October/November 2012 Inhouse

October / November 2012

The official magazine of Certified Builders Association of New Zealand Inc

Certified Builders feature on The Block NZ – Pg 4

Write a letter to the Editor and win – Pg 11

How to survive a complaint to the BPB – Pgs 16,17

Contents Certified Builders on The Block NZ

Pg 4

Association news

pg 5

Homefirst tops 10,000 guarantees

pg 6

Leaky Buildings – Getting involved

Pg 8,9

New CBANZ contracts available

pg 10

Letters to the Editor

pg 11

Why not try Toastmasters or Lions?

pg 14,15

How to survive a complaint to the Building Practitioners Board – Geoff Hardy

pg 16,17

ITaB news

pg 18-20

pg 22,23

Your client wants a Passive house?

pg 24,25

Good to Great roadshow roundup

pg 26,27

Falls from Height

Council denies CBANZ member ROW

pg 27

Guarantees and Insurances

pg 28,29

Workplace injury: a pain in the back – ACC

pg 32,33

Q&A: The law at work – E2Law

pg 34,35

Using thermal mass effectively

pg 40,41

Hunting & Fishing giveaway

pg 42

Compliance focus for 2012-13 – IRD

pg 43

Message from the Chairman The experts reckon we get depressed during bad weather and show a marked improvement in mood and attitude when the sun shines.

I really can’t fault that logic! Hopefully our unpredictable spring weather isn’t affecting your businesses too much.

I visited Christchurch a few weeks ago and the weather is the least of their worries. I was genuinely shocked by what has happened down there and media reports don’t convey the reality of what the people of Christchurch have gone through. You have to actually be there to get a feeling for the magnitude of the destruction caused by the earthquakes.

The CBD is one big demolition site and many of the outer suburbs are wrecked and lifeless. I just hope that we will start to see some reconstruction in the near future. They deserve it. CBANZ is providing extra support for our members there to help them through these tough times. We appreciate Richard Merrifield‘s tireless efforts on our behalf there.

His impressive network of high-level contacts is making a big difference. The Board has decided to have our last meeting of the calendar year in Christchurch and we are looking forward to

ON THE COVER

catching up with the local guys.

Our August Board meeting was excellent and you can be assured that you have a great team of enthusiastic guys looking after your interests. They are positive, full of good ideas and committed to ensuring Certified Builders remains at the forefront of the industry.

I have spoken to several non-aligned builders recently and they are definitely at a disadvantage when it comes to being kept

BOARD of DIRECTORS 2012-2013 LINE UP – Back row from left: Roger Duncan, Waikato; Brent Chatterton, Upper South; Mark Dobbs, Northern (Vice Chairman); Dallas Shaw, Southern; Dave Whitehead, Auckland.

Front row from left: Allan Shaw (Past Chairman); Brian Ludlow, Cook Strait; Dave Brown (Chairman); Alan Whyte, Eastern; Geoff Hardy (Additional Director).

informed of industry developments. It is harder for them to access the resources we have as members and their networking opportunities are limited. So, my advice is to take full advantage of your membership and use it to gain an edge in your businesses. In these

Contact CBANZ® Farming House 102 - 104 Spring Street PO Box 13405, Tauranga Central, Tauranga 3141 Telephone 07 927 7720 Freephone 0800 CERTIFIED Facsimile 07 927 7721 Email editor@certified.co.nz Web www.certified.co.nz

uncertain times it is nice to know you can rely on strong support from your Association.

The onset of spring should encourage people to get on with their building projects with one of us as their builder of choice.

Dave Brown

inhouse October-November 2012

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r o f e

te f A

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The Block NZ photos courtesy TV3

Putting their jobs on

THE BLOCK

This extensive renovation was part of the reality TV series which follows four couples while they renovate four state houses – as seen on TV3’s The Block NZ. The Certified Builders team from Wardy Construction Ltd were the builders for Ginny and Rhys – House 4.

The original house was a two bedroom brick and tile house that was renovated over a 9 week period and is now a modern three bedroom, two bathroom home with features such as LED lighting, double glazed joinery and rimu floors.

The exterior is plaster over the original The team from Wardy Construction from left to right – Tony Ward, Simon Ward, Zac Judge and Chris Bettle.

Below: Ginny and Rhys at work on House 4.

brick with a cedar cladding extension.

CBANZ member Wardy Construction was approached by Ginny & Rhys for the Block NZ. It all started at 9:30pm on a Monday night when Ginny called and asked if we were interested in helping out in the renovation of their house. We turned up at 7.30am on the Tuesday and left at 7pm that night; these types of hours went on for roughly the next 9 weeks.

Through the experience, as you can imagine, Wardy Construction had to give Ginny & Rhys a bit of help with the do’s and don’ts in the construction industry.

Ginny & Rhys were a great couple to work with and we had a lot of fun along the way, we even taught the Taranaki boy how to fish!

We were really happy with helping them ‘win’ the major rooms in the house, the

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inhouse October-November 2012

kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom & laundry. All the other contestants were great people to meet and we had fun working alongside them.

Overall the show was a great experience to be a part of.

Ginny and Rhys told The NZ Herald: “We couldn’t have done it without... our builders, Wardy Construction. They were beyond amazing. They went over and above their duties and put in some huge hours to get the job done, and done well.”

association

news

National Business and Build Survey 2012 CBANZ received a great response to our

Builders website www.certiified.co.nz.

National Membership Survey, thank you

Some interesting findings:

to all who took time to contribute.

•

Whangarei, Taupo/Hawke’s Bay

received the Business and Build Survey Business members who wish to receive these results, a fee of $45 is charged.

•

Chris Jarnet of Thistle Brae Construction Limited winning the Parabeam security alert system valued at $699. Chris your prize is on its way, check out Parabeam

learning, weathertightness claims and non payments on contracts. This section of the survey is available on the Certified

•

valuable source for LBP points with 79.6% attending these

•

The passion members have for and professionalism in the

market conditions allows. 8.38%

construction industry clearly came

will be staying with their current

through and number one for the

charge rates. Waikato/Bay of

Association to continue promoting.

on the fence with a wait and see

and Housing for sponsorship of the prize.

Trade Training continues to prove a

they would wait to see what

Far North/Whangarei is sitting

Innovation and Employment - Building

with questions on preference of LBP

•

recognition of trade qualifications

with 17% holding current changes.

Thank you to the Ministry of Business,

surveying on LBP. CBANZ added to this

had a good understanding of RBW

that LBP is in play, 38.7% thought

Plenty had the most “status quo”

on the web www.parabeam.co.nz.

different look with the Ministry

52.9% of members surveyed said they will increase their rates now

Congratulations to Waikato member

This year’s survey took on a slightly

Work with 79.9% surveyed felt they

leading the way

results via email, for non participating

We consider ourselves well informed on Restricted Building

Charge out rates showed a soft increase with Far North/

Platinum members will have already

•

These results are a great health check for the Association so we can continue to improve and channel resources to areas

approach of 70.2% surveyed

members feel are of most value. Again

A more disturbing result showed

participate.

those who answered question 22 collectively are owed $377,629.92

thank you to those who took the time to

Jason McClintock, Operations manager

on outstanding contract payments.

This averaged out to $5,994.12 for each participant

Get the professional look

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• Great for building notes, quotes, invoices, pens and other paperwork

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Order one at the new online shop

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pocket compartments

Log on to the members section and have a look around.

inhouse October-November 2012

5

Homefirst tops 10,000 independent builders guarantees on New Zealand homes Builtin New Zealand has announced it

thinks he’ll make his money back through

protected by an independently insured

has issued more than 10,000 Homefirst

variations, but it only takes one missed

guarantee. It also means that the insurer

Builders Guarantees for residential

or disputed payment and his cashflow

will repair defects in the work if the

building work since launching the scheme

is stuffed. He’s then in a position of

original builder is no longer trading, or

in New Zealand 10 years ago.

having to rob Peter to pay Paul, which is

has moved away and can’t be found.

Builtin says demand has increased over

unsustainable.”

the past few years, despite the downturn

The Homefirst Builders Guarantee is

in the building industry, driven by media

It means the insolvency of the building

underwritten by CBL Insurance Limited, a

reports of poor workmanship and

contractor is a significant risk factor in

licensed New Zealand insurer, who is New

increasing numbers of builders going bust

any building project, yet the proposed

Zealand’s largest and longest established

and leaving their clients in the lurch.

changes to the Building Act do not

specialist bonding, financial risk and surety

provide any protection from this.

company. CBL have more than one million

Indeed, such is the problem that the

Legislation in the Australian states of

homes under guarantee worldwide and

Government is currently considering

Victoria, Queensland and New South

are rated B+ (Good) by A.M. Best.

amendments to the Building Act that will

Wales means builders are obliged to take

require builders to provide mandatory

out a builders guarantee on behalf of

Builtin & CBL also provide the WaterTight

warranties for their work, obliging them

their clients for most of the work they

Warranty (www.watertightwarranty.

to fix problems for up to 12 months after

do. This protects the homeowner in the

co.nz), which gives 10 years protection

the work is completed. The problem with

event their building contractor goes into

from structural defects in leaky home

this, says Builtin’s Managing Director, Jim

liquidation, or simply disappears. 90%

remediation work.

Rickard, is that it provides no protection to

of the claims received by the NSW Home

homeowners in the event that their builder

Warranty Insurance Fund are as a result of

goes bust, either during or after construction.

contractor insolvency.

“The building industry is hugely

The Homefirst Builders Guarantee

competitive, margins are tight and

is available from all members of the

customers very price focused”, he says.

