many national and regional events, the calendar is certainly looking chocka! The first half of the year will see a wellbeing workshop, an H1 and Building Ethics changes roadshow, regional Annual General Meetings (AGMs), the NZCB Apprentice Challenge regional competitions and, the biggest event for the year, our National AGM, Conference and Expo, which will take place in Christchurch. More NZCB events can be found on the Educational Calendar on pages 50 and 51.

As promised in this issue, we recap and share the successes that both the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM final (pages 44-48) and the NZCB Conference and Expo (pages 40–43) were. In addition, we have updates from our Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming and the NSO team (including some new faces to introduce you to), and more details about the new NZCB Apprentice Network. We also cover some specifics on Spec Homes from our Halo Guarantees Limited team, and we catch up with a couple of regions on successful events held before Christmas.

With so many great articles I can’t mention them all, but in this issue I’ve tried to cover a mixture of topics to educate, as well as

keeping you well informed and up to date with what’s going on. You will find new products (in our News Bites section) and some useful tips and tricks (in our From our Partners section) that our Partners would like to share. There are also more educational and informative articles about health and safety, wellness, and industry news.

The Tradie Academy section this time contains a wide range of topics, including articles on focussing during uncertain times, cyber insurance, marketing during a recession, and making tech a powerful everyday tool. But it doesn’t stop there: you will also find articles on what is on the horizon for workplace law and a MUST READ article on NZCB Building Contracts and the changes you should not agree to.

I will end it there and let you get started on reading the first issue of InHouse for 2023. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I have enjoyed putting it together for you. All the very best for the year ahead. I hope it is a successful one for all.

Happy reading

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.

NZCB

Chief Executive Report

At the time of writing, the 2022 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Conference and Expo had just been completed, an event that was very well supported despite the move from its traditional May date in the calendar. I would like to acknowledge the NZCB National Support Office (NSO) team for their work on the Conference and Expo, and NZCB General Manager – Marketing and Services Karla Farrar in particular, who oversaw the delivery of a well-run event. We received positive feedback from NZCB members and Expo stand holders alike: a difficult balance to strike, and one that was achieved.

A thank you to members also, for supporting the Association with the COVID-19 influenced date change. Planning for the 2023 NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo in Christchurch (save the dates Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May) will be well advanced by the time this edition of InHouse is published, with the programme outline benefiting from NZCB member input via a small NZCB Conference Working Group.

The 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo was an opportunity to showcase, to the Regulator and Government funded entities, the value that can be derived from direct engagement with residential SME builders through the conduit that NZCB provides. Conversely, NZCB members were pleased to hear about the Association’s advocacy and multi-levelled engagement with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Waihanga Ara Rau, via presentations from their Building Performance Unit General Manager and Chief Executive, respectively. My overriding impression of the NZCB Conference and Expo was that it represented an engaged and collaborative residential building market network. I enjoyed it immensely.

The launch of NZCB Apprentice Network represents the culmination of a 12-month long effort, which has been led by NZCB’s Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager, Nick Matthews.

Our work in the apprentice training space is not going unnoticed, with five Auckland based members joining Nick and I in a workshop with Waihanga Ara Rau that focused on the development of two training opportunities: a pre-work course to be delivered in boot camp style for a prospective apprentice to complete before entering an apprenticeship; and a course focused on an employer’s key staff, providing them with the tools required to be good trainers/mentors to the apprentices within their teams. The thinking is that both initiatives will be developed as stand-alone micro-credential qualifications, with our goal being to have at least one of these qualifications ready to be launched at the 2023 NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo.

While these new qualifications will ultimately be rolled out across the construction industry, NZCB members should take some pride in the knowledge that it was NZCB that worked in partnership with Waihanga Ara Rau to develop them.

2022 concluded with a flurry of additional engagement opportunities:

• NZCB were involved in the foundation meeting of the SiteSafe-facilitated Residential Health & Safety Working Group (an initiative NZCB will be very engaged with);

• MBIE panel representation, which included an NZCB position on the Critical Materials Taskforce; and,

• Me, wearing my New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC) hat, as one of three members (the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) and MBIE are the others) on the H1 Oversight Group.

It quickly transpired that I was not alone in thinking that NZCB represented a focused network. Within days of the NZCB Conference and Expo concluding, NZCB received a presentation, from its marketing agency, on the name and brand for the Association’s new NZCB Apprenticeship Support Programme (ASP). This programme is an initiative to replace Industry Training Association Building (ITAB), as necessitated by the Government’s Review of Vocational Education (RoVE). The new programme, titled NZCB Apprentice Network, will be exclusive to apprentices employed by NZCB Business members, with apprentices becoming ‘Trainee members’ of the Association.

Malcolm Fleming NZCB Chief Executive

The 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo was an opportunity to showcase, to the Regulator and Government funded entities, the value that can be derived from direct engagement with residential SME builders through the conduit that NZCB provides.

Commercial trade pricing available

Contact

us for commercial trade pricing

• As a NZCB member, one of the many benefits is commercial trade pricing available through the Noel Leeming commercial division.

• Categories that are available are Ovens, Cooktops, Rangehoods, Taps, Sinks, Dishwashers, Refrigeration, lnslnkerators, Supertubs, Washing machines, Dryers, Domestic High Wall Heatpumps, Commercial and Domestic HVAC Ducted Systems.

• We have over 65 stores throughout New Zealand and distribute locally, saving both on distribution costs and delivery times for you and your clients.

• Our Commercial team specialise in project procurement and management, tenders and offer local dedicated trade managers.

• To gain access to your commercial trade pricing and local specialist contact us on 0800 44 44 88 or visit us at nlgcommercial.nz/contact-us or visit nlgcommercial.nz/building-property-residential

T&Cs Commercial trade pricing is only available through our dedicated trade managers and an NZCB membership must be active.

What is on the horizon for 2023?

As we move into 2023, we hope we can say goodbye to the last couple of years in which we have had to navigate the challenges of a pandemic and everything that has resulted from COVID-19. I am, of course, referring to all those supply delays and price increases, staff being sick and having to isolate, and having to move your team from one site to another to keep productivity up. On top of all this, we have seen increased expectations from many clients.

The plan moving forward?

As decreased building activity creates a more competitive tendering market with more demanding consumers, builders will need to be well prepared if we want to be successful. Some of the things you can do to assist with this are:

• Have pride in the brand. Turn up in a branded shirt. Have your vehicle, your website, and your business cards branded –basically oozing ‘I am a proud New Zealand Certified Builder’. First impressions count!

• Turn up with a detailed proposition package:

At the same time that builders were dealing with these challenges, the New Zealand economy was experiencing increasing inflation, with higher living costs, increasing wages and salaries, and increasing mortgage rates.

These pressures on the building industry and the New Zealand economy have made managing a business very difficult, and many businesses have had no alternative but to shut down. To those business owners who have managed to weather this challenging time, well done! I am sure you have had to make a lot of sacrifices to get here, and I hope and believe this will have strengthened your resilience, moving forward.

What have we learned?

Over the past two years, we have seen the appearance of a number of trends:

• Building activity was initially very high, meaning builders were busy and didn’t have to go looking for work. Coming to the end of 2022, we saw a considerable downturn in building activity, which is expected to continue into 2023.

• Homeowners have become more informed, meaning they are doing their homework on what they should be receiving from their builder.

• Third-party involvement has become more influential. Bank and mortgage broker requests have become more challenging for the builder. Banks have been pushing back on cost and mark-up contracts and leaning towards fixed price contracts in an effort to lock the builder into an agreement with no room to pass on any price increases and supply delay costs.

– Business prospectus/client testimonials – Quote –

Prescribed client checklist

– Prescribed disclosure statement

– NZCB Building Contract –

–

Scope of works

Halo

10-Year Residential Building Guarantee

The more information you can give the client, on who you are and what makes you different from the next builder, the better. It yields a sense of professionalism and gives the client confidence in your abilities.

• When you are with the client, sit down and take the time to go through this proposition package, so they fully understand every aspect.

The more work you put in upfront, the more likely you are to succeed not just in the tender but also in the contract.

If you are unsure where to access any of the documents and templates outlined in the above proposal package, please don’t hesitate to call the NZCB National Support Office on 0800 237 843 or join me in the next Toolshed Navigation webinar. More details and dates can be found on the Events Calendar on the members’ only Toolshed website.

Nga mihi.

Shane Ririnui NZCB Education and Technical Manager

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Updates from the National Support Office

Staff changes

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) are excited to welcome and introduce three new staff members who have recently joined the Team at the National Support Office (NSO). Below we hear from both NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming and NZCB Education and Technical Manager Shane Ririnui on the introduction of these new staff.

New Chief Financial Officer

Sandra Kennerley joins the Finance Team as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), taking over the Finance Manager’s role previously held by Gavin Lord.

Sandra joined the NZCB Team in November, coming to the Association from New Zealand Red Cross, where she was the Financial Accounting Manager. Prior to New Zealand Red Cross, Sandra was head of Finance & Operations at the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.

The CFO role represents a broader focus than the previous Finance Manager position, reflecting the scope and scale of where NZCB is projecting itself to be in the medium term. The role also incorporates immediate financial oversight of NZCB subsidiary Halo Guarantees Limited and the provision of strategic and investment advice to the Halo Guarantees Limited Chief Executive and Board.

Sandra resides on the Kapiti Coast and, following a month based in the Tauranga NSO, is now primarily working from the Wellington CBD space that NZCB is sub-leasing from a fellow construction industry association, with that arrangement coming into effect in early February 2023.

NZCB is fortunate to have someone of Sandra’s experience join us; her skillset will assist NZCB and Halo Guarantees Limited deliver on their respective strategies of expanded services that will benefit NZCB members.

Sandra’s roles will include:

• Manage and co-ordinate all aspects of the finance and financial reporting obligations for NZCB and its subsidiaries

• Manage and co-ordinate the preparation of monthly financial reports and commentaries

• Provide leadership, direction and management of the finance and accounting team

All account enquiries should be directed to NZCB’s Accounts Administrator, Esmerelda, in the first instance then, should you need her, Sandra can be contacted on 021 566 224 or sandra@nzcb.nz.

Malcolm Fleming NZCB Chief Executive

Territory Managers

Kia ora NZCB whānau,

With any business seeking to expand, you need to have the resources to do so and, with that said, I am pleased to advise the appointment of two new members to the NSO team. These appointments will be taking on duties that myself and Nick Matthews have performed for the past 6 or 7 years as Business Development Managers. However, the positions have been renamed as Territory Managers (TM) and there has been a slight refining of the role.

The duties of the new TMs will be:

• Potential membership management

• New membership induction

• Supporting the regions and Presidents in their designated territory

• Membership engagement

• Resignation follow-ups

• NSO planned event support

I see the TM role being a key factor in not just the growth of the Association but also the sustainability of the Association and its members. The TMs will be heavily focused on membership engagement in the field, and they will be acting as a conduit to NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming and the NZCB Board of Directors, delivering information on what our members are experiencing or requiring from the Association. This will assist the NSO in developing and refining products and services that will enable our membership to succeed.

I am pleased to introduce…

Brad Mitchell: Territory Manager –Central and Lower North Island Brad is a trade qualified carpenter and brings a wealth of Business Management experience. He has managed a civil engineering company for the last 11 years, with his company contracted for the installation of Ultrafast Broadband from Pokeno to Upper Hutt. Prior to this he was a site foreman for a construction company, where he completed his Adult Carpentry Apprenticeship.

Brad also has a Bachelor of Business Marketing to add to his repertoire of skills. Brad is very much a ‘people’s person’, so I have no doubt Brad will succeed in his role.

Should you need to get in touch with Brad, he can be contacted on 021 701 262 or brad.mitchell@nzcb.nz.

Nick Mooney: Territory Manager –South Island

Nick is a dedicated and resultsdriven professional with an extensive background in sales. He comes to us from one of our national partners, Noel Leeming, so you may have already seen him around your region. Through working in his previous role, he has already experienced NZCB events and has a sound knowledge of the Association and what we have to offer our members. Nick has a solid relationship network in the South Island, and he will seek to grow this through his engagement in the regions.

Nick welcomes engagement opportunities as he, too, is very much a people’s person with a primary focus on exceeding expectations for a rewarding customer experience.

Should you need to get in touch with Nick, he can be contacted on 021 240 6039 or nick.mooney@nzcb.nz.

There is one last person I would like to introduce if you haven’t met him already and that is…

Report

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

Finance Team

Manager Sandra Kennerley | 021 566 224 | sandra@nzcb.nz

• Working on the conversion of all NZCB financials from MYOB to Xero.

• Collection of outstanding debts.

• Accounts administration as normal.

Membership and Education Team

Manager Shane Ririnui | 021 906 489 | shane@nzcb.nz

• TMs have been continuing to manage membership enquiries.

• TMs have been working with Presidents and regions to assist with first events for this year or the roadshow.

• Customer Liaison – Kelly Sheridan has noticed a huge increase in homeowner enquiries.

• New Membership Coordinator – Shaye Baker has noticed a spike in membership applications because of the new TMs.

• Education and Technical Manager – Shane Ririnui has noticed a considerable spike in payment defaults lodged against NZCB members.

Andrew Macdonald: Territory Manager –Auckland and Northland

Andrew has been with NZCB since 2018 as Business Development Manager for the Auckland region. In this role, his primary focus was Potential Membership Management, which was basically looking after Auckland membership enquiries. With the change to TM and the addition of other regions, Andrew is excited to take on this new challenge. I have full confidence he will make this role his own.

Should you need to get in touch with Andrew, he can be contacted on 021 906 844 or andrew@nzcb.nz.

It is great to have these three TMs out in the regions representing the Association and raising the presence of NZCB as they go. I look forward to working with them in 2023 and hope to drive the Association to the top of the ladder: the Association of choice from both the builder’s and the consumer’s perspective.

Nga mihi

Shane Ririnui

NZCB Education and Technical Manager

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

Marketing and Membership Services Team

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

• NZCB Conference and Expo 2022 in Hamilton – a very successful event! Check out pages 40–43 for a wrap up.

• NZCB Conference and Expo 2022, debrief, market research being collated to help with the planning for 2023.

• NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo 2023 – planning underway. Save the date: Christchurch – Te Pae, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2023. See pages 56–57 for more information.

• Revere Volume 7 submissions closing soon.

• Certified Plans – market research underway to improve the product.

• NZCB Member event attendance market research being collated and analysed.

• NZCB 2023 Diaries received, and orders being processed.

• Event planning and scheduling for NZCB 2023 events – see NZCB Educational Events calendar on pages 50–51.

• Regional events – most regions currently planning social events.

• Lots of regional communications.

• New NZCB advertising campaign ideas and planning for 2023.

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 Network – further development.

• NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – National Final execution and end processes, including media.

NZCB advocacy

Providing a voice to represent New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is a collective effort. The NZCB Board, NZCB 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 recently been completed.

Critical Materials Taskforce

The Minister of Building & Construction, Hon Dr Megan Woods, has replaced the Plasterboard Taskforce, which was quickly put together in mid-2022, with a broader group that is tasked with looking at the construction industry in its entirety, rather than being focused on product type, as it was during the plasterboard crisis.

The scope of the Critical Materials Taskforce is to trouble shoot building material shortages, to focus on maximising productivity across the sector, and to cushion businesses from supply chain risks. NZCB is represented on the Critical Materials Taskforce by its Chief Executive, Malcolm Fleming. The ten-person group

H1 Oversight Group

From its successful advocacy work that included partnering with Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA) in Q2 2022, through to having three representatives at the H1 workshop with the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in October, NZCB has been very active with the regulator throughout 2022 on the topic of H1.

Wearing his New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC) Chair hat, NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming represents the industry voice in sitting alongside BRANZ and MBIE on the

H1 Efficiency Implementation – Builders Focus Group

The NZCB Board and Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming’s new strategy on having more input to changes within our industry at government level follows the clear signal from our members that they would like to see more advocacy work in Wellington. NZCB along with BRANZ, RMBA and the Insulation Association of New Zealand were invited by MBIE’s General Manager Building System Performance, John Sneyd, to join a focus group on the 27th October 2022, for a half-day session. NZCB representatives included NZCB Board Chairperson Nick Farrelly, NZCB Board member Mike Craig, and NZCB Nelson Bays President Dave Gunter. Apologies came from RMBA as they were unable to attend.

MBIE staff present were Building System Performance Branch Senior Advisor Information and Education, Liz Ashwin; and Senior Advisor Building Science, Christian Hoerning; while BRANZ were represented by BRANZ Information and Education Lead, Jonquil Brooks, and BRANZ Principal Writer, Bruce Sedcole. John introduced us to the group with a clear indication that he would like more input from small to medium residential builders with MBIE on changes within the building sector.

incorporates experts covering smaller operations, design, consenting, products, and procurement. The group met for the first time in late October, with its composition announced publicly by the Minister in late November.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

To read Hon Dr Megan Woods’ media release from 24 November 2022, ‘Taskforce set up to protect construction industry from product shortages & delays’, visit: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/taskforceset-protect-construction-industry-product-shortages-delays

three-person H1 Oversight Committee. The scope of this small group is to ensure that industry has the educational collateral it needs to be ready for the design and installation of the new H1 requirements in May 2023. This oversight includes the November launch (at the NZCB Conference and Expo) of the BRANZ hosted H1 Hub, and the coordination of industry H1 training events, such as the main centre NZCB Roadshow that the Association will be undertaking with MBIE in Q1 2023.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

With H1 being the first part of the changes to building regulations on climate change, MBIE were looking for better ways to inform the sector (including the public) on changes with H1, but also for how to do better in the future with information sharing.

It was a great discussion covering varied topics on the barriers to implementation, unexplored opportunities and communication channels for now and in the future.

