Choose Marley’s Stratus Design Series® – durable coloured spouting systems
New Zealand made and just as easy to install and maintain as Marley’s trusted white systems, the Stratus range also carries the same 15-year product guarantee.
Stratus spouting and downpipes are co-extruded, so the colour is part of the product, not a painted surface.
All components are moulded in one jointless piece, and the system is solvent jointed together to ensure water tightness. This also makes Marley’s systems safe for potable water and rain harvesting applications.
STRATUS
GREY
Contemporary Multiplex
Traditional Heritage
From the Editor 2
NZCB Board Report 4
NZCB Board Bites 5
Chief Executive Report 6
From the Education and Technical Manager 8
National Support Office Report 10
Latest NZCB commercial goes live 12
Halo Guarantees Ltd appoints new Chief Executive 14
NZCB Membership Services Survey results 16
NZCB Merchandise 18
Putting our partners in the spotlight 20 Appliances at trade prices 21
Submissions open for Revere Volume 7 22
NZCB Strategic Partners and Affinity Partners 80
NZCB National Partners 81
Don’t get trapped with the wrong tech 26 Officer prosecutions on the rise – do you know your obligations? 28
Calculating labour charge-out rates 29
How to get great results on social media 30
The risks and opportunities for trades businesses ‘post-COVID’ 32
How to start out right in business 34
Common incidents on-site and how to reduce the risk 36
Site Safe enhances Foundation Passport training courses 38
NZCB Conference and Expo 2022 40
NZCB and Industry Events Calendar 68
10 strategies for sustainable business growth 48
The single software solution is coming together 50
Like rust, building law reform never sleeps 52
Checking in on your mates 54
The future of mentally well workplaces 56
Biggest energy efficiency changes in over a decade 58
A new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners 59
Construction Sector Accord launches $37 million transformation plan 60
Navigating the ever-changing insurance industry 62
Auckland mix and mingle once again 64
Supporting mental health and well-being 65
Waikato’s second successful Professional Development Day 66
ITAB Apprentice Completions 70
Changes for ITAB Apprenticeship Programme 71
Dealing with chalking 72
Residential war stories: dig deeper, into customer concern! 74
Benefits of remedial preservation of timbers used in construction 75
Designing cavity sliders for access and usability 76
Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton and the venue for the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo.
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.
This is a first for me, so I would like to say a big hello and welcome to the October/November 2022 issue of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) InHouse magazine. Always striving to improve what we do to update, inform and better help our members, we’ve made a couple of tweaks here and there to this issue. But don’t worry: the great educational, practical, technical and topical articles are all still there – just labelled slightly differently.
Our new sections include a ‘Tradie Academy’, containing educational articles for our CB1 to CB3 members; a ‘Leadership’ section with educational articles for our CB4 to CB6 members; industry and regional news, apprenticeship support and events sections, containing our latest updates; and a ‘From our Partners’ section that includes opinion pieces and technical tips.
At the NZCB National Support Office it’s currently a hive of activity, with our 23rd Annual Conference and Expo scheduled to go ahead in Hamilton in November. Never been before? Unsure if it’s worth the price of registration, travel, and missing a day’s work?
Well, if you do sign up, we believe you and your team will be upskilled and educated, inspired, have fun, meet new people, make lifelong friends, and stay up to date and ahead of the competition. Curious to find out more? Check out pages 40 to 46. Throughout the magazine you will also find teaser articles from some of the guest speakers who will be presenting at this year’s NZCB Conference and Expo.
In this issue we also share what the NZCB National Support Office team has been working on (page 10). We have included some of the results from this year’s Annual Membership Services Survey and our new to-do list from your great suggestions.
Our members are the reason the Association was formed back in 1998, and what you have to say matters to us. Going forward, we will be adding a new “What’s on your mind?” section to the magazine that will include our members’ letters, views and feedback. Content can be emailed to myself or posted to the NZCB PO Box – see details on this page.
Jampacked with so many great articles and topics, it’s hard to sum up this issue in just a few lines. You will find everything from starting out right in business, to choosing the right tech, to social media tips, and strategies for sustainable business growth. We hear from our Waikato, Auckland, and Nelson regions about recent successful events, and we find out more about apprenticeship support, reducing common on-site risks, occupational regulation reforms, and the Code of Ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners.
So, why not put the jug on, grab a chocolate bikkie (or two), park up and read our latest issue of the NZCB InHouse magazine.
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 rights reserved in material accepted for publication, unless initially specified otherwise. All material forwarded to the editor will be assumed to be intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’. Views expressed in articles in InHouse are not necessarily those of New Zealand Certified Builders Association, its Board, or the Editor. 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.
Combining high security with cutting edge technology, the Yale Assure Lock® SL Door Lock is a high quality security solution for the contemporary home. This sleek and modern touchscreen deadbolt allows homeowners to enjoy the convenience of 100% key free locking & unlocking. Easily create unique PIN codes. And with the integration of the Yale Access* app, you can lock and unlock your door, grant access to others and keep track of visitor access, all via your smartphone.
The Yale Simplicity® S3 Lever is finished in 304 grade stainless steel on a 55mm rose. As a high grade and durable fitting the first impression to any home will be long lasting. Enjoy peace of mind, protected by a Yale Lock with over 180 years of security expertise built in.
*Yale Access Kit: Yale Connect bridge and Yale Access WiFi module (sold separately) is required for remote access and lock management.
Monitor access from anywhere Control who has access *Smart Home Automation
I have been on the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Board for just over a year and continue to be impressed with the focus of both the National Support Office (NSO) team and the NZCB Board towards the value NZCB offers you, our members.
Member bodies are unique. When successful, they are a group of likeminded individuals (or collectives), striving for the best, in a manner similar to how we market ourselves to our potential clients: “You deserve the very best.” What makes us different from the builder down the road is you, our members, and your passion for the building industry and being industry leaders. Together, we form an organisation we all want to be a part of.
Our members are at the forefront of everything we do as a Board. ‘For the member by the member’ is key to everything we do. It allows us to remain agile and relevant, and helps us ensure that all our members are part of the journey.
To ensure our ongoing commitment to making New Zealand Certified Builders the best, we have created several Board subcommittees. These subcommittees are there to ensure that
principal issues continue to be given priority and to drive our organisation forward.
More recently, we have developed the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FAR), a subcommittee of NZCB Board members, NZCB NSO staff, and our NZCB Board legal advisor. Chaired by myself, it has a focus on ensuring we are a sustainable, financially secure, and best in class, member organisation.
This committee meets regularly between Board meetings, both as a committee and with other stakeholder groups such as our Auditors, to ensure risks are managed, strategy is followed, and our organisation remains financially sustainable.
Andrée Atkinson NZCB Board Independent Director
The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Board has continued its advocacy work, including the following meetings.
Items discussed included industry activity levels, Building Consent Process improvements, ideas we are exploring for industry information evenings, and industry feedback on the proposed H1 changes.
Take away points:
• Auckland Resource Consents are down from the last three months but are up 4% overall compared to 2021
• Building consents are down in the last eight months and overall are down by 4% compared to 2021
• Building consent build values are up by 18%
The Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC) consists of 18 members, representing 13 nominated bodies from the industry and trades, the business sector, consumers, and the Government.
BRAC plays a vital role in ensuring the Building Research Association of New Zealand’s (BRANZ) accountability and responsiveness to the New Zealand building and construction industry. It meets twice a year, with the focus of this meeting being to:
• discuss the building industry in general and to share industry issues;
• appoint new Board members when directors retire or their tenure has expired;
• elect Board Members to BRANZ from a shortlist provided to the BRAC Committee;
In my new role as New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Board Chairperson, I had an introductory meeting with John Sneyd, General Manager Building System Performance, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
John and I discussed the working groups for the education and roll out of the H1 changes, and a more uniform consenting
• From 2018 to now, there has been a 74% growth in building consents, which equates to 87 units being consented every day of the working week (half are units and half single housing)
• 92% of all building consents are being turned around in 25 working days
• 90% of CCCs for residential builds are being processed within 20 days
• The average lead time to book inspections is five days.
Nick Farrelly NZCB Board Chairperson• provide advice and direction on industry issues to the Board and Management;
• recommend areas of research BRANZ should undertake on key topics and issues;
• discuss strategic issues in the building and construction sector; we are often used as a sounding board.
In my time, over the last five years on BRAC, I have seen BRAC become very professional in how it helps BRANZ Board and Management to meet their objectives in research of products, scientific work and issues in the building and construction industry. Next year will be my last year on BRAC.
Mike Craig NZCB Board Member Directorapproach across all Building Consent Authorities. John also expressed a strong desire to build a solid relationship and gain technical input from NZCB.
Nick Farrelly NZCB Board ChairpersonIn mid-August, I marked 100 days in the Chief Executive (CE) role with a New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Board meeting, having completed an NZCB strategy workshop with the combined NZCB Board and NZCB National Support Office (NSO) management team the day before. The outcome of the August Board meeting and prior strategy session is that the Association’s management and governance groups are aligned on the strategic direction we have collectively envisaged for NZCB.
I have quickly learned that our NZCB Regional President network provides NZCB with an incredible resource. Twenty-two regions provide an extraordinarily granular representation framework, the benefit being that we have a deep pool of Presidents who collectively provide incredible intel to me as the Association’s CE. Across the past few months, the Presidents have responded to my call for feedback on issues that media have sought commentary on, while several Presidents took up the opportunity to be part of a small working group that allowed NZCB to develop a strong submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on the Building Consent System Review.
The foundation of a successful outcome for the management/ Board session was laid with the management team’s own strategic workshop three weeks prior. The next step involves the NZCB NSO management team presenting the updated Strategic Plan to the full NSO team, while the CE and NZCB Board Chairperson will present the plan to the NZCB Regional Presidents at our next quarterly update session.
Something I have said several times during my first three months at NZCB, is that working in a trade association that has a business membership, is a privilege. I maintain that if we do our job well in supporting our members’ businesses to become more productive and profitable, we raise the performance of not only our members, but the full construction sector also. That philosophy provides purpose, and my goal is to infuse that purpose across the Association.
While the August Strategy Day put down a conveniently timed 100-day marker, it also rounded out an intense period of engagement with media, government, and our industry association colleagues. As I reported at the August Board meeting, the broader sector has welcomed an engaged NZCB with open arms – we are seen to represent the SME residential builder, a demographic that needs to have an articulate and active voice.
There is one NZCB project I was introduced to on my first day on the job at NZCB, and which the NZCB Board ratified on day 100 of my tenure, that I found compelling from the outset. That is the Apprentice Support Programme (ASP), an initiative that replaces the Association’s long-standing Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) off-site apprenticeship management programme. In the post Review of Vocational Education (RoVE) environment, ITAB will lose both its point of difference and its funding source. In the coming months, you will hear a lot about the ASP: it represents an investment in apprenticeship training and will clearly demonstrate NZCB leadership in the education space.
What’s in store for the remainder of my first year in the CE role? There will be a focus on technology adoption, as we transition away from overly manual processing systems that bog our NSO staff down unnecessarily. We will put in place a new collaborative approach to delivering events in the regions via a true NSORegions partnership. And I will work with the NZCB NSO management team and the NZCB Board to frame up what the resource structure looks like to deliver on the NZCB Strategic Plan, now that we have management and Board aligned on what that future direction looks like for NZCB.
Malcolm Fleming NZCB Chief Executive
The broader sector has welcomed an engaged NZCB with open arms – we are seen to represent the SME residential builder, a demographic that needs to have an articulate and active voice.
As we all know, over the last 12-18 months the building industry has been hit with supply constraints and price increases across the board due to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am sure we will continue to feel these effects well into 2023.
Winstone Wallboards (GIB®) has been under the spotlight in the media, as have timber mills and merchants. The problems with these products have made it very difficult for builders to navigate through a building project.
Adding to the builders’ headaches have been labour constraints. These come, not just from the lack of experienced, qualified labour out there, but also from having to manage your labour when you are faced with supply delays and trying to work over multiple building projects to keep your team busy. On top of all that, you are having to do this while dealing with isolation periods for your team, yourself, and your subcontractors. Challenging times to say the least!
Project management of the build project or projects has increased substantially, meaning you, the builder, are having to spend more time on managing each project because you are:
• Chasing suppliers/subcontractors to ensure they are on-site when you have scheduled them. If they are not, the result is a change in the build programme, meaning more time invested by you to rejig the schedule.
• Relaying any delays or changes in the build programme to the client and seeking their approval, if required.
• Re-shuffling your labour due to supply/subcontractor delays, then re-scheduling all the other subcontractors/suppliers that follow in the build programme.
• Re-shuffling and re-scheduling when you have been hit with isolation periods for your build team or subcontractors.
• Identifying, locating, and substituting products (if this is an option), then completing all the documentation with engineers, architects, and clients to obtain council approval.
• Gathering evidence and relaying it to the client to justify changes to the building contract and seeking the customer’s approval.
From a contractual point of view, what can we do to assist with managing our way through these building supply delays and price increases?
When it comes to building contracts, it is my opinion that you should use a building contract regardless of the cost or nature of the work. If you’re doing work for family or friends, the same rule applies: always use a building contract because there are so many stories out there of builders being stung by family and friends when they were just trying to do them a favour. Keep your business hat on regardless of who your client is.
The purpose of a building contract is to bind two parties to an agreement. The contract outlines the details of the agreement: the cost to build, scope of works, labour rates, timing etc. The terms and conditions that sit within the contract identify terminology referred to, and the processes to deal with things like defects, owner defaults, disputes, price increases etc.
Building contracts have evolved over the past two years, as we are having to deal with supply difficulties and price increases. So, what provisions are out there that we need to look out for or administer into our contracts? What I am referring to are COVID-19 clauses that identify how additional costs and delays are managed and passed onto the client.
In the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Building Contracts, we have clauses which allow this. These are:
• Cost Fluctuation Clause
As I am writing this article, more updates are being made to our suite of contracts to reflect these COVID-19 provisions. Having said all this, it is not as simple as invoicing the client the additional costs. The builder must still provide evidence of these increases.
• You will need to confirm to the client the original quoted cost, so a quote from the supplier or subcontractor is needed. If you have used a Quantity Surveyor’s (QS) service, then you will need the QS to provide a breakdown of their calculation and the rates used. You will also need the price increase you have received for the product or service.
• You will need to send all this evidence through to the client for their approval as a variation to the contract.
If you have any queries relating to building contracts, contract management, and supply delays or price increases, please don’t hesitate to contact the NZCB National Support Office on 0800 237 843, or Construction Law Expert, Lawyer and NZCB Legal Helpline, Geoff Hardy on 09 379 0700. Ngā mihi
Shane Ririnui NZCB Education and Technical Manager
Always use a building contract because there are so many stories out there of builders being stung by family and friends when they were just trying to do them a favour.
Following requests at this year’s Annual General Meeting and our Annual Membership Services Survey we will now bring you, in each issue of InHouse, updates on what the team at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office has been working on.
Should you require any further information about what has been keeping our teams occupied, please contact the respective manager for that team using the contact details below.
Manager Gavin Lord | 027 326 9791 | gavin@nzcb.nz
• Invoicing of Annual Advertising Levy*
• Collection of outstanding debts
• Conversion of Regional financials to Xero and running MYOB concurrently to ensure accuracy
• Financial integrity and assurance to the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee** and subsequently to the NZCB Board.
Manager Karla Farrar | 021 906 234 | karla@nzcb.nz
• On-The-Job Learning workshop series in September
• NZCB Conference and Expo planning
• NZCB Shop has had new items from Scruffs added
• Revere Volume 6 has been distributed
• Planning for Revere Volume 7 is underway
• Regional events have ramped up with most regions now planning social events
• Certified Plans – research being undertaken to improve the product
• Investigating a new app to deliver NZCB News to members, to help reduce the number of email newsletters sent out
• Annual Membership Services Survey results being analysed and implemented.
The Advertising Levy is invoiced annually to all Business members in June/July for the year ahead and is separated from the annual membership fee. This is due to the fact that it is solely used for advertising.
The levy promotes NZCB and its members nationwide, effectively branding NZCB, targeting the primary audience of ‘homeowners in New Zealand’, and a secondary audience of increasing brand awareness to the trade. The messaging is educating our primary target group on the fundamental advantages of hiring a member of NZCB versus other builders.
For more information visit www.nzcb.nz/news/ nzcb-advertising-spend/ (Toolshed login required).
Manager Shane Ririnui | 021 906 489 | shane@nzcb.nz
• On-The-Job-Learning workshop series in September
• Interviews conducted for new Territory Managers for Central/Lower North Island and South Island
• Andrew Macdonald is now the Territory Manager for Auckland and Northland
• ITM LBP Days in Hamilton in September
• Homeowner Complaints increased for the month of August
• New Membership is on track for another record year.
Manager Nick Matthews | 021 906 483 | nick@nzcb.nz
• Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Annual General Meeting and Board meeting
• ITAB Apprenticeship Programme – support to Apprentices, Employers and Regional Campuses of Te Pūkenga
• NZCB Apprenticeship Support Programme (new initiative) –further development including NZCB Board approval. More information to follow in the next issue of InHouse
• NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM –National Final, planning.
The FAR is a committee of the Board of Directors of NZCB. The objective of the Committee is, through challenge, scrutiny, monitoring, and advice, to assist the NZCB Board to fulfil its governance responsibilities to ensure that an appropriate control environment is maintained by NZCB with reference to:
i. Assist the NZCB Board in performing its responsibilities including:
a. financial reporting to ensure integrity of the Association’s internal and external financial reports
b. financial risk management policies and procedures are maintained and adhered to
c. auditor appointment and ensuring no restrictions are placed by management on the auditors
d. general risk management
ii. Other finance, audit, and risk responsibilities as directed by the NZCB Board.
Get what you need, when you need it. From prenail to paint and everything in-between, you’ll nd it all here under one roof. So you can get in, get out, and back on the tools.
With the success of our ‘Let’s build something special’ commercial in 2021, we’ve followed on the theme for 2022. In last year’s campaign, the online commercial and magazine adverts were used in media placement on Google, Facebook and Instagram, as well as TV On Demand and programmatic display. Full page adverts were also placed in HomeStyle and NZ House and Garden magazines. The results from the 2021 campaign were favourable, with increased traffic to our New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) website as well as recording the highest amount of ‘Find A Builder’ searches in June 2021.
