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ISSUE 1 - 2015 Autumn Edition

INSIDE ADT Security ..................5

‘Tool Blacks’ to be decided at upcoming WorldSkills competition

Canterbury Green Revolution......................19 Canterbury Rebuild........20 Changing Times in New Zealand .................31 Civil Contractors New Zealand .................12 CMP Construction ...........6 Concrete ..........................8 Directory ........................37 Electrix ...........................39 Electrix Celebrates 60th Anniversary....................38 Good Phone Techniques21 Home Ideas Centre .........5 JB's Flooring Xtra .......... 11

Twenty-three young Kiwis will battle it out at Wintec in Hamilton in April in what is dubbed the ‘Olympics of the trades.’

Maximum Safety NZ Ltd ..3 NABERSNZ .....................4 NZ Master Joiners Association ....................36 Operator Training...........17 PACE - Concept to Completion ....................22 Sinclair Builders .............14 Southern Workplace Safety ............................40 Worksafe .......................16 Wormald ..........................2

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The inaugural WorldSkills Oceania Competition will take place from April 14-17 and see the Kiwi team take on 105 competitors from Canada, India, Malaysia, China, Australia and Korea in a total of 30 skill categories.

“The New Zealand WorldSkills team will compete in 18 categories, ranging from aircraft maintenance to various auto and engineering trades, carpentry, joinery, plumbing and heating as well as floristry, hairdressing, restaurant trades and web and graphic design,” said WorldSkills NZ chief executive Bruce Howat.

“The competition is intense for the under-23 year olds who are at the top of their respective trades for their age. They will each vie for a spot on the Tool Blacks team – the national WorldSkills team that travels to Brazil in August for the international competition.”

WorldSkills International has been around since 1950 and

today has 73 member countries and represents 45 skills.

Each WorldSkills competitor has a personalised, handson mentoring programme to ensure they have the best shot at winning a medal.

This includes ‘mental toughness’ training developed exclusively for WorldSkills NZ competitors.

Rural and provincial New Zealand is well represented in the national team, with competitors hailing from S o u t h l a n d , We l l i n g t o n , New Plymouth, ManawatuWanganui, Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland, Dannevirke, and Nelson.

“One of the gifts of WorldSkills competitions is the confidence the young people gain in their own abilities,” says Howat.

“It’s helped by receiving the endorsement of a positive peer and skill group that’s with them every step of the way.”

The public is invited to

support the competitors by coming along to the free admission event. It takes place at Wintec in Hamilton from Tuesday 14 February from 9am-4pm through to Thursday 16 April and on Friday 17 April from 9am –12noon.

‘Like’ us on Facebook and check out our website www.worldskills.org.nz

Bruce Howat.

WorldSkills NZ chief executive

About WorldSkills NZ: WorldSkills New Zealand is an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, dedicated to encouraging young people to excel in vocational skills. This is achieved through exposure to competitions at regional, national and international levels.

About WorldSkills International: WorldSkills International is the global hub for skills excellence and development. Through international cooperation and development between industry, government, organisations, and institutions, we promote the benefits of, and need for, skilled professionals through grassroots community projects, skill competitions, and knowledge exchange.

We show how important skills education and training is for youth, industries and society by challenging young professionals around the world to become the best in the skill of their choice.

MARKAT PROMOTIONS LTD 120 Maces Rd, Bromley • PO Box 19607, Woolston, Christchurch 8241 • P: 03-376 5120 • FAX: 03-376 5153 • Email: art@markat.co.nz

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

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Wormald

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Maximum Safety NZ Ltd

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NABERSNZ

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

NZI Centre boosts NABERSNZ rating with ‘market leading’ 5.5 stars The NZI Centre in Auckland has achieved 5.5 stars out of 6 under the NABERSNZ energy rating scheme – a half star improvement on its previous rating. It is the first building in Auckland to attain the ‘market leading’ score.

The prominent fivestorey NZI Centre on Fanshawe Street was developed by Newcrest in 2009 and achieved a 5 Green Star rating at the time of construction for fit-out and design, making it one of Auckland’s most sustainably-designed buildings.

The NABERSNZ rating shows the base building has an energy intensity of 49 kilowatt hours (kWh) per square metre, per year – a 17% improvement on its previous energy use.

Jacki Johnson, Chief Executive of tenant IAG said the organisation had a clear intention to improve

at the time of its first NABERSNZ rating.

“Being efficient in our energy use is important as it helps to earn trust and respect. By positively impacting on costs it also helps our business model, contributing to more affordable insurance, so it is not just a nice to do but it’s a strategic imperative.

“We were pleased to see 5 stars in the last

NABERSNZ rating, but said then we wouldn’t rest on our laurels.

This 5.5 star result is independent proof that our partnership with Newcrest to further improve our footprint, has been successful,” Jacki Johnson said.

“Importantly, this work on energy efficiency also helps make the building a very pleasant environment

to spend time in – which is great for our people and productivity.”

Developer Newcrest continues to own and manage the NZI Centre.

Lincoln Fraser, Newcrest Development Director, will speak on building performance at the upcoming Green Property Summit in Auckland on 26 March.

NABERSNZ is

the national energy rating scheme for office buildings. It is licenced to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and administered by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill said the aim of NABERSNZ was to spur companies to improve energy efficiency.

“This scheme isn’t simply about getting a good rating, it’s about starting the journey of improvement. IAG is an excellent case study in how they have worked closely with the building owner and manager to tackle energy use. I hope their approach will inspire other corporate tenants.”

NZGBC Chief Executive Alex Cutler said while smart design created a blueprint for efficient buildings, how they’re commissioned, maintained and used is crucial to dayto-day performance.

“The NZI Centre has many sustainability features, so it has a headstart. But it also has a very active building management team who work constantly to ensure the site is comfortable and running efficiently. It’s a great role model for other buildings.”

The NZI Centre’s sustainability features include a distinctive double skin facade along most of its perimeter, with automatically controlled blinds to moderate glare and sunlight. It also has exposed concrete ceilings to help moderate temperature.

The NABERSNZ rating was carried out by Patrick Arnold of eCubed.

The Green Property Summit programme can be viewed at www.greenpropertysummit.org.nz

ABOUT NABERSNZ

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•

NABERSNZ is the New Zealand scheme that benchmarks office building energy efficiency on a scale from 1 to 6 stars. Ratings are based on 12 months’ energy use, and can be carried out for whole buildings, tenancies, or base buildings (covering common areas and services provided by the landlord).