Certified Builders Association and from

“This is a dangerous mix given the

other Builtin accredited builders that

fragmented nature of the industry and

meet their criteria for financial solvency,

the temptation to under price to win

qualifications and experience. It reassures

work. We see it all the time, the builder

homeowners that their investment is

Contact: Ben Rickard, Marketing Manager, Builtin New Zealand

e: ben@builtin.co.nz

ph: 07 579 6259

m: 0275 212 014

On the road ... our new Membership Development Manager Hi all. My name is Buster Coughtrey and I’m the

past 2 years I have been on the Western BOP

new CBANZ Membership Development Manager

committee. Also, like most of you by now, I am

for the North Island. I am married to Tina and have

a licensed building practitioner with site 2 in

three step children.

Carpentry. My hobbies are hunting, fishing, Golf and also playing the saxophone, albeit badly.

I was born in the UK and probably like most of you went into the trade from school. I started at

My key role in Certified Builders is to build

the bottom and worked my way up to getting my

the membership and grow the apprenticeship

City and Guilds in carpentry and joinery. I moved

programme though ITaB (Industry Training

to New Zealand in 1996 and started working for

Association Building). I will be on the road giving

a Tauranga building company specialising in high

trade training and keeping you all informed and

end residential. For the past 7 years I have been

up to date on what’s happening in our industry.

running my own company based in Tauranga

6

which at its peak employed 17 staff.

I look forward to meeting and working alongside

I joined Certified Builders in 2003 and for the

you all.

inhouse October-November 2012

North Island Membership Development Manager Buster Coughtrey

Message from the Chief Executive We have finally released the first of

responsibilities but more importantly

our two new contracts that have been

they provide the builder with significantly

signalled for the past few months.

more protection should those last few

These are the “Fixed Price Building

payments ‘not eventuate’.

Contract” and also the “Cost and Margin Building Contract”. These replace the old “Full Build” and “Cost Reimbursement” Contracts.

Over the next few months we will roll out further variations of these contracts that reflect the work that you

If you have not been using these contracts (that are readily available from National Support Office) I urge you to consider this to make sure that you are protected and able to enter into a contract that is fair to both you and your customer.

undertake.

There contracts are significantly different to those that we have used over the past few years in that they recognise the various law

A review has started of the Skills Maintenance Points regime by the MBIE – Building and Housing (the old DBH) and we will keep you informed as this progresses, but in the meantime the current method of earning your required points remains unchanged – that is 1 point for one hour’s learning and more importantly 1 point for taking time in reading inhouse!

Grant Florence

changes, have a clearer definition of

The Online Shop has LAUNCHED! The Certified Builders online shop has been live for about 6 weeks and is going fabulously. If you haven’t already checked it out – go and have a squizz some time.

Log on to the members section of the Certified website and you will see an array of products within the shop - not to mention a whole lot of additional information on the benefits and services of being a Certified Builder.

If you can’t remember your login details phone us at National Support Office and someone can help you.

All online orders between now and October 31st will go into a draw to

win a bundle of CB goodies including: drink bottles, stationery, stickers and branded clothes.

inhouse October-November 2012

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WEATHERTIGHT REMEDIATION

Leaky Buildings When you are contacted by a designer or client it is crucial to know if an

Harry Dillon is a builder and has been involved with the repair of over 300 homes over the past 10 years.

–

Wrap Up:

assessment has been carried out on the

The 3rd of our article series on

building. If there is, what are the skills

weathertight remediation will be

and experience of the assessor and is the

written by the Building and Housing

report current? If there is no assessment,

Group in the Ministry of Business,

in most cases it will be appropriate to

Innovation and Employment and will

advise the owner to obtain an inspection

look at the Government’s Financial

and report from a competent person.

Assistance Package.

Have plans been drawn up and consent

Suggested areas for more information

applied for? What are the qualifications and experience of the designer and those supervising the repair process, providing ongoing design support and evidence collection? Until the cladding is removed, it is often difficult to determine the extent of the work needed and details required.

o Building & Housing Groups website: http://www.dbh.govt.nz/ ws-info-for-building-professionals o The B & H Groups publications

• Guide to Remediation Design • Guide to the Diagnosis of Leaky Buildings

• Dealing with Timber in Leaky Buildings

If a designer has little experience in remediation, will they be able to deliver

This is the 2nd article in a series based on a number of workshops on weathertight remediation for builders which the Building and Housing Group in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has been running at centres all over New Zealand. In this article we will be considering some of the things we need to know and questions we should ask as builders when we are asked to take on a remediation project.

As discussed previously, there are increased risks in such projects and it is essential that we as builders understand these risks and ways to minimise them. And this starts before we even swing a hammer on site.

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inhouse October-November 2012

details in a reasonable timeframe? Note that since March 2012 this is restricted work requiring the appropriate design

helped me differentiate from others in

licence. Case law has shown that builders

the market and develop a relationship

can carry significant liability if they

with those clients. Carrying out a quick

design missing or change existing details

assessment of the property in person or

which then go on to fail.

over the phone to determine the age,

When considering the legal ramifications

why they think they may have a problem

of the duty of care that has been

will be a useful first step in determining the

established under case law, how suitable

options available. If their home has a CCC,

is the proposed repair methodology,

who it was issued by and when is critical.

design features, building materials and

especially targeted or partial repair types? Working with the right experts can

Whilst not the only limitation period on

help mitigate this risk.

statute the 10 year long stop limitation period of the Building Act 2004 is the

The ‘like with like’ provision in Schedule

most relevant to building projects. If a

1 of the Building Act allows repairs and

client falls outside these limitation periods

maintenance to be carried out on a

their options for holding those to account

building without a building consent, but

for their loss through litigation narrow

only where the building has not failed

significantly. Due to the complexity of

the durability requirements of B2. Due

such cases it is probable that a client will

to these requirements any building that

need the advice of other professionals for

has leaked within 15 years will strictly

legal and expert advice to determine their

speaking require a building consent for

most appropriate course of action.

repairs to the envelope.

If a client is unfortunate enough to own Having an understanding of the whole

a leaky building they may also need to

remediation process and what options

consider the potential health implications

are available for potential clients has

of residing in their home and the length

Getting involved and stress of the whole process. Options could include selling back their home to the defendants, the original builder perhaps, or demolition with consideration for land value and remediation costs.

A builder’s most obvious risk is arguably security of payment so understanding how a client is intending to fund the repairs is essential. A client may plan to 100% self fund for a small repair for example - but what if scope and budget significantly increase?

They could then be driven to pursue parties using the WHRS or private litigation though the courts. The client may also be using the governments new Financial Assistance Package (FAP), the subject of our next article.

This article represents Harry’s views which may not necessarily be same as the Building and Housing Groups.

AROUND THE REGIONS

Whangarei

Expo brings enthusiastic team together to promote Association A great team effort saw the Whangarei region put on another successful Expo recently. Well supported by Jason McClintock from the National Support Office and with hard work by the committee the Expo became a real event.

A new feature of the Expo was a train making project to help local schools.

Robin Storey of Northtec did an excellent job, bringing the programme alive backed by committee members. Four trains were made and the four schools involved painted them. With the help of a CBANZ member the trains were

Minnie the dog, Savannah Armstrong and Robin Storey having fun on the trains.

assembled on the day, judged and auctioned off. The funds went back to

The aim of the Expo was to promote the

was proudly sponsored by PlaceMakers

the schools who were responsible for the

CBANZ brand name. We are trying to get

Robert Ward and Willie Lassey, HRV Murrey

model train. We were all CHUFFED with

all our regional members to think along

Batger and Easy Access Richard Rau Maewa.

our efforts as the trains looked as though

these lines. As a result we are going to

A great big thanks to you all. A lively

they could CHUFF off down the tracks.

enter the Northland Field Days in February

discussion was held with Mike Goodison

and see if we can bring our members more

from the Department of Labour over

into a family type team this way.

working from heights and ladder use. This

Trade exhibitors were really happy even

would have been absolutely informative for

though the public attendance numbers were slightly down on last year. The

Our last general meeting was on 15 August.

exhibitors felt they got more valuable

We had a good turnout but we still need

time to deal with various enquiries.

more members to show up. Our meeting

members who didn’t attend.

President Howard

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9

w e Improved N

2

New Contracts now available

Why New Contracts Are Needed • The contracts come from humble beginnings • They are revised every few years • The last revision was in 2008 • Radical legal reforms over the past 10 years

The survival of small builders is at stake How Building Contracts Can Help • Major risk = doing building work on credit • Payment of final instalment is now discretionary. It costs money even to prove your innocence so you will

Order your new contracts today

have built that house for free

Send in your old contracts to

builders security for payment. The new contracts are

National Support Office and

• It’s essential to restore a level playing field by giving designed to do that

they will be replaced with the new contracts free of charge.

The Changes in General • All blanks to be completed are at the front • Familiar format but the wording is improved • 15 pages of (large font) legalese at the back • Still shorter than NZS 3902, NZIA S W, MB RBC1 • The order of clauses has completely changed • Virtually every line has been re-written • There are some brand new sections

Contact Millie Turkington at National Support Office Millie.t@certified.co.nz Direct dial 07 557 9214 Or order at the on line shop Other contracts to be added

Homefirst Guarantee • Availability of Guarantee expressly highlighted • Owner elects whether to pay for one or not • Benefits of Guarantee are summarised • It’s a contract between Owner & Underwriter • It is Owner’s responsibility to apply for one • Builder should merely help fill out application • But Builder can pay for it if he wishes

shortly The contracts have been rewritten

by CBANZ Board member and lawyer Geoff Hardy.