We all came away from this workshop with a better understanding of each other’s roles in how the industry deals with what have been seen as big changes to our industry. With H2 and H3 changes still to come, the communication to the public, manufacturing industry and builders will be pivotal to the success of Building for Climate Change.

Special thanks for MBIE turning up to the NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton, a clear indication of their commitment to engage with small business.

NZCB representative: NZCB Board Chairperson Nick Farrelly, NZCB Board member Mike Craig and NZCB Nelson Bays President Dave Gunter

Preferential

The Warehouse Group Business powered by Warehouse Stationery, have teamed up with New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) to offer members great discounts across a wide selection of products*.

With over 20,000 products to choose from you can now stock up on all your stationery requirements. Plus, our Print & Copy centres can print up to A0 in wide format, as well as binding and laminating services.

If you cannot find your Preferential Pricing Card, please contact the National Support Office on 0800 237 843 or kirsty@nzcb.nz and we can post you a new one.

* Terms and Conditions apply. Discounts available in store only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, BizRewards, Farmlands/CRT card, Christmas Club, Card Holder events or with any deferred and/ or interest free offer. Postal service excludes prepaid postage envelopes & postage stamps. Business Print Services exclude photo & photo gifting products.

What you need to know about Spec Homes

What is a Spec Home anyway?

Halo Guarantees Limited consider a ‘Spec Home’ to be any residential dwelling built by a New Zealand Certified Builders Business member (or related entity) for the purpose and intention of on-selling for profit.

What is the Spec Home application process?

We now accept and assess Spec Home applications just like any other application. When we receive your application, we will review the information provided and assess it against our acceptance criteria. Once happy, we will issue a ‘Letter of Offer’ (i.e., a quote) and our invoice for payment. When you pay the invoice and/or accept our offer, we will send out a Completion Certificate to be completed, signed, and dated when the build is finished. We then issue the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee (Halo Guarantee) to the entity that owns the property at the date of practical completion – whether you have sold it or not.

If you, the builder, are still the owner of the property at completion, you will need to fill in the Completion Certificate and we will issue the Halo Guarantee in your name. When the property is on-sold you’ll then need to complete a Transfer of Ownership and submit this with the Sale and Purchase agreement and the $250 (+GST) transfer fee.

If you sell the property at any stage during the build, notify us immediately and provide a copy of the sale and purchase agreement. We will then update the application file with the new owner’s details, and they would fill in the Completion Certificate with the final build cost at practical completion. We can then issue the Halo Guarantee to them directly. There is no transfer fee involved if the sale happens before the Halo Guarantee is issued.

When do I apply?

As with all Halo Guarantee applications, we recommend that you apply as early in the process as possible and preferably before work starts. That way we can provide you with assurance that your build will be covered on completion. We can also provide advice, if we’re unable to accept your application, as to what you can do to get it accepted. For example, weathertightness risk can often be reduced by amending plans.

Can I claim against

the Halo Guarantee if it is issued to me?

Absolutely not. Under no circumstances can you, as the builder (or related entity), ever claim against a Guarantee. You would effectively be making a claim against yourself, and we would immediately reject any claim received from you. We might even ask you to give yourself a good talking to about fixing your own defective work! The Halo Guarantee is for the sole benefit of third-party homeowners when the property is sold. If you sell the property after practical completion, the purchaser, and any subsequent homeowners, will receive the remaining balance of the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee.

Any questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly, or get in touch with the team on 0800 141 490 or hello@halo.nz. We’re here to help!

David Lee Halo Guarantees Limited Chief Executive

What was then… What is now…

A look at how workwear has changed in the construction industry and how far we’ve come since the late 1900’s.

As you can see as an industry and as an Association we have come along way. For the full range of NZCB merchandise, check out the NZCB shop on the members’ only Toolshed www.nzcb.nz/members/shop/. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me on 0800 237 843 or kirsty@nzcb.nz.

Kirsty Armstrong NZCB Membership Benefits Coordinator

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) have progressed from the dark age of manual processing and stepped into the digital age.

Advertising Levy spend statistics

December 2022 activity results

Below you will find an update on the performance of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), Advertising Levy budget. This digital report, reports on our Google Adverts, Facebook, Instagram and Programmatic Spending for December 2022.

13,873

NZCB website visitors/users –6% MOM (16% of all website visitors converting)

2m 02s average time spent on website –20% MOM

1.57M total page impressions delivered to homeowners –3% MOM

125 emails sent to Members from website –26% MOM

641 homeowner requests for builder’s phone number –26% MOM

52

355.8k social media reach +152% MOM 1,431 ‘Find a Builder’ search conversions –28% MOM

NZCB Membership enquiries –16% MOM 44.8k

1,139 homeowner comments or ‘likes’ on Facebook and Instagram

11,213 overall digital advertising link clicks +33% MOM NZCB NEWS

MOM = Month on Month

Summary

• Membership Recruitment adverts have been re-started (now that we have two new Territory Managers on board) on social, driving social media reach up (by 152%).

• Homeowner Engagement was up by 33% MOM, typical for the holiday period when people have more time to spend on social media. This Always-On Amplification objective uses NZCB Facebook page posts as PAID content and ensures all of our followers get shown this content and have the chance to engage with it. (Facebook will typically only show 3-10% of posts to followers organically.)

10.57% Google advertising homeowner clicks –11% MOM 14

• Video Views of Special 2.0 was up 17% MOM.

• Builder Search, email, and phone conversions were down, 28%, 26% and 26% respectively. Website visitors were down by 6% MOM. We typically see these results down in the holiday season.

• With the pausing of the programmatic display and video ondemand activity for December/January the overall impressions were down by -3% (only -3% because the Membership Recruitment campaign was turned back on in December).

Putting our partners in the spotlight

Introducing Marley New Zealand Ltd

Introducing Milwaukee Tool New Zealand

Marley has been part of the Aliaxis group for 15 years and New Zealand homes for more than 60 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.

Marley and Aliaxis New Zealand also have a significant focus on reducing the footprint that we leave and one of the ways we are doing this is through recycling. We have recently announced a huge $12.5m investment to setup PVC and HDPE recycling facilities across New Zealand and dramatically reduce plastic construction and demolition waste in New Zealand! Supported by a $4.46m grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund (35.66% of the overall project investment), we will embark on this next phase with our friends at Waste Management New Zealand and Unitec. The Plastics Innovation Fund supports projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment.

For more information visit www.marley.co.nz or call us on 0800 MARLEY (627 539).

Make your job site more productive, efficient and safe with Milwaukee® Job Site solutions

Milwaukee Tool stays one step ahead of the ever-changing demands of the job site by working closely with professional tradespeople across the country. The company ensures that Milwaukee solutions are designed specifically for the trades, engineered to minimise downtime, maximise productivity and prioritise safety.

The Milwaukee Job Site Solutions (JSS) team consists of experienced, trade-specialised experts dedicated to helping your job site run smoother. The team includes builders, carpenters, and joiners who understand the demands of modern building and construction work. They bring expert advice and the best range of trade-focused Milwaukee products for you to test drive on your site. JSS Specialists can help you assess and implement safer, more efficient workflows; and deliver on-site training specific to the construction industry.

If you’re searching for a solution on your job site or you’re just keen to see what milwaukee’s latest products can do for you, reach out to our job site solutions team.

For more information visit www.milwaukeetool.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 645 928.

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is proud to partner with a wide range of companies with multiple branches nationwide. These companies have aligned with the Association to provide significant support to our members and have the option to engage with them across a wide range of opportunities. Known to the Association as “National Partners” we are delighted to tell you a little bit more about two of them. A

www.nzcb.nz/about-nzcb/#nzcb-partners.

Submissions closing soon!

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.

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) have extended the closing date for submissions for Revere Volume Seven until mid February.

Julie Thomas

News Bites

Melteca launches with new natural ‘Organic’ look

Laminex New Zealand is excited to announce the launch of Melteca Organic, a new finish for its melamine panels that gives a natural look to the popular product. The new Organic finish emulates the beauty and natural movement of timber, with varying depths of grooves in the texture.

“Global trends see the desire for a connection to the outdoors – bringing nature into our home – which plays an important role in our wellbeing,” said Sarah Evaroa, Panels Category Manager. “The pattern on the Organic finish follows this trend.”

H1 roof solution is here

To meet the requirements of H1/AS1’s Viking Roofspec have designed an entirely new and warm roof solution. We have analysed every component for performance, cost, thickness, and function.

We assessed the entire installation methodology with a focus on construction practicality. And what we have ended up with is a fully engineer-certified structural insulated membrane system which:

• exceeds H1 (5th edition) thermal performance;

• has the thinnest possible insulation build-up;

• reduces installation time and construction delays; and

• is a cost effective and ecofriendly warm roof system.

Introducing Viking WarmSpan2 Warmspan2 has a 17mm tongue & groove plywood substrate with no edge nogging required and supports as wide as 900mm centres which is less than half the structural timber required under E2/AS1.

Melteca Organic is not only suitable for woodgrain decors, but also stunning pressed onto solid colours. It has the same features and benefits that Melteca is known for, such as scratch and stain resistance, UV stability, and a ten-year limited warranty.

“Melteca is manufactured locally in our Laminex New Zealand Hamilton plant,” Evaroa continued. “And Melteca product is FSC certified when pressed to MDF and has environmental choice certification.”

The Melteca brand carries a strong history of providing highly durable and

stylish surfaces for residential and commercial kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities, shelving and bespoke furniture. With this latest release, Laminex New Zealand continues its tradition of innovation and providing customers with the best possible products.

The Melteca Organic finish will be available in 80 out of 85 Melteca decors, so there is sure to be a colour that suits your needs.

For more information or to order samples, visit www.laminex.co.nz

It has a self-adhered vapour barrier (no primer required) and a single layer of 135mm foil-facer PIR insulation board, with a 6.4mm coverboard waterproofed by one of Viking’s Enviroclad or Torch-on membrane systems.

Warmspan2 is a warm roof system that meets the challenges posed by the changes to H1 (5th edition). It reduces construction time; minimises cost; and assists with design.

For more information, please visit www.vikingroofspec.co.nz, or call 0800 729 799.

25% of tyres for NZCB members

Carter’s Tyre Service have teamed up with New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) to offer members 25% off.

Carter’s Tyre Service covers all your car, 4×4 and larger vehicle tyre needs. We pride ourselves on providing unbiased expert advice and offering a full range of tyres across all major brands including: Goodyear, Dunlop, GT Radial, Continental, Hankook, Pirelli, Michelin, Falken, Kumho, and Yokohama.

Just present your NZCB electronic membership ID card to get your discount.

To access your NZCB electronic membership card, logon to the NZCB members’ only Toolshed and select MEMBERSHIP CARD on the menu, your card will be displayed instantly. NZCB Partners can scan your QR code or take down your membership number.

To find a Carter’s Tyre store near you visit www.carterstyres.co.nz/stores/

Manrose release innovative heater fan light system

Bring your bathroom to life with the newly released Vivo Heat-Fan-Light System.

Featuring two on-board fans, one for fanforced heating using an energy-efficient, selfregulating heater that also features two userselectable heating levels. The second fan is a high-performance extract fan providing up to 330m³/hr free-air performance.

In the centre is an ultra slim, premium 20W 1900 lumen, 4000K, LED light panel, and the unit has a 4-way wall switch for independent operation of each function. Additionally, Vivo is designed to meet G4 building code and Healthy Home Standards, suitable for bathrooms.

Scan the QR code below to download the flyer and find out why we are raving about Vivo.

Introducing a new sliding shade system: Louvrelite® 88

The Louvrelite® 88 Series Sliding Shade System, is an arrangement of louvres or aluminium slats designed to be set in panels, that can slide along a runner.

The panels promote privacy while helping manage airflow and light through tilting louvres and moveable panels, meaning areas can be closed and opened, as and when required.

Ideal for a range of applications from residential through to light, and larger commercial projects. Louvrelite® 88 can be utilised as a feature to add architectural interest and are also a practical option for multi-unit living where outdoor areas are often close together.

The privacy screens come in a range of slat or louvre infills, configured vertically or horizontally depending on preference.

• Architecturally designed for New Zealand environments

• Made with aluminium and stainless steel for longevity and minimal ongoing maintenance

• Powder coated in New Zealand in a choice of modern colours to match existing joinery

• Top or bottom rolling options

Introducing the H1 Hub one-stop search tool

Further to the H1 presentation at the 2022 New Zealand Certified Builder (NZCB) Conference and Expo, by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employments (MBIE) General Manager of Building System Performance Branch, John Sneyd, the H1 Hub is now live.

Hosted by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), the H1 Hub is a onestop search tool to help builders, designers, and Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) make the transition to the new building design and construction requirements as required under the Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods for New Zealand Building Code clause H1 Energy efficiency.

The H1 Hub provides search results across all partner websites on H1related content, and represents a collaborative initiative between BRANZ, MBIE, Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ), New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), Window & Glass Association New Zealand (WGANZ), Insulation Association of New Zealand (IAoNZ), New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), and Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (FTMA). The H1 Hub is a key initiative to assist the construction sector in the transition to H1 on 1 May 2023, which is an important step in New Zealand’s journey towards a net-zero carbon built environment by 2050.

To access the H1 Hub, visit; www.h1hub.branz.nz/H1Hub/s/

• Slats: 49mm, 60mm or 123mm, horizontal or vertical

• Louvres: 80mm, 120mm or 150mm, horizontal

• Perforated/woven sheets: Stainless steel woven mesh or perforated aluminium sheet

• Custom made screens up to max 1500m wide x 2700mm high

• One, two, three or four door screen configurations available

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

Where to focus in uncertain times

The fact that the last 12-18 months have been some of the hardest and most stressful times comes as no surprise to anyone who owns a business in the construction industry. Labour shortages, supply line disruptions, high rate of inflation and COVID lockdowns have contributed to project delays and a squeeze on profits. Furthermore, the banks have factored in many of these events into their risk equation and made lending tighter for home buyers, further adding to the uncertainty. And don’t even mention a war in Europe and consenting delays!

The danger is, however, that with all the challenges, frustrations and worries out there you become focused on the big macro issues in the world and lose sight of what you should be focusing on, namely your business and family. A well-known business author, Stephen Covey talked about there being two circles surrounding you. A smaller one around you, which he called your Circle of Influence, and a bigger one outside it called your Circle of Concern.

Things like a war in Europe, pandemics and government regulations and policies are all things that you may be concerned or worried about but have little or no control over. If too many of these things are in your Circle of Concern and take up too much of your thinking time, the effect is to push in on your Circle of Influence and make it feel smaller. That then causes you to feel you have less and less control over your life which will result in higher levels of anxiety and stress. People who tend to be more “reactive” often put more energy into this outer circle and start to feel a severe lack of control quite quickly.

Things that go into your Circle of Influence are those things that you do have control over. This is where people who are more “proactive” tend to put in their energies. Often it is how you choose to respond practically to a challenge that provides energy in your Circle of Influence. A few things that you could add to your Circle of Influence include:

• Improving your business knowledge.

• Putting a plan together and taking proactive and continued steps to put that plan into action.

• Changing your recruitment processes if you are struggling to find people.

• Improving your staff retention strategies to keep hold of your best people.

• Implementing a quality control system to reduce errors and complaints.

• Changing your marketing activities to increase lead flow.

• Changing your sales process to improve trust levels and increase conversion rate.

• Delegate more tasks to others so you can focus on what is more important.

All these actions and others like them are totally within your control. By focusing more positive energy here you will be able to expand your Circle of Influence and effectively push out some of the negative worries in your Circle of Concern. The human mind can usually only focus on one thought at a time. You can choose whether that thought is a positive one or a negative one. When you next catch yourself worrying or complaining about an issue you have little direct control over, ask yourself, “will worrying about this issue make my situation improve?”. The answer is invariably “NO”. Instead, ask yourself “what can I (or we) do to make the best out of this situation and what do we need to change to do that?”. Spending less time watching the media, including your social media feed, is another way to avoid an unbalanced diet of negative and concerning ideas.

By focusing on making positive changes at the edge of your Circle of Influence you will make it expand and reduce the negative thoughts in your Circle of Concern. Reach out to me at andy@tradescoach.co.nz if you want help expanding your Circle of Influence in your business.

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

H1 insulation solutions today, for a more comfortable tomorrow.

At Comfortech® our ambition is to create a more sustainable and comfortable future by enabling all Kiwis to live and work in warmer, healthier and more energyefficient buildings.

We’re meeting this commitment with our new Pink® Superbatts® range which have been designed specifically to meet the new H1 building code changes for insulation.

To find out more about our vision for better performing New Zealand homes, visit our H1 Hub at comfortech.co.nz

What is your time worth?

Most business owners struggle to find enough hours in the day to achieve their goals. As a business owner, your priority is to satisfy your customers and generate revenue. Time is our most precious resource.

Growing a business is tough. You often get caught up in the dayto-day activities of running the business, but is this the best use of your time? We tend to take our own time for granted and rarely stop to consider the true cost of trying to do it all.

First and foremost, have you calculated the value of your time? Do you understand how much you earn by working in the business and taking care of those everyday tasks yourself?

So, what is this “value of your time”? It is not the per hour rate you charge. It measures the return on your time, i.e., what financial benefit do you receive for all the hours you put into your business? The formula to calculate this is highlighted below to make it easy.

Your hourly rate = Financial return divided by the number of hours worked each week

The first step to calculate your hourly rate is determining how much you pay yourself via wages, drawings, profits, etc. Say you pay yourself an $80,000 annual salary from your company and make a $20,000 profit. Your total financial return would be $100,000 a year. You might look at that and think that’s pretty good since most people don’t make $100,000 working as an employee. But how much effort is required to generate that salary? Now, things start to look slightly different.