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NABERSNZ is based on the National Australian Built Environment Rating System, a scheme that has rated building energy performance for more than a decade.

NABERSNZ is the industry standard for benchmarking and improving office building energy performance in New Zealand.

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NABERSNZ is licensed to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and is administered by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).

The Energy Management Association of New Zealand (EMANZ) adapted it for New Zealand conditions.

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ADT Security / Home Ideas Centre

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

CMP Construction

Mid-range apartments in Newton, Auckland

With a name like The Saint,you could be excused for wondering about its lineage, but the block of apartments just completed in Newton in Auckland carries that name purely because it is located in St Benedict Street.

And although jokes may be made about it, The Saint apartments has reason to draw other kinds of attention. And by the time of its recent completion it had attracted considerable attention, with 18 of the 20 apartments having been sold.

Av e r a g i n g a r o u n d $665,000 each, the

apartments are in the mid-range,of substantial construction and catering for a variety of owners.

The Saint was designed

by Andrew Smith of Paul Brown Architects, with his concept put into practical form by CMPConstruction.

The company was able to realise the plans without major drama, completing the structure within the time schedule.

The building has a different look from each aspect, with one perimeter of brick, the second a natural concrete look and the others featuring GRP panels and timber s o f f i t s .

On top of the basement car park is a four-storeyed structure which contains the 20 apartments, each averaging about 73 square metres. Each has a kitchen and dining- cum-lounge area, an open-plan living format,into which good outside light is available.

It is designed for urban professionals, couples, and small families. Situated at the top of the city it enjoys

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of the apartments to some degree. He had been looking for a suitable site for some time, but it also meant the apartments could be offered at reasonable prices.

M i k e Va n L u y t , the general manager of CMP Construction, the main contractor, says the apartments each with two bedrooms, vary a little in size and shape, but are all essentially identical. They have become available at a time when changes have been going on in the Auckland market.

Since its formation in 1988, CMP Construction has done regular work on hotels, warehouses, retail buildings and recently there has been a string of rest

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CMP Construction

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panoramic views. The kitchens are of a Poggen Pohl design, with timber flooring, which is continued into the living areas. Giving access to the outside there is also a timber deck on each.

CMP has built the complex for developer Craig Kells, with a contract price of $7 million. Mr Kells said he was seeking for CMP Construction to build a robust and strong structure, with low maintenance.

This approach has helped provide the concrete, steel and glass structure its distinctive features.

Mr Kells says the concept cam to fruition a couple of years ago, with the purchase of the site, which qualified the form

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homes in their portfolio.

Most of the work has been in Auckland with some in Taupo and even Queenstown in the deep south. Some of this work has been gained by tender, but much of it has been through negotiation Architect Andrew Smith says the apartments are designed for urban professionals, couples and small families, situated as they are at the top of the city, backing onto Eden Terrace. He says it is an expression of modern living, with contemporary design, in Newton, one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs.

“It is colourful with a rich environment in which to live.”

An expressed concrete spine runs through its centre, and the glass lobby forms its cantilever stairs, with the centre-piece a large

reinforced concrete screen facing the street. Its style derives from the stained glass windows of the Flemishstyle St Benedict’s church at

the end of the street.

In the basement car park, there is additional storage, with space for bicycles, waste and maintenance

facilities. Internal access is available via a lift lobby.

There is pedestrian access off Benedict Street through a small sculpture garden.

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Concrete

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Concrete

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Good Apartment Design Built Around Concrete The need for medium density multistorey residential developments (apartments) in our main centres is more pressing now than ever before.

Yet for a successful outcome to be achieved appropriate design and material selection that align with our unique requirements is vital.

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CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS Apartment living is becoming increasingly common in New Zealand, especially in the more densely populated cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

While reasons for this include increased immigration and land constraints, the fact is that

New Zealanders’ lifestyles are also changing.

There are more single person and couple households, more people renting because they can’t afford to buy, and more people moving in from the suburbs to enjoy the convenience of central city life.

There are also increasing numbers of

retirees who want the ease of apartment living and who require less space after their children have left home.

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE As a country we are still relatively inexperienced when it comes to apartment design. Copying international practice isn’t

always the answer. What works for someone in New York or Berlin won’t necessarily keep a Kiwi happy.

We v a l u e o u r connection to the outdoors, we like to drive, and we have bulky possessions, such as tools and sporting gear that require storage.

As well as providing extra room, New Zealand

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designers have the added challenge of tackling earthquake protection within the structural design.

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES The position of a medium density residential complex within its surroundings, in terms of urban design, is hugely important. Communal zones (gardens and play grounds), access routes (vehicular, pedestrian and wheelchair) as well as discrete rubbish and recycling areas, are key considerations.

Another important aspect is the “type” of dwelling. Apartments can take many forms, such as detached, semi-detached, townhouse, terrace or loft to name just a few. Within the individual apartment envelope the number of bedrooms and room size

must also be carefully thought through.

Linked to an overall design that is suitable for the local climate, uses correct detailing and is brought to life by skilled trades’ professionals, durable construction materials are paramount in an apartment complex.

The consequences of any shortcuts in terms of quality materials will be magnified by the scale.

This is where concrete’s inherent properties, such as fire resistance and thermal mass, pay dividends for apartment investors, developers and residents.

Interior Climate By using concrete’s m a s s w i t h t h e s u n ’s heat, insulation and natural ventilation, more comfortable living conditions can be achieved with reduced reliance on

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space heating or cooling. An exposed, insulated concrete floor absorbs, stores and later radiates the sun’s heat, off-setting temperature peaks and troughs, to create a moderate living environment.

Sound Attenuation Concrete’s high mass is also an effective means to attenuate airborne sound and protect residents from the disturbing influence of external noise sources, such as the neighbours low frequency (bass heavy) stereo system or the central city buzz.

Fire Safety C o n c r e t e ’s f i r e resistance helps protect property and preserve life during a fire. A 100mm thick concrete wall provides around 90 minutes of fire resistance, which is 30 minutes more than the New

Zealand Building Code Clause C / AS2 requires.

Durability As a durable material with low maintenance requirements, welldesigned concrete structures can be expected to exceed their minimum service life as specified in the Building Code.

Concrete’s long life means it is more likely that a concrete building will come to the end of its life because no further use can be found for it (obsolescence), rather than the concrete having failed due to age.

Concrete also has the ability to resist extreme weather events such as flooding, which is predicted to become a more common occurrence.

Concrete’s water resistance makes quick re-occupancy possible as cleaning, drying and repair are minimised.