The FIXED PRICE CONTRACT replaces the FULL BUILD CONTRACT. The COST AND MARGIN BUILDING CONTRACT replaces the COST REIMBURSEMENT contract.

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inhouse October-November 2012

Letters to the Editor The Editor, Now that I am an LBP and submitting ROW’s do I need to continue writing Producer Statements for Council?

The reply: Your local Building Consenting Authority [BCA] sets the requirements in order for a consent to be issued.

HAMMERING THE MESSAGE HOME

In essence, this is the approved compliance path for the project to

TO PROSPECTIVE BUILD READERS

follow. Remember, on all reasonable grounds they must satisfy themselves

We welcome letters to the editor, or

that compliance will be met.

building related questions. Send yours in

The carpentry LBP is not “signing the job off” rather submitting evidence of work you have undertaken and/or aspects of building work supervised associated to restricted building work [RBW], this is done through your record of work [ROW]. BCAs may require additional evidence such as a producer statement, however the question should be asked whether there is a duplication of information provided within the ROW and a producer statement, that is – was work

and be in the draw to

win this hammer

courtesy of BRANZ relaunching their BUILD magazine in October and this stylish CBANZ polo shirt for summer. BRANZ will also supply 2 free tickets (valued at $87 each) to their upcoming Renovation & Retrofit seminar plus any 2 free BRANZ publications of the winner’s choice.

If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication in inhouse please email: editor@certified.co.nz

completed as per approved consented plans. Note the difference – as per

Letters are not normally acknowledged

approved plans, not as per building

and may be edited, abridged or discarded.

code, this is the role of the design team.

The Building Act 2004 does not reference directly to producer statements, however in the previous Building Act [1991] it did give

The Editor,

Councils the ability to accept producer

into a rainwater head. The term risk

statements if they wanted. Geoff

matrix is also within E2; a table that

Hardy, CBANZ legal help line has a

allows the calculation of a risk score by

very good newsletter on the subject of

the allocation and summing of scores for

producer statements, check it out on

a range of design and location factors

line at www.madisonhardy.com

applying to a specific building design.

The Editor,

This means the higher the weathertight

I’m still getting to grips with some of the lingo used on our sites, what is a scupper and a risk matrix?

The reply: These terms fall under E2 that is external moisture, the following definition of a scupper is found within E2 Building Compliance Document; An opening in a parapet or enclosed balustrade to allow water to drain

risk the higher the risk score, this is used as a guideline as to what types of claddings can or cannot be used, also cavity requirements. Certified Builders Association can print off Building Compliance documents for members, we’ll also bind them for site use.

Building Compliance Documents are available for viewing on line at www.dbh.govt.nz/compliance-documents

I mainly do alteration work and often get asked to add additional insulation, can I do this work without a consent?

The reply: Schedule 1 exempts under floor and roof insulation retrofits, however insulating wall cavities is not. This requires a building consent or specific approval from a BCA that a consent is not required.

There are several methods for this on the market, some of which could potentially compromise moisture transfer and/or change drying rates which may induce decay and/or affect the durability of wall framing. The type of insulating system and the type of home that it being applied to needs to be considered.

inhouse October-November 2012

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13

Looking to develop speaking and leadership Is a fear of speaking in public holding you back in your career or preventing you taking on a leadership role? There is a way to gain confidence to speak out.

Brian Oxley (previously an electrician)

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership

I first went to Toastmasters around 1978.

development. Membership is 280,000

I was progressing to be the President

strong. These members improve their

of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Electrical

speaking and leadership skills by

Contractors Association. I knew I did not

attending one of the 13,500 clubs in

have the required skills to confidently

116 countries that make up our global

complete the role. The need to acquire

network of meeting locations.

even more skills became evident when I was also asked to represent the

Membership in Toastmasters is one

Association at the national level, as a

of the greatest investments you can

council member on the Board of the

make in yourself; it is also one of the

Electrical Contractor Association of New

most cost-effective skill-building tools

Zealand.

The confidence and skills I obtained from a brief six week intensive course called

available anywhere.

Brian Oxley – Toastmasters Tauranga, Division Governor (1 of 9 in NZ)

How Does It Work?

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-

“Speechcraft”, followed by a six month full membership, not only enabled me

Ireturned to Toastmasters at the

doing workshop in which participants

to complete these roles but enabled me

beginning of 2006 as I had changed my

hone their speaking and leadership

to propel my business onto success that

life direction. I now needed a different

skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.

would not have occurred otherwise. I was

skill set and knew the only place to go to

able to successfully operate the business

get these was Toastmasters.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate

at a much higher level financially. I was also able to communicate with a larger

One of many benefits of Toastmasters is

one another’s presentations. This

and more complex staff number.

that you are able to learn in a safe and

feedback process is a key part of the

supportive environment. We are all there

program’s success.

During this period, I found myself dealing

for each other. There is a system that

with National Company Managers

enables you to methodically learn the

Toastmasters is a place that you can

and their support staff. I had the

communication and leadership skills your

go along and join in. At the friendly

communication skills that enabled my

business deserves. These skills you will

club evenings you will be able to meet

message to be communicated clearly and

then take into all areas of your life.

members and see for yourself how the clubs operate and how you can be

succinctly. My turnover and profit margin increased markedly with the higher

At times you will not realise you are

helped to become more confident when

quality projects the company was now

using these new abilities to set yourself

speaking to groups.

completing.

above the rest and lead with confidence.

The knowledge you will have gained,

Toastmasters are very supportive and

I also stepped up and became the

has been from learning in a safe and

there is never any obligation to do

President of a Lions Club in 1991, as I

supportive environment using proven

anything you choose not to do and will

knew I had the required knowledge to

principles.

support and encourage you to achieve the goals you have set yourself.

confidently help a large group of people complete many projects. Gaining the

Invest in yourself and your staff – go to

Check the website for more information

co-operation of a group of volunteers

Toastmasters, you will never regret it.

http://www.toastmasters.org/

– Brian Oxley, Success Coach

Branches throughout New Zealand and

requires different skill set and principles than is required for a team of employees.

close by you.

14

inhouse October-November 2012

skills? Ignite your career? Win that contract?

Mike Way – Acting President Western Bay of Plenty Certified Builders Association I started my building career when I finished high school 1987. I completed a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship before passing Trade Certificate and a year later Advanced Trade Certificate.

After a few more years of working in the family business, I moved to England for 3 years and learned even more about the skills of being a good tradesman there.

It seemed that I learned more there in such a short time than what I had learnt in New Zealand.

My experience with building in New Zealand was nearly all new work; if there was an error it was really a result of your own workmanship. My experience in England was about learning to fix and make good errors of 100 years or more.

Those were the days before modern laser levels, electric tools and modern building materials. It wasn’t uncommon to scribe skirtings 40-60mm and dealing with walls that had 40-60mm bows in them or more.

Joining Certified Builders Association Twelve years ago I joined Certified Builders, attending most members

to build weather tight buildings. The

JOIN LIONS CLUB

Licensed Building Practitioner scheme is now well under way and I believe it’s the best thing to happen to our industry.

Joining Toastmasters and my journey to Acting President of WBOP CBANZ I’ve now started on the next area of the learning curve – attending Toastmasters and progression to Acting President for Western Bay of Plenty Certified Builders Association I felt that I needed to improve my speaking skills for both my family business success, and the potential that I may step up to the President role of

You might consider joining your local Lions Club which would have many benefits

• •

Develop confidence and communication skills Meet people in your district (good for your business for leads/work)

WBOP CBANZ. So three months ago I joined the “City Early Start Toastmasters Club”, which is a diverse and fun group

all so important for communication in any

that meets early morning Wednesdays at

business or walk of life.

the Classic Flyers Cafe. I really enjoy going to the meetings as often interesting

Toastmasters has already started to make

and humorous speeches are given by

its impact as I was very recently asked if

people just like me who want to grow for

I’d like to step up to the role of Acting

personal and/or work reasons.

President at WBOP CBANZ.

What I didn’t realise is that Toastmasters

I would encourage anyone who wants to

does not just teach you to speak

grow within their business to either take

in public, like I thought, it’s also a

up with their local CBANZ committee, or

programme that develops listening skills

perhaps you too would be interested in a

and leadership skills. Of course, these are

Toastmasters Club.

meetings, and I can tell you it has advanced a lot in that time.

Advancing to Committee meeting Four years ago I was invited along to a WBOP CBANZ Committee Meeting to see what goes on behind the scenes.

The following month I went along again, and here I still am. I’ve learned a lot from being on the Committee. It reminds me of the learning curve I went through in England. This time though it’s the business and legal side of how our industry works.

During my time on the Committee, the business of building in New Zealand has gone through probably the biggest change to our industry ever. This has been brought about by the entire building industry’s poor performance

Mike Way - Acting President Western Bay of Plenty - has found Toastmasters helpful in developing his communication skills.

inhouse October-November 2012

15

How to survive a complai as “restricted building work”, and it

ability to withhold payment of the

includes not only design and carpentry,

builder’s invoice. But because disputes

but also bricklaying and blocklaying,

over residential building contracts tend

external plastering, foundations, and

to be very emotional, clients will often

roofing. Licensing imposes a whole lot

look for every form of leverage they can

of additional restrictions on builders

find to exert pressure on the builder. And

that they did not have previously, and

complaints to the BPB are a very easy way

one of them is the complaints system

to do that.

