Message from the South Island

The Same but Different for 2020 Nick Matthews Business Development Manager – South Island AROUND THE REGIONS —

A few weeks into 2020 it dawned on me how frantic the new year already is. Activity levels at New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office (NSO) have skyrocketed with preparations for our 22nd Annual AGM, Conference and Expo, our first Building Trade Professionals Workshop for the year and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge, but also because of the high workloads our members have carried through from previous years.

SOUTH

NZCB International Builders Show Group 2020. Visiting Tri Pointe Homes venue at Five Point Communities, Irvine, South California.

Add to this 2020 will see a general election that could potentially see a change in government. This could bring new appointments to ministerial positions who will offer differing views and objectives than what we have become accustomed to over the last three years. One thing that won’t change is the commitment of the NSO to support all NZCB members and advocate on your behalf to the government, regardless of what changes 2020 brings. At a regional level, the next few months will see most regions in the South hosting activities to support members and promote NZCB. Southland, Blenheim and Nelson are having their Annual General Meetings. Please come along to catch up, enjoy refreshments and support your local NZCB representatives. In mid-Canterbury, NZCB is hosting an evening with the Ashburton District Council’s inspection and compliance officers. This will be a great opportunity to share knowledge and information and hopefully gain more efficiency for local builders. NZCB Canterbury is participating in the Relay for Life. The 12-hour event will raise funds for the local division of the Cancer Society, supporting people undergoing cancer treatment. Local builders will take part in a 12-hour baton relay – a great way to stay fit and promote NZCB locally. The two South Island NZCB Building Trade Professional workshops are happening in Christchurch and Dunedin on the 17th and 18th of March. Not to be missed, you’ll hear from building and construction law expert Geoff Hardy of Martelli McKegg, who will be speaking on ‘Payment Claims – A Legal Perspective’, see page 9 for more details. Come along and gain from Geoff’s years of experience for free! The annual NZCB Apprentice Challenge is on the horizon, taking place on Saturday 4th April at a venue near you. Do you think your apprentice has what it takes to win, giving you bragging rights amongst your peers? Check out the advertisement on page 41 for further details. Finally, I was lucky enough to attend the 2020 NAHB International Builders Show in the USA recently. I consider the opportunity to represent NZCB alongside 25 members and their partners a real privilege. This was a fantastic experience, not only for my own professional development, but also the industry connections and personal friendships made. I don’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone considering attending future tours. Thank you to everyone who attended; a great bunch of like-minded, passionate NZCB members.