Earlier this year, our creative team from Wave Agency followed on with a new storyboard to sell the skill of our members and, once again, we sourced the homes to feature in our advertisement from Revere magazine. Revere is our own publication that celebrates our members’ craftsmanship. A range of properties are featured, including tiny homes, boat sheds, modern homes, and beautiful renovations.
After many months of planning, I hit the road with the Wave film crew in May. We started in Gisborne by the beach and finished in Wānaka with snow covering the mountains.
On Friday 5 August, the new NZCB online commercial went live. This will again be displayed on Google, Facebook, Instagram, TV OnDemand, and in programmatic advertising.
To reflect the updated commercial, our print advertising has also been updated, as can be seen on the next page.
A special thank you to the following NZCB members who contributed to the commercial:
Brendan Fry and Peli Taliauli, Brendan Fry Builders – Gisborne
Truan Pennell, T&K Services Ltd – Tauranga
Zane Raphael, Renovation Builders – Auckland
Mike Imre, IBL Imre Builders – Auckland
Paul Rogers, RBJ Construction – Queenstown
Lloyd Nolan, Bayview Construction – Wānaka
The new commercial can be viewed at www.vimeo.com/736385331
NZCB General Manager – Marketing and Services
Karla Farrar
The Halo Guarantees Limited Board would like to introduce David Lee. Dave has been appointed as Chief Executive of Halo Guarantees Ltd, a role he started on 3 August 2022.
David has an extensive background and experience in insurance and financial services. He has a successful track record of building and improving business performance and delivering value to customers and shareholders. David and his family have recently returned to New Zealand from Papua New Guinea, where he was Group Chief Executive Officer of Capital Insurance Group Ltd.
David has held several leadership and management roles within Capital Insurance Group. He has front line experience of customer service delivery and engagement, as well as underwriting and reinsurance, business strategy development and transformation. His previous roles have included General Insurance Underwriting Manager for Medical Assurance Society New Zealand and commercial underwriting roles with Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) New Zealand.
David is a proven people leader and an effective communicator. He brings energy, experience and fresh ideas to the Halo Guarantees role at a time when the building sector and New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members and their clients are facing considerable challenges. He has the leadership and professional skills and experience to take Halo to the next level and build a successful company that delivers to its customers.
David is completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Otago University and holds a Diploma in Financial Services (General Insurance). He is a Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.
David and his family will be relocating to Tauranga for his new role, where he will have the opportunity to indulge his outdoor interests of rugby, running, cycling, tramping, camping, fishing, boating and diving.
The Halo Guarantees Ltd Board welcomes David to the role and looks forward to working with him.
We would also like to thank NZCB Board Independent Director Katrina Bach for her great work, stepping in as Acting Chief Executive while we recruited for the role. Katrina will stay on in an advisory capacity for a transition period to ensure a good handover to David. NZCB has appointed Katrina to the Halo Guarantees Ltd Board, and we welcome her as an Independent Director and the knowledge and experience she brings.
Got questions about the Halo Guarantee? Halo Guarantees Ltd will be exhibiting at the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo, come and meet David and have your questions answered.
Your Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee is administered by Halo Guarantees Limited, a company owned 100% by New Zealand Certified Builders Association. All Halo Guarantee documentation can be found on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed. If you have any questions, please call 0800 141 490 or email applications@halo.nz
Roger Taylor Halo Guarantees Limited Board Chairperson
Recently New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office (NSO) asked our members to take part in our annual Membership Services Survey. Designed for NSO to have a better understanding of which services, currently on offer, are being used by our members and to identify key areas of concern they have within their businesses and where they require additional assistance moving forward. Looking to the future, these results will give NSO a clearer idea of the educational content and services we need to provide our members.
Thank you to all members who took the time to complete this survey, your assistance, and the information provided has been invaluable. You will find some of the collated results below. As with past annual surveys each participant’s name (if details were provided) was entered into a draw to win ‘credit’ to spend on the NZCB Online Shop. Congratulations to this years’ lucky winner, Andrew Oakenfull from AJ Oaks Building Limited, $1000 credit is all yours to enjoy.
Happiest membership category in 2022 is the CB5 – CB6 This result is the opposite of 2021, when our CB5 – CB6 categories had the lowest Net Promoter Score
• CB5 - CB6 = 55
• Individual = 45
• CB3 - CB4 = 39
• CB1 - CB2 = 33
Main areas where our members would like help:
• Exit strategies and how to prepare business for sale
• Sales and marketing
• Technology
• Business planning
• Quoting
What our members would like improved:
• More regional in person events for catch ups/meetings
• More business training
• More advertising
• More advocacy/lobbying
• Include NZCB Building Contracts and Certified Plans in membership fees
• Better and more membership deals from stores
• Building Awards (Like Registered Master Builders)
• Transparency on what NZCB National Support Office staff do
• More freebies – beanies, clothing, pencils
New NZCB memberships for the last 12 months
1. Exit strategy/retirement plan (this
also number
Karla FarrarMarketing and Services
Thank you to all members who took the time to complete this survey, your assistance, and the information provided has been invaluable.
Hi everyone, Come and meet me at the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) 2022 Conference and Expo at the Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton. You will find me on the NZCB stand with a selection of branded NZCB merchandise on display.
I am looking forward to meeting everyone in person and answering any questions you may have about merchandise or the NZCB Toolshed. Merchandise will be displayed, including clothing and boots (stock levels and sizes available to sample will be limited) and I will have my laptop to help you navigate your way around the Toolshed/find anything you may not be able to find.
Kirsty Armstrong NZCB Membership Benefits Coordinator
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.
Tradies need to be able to trust implicitly that the products they use are Up To It.
We’re building our business around that moment. By putting our customers at the centre of our business, we’re promising that it’s not just our technically advanced products that are up to the task, but that the buildings they work on throughout New Zealand, using Soudal products are also truly Up To It.
From our head office in Waikato, we are proud to have over 30 years of experience delivering sealant, foam and adhesive solutions to meet the unique needs of the New Zealand building industry under the Gorilla brand.
Gorilla products are designed and manufactured in Europe but tried and tested in New Zealand, our full product offering (in cartridge and sausage options) covers sealants, silicones, MS, glues, foams, construction and wallboard adhesives and gap and wood fillers.
For more information, visit www.soudal.co.nz
Marshall Innovations specialise in providing solutions for the external building envelope, taking a system-based approach to ensuring the weathertightness of any project.
Marshall Innovations becomes a key part of your decision to build with BRANZ appraised products that are manufactured to last. The Marshall Weatherization System is BRANZ Appraised and delivers One system, One specification from One supplier. We provide market leading House Wraps, Roof Underlays, Tapes, and Floating Deck Systems among a growing range of other products.
For over 20 years, our family-owned business has been developing construction systems that you can rely on, with advanced engineered materials and ongoing testing you can trust we are here to help you build a high quality, healthy home. Marshall Innovations products and systems are available through leading building merchants.
For more information, give us a call on 0800 776 9727
A full list of NZCB National Partners can be found on page 81 of this issue of InHouse or on the members’ only Toolshed under Our Partners www.nzcb.nz/about-nzcb/#nzcb-partners.
As a New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) member, you have access to Fisher & Paykel and Haier appliances at very competitive prices. We deal directly with Fisher & Paykel Head Office to ensure you get the best deal.
Prices are updated monthly and are confidential to NZCB members only – these are not to be discussed with any other retail outlet. Delivery cost is included in the price.
What’s available through Fisher & Paykel and Haier?
To view the full range of appliances available from Fisher & Paykel, visit www.fisherpaykel.com/nz.html.
For Haier, visit www.haier.co.nz.
How do I get a price for an appliance?
When you find what you are looking for, take a note of the product code and email me (Kirsty) at the NZCB National Support Office. I will come back to you with a price, availability and expected delivery date(s) for the product(s).
How do I place an order?
Placing an order is simple: email me with the:
• item code(s)
• a delivery address
• contact person and their phone number for delivery.
An invoice will be emailed to you, and payment is required in full before your order can be placed.
When your order has been placed, and confirmation of this received from Fisher & Paykel, I will let you know and update you with and estimated delivery date.
It’s that simple!
Got a question or need a price? Email kirsty@nzcb.nz
Kirsty Armstrong NZCB Membership Benefits Coordinator
Designed and published by NZCB, Revere magazine celebrates and displays some of New Zealand’s most inspiring homes built by NZCB members.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Editor and Project CoordinatorNew Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) are excited to announce that submissions for REVERE Volume Seven are now open!Julie Thomas
Creating a cleaner to clean effectively and to meet environmental standards –requires a careful balancing act.
Resene Bio-Cleaner is a quick and easy way to clean surfaces ready for painting or use it annually for regular maintenance cleaning to give homes and buildings a fresh look by washing away dirt and contaminants that may be present.
It’s formulated with eugenol, the active ingredient in clove oil, which helps to inhibit mould and fungal regrowth and it has Environmental Choice approval, so it meets eco standards too.
Airborne contaminants, including salt deposits, can attack the surface and cause premature breakdown – annual washing will help maintain the fresh appearance of your paintwork.
While moss and lichen can penetrate the surface of the paint film, damaging its integrity and reducing the useful life of the film, while mould growth can destroy the chemical entity of the resin system that holds the paint system together. The presence of moss, mould and lichen will hold moisture on the surface longer, promoting further growth of these organisms and increasing the risk of damage
Manrose new range of Hygienic Hand Dryers offers exactly that. Improved hygiene by cleaning the air that travels through the hand dryer before it dries your hands. And they dry them fast. Makes sense really.
Selected models include HEPA filtration and UV-C sterilisation to aid in removing pollen, moulds and bacteria, pathogens and microorganisms from the outgoing air.
Surface microbial coatings on each unit are included to eliminate chances of bacteria growth and transfer on the housing surfaces.
Selected models also offer Speed and Sound control. At times, ablution environments are rather un-acoustic. Adjusting speed reduces decibel noise, improving the drying experience, and providing some of the quietest hand dryers available. They also offer the ability to switch off the heater
element in warmer months, offering immediate energy savings..
With a range of aesthetics and colours to suit most bathroom decors, and plenty of healthy benefits check out the new range on the Simx website or by scanning the QR code.
to the coating. Removal using the appropriate washing procedure will increase the life of the coating and maintain the aesthetic properties of the paint finish.
For more information visit, www.resene.co.nz/archspec/ datasheets/d817-bio-cleaner.pdf
For over thirty years the Gorilla brand has been a firm favourite of the great kiwi tradie. We want to invite all Kiwi tradies to join us on Facebook as a member of our Gorilla Builders Club.
A club designed with you in mind. Giving you free samples, a chance to try new release products first, expert advice, and tips & tricks.
All completely free, without any hassle and with only a little bit of Kiwi banter thrown in.
Joining is super easy! Simply scan the QR code, hit join and confirm you’re a tradie!
In a challenging world, we need to be better at doing what we do best. So, with 170 years of combined industry skills and experience, we are excited to announce the merger of two great companies, Tasman Insulation and Forman Building Systems, into a single brand with a single purpose: creating New Zealand’s most comfortable living and working spaces.
Comfortech Building Performance Solutions™ will now focus our goals around sustainability and energy efficiency too, in order to be a futureready business for generations of Kiwis to come. And rest assured we will still be manufacturing everyone’s favourite Pink® Batts® insulation and supplying our well-known commercial brands like Armstrong® and Promat to the market.
As leaders and experts in building performance solutions, we want to be at the forefront of helping our industry successfully meet today’s challenges. As Comfortech™, we are now perfectly positioned to do just that.
Learn more at www.comfortech.co.nz
In July, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Chief Executive, Malcolm Fleming was elected Chair of the New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC). Malcolm had been Deputy Chair of the NZCIC for the past three years, working in partnership with the 2019-2021 Chair, Graham Burke through the initial COVID-19 lockdown period, during which the construction
sector received considerable political attention and support, much of it driven by the NZCIC and its strong relationship with the Construction Sector Accord and government agencies.
The NZCIC is the construction sector’s peak body, with 35 member associations that collectively represent the full construction supply-chain, with
each association represented on the NZCIC via their Chief Executive/Executive Director. The NZCIC Chair role is a key construction sector leadership position, with the appointment of the NZCB Chief Executive to that role, reflecting NZCB’s growing influence and profile amongst its association colleagues and within government.
HomePlus has a variety of tools and channels to assist an architect, designer or builder achieve a customised, compliant and highperforming objective. We recognise the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with our specifiers and one of the ways we can achieve this is by simplifying the process wherever possible and providing support throughout the different stages of the specification and design process.
We have had a recent refresh of the online resources available for self-service through our website www.homeplus.co.nz. Our technical specification online resources enable access to the full HomePlus repository of Specification manuals, many detailed in Revit and CAD and are supported by EBOSS and other digital specification platforms, as well as our host websites. A popular support tool on our website is the ability to source Producer Statements (PS1) with instant sign-on and supply.
In tandem with the online resource, support is underpinned by our experienced and dedicated team of technical experts. Situated around New Zealand they can assist with specification, compliance and design enquiries. They offer quick and efficient query resolution, site-specific PS1 and engineering reviews. Producer Statement Coversheets for Council can also be provided upon request.
For more information contact www.homeplus.co.nz or specify@homeplus.co.nz
Today, more and more Kiwi builders are tooling up with technology. And they’re experiencing dramatic results: improved efficiency, increased profitability and reduced paperwork.
Choosing the right technology for your business is just like selecting the right tool for a job: it makes the task faster, easier and more successful.
But pick the wrong technology, and you can create a whole new set of headaches. BuilderTrend is a good example: it works amazingly well for some, but others find it a complex system with features they’ll never need or use.
There are many job management apps that work well for builders and trades, including NextMinute, Tradify, Buildxact, CoConstruct, BuilderTrend, RaveBuild, Builda Price and Fergus.
Each has different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s crucial to pick one that will work best with your business.
Here are some tips to help you decide:
1. List business problems
What are the key issues you’re struggling with? For example:
• Managing manual or paper timesheets
• Quoting takes too much time and you miss including items in your quotes, over and over again
• Your quotes don’t look professional
• Managing multiple jobs at once is time consuming and challenging
• You struggle to track costs on a job or know if you’ve been charged the correct amount by your supplier
• Invoicing your customers only happens when you have time and charges may be missed
• Job profitability isn’t clear to see
2. List goals you want to achieve
What would you like to achieve immediately and in the next year? For example:
• Timesheets from your team can be entered electronically
• Reduce the time you spent on admin and paperwork
• Spending more time growing the business
• Improving budget communication with clients
• Capture variations to jobs more accurately
3. Research and short-list a few apps
If you use Xero, a good starting point is the Xero Marketplace at https://apps.xero.com/nz/industry/construction-trades.
You could also check out www.therighttool.co.nz. The Right Tool is a free marketplace of business apps, tailored to help Kiwi businesses like yours find the right tool for your business. You can also find people who can help you get the app up and running in the Directory.
4. Read the App websites and online reviews by other builders and trades
This is a great way to understand if an app might help to achieve your goals and the cost you’ll need to budget for.
5. Sign up for free trials
Trials usually last for 7 to 14 days, so only sign up when you have time to look at the app.
Talking to an expert in all the apps – like Free Up – will help you choose the right app, one which will benefit you most. Lastly, it’s important to remember that no software will do 100% of what you need. However, by carefully choosing the right app and making sure your team are trained to use it – you can enjoy the many benefits which come from running a business more efficiently.
Good luck!
Anna Brooks, Free Up. Free Up is a 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
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
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.
Recent WorkSafe prosecutions show an increasing focus on officers, including directors of small businesses. A review of the cases, summarised below, highlights common failings by officers. We can learn from these in getting due diligence and PCBU duties right, which is crucial given we are likely to see director prosecutions continue to increase following recent case trends which set due diligence standards.
Mr Kennedy was charged under the HSWA after an experienced employee was fatally struck while using alternative equipment for an otherwise familiar task.
The Court found that Mr Kennedy failed to ensure:
• Smoke Control effectively implemented its health and safety policies and procedures;
• Workers were trained and competent in safe systems of work;
The common themes in each of the below cases include:
• 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
• failure to identify hazards adequately.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) recognises that everyone has a role to play in the health and safety of a workplace.
Officers’ due diligence duties require proactive steps to ensure the PCBU complies with its obligations. WorkSafe can prosecute an officer, including directors and trustees, individually in addition to the PCBU where their failure results in the PCBU not meeting its duties.
Mr Parker, director, was charged under the HSWA after a worker caught his glove in a press machine, resulting in the amputation of two fingertips.
The Court found Mr Parker had failed to:
• Familiarise himself with industry guidance on the safe use of machinery; and
• Have a risk assessment undertaken by a competent person which would identify the risks, hazards, and controls with regard to the press machine.
Mr Parker was fined $48,000 (reduced from a starting point of $80,000 due to mitigating factors).
• The effective identification and management of hazards and risks (including hazard identification procedures being undertaken to starting work on new tasks); and
• Ongoing monitoring and supervision of workers to ensure continued competency in and compliance with safe systems of work.
Mr Kennedy was fined $31,500 (reduced from a starting point of $70,000 due to mitigating factors).
It is down to each business to develop a health and safety management plan that is best practice, meets industry standards and is adhered to.
The risks are high, aside from the worst-case scenario of having a worker suffer a fatality or other harm, under the HSWA an officer or director of a PCBU has a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU is meeting its duties and obligations. If an officer or director fails to meet this duty WorkSafe can lay charges against them personally. The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $600,000 and there is also a risk of up to five years’ imprisonment.
Getting the right advice about health and safety management for your business and making a plan that meets your needs is the start point. Our team can help – for a free 15-minute consultation, give us a call on 0800 354 821.
Kate Ashcroft, Partner, of Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers operate the NZCB Employment helpline and providing specialist advice, representation and support across employment, immigration and health and safety law, to businesses throughout New Zealand. Why us? We know what works, and partner with you to achieve the results you want.Labour charge-out rates will differ depending on whether you pay your workers on wages or contract, and what those paid rates are. So, how do you manage a team of guys who are all being paid differently?
Hate to say it, but it’s up to you!
If you have used our labour charge-out calculator, then you know the minimum rate to charge out for your team member in order to cover everything. We recommend you keep a copy of the calculation in your files (ideally where the contracts are kept!). That way, every time a staff member gets a pay rise, you can recalculate their charge-out rate accordingly.