Geoff Hardy is a specialist

administered by the Building Practitioners

commercial lawyer in Auckland

Board (“BPB”).

and also a member of the

They are easy because they are relatively fast, cheap, and informal. A homeowner

CBANZ Board.

Anyone can complain to the BPB about

can get a ruling from the BPB which will

Contact Geoff on 09 379 0700

a licensed building practitioner. If the

tell him whether his grievances have

geoff@madisonhardy.com.

practitioner is an architect, chartered

any substance or not. Although the

professional engineer, engineering

BPB cannot order the builder to fix any

associate, electrical worker, plumber,

defective workmanship or materials, or

gasfitter or drainlayer, then the

pay damages to the homeowner, at least

complaint is likely to be referred to his

it will tell the homeowner whether it

or her own trade association. So the BPB

is worthwhile filing a claim against the

will be mostly handling complaints about

builder in the Courts or the Disputes

builders.

Tribunal, or using arbitration under the Arbitration Act or adjudication under

The most significant change introduced by the Building Act 2004 was the requirement for residential building work to be carried out or supervised by licensed building practitioners. This exposed builders for the first time to the discipline of “occupational licensing” that many other professions and trades were already subject to.

Remember that there are only certain grounds on which someone can file a complaint

the Construction Contracts Act. Plus, the stress that a complaint to the BPB will cause the builder may well cause him to cave in, and concede the argument even though he may well have been in the right.

In reality there is absolutely no reason to cave in. The BPB is made up of intelligent people who are all highly experienced in the building industry. If the homeowner’s complaint has no substance, they will say so. They are bound by the principles of

The important thing for a builder to

natural justice, which means they have to

remember is that if you treat it seriously

conduct the hearing fairly, transparently

and get some expert advice at the outset,

and in good faith, and they have to

there is nothing to fear. But if you bury

give you a fair opportunity to state your

your head in the sand and ignore it, it

case and counter any arguments put up

could seriously affect your ability to earn

against you. You are entitled to have a

a living.

lawyer do this for you.

The most common source of a complaint

Some complaints will be thrown out

about a builder is likely to be a client

before they even get off first base.

who has become disenchanted about

These are complaints that are clearly

Since 1 March 2012, a licensed building

the builder’s work during the course of

groundless, or are frivolous, vexatious,

practitioner has been required for any

the project. Generally clients are in a

vindictive, or not made in good faith,

design, construction or alteration of a

very powerful position because not only

or are relatively insignificant or trivial.

house or a small-to-medium apartment

do they have a wide range of rights and

But even the complaints that, on the

building, if the work affects the

remedies available to them under the

surface, appear to be more serious

structural integrity or weathertightness

law of contract, the law of negligence,

will usually involve just a difference of

of the building, as well as the design of

the Consumer Guarantees Act and the

opinion between you and your client.

its fire safety systems. This is all known

Building Act, but they also have the

In that case there may be no reason for

16

inhouse October-November 2012

int to the Building Practitioners Board the BPB to intervene at all, especially if you are taking steps to resolve the dispute through some other recognised method such as adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act. Remember that there are only certain grounds on which someone can file a complaint against you with the BPB. The main ones are that you have been negligent or incompetent, or you have not complied with the building consent.

There is every chance that the initial complaint can be challenged on technical

grounds, so it pays to get expert advice as

can carry out or supervise. They can also

soon as you receive notice of it.

order that you undertake training, they

There are some fairly tight deadlines

can fine you up to $10,000, and they can

that you have to comply with, such

order you to pay the costs and expenses

as 20 working days to respond to the

of the whole enquiry.

complaint, and after that you have to organise your witnesses well in advance

Those are serious consequences, and they

of the hearing.

become public knowledge because they are recorded on the Licensed Building

If the complaint against you is upheld,

Practitioners’ register. Furthermore, if

then the BPB has a range of penalties

the Building Act Amendment Bill No.4

they can impose on you. They can cancel

is passed in its current form, you will

your licence, or suspend it for up to 12

have to disclose this to every potential

months, or restrict the type of work you

residential client that you are hoping to get work from. The outcome of the complaints process will depend upon the effort you put into it, so take it seriously,

For more information on the Building

get some professional assistance, and rest

Practitioners Board go to the website

assured that if you do that, you will get a

of the new Ministry of Business

fair and reasonable result.

Innovation and Employment and click through to the Board’s page. http://www.dbh.govt.nz/bpb

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

inhouse October-November 2012

17

Everyone’s chuffed It seems everyone’s hitching a wagon to the ITaB carpentry apprenticeship trains in Northland.

ITaB carpentry apprentice trainer Robin Storey of NorthTec has been supporting the Certified Builders Association of Carl Budd, md Construction overseeing the workmanship.

New Zealand (CBANZ) schools “Build Off” competition by building kitset trains.

Also on board are a collection of CBANZ members helping to build the trains for local primary schools, Whangarei Heads, Maungakaremea, Matarua and Kokopu.

The supplies required for the trains were sponsored by Rosvall Sawmills, Bunnings Warehouse, and Resenes Paints. The NorthTec carpentry workshop was used after hours as a space to build the trains.

The trains were built and assembled, then dismantled into flat packs and sent to the schools. The schools then reassembled them at the CBANZ expo on 21 July, where they were auctioned off, with all proceeds going back to the schools.

The smiles say it all - the trains are a crowd pleaser.

The highest bid received for one the trains was $580 which went back to Matarua School. The other trains earned each school between $460-$560.

The school teams were made up of 4-6 students, with each team assembling the trains under the supervision of a Certified Builder. “It’s great to see CBANZ and NorthTec working with schools and local community” said Robin Storey.

NorthTec is the Tai Tokerau (Northland) region’s largest provider of tertiary education, with campuses and learning centres in Whangarei, Kerikeri, Rawene, Kaikohe and Kaitaia.

Paul Erceg supervises the children from from Kokopu School.

18

inhouse October-November 2012

Apprentice news Completion Certificates

Certificates for Northland graduates

ITaB would like to congratulate the following Apprentices on

Four ITaB apprentices were presented with their completion certificates in Northland

Completion of Apprenticeship

recently. They commended their employers for their support. PlaceMakers had

Carpentry

arranged with CBANZ Whangarei staff and ITaB a presentation meeting for the apprentices and their employers to get together for photographs and they were

Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology

given a gear bag full of assorted tools on behalf of PlaceMakers and Milwaukee tools.

Great stuff Bob & Willie.

(CPIT): Benjamin Anderson, Andrew Brick, Thomas Chadwick, Michael Hauke, Olliver Low, Stuart Spencer, Paul Tait.

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT): Jordan Cherrington, Benjamin Wilson.

Northtec – Future Trades: Nick Farrand, Craig Galley.

Unitec: Nicholas Day, Alton McKeown.

Universal College of Learning (UCOL): Andrew Hodder.

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec): Jason Adams.

Congratulations on the completion of Apprenticeship in Carpentry, proudly supported by the Apprentices’ employers,

Green Card benefits for apprentices

Polytechnics and Tutors and ITaB.

BACK ROW: Dave Miller (David Millar Builders Limited), Mark Dobbs (MD Construction), Bruce McQueen (apprentice), Marcus Bracey, Willie Lassey (PlaceMakers) FRONT ROW: Robin Storey (Tutor), Craig Galley (ITaB), Alistar Francis (ITaB), Clint Jones (apprentice), Logan Wendt (ITaB) and Howard Harnett (H E Harnett Building Company).

With their completion certificates are Craig Galley, Alistair Francis, Clint Jones and Logan Wendt.

Itab Green Cards are sent directly to the

• Vodafone, Swazi Clothing, Caltex

paid apprentice.

and AA and Fisher & Paykel, Harvey

The benefits include;

Norman, Noel Leeming discounts and

• Discounted Publications including the NZS3604:2011, E2 Moisture Manual

plans upon application. 0800 482 284 • General Liability/Car/Contents

and SNZ 3604 onsite Handbook. Ph

discounted insurance call Gwenda CBA

Millie T 0800 482 284

Insurance ph 0800 237 843

• inhouse Magazine delivered bi-monthly with articles and information to keep

Contact ITaB on 0800 482 284 if you have

you up to date.

any problem relating to your Green Card.

inhouse October-November 2012

19

ITaB apprentices test their skills The three competitors in this year’s World Skills Competition carpentry section were all ITaB apprentices.

Over its 60 year history, WorldSkills International (formerly known as the “Skill Olympics”) has come to symbolise the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. At the skill competitions young skilled people, accompanied by their teachers and trainers, compete publicly in the skills of their respective trades, and also to test themselves against demanding international standards.

They represent the best of their peers drawn from the eight NZ regional skill competitions. The experience and results from all the competitions provide valuable feedback and benchmarks both to the individuals and also the systems and enterprises in which they are being trained Canterbury ITaB apprentice Jesse Dhue won the World Skills gold medal. Jesse came second in Itab apprentice challenge in Christchurch behind the eventual national winner Zac Wilkinson. The other two ITaB apprentices who met the criteria for the World Skills contest were Michael Ferris from Whangarei and Vine Collett from Auckland – both were also national ITaB competitors.

The three young men were the only contestants in the carpentry section so only the gold medal was awarded.

20

inhouse October-November 2012

ABOVE: Christchurch ITaB apprentice Jesse Dhue has the measure of the competition.

ABOVE RIGHT: Michael Ferris from Northtec in Whangarei hits the nail on the head!

RIGHT: Gold medal Jesse Dhue with Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker who made the presentation.