Earthquake Protection Reinforced concrete is leading the way in terms of damage resistant design solutions, such as PREcast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS), base isolation and non-tearing joints (slotted beams).

These systems represent a new low damage approach to seismic structural design

for multi-storey buildings (including apartments), one which still embraces life safety as a priority, but also seeks to minimise damage and so enable continuity post-earthquake for building owners and residents.

It is anticipated that this low damage approach to seismic structural design will play an important role in the Canterbury rebuild.

APARTMENT DESIGN GUIDE To assist developers and their design teams maximise the opportunities afforded by the growth in apartments, the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) has developed The Apartment Design Guide, which can be downloaded for free at www.ccanz.org.nz

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JB's Flooring Xtra

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

JB’s in name and effort John and Catherine Bannister started, JB’s Flooring Xtra as a small two-man business in Manukau, They employed one of their sons as an apprentice flooring installer and away they went.

Since then, they have employed the remaining three family members and also have other staff members and have a second showroom in Pukekohe.

The team is young and enthusiastic and has the knowledge of Johan behind them – some 40 years in the trade – both on the tools and in retail.

Education and training is important to John and Catherine and they believe the future depends on passing down the knowledge to the next generations.

This was highlighted when their son, Grant took out the stage 3 Apprentice Of the Year and the overall Supreme Apprentice Of the Year in his qualifying year. Along with John and Catherine’s knowledge,

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the team has the assistance of the BCITO training institute and other training academy’s supporting them.

JB’s Flooring Xtra – Manukau (their first showroom) was opened in 2009 and is still going strong five years later.

JB’s flooring Xtra Pukekohe is the second Showroom for John and Catherine. When the opportunity came up in 2013 to buy out an existing flooring Xtra business they jumped at the chance. With Franklin being their home turf – it just made sense.

Having recently moved showrooms in Pukekohe, the team is enjoying a bigger, better, brighter showroom, with more on display for customers to choose from.

Throughout customers’ flooring projects, staff members are there to assist in choosing the right flooring option to suit their needs and installing that choice on their floors. JB’s pride themselves on living up to Xtra in its title, by

“Going the Xtra mile” JB’s Flooring Xtra is part of the flooring Xtra co-operative, a nationallyestablished group which values the work of such operations, who are able to establish and maintain local pride and relationships.

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

Civil Contractors New Zealand

Civil Contractors NZ lobbies for members

Civil Contractors New Zealand, which arose out of the New Zealand Contractors Federation and Roading New Zealand, represents a wide range of contractors in New Zealand, from large to small, assisting them in organising their day-to-day work, to having input into the Parliamentary legislation which will determine how they must operate.

There are around 400 contractors who are members of Civil Contractors NZ and benefiting from the work of the organisation, which is an incorporated

society. Each contracting member pays a fee from their annual turnover – from the largest, such as Fletchers, Downers and Fulton Hogan, to the mum and dad operator,

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running “a digger and a truck from their kitchen table.”

Malcolm Abernethy, the Executive Officer of Civil Contractors NZ says not all construction companies are members of the organisation, but, in the main, the benefits that accrue to members through its advocacy are also passed on to non-members, because of the overall effect.

Mr Abernethy says civil work contractors construct the roading networks – from the base work to the sealing - and then maintain them, throughout the nationwide roading network, including state highways and local roads.

In a word, civil contractors deal with infrastructure – Malcolm says “everything you need in your house is delivered by infrastructure and that means everything from under-road

pipelines,to water piped to your house and sewage away from it” plus stormwater facilities out on the street.

On the fringes of towns and cities, civil contractors also build dams and wharves, as well as airport facilities.

“Contractors build the facilities and maintain them.”

Driving to Palmerston North recently, Malcolm described the need for skill and care being displayed by contractors, as he talked about the city’s wind turbine power generation; built by contractors, and maintained by them, including all the electric cabling, they must be alert at all times to the dangers of striking cables, possibly causing serious damage as well as injury.

With today’s technology calling increasingly for cable connections, contractors are responsible for laying

ultrafast broadband – a nationwide programme is currently under way – being laid alongside power cabling. Other in-ground infrastructure – including gas pipelines and the refinery in the Far North – are in constant need of regular maintenance.

Malcolm says a key role for Civil Contractors NZ is in making submissions to Ministers of the Crown, select committee.

Particularly on the matter of legislation which relates to and affects construction companies and their work, Malcolm is passionate and in gear constantly. The society also makes representations to local authorities on issues that involve civil contractors in local body work.

“The whole purpose of our talking to these authorities is to make it

better for our members.”

“Then we talk to the members about the forward work programme, procurement practices, health and safety, and how we can make their jobs easier under the new legislation.

At a membership level the society provides print news publications, and an electronic on-line bulletin, as well as providing contract and information and formats for members to use.

“We also have a health and safety management systems and a contract arrangement which members can adopt and adapt to their businesses”.

He says although the society calls it health and safety it is really an integrated system, which also involves quality management and environmental issues.

Malcolm Abernethy is enthusiastic about the job and his position: ”Changing the structures and helping us do business gives a great deal of personal satisfaction to him.

He says: “Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose; the thing is we work collaboratively.”

He says one of the major achievements of Civil Contractors NZ as coming up with a new form of contract called a Network Outcome Contract, based around contract performance; “we believe it is pretty good.”

Another development is a large industry advisory group – all contractors – and alongside that the society is working for change. But, the great difficulty, says B1501

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Malcolm, is that “you can work on it for two years before you get an answer; The wheels of legislation can be very slow.”

“If we did not do it, many of these things would not exist; what we do is create a climate for members to prosper.” To this end, a good job must be done first up; “otherwise you don’t get another chance. We place a great deal of emphasis

on delivering quality outcomes.”

“We also have to work in the environment and often much of our work modifies the environment, so there are very strict rules around sediment, for example. And erosion control; if we don’t get it right there can be very large fines.”

“One thing we do is identify systems which can help them (the member companies) in their jobs.”

Much of Civil Contractors NZ work for Malcolm Abernethy is out of the members’ eyes; health and safety is taking a large part of the time, working with the Government and he has made submissions on the bill before Parliament on two occasions. On the other side of that fence Malcolm spends time telling members what the new legislation is like and what their responsibilities will be.

Contact: Civil Contractors New Zealand, Malcolm Abernethy, (04) 496 3277; mobile 027 249 2513; email: Malcolm@civilcontractors.co.nz; website www.civilcontractors.co.nz

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Civil Contractors New Zealand

Contractors’ competition The 2015 Civil Contractors competitions were held in Manawatu, with the Excavator operator winner James Lux, winner, Bay of Plenty.