Remember, the charge-out calculator also applies for workers on contract. You just zero out any of the costs that don’t apply.
Minimum charge-out rates cover all costs associated with employing that team member, including:
1. Holiday pay
2. Sick leave (including things like bereavement leave allowances)
3. ACC
4. Insurances
5. Non-taxable allowances
6. Tea breaks
7. Rainy days
8. Non-productive time
The other thing to think about is calculating productivity. If you have a senior staff member who is looking after an apprentice, then their productivity is likely to go down, meaning their minimum charge-out rate may need to go up. It’s up to you how you handle this, but reduced productivity is a cost, so it needs to be factored in somewhere.
Some building companies use an average rate across the board for labour. Others break it down into apprentice/labourer, qualified builder, foreman, etc. It really depends on the size of your team.
Having different labour charge-out rates for different workers can create extra administration, and you need to be aware of this. It can also create issues when a qualified builder is doing what could be seen as an apprentice’s task… which may mean your homeowner gets grizzly.
Overall, we think the average cost approach is better because it will take up less of your time. If you get a homeowner asking why they are paying the same amount for an apprentice as they are for a carpenter, then advising that it is an average charge-out rate should be enough to quell the confusion.
We would also advise strongly against getting caught up in the age-old chat down at the pub, asking everyone else what their charge-out rate is… It is not a market driven discussion; it is a proper calculation. You don’t want to charge less just because another guy is and find out too late that you aren’t covering your costs!
Got a question? Interested in accessing our labour charge-out calculator? Contact us for a no-obligation chat on 027 238 1866 or info@redqs.nz
Paul Watson, Red QS Limited. Red QS is a NZCB National Partner and the builders QS, providing bespoke QS services to the construction sector across NZ. The team has an exceptional level of skill across the board, and our services are available on an as needed basis!
Contact paul.watson@redqs.nz for further information.
Social media networks provide a cheap and direct way to grow your online presence and engage your customers in meaningful social conversations in a fast-paced digital world. In addition, social media platforms can help you gain more loyal followers and boost your brand loyalty. An effective social media marketing strategy also offers a relatively cheap advertising medium to drive customers to you. With all that in mind, here are some of the things you need to think about when using social media to boost your business.
You can choose from several social media platforms to include in your digital marketing strategy, each with its own strengths. It’s vital to pick the social network you feel will meet your business goals.
To decide which social platforms to use and how to get the best results, it’s essential to consider:
• What social accounts are your customers or clients most likely to use? Facebook has the highest number of users in New Zealand (3.05 million in NZ in early 2022), so Facebook marketing is an excellent place to start if you’re not sure. Instagram is also a good place to try, as this platform is used for sourcing photo ideas and inspiration for renovation and new home build projects.
• What do your customers love about you? If you’ve got a good angle, share it, and others might share it too.
While it is possible to maintain communication with your followers for free just by posting engaging content, you may need to pay to advertise to generate leads and reach new customers.
Here’s how to make the most of your social media marketing campaign:
• First, select your target audience to match your customer profile (age, location, interests, occupation, and other details).
• Decide what social media platform to run your advert on and whether you want to run it across multiple platforms. For example, you could display identical social media posts across Facebook and Instagram.
• Select your daily ad spend and the length of time you want your adverts to run. These limits mean that you’ll never go over your marketing budget.
• Pick a format. You can choose to show a single image or video in your advert or use a roomier, multi-image format.
• Create appealing organic content for maximum audience engagement. For example, ensure that your advert has a simple and powerful message, a consistent tone of voice, and a clear call to action combined with relevant hashtags. Make sure your images look professional. Photos must be clear. Videos must be short in duration – no more than 1 minute 20 seconds.
Increases your online visibility
Homeowners research ideas, designs, and products online before making a purchase, so your online presence is crucial if you want your business to be found.
Homeowners value authenticity and trust, and being active on social media assures them that your company really does exist –so keep posting regularly. Viewers of your Facebook or Instagram pages will be more likely to view your business favourably if they see you responding to comments and reviews.
Customers are increasingly making decisions about which businesses to support based on social media and website profiles.
You can build your brand’s authority by creating positive first impressions through social media by updating your pages regularly with relevant content. Doing this shows your business is knowledgeable and approachable.
Social media has already proven to be a valuable tool for connecting with potential collaborators and business partners. Aside from that, you can also observe what new things your competitors are doing by following their activities and monitoring them.
Nowadays, most people turn to Facebook or Instagram for help or information, instead of calling a customer service helpline
number. Many customers submit questions via social media in both private and public conversations.
Social media is an integral part of marketing your business, so don’t underestimate its importance in helping you with growth. It is the way you interact with friends and family, and businesses worldwide use it to interact with current and potential customers.
As a business owner, you can no longer ignore social media, or offer an account that hasn’t been touched in years. You’ll be missing out on an effective, fast, and inexpensive way to promote your business and generate sales.
If you still feel overwhelmed with your marketing, then outsource it to a marketing agency. Do a Google search to find a marketing agency in your region. Another suggestion would be to ask your peers and use the NZCB closed Facebook group page to ask for recommendations. Not a member of the closed Facebook group? Join now, www.facebook.com/groups/CBANZ
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
To find out more and to register go to sitesafe.org.nz or call 0800 SITE SAFE
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.
Viewers of your Facebook or Instagram pages will be more likely to view your business favourably if they see you responding to comments and reviews.
The construction industry currently finds itself at a crucial juncture. With some recent high-profile construction company failures reported across the sector, there is good reason for trades businesses to be cautious. Momentum in the residential property sector has slowed, with both the volume of transactions and value of property sales dropping significantly, following two years of all-time highs. With household budgets under pressure through inflationary cost increases across the board, the previously buoyant private property spend has cooled sharply.
As travel restrictions are lifted and our borders open, there is both risk and opportunity for trades businesses. Those who have positioned themselves to bring onboard and integrate international labour may benefit from those seeking out the relative attractiveness of New Zealand as a place to live. On the flip side, those who have transferrable skills may seek higher wages in other economies, most notably Australia.
Fuelling the optimistic side is the ongoing momentum in the Government and infrastructure spend across many national and local projects. From an Otago perspective, this is led by the hospital, university, education and local government sectors.
While each trades business has its own unique story and experiences from navigating COVID-19 and its downstream effects, we’ve observed at least four distinct phases that most trades businesses moved through:
Following the original lockdown in April/May 2020, most tradies experienced pent-up demand and strong pipelines from pre-COVID projects. With the supply chain still intact and worker engagement strong, this meant a period of strong performance for most.
Around late 2020/early 2021, the reality of ‘post-lockdown’ operating conditions really set in. The first signs of supply chain constraints, cost inflation and worker shortage became evident. Life as a tradie became more difficult.
These challenges were cemented by the August 2021 lockdown, which really killed off momentum. Supply chains ground to a halt, shipping challenges became worse and, locally, employee fatigue and wellbeing became key issues. Most trades businesses limped their way to a well-earned break for Christmas 2021.
As everyone got back to business for the new year, there was cautious optimism, with most people returning to work following an outstanding Aotearoa summer period. Enter Omicron. Omicron brought a completely new set of challenges for business as owners faced the realities of working with the virus in our communities.
Shaun
Employee absenteeism of up to 25% has been commonly reported, with significant and prolonged disruptions to supply chains now the norm. As one tradie described it to me, “It’s the hangover that won’t go away.”
Whilst the future is as uncertain as ever, what is emerging is a clearer picture of trades businesses that are best placed to prosper, and those that are likely to struggle. The critical success factors we see for trades businesses moving forward are:
Research shows that values, culture, and alignment of purpose are the keys to long-term success in attracting and retaining staff. Payrates need to be competitive with market rates but are not, on their own, a strategy for long-term staff retention.
The mental and physical health of employees will continue to be a major factor in successful performance. Those that are able to provide management advice and support to staff will be more likely to prosper.
The inability to pass on cost increases has been the number one factor mentioned in recent construction company liquidations and failures. Those that manage contractual obligations carefully and transparently will ensure profitability is maintained.
The current supply chain challenges are placing significant value on long-term relationships and partnerships. Those who have established and trusted reciprocal values are prospering currently and will continue to do so.
Several tradies have found themselves exposed due to specific sectors experiencing constraints. Those that can pivot towards sectors where growth is still expected, particularly accessing the Government, infrastructure, and education sectors, will be most likely to succeed.
Get help supercharging your trades business with the Findex Tradies Academy. Find out more by scanning the QR code:
New Zealand is a country of entrepreneurs and the building industry is no exception. It’s a right-of-passage for many young builders to learn your trade skills working for an established building company, become qualified, then strike out on your own. To begin with that might be as a self-employed contractor but, at some stage, you seek to find your own jobs directly with clients and start to build a team.
The problem is, as I have mentioned on several occasions before, learning how to be a good builder does not prepare or train you to be a good business owner. Many business skills are learnt through trial and error, listening to podcasts or watching YouTube videos. While all these are potentially good sources of information, the process can be slow – and confusing.
So, where should you start in your business management learning, and what are the priorities? While there are literally dozens of business-related plates you need to keep spinning, I have selected a few that will help you get your business started on the road to success.
To be successful in any business you need to solve someone’s problem or help them achieve their dream. Sometimes both. It’s important that you understand this is what you are in business for. The building part is just the vehicle that you use for the client’s journey. Having a deeper understanding of how your client thinks and feels will help you develop a compelling reason why they should pick you, over all the other builders out there. By the way, it’s not ‘quality’. Everyone claims that one.
You don’t need to become an accountant but there are a range of dials on your business dashboard that you need to become familiar with, to gain some objective feedback on how things are going. Firstly, establish what the real overheads in your business are. From there, establish what gross margin percentage you need to achieve from your jobs in order to cover your overheads, pay yourself a reasonable owner salary and leave some true net profit.
This gross margin figure is critical to help you drive your job pricing and give you the confidence to walk away from jobs that won’t make you money. During the build, you can monitor how you are progressing and whether you are ahead of target or behind.
Profit is one side of money. You will also need to monitor your cash flow and check you have enough to cover your outgoings and your tax bills. Monitoring cash flow leads me on to…
Most small businesses are started with insufficient working capital, which can make things tight come ‘20th of the month’ bill payments time. Working capital is the amount of cash and near-cash (accounts receivable) you hold, minus your current liabilities (accounts payable). Ideally a 2:1 ratio will make things
more comfortable for you. So cash needs to be respected and not spent on shiny objects or taken out of the business too quickly via the owners’ drawings.
You don’t start building a house unless you have detailed plans, so why should building a business be any different. A written plan will give you guidance on where you want to take your business, what the milestones are likely to be, and what the next projects needed to reach those milestones will be. The great thing about a business plan is that it doesn’t need to be 20+ pages long. A couple of pages, covering the big picture stuff and the closer-in actions that need to be implemented, is all you need.
Good communication processes are critical to maximise client satisfaction and encourage repeat or referral business. That doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7, but you need to establish a communication system that strikes the right balance – keeping the client informed and happy, yet realistic in their
Having a deeper understanding of how your client thinks and feels will help you develop a compelling reason why they should pick you, over all the other builders out there.
expectations. Don’t assume that everyone knows what a variation means, for example. You may need to educate your clients on how the build process will go and what you will do when problems arise. Start the relationship strong with good communications and finish the job strongly too.
The building process by its very nature is complicated and sometimes risky. It can quickly develop into a situation where a seemingly good project goes pear-shaped and puts you at financial and legal risk. It pays not to assume that everything will go smoothly.
Don’t just ‘hope for the best’. You need to protect yourself and your family by considering the following:
• Develop a robust health & safety system that is followed by all
• Arrange suitable insurance for income and liability
• Create the right business structure – at least a limited liability company format
• Separate your private assets into a family trust
• Watch your mental health and take time out when needed
• Have good legal advice available. (Luckily in Geoff Hardy*, you do.)
I could keep going and write a book, but I have to stop somewhere. I hope these ideas help those of you newer to ‘business’, and are a reminder to those who have been around a bit longer to keep making improvements.
For more help, contact me at andy@tradescoach.co.nz or visit my website, www.tradescoach.co.nz. I will also be presenting further on this topic at this year’s NZCB Conference and Expo in Hamilton. I hope to see you there.
* Geoff Hardy, a partner at Martelli McKegg Lawyers, is a Construction Law expert and provides a New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) free helpline. His contact details can be found on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website: www.nzcb.nz/members/free-helplines.
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.
Good communication processes are critical to maximise client satisfaction and encourage repeat or referral business.
The more often you are exposed to a risk, the less your brain perceives the significance of the risk. The level of risk has not changed. Remember how your first time on a busy worksite felt, all those things going on around you? That level of danger is still there. As you have become constantly exposed to it your mind starts to ignore things it thinks are no longer relevant, so you have to consciously pay attention to the ever-changing worksite environment. This is how many of the common injuries happen, the brain switches off and you go into ‘autopilot’.
Here are some of the most common incidents along with the corrective actions and recommendations from our HazardCo health and safety experts:
This can be anything from hitting your head on scaffolding, grazing your leg on a wara tah, or catching your arm on a protruding object.
Corrective actions and recommendations:
• Plan tasks prior to carrying them out
• Assess the surroundings and adjust work tasks accordingly
• Take time navigating around the site
• Check to see if any surfaces, sharp edges, or protruding objects need to be protected or removed
• Think about what you’re doing, not what you’re going to do
• Conduct regular site reviews to help identify issues and rectify them
Lower back strains and sprains, shoulder injuries, torn muscles, and ligaments. Muscle injuries can have lengthy healing times and can be crippling.
• Plan lifts prior to lifting loads, and ensure thoroughfare is clear
• Warm up/stretch before each workday and after rest periods (lunch) – especially when the weather is colder
• Use mechanical aids to assist with lifting wherever possible
• Do not lift beyond abilities. Generally, the industry uses 20kg per person, but 20kg could be too heavy, or the load too awkward. Ask other people to help.
• Adjust the work area to eliminate awkward positions and overreaching
• Consider splitting heavier loads and minimising the distance the load is carried
• Train workers in manual handling techniques
• Ensure appropriate footwear is worn
• Plan drop off areas close to where materials are needed
Lack of regular equipment servicing, sufficient training, and PPE can result in penetration injuries which are most common in the hands. These injuries can cause permanent damage, and nails are difficult to remove due to the heat-activated coating on the nails that causes them to bond. Staples can be difficult especially if they have hit the bone and have embedded or the staples have closed.
Corrective actions and recommendations:
• ‘Safe hand zones’ (hands at least 150mm away from the nose when firing)
• Maintenance kept up to date – including ensuring castles/crowns are kept sharp
• Consider the trigger system setting and the experience level of the operator. Bump fire or multi-shot mode has a higher risk of injury
• Do not fire in line with another person or into knots in the timber
• Training provided by gun/staple manufacturers (train workers)
• Discuss in your toolbox meetings to remind workers of the risk
• Follow SOPs or manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure workers who are trained have their competency assessed
• Pre-starts should be completed every day
• Task-specific PPE to be worn (gloves, boots, safety glasses, etc)
These are the most commonly used tools such as hammers, hand saws, angle grinders, pliers, etc. Tools are regularly dropped or misused.
Corrective actions and recommendations:
• 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
Uneven ground surfaces, poor housekeeping, incorrect footwear, and weather conditions are common reasons for slips and trips.
Corrective actions and recommendations:
• Slowdown in adverse wear conditions – If the worksite is dangerous, consider whether it is safe to work (flooded/boggy) or to wait until it has dried
• Things such as grit tape (or similar) can help provide grip in slippery areas such as outdoor ramps
• Ensure housekeeping is maintained to remove obstacles and create clear pathways
• 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 far away from blades/hammerheads as possible
• 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
• Ensure appropriate PPE is worn (gloves, hard hat, etc)
• Wipe/dry wet flooring wherever possible (especially tiles/lino/varnished flooring)
• Plan tasks prior to carrying them out and avoid rushing
• Appropriate footwear should be worn
• Setup temporary steps where needed, and bridge boards over trenches or uneven ground
Of course, reach out to HazardCo and speak to one of our Health and Safety experts if you have any questions or need more support on ways to combat common incidents 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 National Partner and, as your trusted safety partner, we provide you with the tools and support you need to #SortYourSafety.
Site Safe is committed to ensuring Kiwi workers return home to their whānau at the end of each day. We create and continue to develop training such as our Foundation Passport – Building Construction and Civil training courses as part of our pledge to build safer and healthier workplaces.
The Foundation Passport courses convey on-site health and safety responsibilities. They introduce vital topics such as how to keep yourself safe, understanding and controlling risk, mental health, basic hazards, and legal requirements.
Site Safe has recently been collaborating with industry representatives and subject matter experts to develop the updated foundational course-specific content.
Site Safe Chief Executive Brett Murray said he was pleased with the updated Foundational courses and that they reflected the health and safety standards set by the industry. “It is really important as an industry association that we work hand-in-hand with industry while developing our courses. The new Foundational Passport has been developed with industry input and consultation throughout, and sets the standard for what the industry wants in a foundational construction course,” he says.
The updated training offers plenty of new material for learners. Some of the key changes are:
• Staff will be able to identify the top critical hazardous activities in Building Construction and Civil
• Information on mental health has been introduced
• We consulted with a neuro-diverse expert to ensure the look and feel of our presentation addresses the needs of staff who may have learning difficulties
• Content focuses on the basic concepts of health and safety to keep it genuinely foundational
• Handbook has moved to an eBook, offering direct links to further helpful information
• The training now offers 20 Review of Understanding questions instead of 10 (with the same 80% pass rate), providing greater assurance of each learner’s foundation health and safety knowledge.
The improved Foundation Passport courses were trialled across the country and were launched in September. It is expected staff will have a better learning experience with a consistent, standardised course, endorsed by those in the industry.
Naylor Love Health and Safety specialist Gareth Wood is one of the subject matter experts who helped develop the Foundation courses. He told Site Safe the enhanced training was a ‘big step up’ from when he first did it. He said it had become better targeted to those entering the industry, particularly foreign workers or those unfamiliar with construction in New Zealand. “It was important to have these Foundation Passport courses available with more people entering the industry without construction backgrounds,”
says Gareth. “It’s important they have a basic understanding of health and safety and those fundamentals that they need when they go on-site.”