BELOW: Vine Collett at the World Skills contest. Vine, who was 3rd in the National ITaB contest at this year’s CBANZ conference is from Auckland.

From the desk at Operations

Falls from Height Doing nothing is not an option

By Jason McClintock

The enforcement of regulations through

planks to be adjustable will allow

the Falls from Height campaign has

scaffold to stay in place during

certainly got the attention of the

soffit install [roofers are often

residential sector, which is now scuffling

finishing off at this stage] it also

for practical, cost effective compliance

keeps access free for install of

solutions.

build wrap and cill tapes

Operations Manager Licensed Building Practitioner

Certified Builders Association has engaged a working group made up of

o

could stand adjacent to edge

that have relevance to site needs, starting

protection, more than three

with basic single level construction.

guard rails may be needed in some cases, no more than 450mm between first three

you are seen doing nothing enforcement

rails, toe boards where there is

will be swift. However, put in place risk

assessed risk, a clear distance

assessment and management of this and

between a mid rail and the toe

they will be taking a more advisory role.

board or bottom rail should not exceed 275mm

DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION A full report to date with details of

o

options for compliance is available on the knowledge section.

Any items with the menu of compliance as published by the Association does not remove the best practice of risk and hazard assessment. It is still essential to consider Eliminate, Isolate and Minimise and to perform recommended safety management practices.

Min 3 boards between eves and guard rails, this is also utilised as a catch platform for roof work

members login of the website within the

o

Inspect and record

Benefits of this system:

o

Exterior top plates can easily be

o

If safety mesh is utilised,

installed and marked for trusses

installation is aided by exterior scaffolding

The Association has been focusing on single level dwellings to date.

o

There is no “one size fits all� so each situation will need to be assessed on its own merits.

Full perimeter scaffolding:

o

Set up once framing is in place,

Allows trusses to be manoeuvred and fixed from exterior, great for jack trusses

o

Exterior fall protection: Single level

Aids the installation of stud, plate, truss ties, first purlin/ batten, ribbon board, soffit sprockets, short roll of build wrap, fascia etc

o

Top plate acts as fall protection inside

keep bracing within perimeter of building were possible, set up approx 1.0m below top plate [ensure there is no more that 900mm from rafter end to catch platform]

o 22 inhouse October-November 2012

the point where a worker

members to thrash out practical measures

Current advice from the Department: If

The Falls from Height regulations are not new, they have been in place for some time now. In the past the Department of Labour (DOL) has taken an advisory role allowing industry to embrace, thereby allowing market forces to implement. Unfortunately the residential sector did not embrace and implement, so the department now named Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentLabour is taking on a more policing stance.

Top rail 900mm min above

A free standing scaffold that allows for at least two inside

Other options:

o

Working platforms

o

Some aspects of work can be

o

Edge protection

done from inside

o

Fixed roof ladders and crawl boards

Interior fall protection: Single level

o

Safety mesh, allows for most tasks to be done as usual, also aids with equipment falling

o

o

o

Close up purlins or add a dog purlin/batten between regular

o

Planking/ply supported on top of

Certified Builders will continue sourcing

bottom cords

compliance means because we’re more

o

Podium ladders [short duration

than good builders, we’re great builders.

This is what we are endorsing to the

work]

o

Trestle scaffold

o

Where appropriate soft landing

public; this is what they will expect. In our recent national survey members made it quite clear you want the Association to promote professionalism in all respects.

Our members should not be considered

systems

the lowest denominator that pulls the bar

spacings - 450mm

There is now an increasing demand for

down for the rest of industry to work to.

scaffolding to site, some of which has

In the interest of industry I urge you to

When installing purlins or batten

been dragged out from the back of the

plan and implement.

start from bottom and nail as

store room. A scaffold company has been

work progresses so there is

prosecuted in Rotorua due to rotten

always secure fall protection

planks failing, we have also heard of

behind you

similar issues in Hamilton. Use reputable

Ceiling battens 450mm or less [consider any water that may be trapped in battens]

o

Interior working platforms, catch

o

Wailing plates, or factory

platforms

installed gang nail truss nogs

Consider this; the builder working at the site next door without any consideration to safety may also have been the builder that just under cut you on your

companies as I’m sure we will start to

last contract you missed. Report under

see scaffold companies emerge from the

performance.

woodwork.

Going forward:

DOING NOTHING IS NOT AN OPTION

There is a growing acceptance from the residential sector that more safety

Cost of doing business:

provisions have to be put in place, it is your right to work in a safe environment.

What industry needs to ensure is everyone

o

Crane work

o

Fall arrest systems

is; every site has safe working practices

o

Mechanical access plant

is disadvantaged by underperforming

o

Roof ladders

is working from the same page, that and therefore no one tender or quote practitioners.

Yes it is going to cost, implementing safe practice will filter down to the homeowner. However do noting and we will continue paying through increasing ACC levies and ultimately New Zealand Inc. pays through deaths and rehabilitation.

inhouse October-November 2012

23

Imagine you just got off the phone with the architect – your client wants a Passive House! What is a Passive House and why does he want one? And how much is all this going to cost?

Your Client Wants a Passive House?

Passive House is THE lowest energy building standard in the world. CBANZ member Kim Feldborg is building a great example of just this in Taupo. A big (300 m2), beautiful, comfortable home that is cheap as to run; using about the same amount of electricity per year as it takes to run an old beer fridge. There are a few significant differences from a building code minimum house that make this extreme performance possible.

There are five main differences: super insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat exchange, high performance

Passive House Taupo - 300m2 with attached garage.

thermal windows, airtight construction required level demands careful attention

and thermal bridge free design. Some of these are relatively simple to achieve

Airtightness testing is required to show

to the design and planning – it is not

for a good designer/builder: add more

that the house leaks about ten times less

just skill. I’m familiar with at least one

insulation, buy a special ventilation

than a modern code house. This is done

“almost Passive House” that didn’t make

system and order special windows, but

with a blower door that pressurises the

it, so the client ended up without the

airtight construction and thermal bridge

building and measures the air changes

Passive House they wanted … and paid

free design can be quite difficult.

per hour. To reduce the air leakage to the

for. No lawsuits but that was just luck.

LEFT: The five big differences – super insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat exchange, high performance thermal windows, airtight construction, and thermal bridge free design.

RIGHT: Section of Passive House Taupo wall to slab connection.

24 inhouse October-November 2012

Getting active – going Passive

Kim Feldborg on the site of his Passive House.

Hi, I am Kim Feldborg and I am a

area warm and comfortable. There

realised that I needed more knowledge

Carpenter/Builder by trade. I also

was no heating in the kids’ rooms or

on the subject.

have a diploma in construction

in our bedroom. After a winter of that

management.

experience I started to do some research

I signed up for the three week course at

on energy efficient housing and came

Unitec in November last year. Since then

When my family and I moved to New

across the Passive House concept and

I have finished the house plans, got

Zealand from Europe about 5½ years

realised that a passive house course had

building consent, and we started the

ago, we rented a one year old house.

just been launched at Unitec in Auckland.

construction about four weeks ago.

quickly the house cooled after the

My wife and I decided that this kind of

Kim Feldborg, Valhalla Ltd

heating was turned off at night, and

house was exactly what we were looking

mobile: 0211900119

also the cost of keeping the living

for, so I started on a design but quickly

email: feldborg@xtra.co.nz

The section of the footing shows the

As Passive House heat losses are so

At this cost level the energy savings over

airtight membrane installed inside the

low, this additional heat loss can be

the lifetime of the building can result in a

wall safely behind the cavity (and taped

relatively large and must be accounted

lower monthly bill (mortgage plus energy

to the slab) and is a good example of the

for. Someone, typically a passive house

bills) than a standard house.

level of detail to look for. Airtightness

certified designer, must calculate the

at this level must be planned – every

additional heat loss for each thermal

complicated intersection needs a detail

bridge. If the heat loss is large, a design

showing how the airtight membrane is

solution to reduce or eliminate the

supposed to be installed. If the architect

thermal bridge is developed, and another

/ designer / consultant hasn’t provided

detail to inform the builder needs to be

the details, then you can count on it

drawn up. This analysis and detail work

leaking air.

results in great performance but requires

Provides expert advice on:

much more design work than code

Passive House, energy modeling

minimum construction.

of buildings and HVAC systems,

We were surprised to notice how

The other “invisible” element to a Passive House, is the thermal bridge free design.

ABOUT SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING Ltd

Greenstar, and thermal modeling of

Thermal bridges are locations in the

Guidance on additional cost to build a

construction details.

house where the heat loss is increased

Passive House is very difficult as costs

Questions? Contact Jason Quinn at

over the heat loss in the rest of the

depend heavily on design details. As a

Jason@SustainableEngineering.BIZ.

assembly. For example the heat loss

rough guide, in Europe and the USA,

through the junction between the wall

the additional construction cost has

and the floor slab is typically higher than

been quoted at 8-12% for a residential

that through the wall or slab alone.

building.

inhouse October-November 2012

25

Good to Great roadshow roundup We have now finished our world tour of New Zealand with our Good to Great presentations. Twenty-five presentations, 22 regions and a carbon footprint to go with it. However, with the fantastic turnouts we do have hundreds of chippies managing their site risks better.

Great Builder

Good Builder

One stand-out feature for me was the level of understanding of our members as opposed to that of the non-aligned. I witnessed members having a high level of understanding and they often just needed a few pointers confirmed. The non-aligned often squirmed in their seats and then asked questions that were not informed.