Civil Contractors’ winner James Lux 2015 winner, the 2015 Excavator operator winner (centre), with Graeme Blackley the competition Founder (left) and Alex Kelly Cable Price National Sales Manager – Equipment.

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

Sinclair Builders

Top relationship with subbies Sincliar builders secret

Sinclair Builders, based in Sydenham in Christchurch, has developed a reputation for satisfying its customers and making many happy customers.

Owned and operated

by Chris Sinclair, the firm was founded by him in 2005. He has built his experience and reputation in the industry over 12 years in Australia and Christchurch.

Chris’s forte is in residential building, specialising in all aspects of the sector, from new architectural homes to alterations and decking.

One of the strengths Chris imparts to Sinclair Builders is the strong relationship he has developed with a range of Canterbury subcontractors. In building

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those relationships, he trusts them to deliver work of the highest quality when working on the company’s jobs.

Because he is a member of the Certified Builders’ Association and the licensed building practitioners organisation, Chris assures clients that the homes he constructs are being built to the highest standards by a qualified builder.

Being passionate about the industry and enjoying the challenges and satisfaction inherent in undertaking building, Chris makes a big effort

to get alongside his clients to make sure their expectations are met totally. This applies to every contract, regardless of who it is for, and its cost, size and difficulty.

As well as providing his knowledge and experience in building houses, Chris is keen to talk to people who have particular ideas, or plans and to put Sinclair Builders into the picture to bring those schemes to fruition.

No matter what the size of the job, Sinclair Builders’ commitment to client satisfaction means

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS that its range of services is offered and completed with the utmost care, in order to bring a happy conclusion for each client.

Along with new homes, light commercial work and alterations and renovations, Sinclair Builders does decks, patios and fences, and painting and decorating.

It also provides rebuilding valuation reports and property maintenance.

Sinclair Builders has a comprehensive website which provides top-class information and images of a dozen styles of home it has to offer - along with their plans – which it has available.

There are also three properties available for sale and under construction in Prestons, one of the new suburburban developments in the north east of the city.

The website is www. sinclairbuilders.co.nz Sinclair Builders has attracted a list of testimonials which tell much about the high

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quality work it provides.

Two couples who had postearthquake renovations done commented how happy they were with the work: “We were really happy with the work … then decided to build a new house” and “were really impressed with the whole process” … “the quality of the finish is outstanding.”

“Thankfully, Chris has cured us (of being nervous about building a house). I have recommended Chris to our friends and they have been just as happy as us.”

Sinclair Builders

Another said: “I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to have been able to purchase my new house

from Sinclair Builders.

Thankyou Chris, our new home was a new beginning.”

Another couple initially contacted a larger group who took six months to complete

Contact Chris Sinclair at Sinclair Builders, 33 Coleridge Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, phone (03) 943 3979; email Chris@sinclairbuilders.co.nz; www.sinclairbuilders.co.nz

plans. Sinclair Builders “were the only builders who promised to finish the construction within three months … and we have been very pleased with their workmanship.”

Then there was the comment: “(You) made the whole experience stress free… we look forward to building again with you.”

A residential property management c o m p a n y s a i d : ” We have no hesitation in recommending Chris Sinclair for your building requirements.”

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Worksafe

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Operator Training

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Canterbury Green Revolution

Christchurch’s rise a green revolution The citizens of Christchurch used to call it the Garden City, but you rarely hear the term now, at least not since the earthquakes.

And yet, there is still a host of gardens, seemingly untouched by the devastation of September 2010 and February 2011.

The recovery and rebuild has meant plenty of action – much of it too slow declare the naysayers – but it has also meant a good deal of head-scratching inspiration, proposing new systems, structures, districts, areas with new purposes; the list is not complete and they are still coming.

Some natural effects of the need to build a new city are developers’ good old standby, retail development. But there are many other possibilities; for a start, most developments are shying away from true high-rise buildings, the limit being largely set at the seven-storey height expressed early in the rebuild’s planning.

That stipulation may, or may not apply to a number of apartment complexes that are at least in the minds of developers, if not reaching planning revelation. There is, of course, The Village, apparently with villas, planned for the northeast side of Latimer Square.

So, there is already a mix of retail, office and innercity living on the drawing boards.

One of the great conundrums is whether, or not to plan and build for inner city living, a scheme which clearly calls for apartments, since individual houses on quarter acre sections will not be a goer. It is an open door on that question, but there are many who would close the gap and prevent such developments, while there are others who point to overseas developments – many of them centuries old; one can imagine picturesque B1501

blocks of dwellings which are immediately attractive to the eye, and hopefully, the pocket.

These are just plans, while the retail sector gets up and running and there is plenty of that happening, although it is not too obvious to the casual observer. City and Cashel Mall, as they used to be known, the strip along the Avon River between Cashel and Hereford Streets, plus the already booming Victoria Street, all well advanced, some on the drawing board, others already at the physical stage of construction, or containing retail, and entertainment enterprises.

None of these, of course, promote the image of the Garden City, but there are moves along those lines and they will call, not so much for building high rise structures as for land development to create vistas of rolling riverside parklands. The Christchurch City Council has already undertaken such work along the city reaches of the Avon and has plans for more, including them as part of a controversial plan to redesign Victoria Square.

However, it is the lower reaches of the Avon River, where it stretches down into the estuary that the greatest potential for parklands exists. Almost all of it is categorised TC3 land – unsuitable for building development, especially housing – so that it is lying waste. Well, not quite, for where houses once stood,

there are long stretches which already look like parklands.

C e r t a i n l y, t h e y are undeveloped, often interrupted only by fence lines that were the boundaries of private properties, their dwellings crushed, by quake, or crushing ball. But the vegetation remains; bushes, hedges, trees, all creating pockets of solace, even if it holds no such emotion to those who had to vacate the area and find new vistas for new lifestyles.

In one particular stretch one private citizen started maintaining the strips, mowing it as a voluntary gesture. He was soon provided a more suitable mower and then the council became involved, so that little of the total strip of some kilometres looks anything but a parkland.

Certainly, well down into the estuarine reaches, the shorelines are rather barren, but the potential for grassland reaches is revealed further upstream.

While there are still housing developments and rebuilds in those eastern stretches away from the river’s trail, most of those are in relatively safe areas, possibly prone to earthquake movement but considered by the authorities and property owners as viable in the present context. Most are also sufficiently distant from the coastline as to not be threatened by tidal surges, or tsunami. But the South Shore stretch of

urban development remains in significant danger.