To check out the full interview with Gareth, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8y3t1L5CM4.
Most major New Zealand contractors require a Site Safety Card when entering a site. We have included a green foundation indicator on the Site Safety Card for anyone to see at a glance that you and your staff are foundation-level trained.
Those who attended the trial run of the new courses were asked what they liked the most from the new offering. One of the respondents said they liked the aspect of working as a group to identify hazards before they enter the industry. Others also highlighted the group activities and how this helped make the teachings easier to understand and encouraged everyone’s participation. Yet others said they appreciated the learning material, such as the ‘engaging’ slides and images.
Additionally, Site Safe has been working alongside the Ministry of Social Development and Virtual Reality (VR) company SkillsVR to provide a VR foundation training experience for jobseekers looking to join the construction industry. Many expect the use of VR technology to ramp up significantly over the next decade. Site Safe wants to ensure we are at the forefront in offering opportunities to utilise the technology, and further developments on the VR project are expected later in the year.
To learn more about our Foundation Passport courses (check out page 31 of this issue of InHouse) or any other training courses, visit the Training section on the Site Safe website www.sitesafe.org.nz/training.
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 provider.
Never been to the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Annual Conference and Expo? Unsure it’s worth the price of registration, travel, and missed days off work? If you’re on the fence, here are five great reasons you and your team should sign up.
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. There is also the added bonus of earning up to 10 LBP Elective Points.
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 a key part of the Conference and Expo. Networking opportunities include the morning and afternoon tea/lunch breaks, dedicated Expo Area time, Friday’s Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race and Happy Hour, PlaceMakers Friday Night Mingler at the SkyCity Hamilton Casino, and the ITM Awards Dinner on Saturday Night.
With over 80 trade industry partners packed into 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.
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 Waikato?
Thanks to sponsorship money we can keep registration fees down. The entry cost for another Trade Conference and Expo held over two days earlier this year was more than $1,000.
Registration cost, for two days at the NZCB Conference and Expo is just $145 – 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. Win-win!
To learn, get inspired, have fun, meet new people, make lifelong friends, and stay up to date and ahead of the competition, register today! www.events.nzcb.nz
Pricing – All costs below are excluding GST and are per person
Thursday Factory Tour
Includes morning tea, lunch, beer tasting and bus to and from Claudelands Events Centre
Friday Spouse/Partner High Tea
$100.00
Includes high tea, drinks and bus to and from Claudelands Events Centre $100.00
Registration (two days)
Registration to attend both the Friday and Saturday of the Conference and Expo – includes morning tea and lunch for both days $145.00
PlaceMakers Friday Night Mingler at SkyCity Hamilton Casino
Includes drinks and canapés
Saturday Night ITM Awards Dinner
$80.00
Includes drinks and a three-course meal $110.00
PLEASE NOTE: Due to costs and catering, if you are wanting to attend the NZCB Conference and Expo or any of the Events over the three days, you MUST register for that specific event –if you have not registered for a specific event you will not be allowed entry.
Thursday 17th
9:00am to 4:15pm
APL Window Solutions and Good George Brewery
Only 50 spaces remaining
As a lead-up to the NZCB Conference and Expo, join us on Thursday 17th, for an educational tour with a little fun along the way.
You will be picked up from/depart the Claudelands Events Centre at 9:00am sharp and head to APL Window Solutions. At APL Window Solutions your tour will include visits to PPL (Design and Innovation), INEX, Anodising/Thermal, Colourworks, AGP and APL Manufacturing. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
From APL Manufacturing, you will be taken to the Good George Brewery, for beer tasting, before being returned to the Claudelands Events Centre by 4:15pm.
Please Note: Factory Tour locations are subject to change due to availability.
Dress code: Smart casual with closed-in shoes
Tony Alexander Economics speaker and writer
Topic: Outlook for home building
Dr Lucy Hone
Director NZ Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience
Topic: Strategies for coping when ‘stuff’ happens
Friday 18th and Saturday 19th
Claudelands Events Centre
Friday 18th and the first official day of the NZCB Conference and Expo kicks off with an amazing line-up of keynote and educational speakers to get everyone thinking and motivated.
Saturday 19th is all about up-skilling 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, with:
• Stream one focusing on ‘Leadership’
• Stream two focusing on ‘New to Business’
• Stream three focusing on ‘Building Technical/Apprentices’
The Expo Area is open throughout the duration of the NZCB Conference and Expo. This year we have added dedicated expo time on both days, to allow you to get around all 80 expo stands. The perfect opportunity to catch up, stay up-to-speed, and meet face-to-face with industry specific, trade partners ready to showcase their latest services and products.
Dress code: Smart casual with closed-in shoes
Professor John Tookey Professor of Construction Manager, AUTTopic: Supply chain update
Ben Hurley Professional Speaker/MC Conference and Expo MC
Claudelands Events Centre Hamilton
Executive level workshops to help you grow your business
The impact of COVID-19 on business values – what are buyers paying more for?
Darcy Everest, EndVision
EndVision is an experienced merger and acquisition specialists with an in-depth knowledge of financial investors and strategic buyers. If you are thinking of exiting your business over the next five years, you need to know who the buyers are and what they are looking for.
In this fascinating and informative workshop, Darcy will be presenting on the three key components of a successful business exit.
Jason Dinan, Executive Coaching & Consulting
If you’re a business owner who’s concerned with the uncertainty of what the 2022 economy will bring, this is a must-attend session with real-life, practical content.
Key outcomes:
• Discover the 10 most important components to ensure your business and team thrive in this new environment.
• Learn about the practical experience of two very different building company owners on how these 10 components provided crucial breakthroughs in their businesses.
• Key leadership and management strategies to help build your business culture and keep your team developing as your business grows.
• Understand how important it is to have a vision, purpose, and values to help you grow your people and also your client base.
• Leave with some practical tips you can easily action in your business right away.
Business owner’s wellbeing toolkit Lindsey Rayner, Humanex and Rachelle Hawes, Positive Mindset ChallengeMental Wellbeing experts Lindsey Rayner and Rachelle Hawes will open your eyes to what wellbeing really looks like, HOW to swing your work/life balance so that it is more life and less work, WHY your business is either firing on all cylinders, or struggling, and HOW to recognise and address signs of mental distress within your team.
We’ll give you world-class information and tools to start using straight away within your business and at home. Join us for an action-packed hour focused on helping you and your team to have your best year yet in 2022.
This will be a mind-blowing and lifechanging presentation you won’t want to miss.
1-3 years of business experience –designed to help you grow your business
Building contracts and how to sell them to prospective homeowners in the COVID-19 environment | Shane Ririnui, NZCB National Support Office (NSO)
In this workshop join NZCB Education and Technical Manager, Shane Ririnui as he:
• presents the suite of NZCB Building Contracts and when they should be used;
• identifies the information required for completing an NZCB Building Contract;
• advises what building compliance documentation you are required to provide;
• identifies best practices when engaging the client to secure the contract; and
• addresses common questions received at NSO and how to mitigate them.
Understanding your labour rates, margins, and costs | Nick Clements, Your QS
In this workshop Nick with take you through methods for estimating costs including the risks with using m2 rates for your pricing. You will learn about:
• Margin vs Mark-up – what’s the go?
• Working out your labour cost rate.
• Why square metre rates are not a good idea.
• Why you should charge for providing quotes.
• Ideas to remain profitable through a slow down.
Knowing your numbers | Nigel Smellie and Michael Alexander, Findex
From this workshop you will walk away with a clearer understanding of how you can improve your business and personal performance - with a specific focus on:
• How to increase your profit.
• How to forecast your cashflow.
Hear from our key partners – suitable for apprentices and fully qualified members
Want to start your own building business? Learn where to start Andy Burrows, The Trades Coach
In this workshop you will learn:
• The practical nuts and bolts to set up your business.
• Understanding your target market.
• How to follow good pricing and money habits.
• Surrounding yourself with the right people.
• How to write a business plan on two pages.
Low E glass and Building Code H1 Window updates | Robyn Gibbard and Ron Cribb, Metro Performance Glass New Zealand
In this workshop you will learn:
• How Low E glass works.
• What the benefits are of Low E in double and triple glazing.
• What has been updated in the Building Code for H1 Windows and the Low E minimum requirements.
Health & Safety in residential construction | Rachel Bowen, WorkSafe In this workshop, WorkSafe will be presenting on:
• Where the greatest harm is found in residential construction.
• What are the biggest risks for your business and workers.
• What you can do to manage risks.
NOTE: Workshops subject to change.
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Carl Sarney, TRA New Zealand
In this session, you will learn:
• How and why to look at your customers through a behavioural science lens.
• Why effective marketing strategy is grounded in behaviour objectives.
• Key principles for persuasively changing customer behaviour, with inspirational examples from big brands, and actionable examples for the building trade.
• The role of brand fame and distinctive brand assets for SME businesses.
• Why SME marketing tends to be limited by ‘the safety of sameness’ and why you need to get comfortable with standing out.
• How to combine broadcast media with targeted media through the sales funnel and how to utilise cheap and free media often overlooked or misused by smaller businesses.
• How to measure the return on your marketing investment.
5Merchant Abodo Wood AEG Powertools NZ Altus NZ Ltd
APL Window Solutions ASSA ABLOY NZ Ltd Autodesk
BCITO BRANZ Builda Price
Bunnings Trade BrokerWeb Risk Services Camco Industries Carters
Laminex NZ Marley NZ Marshall Innovations Mates In Construction MBIE
Metro Performance Glass Milwaukee Tools Mitre 10 NZ Ltd NZ Brick Distributors NZCB Open2View Pacific Steel Paslode NZ PIL Group/Premier Insulation
In this workshop Anna will explain:
• Why builders need tech and how it can give their business the edge.
• The many ways tech helps to: reduce paperwork and admin; save time on quoting and improve accuracy; increase profitability through better management of project finances, costs and cashflow; automate timesheet collection and better delegation with your team; and easier and more streamlined communication with clients and other parties.
• Real-life examples of how tech has helped New Zealand builders improve their businesses.
CAVIUS CHASNZ DIY New Zealand DVS EAP Services Findex FMI Building Innovation Halo Guarantees Ltd HazardCo Hiandri Hilti NZ Home Plus/Juralco IBS ITM James Hardie JSC Timber Kingspan Thermakraft
Pink Batts PlaceMakers Red Stag Timber Resene Paints Resene Construction Rosenfeld Kidson SIKA New Zealand SIMX Soudal Stop Digging The Trades Coach The Warehouse Group Tile Space Viking Roofspec Waste Management Winstone Wallboards YourQS Ltd
Dave Butler and Jason Cores, Red Stag Timber
This workshop will cover an introduction to Red Stag Timber and where they sit as a production facility – production volumes, as well as an overview of the following:
• Natural characteristics of wood - photographs of naturally occurring features that affect builders and buildings and visual grading in relation to some of these features.
• Mechanical Stress Grading and SG Grades – how this overcame the subjectivity of visual grading and a brief overview of the SG grades.
• Moisture and its effect on timber - the need for long probe moisture meters, the need to keep timber dry including correct storage and how to dry wet timber.
• Timber Preservation – a quick review of Hazard Classes.
Friday 18th | 10:30am to 2:45pm
Zealong Tea Estate
Will your spouse/partner be accompanying you but their unsure if they’d like to attend the NZCB Conference and Expo on Friday? We’ve organised the ultimate high tea excursion at Zealong Tea Estate for them to enjoy.
Zealong Tea Estate is widely regarded as a Waikato icon and is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand offering serene views and producing 100% organic awardwinning tea. The high tea will include a culinary experience with a thoughtfully crafted selection of savouries, sandwiches, sweets and beverages.
Attendees will be picked up at 10:30am from the Claudelands Events Centre and returned by 2:45pm.
Please Note: This tour is subject to change and may be cancelled if a minimum number of 40 guests is not reached.
Friday 18th | 5:00pm to 6:00pm Claudelands Events Centre
From 5:00pm on Friday 18th, join us for the Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race and Happy Hour.
Don’t miss the thrills and spills as the 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Regional Finalists go head-to-head in the Mitre 10 Great Apprentice Race. Support your region or favourite while enjoying nibbles and a beverage in this action-packed Happy Hour.
Dress code: Smart casual with closed-in shoes
Friday 18th | 7:00pm to 10:00pm
SkyCity Hamilton Casino
This year the PlaceMakers Friday Night Mingler will be held from 7:00pm at the SkyCity Hamilton Casino. The Friday Night Mingler is the most popular evening function and is attended by both trade partners and conference delegates.
Food stations and beverages will be available throughout the evening and entertainment will include the conclusion of an electronic silent auction to raise funds for the Apprentice Scholarship Trust (AST) and a ‘casino night’. We have organised for staff from the casino to teach attendees how to play blackjack or roulette, with fake money.
Dress code: Business attire
Saturday 19th | 7:00pm to midnight
Claudelands Events Centre
With a Casino Royale/James Bond theme, we will be celebrating in style for the grand finale of the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo, from 7:00pm at the ITM Awards Dinner on Saturday 19th.
The Claudelands Events Centre will help us host a fanciful affair to celebrate and to announce the winners of the 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM.
Join us for a three-course meal and let your hair down for the evening with one of Hamilton’s busiest professional cover bands ‘The Monroes’.
Dress code: Fancy dress or formal Theme: Casino Royale/James Bond
Quinn Kusanic | BAY OF ISLANDS/FAR NORTH
Quinn is an ITAB apprentice employed by Rockstead Construction Limited in Kerikeri.
Joshua Welsh | WHANGĀREI
Joshua is an ITAB apprentice employed by Whangārei Builders Limited in Whangārei.
Cam Schache | AUCKLAND
Cam is a BCITO apprentice employed by MyHome Renovations Limited in Auckland.
Ricky Plympton | WAIKATO
Ricky is an ITAB apprentice employed by Hayward Builders Limited in Hamilton.
Joshua Shoebridge | TAURANGA DISTRICTS
Joshua is an ITAB apprentice employed by Atrium Homes Limited in Tauranga.
Hayden Carter | WHAKATĀNE
Hayden is an ITAB apprentice employed by Galloway Construction in Whakatāne.
Jonny Mills | ROTORUA
Jonny is a BCITO apprentice employed by Riverwood Building Limited in Rotorua.
Josh McLean | TAUPŌ
Josh is an ITAB apprentice employed by Straight Up Construction (Taupō) Limited in Taupō.
Michael Craig | TARANAKI
Michael is an ITAB apprentice employed by Adan Larsen Builders in Stratford.
Gareth Deihl | HAWKE’S BAY
Gareth is a BCITO apprentice employed by Christie Builders & Joiners in Napier.
Seth Lundon | GISBORNE
Seth is an EIT managed apprentice employed by Fogarty Construction in Gisborne.
Christopher Sullivan | MANAWATŪ
Christopher is a BCITO apprentice employed by Craigs Building in Marton.
Angus Petrie | WAIRARAPA
Angus is a BCITO apprentice employed by Bashford Construction Limited in Masterton.
Petros Vrahasotakis | WELLINGTON
Petros is a BCITO apprentice employed by RD Builders Ltd in Wellington.
Chris Sinnott | NELSON BAYS
Chris is a BCITO apprentice employed by Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited in Nelson.
Dan Michael | CANTERBURY
Dan is an ITAB apprentice employed by Taylormade Builders Limited in Leeston.
Dallas Scott | MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY
Dallas is an ITAB apprentice employed by H2 Builders Limited in Ashburton.
Jack Johnston | OTAGO
Jack is an ITAB apprentice employed by Naylor Love Construction Limited in Dunedin.
Tyler Sarginson | CENTRAL OTAGO
Tyler is an ITAB apprentice employed by Mark Duffy Builders Limited in Wānaka.
Accommodation will fill up fast so we highly recommend you start looking now. To assist members, we have secured a number of hotel/motel rooms within the Hamilton and Cambridge areas (listed below).
Ramada by Wyndham Hotel HHHH
20-minute walk to Claudelands
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton Phone: 07 839 4993
www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada
Heartland Ambassador Hotel HHHH
27-minute walk to Claudelands
86 Ulster Street, Hamilton Phone: 07 839 5111
www.booking.com/hotel/nz/ retro-motel.html
Park View Motor Lodge HHHH
26-minute walk to Claudelands 450 Tristram Street, Hamilton Phone: 0800 727 584 www.parkviewmotorlodge.co.nz
Hidden Lake Hotel HHHH
24-minute drive to Claudelands
34E Lake Street, Cambridge Phone: 07 282 1593
www.hiddenlakehotel.co.nz
Kelly Road Lodge HHHH
21-minute drive to Claudelands
1 Kelly Road, Cambridge Phone: 07 282 0578
www.kellyrd.co.nz
Podium Lodge HHH
21-minute drive to Claudelands
20 Peake Road, Cambridge Phone: 07 974 1710
www.podiumlodge.co.nz
Albert Court Motor Lodge HHHH
29-minute walk to Claudelands
29 Albert Street, Hamilton Phone: 07 929 4047 www.albertcourt.co.nz
Abbots Hamilton HHH
30-minute walk to Claudelands 222 Ulster Street, Hamilton Phone: 07 838 3299 www.abbotshamilton.co.nz
Jet Park Hamilton (NEWLY REFURBISHED) HHHH
18-minute drive to Claudelands 201 Airport Road, Hamilton Phone: 0800 538 466 www.jetpark.co.nz
Claudelands Events Centre
For more information, email Karla at the NZCB National Support Office: karla@nzcb.nz
Hamilton City Holiday Park HHH
15-minute walk to Claudelands 14 Ruakura Road, Hamilton Phone: 07 855 8255 www.hamiltoncityholidaypark.co.nz
Quest Hamilton HHHH
18-minute walk to Claudelands
Corner London & Victoria Streets, Hamilton Phone: 07 834 1440
https://www.questapartments.co.nz/ properties/north-island/hamilton/questhamilton/overview
Novotel Hamilton Tainui HHHH
17-minute walk to Claudelands 7 Alma Street, Hamilton 07 838 1366
https://accorevents.com/offers/ new-zealand-certified-builders
Did you know that there are certain strategies and techniques that take the pain out of growing a business? And let’s face it – growing a business can be tough and stressful, so anything that makes it simpler to manage has got to be a good thing.