Say you work 50 hours per week in your business. Based on a $100,000 financial return, by putting in 50 hours a week over 50 weeks per annum, you earn $2,000 each week; or $40 per hour.

An important consideration for business owners is they don’t get sick pay or paid annual leave or any other employee benefits. Unless you want to work every day of the year, if you factor annual leave etc. into your $40/hr, it starts to look more like $30/hr.

So you can start to see the importance of considering the value of your time as a business owner and the reality of what owning a business means in reaping the financial rewards vs the amount of effort we put in.

As a business owner, you need to start thinking about how much your time is worth.

• How much do you want/need to make from your business?

• How much effort do you want to put in to achieve that financial return?

• Do you want to earn more and work less?

How do you increase the value of your time:

• Look at everything you do in your business. Answering emails, speaking to your clients, getting your invoices sent out and your marketing activities etc. Subscribing to a time tracking app can help you identify where your time goes.

• Identify all the high-yield activities that will increase your hourly rate.

Once you have figured out the high-yield activities, focus on putting more of your time into them.

Next, list the low-value activities that decrease your hourly rate. They are the activities where you are wasting your time. These tasks need to be:

• automated; or

• delegated; or

• outsourced.

Ultimately, the less time you spend on activities that are not a good use of your time means more time to do what matters most to you.

Remember – you only have 24 hours a day. You have to sleep, eat, play, grow with friends and family, and find time to relax in those hours. Your most precious resource is TIME because it is the only thing that is limited, so be more discerning with it!

Treena Pitham is a certified online business manager, executive virtual assistant and owner of Octopus Admin . She helps business owners find answers to business administration questions and streamline their workload so they can focus on higher-value tasks. For more information visit www.octopusadmin.co.nz

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

NZCB Building Contracts:

What changes should you not agree to?

When a building contract is prepared, both parties should familiarise themselves with what it says. Some property owners do, some don’t, although it’s not the end of the world if they don’t, because in my view there is nothing in the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Building Contracts that is particularly unfair or unreasonable. However, for those that do, sometimes property owners read it themselves, sometimes they get their lawyer to do so. And some of those property owners and lawyers are relaxed about most of the terms, whereas others want to make wholesale changes.

1. Changing the expected completion date to a guaranteed completion date

In residential building projects, the law only requires you to state the “expected” completion date. That is when you reasonably anticipate you will finish. No-one has a crystal ball, and no-one can accurately predict what obstacles are going to be encountered. The contracts already require you to work diligently and conscientiously, and to finish as soon as reasonably practicable. If instead you promise to finish on a certain date, and you don’t, then you’re liable for damages. Big commercial construction companies can live with that risk; you can’t.

2. Removing any of the grounds for an extension of time

The ones that want to make wholesale changes usually justify it by saying the contract is heavily weighted in favour of the builder. But in actual fact the contract is just trying to give the builder a fighting chance. The law, at least in a residential context, is heavily weighted in favour of the homeowner. Homeowners have five different laws they can use to hold the builder to account, plus the ability to file a complaint about the Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) who worked on the project, to the Building Practitioners Board. That’s six overlapping rights and remedies.

But in reality, they don’t actually need any of those rights and remedies. If they are dissatisfied, what unscrupulous homeowners typically do is wait until they have possession, and then not pay the final invoice. The resulting discount off the contract price is regarded as an acceptable outcome, so they don’t have any real interest in resolving the underlying dispute. In their minds they have already resolved it, perfectly satisfactorily.

Builders are very vulnerable to that strategy. So, NZCB Building Contracts attempt to level up the playing field, by requiring the parties to act fairly and reasonably towards each other. For that reason, any change to the wording of the contract requested by a homeowner is going to dilute the builder’s protection to some extent. Many of those changes you can live with, but some provisions are fundamental and shouldn’t be tinkered with. Here’s my list of the top 12.

Even though the law only requires you to state the “expected” completion date, there’s a risk that a Judge, adjudicator, arbitrator or Disputes Tribunal Referee will hold you to that date. So, in the NZCB Building Contracts there is a list of grounds that entitle you to an automatic extension of the expected date. They are all events that frequently happen and are beyond your reasonable control. Don’t let anyone delete any of those grounds.

3. Retentions

These are very common in commercial projects. They are a percentage of your progress payments that are held back to create an incentive for you to finish the job and rectify any defects that are notified to you after practical completion. On residential projects the defects notification period is 12 months. Up to 80% of your payment claims are payable to your building materials supplier and subcontractors, and they won’t wait that long. The rest is what you pay your mortgage and feed your kids with. Large construction companies with huge cash flows and multiple projects can afford to do without that money; you can’t. But unlike them, the law already obliges residential builders to rectify defects in five different ways, so the homeowner doesn’t need retentions.

4. Applying the deposit to a progress payment earlier than the final one

Normally, you perform your building work first, and hope to be paid for it second. That leaves you defenceless against the common homeowner strategy I mentioned at the outset. There is no logical reason why it should be in that order. So NZCB Building Contracts reverse that order and require the homeowner to make a payment in advance, which the builder carries through the entire project, and credits against the final invoice. That is the builder’s greatest protection. Don’t give it away.

7.

Fixing the price by removing variations, provisional sums, and cost fluctuations

Some homeowners try to hold you to the original contract price, to the last cent. But you know there will be variations, you know that certain components of your price or estimate can’t be accurately predicted, and you know there will be increases in the cost of wages and salaries, subcontractors, and building materials. If you can’t pass those on, and you’re locked into a fixed price, the income you were counting on making from this project is going to diminish, if not evaporate. If a property owner chooses to build in the current economic climate, they should pay the true cost of that, not you. In a fixed price contract, you can build a large contingency into your price instead of passing on cost increases, but then both you and the homeowner are gambling that it won’t be under or over, and in a competitive market there is a limit to how much you can add in regardless.

8. Allowing the Owners’ Bank to dictate the terms of the building contract

5. Charging no mark-up on materials, subcontractors or labour

This is only relevant to cost and mark-up projects, or variations under fixed price contracts, which are charged for on a cost and mark-up basis. The Builder’s mark-up on materials, subcontractors and labour covers the builder’s off-site overheads and profit. The builder’s labour rates will generally cover the salaries and wages payable to staff, and on-site overheads. Often builders come under pressure to be generous, and to discount or even eliminate their mark-up. Don’t. It’s your compensation for coordinating and managing the project, doing the building work, and paying all those miscellaneous expenses of running a business.

6. Allowing the Owner to procure materials direct, but charge them through your merchant account

Homeowners sometimes reserve the right to procure certain materials direct, when they have some favourable relationship with a supplier that gives them cost savings. They don’t need your preferential trade rates as well. Materials charged to your account will be invoiced to you, and you will hope that the homeowner reimburses you. If a dispute arises, the homeowner may not. But your building materials merchant won’t have any sympathy for you. If you don’t pay them, they will put you on stop credit, and in most cases, they hold a personal guarantee from you as well.

It is the banks that are naively insisting on true fixed price contracts. Their concern, of course, is that the project budget will blow out and homeowners will get into financial difficulty, thereby jeopardising their ability to service the bank loan. But the answer isn’t to get the builder to pay the increased costs out of the builder’s own income. The answer is for the banks not to lend to homeowners who don’t have sufficient financial resources on top of their bank loan to cover any potential budget blowout.

9. Deferring the final payment until after CCC (unless you

control it 100%)

Banks are also frequently behind this common demand. But what they don’t understand is that there are two reasons why final payment should be made on practical completion and not on issue of CCC. First, a building project should be one of mutual exchange. As the building work is performed, so it should be paid for. There is no logical reason why one party should perform its part of the bargain, and then have to wait for the other party to do the same, especially when cash flow to a small building company is critical. The second reason is that the issue of the CCC is often dependent on some work the homeowner is intent on doing – paving and driveways, hard landscaping, exterior painting, etc. – so the builder might end up waiting months, if not years.

NZCB Building Contracts attempt to level up the playing field, by requiring the parties to act fairly and reasonably towards each other.

NZCB Building Contracts continued...

Commercial building contracts impose very strict procedural requirements for claiming variations. If you don’t comply with those requirements, you do the variation for free. Large construction companies can manage that risk because they employ project managers and quantity surveyors to take care of it. Small-medium residential building companies don’t have those resources. They also know that many variations on residential projects are agreed to informally, on the spot. That’s why NZCB Building Contracts say you get paid for a variation whether or not you documented and priced it ahead of time, as long as it was a genuine variation that the homeowner requested or benefitted from.

Otherwise, you would be up to 2:00am every night instead of just midnight.

12. Removal of the requirement to pay disputed sums into trust or escrow

11.

The same principle applies to an extension of time. Large construction companies can churn out the paperwork; you can’t. If you have been held up by causes beyond your reasonable control, you get an extension of time regardless of whether you submitted a formal written claim or not.

The requirement for the homeowner to pay disputed sums into escrow, is to counter the cunning strategy of unscrupulous homeowners that I mentioned at the outset – namely to wait until the job is finished, and then not pay the final invoice. That is a self-help remedy that is decidedly unfair, because the homeowner’s grievances may in fact be unjustified or based on false assumptions. The intention behind the escrow provision is to deprive both parties of the disputed money so they are both feeling the same pain and they each have the same incentive to resolve the dispute. I don’t see how anyone could reasonably argue against that.

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. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

10. No payment for a variation unless you record it in writing and price it before you carry it out

No entitlement to an extension of time unless you claim it in writing as soon as you know of it

Make tech a powerful, everyday tool

Software for builders and tradies is called many things – job management apps, project management software, construction management tech and more.

• Give clients visibility of their job, which gives them confidence that your projects are well organised and that you’re professional

• Helping your customers to manage their costs by tracking their project budget.

Improve your communication

They all do the same thing – help you to run your business and your projects more efficiently and profitably. It’s easy to think that tech is used only for certain project tasks. But they offer so much more than that. You’ll quickly find that software will become your most powerful tool, giving you control at every stage of a project or job.

How can construction software help your business?

Quote faster and more accurately

Doing your calculations and take-offs from PDFs of the plans means you can save time by doing measurements more quickly. Your quotes and estimates can be more accurate because supplier price lists are stored in your job management system. Up to date pricing means no nasty surprises for you, or your client.

Work smarter and faster Even little changes to the way you work can have a big impact on your workload. For instance:

• Manage your team by planning your jobs over the next few days to a few months in advance

• Cut down on the amount of admin paperwork you have to manage by using a timesheet app

• Easily share info with your support team (such as your bookkeeper), who may not be on-site with you.

Be better than the competition

When the market starts to tighten as expected, you’ll need to outperform against your competitors. Technology can help you to do this by:

• Providing fast, accurate and professional quotes and estimates to your potential customers

For many people, face-to-face meetings are impractical, for instance, if your client is not based in the same location as you. Having an online client and subcontractor portal, where you can share key information and updates, could be incredibly valuable. They can log-on to communicate with you, sign variations, review what’s happening and when, and more. This visibility is vital to building trust and having a transparent relationship with clients.

Plan ahead

With the right software, creating your construction programme or booking jobs is simplified. Having a central project plan will make sure your team and subtrades are ready to go when you need them to be.

Your subbies can also be automatically notified when they’re needed or when changes occur.

Visibility of financials

Delays can cause project budgets to haemorrhage and get out of control. By using software, you can easily make sure your job costs and customer invoicing is always up to date, so you can always stay on top of your financial position.

It sounds great, but I don’t have time!

Tech can revolutionise your business – but sometimes it’s tough to go it alone. With so many construction software options available, it’s important to choose the one that will benefit your business the most. Getting it wrong could cost you money and time.

We know from experience that it takes about six hours of research for each app that you want to review. Seeking independent and expert advice can save you this trouble, and help to give you that competitive edge quicker.

To help you on this journey, download our free guide “5 Steps for choosing the right software for your business” at www.freeup.co.nz.

Anna Brooks, Free Up. Free Up is an NZCB National Partner and tech advisor for builders – making the process quick and easy, from selecting the right software to setting up the system to training staff.

Anna also operates our Technology and Software helpline for members. For more information visit www.freeup.co.nz

Marketing tips for builders during a recession

Construction is one of the biggest industries in New Zealand and, with talk of the economy tightening in 2023, it’s essential to get your name in front of your potential customers. Here are some ideas on what you can do.

The best advertising is specifically designed for the people its targeted to. Decide who your ideal customer is and find out where they spend their time and what they need. For example, homeowners wanting alterations are likely to search online using Google Search or Facebook. Your local newspaper might be useful for targeting older customers.

Keep in touch with your customers

Following up with your customers is an easy way to build relationships. When you finish a job, reach out and ask your customer if they are happy. Keep an eye on social media too. Find out how you can improve. Positive word-of-mouth is the best way to advertise your business.

Here are some cost-effective tips to market your business:

• Focus on customer retention

• Run Google Adwords online advertising

Keep your business current

By being a member of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB), you are already a step closer to achieving this goal than those builders who are non-aligned. Keeping up to date on industry news and developments can help you better serve your customers. Stay up to date by attending industry events and trade evenings, as well as expos to assist you with building stronger networks.

Talk to your local NZCB President to find out what’s currently in demand within your region. Questions such as: should you pull back on new builds, and instead focus on the alterations/ renovation market? Is there an opportunity to focus less on ‘residential’ and do transportable homes or ‘light commercial’ instead? Talking to fellow members in your region could help you identify possible growth areas.

Not sure who your NZCB Regional President is? Check out the ‘Regional Committee’ tab, under the ‘ABOUT NZCB’ section on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed: www.nzcb.nz/members/nzcb-people/

Refresh your marketing strategy

As you’ve been so busy, some of you won’t have done anything in the past 18 months towards promoting your business. But now is the time to get your brand name in front of your potential customers. Digital marketing is great for business, so it’s helpful to have a well-designed website that works on both desktop and mobile phones. Think about social media, Google Search and search engine optimization. Paid services such as Google Adwords can help to get your business name in front of possible clients.

• Use video online to showcase your projects

• Get yourself found in local online searches and get your business listed on all local digital directories

• Create a Google Business Page

• Build or update your website, then keep it up to date by adding new project photos and customer testimonials

• Optimise your website

• Set up phone tracking and email enquiry in Google Analytics

• Get involved in your local community

• Sponsor a local sports team or event

• Donate left over building materials

• Participate in local exhibitions and expos (e.g., local home shows)

• Drop postcards in letterboxes on the streets where you work

• Get involved in business networking groups

• Ask for referrals from your customers

• Adopt economical outdoor advertising (e.g., sign write your vehicle and put big corflute signs out on the properties where you work)

• Introduce yourself to Real Estate agents in your region, as they may be willing to refer alterations work your way.

Lastly, research what your main competitors are doing well from a marketing perspective and consider implementing similar ideas for your business.

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.

Workplace law update –what’s on the horizon?

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.

As we closed out 2022 employers were faced with the pressures of labour shortages, high inflation and increased employee expectations (including of pay and conditions, culture and wellbeing measures).

Significant workplace law changes are on the horizon as we head into 2023. Key issues for employers are:

Immigration changes – median wage continues to rise

In 2022, Government implemented an accreditation system for employers seeking to employ migrant employees. It also announced that the median wage ($27.76) is going to increase to $29.66 in February 2023.

While migrant workers are in short supply across most industries, positively Immigration New Zealand processing times are remarkably speedy at present, providing some relief.

Fair pay agreements

The new law on fair pay agreements was passed into law, and the new bargaining system commenced on 1 December 2022. Fair pay agreements will establish an “award” system similar to Australia’s ‘modern awards’, setting minimum terms and conditions for workers across an industry or occupation. Employers in affected industries/occupations should ensure they are informed of and have their voices heard in bargaining, and ensure minimum terms are met. The challenge will be how to stand out when universal standards apply.

Employee or contractor?

Scrutiny of independent contractor arrangements will continue, following several Employment Court decisions recently, the latest of which involved Uber drivers. In that case contractor drivers successfully argued they were employees. Other affected industries for scrutiny include construction and couriers, which have primarily operated using contractors until now.

Additionally, the Tripartite Working Group of New Zealand continues to make recommendations to Government, urging it to provide more clarity around the definition of ‘employee’, on the back of recent employee classification disputes.

Health and Safety – WorkSafe’s focus

Recently we have seen WorkSafe’s prosecution approach shift, including by focusing on small business owners and expanding the reach of health and safety obligations to previously unlikely parties. Common themes among officer prosecutions illustrate:

• Inadequate training of workers, including on how to mitigate or eliminate hazards and risks;

• Lack of knowledge of and departure from industry standards;

• Failure to learn from previous health and safety incidents; and

• Failure to identify hazards and implement controls adequately.

Given the expanding interest and reach of WorkSafe, it is increasingly important that employers/officers are aware of and compliant with health and safety obligations.

The issue of wellbeing in the workplace, and expectation that employers will manage psychosocial risks in the same way as other hazards is also high on the agenda, with WorkSafe releasing new resources to support businesses here.

To address these issues, we recommend:

• Ensuring mental health and wellbeing are proactively supported and managed, including through policy and wellbeing measures.

• Making workplace culture a top priority. This is essential to support retention and recruitment of staff. Consider what makes you an employer of choice, how you communicate this to the market, as well as how to secure your MVPs to keep them committed to you. Keeping this focus is almost always more effective (and often cheaper) than having to counter a potential new employer’s offer.

• Review contracting arrangements, to make sure these are fit for purpose. If not, consider alternatives and any associated transition strategy.

• If you will hire migrant workers, get ready by securing accreditation early. This is essential to a smooth path, securing migrant candidates at offer stage.