So, a good deal of Christchurch city’s development has edged away from those eastern parts, moving north and west and it has also moved out of the city centre to some degree. However, under present planning, the city centre will remain just that, with office blocks and retail outlets rising like the phoenix, the latter to compete once again with the suburban malls.

However, for some, the move away from the city centre will be no bad thing, the city’s flatness allowing ease of movement.

This however, has been called into question in the last couple of years as our roads have become increasingly congested almost throughout the day.

The key will be whether the authorities’ transport plan, in the throes of being implemented, will help solve these problems.

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Canterbury Rebuild

Victoria Square revamp proposed As much disquiet has been aroused in the breasts of the Christchurch public over a planned revamp of Victoria Square, as almost any issue which has arisen following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

Even when there was traffic whizzing around its perimeters in Colombo and Armagh Streets, noisily breaking the quietude created by its lawns, flower beds and walkways Victoria Square was a haven to savour a quiet lunch or a moment or two with friends.

It had already been transformed in the late twentieth century from a l a rg e l y g r a s s e d a r e n a , with statue and fountain maintaining their stern and moist vigils. Modernity had caught up with its longstanding presence, as it changed from the Market Square of its early days, to a

Queen Victoria’s Square may be remodelled hotel-lined, ice-cream licking 21st century; the hotel guests and Ice Cream Charley’s customers eyeing it regularly for those precious peaceful moments.

post earthquake CCDU (Christchurch’s central development unit) was about to provide another opportunity for the skills to be applied again.

Or was it? Certainly changes proposed would have both horticulturists and landscape designers finding themselves with work to do, but it might be minimal in the light of what has been proposed. The CCDU came up with plans to ‘open up’ the square to allow more crowdbased activities there, making it more ‘event friendly’, with a wider lawn to cater for more outdoor events.

The proposals included moving the statues of Queen Victoria and Captain Cook, also the Bowker Fountain, a new Avon River punting ramp. The wider lawn would also allow not only allow more entertainment events,

city council had no inkling of the scheme and the public certainly was not consulted.

Ngai Tahu, the local iwi, was involved in the planning, with its desire to place the Te Puna Ahurea cultural centre there. A feature of the new shape would also be a riverside promenade which is in the scheme to develop the river precinct throughout its city reaches.

The scheme, costing $7 million, is planned to be developed in the first quarter of this year, although with public concern widespread, it is almost certain to be delayed.

So, although it is hardly a rebuild, the troops gathering in Christchurch to carry out such operations may well find themselves with jobs in one of the most picturesque parts of the city largely unaffected by the

the scheme goes ahead as planned, there will be the moving of the two statues – Queen Victoria and Captain Cook in tandem, but also the more testing and fiddly lifting and moving of the Bowke Fountain. Its current condition will also call for some repair and restoration work.

The punting ramp will be another proposition. With most of the stones that make up its sloping entry into the Avon, if not original, then early replacements, will be a workman’s undertaking of another sort. And, as part of the larger river precinct being developed, there will be a good deal more work involved than in other parts of the square.

While Victoria Square will not be a huge project – if it goes ahead and the Government’s CCDU will

The landscape gardeners and the Christchurch City Council’s horticultural units must have savoured those opportunities to ply their trade. Now, in 2014, the

Bowker Fountain and Captain Cook: planned to be moved

but also a return of markets, a feature of the early square, hence its original name It seemed to be another case of the Government making an autocratic decision without consultation, for the

mayhem of the earthquakes.

While there would seem to be a lot of grass laying in the offing, there may also be such work as concreting, tiling and some boxing for flower beds.

Also, of course, if

probably have its way – it will be one in which the citizens of Christchurch will undoubtedly take a keener interest than in most of the central city rebuild.

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

Good Phone Techniques

Good phone techniques essential Language, the invention of homo sapiens is what makes us human and what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom.

It lets us express ideas, allowing us to create and invent things.

In particular, it lets us communicate feelings, as well as the ideas and the principles behind the inventions humans devise.

Communication is the key.

Communication is what has led from speech, to writing, printing, recording (in its several forms) and also telephones, which have helped carry many of the ideas encapsulated in the inventions of humans.

In New Zealand, telephones, - land lines and mobiles - are integral to all our business, with builders and contractors and their various offshoots using them to play huge parts in their daily businesses. So, what is revealing is the huge range of effectiveness with which the phone is used.

In the office, phones are the first line of communication – even at times surpassing face -toface contact, with the mobile in, particular, being used to tap out messages to a cohort, even at an adjoining desk, alcove or office. There, texts have replaced human legs.

One of the great advantages of the mobile is for the many contractors, site managers, subcontractors

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and the like, who must spend time out in the field, yet retain contact with the office and other centres of importance. Everyone has one; it is like the Wild West, with a gun on every hip.

Just as there are sharp shooters in the west and many who could not land a bullet if they tried, so there are mobile phone users, whose mastery of the instrument is less than exemplary. Some have the approach and the skill to utilise their tool to its greatest potential, while others never seem to get it right. Essentially, it is intended to maintain contact and enable the user to return calls expeditiously if they are initially missed.

The efficiency with which that is achieved is remarkably variable.

There are those who seem to take the first available opportunity to return the call, find out what in particular the caller wanted and action it without delay.

The obverse of that coin is the dark side of business efficiency. Unless the caller could stand alongside receiver, there is no way of knowing what are the

circumstances in which the mobile rings; a concrete pour being supervised – even handled personally – an important discussion being held, which brooks no interruption. The possibilities are endless.

It is what happens after a message is left which is the crucial part of this initial non-personal contact which is important. If the call is returned and the purpose of the initial one established and pursued, then the business has been conducted successfully, at least in part, or further transactions are able to be initiated.

But, if the initial message is not responded to and there is a yawing silence, what is the original caller to think? What action must be followed: was the original call not actually received (wrong number?), has the phone holder picked up on the message, was it not considered important, can he just not be bothered, just too busy; and so on and so on.

The maintenance of a top business reputation may depend to a large degree on such exchanges. For those who return calls promptly,

kudos must be given; for those who are dilatory in their responses (often on a regular basis ) then the reputation soon becomes well known. It is no good having the message on the phone “your business is important to me” and then failing to prove the point.

The word integrity comes to mind; while the deeds do not match the words, the disparity soon becomes evident and that is a black mark against the perpetrator which would soon become hard to expunge.