The very same techniques you’re about to discover, have been implemented successfully in 23 countries, over 28 years, by myself Jason Dinan Director of Executive Coaching & Consultating (EXCC). More importantly, they’ve been honed and fine tuned over the last decade in the New Zealand construction industry, with outstanding results seen from builders, bricklayers, electricians, importers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and more.
New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members Scott Yearbury (Dash Build) and Todd Flashman (Tomik) are two of the builders who’ve used these strategies with great success: you can read their case studies at https://excc.co.nz/business-growth-case-studies.
The ten strategies make up the Peak Performance Pyramid are:
1. Vision, Purpose and Values: These underpin our journey, our culture, and why we do what we do.
2. Assessment: Using assessments creates awareness around your team’s behaviours and communication styles so they can all interact with each other and your clients more effectively.
3. Process: If you have no process to follow, everyone is making up how they do things every time.
4. Goals and a Growth Plan: Every team needs a plan to follow, and everyone needs personal and professional goals to get the most out of their lives.
5. Recruitment: We all need to be consistently finding the best talent available in the market to join our team enabling us to grow.
6. Leading Indicators: These are the true drivers of performance in the business.
7. Accountability: Self-accountability and team member accountability need to be implemented in the correct way so everyone gets done what needs to be done.
8. Mindset: 80% of your ability to succeed in your role is mindset.
9. Skill set: 20% of your ability to succeed in your role is skill set – and these consistently need to be upgraded.
10. Coaching and Motivating: You need to grow your people in order to grow your business.
Come to my ‘Taking Your Business Forward’ workshop at the NZCB Conference and Expo 2022, 11:00am on Saturday 19th November. As well as going through each of these strategies in more detail, I will interview a NZCB member on how these strategies have created huge results in a builder’s business.
Alternatively, contact us on 09 215 3378 or visit www.excc.co.nz, for a free consultation to see how we can help you with leadership training.
Scott Yearbury, Dash Build
Todd Flashman, Tomik
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%.
Dash Build is a high-end residential building company covering Waiheke Island and North Auckland. To regain control over quality, scheduling, costs, and availability, Director Scott Yearbury incorporated four more businesses in 2021. These businesses provide earthmoving, haulage, electrical, home automation, industrial access solutions, scaffolding, timber, and more. A team of nearly 60 employees works across the five businesses.
“My key challenge was around developing leaders,” says Scott. “We had amazing guys and a good culture already, but we’d put all these good builders into roles where they’re managing a team of eight or nine people. I am still learning to manage people myself, and teaching that to others is a whole different game.
At Dash Build not only do we believe in delivering in top end work, we believe in up-skilling and growing our people. Therefore we felt it was important to support our site managers, and making the management journey something to enjoy whilst keeping our strong team culture alive.”
Scott met Jason of EXCC at the NZCB Conference and Expo. Scott says: “The session was quite involved and everything that we talked through was all so true, I could really relate to what Jason was talking about. It was a very inspiring workshop. He did a really good job of opening everyone up and making people feel comfortable.
“The part around leadership really spoke to me. I’d already been trying to grow the managers and crew in our businesses, but what Jason was offering was next level. It was on-point and just what I needed, so I decided to engage EXCC.
“I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about working with coaches, but it’s turned out to be really awesome. The whole team’s taken to working with Jason and Grant. Some of the lads had their guard up at the beginning, but they’ve definitely warmed up. Grant and Jason have good rapport with all the site managers.”
Says Scott: “We’ve learned to deal with people in the right way, instead of beating your head on the wall and blaming it all on them. We’re taking more responsibility for the way we work and communicate. We’re working towards a common goal without butting heads on minute details. Compared to where we were 12 months ago, there’s been exponential growth.
“My favourite part of working with EXCC is knowing that they’re an extended part of the crew. It’s really cool that any of our team, whether they’re on-site or in the office, know they can reach out to the EXCC coaches if they’re in a tricky spot and can’t get hold of me. It’s also great being able to bounce ideas back and forth, and I don’t think there are many coaches who you can call at any hour and just talk about whatever drama is going on and know that you’re going to get some really sound advice.
“They’ve really gone above and beyond for us. For example, we were trying to work out some branding decisions and ended up ringing Grant at five o’clock on a Friday night for some guidance, and he was so happy to help, even though he’d already knocked off work for the week.
“EXCC’s online learning system is fantastic. The team’s really enjoying it; it keeps them focused, and everyone finds the follow-ups and reminders really helpful. In such a busy company, it’s holding everything together and keeping the team accountable.
“I really rate what Jason and Grant are doing, what they’re putting out, how they’re customising it, how they’re delivering it, and the value they provide. I’d definitely recommend EXCC, and have already put them in touch with quite a few people. We were really lucky to have found these guys. Having this kind of help is like another line of defence to make sure that an already hard job is a little bit easier.”
You can read the full case study and others at https://excc.co.nz/business-growth-case-studies
We demonstrate our software to builders across New Zealand who are having to use multiple solutions or parts of solutions to get a full operating model working in their business.
Some of the comments we hear during our demonstrations are:
• I use package A for timesheets and package B for costing, but they don’t talk to each other.
• My merchant gave me an app that is part of the solution, but it doesn’t do this, and it can’t do that, and it won’t talk to my other systems.
• I have to extract a file from this system and load it manually to my accounting system and vice versa. It is painful and takes time.
• I only use my software for this part and that part (maybe using 20-30%) of the existing functionality.
• I have this software, but I can’t get hold of anybody to help with service or training.
Recently we even had one builder using four different software packages plus an app from his main material supplier to run his business. Using multiple software systems in this fashion just makes it too difficult for the builder, who has enough going on in their business already.
What we often see in software platforms is deep functionality but narrow coverage. The platform covers every conceivable angle for one small aspect of a business, but has no connection to any of the business’s other functions. Alternatively, the software is designed for another country and is being forced to fit for New Zealand builders. Or sometimes it is just too expensive for what it does.
The evolution of cloud computing is providing the capacity for cost effective solutions and services that cover all the parts of a builder’s operation.
Usually, it is some combination – or all – of these functions; CRM pre-sales, documentation storage and project history, take off facility, pricing solution, supplier invoice processing, purchase orders, job tracking, fixed price contract management, back costing, financial forecasts, supplier bill allocation, scheduling (Gantt charts etc), task allocation to all members of the project, payroll, timesheets, invoice builder, customer portal, accounting package, and a health and safety module.
It’s a big list, and I am sure there is more that could be added. With thorough research, you could probably find specialist apps in each of these areas, or software that includes four, five, or even half of these components. The key is finding solutions that cover multiple components and all of the ones relevant to your own business.
One of the first things to consider is what your accounting package is good for and what it is not designed to do. It is common to see your accounting package cover your basic accounting needs – GST, invoicing, accounts receivable and payable, and perhaps including an integrated payroll solution. But we frequently see accounting packages stretched to try to cover reporting for builders when they don’t have the source information to work from. The result is reporting that covers only part of what is required.
This is where you need industry specific software that will deliver what builders need for operating and reporting. Your software should include as many of the previously mentioned components as possible, while integrating well with your accounting package. You want to avoid manual integration processes (file downloads, uploads, etc), instead looking for seamless integration between packages. With packages like Xero and modern technology, your operational package should integrate well and handle all the tax technicalities between the two systems.
At Builda Price we focus on providing a single solution for your operating needs. Builda Price has traditionally provided pricing, supplier invoicing, back costing, integrated timesheets, an invoice builder, supplier bill allocation, automated supplier invoice reading & processing, and Xero integration. But that is not enough! We have listened to our builders and now have a full set of wider solutions in the package, including estimating, project management, and Health & Safety.
Project management includes job tracking, scheduling (task allocation, Gannt charts), customer portal, document storage and project history, budget and quote version control, forecast financial finish position, product specifications, and variation management.
So, what functionality does a builder need for their business?
Health & Safety, which will be released shortly, includes toolbox, incident reporting, task analysis, hazard identification, and site observations. A subcontractors’ version will link their site project tasks, timelines and specifications, as they scan in their QR code on-site.
Builda Price’s goal is a single operating solution for you as a builder, fully integrated with Xero, and at a price point that is very competitive.
When the builder in the example above replaced his four software packages and the app with our solution, it resulted in him saving money each month in software costs, and he got everything he needed in one single solution integrated with his Xero package.
Builda Price Group provides far more than just the software solutions you need. We also provide practical help, support and services, from our trained team of mentors around the country to our estimating team at Quantifier.
Quantifier can provide a timely estimate for your building project, be that at a provisional pricing stage or consented plans. The output can then be loaded directly into you Builda Price account for building your customer project. This service puts you, the builder, back in control and able to make the selections you want.
If you would like more information about any of our services, talk to the team at Builda Price, come and visit our stand at the New Zealand Certified Builders Conference and Expo in November, or book a demonstration at www.buildapricegroup.com.
Darren Wallbank Builda Price. Builda Price is a NZCB National Partner and was developed to help builders quickly and accurately price jobs along with tracking their progress and costs live on the job. Quoting, Time-sheeting, Job Tracking, bill processing and Project Management (shortly) on mobile and desktop. For more information visit www.buildapricegroup.com
You’ve got to hand it to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) – they never rest up, at least when it comes to building and construction law reform. They have been pursuing it steadily since the leaky building crisis around the turn of the Century, the Hunn Report of 2002, and the Building Act of 2004.
It’s been slow progress and they haven’t achieved much in terms of construction sector productivity, availability and affordability of housing, supply chain constraints, product innovation, and efficiency in the building consent sector, but they have nevertheless made some significant improvements.
• They have been tweaking the Building Code to continuously improve it.
• They have steadily expanded the building consent exemptions in Schedule 1 of the Building Act.
• Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) now have to meet stringent tests.
• Code Compliance Certificates (CCC) are now compulsory rather than voluntary as they were before.
• The Construction Contracts Act banned pay-when-paid clauses, guaranteed the right to progress payments, and introduced the payment claim/payment schedule system.
• It also brought in a quick and less expensive dispute-resolution system called adjudication.
• The introduction of MultiProof approvals in 2009 for standard designs that are used throughout the country was a great step forward.
• The Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) regime was introduced in 2012 which must have driven out the cowboys to some extent.
• In 2014 they inserted implied warranties into residential construction contracts and spec builder sales, which benefitted subsequent owners because they inherited those warranties.
• Residential building work done without a written contract but costing $30,000 or more is now covered by default Government contract clauses.
• Retentions were required to be held in trust and that legislation has since been strengthened.
• And now they are moving to free up the prefabrication industry and make building materials suppliers more accountable, although we are yet to see the detail.
• They toyed with capping Councils’ liability for approving defective building work, but that ran out of steam.
• The introduction of Codemark in 2008 was a good idea but it hasn’t fulfilled its potential and is about to be revised.
• So-called risk-based consenting which was supposed to ease the load on Councils in the simple residential and complex commercial building sectors, was promoted in 2012 but never made it out of the too-hard basket.
• They tried to define the responsibilities of the various parties in the construction sector in section 14 of the Building Act but then deprived the legislation of any teeth.
• The checklists, disclosure statements, and insurance and maintenance manuals that were made compulsory for residential projects in 2014 haven’t added much value.
• The adjudication system under the Construction Contracts Act has, at least in residential building disputes, just become a licence to print money for mediocre adjudicators who aren’t accountable.
Now here we are in the middle of 2022, and to their credit, MBIE have just released a further instalment. This took the form of two documents – a “Policy Position Statement” on risk, liability and insurance in the building sector, and an “Issues Discussion Document” on the review of the building consent system. The first of those documents was pretty useful in that it clarified the Government’s position on whether Councils’ liability should be capped. The second document reads like a University exam paper for a Masters Degree, but at least it signals that MBIE are listening to the complaints about the building consent system and want to improve it. New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) put together a very sophisticated submission on the subject and are taking a leading role in the debate.
First let me tell you about MBIE’s position on risk, liability and insurance in the building sector. They have actually made some final, definitive decisions on the subject, mainly by admitting that their previous proposals aren’t going to fly. So “joint and several liability” is going to stay, meaning that if leaky homeowners prove that the Council and (say) three other parties (eg. the designer, builder and pre-purchase inspector) are all liable for causing or not spotting the defects, then the homeowners can recover 100% of their losses from the Council, notwithstanding that it was only 20% to blame. The Council can then chase the others for their contributions, if they are worth chasing. Councils are not going
to be compensated for this by having their liability capped, and there is therefore no need for a Government-funded insurance scheme to compensate owners for not being able to recover their full entitlement from the Council.
That leaves three reform initiatives that MBIE is still pursuing. First, they are looking at strengthening the regulatory regimes that govern engineers, LBPs, plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers, electricians and architects. Second, they are enquiring into whether the existing consumer protection laws (of which there are five) are adequate to protect homeowners. Finally, they are examining the whole building consent system to see whether it can be improved. That is the subject of the second reform paper that I mentioned, the “Issues Discussion Document” on the review of the building consent system. I think the reality is that a building consent system such as ours is common to almost every developed country and has been perfected over centuries if not millennia, so I can’t see there will be much scope for radical restructuring, but they are looking into it nonetheless.
The Discussion Document posed 33 separate questions, and as I mentioned, NZCB put a lot of effort into answering them. Only once MBIE have analysed the various submissions will they release a further document outlining their proposed changes, so it is early days yet.
In the meantime, they have identified the following issues:
• Designers, builders, consumers and BCAs are confused about their Building Code requirements.
• There is an over-reliance on BCAs.
• People mistakenly assume that a CCC is a guarantee of Building Code compliance.
• BCAs don’t have the resources to cope with the increasing volume and complexity of building activity.
• There is an inadequate understanding of the Building Code itself.
• The building consent process doesn’t cater well for design and build projects.
• Staged consents aren’t popular with lenders.
• The system doesn’t encourage innovation.
• Māori building methods and needs are not adequately catered for.
• MBIE doesn’t yet have sufficient control over the process.
• There is an inconsistency in approach between the various BCAs.
Watch this space for the next instalment of building law reform initiatives from MBIE.
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.
Let’s be real here – there are going to be some days when things just don’t seem to go your way. No matter how perfectly the schedule is laid out, or how meticulous you’ve been with the planning, things are likely to go off track at some point.
The big question is, what do you do when the going gets tough? We (Humans) are not designed to cope with continuous high levels of pressure and stress, so when the wheels start to fall, we can feel like we are falling also. And as much as we may know everything, we should be doing to keep ourselves happy and healthy, when the going gets tough, it can all be so much easier said than done.
How we look out for each other, and look after each other, during the tough times is key. Keeping a watchful eye on your team members is crucial to recognising when someone is struggling and needs some extra support. When we struggle, we often withdraw, feeling like everyone around us has their lives sorted, and we are the only ones who feel like they are falling apart. Actually, the opposite is most often true. Everyone has times when they struggle - we just aren’t good at showing it or talking about it. We tend to show everyone our ‘best self’, and hide how we are really feeling, or what we are really going through.
How do you tell when someone is suffering from mental distress?
The most common signs are:
• when they have lost the will to please others
• when they lack enthusiasm for things they would normally get excited about
• when they’ve lost their motivation and drive
• when they are withdrawing from others and acting out of character.
3. Be genuine and empathetic – they don’t have these feelings because they are weak, they have these feelings because they are trying to cope with an extremely stressful situation. Put yourself in their shoes and listen to them as a compassionate friend, without judging.
4. Avoid saying things like ‘I understand exactly how you’re feeling’ and instead replace this with ‘I can appreciate the difficulty you are going through’.
5. Give the person hope for recovery. What they are dealing with is most often temporary, so even if they can’t see a clear way through it right now, things will change and improve. Having hope is a critical part of their recovery process.
6. Show them that you care – it is more important for you to be genuinely caring than it is for you to say the right things.
7. Offer them praise – remind them of the things they are really good at, tell them what they mean to you, and to others, and how important they are.
8. Encourage them to consider seeking help from other supportive people available to them – family, friends, workmates, support groups and professional helplines.
For help creating a happy and supportive culture, download our App and we’ll lead you and your team step-by-step, to a positive and thriving workplace.
Come along to my workshop ‘Business owners wellbeing toolkit’, being held in conjunction with Humanex, at the NZCB Conference and Expo, 8:30am on Saturday 19th November.
Follow these steps to check in with them and make sure they’re ok:
1. Choose a time when you are both free to chat comfortably and ask them how they are feeling, and how long they have been feeling this way.
2. Then listen, listen, listen. Wait patiently for them to speak and give them the time and space to really talk without interruption. In this case, silence is OK to give them time to gather their thoughts.
Would your team benefit from in-person, men-only, Mental Wellbeing Workshops? Contact Fresh Coaching: https://www.freshcoaching.me/ or freshcoachingnz@gmail.com
Would you like professional training in recognising mental distress and having the strategies to help? Contact Humanex to sign up for their ‘Mental Health First Aid’ courses, which are available both in person and online.
https://humanex.co.nz/mental-health-first-aid/ or hello@humanex.co.nz
Rachelle Hawes is the Director of Your Happy Place Limited She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in improving Mindset, Happiness and Success to their flagship Mindset Programme, the Positive Mindset Challenge. She is also a Social Entrepreneur dedicated to Sharing Kindness, Touching Hearts and Changing Lives. www.positivemindsetchallenge.com
“A problem shared, is a problem halved”
If you have noticed a change in someone’s behaviour, then the chances are they need your support
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Mental health and wellbeing is a complex personal, social and economic issue of concern for all of us.
Modern society is faced with a myriad of stresses that can profoundly impact wellbeing, happiness, social participation, economic contribution and long-term life outcomes. The pandemic, geopolitical conflict, the rapid evolution of technology and social media, inflation and a blurred demarcation between work and personal pressure have dangerously increased the potential for a decline in overall mental health.
Organisations with strong people and culture strategies tend to have better job design practices (and a subsequent handle on balanced workload and moderating team/individual pressure); policies and procedures that support mental wellbeing and psychological safety; and ongoing training and support programmes that exceed current health and safety standards. Integration of mental health and wellbeing is a strategic decision that requires investment and commitment, it is not just a ‘nice to have’ component, it is the future of a successful business.
Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is an increasingly important and rapidly evolving component of organisational life. The World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds.
In New Zealand, The Health Promotion Agency estimates that one in five people will suffer from medium to high levels of mental distress, and this statistic is trending upward. There is a lot of public awareness around mental health challenges but for a long time these have been viewed as personal or domestic problems. While this view is changing and there are some excellent examples of progressive organisations prioritising workplace psychological safety, there are still many businesses playing catch up.