•

Recently I have received calls from those who had not been able to attend looking for information to better understand

•

Collate and store information and

•

if you were pulled into litigation

LocknLoad is a great tool for this

tomorrow for work you did 8-10 years ago could you find your

The Good to Great presentation

detailed records of site works?

is available on the Knowledge

just what are their day to day risks and

Centre www.certified.co.nz

how can these be better managed. In this article I will touch on a couple of points,

“If it was not written down it did not

however my presentation notes are

happen”

•

the Certified Builders website.

Contracts, contracts, contracts

Mitigating risk:

At what value of work do you engage

your community of craftsmen

•

Detailed quotes/client’s scopes of

estimate this should take about 20mins/week. With LocknLoad

work which are user friendly

•

•

•

build process, you would have seen

deliver the contract and ensure it

•

•

Use the site hand book to guide you through the paper shuffle of licensing

your mobile phone It’s handy, quick and convenient

Memos recording instructions

•

Great for communicating with clients, specialist trades, councils

Easy set up of account/demo remotely by LocknLoad, 30 day free trial

•

LocknLoad presentation now available in the Knowledge Centre at www.certified.co.nz

Insurances – another tool to reduce the cost of making a mistake on site

•

Insurance is a business tool to help you manage your risk

LocknLoad smart technology using

•

26 inhouse October-November 2012

•

with a contract”

is fit for purpose

given to suppliers and sub-trades

defendable in court

the ads already “engage an LBP

Site supervision, do not assume contractor your responsibility is to

safe, chronologically stored and

When the Building Amendment Bill expect a contract as part of their

Transparency with P.C sums,

the abilities of others, as main

business. More importantly it’s

#4 is enforced homeowners will

keep clients informed

authorised by clients

you enjoy or putting back into the

payment – that is the value you engage

Weekly builder’s reports

variations all recorded and

per month, that’s time for things

the table or walk away from on that last

[LocknLoad is a great tool for this]

•

you should be saving one hour

a contract? How much can you leave on

in a contract.

To capture detailed site works through traditional means I would

available on the knowledge section of

Be a great communicator with clients and

Stores information for the future,

direction given, in a secure place,

•

Other professionals such as architects, designers, engineers and inspectors all have professional indemnity insurance in case they make a mistake

•

Licensing has not created more

Errors & Omissions Indemnity

Insurances knows your industry well

is now available to protect you

and can get you the cover you need

the liability that you have (see

from the cost of legal action and

at the best possible price. They can

the CBA Insurances presentation

damages arising from claims of

manage all your insurance and they

in Knowledge Centre on

financial loss by clients

fight for you at claim time.

www.certified.co.nz for details

• •

•

liability, but it has highlighted

•

You should all have a good public

The cost of defending yourself in

liability policy in place, preferably

court proceedings can be very high

one that is tailored to the needs of builders (such as that provided by

Builders have not previously had

unhappy clients

presentations.

CBA Insurances), and be aware of

adequate cover for the risk of court action for claims of financial loss by

Thank you to all who attended our

Mai Aoake

what it covers and what it doesn’t

•

Ben Rickard Jason McClintock

A specialist broker such as CBA

Council denies Certified Builder’s ROW Within the site handbook are four

invalid only because it contains minor

The Ministry of Business, Innovation

templates one is a Record of Work for the

differences from the prescribed form as

& Employment considers that it is in

Carpentry licensed holder.

long as the form:

line with the Regulations and should

Recently the Hamilton City Council rejected a member who submitted a ROW from the site handbook claiming it was not the “prescribed” form as stated within the Building Act 2004. The Association considered this conflicting with the advice dispensed by the Department of Building and Housing, who advised a ROW can be modified as long as any modification was

• has the same effect as the prescribed form and is not misleading; and

• it contains all the information required by the prescribed form and the information is in the same order as it appears on the prescribed form.

not misleading.

Having considered the CBANZ revised

In essence, our ROW are a cut and paste

should therefore be accepted by BCAs,

of the front and rear of the DBH’s ROW

for the following reasons:

with added fields for detail placed within the body. The Association saw this as best practice to have works clearly detailed and identified; this may prove valuable should a practitioner be dragged into litigation.

After a tidy up of the ROW which consisted of placing headings in bold, the Association went to Craig Hill Manager Operational Policy & Regulatory

ROW, I think it meets the above test and

• it has the same effect as the prescribed ROW form

• it is not misleading - it uses the same headings as the prescribed ROW form, and in fact it assists LBPs by providing additional detail to help them identify the RBW work they are doing

therefore be accepted.

CBANZ has not had issues with any other BCAs, in fact many presidents comment their local inspectors speak highly of the guidance within. Should you experience big brother flexing muscle the Association would love to hear from you. BCAs don’t always get it right and CBANZ is happy to work with them to have us all signing from the same page. – Jason McClintock

To purchase your Site Handbooks please contact Millie Turkington at National Support Office on 0800 Certified or email Millie.t@ certified.co.nz you will receive 5 Handbooks

Services of the now Ministry of Business,

• it contains all of the information

Innovation & Employment for comment.

required by the prescribed ROW

for $10 inclusive

form and

of GST and

Response from the ministry The Building (Form) Regulations 2004 state that: the use of [this] form is not

postage.

• the information is in the same order as appears on the prescribed ROW form.

inhouse October-November 2012

27

HOW TO SPOT A LEAKY BUILDING

Volume 4 At ground level • Check the clearance of the cladding from the ground.

Options may be to lower a built-up garden area or provide paving that falls away from the house, but if this is not possible seek expert help.

• Check doorways and imagine how any flooding or

To become a WaterTight Approved Builder contact Ben on: 07 579 6259 email: ben@builtin.co.nz

puddles of rainwater might affect the doorway. Water does not need to flow through the doorway to cause problems, but may flow under the sill. It is possible that water might also enter through splashing. The ground may need to be re-contoured, or in the worst case, doors removed and raised.

Courtesy of consumerbuild.org.nz

www.watertightwarranty.co.nz

Read next month for Decks

Underwritten by CBL Insurance Limited

As a Certified Builder you can display the Homefirst logo on your website and other promotional material • It reassures potential clients that you’re backed by an independent 10 year guarantee.

• It helps you stand out from the crowd of builders that can’t offer a guarantee.

• Contact ben@builtin.co.nz now for a copy of the logo.

Guarantees and insurance for the building industry www.builtin.co.nz ph: 07 579 6259

28 inhouse October-November 2012

email: guarantee@builtin.co.nz

JOKE OF THE MONTH Send your jokes in to: insurances@cbainsurances.co.nz

LIABILITY Public Liability Statutory Liability Employers Liability Professional Indemnity LBP Insurance Errors & Omissions Cover

COMMERCIAL Contract Works Tools Vehicles

and more ....

INSURANCE TIPS FOR BUILDERS Your insurance questions answered. Send your questions in to: insurances@cbainsurances.co.nz

Is my policy an “occurrence” or a “claims made” one?

This is important for liability claims, because the event that causes a claim may actually have happened many years before you’re held liable. You need to know if the policy you have now, or the policy you had then, pays.

Occurrence policies • Even though a policy may have expired when you need to make a claim, it will cover you if the event causing the claim happened during the term of the policy.

• Occurrence policies are sometimes like “money in the bank,” in that you can go back to old policies, years after they have lapsed, and put a claim against them for incidents that happened while they were in force.

• Public liability policies are usually occurrence-based*

Claims made policies • This type of policy must be in place at the time a claim is made, but it does not matter when the event that caused the claim happened.

• If the policy includes a “retroactive date” then it will only cover events that happened after that date.

• Errors & Omissions Indemnity and Professional Indemnity policies are usually claims made-based* *Not all policies are the same and you should check the wording of your own

I’m thinking about doing builders reports, can I get insurance for this?

Yes you can, but we will have to go to overseas insurers and it will be very expensive. We can’t get meaningful cover from New Zealand insurers for this activity, as it is considered too high risk.

29

AROUND THE REGIONS

Nelson

Attention

Platinum Members!

Grab yourself some new Certified Builders brochures – a great FREE marketing tool to include with your quotes and invoices.

FREE for all members!

These young rugby players are “stoked”

again this year as they appreciated the

to receive some of the second batch

quality of them.

of 100 blue Certified Builders branded

The bottles are a great way to get our

drink bottles. The Stoke under 7 years

Certified Builders brand out there in the

RED rugby team were thrilled to get

community.

their drink bottles and the parents said

Pictured (back left) is the team’s

they were pleased the bottles were back

Certified Builder and coach Jo Neale.

LOUD!

Order yours at the online shop on the Certified Builders website

www.certified.co.nz

Shirt Day

The team at National Support Office decided to do the bright thing recently and play it loud to raise funds for deaf kids to learn to listen and talk like their hearing friends. Loud Shirt Day is a great reason to rifle through the wardrobe and commit serious fashion crimes and have a whole lot of fun at work.

30 inhouse October-November 2012

A workplace injury can be a pain in the back

By Malcolm Francis, ACC Programme Manager, Injury Prevention

• Ensure that your building site working areas and access ways are clear of any obstructions that may

Health and safety tips

lead to an accident.

• Where possible use mechanical

Employers should undertake a risk

equipment like scissor lifts which

management process in order to protect

allow work to occur without

workers by preventing and minimising the risk of injuries.

Loss of balance and falling • Use the most effective means of

reaching.

• Provide safe access to upper floors.