If you would like advice on how to best prepare yourself for these changes, contact a member of our team, for a free 15-minute consultation, 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

Proud

Why all businesses need Cyber Insurance

Falling victim to cybercrime is no longer an obscure risk in New Zealand. Get protected with cyber insurance.

Are you reliant on a computer to conduct your business? If the answer is “yes” then you have an exposure to a cyber event.

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but here it is: cybercriminals are getting more and more creative. New digital threats are popping up every day, and businesses of all kinds are at risk of a cyber-attack on their data or operations.

In this modern world, very few companies can afford to remain uninsured against cybercrime. While the attacks are digital, the effects are very real. Experts in the field warn that Kiwi businesses underestimate the risks, and that “New Zealand is no longer viewed as a safe haven”.

Is your business vulnerable?

Almost any business can fall victim to an attack via the internet. The methods used are increasingly creative and varied, targeting all kinds of online activity. No longer are you simply facing the prospect of a “hacker” stealing stored data. Phishers may con passwords out of your staff or customers. Ransomware is on the rise.

types of cybercrime and the damage they can – and do – cause, which may be covered by a Cyber Insurance policy:

• Ransomware: This is malicious software that blocks access to files or systems until a ransom is paid. Although CERT NZ recommends that businesses do not pay the ransom, understandably many business owners will do it to regain their access. Check out www.cert.govt.nz/business/commonthreats/ransomware/ to find out more.

• Phishing: This involves emails that are made to look official, often sent to employees in an effort to have them divulge passwords and allow criminals access to systems. The possible effects of phishing attacks are many and varied, from financial loss to trade secrets or sensitive data being stolen.

• Malware: This catch-all term for malicious software includes any intrusive software that will damage or destroy your computer or network, or steal data from it. These can be particularly impactful to small businesses as they often cripple devices that may be costly to replace or repair—and may be crucial to operations. They also pose a threat to the security of stored data, which is a significant liability risk for organisations.

The three types of attack listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. New methods are popping up frequently as cybersecurity software catches up with the old ones and for that reason, it’s important to take out insurance as well as employ preventative measures.

In this day and age, you don’t need to be running a tech-based business to be vulnerable to cybercrime. Small businesses, sole traders, large businesses, and everything in between should not only be taking the necessary steps to ensure good cyber security but also insuring against the risk of a breach. Cyber-attacks are no longer an “if”, but a “when”!

Do you carry out transactions online? Store data about your staff or customers digitally? Communicate via email? Does your business need a computer to operate? Are you using an online accounting or timekeeping/job scheduling tool? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then your business is vulnerable.

If you use the internet for anything, you could be caught unawares. And for businesses, this can have unfortunate consequences.

The effects of cybercrime

Increasingly, the effects of digital attacks are just as real and impactful as the effects of fire, theft, flood damage, and other physical threats to your property. Here are some common

Cyber insurance

There are a range of cyber insurance policies available to cover all kinds of vulnerabilities. Some of these vulnerabilities include:

• System damage

• Computer virus transmission and hacking

• Cyber extortion

• Privacy fines and investigations

• Privacy breach notification and loss mitigation

With so many diverse risks in the digital domain, it can be hard for businesses to know what they need and which policies will serve them best as part of their overall insurance portfolio. An insurance broker with experience in cyber insurance specifically can help you to ensure that your vulnerabilities are covered.

Let’s talk about keeping you covered online, visit www.bwrs.co.nz/branch-network to find a BrokerWeb Risk Services broker today.

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

Taking your business forward –in all economic conditions

I’ve had the privilege of working in the New Zealand construction industry as a sales and leadership coach for the past 14 years. Clients include home builders, material importers, and everyone in between.

There have certainly been some boom times during that period, but also some serious recessionary environments, particularly the Global Financial Crisis. Those experiences revealed the need for ten strategies for construction businesses to thrive and survive. (This was covered in my session for the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Conference and Expo, in November, so if you couldn’t attend, you still get all the learning in this article.)

10 strategies to help your construction business weather all economic conditions

Here is a business growth strategy checklist – how many of these do you have a clear “yes” to? Tick the strategies you have in place – and highlight the ones you need to work on:

Vision Purpose Values: Do you have a Vision, Purpose, and Values that are clearly articulated so every member of your team is aware of them? This is important for motivation and growing your team culture.

Behavioural styles: Have you used Extended DISC behavioural assessments to help create self-awareness and communication skills? This significantly improves interactions with clients and amongst team members.

Sales process: Do you have a sales process that ensures you can bring in the correct amount of revenue for the business? Having a formal, documented, and milestonedriven sales process can uplift your sales by up to 20% – and is absolutely critical in a contracting market or recessionary environment.

Goal setting: Do you have personal and professional goals written down and a business growth plan? People who write goals achieve twice as much in life compared to those who don’t.

Recruitment process: Do you have a recruitment and onboarding process that yields top performers? The latest recruitment surveys tell us that this is the number one challenge in NZ businesses today, so getting it right is crucial.

Accountability: Do you hold yourself and your team members accountable on achieving your agreed weekly activities? Accountability ensures we’re all more effective in completing our roles – no more excuses for not getting things done.

Measurement: Do you know what the leading indicators in your business are? Leading indicators are the leading drivers in your business. Depending on the role, they could be appointments with potential clients; getting slabs down; or coaching frequency.

Mindset: Does your team have a powerful will to succeed and are you aware of the hidden weaknesses that are holding people back? 80% of the success we have in our roles comes from mindset. This is just as true for owners of a construction business as it is for the All Blacks, elite special force soldiers, or any other high-achieving organisation.

Leadership skills: Do you have the management and leadership skills to help grow your team? Recent data tells us that management and leadership qualities are in the top five ineffective skill sets in New Zealand businesses, so it’s an important area for all business owners to focus on.

Coaching: Do you have a coach, and do you coach your direct reports on a daily or weekly basis, and do you know what deeply motivates your team members? Coaching your team is the most effective strategy to grow capability, leadership, culture, and performance.

The number of ticks or blanks in your checklist will give you a good indication of what kind of shape your organisation is in to grow and to weather any economic storms.

Next steps

We are running a (no charge to NZCB members) Live 2.5 hour workshop in Auckland at end of first quarter 2023, to take a deeper dive into these topics so please, scan the QR Code on this page to confirm your registration.

If you’d like to know more about addressing these challenges, please contact me directly on 09 215 3378 or email jason@excc.co.nz.

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%.

Kickstart yourfoundation safety knowledge

If you’re new to the construction industry and have not completed a foundation course with us, learn how to keep yourself and others safe on-site with one of our updated Foundation Passport – Building Construction or Civil courses.

Join us for a great learning experience and gain consistent standardised foundation safety training in a course endorsed by industry. Learn how to:

• Identify critical hazardous activities such as:

• Working at height

• Working in/digging trenches and excavations

• Manual handling and more

• Keep yourself physically and mentally healthy

• Control risk and understand legal requirements

Helping our kids with their anxiety

The delicate world of our children hinges on feeling safe and secure, and much of this comes down to us as parents. When their school life is challenging, they rely on the solid foundation of home life to keep them feeling safe and loved. When their home life is feeling uncertain or stressful, they rely on school to be their haven.

• Asking positive questions during mealtimes or while driving like ‘who was kind to you today and how did that make you feel?’ and ‘who were you kind to today and how did that make you feel?’ and ‘what made you smile today and how did that make you feel?’ and ‘what makes you feel loved?’ and ‘what would make tomorrow more fun?’

• Thinking about how we are interacting with our kids. Are we having breakfast with them and spending time with them as they prepare for their day? Are we sharing positive communications with them throughout their day? Do we make them feel special when we first see them in the morning and again at the end of each day? Are our kids our top priority?

It’s fair to say that both school life and home life have had their challenges over the past couple of years, so it’s understandable that our kids are feeling unsure about the world around them and their safe place in it.

Our kids absorb everything. They listen to our conversations from when we think they’re out of earshot, they hear the news on TV from the room next door and they pick up on whether we are feeling relaxed and happy, or tired and stressed. Their view of the world they are growing up in, and the adult world they are getting closer and closer to relies on how we portray it to be. Are we showing them that their future looks bright and happy, or are we painting a picture of doom, worry and stress?

If they are constantly hearing about global warming, countries at war or crippling viruses, as well as the challenges we are all personally facing, then it’s no wonder they are not feeling confident and happy about the world they live in.

However, there are so many wonderful things we can do to show our kids that their future is bright and exciting, and their present is safe and happy.

We can start by eliminating as much negativity from their world as possible and helping them to see the good in every day by:

• Keeping our negative conversations (including the news on TV) and complaints to when they are definitely asleep or completely out of earshot.

• Planning fun activities they can look forward to each week (especially free ones).

• Spending time at home with them doing an activity they love.

• Going for a walk in nature together, every day if possible.

• Complimenting our kids every day and recognising them for every small success. ‘Great job on the dishes!’ ‘Thank you, that was a big help to me!’

• Spending quiet time with our kids, slowing down and being in the moment with them, hugging them, looking them in the eye and engaging with them one on one.

• Helping them to put a family photo or a positive and calming image as the home screen on their phone.

• Playing relaxing or uplifting music in our home and car.

Being a parent is perhaps the most important and invaluable role we will ever have. However, the work/family juggle often means our attention is drawn away from our kids, which can leave them feeling unheard, unsupported and unloved. Every positive habit and activity we can add back into our kid’s day, and every extra moment spent giving them our full attention, helps to show them that their world is safe, happy and a place worth being in.

For more information on helping your kids with anxiety, join our Positive Mindset Challenge at www.yourhappyplace.org.nz.

Rachelle

is

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

Your

Hawes

the Director of

Happy

There are so many wonderful things we can do to show our kids that their future is bright and exciting, and their present is safe and happy.

Quiet Quitting and trends in the workplace

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is an increasingly important and rapidly evolving facet of business. There is a lot of public awareness around mental health and rightly so. We have just seen the acknowledgement of World Mental Health Day and The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has recently celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week...but there is still a way to go before mental health priorities are normalised in the same way as physical health.

us, and that’s just the adults! A recent study in Australia found that school age children are now bombarded with the same volume of information within one week, that adults received in an entire year at the same age. The human brain is struggling to adapt to the rate of information exchange, and the pace is on an upward curve. So, what are the outcomes of all this ‘overload’? There are a lot of new terms floating around that allude to the general mood of populations around the world. Quiet Quitting, The Great Resignation, The Great Reshuffle... all commonly used terms but what do they mean?

Don’t get me wrong, mental health and wellbeing is a hot topic right now, but do we really understand the implications of mental health challenges and the potential economic consequences?

For a long time, mental health challenges have been viewed as personal or domestic problems, we’ve been told to keep them away from the workplace and manage them in private (if not explicitly told, certainly it has been implied). How times are changing though, in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, many of us are experiencing a confusing union between our physical and mental health, our digital and personal connectivity, our home lives and work life. These blurred demarcations and the overlapping and often competing nature of daily demands means a likely decline in overall mental health, and subsequently deterioration of physical health.

The fact is, we are now living in an age where many people are feeling a sense of overwhelm – social media and the rate that technology is developing, the increasing cost of living, wars, and geopolitical unrest, along with information overload... and of course, the effect that the pandemic has had on everyone’s wellbeing!

People are inundated with information from all different directions, plus the amount of work that we are actually getting through and what we have on our plates is far greater than generations before

The Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit or the Great Reshuffle, is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs en-masse. It began in early 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to impact on employee retention and labour markets. It makes sense that as people step back to reassess and recalibrate their lives after a period of prolonged volatility, disruption and trauma, that change is inevitable to offset personal strain.

What about Quiet Quitting? It’s not as obvious as the Great Resignation but the impact on presenteeism is enormous and impact is much harder to measure. Quiet Quitting describes an uprising against ‘hustle culture’, the quiet rebellion against ‘going above and beyond’ and a more unyielding ‘work to rule’ approach where the bare minimum is the new benchmark for commitment and productivity.

Given we can no longer expect people to compartmentalise their work life and their personal life, organisations and leaders need to step up to re-establish boundaries. Pre-COVID-19 Workload and

Integration of mental health and wellbeing is a strategic decision that requires investment and commitment, it is not just about return on investment, it’s also about value on investment and the intangible benefits of human connection and wellbeing.

productivity expectations should be reassessed and redesigned to create a more positive work culture where work-life balance is prioritised. If this doesn’t happen, the people will speak, quietly or loudly and overall organisational performance may suffer.

Organisations with strong people and culture strategies including; realistic job design with appropriately balanced workloads and moderation of team and individual pressure; policies and procedures that support mental wellbeing and psychological safety; ongoing training and support programmes that exceed current health and safety standards, will mitigate the impact of Quiet Quitting.

Integration of mental health and wellbeing is a strategic decision that requires investment and commitment, it is not just about ROI (return on investment), it’s also about VOI (value on investment) and the intangible benefits of human connection and wellbeing.

Who are Humanex?

Humanex provides high quality, evidence-based mental health and wellbeing education, training and resources within the context of prevention and early intervention stages of the mental health spectrum. We have a unique and focused role within the broader mental health sector, offering targeted and proven services that are complementary of other mental health and wellbeing efforts.

Humanex work with a diverse range of organisations and groups, and we get the unique opportunity to make positive inroads into a broad population issue. We enjoy the opportunity to improve lives, we enjoy the people we work with, and we enjoy problem solving and the complexity of affecting positive social and cultural change.

Humanex is also an accredited provider of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa programme.

For more information on how to build a mentally fit and psychologically safe workplace, please visit www.humanex.co.nz or email us at hello@humanex.co.nz.

Kate Figgins, Director at Humanex and Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Kate’s background is in complex service delivery and solution design organisations across both commercial and not for profit enterprises. Kate has a focus on strategic development and business transformation, and is passionate about purposeful, measurable change.

People are inundated with information from all different directions, plus the amount of work that we are actually getting through and what we have on our plates is far greater than generations before us.

NZCB Conference and Expo

“One of the best weekends of my life. I haven’t stopped thinking about getting back next year!”

“Great speakers and content. Liked the extra time to spend with the stand holders and have time for a good conversation with them.”

2022 highlights

“Unbelievable experience as a competing apprentice.”

NZCB Conference and Expo 2022 highlights continues...

Resilience and Recovery

With the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Conference and Expo becoming so large, we struggle to find venues to accommodate us all. Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton is one of those venues that suit our event perfectly, with enough space to accommodate the NZCB Apprentice Challenge alongside the Conference and Expo.

Friday 18th November

There was no Annual General Meeting (AGM) at this year’s Conference and Expo, so the arrival of the NZCB members into the speaking rooms was a little slow to start.

The exhibition hall looked amazing this year, after a big effort being put in by all. Feedback from our members was that it was one of the best conferences to date, and this was due to the additional time allowed to view the expo stands. The exhibitors were also very pleased with the new timetable, so we will be adding the dedicated expo time to the 2023 agenda.

We would like to thank all our members who attended and all the exhibitors and sponsors. It is your support that has allowed us to grow to be one of the industry’s biggest national events.

This year we had COVID-19 to contend with once again, and the consequent delay to the 18th and 19th November proved to be a challenge. We were pleasantly surprised then, as the total number of registered delegates reached 744!

Thursday 17th November

The Factory Tour had a delayed start, with the bus driver getting a little bit lost but, overall, the APL Window Solutions Tour was a great experience. A big thanks to Warwick Leigh-James and Andy McRae for being tour leaders. It was a strenuous tour, taking over 13,000 steps, so – lesson learned – we should provide warning for this type of tour going forward.

A HUGE thank you to Ian Chamberlain (Past NZCB Board Chairperson) who assisted with the expo set-up and helped the National Support Office (NSO) staff over the three days. We were very grateful for the extra set of hands and to have someone who knew what to do and needed no instructions on getting things done quickly.

Registrations on the Thursday also proved challenging, with COVID-19 causing a few cancellations. However, the new ‘on arrival’ electronic registration process made check-in a breeze.

We had 19 apprentice finalists from around the country, who turned up bright and early to begin their challenge for the day: building a rickshaw, in teams of two, for the Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race. The Mitre 10 Friday Happy Hour was a big highlight with our entertaining MC, Ben Hurley, providing running commentary during the final race. And what an entertaining race it was.

Our Friday agenda ended with buses shuttling delegates to the PlaceMakers Friday Night Mingler and Casino Night, which was held at the Skycity Casino in Hamilton. Guests were able to mingle and chat, while also having a go at Blackjack and Roulette (with fake money) thanks to the casino staff.

“We had a great weekend overall. Factory Tour was very good. Trade Expo was excellent, being so open and spread out.”

“Networking opportunities. Some good content for the leadership stream. Timing seemed pretty good, and a good balance of time around the stands and in workshops.”

Saturday 19th November

It was a very slow start on Saturday morning. Feedback from members and exhibitors was that we should perhaps aim to kick off a bit later in 2023. This might help with better attendance for our morning sessions.

There were 12 educational speakers over the course of the day, and unfortunately, due to a family emergency, we were unable to see Darcy Everest from EndVision. We know many of you were looking forward to his talk, so we will aim to get him in front of you in 2023.

Ben Hurley did an amazing job as the MC for the NZCB Apprentice Awards and Gala Dinner, and had delegates laughing on numerous occasions. The James Bond theme proved popular, and the costumes were amazing. VidCom did a fantastic job of the mood lighting and music throughout the Gala Dinner and stage performance. Thank you to the Les Follies team and their dancers for a great show. A big thank you to our main NZCB Apprentice Challenge sponsor, ITM. NZCB couldn’t do an event like this without your support.

As normal, to help us understand what you liked about the Conference and Expo, and what we could perhaps do better, we undertook some market research at the end of the event. A big thank you to all who took the time to complete our survey. We’ve listened to your feedback and will make improvements to ensure an even better experience next year. So don’t forget to save the dates 26th and 27th May for NZCB’s 25th AGM, and 24th Conference and Expo 2023, to be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. (Can you believe it’s our 25th birthday?)