Most organisations have some workplace policies in place relating to post crisis services such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), but many aren’t considering the advantage of preventative and early intervention strategies. The benefit however is clear, organisations that adopt early intervention strategies will experience a far greater cultural, social and financial return on investment.
Research from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research and Xero shows investment in prevention and early intervention programmes have an average return on investment of 5:1, and in some instances up to 12:1, with traditional EAP services and post crisis services like counselling yielding an average return of 3.6:1.
The greater return on investment of prevention programmes is due to economies of scale (one to many versus one to one) and the proactive nature of the course. This reduces the overall costs for demand services like EAPs and counselling, however, utilising the full spectrum of interventions provides the greatest support for employees. The longer the delay between developing mental health problems and receiving appropriate support and treatment, the lengthier and more difficult the recovery process may be.
In 2012, Google embarked on an initiative to determine why some teams achieved great success and why others faltered. They found that across five key performance indicators, the most important factor that underpinned all others was psychological safety, otherwise defined as a climate in which employees feel comfortable expressing and being themselves.
Bringing your whole self to work requires candour and an absence of fear from negative repercussions to career, reputation, respect and earning capacity. Unfortunately, mental health challenges still carry the weight of stigma meaning psychological safety can be a difficult climate to achieve so it is crucial that organisations educate and empower individuals so assessment and response can occur quickly at a peer-to-peer level.
Literacy programmes coupled with sound psychosocial risk assessment, paves the way for employees to be trained in other more practical programmes like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa. These preventative and early intervention initiatives may reduce the need for external crisis and post crisis support, and ultimately encourages brave and vulnerable conversations; the cornerstone of psychological safety.
Humanex is an accredited provider of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Aotearoa programme. We provide high quality, evidencebased mental health and wellbeing education, training and resources within the context of prevention and early intervention stages of the mental health spectrum.
We hope you can join us for our workshop at the NZCB Conference and Expo on the 19th of November. Alternatively, 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.
It is well documented that New Zealand’s existing Building Code construction standards are well below similar temperate countries across the western world.
Research has shown the impact of damp, mouldy and poorly ventilated homes on the respiratory health of many New Zealanders. The latest changes to the Building Code will make new homes and buildings warmer, drier, and healthier, with less impact on the climate, a change that Comfortech Building Performance Solutions™ are extremely supportive of and believe is a significant step forward in improving living conditions for New Zealander’s.
The new Building Code requirements focus on increases to insulation requirements and introduce six new climate zones to better reflect the specific climates experienced in different parts of New Zealand. The goal, via the three H1 compliance options, is to reduce the energy needed to heat homes and buildings by up to 40 per cent, allowing people to heat their homes more easily and efficiently, which will lead to positive health impacts and increased energy savings for New Zealanders.
Regions across New Zealand have very different climates and the six new climate zones mean buildings will need to be constructed to different insulation levels to reflect this. Rather than adopting the historical prescriptive approach, we expect a wholistic review of the building envelope performance, via balancing the building components and/or modelling, will deliver the best overall outcome for homeowners and the climate; we are working with industry partners to deliver this.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to boost thermal performance is to increase roof insulation. The minimum amount of roof insulation required for new builds will now be significantly higher. Other approaches include balancing summer cooling load; reviewing the building orientation, wall and floor R-values and window aperture sizes and performance to deliver an energy efficient building year-round.
At Comfortech™, our vision is to create the most comfortable living and working spaces for all New Zealander’s, which is driving us to innovate and provide new solutions to deliver higher performing homes and buildings. With these changes confirmed, and the road map into the future clearer, Comfortech™ are excited to announce the investment in a new plant and infrastructure to better enable our business to meet the pending demands in the broader insulation category. Comfortech™ continue to work on solutions to deliver to the H1 changes, including insulation and installation trials with their Pink® Batts® product and PinkFit® installation network, along with engaging with other industry partners, to understand what leadership looks like in building and designing for an energy efficient home in New Zealand.
Learn more about the H1 Energy Efficiency changes on our H1 Hub: www.comfortech.co.nz/H1-Hub/
Previously there were three climate zones in New Zealand, soon we will have six climate zones
In October 2021, the Government announced a new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), with a twelve-month transition period before it becomes enforceable.
The code of ethics, which comes into force on 25 October 2022, sets behavioural standards for LBPs to give both the industry and consumers clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and to hold them to account.
The code of ethics will ensure 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, and that they will take responsibility for their work.
Most LBPs already work to the highest professional and ethical standards. Formalising this into a code of ethics aligns the LBP scheme with international best practice and provides clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally.
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.
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.
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.
What happens if a LBP breaches the code of ethics?
If a LBP does not comply with their obligations, a complaint can be made against them which may result in disciplinary action by the Building Practitioners Board.
As the code of ethics is not enforceable by the Building Practitioners Board until 25 October 2022, complaints about someone breaching the code of ethics can only be made if the breach took place on or after 25 October 2022.
Where can LBPs find more information?
LBPs will need to become familiar with their obligations under the code of ethics. To help with this, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has developed information and education resources.
Resources are available on the LBP website www.lbp.govt.nz/for-lbps/code-of-ethics/ and include a detailed guidance document.
MBIE will soon be making available an interactive on-line learning module.
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
The Minister for Building and Construction and the Minister of Housing, Dr Megan Woods, together with the Construction Sector Accord leadership, recently launched the Transformation Plan 2022-2025. The plan received $37 million for its implementation in the recent budget.
Often used as a barometer for the health of the economy, New Zealand’s construction sector employs more than 290,000 people and contributes about 7.6 percent of the country’s GDP.
Launched in April 2019, the Construction Sector Accord is a genuine partnership between industry and government to work together to tackle systemic problems that have beset the sector.
Membership of the Construction Sector Accord’s Network includes leaders from across the public and private sector, from major commercial, vertical and residential construction companies to property developers, industry and professional bodies, and unions.
“The Transformation Plan 2022-2025 builds on the momentum that the Accord has achieved over the past three years,” says Accord Steering Group co-chair, Andrew Crisp. “One of the fantastic outcomes of the Accord since it launched three years ago, has been the partnership built between industry and government.
“The Accord has become a trusted partner to government and a vehicle where ministers and advisors can hear directly from industry to understand the impact of policy on the construction sector.”
Tracey Ryan, co-chair of the Accord’s Steering Group says, “There are still significant challenges facing our sector. The Transformation Plan has been informed by industry – we have asked the sector what their biggest concerns and challenges are.
“We have looked around the world to understand where the construction industry is headed and how governments and industry have most effectively worked together to achieve transformational change,” says Tracey Ryan.
The new Transformation Plan focuses on four areas: People, Client Leadership, Environment and Innovation, with the ability to also respond to emerging issues and opportunities.
There are six key goals that will drive change including:
• Increased capabilities of leaders to drive change
• A more skilled and diverse workforce that is future ready
• More thriving people and organisations
• Greater Māori construction economy success
• Reduced waste and embodied and operational carbon
• Increased productivity through innovation, technology and an enabling regulatory environment
To deliver on the key goal of greater Māori construction economy success, the Māori Advisory Group, Kōtuiā te hono, has been developed to drive delivery and advice on how the Accord can uplift the Māori construction economy. In addition, new sector reference groups made up of representatives from the residential, commercial and infrastructure sub-sectors have been established. The new groups will drive and inform change and plan delivery across the sectors.
The Accord’s role is not to direct the construction sector, rather it’s about enabling and supporting behaviour change through industry and government collaboration.
“The effective partnerships formed between government and industry, and across industry, since the launch of the Construction Sector Accord in 2019 have reinforced that a partnership approach is key to how we drive change throughout our sector.
“We are confident that the work outlined in the Transformation Plan will build on the work already underway in our sector, and reinforce existing partnerships, that are already changing culture and behaviours, to achieve a safer, better skilled, more productive industry that benefits all New Zealanders,” says Andrew Crisp.
For more information, visit the Accord’s website www.constructionaccord.nz or to get in touch, email the team at accord@mbie.govt.nz.
The Construction Sector Accord is a joint commitment from government and industry to work together to create a thriving, fair and sustainable construction sector for a better Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 2019, the Accord has become a platform to meet some of the key challenges facing the sector. Find out more at www.constructionaccord.nz
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Knowledge is power! Staying up-to-date with changes in the insurance market will better equip you to plan ahead for your personal insurance. And with cost increases standard across all business sectors post-COVID, it will likely come as no surprise that there are changes on the horizon.
To help you prepare for what to expect when your insurance policies renew, we’ve put together some information about upcoming market changes and how external factors are causing price adjustments across the board in the insurance industry.
In the past, New Zealand insurers have attempted to balance or standardise the cost of home insurance across the whole of NZ, with people in lower-risk locations essentially subsiding those in higher-risk ones. Insurers are now moving to an individualised approach to pricing home insurance, this is often referred to as “risk-based pricing”.
Insurers will now assess and model the likelihood and impact of certain events for individual locations, rather than the country as a whole. In New Zealand, the most likely of these events are earthquake, flood, landslide, and erosion – all of which have increased in severity and frequency over the past two decades.
All Insurers that offer home insurance are moving to risk-based pricing, but the timeframes may differ, which can mean that while initially one Insurer may seem more competitive on pricing for high-risk locations, they will eventually need to increase pricing as claims increase or their pricing model takes effect.
This year, the move to risk-based pricing is combining with an increase in the cost of claims (due to inflationary impacts of the costs of parts and labour for repairs or replacement goods), which will lead to an increase in the price you pay for your personal insurance.
One of the most effective ways to mitigate these increases is by selecting a higher policy excess. It is worthwhile considering if you are able to pay the cost of a small claim yourself, in exchange for a discount on your premium. Insurers will generally provide a premium discount when you have all your policies with the same insurer.
The impact of inflation on the cost of construction and replacement goods means it is also time to ensure you have insured your home for the correct rebuild cost. Your broker can discuss this with you, but it is critical that you protect yourself from a devastating shortfall at claim time.
You may have seen some information in the media about upcoming changes to the cover provided by the Government for homes in the event of a natural disaster. The cover provided by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) is increasing from the 1st of October 2022. The maximum cover under the scheme is increasing from the first $150,000 of damage caused by a natural disaster to $300,000 per dwelling. Policies renewing after 1 October 2022 will see an increase of $207 including GST for statutory EQC levies. Any reduction in insurer premiums due to the EQC change will undoubtedly be offset by the introduction of risk-based pricing and increases due to claims performance (for both natural disaster and non-natural disaster losses). Almost all home insurance in NZ will rise over the next 12-24 months to accommodate these changes.
Most of the above changes are a result of external factors beyond what even the insurers themselves can control. However, an experienced broker can help you to navigate these industry changes in a way that will minimise their impact on both your budget and your coverage.
From premium funding to selection of deductibles, there are various solutions a broker can present to help you stay adequately insured through inflation and rising costs. Remember that while it can be tempting to reduce cover to save a small amount in the short term, you do not want to be out thousands |or even hundreds of thousands in the case of a large claim.
The BrokerWeb Risk Services team will be exhibiting at the 2022 NZCB Conference and Expo, please come visit us and find out how we can help you, or contact one of our brokers: bwrs.co.nz/branch-network or 0800 644 444.
On a wet and windy Thursday last month, and overlooked by the gleaming America’s Cup, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Auckland Committee hosted close to a hundred Auckland members and sponsors at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for our first Quiz Night and Mingler. After all the COVID-19 restrictions of the past two years, it was our first real opportunity to reconnect with others, face-to-face.
The committee also took the opportunity to raise some funds for a well-deserving charity, LegaSea. Our sponsors and NZCB Auckland Regional Partners were particularly generous, gifting some great items that we could auction and raffle off. There was a fishing charter, filleting course (with Victory Knives), rods and reels, BBQs, a smoker and lots of other goodies. On the final fall of the hammer, we had raised $8,975.
LegaSea is a not-for-profit organisation, set up by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council in 2012, who are working to stop bottom trawling to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks for future generations to enjoy. For more information on the great work this organisation is doing check out www.legasea.co.nz.
A huge thanks to our sponsors and to the NZCB Auckland Regional Partners that got involved – Hirepool (with special thanks to Riggsy), Mitre 10 Trade, Firth Industries, Bostik New Zealand, Dynex Extrusions Limited, Winstone Wallboards (GIB®), GoFox Electrical & Plumbing, Bunnings Trade, James Hardie New Zealand, The Trades Coach and Resene Paints. We simply could not have offered such an amazing event without your help and contributions.
Brent Riggs (aka Riggsy), from NZCB Auckland Regional Partner Hirepool, donned his quiz master hat and put us through our paces with six rounds of questions, entertaining us with plenty of laughs along the way. It was a great night, and our congratulations go to Paul Young and his team from Twin Solutions Limited, who had obviously studied their encyclopedias to take out first place in the quiz.
Our quiz master Riggsy.
Barbara MacGregor
NZCB Auckland President
NZCB Auckland members and sponsors.
The great items that we were gifted by our generous sponsors and partners to auction and raffle off.
The winning Twin Solutions team, from left to right; Jai Gibbes, Paul Young, OJ Te Ariki, Matt Haycock, Peter Marks and Charles Roux with Simon Yates from LegaSea (centre left) and NZCB Auckland President Barbara MacGregor (centre right).
On Tuesday 2 August, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Nelson Bays members joined Registered Master Builders members for a special ‘MATES in Construction’ breakfast presentation at Club Waimea in Richmond.
Over 30 builders attended the free event, where they enjoyed breakfast and listened while MATES in Construction presented on their programme supporting mental health in the construction industry and on how attendees can support their own mates and other workers in the sector.
The breakfast was sponsored by ITM, and provided a good opportunity to engage with our members in Golden Bay.
NZCB Nelson Bays President
in dispute over the interior
and completion of a project?
who can provide an independent report to
what has happened - callDave Gunter NZCB Nelson Bays members and Registered Master Builders members taking part in the MATES in Construction breakfast presentation.
For the second year running, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Waikato has held their Professional Development Day at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) in Hamilton.
The event on Friday 15 July was open to the Waikato, Coromandel, Tauranga Districts, and Whakatāne, Rotoura, Taupō and Auckland regions. After such a success last year, there was a lot riding on making the second instalment just as good, if not better, than the first. The same format was kept from last year, with workshops running throughout the day and exhibitors from HarmonyTech, Released, Smartly, Builda Price, AP Group, and Onguard Security Solutions set up in the foyer, giving attendees the opportunity to reach out to these suppliers as they would at a building expo.
This year the day consisted of five fantastic workshops, with a range of speakers covering topics related to our members and the current environment. NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews was first up, speaking about changes to carpentry apprenticeships – what’s happening to the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) apprenticeship brand and what NZCB is putting in place to support NZCB members with carpentry apprentices.
After morning tea, Nicola Turner from Mainstream Green brought the room alive with discussion around how rethinking our approach to waste can be better for businesses, our environment, and the community. Attendees then heard from representatives from Builda Price and Xero, both offering features and benefits of their systems and how they can help with running a construction business.
After lunch, Simon Diprose, the Key Account Manager for NZCB Affinity Partners, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Services spoke about the added pressures they’re seeing in this current climate, and how these are affecting businesses and their workers. He also went over how EAP Services, through their partnership with NZCB, are here to support NZCB members and their staff.
Our final presentation was a crowd favourite: keynote speaker Construction Law expert and lawyer Geoff Hardy from Martelli McKegg Lawyers. Geoff gave attendees three important legal tips to take away to help tackle some of the challenges facing several NZCB members at the present.
The day was wrapped up with attendees gaining five LBP Elective Points as well as some fantastic prizes, generously donated by our suppliers.
Attendees feedback was really positive, with lots of comments about the day’s topics being relevant in today’s building climate. Of the attendees, 95% are keen to attend next year.
Thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, guest speakers, the NZCB Waikato Committee and everyone who attended. We look forward to doing it all again in 2023.
Waikato/Coromandel Charity Golf Day Friday 21st October | Registration 8:00am | Tee off 9:00am Ngāruawāhia Golf Course
Check out the Events Calendar on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed for more information.
Alan Warburton NZCB Waikato President
Expo area.
Keynote speaker, Construction Law expert and lawyer Geoff Hardy from Martelli McKegg Lawyers, presenting to attendees.
Xero presentation.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online via GoToWebinar
This FREE lunchtime webinar briefly touches on the hydrothermal science of roofs and explores the risks and benefits to its owners and those that occupy those spaces. We will also be discussing:
• What defines a cold and warm roof design?
• What are the differences and which one should we use and when?
• With many roof designs available to architects and designers to meet the New Zealand Building Code, which one would perform and be most durable?
LBP and CPD points apply.
For more information and to register visit: www.proclima.co.nz/events
4:00pm – 7:00pm
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Online via GoToWebinar
pro clima Knowledge Zone: The ultimate guide to SIP & CLT
This FREE lunchtime webinar will provide a deep dive into SIPS and CLT – two innovative building materials that are becoming increasingly popular both in NZ and around the world. We will also be discussing:
• How constructing with SIPS and CLT compares to lightweight timber framing?
• What are advantages, challenges and risks?
• How best to protect them from moisture to ensure long-term performance and durability?
• Details for weathertightness, airtightness, penetrations and connections to other elements.
LBP and CPD points apply.
CONZTRUCT is for builders, electricians, architects, designers, developers, and other specialist trades people to further their breadth of knowledge, education and gain a greater understanding of new product technologies. There’s LBP and CPD points available, lots of giveaways, complimentary food and beverages, and it’s FREE to attend! For more information visit: www.conztruct.co.nz
RESENE
WEBINARS
Learn about Environmental, Specifying, Performance and Greenstar/Homestar
Resene technical expert Rob Mountford discusses a variety of areas in the ‘environmental’ space, Green Labels, and also covers off the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZCBC) Greenstar and Homestar programmes, focusing on Paint including the areas that can sometimes be misunderstood. The discussion also focuses on the maintenance requirements of paint and stain products and how they can impact on the life of a building long term.
• Environmental – Low VOC waterborne technology, Carbon, EPDs
• Green labels – Environmental Choice and others
• Performance – Specifying, expectations and on-going maintenance
• NZGBC – Greenstar and Homestar programmes
View free online at www.resene.co.nz/webinars
Congratulations to all the ITAB Apprentices who have recently completed their National Certificates in Carpentry!