Sometimes, such attitudes infest companies and may well be passed down from the top. One

particular instance of this, is related about one company in which it seemed to be the attitude right throughout.

An example started, apparently, with a call to the person seeking information about a particular project.

T h e i n i t i a l r e c e i v e r, apparently not knowing the detail, passed the caller to another, who also did not have the details. The enquiry was passed on to the general manager, who it transpired was on annual leave.

In the hope that others might have the answers, calls were made to others in top positions – apparently up to four calls were made to personnel – but none of them were able to help.

Back to the general manager, who was to return to work immediately after a weekend. On the Friday of that week (five days later), the general manager phoned the enquirer, saying he had been on holiday. No reason was given for the time elapsed between his return to work and the tardiness of the call.

Subsequently, when it came to the information sought, the original receiver of the call had the information and supplied it, but did not at any stage offer the it, or say that it needed to be approved by so and so. That well known New Zealand company did its reputation no favours and one wonders how widespread is this kind of treatment by it and other companies.

The message is that communication is important; good communication – speedy, accurate and helpful – even more important.

It is the life blood of all transactions and without it the body corporate, may wither and die, or at least trade in an atmosphere of stultification, deprived of the oxygen of top class communication.

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PACE - Concept to Completion

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PACE - Concept to Completion

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

Harcourts Grenadier Find New Home with PACE In a turn-around of roles, Pace Project Management has helped Harcourts Grenadier find a new home - this time for Harcourts themselves in their brand new Building at 98 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. Prominent construction project management experts, Pace Project Management, managed the entire project, from design and build, fit-out through to completion and handover.

As early as 2004 Pace project managed the refurbishment of 323 Madras Street for Harcourts Grenadier CEO and business owner, Rob McCormack. The building was an old and

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tired one that McCormack and his business partners had bought to redevelop as their head office. The project was a prestigious one and the largest that Pace Project Management had undertaken at the time.

The refurbishment was completed on time and to budget. Over the next few years a number of alterations were made, as Grenadier grew into the biggest Harcourts franchise in the world and

the relationship between Pace Project Management and Harcourts Grenadier grew.

D u r i n g t h e 2 0 11 earthquakes the Madras Street building was damaged beyond repair.

In a media conference in January 2012 an announcement was made

on what was to be the first post-quake CBD rebuild, Harcourts Grenadier

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS House, on its original Madras Street site, and managed by Pace Project Management. This was an exciting development that attracted national media coverage. The first foundation pile was drilled with the assistance of Earthquake Minister, Gerry Brownlee and other senior Government officials were also in attendance. The clear message was that this first, significant construction milestone and was symbolic of a city beginning to move forward once again.

Mr. McCormack and his partners had invested around $1.3M dollars in creating the design, obtaining consent fees and funding the first piles.

But the project was halted in June 2012 when the Government announced the designation of the Madras Street site as being part of East Frame Green Corridor.

Meanwhile, the owners of the building at 98 Moorhouse Avenue, previously the old ‘Kitchen Things’ site, had contacted Pace in the wake of the earthquakes to repair the existing building. Pace quickly helped establish that the building was uneconomic to repair and managed the subsequent insurance claim. The insurer insisted the owners re-build in order to obtain the pay out from their insurance policy. The owners looked to Pace Project Management to reestablish the investment.

Pace produced the development budgets, put together the design team and managed the design process to ensure that the client’s expectations of use and costs were met.

Pace also conducted the tender process that was concluded with Higgs Construction as the best tender for the building of the new property.

With an extremely pro-active building owner, the rebuild process started well before the insurer had settled the claim the construction started on site before most earthquakedamaged building owners had even thought about B1501

PACE - Concept to Completion

their new buildings.

The construction of the building was completed within budget and in the allotted timeframe.

At the same time as the Harcourts Grenadier Madras Street building was being halted, the owners of the newly completed 98 Moorhouse Avenue were seeking a tenant.

Harcourts Grenadier viewed the property and made a successful offer to not only lease the building but to buy it when it was completed.

Pace Project Management was then employed by Harcourts Grenadier to project manage the fit-out of their new building. Pace Project Management put together the new design team and put together the budgets for the fit-out. In the

design process Pace’s inhouse quantity surveying expertise was invaluable to ensure budgets were met. The design process for the fit-out was quite complicated with eight business centres and over 200 staff going into what is now one of the premiere Harcourts offices in the world.

The building was completed on time and to budget and on 16th December The Prime Minister officially opened the building. Three and a half years after the earthquakes, Grenadier House has finally taken its place in its new CBD location, home to the Harcourts Grenadier Head Office, 200 staff and the eight businesses operating within this important city franchise group.

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PACE

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PACE

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Earthquake Redevelopment Project High Level Steps: • Establish a clear brief from client • Submit a Pace Project Management fee proposal to project manage the development to completion • Create a ‘development budget’ for project based on replacement cost insurance value • Seek registrations of interest from architects, structural engineers • Invite at least two architects to present outline proposals for development • Assist and advise in selection of architect • Invite fee proposal from the chosen architect and at least two structural engineers • Invite fee proposals from the following consultants - Mechanical services engineer - Electrical, communications and security services engineer(s) - Plumbing services engineer - Land surveyor-to establish title boundaries - Geotechnical survey • Set up a master programme for the project • Design process commences - Concept - this can be used to present to prospective tenants - Preliminary design - Developed design - Detailed design and documentation • At Preliminary design stage Professional QS practice carries out a detailed estimate of the likely construction cost.

• Chair weekly Project Control Group meetings during design and documentation phase • Up date budgets during the design phase • Evaluation of all the design documentation • Management of the building consent application • Management of the tender documentation • Tender to at least 3 contractors, all of whom can complete the project • Evaluation of tenders • Tender report to client • Contract documentation to appoint contractor for the build • Project meetings during the build process • Exercise Project and Cost Management during the construction phase • Completion of build and sign off • Fit-out • Handover to client with all warrantees and guarantees

ABOUT PACE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Pace Project Management was established in 2001 and bring over 80 years of years of expertise and success in the fields of Construction & Re-fit Project Management. Specialists in the complete project management of commercial construction & refurbishment works, projects range from works for private individuals, national and multi-national organizations, the public sector, health sectors and earthquake damage insurance claims and earthquake affected tenant access in Christchurch City.