Lifting, carrying and straining • Use mechanical load shifting devices

‘falls protection’ measures available,

such as cranes, hoists and hand

such as scaffolding, guard railing

trucks to move materials around the

and appropriate physical barriers.

worksite.

• Fit temporary lifting points or handles to heavy or awkward loads.

• If manual lifting is required, make sure you have enough workers available to complete the task.

• Remember the old saying “Many hands make light work.”

Hearing loss • Ensure that hearing protection is supplied and used at all times.

• Place warning signs in areas of excessive noise – above 85 decibels.

• Check noisy tools to ensure that they are well maintained and when possible, separate workers from noisy activities.

So how are people who are involved in building houses getting injured?

Collision with or knocked over by an object or being hit by a falling object • Keep work and access areas clear.

• Remove unwanted materials and construction waste from the worksite so that it does not accumulate.

• Ensure that all power leads and other tools and equipment are positioned so as not to cause a tripping hazard.

• Avoid attaching bracing across door frames where people are likely to walk through.

Punctures and cuts • Check that all tool guards function correctly and are safe to use.

• Make sure that all workers wear the appropriate PPE such as gloves, safety boots and knee protection pads.

• Make sure that any exposed nails and other sharp objects are removed or hammered in.

For more information about workplace safety visit www.acc.co.nz/preventing-injuries

32 inhouse October-November 2012

Barry’s story Barry and Cindy are both in their fifties and own a small successful residential construction company in an industry with one of the highest injury rates. They lead a comfortable but not excessive lifestyle.

After their two adult children moved out of the family home, Barry and Cindy made plans to take a long overdue holiday and travel overseas. But their plans didn’t fall

Did you know?

• Over 12, 000 people working in the residential construction area are injured while at work each year.

• The impact of these injuries cost over $30 million.

• Making sure that your workplace is safe is the only way that we can reduce the impact of workplace injuries.

injuries meant that he could not work on construction sites and bookwork was best managed by Cindy. The situation was stressful for Cindy, whose time was split between caring for Barry as well as trying to keep their business up and running.

In the end they had to sell their business, put their overseas travel on hold and review their long-term plans for the future.

Everyone in the workplace is responsible

nicely into place – Barry fell instead. metres, landing on the concrete floor At the time of Barry’s accident, he and

below. He received a serious back

three of his workers were assembling the

injury and was admitted to hospital,

roof trusses on a new house they were

where he spent six months in the spinal

building. Barry and one of the workers

unit followed by a long rehabilitation

were both standing on a top plate

programme.

for creating and maintaining a safe place to work. So the next time you see an unsafe action or situation, do something about it – don’t leave it to someone else. Otherwise you may have a story to tell like Barry’s.

moving the roof trusses into position – they were not using any ‘falls protection’

Barry’s recovery was slow – he tires easily

such as scaffolding.

and still has difficulty walking; needing a wheel chair or a walking frame to

Barry lost his balance and fell three

move around. The impact of Barry’s

33 inhouse October-November 2012

33

Q&A – the law at work Danny Jacobson & Trudy Marshall

“sexual harassment” and specific

definition of “employee” under

provisions dealing with sexual

the Employment Relations Act

e2Law — Employment &

harassment which you will need

and is therefore not covered by

Environment Law

to consider and comply with. The

employment legislation. The Act

legal position is slightly different

defines a volunteer as someone

depending on whether the

who:

alleged sexual harassment has

a. does not expect to be rewarded

been by the employer (including a

for work to be performed as a

representative of an employer) or by

volunteer; and

a colleague or customer.

b. receives no reward for work performed as a volunteer.

You need to carry out an initial

The following questions have arisen in cases in which e2Law has recently been involved: COMPLAINT OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT Q:

letter of complaint from an office employee who is claiming that she has been sexually harassed by one of our foremen. She has

A:

We recommend that you provide

there has been sexual harassment

a letter to any intending volunteer

as defined in the legislation. This

confirming the terms of the

investigation needs to be carefully

arrangement, which will include

managed and should include a

that the person is to be a volunteer

meeting with the employee being

for a certain period, that there is

complained about to give him

no expectation of being paid or

the opportunity to respond to the

rewarded for work to be performed

complaint. If your investigation

and that no payment or reward will

finds that the complaint of sexual

be made. The intending volunteer

harassment has been made out,

should sign the letter. This will then

then at this stage, you should decide

assist you to manage your legal risk

whether to commence formal

in taking on volunteers.

disciplinary action which could result in dismissal.

We are a medium sized building company. We have received a

investigation to determine whether

ACCEPTING HELP FROM VOLUNTEERS Q: We have been approached

REPEATED BEREAVEMENT LEAVE Q: We operate a very small building business. One of our staff has

provided a lot of detail to support

about having a small number of

needed to take time off work on

her claims including copies of

volunteer workers in our building

a number of occasions in the last

emails the manager has written.

and maintenance business to give

year to attend funerals. In at least

On our reading of those, there has

them industry work experience

two cases, the funerals have been

definitely been sexual harassment.

and increase their chances of

for friends or acquaintances, rather

We believe we can and should

finding employment elsewhere.

than close family members. For

dismiss this foreman as this

Is there anything we need to be

each absence, the employee has

behaviour is totally unacceptable.

aware of so that we don’t end up

claimed and expected to be paid 3

Can we do this?

breaching employment legislation

day’s bereavement leave. To date,

or requirements?

we have treated the absences as

We have dealt with cases where

Do we have to continue to do so if

obligations to both the employee

volunteers have later claimed to

this happens again as this is coming

making the complaint and to

be employees and pursued claims

at a real cost to our small business?

the employee being complained

under the employment legislation,

about. The Employment Relations

so this is a very valid question. A

Act also contains a definition of

volunteer does not come within the

This is not an easy issue for an employer to deal with as you have

34 inhouse October-November 2012

bereavement leave.

A:

A:

The entitlement to 3 day’s bereavement leave is only for the

death of a spouse/partner, parent,

In any other case, you can decide

child, brother/sister, grandparent,

whether to grant 1 day’s leave

grandchild, or the parent of spouse/

depending on the circumstances.

partner. There is an entitlement

If there is no entitlement to

to 1 day’s bereavement leave if

bereavement leave, then your

you accept that the employee has

employee has no right to simply

suffered a bereavement in relation to

take the day off – he would

someone else’s death. In considering

either have to request that you

whether your employee has suffered

agree to him taking the time off

a bereavement in relation to anyone

as annual leave or to seek your

else’s death, you must have regard to

agreement to him taking a day’s

relevant factors, such as:

leave without pay. Given your past

•

The closeness of association

EARNING YOUR POINTS Don’t forget IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY to keep your own register of points accrued and evidence of attendance so you can earn Licensed Building Practitioner Points.

Being licensed means you must maintain your skills and knowledge.

practice of treating his absences as

between the employee and the

bereavement leave, we recommend

deceased person;

that you clarify with him how you

•

Whether your employee has

significant responsibility for all or any

intend to deal with this in the future.

of the arrangements for ceremonies relating to the death;

•

Any cultural responsibilities of your

employee in relation to the death.

It is ultimately your decision and there is no automatic right to the 1 day’s bereavement leave. For the future, you will only have to grant your employee

mentioned above.

You can update your skills maintenance records using the LBP online system.

If you do not wish to use the online

Trudy Marshall and Danny Jacobson are Partners at Employment & Environment Law, Barristers and Solicitors, Tauranga.

They operate the Employment Helpline for CBANZ members: ph 07 928 0529. They have also produced a Guide for Employers in the Construction Industry which CBANZ can send out to members on request.

3 day’s bereavement leave if there is a death of any of the persons specifically

Keeping a diary of your points

system you can record your points in your work diary and update the ‘record of skills maintenance form’ yearly (and get a bonus point) or two yearly. When due, the Registrar will attach the ‘record of skills maintenance form’ with your annual relicensing.

One hour of activity earns one point for

(The above is by its nature general, and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice).

skills maintenance.

inhouse October-November 2012

35

6

free

helplines

Contracts

Employment

For help with contracts issues contact Peter Degerholm at Calderglen

Advice on any employment-related issue

Associates. Phone sessions are limited

is available from specialist Tauranga law

to 20 minutes and written questions

firm, Employment & Environment Law.

must be kept brief though they

Danny Jacobson and Trudy Marshall will

may include relevant extracts from

assess the employment issue and give

documents.

Peter Degerholm Ph 04 587 0061 or 021 307 232 Fax 04 587 0062

Danny Jacobson

general guidance on the best options in Peter Degerholm

phone sessions of approx 5-10 minutes. It is not intended as a substitute for formal employment/legal advice. You must

email: peter@calderglen.co.nz

identify yourself as a CBANZ member and any information you disclose will be treated with confidence.

Business-related legal issues

Trudy Marshall

Ph 07 928 0529 or 021 857 529 email: trudy@e2law.co.nz web: www.e2law.co.nz

For advice on business-related legal issues, Auckland commercial law firm Madison Hardy is offering a free service to CBANZ members. It will only cost you the price of the phone call. Free advice sessions are

Geoff Hardy

limited to 20 minutes.

Advice on any Health and Safety issue is

Experienced lawyer, and CBANZ director

available from the team at HazardCo. This

Geoff Hardy and junior lawyer Gagan

includes a free advice session – limited to

Tangri will answer your queries, during

30 minutes – which can include advice on

business hours.

Geoff Hardy Ph 09 379 0700 Gagan Tangri Ph 09 970 9567

Health & Safety

incident management, your requirements

Jamie Potter

under the Health and Safety in Employment Gagan Tangri

Act and best practice Health and Safety Management systems.