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Heath Churchill Steve Muir Builders Limited
Liam Godfery Bushnell Builders Limited
Liam Quinn McKenzie Builders Limited
Barclay Miller Gardiner Construction Limited
Brodie Neild Hall Contract Holdings Limited
Barry Gilbertson GL Olson Builders
Northtec – Future Trades
Aiden Inia-Sade AMCAS Construction Limited
Luke Chamberlain Building Castles Limited
Otago Polytechnic
Ollie Kenny Ben Keach Builder Limited
Bax Colley Glenn Wilkinson Builder Limited
Lachlan Garrick Wavish Building Limited
Daymon Houston Southern Coast Construction Limited
Reuben Pyle McGeady Builders Limited
Kent Gould Top Notch Builders Limited
Fletcher Corse-Scott J.J. Oskam Builders Limited
Pierce Corse-Scott J.J. Oskam Builders Limited
Matthew Stoddard Dave Middleton Building (2015) Limited
Fergus Brebner KJB Contracting Limited
Joel Arthur Prime Building Services Limited
Layton King Excel Building Limited
Ryan Whitburn Matt Wadswoth Builder Limited
Karl Leonard JN Carpentry Limited
Lee Mayhem-Bullock Mopanui Studios and Homes Limited
Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
Jimi Ham John Ham Construction Limited
Harpreet Singh Grand Scale Homes
Wellington Institute of Technology (WELTEC)
Afa Iasona McKee Fehl Constructions Limited
Benjamin Cooper North Face Construction 2022 Limited
Zachary Lemana David Hale Building Limited
Jonathan Stewart Qualmax Limited
Weilong He ANZ Co International Limited
Bradley Sommerville Aspec Construction Wellington Limited
Falakiko Kamoto McKee Fehl Constructions Limited
Ari Presto Steel Shed Systems
Siaosi Peniata B and H Builders
Setu Frost B and H Builders
Shane Christian Total Care Building Solutions
Liam Riches Namloc Build Limited
Ian Labrador Pzazz Building Lower Hutt
James Eastwood Ludlow Builders Limited
Aiden Inia-Sade is employed by AMCAS Construction Limited and attended NorthTec. Luke Chamberlain is employed by Building Castles Limited and attended NorthTec.It comes as no surprise that the changes introduced by the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE) would have an impact on the Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Apprenticeship Programme.
For more than two decades, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) at one time or another has had formal industry partnerships with most of the Industry Training Providers (ITPs). More recently, 11 of the 16 ITPs nationwide have partnered with NZCB via ITAB to provide a creditable and industry recognised training pathway for employers and apprentices seeking a point of difference.
Post RoVE, training pathways and education delivery will change. The point of difference that ITPs have traditionally held over the Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) will be no longer. Eventually, every apprentice enrolling in a Carpentry qualification will have access to offsite training, learning support and pastoral care, which historically were only provided at a Polytechnic or Institute of Technology.
The merger of the ITPs and ITOs into one nationwide organisation, Te Pūkenga – The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, will help to address the shortfalls and limitations of both the Managed Apprenticeship model (currently provided by ITPs with ITAB as partners) and the historical BCITO delivery of training. The intention is that this will benefit the apprentice, employer, and wider construction industry, as the next generation of tradespersons will be better trained and more capable.
Eventually, every apprentice enrolling in a Carpentry qualification will have access to offsite training, learning support and pastoral care, which historically were only provided at a Polytechnic or Institute of Technology.
So, how does ITAB fit into Te Pūkenga? Simply stated, it doesn’t. Aligning with the scheduled conclusion of RoVE, from 1 January 2023 the ITAB Apprenticeship Programme will be unavailable to new apprentices and their employers. Any existing ITAB apprentices, enrolled prior to 31 December 2022, will continue to benefit from ITAB membership for the duration of apprenticeship training, regardless of whether or not the ITP remains formally partnered with ITAB, but conditions will apply1
The ASP will provide tangible benefits and support to all NZCB Business members and will see their apprentice employee become a trainee member of NZCB.
It’s important to note that any apprentice or employer that likes the ITP Managed Apprenticeship model can continue to use it; it’s just the ITAB component will not be available from 2023 onwards.
It should also be acknowledged that the new model, post RoVE, looks and feels a lot more like a Managed Apprenticeship. But importantly, it will provide the best bits of both training pathways and combine them into one nationwide model that caters for all learners, regardless of location, learning assistance, ethnicity, gender, or age.
The decision to withdraw ITAB was not made lightly. ITAB’s Board of Directors and Management sought consultation with effected ITPs partnered with ITAB and with ITAB’s Industry Advisory Group, all of whom agreed that, on balance, due the RoVE reforms, ITAB will struggle to remain an effective mechanism to support apprentices and employers alike.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom… NZCB, as the leading Trade Association requiring its members to be Trade Qualified, has a strategic objective to support Industry Pathways and is committed to its members and the apprentices they employ. At the time of writing this article, the Board of Directors recently approved a new membership service for NZCB members who employ and train apprentices – The NZCB Apprenticeship Support Programme (ASP). The ASP will provide tangible benefits and support to all NZCB Business members and will see their apprentice employee become a trainee member of NZCB, extending that support and benefit to the apprentice.
I look forward to providing you with more details in the December/ January edition of InHouse Till next time.
Nick Matthews NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager
The term ‘Chalking’ refers to the formation of a white, chalky powder on the surface of the paint film. This often occurs as the paint weathers and the binder is slowly degraded by sunshine and moisture, releasing its hold on the pigment. Over time nearly all paints will show some chalking when they are subject to outdoor exposure.
Paints are essentially a combination of pigments - colour particles held together by the paint resin as the paint dries a thin layer of clear resin is left on the surface and the colour pigments are locked in below this layer. After years of UV attack this thin resin layer simply wears or erodes away - exposing the pigments below and as they are no longer bound into the paint film by the resin they are easily wiped off and this is what is referred to as chalking. The slow erosion is much more preferable than cracking or flaking and, provided the surface is sound and cleaned, once the chalk is removed it is ideal for painting over.
Chalking is especially prevalent with flat paints and white or very light-coloured paints that contain high levels of titanium dioxide and extenders. A low degree of chalking is often beneficial to whites and off-whites, since it tends to rid the surface of a certain amount of dirt and mould.
Chalk and other surface contaminants like dirt, road grime and residual mould (once it has been killed) need to be removed before painting, as any coating applied over the top will adhere to it.
Yes, excessive chalking is detrimental because;
• chalk can run-down onto the underlying structure (e.g. brickwork) and deface the appearance of the surface;
• it can lighten the colour of the paint;
• it can erode the paint film resulting in a loss of protection to the substrate.
Old paint is likely to be chalky. The ‘chalk’ is the powder (other than dirt) that comes off on your finger if you rub it over old paint.
Chalk and other surface contaminants like dirt, road grime and residual mould (once it has been killed) need to be removed before painting, as any coating applied over the top will adhere to it. Paint needs to adhere to a sound surface, otherwise, in time, it will flake off. Many complaints Resene receives relate to poor
surface preparation and a failure to remove the poorly bound surface before painting.
The use of Resene Paint Prep and Housewash liquid concentrate, is recommended as part of the chalk removing process. Simply dampen the surface with fresh water, and scrub –ideally with a soft bristled brush or broom.
For more information on Resene Paint and Prep Housewash visit, www.resene.co.nz/archspec/datasheets/d812-PaintPrep-Housewash.pdf
This Technical Tip was supplied by NZCB National Partners, Resene Paints Limited. Resene Paints have been making quality paints, wood stains, coatings and colours in New Zealand since 1946. For more information visit:
As a NZCB Member, you have exclusive access to REDi Builders’ Insurance solutions, operated by BrokerWeb Risk Services. These solutions include negotiated premium discounts, wider policy coverage, personal risk advisor and assistance with claims process and settlement. BrokerWeb Risk Services also offer a wide range of insurance products including;
This
and
by BrokerWeb Risk Servies under the REDi banner.
Dave bought a section in a large established subdivision. A number of builders were offering design and build packages in the area. Dave called for proposals and selected Generic Home Builders. The contract was a Generic form, full of Generic design and build terms and a standard specific term that the price allowed for a 100mm concrete slab to be founded on 300mm of hardfill.
The day the Consent is granted, Generic contacts Dave;
Generic: We have got you a consent based on the building we have priced. But your site has unsuitable material below the hardfill line and there is an “extra” to be agreed before we will start.
Dave: This is news to me. How can this be so?
Generic: We went out to site, drilled some test boreholes and discovered your topsoil is much deeper than assumed. We have to dig out the additional unsuitable material and then bring in additional hardfill to replace it with, before we can start with the 300mm of hardfill we have allowed for in the contract price.
Dave’s story came to us after he had settled his final account, leaving some unanswered questions:
1 Was there a Geotech report available to Dave when he bought the section?
2 What representations did the builder make to council, about ground conditions, when lodging the consent?
3 Did the consent application include a geotechnical report?
Dave went to site and took a good look around, but could not find any disturbed soil, no evidence of the recently drilled test holes carried out by Generic. The site looked like a pristine outdoor bowling green.
Dave: I inspected the site and found no sign of any investigative holes. Can I have a copy of your inspection records, please?
Generic: We just drilled our holes, used a tape measure, which confirmed a consistent depth of unsuitable material everywhere, then we cleaned up and left.
It is common knowledge that Generic Home Builders is regularly building houses in the subdivision, in competition with rivals.
The accusations are that;
• Generic and others knew, from first-hand experience, about the subdivision’s specific foundation qualities;
• Generic, either inserted or chose not to alter, a Generic standard specification clause, to; present a lower face value proposal, to be “perceived” as the best price proposal; and establish a specific contractual basis to secure the extra money needed to actually build the project on the selected site.
• Generic planned a deception for their advantage, to secure work, with the lure of an unrealistically low price.
Dave and Generic Home Builders may have settled contractually, but the matter will ALWAYS be open for debate in the court of customer opinion. The customer is ALWAYS telling their residential war stories to everyone, whether they won or lost.
Every Builder is deemed to have satisfied ALL customer concerns fully because when they cease to deal with customer concerns, they are left with a reputation, they are prepared to settle for. Are you paying enough attention to your customer’s concerns?
Matthew Ensoll FNZIQS Reg.QS, Editor at The New Zealand Building Economist (NZBE). NZBE are NZCB National Partners and provide residential and light commercial building cost information that can be relied on. Find out more about NZBE, their technical book selection and Blogs at www.nzbe.co.nz
Whenever we work with untreated or treated timber products and process the timber by cutting, drilling, or notching, it weakens the treatment envelope, the strength, and the lifespan of the timber.
Even where the timber has been fully treated in-ground service, there remains the need to protect the timber (once the above actions have occurred) to ensure that timber durability is maintained over time, as it was originally intended.
Metalex restores the treatment envelope and delivers long-term protection that meets the strict requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.
Timbers that are used within the scope of the New Zealand building industry need to comply with NZS3602 Timber & Wood Based Products Used in Building – Section 2.3.5 Supplementary Treatments.
This applies equally in Construction (Building), Landscaping, or Fencing applications. In construction, whether the purpose is an outdoor timber pergola or other outdoor structure, or even if used in the main part of the main build including timber house piles, flooring bearers, exposed roofing trusses, wet areas, timber weatherboards ‘H3.1’, or any place using ‘H3.2’ timbers there is a requirement for preservation of the treatment envelope.
The very action of processing timbers used outdoors, with direct or indirect environmental stressors on them, allows a greater chance for moisture, fungus, insects, and UV light to degrade the timber cellulose fibres over time. When we look at the damage that UV can do to timber, the greying of the timber fibres, and the wear and grain profile of cut ends, it really shows how we need to improve the durability and performance of the timber. This damage can cause more water to be absorbed into the timber which in turn leads to additional issues.
A simple way to ensure that you achieve this protection is the use of Naphthenic acid salts in the form of either Copper Naphthenate (Green) or Zinc Naphthenate (Clear). Both products are equally as good at achieving the desired result; they just do it in a slightly different way, but with the same result for compliance and durability.
Remember that both the Green and Clear versions of the Metalex Timber Preservative range do the same job. They are equally as good as each other when used in accordance with the application instructions.
For more information on timber preservation or technical advice, please contact our technical team on 0800 701 080 or visit our website to see our comprehensive product range and technical data www.soudal.co.nz/products/
This Technical Tip was supplied by NZCB National Partner Soudal. Soudal are a key supplier of sealants, foams and adhesives to tradies under our iconic Gorilla brand. For over 30 years Gorilla Grip, Foam, Glues and Silicones have proven their quality, reliability and technical performance in kiwi conditions. www.soudal.co.nz
Accessibility requirements for sliding doors can often be a grey area within building design. Whether you are specifying, supplying, or installing openings for public or commercial use it is important to be aware of the requirements of these openings to ensure they comply with NZS4121.
Hinged Door
Hinged Door
Cavity sliders have become increasingly popular in public facilities because they are comparatively much easier to manoeuvre through than swinging openings and do not require extra swing space for the door to open.
Cavity Slider
Cavity Slider
The door will protrude 100mm from the pocket when the door is fully open, allowing clearance for hardware and enabling 760mm clear walk through. Door clear opening widths and turning circles need to take into account that wheelchairs are not all of a standard size with power wheelchairs being larger than manual wheelchairs.
For increased clear walk-through, a wider door leaf may be more suitable. Ensure clear opening widths for toilet doors suit the sizes of anticipated wheelchairs and take account of the need to turn from corridors.
Where a cavity slider door is used, fit a handle with a lever action and the end of the handle returned towards the door. Many wheelchair users may not have the dexterity to use their fingers, so door locks should be able to be operated with a clenched fist. The door opening pressure should not exceed 22N.
In case of emergency, door locks should be capable of being opened from the outside. Choose a handle with an emergency release mechanism to allow the door to be opened from the outside should the need arise.
Fit the handle between 900mm and 1200mm (optimum 1000mm) above the finished floor level.
CS EasyOpen Cavity Slider
The CS EasyOpen WC system is the benchmark for accessible toilets in commercial buildings and public spaces.
By specifying the EasyOpen cavity slider with a door and CL100 LaviLock or CL400 ADA (handle and lock), there is no need to have a separate toilet for disabled patrons.
A commercial-grade disabled toilet access lock for sliding toilet doors. ‘VACANT’ and ‘IN USE’ indication is etched into the side plates. Locks are handed so that setting up exit free is as simple as ordering the correct hand lockset.
The CL400 ADA is most suitable for residential or light commercial use. The ADA range has been designed to be easily interchanged with any existing CL400 handle, providing flexible retrofit options for building owners.
PRODUCT:
CS EasyOpen WC Cavity Slider by CS FOR DOORS
LOCATION: Toilet D801
DOOR LEAF DIMENSIONS: 1980mm x 910mm
DOOR TYPE: Flush Solid Core
DOOR FINISH: Paint
JAMB TYPE & FINISH Aluminium P/C Matt Titania
FRAMING MATERIAL & SIZE: 90mm timber framing
WALL LINING THICKNESS: 13mm
HANDLE TYPE: CL100 LaviLock RH Snib
HANDLE FINISH: Satin Chrome
HANDLE FITTING HEIGHT: 990mm
For more information about CS for Doors products, technical tools and blogs check out www.csfordoors.co.nz
This Tech Tip was supplied by
door systems
for
both
disabled access and healthcare,
and
for Doors
closing
includes products
doors
hardware.
HINGED DOOR CL400 ADA Magnetic handle can be operated with a closed fist. CaviLock CL400 ADA and CL100 LaviLock handles have an emergency release mechanism .A SLOWDOWN in people wanting to build a new house has caused shockwaves as the “buyer gap between getting a new build or buying an existing home is widening”.
Industry leaders warn the housing crisis could deepen and property prices could spiral “out of control” again if new builds stall.
Sales and inquiries, amid rising material costs and supply chain issues, have dropped around the country the, New Zealand Master Builders Association says, as lending becomes tougher and banks want fixed-price contracts.
One of NewZealand’s largest banks said less than 15 per cent of its home loans issued in the last six months had been for construction although the number remained stable.
Minister of Housing Megan Woods said the only way the country can get out of the housing crisis is to build its way out.
“That’s why our policies to stabilise house price growth and tip the market toward first-home buyers is geared toward new builds and we’re continuing to see positive signs as regards the continued interest in building new homes and activity in the sector.”
In the year to March 2022, a record 50,858 consents were issued for new homes, up 24 per cent from the previous year.
“If the building company collapses the banks don’t win either. So it’s about the banks working in collaboration with the construction industry... to get a clear understanding of what a fair contract looks like and it has the flexibility to sustain the increases in a fair way”.
Concerns were already rapidly rising.
“We are getting told by our members all over New Zealand that sales have dropped and inquiry has dropped with it for new build homes.”
New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming said its members had indicated future inquiries for new builds were drying up.
Members were reporting full forward workloads for the next 12-24 months but new inquiries for home builds and renovations were easing.
The NZCB fixed-price contract includes a cost fluctuation clause but the majority of members were using its cost and mark-up contract for their projects.
Barrett Homes Bay of Plenty branch manager Lianne Simpkin said inquiries had slowed and “the gap between new builds and existing homes is starting to reappear”.
All lending institutions had varying conditions and the key was matching the client to the right lender.
“Buyers are considering a variation of options to secure their first home including shared options with family or friends.
in turnaround times for consenting, we are being more cautious.”
Chief executive and owner of Tauranga-based The Mortgage Lab, Rupert Gough, said anecdotal evidence suggested the number of people applying for mortgages to build a new home had fallen although he had not seen it.
From the banks’ view, they could not have unlimited additional costs but, on the other hand, builders were experiencing a 40 per cent per annum jump in costs and outrageous logistic expenses and issues.
The problem was inflation and more materials needed for builds.
“No one is winning in this economy.”
catered in the affordability assessment to cover for additional cost overruns as well as ensuring the customer has sufficient equity at the end of the build.”
Given the significant pipeline of construction, Kiwibank did not expect to see major falls in demand for home loans on new builds.
“We are more than happy to consider other contract types. In addition, new builds are exempt from loan-tovalue ratio lending restrictions.”
An ANZ spokeswoman said the bank was aware of the current pressure on the construction industry and the cost escalation that could occur as a result.