Karla Farrar

NZCB

General Manager –Marketing

and Services

“I’ve been to every conference held in the last 12 years, and this was up there with the best. I am excited about it being in Christchurch next time and being in our new venue. Rock on, dudes!” Thank you to our 2022 sponsors

NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM 2022 Final

Apprentices are awesome!

The competitors in the final of the 2022 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM came together in Hamilton over 17-19 November … and excelled!

Nineteen apprentices continued the high standard set in previous years and represented themselves, their employers, and their regions with pride. NZCB’s Bay of Islands/Far North region was represented for the first time in the history of the event. Apprentices were competing for the title and the coveted Ken Read Memorial Trophy. Special thanks to ITM for their ongoing commitment to the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, both at the regional heats and at the national final.

The Judges

The 2022 Judging Panel consisted of returning judges, Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Board Chairman, Brian Dillon, and New Zealand Building Industry Federation Board Director, Derek Heard; and newcomer, the winner of the 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM and current ITAB Apprentice Board Director, Marc Palmer. The judges reported the calibre of apprentices was extremely high, with just a 1.1% scoring separation between the top three competitors. My thanks to the Judging Panel for your professionalism and commitment to the Apprentice Challenge.

The Challenge

Having successfully won their regional competitions, each qualifying apprentice, in preparation for the final, submitted a cover letter, CV, and work portfolio, to be formally assessed by the Judging Panel. Spelling, grammar, structure, and content were critiqued, with the result recorded against the apprentice’s name, ready to be added to when the in-person assessments had been completed. These additional assessments consisted of a formal Industry Trade Exam, an interview, and a public presentation.

For many, the public speaking component was by far the most daunting. The relief on the competitor’s faces, once finished, was very evident and not surprising! This part of the assessment is open to anyone to attend, including conference delegates, employers, friends, family, and partners. It was great to see how well this was supported this year, with over two hundred people attending. The public speaking was the last formal assessment, signifying the end of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, and the start of the wait for the Gala Awards Dinner … where the winners were announced. Every competitor was acknowledged and called onto the stage, receiving their certificate and well-deserved applause from attendees, including proud family and partners, many of whom had travelled some distance to lend their support.

And the Winners are…

Congratulations to Whangārei apprentice Joshua Welsh (27), a clearly deserving and humble winner of the Ken Read Memorial Trophy. Josh received a prize package to the value of $10,000, thanks to the generous sponsorship of ITM.

Behind the scenes, Josh was a real character, making jokes and keeping everyone entertained. However, it was obvious that he knew when to turn it on and off, setting a high standard for his fellow apprentices to follow. Josh scored consistently highly across all assessments, including the speech component of the Apprentice Challenge. This talent was evident during his acceptance speech, where he thanked his wife, Tegan, for making him enter the competition, adding that he wouldn’t be standing there if it wasn’t for her encouraging him to take a leap of faith. Congratulations, Josh. I look forward to watching your future endeavours with interest.

Second place winner was Petros Vrahasotakis (27) representing Wellington. Petros received a prize package to the value of $7,000, thanks to Milwaukee Tools New Zealand. Petros missed out on the top spot by the narrowest of margins but should be proud of his overall result, knowing he is one of the top apprentices in New Zealand. Congratulations, Petros.

2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Winner, Joshua Welsh and ITM’s National Sales Manager Guys Williams.

2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – second place getter Petros Vrahasotakis.

Rounding out the top three was third-place winner Joshua Shoebridge (24) representing Tauranga Districts. Joshua received a prize package valued at $5,000, thanks to PlaceMakers.

Joshua’s quiet but professional manner held him in good stead during the competition, making him a standout to the judges. Congratulations, Joshua.

The Chairperson’s Personality Award was awarded to Manawatūbased apprentice Christopher Sullivan (33), who received a $3,000 prize package, thanks to Winstone Wallboards (GIB®). Chris’s interaction with his fellow apprentices and NZCB delegates made him a clear standout, earning him the recognition of having an ‘Award Winning Personality’.

Sponsors and Supporters

In addition to the naming-rights sponsor, ITM, this year’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge received overwhelming support from Winstone Wallboards (GIB®), Sika New Zealand, Paslode New Zealand, and, of course, NZCB. Finalists received tools, merchandise, and apparel, to the value of $4,000 each, just for showing up and competing! Thank you, all sponsors, for your ongoing support of NZCB and for your investment in the next generation of building professionals.

Proceeds from the Regional Competitions

It was a personal highlight, for me, to present the Cancer Society of New Zealand with an oversized cheque to the value of $10,650 from the proceeds of TradeMe auctions and sales of this year’s project, a garden bench seat (the project given to apprentices to build at the Regional Competitions). Apprentices and their employers were given the first option to buy the completed projects, with any unwanted projects sold online to raise funds for this not-for-profit

and worthy charity. As an added benefit, the purchasers received a gift voucher to the value of $75, thanks to Resene Paints Limited, to purchase a stain or paint of their choosing, enhancing the overall durability

I congratulate and acknowledge each of the 19 apprentice finalists. On behalf of NZCB, it was a pleasure to host you at the 23rd Annual NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton.

We wish each of you the very best of luck for the remainder of your apprenticeships and your future building careers.

Thank you to our sponsors

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager

of their bench seat.

Nick Matthews

2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – 3rd place getter Joshua Shoebridge.

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews presenting Cancer Society of New Zealand’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty Business Services Manager Jill Rumney with a cheque for $10,650: proceeds from TradeMe auctions and sales of this year’s, garden bench seat project.

NZCBApprentice Challenge SponsoredbyITM 2022 winners

1st Place – Joshua Welsh, Whangārei

2nd Place – Petros Vrahasotakis, Wellington

3rd Place – Joshua Shoebridge, Tauranga Districts

A word from our 2022 winner

The 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM, will be ingrained in my memory forever.

Although I was extremely nervous the need to remain confident and level-headed stayed with me the entire weekend. Not only that, but the study and practice that I had put in to this point all culminated in me being crowned the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Winner for 2022.

My road to national’s this year was driven by missing out on making the finals in 2021… by one placing. This year I returned with the drive and willingness to win the Whangārei Regional Competition and head down to the final being, held in conjunction with the NZCB Conference and Expo at the Claudelands Events Centre, in Hamilton, to compete against some of the country’s best apprentices.

Disrupted by COVID, the final was postponed until November, which didn’t help the nerves. Upon arriving in Hamilton, I was greeted by my fellow competitors as we sat and waited for the impending trade exam. This was what I was most nervous about, as I didn’t quite know what to expect. Up until this moment I had submitted a CV, work portfolio and prepared and practised my presentation.

With the exam out of the way, I could breathe a little. Not for long, however, as NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews explained the Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race that would be taking place, bright and early the next morning. It consisted of working in pairs and constructing a rickshaw to race against nine other teams. I was paired with Joshua Shoebridge from Tauranga Districts.

When we arrived at Claudelands Events Centre the next morning, we got a grasp of how the event was going to pan out. Mitre 10 Trade had sponsored all the materials and tools to assist us in crafting a custom rickshaw. Four hours went by in a flash and ten carts were lined up ready to go. The race wasn’t until 5pm, so this gave me a chance to walk around the NZCB Expo, in awe at the multitude of stands. 5pm rolled around and, after ten minutes of chaos and only one casualty, the race was over.

Saturday brought on a very nervous day as I had my interview with the judges, followed by my speech. I was the last interview and I told myself ‘Now is your chance to smash it out of the park!’ I found the interview very comfortable and felt I could be myself. This allowed me to speak from the heart and share why I am on this journey. My speech went quickly but I told myself to remain calm, confident and speak clearly. I felt very proud of myself and, with that, it was left in the hands of the judges.

On Saturday night, we arrived at the ITM Awards Dinner after a thrilling bus trip from the hotel. The event was beautifully decorated, and tensions were high. After dinner and entertainment, we found ourselves front and centre of the event. Third place was called, then second. At this stage it felt like a moment ‘too good to be true’, so I had assumed that it would never happen to me. When first place was announced, I stood mouth wide open in amazement as all the hard work had paid off. Fighting back tears, I delivered my thank you speech and left the stage in a blur.

I’d like to take the time to thank NZCB for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills and intentions for the future, and to the sponsors for making this a truly unforgettable weekend. I am thankful to have met some amazing people and made lifelong friends.

To all the other apprentices, you did a fantastic job and the future of the industry is in great hands.

Kia ora koutou katoa

Joshua Welsh NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM, 2022 Winner

Chairperson’s Award –Christopher Sullivan, Manawatū

Joshua Welsh

A word from our main sponsor

ITM are proud to be a part of this awesome initiative. It is important to celebrate the skill and success coming up through the ranks of the building industry and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge does just that. If this year’s finalists are a taste of the talent our industry has to come, our future homes are in safe hands!

A word from one of our judges

With the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo now completed, I’ve been reflecting on the NZCB Apprentice Challenge (NZCBAC) and how it has evolved over the years.

There was a time when the apprentices would do their thing at the NZCB Conference and Expo, but very much in a side-line capacity, including the awards ceremony being in a back room somewhere while the main event continued. The introduction of the current format around 2014 has not only enhanced the profile of the NZCBAC, but also confirmed the importance of current and future apprentices in the NZCB family.

I have had the privilege of being a judge for several years now and, as I hand that baton to someone else for 2023, I’ve looked back at the process by which we determined national winners, and where they are now. The mix of events the apprentices undergo has provided the judges with some insights into not only the apprentice as a tradie, but also the person too. Every year we’ve seen some special characters emerge and have taken confidence that the future of the industry is in good shape.

It is also really good to see past winners now playing leading roles in NZCB and the industry, including as NZCB Business members, regional Presidents, on the judging panel, and now an Apprentice member on the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Board.

I spent the best part of two days with fellow judges, listening to the aspirations of the finalists, getting some insights into what it is about this dynamic industry that excites them, as well as sharing a few lighter moments.

This year the calibre of apprentices was extremely high, with just 1.1% scoring separation between the top three competitors. Congratulations to all those who took part in this event; you did yourselves, your bosses, and your industry proud.

ITAB Board Chairman

Brian Dillon

Lauren Findsen

ITM National Communications Manager

Left to right: ITM National Loyalty Manager Mele Tembo, ITM National Communications Manager Lauren Findsen and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM Regional Finalists.

Mitre 10 Great A p prenticeRace 2022 winners

1st place – Seth Lundon, Gisborne and Josh McLean, Taupō

2nd place – Chris Sinnott, Nelson Bays and Quinn Kusanic, Bay of Islands/Far North

3rd place – Petros Vrahasotakis, Wellington and Angus Petrie, Wairarapa

Best design – Chris Sinnott, Nelson Bays and Quinn Kusanic, Bay of Islands/Far North

Best design runner up – Seth Lundon, Gisborne and Josh McLean, Taupō

Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race

The future of New Zealand’s building industry is looking very bright, if the participants in this year’s Mitre 10 Trade Great Apprentice Race are an indication of the talent and can-do attitude coming into our industry.

In partnership with Makita and MATES in Construction, Mitre 10 Trade was again proud to support the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo, and to run one of the highlights of the event, the Great Apprentice Race.

Bringing together 20 of the most promising apprentices from across Aotearoa New Zealand, this year’s challenge saw the group working in teams of two to design and build a rickshaw in just 4.5 hours. That same afternoon, they had to race the rickshaws to a workstation, assemble a sawhorse, hammer in a six-inch nail with a toy hammer and use a crescent to screw a coach screw into the sawhorse, then turn around and race their rickshaw back to the start point.

Having never met before the weekend, the apprentices impressed the judges with their collaborative approach and the level of responsibility and onus each took. Mitre 10 building consultant and Easy As man Stan Scott, who helped design the challenge and supervise the race, said they all did exceptionally well, especially given the tight time schedule and the added pressure of a big crowd of people watching.

“They were very competitive, took the challenge seriously but didn’t take themselves too seriously. Design, build, execute –hats off, they all did a great job and had a lot of fun.”

That one team had to carry their rickshaw over the line after it fell apart, and another collected bits that had fallen off a competitor rickshaw and carried them over the line so that everyone completed the race, only added to the entertainment, while also underscoring the great attitudes they all displayed.

Now more than ever, it’s vitally important to be supporting trade apprentices, with the demand pipeline for new residential construction continuing for the foreseeable future. All 20 apprentices took home the Makita tool kits they used to complete the challenge, sponsored by Mitre 10 Trade and Makita and worth over $1500 each.

We at Mitre 10 Trade highly value our longstanding relationship with NZCB and its members, and we’re proud to support the Great Apprentice Race and the impressive talent coming up through the ranks. As Stan said at the end of the race, the future of building industry is looking bloody good if the calibre and quality of these apprentices are anything to go by.

Many thanks to Karla, Nick and the team for another excellent conference and expo. It’s a highlight in the Mitre 10 Trade calendar and we’re looking forward to the next one already.

Rob Macgregor

Mitre 10 Trade, Trade Marketing Manager

NZCB Regional Events Calendar

REGIONAL EVENTS

WAIKATO/COROMANDEL TWILIGHT BEERS AND BOWLS

Fri 3 Mar 4:30pm registration | 5:00pm start

Claudelands Bowling Club 1 Kitchener Street | Hamilton

Get your teams ready and join the NZCB Waikato Committee and NZCB Waikato Platinum Partners; Franklins European Bathrooms Frankton, Avant Aluminium Ltd and Eurotech Design for an evening of social lawn bowls, some beers and a barbeque.

AUCKLAND ANNUAL EDUCATION DAY

Thu 16 Mar 8:00am–4:00pm

For more information check out the Events Calendar on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed or contact Savana on waikato@nzcb.nz.

Due Drop Events Centre (formally Vodafone Events Centre) 770 Great South Road, Wiri | Manukau

Want to learn about up-and-coming industry changes and earn 6 Elective LBP Points in one day?

The NZCB Auckland Committee would like to invite you to our annual Education Day (previously called LBP Day), titled Navigating Industry Changes!

The day will include topical training and presentations with attendees moving through 12 x 30-minute presentations in groups of 25-30. This means builders can ask questions and learn from a range of trade industry experts.

WHANGĀREI CHARITY GOLF DAY

Fri 17 Mar

The Pines Golf Club

750 Whangārei Heads Road | Tamaterau

NZCB Whangārei are excited to be is holding another ‘Send us your Best’ Golf Tournament. Our tournament has been built by golfers for golfers – that’s why we need your company’s BEST!

There will be a ‘Best 3 from 4 Stableford Team Tournament’ with an ‘Individual Tournament’ running alongside each other.

• Presentation topics will include Medium Density Residential Standards, H1 changes, H3 changes as well as Sustainability Indicatives.

• Lunch, morning and afternoon smokos provided.

• Spot prizes and a chance to win an amazing fishing charter!

• Open to NZCB members and non-members.

Visit www.eventfinda.co.nz and enter ‘NZCB Auckland Region Education Day 2023’ in the search bar, for more information and tickets.

The aim is to raise the brand awareness of NZCB and funds for Alzheimers Northland to help them purchase a new van.

For more information contact Jodi on 09 438 3467 or whangarei@nzcb.nz.

Not sure if there are any events happening in your region? Check out the Events Calendar on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website www.nzcb.nz.

ONE HAPPY TEAM

with Endless mobile plans to suit every size business.

MATES In Construction Residential Wellbeing Workshops 2023

Brought to you by

We have also extended the event to include even more focus on workplace wellbeing.

With half (Sessions 1 and 2) and full-day (Sessions 1, 2 and 3) sessions available, workshops will take place at five locations nationwide, over the months of February and March. Workshops are open to NZCB members and their teams, Master Plumbers members and Master Electricians members.

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) believes supporting health and wellbeing should be placed front and centre of our Association: therefore, helping to provide support and education to our members and trades in the wider construction industry community.

NZCB has teamed up with MATES in Construction, Master Electricians and Mater Plumbers to give residential builders and other trades across New Zealand access to the MATES in Construction General Awareness Training and their Connector Training (normally offered to commercial companies on-site).

LOCATION DATE VENUE

Auckland Tue 21 February Alexandra Park Raceway

Hamilton Wed 22 February Hamilton Workingmen’s Club

Wellington Thu 9 March Lower Hutt Events Centre

Christchurch Wed 22 March Christchurch Hornby Club

Dunedin Wed 29 March Edgar Centre

TIME TOPIC PRESENTER(S)

SESSION 1 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

10:00 AM

– 10:30 AM

SESSION 2 10:30 AM

– 12:00 PM

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

SESSION 3 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Workplace Wellbeing: Coach, Kereama Carmody will be presenting on workplace wellbeing, introduce the five pillars of wellbeing along with triggers and pressures to look out for in the workplace and how to access support to overcome these concerns.

Morning Tea

MATES in Construction General Awareness Training: MATES will deliver General Awareness Training which includes raising suicide awareness, and helping workers recognise the signs of suicidal thoughts in themselves and in their mates. Alongside encouraging workers and their mates to seek help, and where to find it when dealing with difficult situations.

Lunch – only for those attending Session 3

MATES in Construction Connector Course: Connectors are volunteers who take on specialised training and learn to identify workers who may be at risk. They ask the appropriate and relevant questions about suicide and connect the at-risk person to professional help while keeping them safe. It is preferable to have one Connector to every twenty workers.

Please note: a minimum of 15 is needed to run the connector with a maximum of 30 places.

Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first in, first serve basis:

• $39.00 to attend a half-day (Sessions 1, 2 and morning tea)

• $78.00 to attend the full-day (Sessions 1, 2, 3, morning tea and lunch)

For more information and to purchase tickets logon to the NZCB members’ only Toolshed and check out the Events Calendar www.nzcb.nz.