In addition to the core Project and Construction Management business, Pace also undertakes: • • • • • • • • •

• Feasibility Studies • Design Concepts • Budget Estimation • Office Interiors • Restaurant Fit-outs • Retail Refurbishment • Building Construction • Building Renovation/Extensions • Earthquake Damage Repairs

Pace is affiliated with a number of industry bodies, including the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), the New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB), the Lifetime Design Foundation, the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS) and the Property Council of New Zealand (PCNZ).

These affiliations allow Pace to remain at the forefront of best industry practice. Our people are also involved in a number of national and community organisations.

Pace believes that business is about people.

PACE people all share the same enthusiasm about our industry and the service we provide.

A fantastic collaborative culture exists within the company, making full use of people’s varied and extensive experience.

For more information on Pace Project Management contact Andrew Christian on +64 3 366 4282 or +64 21 888 628; or write to them at: Level 3, 112 Tuam Street, P.O. Box 36-546, Christchurch 8001, New Zealand.

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BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

The Clock is ticking With reforms into our dated health and Safety legislation well advanced, it is a timely reminder for the small and medium sized business owners to really start their planning around how they are going to manage the safety and health responsibilities in their business.

This subject is one that a lot of businesses do not plan for in their business plan or budget for their financial year, and yet it is a legitimate cost with implications for failure to manage.

In 2015 it will no longer be acceptable to do nothing and with a regulator now better funded and with the resources to be proactive, a business owner can no longer hide or plead ignorance.

Company directors are now ultimately culpable for the outcomes of the safety of employees in a way never before seen, and the changes adopted in the new Health and Safety at Work Act will see a raft of penalties applied which represent the seriousness of failing to take all reasonable practicable steps.

As a Registered Health and Safety practitioner with the New Zealand Safety Council I am often asked by employers just how much they actually have to do to comply.

After 17 years in the Construction industry I can still only come up

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with the answer of “how long is a piece of string”.

The legislation at present is “performance based legislation” which requires the employer to demonstrate what they have done which will meet the term “taking all reasonably practicable steps (as the new terminology is to be written).

In essence the employer must show the nature and extent of the implementation in their workplace.

ACC currently offer guidance on the subject through the use of their Workplace Safety Management Practices audit tool which is in line with the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS4801. This has created a frame work around Health and Safety implementation.

It however has other far reaching implications, such as conformance with good practice guidance documents on safe systems of work, and case law as laid down by the Courts on various subjects.

Tr a d i t i o n a l l y i n the small to medium

business, the wife or an office assistant has been tasked with managing the Health and Safety, with little or no training or background in the subject. From a risk point of view this is not smart business practice, as that poor person tries to come to grips with interpreting requirements. An insurer trying to assess the risk to the business would struggle to come up with an acceptable level of assurance being met.

A lot of business have purchased a form of a health and safety manual, and stored it on the shelf, believing that this will cover them in the eventuality of an incident and satisfy Worksafe NZ. Nothing could be more further from the truth, and all it does is establish an intent.

What is needed is a high degree of implementation, documentation and reviews to ensure it remains “an evergreen” based document.

One of the principal objectives of the Act is to ensure that the

employer provides a safe place of work and safe systems of work for employees. Like growing vegetables it requires, tilling to ensure that weeds do not grow and watering to sustain the vegetables growth.

Throwing money at the subject also will not work. It requires knowledge on the part of the business owner(director) and evidence of that persons involvement in making it work.

Some employers have obtained the services of a health and safety advisor, but have failed to undertake their due diligence on the subject.

In buying a house it is important to check out, LIM reports and get a report on it as to is it fit for purpose and a good buy.

At present a person does not need a licence or to be registered to carryout a role as a health and Safety advisor. This raises huge risks for business owners who are relying on the advice or services that this person is supplying .

When engaging the services of a health and Safety advisor a business owner should also be carrying out the due diligence on the consultant. Is this person qualified, have the background and competency, are

on line on the internet so that an employer can have some confidence in engaging such a person who is listed. As we await that register to be up and working we must rely on consulting safety organisations such as the New Zealand Safety council who display a register of qualified practitioners on their website.

As we near the time for this legislation to become law, there will be a sudden rush of employers wanting to get something in place, and protect themselves, their employees and their risk. The smart ones will be making first steps now to get this underway and avoid the bottle neck that surely will occur.

If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.

they affiliated with an organisation such as the New Zealand Safety Council which subscribes to vetting, a code of ethics and ongoing competency validations through continuous learning programs. Does this advisor have public liability and professional indemnity insurances and can they provide credible references Theodore Roosevelt around the nature and standards of their work The Government has rightly recognised Now is the time the need to protect for action, not employers from contemplation. the “ratbags and i n c o m p e t e n t ” a n d Now is the time to have established an stand up and take organisation called ownership for what HASANZ. It’s role you know has to and purpose will be to register those Health happen, not wait for and Safety consultants, it to happen. Now who belong to a safety is the time to engage organisation, who in a process that have qualifications and competencies and will will forever change your business be held to account for their ethical behaviours. investment and A list of these persons ensure its success. will be made available

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Changing Times in New Zealand

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

Changing times in New Zealand As the heading states times are changing in NZ and in respect to the Health & Safety legislation the changes are going to happen later this year with the passing of the Health & Safety Reform Bill.

The reform bill has come about as a result of the recommendations from the government taskforce’s review of the effectiveness of Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992.

The taskforce made a number of recommendations for change and as a result of these recommendations and the findings of the Royal commission of Enquiry into the Pike River Coal Mine Tragedy the government has

promoted the Health and Safety Reform Bill which contains some major changes to H&S legislation in NZ. Wi t h t h e n e w A c t currently expected to be in place about September this year there will be a large number of small to medium businesses that will be looking to obtain advice on what they will be required to do to achieve compliance with the new legislation.

Where do they look for that advice?

And when they do find a source of information and advice, how do they know if the advice they are receiving is actually correct?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is currently working on establishing a register of Health and Safety Professionals, but this is not going to be a simple or quick task nor will it be in place before the new legislation is enacted.

One of the things that has come about as a result of the review into the HSE Act, is the setting up of HASANZ (Health & Safety Association NZ). So what is HASANZ?

HASANZ is: • an association of associations • a truly representative body for workplace health and safety professions in New Zealand • a trusted voice for health and safety professionals • a first point of contact for business leaders and government on workplace health and safety matters • an expert advisory group to guide effective health and safety policy.

The founding members of HASANZ are: • Australian/New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine (ANZSOM) • Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of New Zealand (HFESNZ) • Maintenance Engineers Society of New Zealand (MESNZ) • NZ Institute of Hazardous Substances Management (NZIHSM) • New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

(NZISM) • NZ Occupational Health Nurses Association (NZOHNA) • NZ Occupational Hygiene Society (NZOHS) • New Zealand Safety Council (NZSC) • New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists (Occupational Group) (NZSP) • Occupational Therapy New Zealand (OTNZ).

