Management | Logistics
Supply chain constraints pose ongoing infrastructure risk The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, says New Zealand faces challenges in meeting demands for key construction materials for infrastructure, with a risk of delays to major projects. These findings are among those detailed in Te Waihanga’s Infrastructure Resources Study, which looks at four key materials: aggregates such as gravel and stone, timber, cement/ concrete, and steel. Te Waihanga chief executive, Ross Copland, says New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but over time various constraints have emerged which are limiting the supply of these resources, creating cost pressures, environmental challenges and access issues for important infrastructure projects. “New Zealand has a wealth of physical resources at its fingertips, but this study highlights the need to better manage them to ensure they are available for our critical infrastructure projects.
“There are very few materials that do not have a suitable substitute, but bulky, low-value materials like sand, stone, and rock are unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon - they’re needed in almost everything we build from cycleways to cell phone towers and wind farms. With a growing pipeline of major projects on the horizon we need to protect the availability of our best resources for generations to come.” The study examines the importance of where our physical resources are located, most of which are beyond the major urban centres that consume them. Transporting materials long distances increases the cost of projects, carbon emissions and adds to congestion on our roads. The study also found that consent requirements often severely limit the efficiency of raw material production by imposing operating restrictions which constrain production and reduce output. Ross says sustainably produced timber is a material with attributes that mean it will be in high demand for years to come.
Without ready access when they’re needed, “Recent advances in engineering and the we risk creating an unnecessary handbrake for need to reduce carbon emissions is leading the construction sector.” to a wider range of uses for timber including Ross says aggregates are the foundation of in multi-storey construction, but there are our roads and buildings, but often the closest obvious land-use implications to large-scale and best resources are under pressure from production forestry which need to be balanced housing and other incompatible developments. as well.
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© @cassandrakovacsphotography
“This study finds that work needs to be done to both improve the domestic supply of sawn timber and look at the opportunities and risks of importing it. Research is also needed on how to best value the carbon benefits of timber as a construction material.
offers a promising future for low embodiedcarbon steel.”
“To address the carbon impacts of construction, we also need to do more research into alternatives to traditional production of cement and steel.
“New Zealand’s infrastructure resources have a critical role in the cost and ability to undertake infrastructure projects.
The study identified the need for more research into the impact of vertical integration on the physical resources market.
Based on this study, Te Waihanga has included recommendations for ensuring a secure supply “For example, the study finds that blending of these materials in our recently released draft cement with pozzolans can reduce the embodied carbon of cement by 25-30 percent. New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy, which we And exciting new research into steel production are currently working to finalise.” CT
production engineer SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Mig Welding | Experience essential, qualifications and or welding tickets of benefit but not essential.
MIG WELDING LIGHT - HEAVY FABRICATION
CAD Interpretation | Ability to read drawings and plans accurately. Material | Understanding of materials and measuring accurately. Forklift | Experience in operating, certificate, or license of benefit but not essential as can be provided.
VARIETY OF PROJECTS
Communication | Great written and verbal communication skills are important. Time Management | Ability to work on tasks individually and as a team to meet deadlines.
Amuri Estate offers the ideal setting for your next function. Just 10 minutes out of the alpine village of Hanmer Springs and only 90 minutes from Christchurch makes Amuri Estate perfect for business conferences and events. The new modern barn style building has a large reception hall with capacity for 200 people and a small meeting room with capacity for 20-60 people. Amuri Estate also features a small Lodge with 3 king rooms, a joint kitchen/ living area and a separate self-contained one-bedroom cottage. However, there are also unlimited options for accommodation in the nearby township and local transportation to take you to and from.
Health & Safety | A high regard to H&S, appreciate a clean and tidy workplace and have care for tools and equipment.
FOLLOWING CAD DESIGNS
This role is located in Ashburton, Mid Canterbury, the centre of an agricultural district, growing town centre and close to the well-known Mt Hutt Ski Field. Annual Christmas closedown support, relocation packages, friendly and welcoming workplace ready to have you join! To apply, email your CV to Craig Allen, craig@allencustomdrills.co.nz or visit our website, www.allencustomdrills.co.nz
FORKLIFT OPERATION
LEAN MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT
P. 027 5544 056 or 03 3155 351 E. amuriestate@gmail.com | amuriestate.co.nz
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