Master Builders Association national vice-president Johnny Calley, of Tauranga-based Calley Homes, said there was no doubt New Zealand needed “more houses on the ground”.
However, in his view, the current banking system settings had dampened people’s ability to access finance and a downturn was imminent.
High material prices and supply chain delays combined with rising interest rates and high debt servicing ratios had forced many people out of the new-build market.
“They are either looking at buying an existing house or doing renovations to their existing home.”
Calley said fixed-price contracts burdened builders with all the risk and cost escalation clauses that needed to be included.
“While cost hikes have affected affordability the Government’s interest deductibility rules are still making new builds attractive for investors.”
As consumers were more cost conscious it was building more affordable homes including duplexes, terraces and quadplex in the Bay of Plenty.
Classic Group managing director Matt Lagerberg said many banks request fixed-price contracts, especially for clients who only just pass the lending threshold for approval.
It was accessing fixed-price contracts on an individual basis.
“We can offer fixed-price contracts when we time the release of house and land packages just prior to construction commencing, enabling us to lock in the pricing with subcontractors.
A Westpac spokeswoman said in the past six months less than 15 per cent of issued loans were for construction and the number had remained stable. The number of fixed-price contracts had also remained fairly consistent.
“To ensure our customers are prepared for potential cost overruns we build in an additional cost estimate when they apply for construction lending.”
Kiwibank Retail Credit senior manager Matt Wayne-Bowles said the bank did not require fixed-price contracts where customer affordability was strong.
It was aware of the current pressures on the construction industry and the impacts on fixed-price contracts.
“As a responsible lender, we review each deal on a case-by-case basis to assess what clauses are in that contract and where appropriate we add in contingencies.
It still lends to customers building a home without a fixed price contract but, as was the case with all lending, the criteria differed depending on the contract type.
Unfixed contracts that could see costs escalate carried greater risk as they did not have the price certainty a fixed price contract offered.
It had construction coaches to support people through the process to ensure the best outcome.
New Zealand Bankers’ Association chief executive Roger Beaumont said banks considered loan applications on a case-by-case basis, taking into account a number of factors within the context of their lending policies and risk appetite.
“The quality of the security provided for the loan may be one factor in the mix, alongside other factors like the customer’s ability to repay the loan.”
PMCA licensed copy. You may not further copy, reproduce, record, retransmit, sell, publish, distribute, the prior written consent of the Print Media Copyright Agency. Phone +64-09-306 1657 or email info@pmca.co.nz MinisterofHousing MeganWoods. MasterBuilders Association nationalvicepresident JohnnyCalley, ofTaurangabasedCalley Homes. TheMortgage Labchief executive RupertGough. Daily Post, Rotorua Bay of Plenty 27 June 2022“These are not normal times.” No surprises there. Steve Bohling gets the good oil on where they’re at from a range of builders and organisations.
THIS TIME LAST year, I asked a cross section of builders, “Consents remain high and intentions to build new homes solid –but are issues of supply adding to the Kiwi builder’s worries?”
The answer was: not if you’re organised.
But that was then and today, organisation alone won’t address the “perfect storm” of issues currently facing builders…
Product supply
Issues with product substitution
· Cost inflation
Labour shortage
BCAs as pinch points
Rising interest rates
· Falling consumer confidence.
Gary Woodhouse is now CEO of group home builder Landmark Homes, but his comments are informed by 17 years’ worth of insights and experience from his time at PlaceMakers, Mico and Mitre 10 NZ before that.
“It’s a changed market today, to where it was 12 months ago – you can’t look at how it was to build houses 12-18 months ago and think that’s the way it’s going to be today, because it’s not,” says Gary.
GARY WOODHOUSE (LANDMARK HOMES):“These supply challenges aren’t going to be there forever. That’s why I think from the merchant’s point of view, they need to think long term and not just try to grab what they can today. People in this business have long memories…”
In a nutshell: “It’s a challenging time right now, building houses.”
Another former merchant, Paul Bull, CEO at Signature Homes now for the last eight years, says that credit restrictions “have had an impact,” especially over JanuaryFebruary, with some people putting buying a house to the back of their minds.
Paul says he didn’t expect the effect of tightening credit to be quite as severe as it has been, but adds that March and so far May have been positive, either side of a traditionally quiet April. Paul Bull also notes a key change to Signature’s product mix –including fewer first homes.
Indeed, he says, Signature’s first home business has dropped by 15%, although this has been countered by a lift at the mid and upper end.
“Demand has shifted into a more desirable sort of product,” he says, “To people who are on second, third, fourth homes, who are less susceptible to banking issues.”
The Combined Building Supplies Cooperative (CBS Co-op) will also be pleased with the growth it has seen recently, with 830-odd shareholders on its books, ranging from small builders, to farmers, subbies and other purchasers of building materials in total now representing some $30 million in spend.
Calling this “a decent account for a small co-operative,” co-founder Carl Taylor reports: “All our members are pretty busy,” before qualifying with: “But a lot of them are sort of thinking ‘what’s it going to look like in 12 months’ time?’”
Over at top group home builder GJ Gardner, MD Grant Porteous says the franchise business has had “a phenomenal 25th year”, having set a new record for homes completed, despite Covid and supply chain issues, and that it is looking at “extremely strong” sales going forward.
“In such challenging times and difficult times, it’s great to have so many customers happy with us,” he says.
As with others, the size of GJ Gardner’s homes continues to decrease alongside smaller sites, but if current pressures remain as is, says Grant, it looks like GJ’s average contract price could increase by six figures by the end of this year.
“We’re taking the average contract price from let’s say the 460s to the 560s across our business. And I hate to say that most of it comes with no consumer benefit!
“So, yes, it’s been challenging, but it’s great to have your order books fuller than you need and that you can be selective on who youbuild for…”
Product supply issues are ongoing, especially core products and materials, from frame & truss, to plasterboard, insulation and cladding.
When the BCITO’s Frame & Truss National Advisory Group met in May, key discussion points included jobs being delivered only half done with the balance arriving no less than four to six weeks later. As a result, “Jobs are not only being postponed, they are being postponed indefinitely,” said BCITO in its May frame & truss update.
No coincidence then that both a range of regional and national players have been working on addressing how to provide steel framing as an alternative.
Also in BCITO’s May update: “Due to the wallboard shortage, start dates are being delayed to the extent that August 2022 jobs are now being scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.”
Just as well then that forward ordering has been key to GJ Gardner’s last two years.
Grant Porteous evxplains: “On the back of Covid in 2020, very early on, we gave our quantities and forward orders by month for every business 12 months in advance to our suppliers.”
“Most suppliers, the merchant network and the supply chain favour the volume builder or the large clients. The sad thing for the industry is that demand has got to a point where they’ve actually got to make a choice…”
Despite good systems, good forward ordering, planning and rescheduling, some GJ Gardner sites were held up but, says Grant: “We really haven’t had a significant amount of delay caused by product, certainly less than many other builders.”
At the same time back in 2020, GJ Gardner undertook a supplier review to “provide more value to less suppliers and hopefully get that value returned.”
That review included a change of merchant: “Carters have been a breath of fresh air in that they have worked really, really hard to win our business,” says Grant Porteous.
Our other group home builder Signature Homes saw its average productivity drop by 25 working days since last year, although Paul Bull says it is hard to measure whether that’s about supply chain delays, and/or the complexity of the houses Signature is building now, and/or builders getting sick, or a combination of all of the above.
CARL TAYLOR (CBS CO-OPERATIVE):“We’re in the position that we’re in, not because of Winstone Wallboards, but because as an industry we’ve done this to ourselves. As an industry we didn’t support the two other players that were here to support us, and that’s why they’ve left New Zealand, plain and simple…”
Interesting to note however that Signature Homes is “still very much committed to offering fixed prices on homes.”
“We work closely from a procurement, supply chain perspective with our national suppliers. So we get visibility on what prices are going to look like in, you know, three, six, nine months, which gives us the ability to forward-price.
“Ultimately the consumer pays,” says Paul Bull, adding that Signature Homes aims to be as transparent as possible around costs to give customers certainty, which the banks appreciate.
However there are concerns about project viability for builders who have entered into fixed price contracts, from New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) among others.
Members may be “exceedingly busy” with existing contracts, according to new NZCB CEO Malcolm Fleming, but supply chain issues are “front and centre” here too, with the ongoing labour shortage and “relentless” inflationary pressures.
Indeed, early this month, Quotable Value New Zealand has put the average increase in the cost of building a home in New Zealand’s main centres as 20.9% in the last 12 months.
To counter this, NZCB takes a firm view when it comes to fixed price contracts: “Going forward, we are advising our members that they need to have clear cost escalation clauses which allow cost plus contracts,” says Malcolm Fleming
Asked about how the supply chain is treating small builders, CBS Co-op’s Carl Taylor takes a typically alternative view when he says: “People ask me ‘why are we in this position that we’re in?’ “We’re in the position that we’re in, not because of Winstone Wallboards, but because as an industry we’ve done this to ourselves.
“As an industry we didn’t support the two other players that were here to support us, and that’s why they’ve left New Zealand, plain and simple.”
Related to the above comments, CBS Cooperative is not alone in being frustrated
with BCAs “insisting on specifying one product to the exclusion of others.”
Seeking a positive out of all this, Carl Taylor asks “What other products can we use? Why don’t we build differently?
“In our business we’re looking at changing from timber framing to steel, purely so we can get it within two weeks, as opposed to six months.”
No surprise that Landmark Homes’ Gary Woodhouse also acknowledges: “Supply is a challenge for every builder, whether you’re building one home a year or 500.
“The market that we’re trying to manage our way through is the most challenging it’s been from a cost increase perspective, probably for decades.
“Most people have never seen this level of price increases, and it’s not just how many times timber went up last year, it’s the quantum – it hasn’t gone up 2-3% three times a year, it’s gone up more than 5%, three times a year.
“On top of this, the ability for the customer to go back to the bank for more money to complete a house has changed significantly to what it was six months ago.
“So there is pressure from the borrowing institutions, from the merchants and their ability to supply and for builders to manage cost increases.”
There’s that “perfect storm” again.
BUILDERS ON MERCHANTS: “TALK TO US”
All of our builders aim to walk the walk when it comes to transparency and communication with their customers, but some expressed concern that this was not the case with their merchant partners.
One builder I talked to pulled no punches when he said: “I’d be surprised if any of the merchants were happy with the level of service they are able to provide at the moment, particularly around stock supply.”
“We’re taking the average contract price from let’s say the 460s to the 560s across our business. And I hate to say that most of it comes with no consumer benefit!”
Another wanted merchants to approach today’s supply situation by treating “all customers large and small equally and fairly”, rather than working to an allocation system favouring the biggest clients.
Towards the top of this heap, Signature Homes’ Paul Bull is clear that “Most suppliers, the merchant network and the supply chain favour the volume builder or the large clients.
“The sad thing for the industry is that demand has got to a point where they’ve actually got to make a choice.”
Loyalty is another key factor in who does or should get supplies, says Paul Bull: “We have been very loyal to our supplier base over a long period of time, especially in the eight years I’ve been here.”
For his part, Carl Taylor asks candidly if many smaller builders are actually organised enough with forward ordering and the like to take advantage of a more democratic outlook if it existed?
“If demand does decrease – and we should be thinking that it will – that will mirror supply and hopefully reach some sort of equilibrium. That’s the space that we are hopeful to get to with the workload that is in front of us, without putting the industry under the stress it is currently...”
“There’s a lot of anxiousness around material supply and being let down,” admits Gary Woodhouse at Landmark Homes, adding “I think the merchants are doing the best they can.
“The key thing that we look for is communication – really honest communication – around stock availability.
“So, if you’re going to have a supply issue, then be upfront and tell us what the issue is.
“If you think you can deliver, then you need to make sure you do deliver because ultimately if you let us down, we’re having to go back to the homeowner and say, ‘I’m sorry, the materials we thought we were going to get in three weeks are going to be in five or six weeks’ and in some cases that is going to push the build out by another three or four weeks.
“So, if I was to say what a merchant could do better, it would be communication and not just at a local level but at a national level.”
After all, Gary Woodhouse says: “These supply challenges aren’t going to be there forever.
“That’s why I think from the merchant’s point of view, they need to think long term and not just try to grab what they can today.
“People in this business have long memories,” he underlines.
To underline what’s already been detailed above, CoreLogic’s Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson is on the record as saying the implications of higher mortgage rates and rising construction costs could potentially mean some homeowners and buyers may forgo or delay new builds, renovations and alterations in the short term.
However, even if building consents do tail off, says Kelvin Davidson, it’s unlikely to lead to an easing of CoreLogic’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI), which is forecasting further cost increases and ongoing material shortages this year, leading to delays in projects being completed.
Builders will still be busy for some time to come, says Kelvin Davidson, at the same time warning of a possible period of double digit cost inflation in 2023.
“One implication of the capacity pressures for house building is the time between dwelling consent and completion could increase further.
“Meanwhile, product substitution could continue to become more common too –either costing more for the same quality or
downgrading on quality to keep the costs similar.”
With all of these challenges, is there any chance of our 50,000+ consents actually getting built?
Mike Blackburn, in his regular Canterbury Construction Report, says:
“The question is, as the market tightens, and the economy shrinks… how many of these forward jobs will get out of the ground?
“I believe that the market will continue to slow down, and the number of new dwellings being consented will drop markedly compared to last year’s numbers.”
Gary Woodhouse at Landmark Homes is equally forthright: “No, they won’t get built within the two-year time frame.
“There aren’t the materials and there isn’t the labour to do it. The other factor is a little bit of consumer uncertainty, what with talk about interest rates and how the housing market is changing.”
The flipside, says Gary Woodhouse with his glass half full: “It is never going to be cheaper to build a home than it is today, because I can just about guarantee that the price increases we’ve seen are not going to come back down.
“Prices won’t continue to climb at the rapid rate they have, but they’re not going to drop back any time soon.”
In terms of people putting off building, Carl Taylor notes a lot of house & land packages being advertised around his Canterbury region.
“You didn’t see that six months ago. Now there are pages and pages and pages and pages of them just sitting there.
“From a consumer’s point of view, it’s all doom and gloom about interest rates and not being able to get your wallboard and building consents taking five months.
“Why would you build?” he asks. “I think a lot of people are shelving their projects – I guess we’ve scared them off.”
Paul Bull and Signature Homes have also noticed a change in land development, saying: “A number of developers have had sites returned back to them by smaller businesses who can’t or won’t take the risk on land.”
His view on 50,000+ dwelling consents being completed?
“It’s definitely a peak, it’s a record for the country [but] I am almost 100% convinced it’s not sustainable,” he says, evidencing a number of speculative builders, around Auckland especially, who have departed the area once rising costs have left them with nowhere to go on price.
Malcolm Fleming at NZCB says although he has concerns about demand for building falling away “to a degree”, there remains a shortfall in housing availability and, equally, “If demand does decrease –and I think we should be thinking that it will – that will mirror supply and hopefully reach some sort of equilibrium.
“That’s the space that we are hopeful to get to with the workload that is in front of us, without putting the industry under the stress it is currently.
“For goodness sake, we can’t produce enough GIB board – and that is a direct reflection of the sheer level of demand out there.
“These are not normal times!”
Indeed.
SECTION:
ITEM
NEW ZEALAND CERTIFIED BUILDERS is welcoming the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s decision to delay new insulation standards.
those relating to window glazing, gives the industry and government time to work together to address challenges to implementing the new requirements.
New Zealand Certified Builders is welcoming the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s decision to delay new insulation standards.
Most of the changes to the energy efficiency ratings (H1) component of the building code, will now take effect from May 2023.
“The building industry is already experiencing significant pressure from supply chain constraints, skill shortages and price escalation for building materials, in the context of ongoing high levels of building demand. Deferring the timeframe for the new insulation standards recognises more time is needed to enable the industry to be ready to implement them effectively.”
NZCB’s newly appointed chief executive, Malcolm Fleming says while the full suite of changes were due to take effect in November this year, the deferral of all of the changes other than those relating to window glazing, gives the industry and government time to work together to address challenges to implementing the new requirements.
Most of the changes to the energy efficiency ratings (H1) component of the building code, will now take effect from May 2023.
The new regulations aim to reduce the energy needed for heating homes by up to 40 per cent. They double roof insulation requirements, increase the performance requirements for windows, and raise requirements for underfloor insulation.
“The building industry is already experiencing significant pressure from supply chain constraints, skill shortages and price escalation for building materials, in the context of ongoing high levels of building demand. Deferring the timeframe for the new insulation standards recognises more time is needed to enable the industry to be ready to implement them effectively.”
NZCB’s newly appointed chief executive, Malcolm Fleming says while the full suite of changes were due to take effect in November this year, the deferral of all of the changes other than
“As well as the availability of products to meet the new requirements, builders need to adapt to new methods of design and construction, which requires system-wide training.”
The new regulations aim to reduce the energy needed for heating homes by up to 40 per cent. They double roof insulation requirements, increase the performance requirements for windows, and raise requirements for underfloor insulation.
“As well as the availability of products to meet the new requirements, builders need to adapt to new methods of design and construction, which requires system-wide training.”
Gisborne Herald, Gisborne 18 July 2022
WELLINGTON – Builders have welcomed a six-month extension to the deadline for complying with new energy efficiency regulations in homes.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) pushed the start date for wall-, floor- and roof-insulation requirements from November to May next year because of supplychain disruptions and material shortages.
+64-09-306 1657 or email info@pmca.co.nz
The ministry said the extension had been granted in recognition of pressure on the building sector due to the Covid pandemic and the current economic climate.
MBIE head of building and performance, Dave Gittings, said feedback from builders indicated they would struggle to meet the new insulation requirements from November.
NZ Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming said it was a very turbulent and difficult time for the industry and builders are under immense pressure.
He said builders were battling a shortage of plasterboards, and were also experiencing supply-chain constraints, skill shortages and cash-flow problems.
However, Fleming wanted to reassure New Zealanders that many homes were already being built to the new insulation standard. — RNZ
Coast and Country, Central North Island August 2022 Coast and Country, Central North Island
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 is proud to partner with the following companies, who are aligned with the Association to bring our members discounted services and products.
Exceptional vehicle deals with Renault, Hyundai and Isuzu
car,
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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.
Exclusive Health Insurance packages with NIB (Business Members only)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.
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