Master Plumbers Wellbeing Coach Kereama Carmody

MATES in Construction Field Officers

MATES in Construction Field Officers

Did you know the construction industry has the highest number of suicides across all industries in New Zealand? Our construction industry is losing nearly one person every week to suicide!

Proudly Sponsored by:

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 Have you got what it takes to go all the way?

To apply for the challenge checkout www.apprenticechallenge.nz

NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo 2023

Leadership

Never been to the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Annual General Meeting (AGM) Conference and Expo? Unsure if it’s worth the price of registration, travel, and days missed off work?

This one is extra special as it’s our 25th birthday!

If you’re on the fence, here are five great reasons you and your team should sign up.

#1 Upskill, educate, and earn points

To remain resilient and successful in business, it is important to stay up to date on regulations impacting the building industry. NZCB strives to keep members and their staff informed in a range of ways, including the Conference and Expo. The event is packed with industry leaders and educational opportunities, including the Factory Tour, keynote and motivational speakers, and engaging workshops. And there is the added bonus of earning up to 10 LBP Elective Points.

#2 Networking in spades

Whether you’re after a new supplier or someone to collaborate with, or you’re keen to talk to new and old friends, networking with industry professionals and like-minded business owners is

26th and 27th May 2023

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Christchurch

a key part of the Conference and Expo. Networking opportunities include the morning and afternoon tea and lunch breaks, Friday’s Great Apprentice Race and Happy Hour, the Friday Night Mingler, and the Awards Dinner on Saturday Night.

#3 Huge Expo to explore

With over 100 trade industry partners exhibiting in the Expo area, you and your team will discover new trends and the latest products and services for your business, ensuring you are well informed and remain competitive.

#4 Fun, fun, fun

When you’re working hard, it’s important to take time out to enjoy yourself. Attending the NZCB Conference and Expo is a chance to combine learning with fun. Why not take an extra day before or after the event and visit friends or explore the city and surrounds?

#5 It’s affordable!

Thanks to support from sponsors, we have been able to keep registration fees down. The entry cost for another trade conference and expo held over two days last year was more than $1,000. Two day registration for the NZCB Conference and Expo is just $195 – and it’s tax deductible! Because you are increasing your knowledge and upskilling to generate more revenue for your business, you can claim your registration fees, travel costs and accommodation as business related expenses. It’s a win-win!

Check out the next page for a little bit more about what you can expect…

Draft Agenda

Preparations are well underway for our 25th AGM and our 24th Annual Conference and Expo, being held in the centre of the South Island’s largest city, and just 20 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is a fantastic, multipurpose venue that ticks all the boxes for another seamless Conference and Expo. With something for everyone, the agenda is stacking up to be a busy couple of days, chock full of educational content, trade industry related exhibitors and networking opportunities!

Factory Tour

In the lead up to the AGM, Conference and Expo, the ever-popular Factory Tour will take place on Thursday 25th May. This is a work in progress, but we’ve organised a tour that will be both educational and fun. More details to come.

AGM, Conference and Expo

Friday 26th, the first official day of Conference, will start with the 25th members-only AGM. This is a chance for you as a stakeholder to have your say in what is happening in the Association.

The AGM will be followed by an amazing line-up of keynote and educational speakers to get you thinking and motivated.

Saturday 27th is all about upskilling and educating you and your team on current and relevant industry topics. Whether you’re an individual member, business member, work on-site or behind the scenes in the office, our dedicated workshop streams have something for everyone.

We’ve changed our workshops slightly this year and will have streams dedicated to: Advanced – 3+ years in business, New to Business – 1 to 3 years in business, and Foreman/Site Manager.

The Expo Area will be open throughout the day on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th. This will provide the perfect opportunity to catch up, stay up to speed, and meet face-to-face with the 100 industryspecific trade partners ready to showcase their latest services and products. We also have dedicated Expo time on both days, so you don’t miss out on getting to all the stands you need to see.

Events and Functions

From 5pm on Friday 26th, join us for the Great Apprentice Race and Happy Hour. Don’t miss the thrills and spills as the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Regional Finalists go head-to-head in the Great Apprentice Race. Support your region or favourite while enjoying nibbles and a beverage in this action-packed Happy Hour.

Following the Happy Hour, our Friday Night Mingler will be held from 7pm at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. The Friday Night Mingler is the most popular evening function and is attended by both trade partners and conference delegates. Food stations and beverages are available throughout the evening.

From 7pm on Saturday 27th, we will be celebrating in style at the grand finale of the 2023 NZCB AGM, Conference and Expo: the Saturday Awards Dinner. Join us for a renaissance masquerade themed evening, with three-course meal and help us celebrate the winners of the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge, and our 25th birthday.

Pricing

All costs below are excluding GST and per person.

Note: We now have only one rate for NZCB members and any additional people you would like to bring. Additional people include your spouse/partner, business partner, or employee(s) who are wanting to attend the Conference and Expo.

Two-day Conference and Expo registration

This is to attend both the Friday and Saturday of the AGM, Conference and Expo. Includes morning tea and lunch for both days and the Friday Happy Hour.

One-day Conference and Expo registration – Friday only

This is to attend the Friday only of the AGM, Conference and Expo. Includes morning tea and lunch for the Friday and the Friday Happy Hour.

One-day Conference and Expo registration – Saturday only

This is to attend the Saturday only of the Conference and Expo. Includes morning tea and lunch for the Saturday.

Friday Night Mingler

Includes drinks and canapés.

Saturday Night Awards Dinner

Includes drinks and a three-course meal.

$195.00

$99.00

$99.00

$80.00

$110.00

Don’t forget that the ‘Conference and Expo’ is tax deductible!

Accommodation

We are in the process of negotiating great rates at nearby hotels and motels for your convenience. Keep an eye on the next issue of InHouse for further information.

What are you waiting for?

To learn, be inspired, have fun, meet new people, make lifelong friends, and stay up to date and ahead of the competition, register today at www.events.nzcb.nz.

Auckland region events change pace

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Auckland Committee has seen a very busy six months, with a number of face-to-face events, making quite a change from the last couple of years. Auckland regional events held in the second half of 2022 raised almost $20k for charity.

As gathering restrictions eased in the second half of 2022, the committee were able to host their first Quiz Night & Mingler, in August. It was the first real opportunity to get face-to-face and reconnect with others in person, and members were able test their general knowledge for a good cause. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and those who were brave enough to bid, we raised $9k for the notfor-profit organisation ‘LegaSea’ who are working hard to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks for future generations to enjoy.

Shortly after, in September, the Auckland Committee were thrilled to host over 100 players at the Akarana Golf Club, to enjoy a day of golf, connection, and fundraising. The event had been postponed a few times and, while usually an annual happening, had not been held for over two years. The day concluded having raised over $10k for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

With the endless cancellations and postponements we have seen in recent years, it has been difficult to hold a successful event. Gathering restrictions have meant the Auckland Committee have had to think ‘outside the bubble’ to ensure their members are kept up to date with relevant information and given opportunities for learning.

The very popular annual Auckland LBP Day is a good example. The committee adapted quickly and once again hosted a successful event in an online format, allowing members to continue to upskill from the comfort of their homes.

“We had an incredible response to our online training initiative. Industry partners and suppliers were keen to get in front of our members while building sites were closed and, over the two days, we delivered six hours of training to nearly 500 participants,” said Chris Boyle, NZCB Auckland Committee member and main organiser of the Auckland LBP Day event.

While our past online events were successful, there is nothing quite like in-person training, so the committee is very excited to be hosting the 2023 LBP Training Day (recently renamed to Education Day), on 16 March at the Due Drop Events Centre (formally Vodafone Events Centre) in Manukau. The day will include training and presentations, with attendees moving through presentations in groups. This means builders can ask questions and learn from a range of trade industry experts. Visit www.eventfinda. co.nz and enter ‘NZCB Auckland Region Education Day 2023’ in the search bar, for more information and tickets.

“It took a while to get everyone’s confidence levels up regarding settings around golf club indoor activities and the late winter date, but we soon had enough registrations to go ahead,” said Peter Headland, NZCB Auckland Committee member and Auckland Charity Golf Day main organiser. “The Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts and generosity towards this great charity helping our cancer sufferers through their unbelievably tough journeys.”

The Auckland Committee look forward to welcoming players and sponsors to the next NZCB Auckland Charity Golf Day, 9 November 2023.

The committee concluded a successful year by getting together with regional partners and members, over a drink, at the Wynyard Pavilion. It was a great opportunity to catch up and share plans for 2023 – which is looking no less busy, with more Auckland Committee events already in the pipeline.

MacGregor NZCB Auckland President

Barbara

NZCB Auckland President Barbara MacGregor (left) presenting Cancer Society of New Zealand’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty Business Services Manager Jill Rumney (right) with a cheque for $10,450: proceeds raised from the Auckland Charity Golf Day.

NZCB Auckland Charity Golf Day.

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.

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Plasterboard Locally Made

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

Waikato/Coromandel Annual Charity Golf Day 2022 WAIKATO

The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Waikato/Coromandel region held our annual Charity Golf Day at Ngāruawāhia Golf Club last October. It was the perfect way to kick off the long weekend, and all 22 teams were in good spirits despite the patchy weather. There was a lot of good-natured banter between players and teams, and it was great to see everyone back in the clubhouse at the end of the day. There were some fantastic spot prizes on offer, and every team left with a full goodie bag.

Prostate Cancer Cheque handover

Our charity was Prostate Cancer New Zealand, which was very apt given that 90% of our members are male, and prostate cancer is something many find hard to talk about. Our members and sponsors gave generously, and we are pleased to say a whopping $10,000 was raised on the day. This was our last event for 2022, and it was great to finish 2022 on a high.

Thanks to all the NZCB Waikato Committee that gave up their time to help out on the day.

We also want to say a BIG thank you to all our fabulous sponsors who supported this event.

Our hole sponsors were PlaceMakers Clarence Street, Golf Boar, Makita, Eurotech Design, Bunnings/AEG Powertools, Carpet Mill, Winstone Wallboards, Franklin European Bathrooms Frankton, The ToolShed, WINTEC, and Avant Aluminium.

Our charity sponsors were Hampton Downs Go-Karts, Ngāruawāhia Golf Club, Inghams Chicken, Novotel Hamilton, Hair by Kirsty, Kennards Hire, Rylock Waikato, and Liquor King Rototuna.

There can be no doubt that, without all of you, this day would not be possible!

It took a bit of effort to find a time when we could get together with Prostate Cancer New Zealand to hand over the cheque for the funds raised at our annual Charity Golf Day. Finally, we managed to meet with Peter Dickens, their Chief Executive Officer, on Friday 2 December 2022 to proudly hand over a cheque for the $10,000 raised. The money will go to many great causes within Prostate Cancer, one being to raise awareness in our communities and another being to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families.

Save the dates

The exact dates for some of our forthcoming Waikato events for 2023 are still to be confirmed, but we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the following:

• Twilight Beers and Bowls – Friday 3 March

• Waikato Regional Annual General Meeting – March/April

• NZCB Apprentice Challenge – Saturday 8 April

• Professional Development Day – July

• Family Movie Day – Saturday 30 September

• Annual Charity Golf Day – October

Introducing Eurotech Design

The NZCB Waikato Committee would like to welcome and introduce our new Regional Platinum Partner, Eurotech Design.

Established in 1996, Eurotech Design is a familyowned Kiwi company that employs local people, keeping profits in New Zealand. Their focus is on bringing world-leading brands and a continually evolving range of stylish appliances to Aotearoa’s marketplace.

For more information check out their website: www.eurotechdesign.co.nz.

Alan Warburton NZCB Waikato President

NZCB Waikato President Alan Warburton (right) presenting Prostate Cancer New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Peter Dickens (left), with a cheque for $10,000: proceeds raised from the Waikato/ Coromandel Charity Golf Day.

Wellington end-of-year event

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Wellington region held its end-of-year event last December. We all seem to have been running around like mad things since 2020, so it was lovely to see a great turnout at this event and to put another busy year behind us.

2023 could be potentially difficult for the construction industry, and we will really need the support that NZCB has to offer. It was encouraging, then, to see so many new members in attendance – they made up more than half the crowd – to mingle with more seasoned members as friends, not competitors. We’re in this together. We’re all in the same boat, and NZCB provides

a community around us that we can reach out to for help, support, and guidance. Older members’ experience will prove invaluable in the year ahead. And sometimes, all it requires is a beer and a vent!

Our newer members enjoyed the evening and were keen to come back, as they met new people and felt the support and community of like-minded people around them. The committee hopes to host more events in different formats this year and to continue building attendance and a sense of community around NZCB membership.

Canterbury new members evening

Inspired to try something different, it seemed a fitting time to invite all new Canterbury members of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) to meet the freshly appointed Canterbury Committee.

After some hard work from the committee, putting the event together, new members from the past two years and their partners were invited to join us for a yarn and a beer at the Miro Restaurant in Christchurch on the evening of Friday 4 November. While there was some shop talk, not every conversation went this way, and we had a lot of fun and laughs.

As the newly appointed president, I want to see every member in the Canterbury region given an opportunity to attend an event where they can meet other likeminded, hardworking members. The Canterbury Committee and I look forward to catching up with many more of you in 2023.

Short NZCB Wellington President

CANTERBURY

Niamh

Tony Lindley

NZCB Canterbury President

How can we stop hand injuries happening?

A total of 3165 incidents were notified to HazardCo in 2022 – 895 of these were finger and hand related. Given the frequency, we want to look at the impact of these injuries and how to manage them better.

Awareness is everything. You can educate your staff in the following ways:

Any sign of damage/wear and tear, then replace the tool. If it’s bent, don’t bend it back – replace it!

Take your time – ensure you have a firm grip on the tool and check your surroundings.

Use the correct tool for the job.

Think about the potential reaction once an action has been made – if you’re pulling a nog out, how hard do you have to pull/ hit it, do you have a solid footing, what/who is behind you.

Hand placement, hand placement, hand placement! – Ensure your free hand is as far away from the area as possible. It may be needed to hold the item steady, but ensure it is as far away from blades/hammerheads as possible.

The types of injuries

There are a fair few ways these occur on-site. The most common include:

Crushed hands and fingers

Cuts and punctures

Burns Electric shock

The causes are often the result of equipment malfunctions, falling objects, compression between objects, electrical faults, and worker errors.

Hand tools

Hand tools are a huge contributor to hand related injuries in the workplace. When using these common tools, hammers, hand saws, pliers, angle grinders etc fatigue, rushing, complacency, using faulty or damaged tools or a lack of training often leads to workers injuring themselves.

The long-term impact

The long-term impact of a hand injury ranges from minor to severe. A minor injury could mean changes in grip strength and reduced range of motion of the fingers. In more serious cases, a worker may lose the ability to use their hand.

Pre-starts to ensure that the tool is not damaged. If it is, remove it from service and either arrange for it to be repaired, or replaced.

Hold safety demos for all dangerous machinery – some tool suppliers have demo and training courses available.

When holding toolbox meetings, stress hand and finger safety awareness.

Ensure appropriate PPE is worn – gloves, hard hat, etc. This is more than just talking to your workers. As a leader you need to give your workers real-life examples of incidents that have life-changing effects on workers: their health, finances, family and livelihood.

Once workers have the knowledge, it’s up to them to maintain hand safety awareness. Team leaders, however, need to ensure they monitor and review the workplace to ensure controls are in place/being used.

Of course, reach out to HazardCo and speak to one of our expert Health and Safety experts if you have any questions or need more support on hand injuries on-site. HazardCo members get 24/7 incident support, and unlimited expert advice from our advisory team. You can contact us 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.

Architecture & aftsmanship

Driven to create surfaces that make a living environment durable, feel and look good to live in, we believe the tactile nature of plaster cladding is unrivaled.

The construction process contains many facets which when combined, and applied accurately make for a shining, and durable example of the construction process - from the clients needs, the Architecture, through to the selection of products, and the professional trades people that apply their skills.

At Resene Construction Systems we only promote tested & trusted products, all applied by LBP registered Plastering Professionals for each and every project.

Visit our website to discover more about our exciting range of facade systems, bespoke interior finishes, and construction products

Plastering Professional: Geocoat

Architect: Krush Architecture Builder: T L Builders

Starting out right with health and safety

Are you in the process of setting up a new company and you don’t know where to begin when it comes to health and safety? Site Safe have put together the essential components every business needs to get started.

• Induction, training and competency supervision – workers need to be inducted into a new workplace, this provides information and outlines your expectation of them immediately. Similarly, workers need to be trained and assessed if competent at the tasks they are expected to do in their jobs. If workers are not competent they need to be supervised.

Tools you can use to ensure that you are managing the health and safety of your people are:

• Visitor/site induction register

• Training and competency register

• Training pathway

Policies and procedures

Policies and procedures provide a structure for your company when it comes to handling health and safety. They are the foundation of your system. Essential elements are:

• Policy statement – your overarching policy

• Code of conduct

• Operational policies

• Emergency management plan

Managing risks and hazards

Business owners and leaders are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to manage risks to workers and any other person that may be affected by their work. This means that hazards must be identified, assessed, controlled and monitored. There are several tools that you can use for this process, including:

• Hazard/incident register

• Risk assessment matrix

• Hazardous products and substances inventory

• Workplace inspections

• Plant and equipment register

• Monitoring activities

• Hazard boards and danger signs

Managing staff and contractors

Ensuring your workers and contractors are safe at work is your main priority as a business owner. The following are essential elements when it comes to keeping your people safe.

• Code of conduct – provides clearly set “house rules” for your workers and contractors on how you expect people to behave while at work.