Ph 0800 555 339 email: info@hazardco.com

General business, accounting or tax

Insurance

For general business, accounting or tax issues you can contact Steve Brocklebank of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Phone sessions are limited to 10 minutes at

For advice on any insurance-related issue Steve Brocklebank

contact Jim Rickard at CBA Insurances. If you have your own broker they should be

first, and emails should be kept to the

your first point of contact. However, Jim

point. You must identify yourself as a CBANZ member

is happy to help with any claims problems

and any information you disclose will be treated with

and with any general question about what

confidence.

cover you should have as a builder.

Steve Brocklebank Ph 03 470 3615 or 027 433 6025 email: steve.j.brocklebank@nz.pwc.com

Jim Rickard

Ph. 07 579 6259 or 0274 505 528 email: jim@certified.co.nz

inhouse October-November 2012

37 37

38 inhouse October-November 2012

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39

Using thermal mass effectively

By Verney Ryan, Beacon Pathway Inc.

In the last issue, I wrote about the importance of designing for the sun – ensuring the home’s siting, layout and windows are oriented to make the most of the sun. It makes sense to use the sun’s free warmth to heat a home in winter while designing to keep the hot sun out in summer.

Another way to effectively capture the

How thermal mass works.

sun for heating is to use a thermal mass floor or wall. The term ‘thermal mass’ describes the ability of materials to

mass, the floor or wall draws the warmth

absorb, store and release heat.

from the surrounding air, cooling the room.

The best thermal mass materials are

How can thermal mass be incorporated into a house?

You can include thermal mass in a

those that are dense, such as concrete,

By absorbing heat during warm parts

number of ways but the most typical is

brick or stone. They work by using a

of the day and radiating it out when it

within a floor or wall. An insulated solid

simple principle of physics: that heat

is colder, thermal mass acts to prevent

concrete slab on the ground is the most

moves from warmer areas to cooler

large changes of indoor temperature as

commonly found example of a thermal

areas. These materials absorb and store

the outdoor temperatures rise or fall. It

mass floor, although you can also use

the heat from direct sunlight and heated

can help maintain uniform comfortable

concrete blocks, bricks, rammed earth

indoor air. Then at night when the air

temperatures inside a home year round.

or stone. The surface can be polished

temperature drops, the heat will radiate

Because thermal mass is such a great

or tiled but, because you need direct

from the warmer thermal mass to the

conductor of heat, insulation is critical.

exposure to heat for thermal mass to

cooler air and other surfaces in the room.

Without insulation, thermal mass can

work, it is best left un-carpeted.

make a home colder by moving the Meanwhile, in summer when the air

warmth from inside the home to the

If you don’t want the entire floor

temperature is warmer than the thermal

cooler air or ground outside.

exposed, a strip of insulated thermal

Do’s and don’ts

Thermal Mass

of thumb for New Zealand climates is that concrete slab floors should

• DO insulate the thermal mass to stop heat loss into the outside air and ground. For a concrete slab floor,

internal lining, although it can be

be 100-200mm thick for the best

plastered, painted or papered).

performance, while thermal mass

• DO ensure your thermal mass floor or

walls should be 100-150mm thick. Too

insulate both underneath and around

wall will be exposed to direct sunlight

thick and the wall and floors will take

the slab edge with a minimum of

in winter - the north side of the house

too long to heat. Too thin and they

50mm ‘S grade’ expanded polystyrene

is generally best. Alternatively, you

won’t store enough heat.

(EPS) board. Install this over the damp

can use thermal mass near a wood

proof membrane prior to the slab

burner, heater or other source of

as carpet, rugs, lino, cork or timber

being poured. For a thermal mass

radiant heat.

coverings will not let the heat

wall with an external face (including

• DON’T use thermal mass in cold

into uninsulated garages), insulate

unheated areas, south-facing rooms,

the EXTERNAL surface to prevent heat

or away from the winter sun.

loss and leave the INSIDE face exposed to the sun or heat (ideally without

40 inhouse October-November 2012

• DO calculate the correct thickness for optimal performance. A good rule

• DON’T cover thermal mass floors

through. However, you can cover areas of the floor which do not receive direct sunlight.

• DO ensure all rooms which are heated through thermal mass are well

For further information about Beacon Pathway visit www.beaconpathway.co.nz

mass material along the sunny side of a room – for example, a metre or so wide -

case study:

Waitakere NOW Home

can also work well.

Brick, concrete, concrete block (including insulated and aerated types) and rammed earth can be used for walls if they catch the sun or are close to a radiant heat source (such as a wood or pellet burner).

There are other options including: • a trombe wall – a north-facing heavy wall made of concrete or some other thermal mass material, located behind a layer of glass. The heat takes several hours to travel through the wall before it is released into the home’s living areas in late afternoon or early evening as the temperature

Polished and coloured concrete floors in the Waitakere NOW Home.

starts to fall.

• a conservatory – use thermal mass in the floor of a northfacing conservatory, or in the wall separating the conservatory from the main part of the home.

• a gabion basket – low wire or metal baskets containing rocks, placed behind glazing. Gabions can be used as internal window seats or feature walls.

For more information: www.level.org.nz/passive-design/thermalmass/ www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs49. html insulated – we recommend insulating

The Waitakere NOW Home, a

living in the house reported that

monitored research home, included

warmth radiated back off the

a 100mm thick insulated concrete

polished concrete floor. Monitoring

slab to store the sun’s warmth and

showed that the Waitakere NOW

release it later in the day when

Home kept very warm: it only needed

the temperature drops. The slab

additional heating on two days per

was insulated with polystyrene

year to achieve comfortable healthy

insulation underneath and around

temperatures. The living room had

its edges. The concrete floor was

an average winter temperature

coloured, polished and left exposed

of 21.6°C and the bedrooms had

in all the north-facing living areas

an average night-time winter

to collect and store heat more

temperatures of 17.4°C -17.7°C. These

effectively.

temperatures all exceeded World Health Organisation minimums of

Sun poured into the house during

18°C for living areas and 16°C for

the day, and at night, the family

bedrooms.

to above minimum Building Code levels.

• DO ensure the house is designed to let through cool summer breezes and is shaded from hot summer sun to prevent the thermal mass absorbing and releasing too much heat in summer.

• DO remember that concrete will not perform at its best until it has dried out. Drying time will vary depending on humidity and thickness. A 100mm thick slab can take four months to

The concrete slab is poured over EPS insulation.

dry out (longer in winter), and thicker slabs will take longer.

inhouse October-November 2012

41

Builders brag page Send us in your hunting & fishing pics and we’ll reward those that get published on this page with a Hunting & Fishing New Zealand Fleece Gutbusta Bush Shirt valued at $39.99.

Send photos to: Builders Brag Page PO Box 4472 Palmerston North Or email in hi-res to jo@huntingandfishing.co.nz (be sure and identify clearly that you are sending an entry for the Certified Builders Brag Page as well as full contact details!)

Please note photos submitted must be from a CBANZ or ITaB member or a company affliated with Certified Builders.

Above: Jim Kroening of Timaru with a fallow deer taken in the Caples River area.

Left: Alex Watson, ITaB apprentice builder to Shaun Bradley Builders shot these two goats hunting in Canterbury

as 31 stores nationwide Ph: 0800 486 834 (0800 HUNT FISH) Shop online or register for catalogues www.huntingandfishing.co.nz 42 inhouse October-November 2012

IRD’s compliance focus for 2012-13 What is Inland Revenue doing to improve compliance over the coming year? How can you ensure your taxes are in order? It’s all set out in this year’s compliance focus document, as Inland Revenue explains in the following article.

Recently, we released our annual compliance focus document aimed at helping New Zealanders meet their tax obligations. to help make it easy to meet your

economy, as well as targeting debt – and

Our tax pays for the things that make

obligations. We now have community

we are seeing good results in these areas.

New Zealand a great place to live. It

compliance officers who provide a broad

funds essential services like health care,

service to local communities by talking

education and safer communities, so

to customers, providing help and advice,

as a taxpayer you contribute to the

spotting potential non-compliance and

This year, the Government has allocated

wellbeing of our people and communities

putting in place remedies to prevent it.

Inland Revenue additional funding to

Looking to the year ahead

continue our focus on reducing the level

– including you.

Other initiatives we have been working

of outstanding tax returns, overdue debt,

We raise awareness of compliance issues

on to help you with your tax obligations

and to increase our focus on addressing

to encourage you to review your own

include launching our new online GST

fraud. We will also continue our efforts in

situation and check that everything’s in

(eGST) filing return service, and exploring

the hidden economy space.

order.

ways to help improve awareness of record keeping requirements.

We will continue to work on improving our online services and self-management

Helping you get it right - Inland Revenue’s compliance focus 2012-13,

Most people and businesses do the

options to provide you with a better,

outlines the key compliance areas we will

right thing by paying the right amount

faster service.

be working on over the coming year. It

of tax and claiming only the social

also highlights what you can do if you

support they’re entitled to. We continue

Read more about Helping you get it

think you’ve got it wrong.

to detect and take action against the

right - Inland Revenue’s compliance focus

small proportion that chooses not to

2012-13 on our website, www.ird.govt.nz

It remains important to us to provide a

comply with their tax obligations. We

(keywords: compliance focus).

range of services and practical support

have continued to focus on the hidden

Skills Maintenance Activity When you participate in our learning activity you should claim points in your diary. 1 hour of learning = 1 point.

And be sure to write down how and what you learnt.

inhouse October-November 2012

43