• Worker involvement in their own health and safety – allowing people to be part of the process will encourage engagement and ownership of health and safety in your business.

• Personal protective equipment and clothing register

Administration of your health and safety system

It’s important to keep on-top of your system once it is in place. Your system is a way of keeping records which allows you to remain compliant but also gives you the opportunity to see if you are achieving anything. Regularly reviewing and keeping your system up-to-date is important. Site Safe recommends:

• Regular review of daily or weekly operational records, such as: – hazard identification – incident reports – inspection results

– induction register – pre-starts

• Yearly review of your strategic data and targets – this data is used to set targets and goals for the coming year.

Leadership

It’s up to leaders to drive health and safety culture in any organisation, this encourages workers to engage in the culture and keep your workplace safe. Lead by example to create an environment where health and safety is a transparent and approachable part of your company. Leaders can run toolbox talks, complete audits or attend health and safety meetings. Leaders should monitor health and safety in the organisation, and address health and safety issues quickly and transparently.

Site Safe’s Health and Safety Kit is a good place to start. It provides detailed information, processes and forms that a business should have as part of their health and safety system, including a copy of all the documents and forms mentioned. Go to www.sitesafe.org.nz to find out more.

Site Safe New Zealand. Site Safe is a not-for-profit membership organisation established by industry for industry and is New Zealand’s leading health and safety solutions provider. www.sitesafe.org.nz

ITAB Apprentice Completions

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

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Marc Palmer R N Building

Jonathan Quilty JNJ Management and Construction

Daniel McBride Bushnell Builders Limited

Corey Austin Bushnell Builders Limited

Connor Lyons Nubuild Homes Limited

Benjamin Price Limitless Group Limited

Daniel Michael Taylormade Builders Limited

Matthew Currie Waiz Contracting Limited

Aaron Browne Michael Browne

Ryan Aldridge Scott Johnson Builders Limited

Kieran Coutts McKenzie Building & Development Limited

Tim Broad Higgs Construction Limited

Nounou Soundala DP Thompson Building Limited

Phillip Nati CCLBuilders Limited

Zak Stevenson Maynard Builders Limited

Joshua LanderyGuyer Rabcor Builders Limited

Trent Garland VDK Construction

James Irvine David Bailey Construction

Alec Tobeck Gardiner Construction Limited

Rory Vaeluaga Brendan Murray Construction 2019 Limited

Binru Xu Roman Building and Construction Limited

Jordan Wyllie Property Enhancement Company

William Campbell Cook Brothers Construction

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)

Jiahao Liu JLewis Building Limited

Northtec – Future Trades

Addison Henare Ken Topp Builders

J'Kya McGregor Hargood Renovations & Extensions Vittori Weatherley Tradeline Builders and Marine Limited

Craven Martin Ken Topp Builders

Otago Polytechnic Epalahame Toma Steve Mowat Building & Construction Limited

Noah Wray Mike Creedy Building

Jonathan Spence Just Build It Limited

Joshua Winders Copland Building Limited

Richard Van Aalst Mike Creedy Building

James Pengelly GL Stevenson Builders Limited

Jared Murray Hawksburn Construction Limited

Brayden Laing TG Wayte Building Limited

Regan Jefferson DS Building Limited Shane Fikken Streamline Construction

Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)

Andrew Masche Corey Barnsdall Builders

Daniel Pene Recreate Homes Limited

Introducing the NZCB Apprentice Network

In the October/November issue of InHouse, I provided an update on the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) programme and what the future held for the partnership, including the impact the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE) will have on apprenticeship training and the wider industry.

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is planning a new service that will benefit all NZCB Business members who employ apprentices, as well as the apprentices themselves. The new membership service now has a name and a brand, and work is underway on producing collateral to inform and support NZCB members who employ apprentices and take on responsibility of the on-site trainer, mentor, life coach and pastoral care provider, the list could go on…

The NZCB Apprentice Network brings together NZCB, our professional and trade partners, business members, their staff and the many apprentices employed throughout New Zealand. The program provides many dedicated apprentice related features and benefits including employment contracts, advice on best practice for hiring, training, applying tool allowance, remuneration, performance reviews, staff retention, specialised insurance packages, and wrap around support services.

will receive invitations to events to learn, connect and build relationships, sharing experiences including dedicated regional NZCB Apprentice training events, including NZCB’s education evenings, regional golf days and social events. Including the NZCB Apprentice Challenge and our annual national Conference.

The NZCB Apprentice Network is designed to support employers and apprentices, by improving the overall experience and enhancing the process for both parties. Unrivalled in the building industry the program provides additional support and resources and works alongside the learning pathway, chosen by the employer or apprentice, that is provided by Te Pūkenga –New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

The NZCB Apprentice Network is a unique offering that will incur an annual subscription fee, to be paid by the employer. It will support the apprentice for the duration of their apprenticeship, as they transition into full NZCB membership as qualified carpenters.

Apprentices employed by NZCB Business members and enrolled into the NZCB Apprentice Network will have access to deals and discounts from our merchant supply partners, accessing negotiated discounts on tools, including start up tool packages for first year apprentices, and continuing for the duration of their training as their experience and ability grows. They will also be eligible for the Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust (AST), providing access to hardship grants and financial support, something that was previously only offered to ITAB apprentices.

The NZCB Apprentice Network is 100% exclusive to NZCB and its Business members. Eligible apprentices will be more than just employees, they will become Trainee members of NZCB, gaining access to the range of member benefits and services offered to all our members. As Trainee members they

For more information on how to enrol your apprentice in the NZCB Apprentice Network and a full list of the many benefits, log in to the Toolshed or visit www.nzcb.nz/apprenticeships.

Nick Matthews NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager

The NZCB Apprentice Network is designed to support employers and apprentices, by improving the overall experience and enhancing the process for both parties.

The NZCB Apprentice Network brings together NZCB, our professional and trade partners, business members, their staff and the many apprentices employed throughout New Zealand.

We also build careers.

Remember when you started out and someone gave you a chance? You’ve come a long way to become a great builder, picking up new skills on each project. To ensure we continue to lead the industry with quality standards the next generation needs your kind of experience. The NZCB Apprentice Network is a programme designed to support you, your business and your apprentice to an unrivaled level. nzcb.nz/apprenticeships

A new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

The code of ethics, which came into force on 25 October 2022, sets behavioural standards for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), to give both the industry and the public clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and to hold them to account.

Why have a code of ethics?

The code of ethics ensures high standards are maintained in the industry, while giving the public more confidence that LBPs are undertaking building work in a safe, legal, and professional way. It also provides people, such as homeowners, with an avenue to complain should an LBP breach the standards.

Most LBPs already work to the highest professional and ethical standards. The code of ethics will hold those who do not meet these standards to account, by providing clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally.

What does the code of ethics include?

The code of ethics is made up of nineteen standards, which sit under the following four key principles:

1. Work safely

Take responsibility for health and safety Report unsafe behaviour by others on a building site Avoid harming the environment.

2. Act within the law

Comply with the law Report breaches of the law.

4. Behave professionally

Behave professionally

Act in good faith during dispute resolution Price work fairly and reasonably

Declare and manage actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately

Maintain confidentiality of client details, unless there is good reason for sharing information

Acknowledge and respect the cultural norms and values of your clients and colleagues

Conduct your business in a methodical and responsible manner.

Where can I find more information?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has developed information and education resources to help LBPs and the public learn more about the code of ethics.

These are available on the LBP website and include a detailed guidance document and an interactive on-line learning module. The module takes 20-30 minutes to complete and can count towards an LBP’s skills maintenance activities (note LBPs must log-in to the module for it to count towards skills maintenance).

3.

Take responsibility for your actions

Know what building work you are allowed to do Explain risks to your client

Inform and educate your client

Be accountable for building work carried out by you, or someone under your supervision

Advise clients of any delays as soon as they become apparent

Act in your client’s interests

Generally, you should follow your client’s instructions unless the instructions are dangerous, are contrary to contracts or consents, or would mean you would not be acting within the law.

Code of ethics information and resources can be found at www.lbp.govt.nz/for-lbps/code-of-ethics/.

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa/The New Zealand Government, license building practitioners (known as the LBP scheme) so that the public can have confidence that LBPs working on their homes and buildings are competent, and that homes and buildings are designed and built right the first time. Find out more on the LBP website – www.lbp.govt.nz

New regulations for building products

New regulations have been made by the Government to ensure a minimum level of information is provided about certain building products, increasing confidence in their use, and supporting better and more efficient decision making.

Key dates

The new regulations were made on 7 June 2022 and will come into force on 11 December 2023. This gives people 18 months to prepare to meet their obligations.

Who do the regulations apply to?

The regulations require building product manufacturers and importers to publicly disclose a minimum and consistent level of information about their building products.

Wholesalers, retailers, and distributors will need to check that the required information is available for the building products they sell or distribute.

Why were the regulations made?

Building products contribute to safe and durable buildings and yet until now, the level and type of information provided by manufacturers and importers has been variable.

Information on these products will help designers, builders and consumers choose the right products, install them in the correct way and make informed decisions about using alternative products where there are product shortages.

Building consent authorities will have adequate information to enable them to be satisfied on reasonable grounds that building work, and the building products used, will comply with the performance requirements of the Building Code. This should result in fewer requests for information, and therefore faster processing times.

In addition, the regulations will ensure homeowners are given the information they need to make good decisions about products, and use and maintain them as intended.

What products do the regulations apply to?

The regulations only apply to ‘designated’ building products. These are products that are required for the building to comply with the Building Code.

There are two classes of designated building products, with different information requirements for each:

• Class 1: batch or mass-produced products that are typically available for retail or wholesale purchase. For example: cladding products or systems, mechanical fixings, insulation products, internal lining products, structural wood-based products, sanitary plumbing and drainage products.

• Class 2: custom-made lines of products that are made to order to client specifications. For example: external window joinery and doors that have been customised to the specifications of individual clients, and customised concrete mixes for a specific building or application.

What information must be provided?

Manufacturers or importers of designated building products will have a responsibility to collate and produce the required building product information and disclose it online to the public. Most manufacturers and importers already have this information, but it may not be disclosed all in one place or in a way that is accessible to the public.

Information requirements to be displayed online include:

• the name and a description of the product (or product line from which the product is customised) and its intended use

• a product identifier (in most circumstances)

• the legal and trading name of manufacturers and, if applicable, importers

• a statement specifying the relevant clauses of the Building Code and how the product is expected to contribute to compliance, as well as any limitations on the use of the product

• any design, installation and maintenance requirements

• either a statement that the product is not subject to any warnings or bans or a description of warnings or bans applicable to the product.

See the regulations https://legislation.govt.nz/regulation/ public/2022/0170/latest/whole.html#LMS697844 for a full list of the required information.

Where can I find more information?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is developing information and education resources, including a detailed guidance document, to help manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors understand their responsibilities.

Find out more about the new regulations and access education resources: https://www.building.govt.nz/buildingcode-compliance/product-assurance-and-certificationschemes/building-product-information-requirements/.

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

Colour keeper

Like all exterior surface coatings, the colour of your paint finish may be affected by U.V. light.

Resene uses high quality concentrated tinters, but even these are liable to change after constant exposure to sunlight. Any changes will be gradual, but after a few years the difference between shaded and exposed areas may become noticeable.

on top of the paint surface as a white deposit that looks similar to fading. If this occurs, the lime must be blocked off with a suitable paint system.

Resene recommends all fresh plaster surfaces are coated with Resene Limelock cure and seal first. For more information visit: https://www.resene.co.nz/archspec/datasheets/d809Limelock-Cure-&-Seal.pdf

Resene paints are designed to resist fading, however the combined presence of strong U.V. light and lime in the surface can lead to premature fading.

Sometimes lime staining is mistaken for fading. Lime staining occurs when the lime in the surface has leached through and is deposited

Resene Clearcoat UVS, U.V. protective glaze may be used as a finish coat over freshly painted bright organic hues and shades to protect these more vulnerable pigments against fading. For more information visit: https://www.resene.co.nz/archspec/datasheets/ d502-Clearcoat-UVS.pdf

This tech 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

Are you in dispute over the interior finishing and completion of a project? We have specialised assessors who can provide an independent report to review what has happened - call

Resene uses high quality concentrated tinters, but even these are liable to change after constant exposure to sunlight.

VR Foundation Passport training gives innovative construction site experience

Job seeker Jacob Hedley was so astounded by how easy it was to use Virtual Reality (VR) to learn and experience what’s required of him on a construction site that he just had to tell as many people as he could.

“I was actually blown away, I told my missus, I told my brother-in-law, father-in-law and a friend over in Australia,” he said.

Jacob (pictured left), who recently moved from across the ditch with his young family, was the first person in New Zealand to receive a site safety card after completing a trial run of Site Safe’s new VR Foundation Passport training course. He was confident these newly gained skills would help him in his search for a job.

The course – which was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and VR company SkillsVR – gives job seekers looking to join the construction industry an innovative way to learn crucial on-site safety skills.

Before moving to New Zealand, Jacob was responsible for inducting new workers on forklifts for a major logistics company in Australia. He hoped more organisations would adopt VR to induct their workers, particularly those that are operating machinery, as he said that it was often a time-consuming process with a lot of potential for accidents. He suggested workers do the VR induction first; that way, management can monitor their skills and then make an informed decision about when they are put into a real-life situation.

“If you look at it it’s similar to an air pilot simulator, if you can get it down to a fine art, you can actually go onto the site, take a video of whatever that site is and say, ‘this is what we do here’ and also what that will do is it will save managers time in getting someone to induct them.”

Site Safe NZ Chief Executive Brett Murray said it was great to see some positive feedback coming from those doing the new VR training.

“We continue to see a growing trend of digitisation in construction and as an industry leader in health and safety, Site Safe will remain at the forefront of utilising technology such as VR to provide innovative ways to improve workplace health and safety.

“In the current climate where there are serious skilled labour shortages, it is important that construction, alongside other high-risk industries, are doing all they can to make it a safe and attractive industry to join.

“That’s why Site Safe will continue to work hand-in-hand with our many industry partners and working groups to set the standard for what the sector wants in a foundational construction course.”

Amanda Nicolle, Director of Industry Partnerships at the Ministry of Social Development, said the Site Safe VR Foundation Passport training course is an innovative training solution.

“We are funding industry-endorsed solutions of this kind to prepare clients for work, and have developed this course in collaboration with industry trainers and SkillsVR as learning experts. It readies people for jobs available now, and employers who want to hire people who have done Site Safe through VR can go directly to www.skillsvr.com/vr-job-expo to find upcoming expo dates where Site Safe will be available.”

So far there have been several successful trials of Site Safe’s VR Foundation Passport training courses. These will continue to take place at selected companies across the country until late January, followed by trialling within our Site Safe training facilities.

Further developments on the VR project are expected early next year.

To find out how you can get involved in our VR Foundation training, visit the SkillsVR website at: https://skillsvr.com/products/sitesafe.

Jonathan Guildford , Communications Advisor, Site Safe New Zealand. Site Safe is a not-for-profit membership organisation established by industry for industry and is New Zealand’s leading health and safety solutions partner.

Using expanding foams to help meet H1 requirements

With recent changes to the requirements of the H1 energy efficiency for residential buildings, it is important to remember to insulate those areas that are normally missed by the insulation gods.

• Under base plates where packers may be used

• Small spaces within the framing that are too small to jam in the insulation

• As you wrap a framed building in corner junctions, that are then covered over, the packers and base places.

The other misnomer is that “if I just jam in insulation to fill a gap, this will sort it”. Well, Yes and No:

– Yes, it will potentially stop a draft of air coming through;

– No, unless the insulation is at depth, then it is most likely that the required insulation value will not be achieved. ALL insulation, whether it be mineral/polyester wool/PIR requires a thickness to achieve its advertised insulation value.

The fact that fibre-insulated products are the predominant source of insulation on most building sites, does not mean that those materials can get into every nook and cranny. Any gap remaining nullifies the effect of the insulation in that area, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the insulation. Such areas may include:

The beauty of the Gorilla Expanding Foam range is that it is very easy to check out what the insulation value, of a given depth, of expanded foam will be for each product. This in turn gives both the builder/designer and homeowner the surety that they are doing all they can for the long-term efficiency of the design. Should you have

0800 701 080

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.

Are you ready for Smart technology?

The number of Smart Homes in New Zealand is rapidly growing. This year it was found 24% of New Zealand homes had added some form of automation technology. It is expected in just four years’ time that over 38% of homes will contain multiple smart home devices. This rapid rise in Smart Home demand means that Smart Home consultations are going to be part and parcel of new home builds and renovations. How do you upskill to help your clients make the key decisions at the right time in their build? Why not leave it to the experts?

Noel Leeming have a team of specialists that can help our Members by providing a smart tech consultation service to their clients, or even for their own home and office spaces. So, what are some key considerations for you, or your clients, when it comes to setting up smart technology in new homes?

1. If possible, discuss before the build, how you, or your client, intends to use the home from a smart device perspective. The opportunity to include internet connection requirements such as bandwidth at preline, are key to scope.

2. It’s entirely possible to implement smart home upgrades postbuild, or to renovations, by maximising the existing home wi-fi network. We often suggest upgrading the router or using a mesh network (multiple access points throughout the home). This can allow for a consistent wi-fi strength throughout the home at all levels using only one network.

3. Establish priorities around how you, or your client, intends to live in the home. Our most common queries revolve around whole home solutions from keyless entry to wireless entertaining options. Voice assistants and smartphones enable ease when it comes to controlling security, audio and video right through to lighting – the options are vast and smart eco-systems that enable devices to talk to each other versus one off stand-alone devices are all part of the conversation.

Get support for your clients Smart Home journey

If you need help supporting your client to understand and choose the best technology for their home then Noel Leeming offer a FREE in-home consultation service that is perfect. It’s so easy and the trained experts can meet in person or complete the consultation over the phone or online.

An in-home consultation is ideal for clients who:

• Want to upgrade their entertainment technology or create the ultimate home theatre

• Would like a ‘smarter’ home but don’t know where to start

• Want to make their house more secure and automated and want to understand the options.

If you need a hand navigating through smart living options for you or your clients, then we can help. We offer a free in-home consultation in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch, and can make a no-obligation customised recommendation for how you can incorporate smart technology into your home or business.

Find out more at www.nlgcommercial.nz.

This Tech Tip was supplied by NZCB Affinity Partner Noel Leeming Commercial Whatever you choose if you want some help getting your tech set up and running we’re here to help. Call Noel Leeming’s friendly Tech Solutions team on 0800 555 989 to find

Minimising plasterboard construction waste

The New Zealand building industry is becoming increasingly aware of the financial and environmental gains possible through minimising construction material waste especially as landfill disposal costs continue to increase year on year.

But what practical steps can be taken on-site to start minimising plasterboard construction waste?

1.

Waste ownership and accountability

Clear ownership and accountability for waste minimisation both during design and construction is essential. If minimising waste is a priority it’s worth clearly defining on a project:

• Who is specifically responsible for monitoring and implementing waste minimisation initiatives during both the design and construction phases.

• Do clear waste minimisation targets exist for the project.

• Are waste streams being regular reported on using data from the waste collection service provider.

• Are waste minimisation targets included in the project contracts and subcontractor agreements to help ensure they remain a priority on the project.

2. Room take-off and ordering processes

It makes logical sense that the person responsible for installing the plasterboard should also be the one paid to do the site measure and specify the plasterboard sheet lengths and volumes required.

An experienced installer can help ensure the most efficient sheet sizes for the project are used to reduce offcut waste, while also providing guidance around potential installation issues such as the most efficient delivery method to use so a smooth and efficient plasterboard installation can occur.

If there is a preference on-site to use a single sheet length throughout the entire project then some installers have found the use of 3600mm sheets provides a high degree of versatility for use on walls.

3.

Horizontal plasterboard installation

Specify on design plans that the plasterboard to be installed horizontally on walls where possible. This provides greater opportunity for sheet lengths to be ordered which work in more closely with the total room length and reduce the overall amount of plasterboard waste generated than if the plasterboard was installed vertically.

4. Window and door openings

Another potential source of plasterboard waste is where plasterboard full sheets are used around door and window openings to reduce the risk of cracking in the corners.

One option worth considering to reduce offcut waste is to move the sheet joint away from corner openings and use a floating joint such as shown here.

Alternatively for applications prone to high degrees of movement, such as transport homes consider including a control joint at the edge of the opening.

5. Plasterboard delivery timing

For compact sites it may be worthwhile considering an early delivery of the plasterboard into areas where it may be difficult to access once the building is closed in.

For some projects it may be worthwhile utilising a Hiab lift delivery prior to installation of a window to reach those hard to get to places and reducing the need later on to manoeuvre long sheet lengths in tight spaces.

6. Managing waste streams on-site Engage with the main contractor on-site to understand their approach to managing waste streams.

One option may be to consider separating the main construction waste streams into common groups such as plasterboard, treated and untreated timber to allow it to be more easily collected by waste providers and recycle it.

7. Plasterboard wastage rates

It’s also worthwhile considering the plasterboard wastage rate factored into the overall project cost. A fairly typically plasterboard wastage rate used is around 10%, however live site trials indicate this figure could be closer to 15% meaning additional unaccounted for margin being lost for the installer1

1 Based on results of actual waste monitoring of Skip the Skips Project Site in Auckland conducted mid 2021.

Horizontal fixing can also reduce the number of sheet joins in a room reducing the amount of stopping required.

For more information visit www.gib.co.nz/sustainability.

www.gib.co.nz or call 0800 100 442

This Technical Tip was supplied by Winstone Wallboards. Winstone Wallboards are Strategic Partners of NZCB and New Zealand’s only manufacturer and largest marketer of gypsum plasterboard, drywall systems, associated products and services. For more information visit

NZCB in the media

Whangārei man top apprentice

Whangārei’s Joshua Welsh has won the coveted title of New Zealand’s top apprentice at the NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.

As well as the title of New Zealand’s top apprentice, Welsh, 27, received a $10,000 prize package from ITM and the Ken Read Memorial Trophy.

The Apprentice Challenge National Final took place at NZCB’s annual conference in Hamilton this month, when 19 regional finalists from across the country competed for the top prize.

Apprentices were judged on examples of their work, dedication towards their apprenticeship, and a presentation to more than 650 NZCB member builders attending the conference.

NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming says this year’s nationwide competition was a great opportunity for us to celebrate emerging talent

in this crucial sector of the economy,

“With the building industry still experiencing the effects of Covid-19, from material supply issues and labour shortages and also the impacts of climate change, the conference was a chance to reflect on the past year, and share invaluable workshops

Golfing for MATES in Construction

EMILY BEAUMONT

Waimea Weekly, Nelson 14 December 2022

With construction workers six times more likely to die from suicide than a work accident, the organisation ‘MATES in Construction New Zealand’ was deemed a deserving charity for the Master Builders Nelson and the NZ Certified Builders Nelson Charity Golf Day.

About 80 builders partook in the November event at Greenacres Golf Club on Best Island with $6000 raised for the charity.

“It was a great day, heaps of fun with lots of good camaraderie. It was a good chance for builders to get together and unwind,” says Ruben

Fry, president of Master Builders Nelson. “Holding it for charity also makes it feel good.”

With the construction industry losing nearly one person a week to suicide, the MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry – helping their people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing.

on topics such as about health and safety, the use of technology and systems to increase efficiency and output,” Fleming said.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable professional support.

President of NZ Certified Builders Nelson, Dave Gunter, says the many stresses of the industry contribute to the horrifying statistics.

AUTHOR: Emily Beaumont SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 10,000 PAGE: 7 PRINTED SIZE: 353.00cm² REGION: NZ MARKET: New Zealand ASR: NZD 361 WORDS: 291 ITEM ID: 1753868660

14 DEC, 2022

NZCB’s member builders are typically from small to medium-sized building firms that offer a full spectrum of residential and light commercial building services.

Golfing for MATES in Construction

“With increasing material costs, compliance issues and sourcing of materials becoming difficult it can all become a bit much for some, so it was important to us to support this charity,” Dave says.

Waimea Weekly, Nelson

Each year the two organisations host a joint golf day and this is the second year they’ve held it as a fundraising event, last year’s proceeds went to Gumboot Friday.

Ruben and Dave say they’re grateful to the sponsors, without whom a lot of it wouldn’t be possible.

ANNE GIBSON

WELLINGTON: Building and Construction Minister Megan Woods says a new critical materials task force is being formed, partly in response to the Gib crisis.

The task force will include sector leaders from the Government’s plasterboard investigation group, established in June, but will also incorporate experts covering smaller operations, design, consenting, products and procurement matters.

Dr Woods said the focus would be on trying to maximise productivity and cushioning businesses from supply chain risks, giving guidance, data and information to help builders, designers and business owners.

“The task force will build on the successes of the plasterboard task force and use the valuable lessons learnt ... so we can identify emerging risks and respond as quickly as possible,” she said yesterday.

Since January, there had been a 651% rise in imported plasterboard. That amounted to 3.9 million sqm of plasterboard and plaster-related products coming to New Zealand up to September, enough to build more than 7000 homes, she said.

“Bringing together construction, building consent, and supply chain experts into a task force earlier this year showed how Government and the sector successfully worked together to troubleshoot plasterboard shortages quickly and pragmatically. We didn’t overcomplicate. Industry talked. We listened. It worked.

“While we can be optimistic about the opportunities for our economy, we also need to remain cautious. We know we are facing a period of global turmoil,” she said.

The Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment will lead the critical materials and products work programme. Dr Woods will be kept updated about the programme, the task force’s meetings and actions via weekly MBIE reports. Members of the new task force are Registered Master Builders chief

EMILY BEAUMONT

Task force to keep on top of critical materials

executive David Kelly, Naylor Love chief executive Rick Herd, 2degrees founder Tex Edwards, Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys, Eboss managing director Matthew Duder, Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Flemming, Auckland Council building control inspections manager Jeff Fahrensohn, Architectural Designers chief executive Keryn Davis, Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects chief executive Teena Hale and Kainga Ora director of procurement and supplier management Andrea Morton. When the Gib crisis reached crisis point during winter, Dr Woods formed a group to investigate and report on issues which left many builders unable to secure plasterboard supplies.

With construction workers six times more likely to die from suicide than a work accident, the organisation ‘MATES in Construction New Zealand’ was deemed a deserving charity for the Master Builders Nelson and the NZ Certified Builders Nelson Charity Golf Day. About 80 builders partook in the November event at Greenacres Golf Club on Best Island with $6000 raised for the charity.

It was a great day, heaps of fun with lots of good camaraderie. It was a good chance for builders to get together and unwind,” says Ruben Fry, president of Master Builders Nelson. “Holding it for charity also makes it feel good.”

Fletcher Building’s 94% share of New Zealand’s wallboard market via subsidiary Winstone Wallboards was cited in criticism about the situation. Fletcher chief executive Ross Taylor cited stockpiling as a partial cause of the shortage a few months ago. Winstones Wallboards’ new $400 million Gib plant in Tauranga to replace its Felix St, Penrose, factory is moving ahead.

The Herald reported earlier this month that the new plasterboard manufacturing and distribution facility was planned to be fully operational next year but some key milestones are due to be reached soon.

With the construction industry losing nearly one person a week to suicide, the MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry helping their people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive

A tour of the new factory and storage plant was led by Fletcher Building building products chief executive Hamish McBeath, Winstone Wallboards’ programme lead Stewart Vaughan and Winstone’s general manager, David Thomas. Winstone Wallboards had started turning on motors, moving equipment and bringing trucks down from Auckland loaded with gypsum, they said. All that was in preparation for the plant’s operation from 2023 and well before ships loaded with gypsum from Australia start arriving at the Port of Tauranga. Mr McBeath said the factory was “three-quarters of the way” finished.

— The New Zealand Herald

wellbeing.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable professional support President of NZ Certified Builders Nelson, Dave Gunt-

er, says the many stresses of the industry contribute to the horrifying statistics

Apprentice third

“With increasing material costs, compliance issues and sourcing of materials becoming difficult it can all become a bit much for some, so it was important to us to support this charity,” Dave says.

Each year the two organisations host a joint golf day and this is the second year they’ve held it as a fundraising event, last year’s proceeds went to Gumboot Friday. Ruben and Dave say they’re grateful to the sponsors, without whom a lot of it wouldn’t be possible

Tauranga 23-year-old Joshua Shoebridge took third place in the NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM. Whangārei’s Joshua Welsh, 27, won the coveted title of New Zealand’s top apprentice and Petros Vrahasotakis, 27, from Wellington won second place. The Apprentice Challenge National Final took place at NZCB’s annual conference in Hamilton on November 18-19.

Bay of Plenty Times, Tauranga

Whangārei Leader, Whangārei 30 November 2022

NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner Joshua Welsh celebrates with well wishers at the awards ceremony recently.

Otago Daily Times, Dunedin 25 November 2022

President of NZ Certified Builders Nelson Dave Gunter and Ruben Fry, president of Master Builders Nelson. Photo: Emily Beaumont.

President of NZ Certified Builders Nelson Dave Gunter and Ruben Fry, president of Master Builders Nelson.

Photo: Emily Beaumont.

National success ‘redemption’ for young builder

Bay apprentice hails placing after putting skills to test

ZOE HUNTER

This year’s NZ Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge was all about “redemption” for Tauranga’s Joshua Shoebridge.

The 23-year-old placed third in the NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM.

The Apprentice Challenge national final took place at NZCB’s annual conference in Hamilton last weekend, when 19 regional finalists from throughout New Zealand competed for the top prize.

Apprentices were judged on examples of their work, dedication towards their apprenticeship, and a presentation to more than 650 NZCB member builders attending the conference.

Shoebridge secured third spot behind runnerup Petros Vrahasotakis, 27, of Wellington, and New Zealand’s top apprentice Joshua Welsh, 27, of Whanga¯rei.

“It feels pretty good,” Shoebridge said. “It was better than I expected.”

He said it was the first time he had made it to the national finals.

He competed in the regional finals a couple of years ago but made a “major mistake” during a practical assignment that cost him a spot in the national showdown.

“I ran out of time to get one of the major measurements for the picnic table we had to make. Mine was 100mm taller than everyone else’s. I was meant to cut the legs but I spent all my time sanding and making it look pretty.”

This time he did some extra work beforehand and knew what he was getting into.

“It was a bit of a redemption.” Shoebridge works at Atrium Homes Ltd in Tauranga. He worked there part time in 2017 while he was doing a pre-trade course at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga.

“I was working for them two or three days a week and then they took me on full-time once I finished in 2018.”

He said working for Atrium Homes Ltd was “great”.

“We all get along really well and we have a great boss [Allan Shaw].”

The Apprentice Challenge was a great chance to put all his skills to the test, he said. He said he

Nailed it: Whangārei chippy judged NZ’s top apprentice

It’s tough facing off against others who are among the best in their field.

Whangārei man Josh Welsh knew he was in for a battle when he took on 18 regional finalists from across the country in the NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge.

And when the sawdust settled, Welsh, who works at Whangārei Builders, was declared the country’s top building apprentice.

But his success didn’t come as a huge surprise for his boss, Whangārei Builders owner James Dalton.

had made some “really good friends”. “They are all top guys.”

SECTION:

a carpenter for Keith Haye Homes in the 70s.

“He died and I didn’t get to really know him, so I thought a great way to honour him would [be to] become a builder and carry on the hopes and dreams he had.

He was a very good chippy, and hopefully, one day I can be, too.”

Waikato Times photographer Mark Taylor dropped in at one of the workshops.

Shoebridge said his future plans included finishing his Level 6 Diploma in Construction Management. “I am hoping to get somewhere with that.”

The Apprentice Challenge national final took place at NZCB’s annual conference in Hamilton at the weekend, with 19 regional finalists from across the country competing for the top prize.

Dalton said he and the company were hugely proud of Welsh after his victory. So, what does his boss think won him the title?

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“It was the most awesome effort. He’s very good at what he’s doing and just so calm and collected about things.

He planned to spend his $5000 prize on “some big ticket tools” including a drop saw and table saw.

21 NOV, 2022 Building skills tested

Waikato Times, Hamilton Waikato

21 NOV, 2022 Building skills tested Waikato Times, Hamilton Waikato

NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming said this year’s nationwide competition was an opportunity to celebrate emerging talent.

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“With the building industry still experiencing the effects of Covid-19, from material supply issues and labour shortages and also the impacts of climate change, the conference was a chance to reflect on the past year, and share invaluable workshops on topics such as health and safety, the use of technology and systems to increase efficiency and output.”

“He really enjoys building as well, and that’s a really big thing, to enjoy what you are doing.”

NZCB chief executive Malcolm Fleming said this year’s nationwide competition was a great opportunity to celebrate emerging talent in this crucial sector of the economy.

SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 38,000 PAGE: 5

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21 NOV, 2022

Apprentices were judged on examples of their work, their dedication to their apprenticeship, and a presentation made to over 650 NZCB member builders in attendance. Welsh said it was probably his greatest achievement so far to win the title, and it was recognition of the hard work he had put in. But winning such an award is not just down to being skilled with a hammer and nail gun.

Building skills tested

During the NZCB annual conference, apprentices also participated in the Great Apprentice Race – a separate fun focused challenge where apprentices were put into pairs and showcased their skill and creativity by constructing and racing a human horse and cart.

Waikato Times, Hamilton Waikato

“I’m pretty proud to win it. I think it all came down to me being my honest self — just taking things as they come, and being confident in my work and the way I carry myself as a person,” he said.

SECTION: GENERAL NEWS ARTICLE TYPE: NEWS ITEM AUDIENCE : 38,000 PAGE: 5

“With the building industry still experiencing the effects of Covid-19 from material supply issues, labour shortages and also the impacts of climate change, the conference was a chance to reflect on the past year, and share invaluable workshops on topics such as those about health and safety, the use of technology and systems to increase efficiency and output,” Fleming said.

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Tools and supplies were provided by Mitre 10 for the fun event.

21 NOV, 2022 Building skills tested

Seth Lundon (Gisborne) and Josh McLean (Taupō) impressed delegates and returned home as the Great Apprentice Race winners.

“It was a great opportunity for all us apprentices to show our skills and what we have learned and to have all our hard work recognised. It was really good.”

Waikato Times, Hamilton Waikato

As well as the title of New Zealand’s top apprentice, Welsh headed home with a $10,000 prize package

Bay of Plenty Times, Tauranga

Tauranga’s Joshua Shoebridge, 23, placed third in the NZ Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

Angus Petrie from Wairarapa

Dallas Scott from Mid-Canterbury

Tyler Sarginson from Otago

Hayden Carter from Whakatāne

Jonny Mills from Rotorua

Ricky Plympton from Waikato

NZCB

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

WHEN WE SAY WE’LL SEE YOU RIGHT, WE MEAN IT.

In 1991, six Kiwi timber merchants banded together to create a building supply company. One that could take on the big players while keeping things local.

Today, with 91 independently owned stores and 26 frame and truss plants right across the country, we’ve got that national strength, but we’ve never lost sight of our local roots.

When you deal with your ITM store, you’re dealing with local owners who care about your business. After all, we’re in this together. That’s why when we say we’ll see you right, we mean it.