At present there is no minimum standard of competency for a person to attain to allow them to offer advice about Health & Safety matters, for reward.

Any person who wants to can set themselves up as an advisor/consultant etc. and start advertising their services.

HASANZ has been established to help raise professional standards across the occupational health and safety sector to provide healthier and safer workplaces for New Zealanders.

Business wants clarity on how to deliver against the

new accountabilities for workplace health and safety and, when they need external advice, they can have confidence in identifying, selecting and trusting a professional or a professional organisation. That is where HASANZ will contribute.

One of the first things that HASANZ has done is to set out a simple list of five questions that can help businesses to decide if the person they are asking for advice is competent to give that advice.

When choosing a workplace health and safety professional, check if they are right for the job by asking these five quick questions: • Which professional association do you belong to --- can you confirm this?

• What qualifications and/or certification do you have?

• What relevant skills and experience do you have for this job?

• Can you give me examples of similar work you have done recently?

• How do you keep up to date with your professional development?

The New Zealand Safety Council has a Register of Safety Professionals on our website. This list consists of those members that have voluntarily elected to apply to NZSC for RSP status.

They have then been judged by a panel of their peers against a list of ten core competencies and those that have passed the judging panel have been awarded RSP status.

Those applicants that have been judged to have reached a minimum of 70% of each of the ten core competencies, but not eligible for RSP status, are awarded ASP (Associate Safety Professional) status.

The ten core competencies may be viewed on the NZSC website: www.safetycouncil.org.nz A J Loader.

CEO New Zealand Safety Council.

Introducing Kevin Thompson

I have since 1996, actively working with industry to create and implement solutions for Health and Safety requirements.

Having spent 12 years as the National Health and Safety Manager for an Australasian Construction company, and 7 years B1501

and WSD).

Experience in creating and trialling E m e rg e n c y r e s p o n s e plans, and worksite safety inspection’s.

Relationships are vital to my way of working, as is my ongoing and continuous learning through my membership with the New Zealand Safety Council as a working with the small to R e g i s t e r e d S a f e t y medium business owners I Professional. have a vast background of For 12 months in 2012, diverse experiences.

Kevin was seconded to the I w o r k w i t h t h e Major projects division of business owner to allow Downer NZ as a Health them to own the solutions and Safety manager for and assist with ongoing the Christchurch Rebuild advice and support. I contract. This allowed can assist with both the him to participate in a ACC discount scheme hands on application of applications for reduction safety management as well of ACC levy’s (WSMP as contractor management.

Background and Experience • D i p l o m a

• • •

• •

• •

i n Occupational health and Safety.

Health and Safety Since 1996; Safety auditing - Since 1996; ACC Partnership program Since 2002 ;and WSMP management Since 2002; Wo r k p l a c e I n j u r y and return to work management - Since 2006; Workplace Accident Investigations – 1971; Environmental auditing - since 2006 AUTUMN 2015 - BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS - 31

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Telehandlers with Work Platforms Tele-handlers ability to be a multi-purpose machine have created a number of issues. A tele-handler can be a forklift, a loader (with bucket fitted), a crane (with jib attachment) and a work platform.

However with the latter they have issues with safety.

With the recent 2014 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES // MOBILE E L E VAT I N G W O R K P L AT F O R M S a t e l e handler has been specifically excluded from the scope.

Te l e s c o p i c h a n d l e r s , except when configured as a MEWP are excluded p7, so you cannot use the Guidelines in that context.

Not all tele-handlers are designed to handle or use a work platform; they do not

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have an appropriate range chart and may not have the correct safety systems (boom extension lock-outs etc).

A number of telehandlers have been imported into New Zealand with the intention of using them with a work platform, only for it to be discovered that they have no load charts and were not intended for this use.

Comment by Russell

Brokenshire | District Sales Manager Australasia For JCB: “JCB distribute in New Zealand through our dealer for Construction Telehandlers Clark Equipment machines compliant with AS1418.19, which is the Australian Standard for Tele-handlers. This is the base safety standard for Australia and New Zealand. From there, if fitting a work platform,

further requirements and specifications will need to be added as noted in this article by Philip Hawken.

My concern for the construction industry is the proliferation of European used TH imports being sold or hired in this country. The European standards vary to the AS1418.19 standards in some critical areas, so these machines are not compliant to the base standard in AS1418.19, let alone any

further requirements.

It is my view we would not tolerate imported cars with safety standards that do not match local legislation and we should not allow this situation with imported Tele-handlers.

No matter the brand, the serial number plate will note the standard the machine is built to and if it is not AS1418.19 I would be considering the wisdom of having the unit on site.�

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NZ Master Joiners Association

Compliant Timber Joinery Standards As a result of the “leaky homes” saga the Department of Building and Housing issued an edict in 2008 that all trades involved in construction must use products that meet the appropriate New Zealand Standard.

For joiners this meant that timber exterior doors and windows needed t o t e s t t o N Z S : 4 2 11 for weather tightness, both rain and wind and structural integrity to comply with our own Specification for Timber Windows NZS:3619 : 1979 which stated that timber windows shall comply with NZS:4211.

No current profiles had been tested and approved, but some research and testing had been carried out by M J N McNaughton Limited.

Rather than “reinventing the wheel” and starting all

over, Master Joiners (New Zealand Joinery Manufacturers’ Federation Inc) joined forces with McNaughtons to carry out an extensive testing programme. This was considered the preferred option as opposed to each individual manufacturer being forced to go it alone to gain compliance for their products at an unaffordable cost.

A c o m p a n y, J M F New Zealand Ltd (JMF NZ), was formed to carry out this extensive, (and expensive), programme and to protect the valuable intellectual property that has been developed.

To date, funded by the members levies, the cost has exceeded $350,000.

JMF NZ is jointly

owned (50/50) by Master Joiners and McNaughtons.

The Company has four directors representing

Master Joiners and M J N McNaughton Limited.

The extensive and ongoing testing programme is led by director and manager Garry McNaughton.

A manual with full details of all NZS:4211 compliant window and door profiles has been produced and distributed to all Master Joiner members who have become affiliated members of JMF NZ. Further development and the preparation of fully tested installation procedures and relevant specification is currently being undertaken and nearing completion.

Director Ken Monk has visited and spoken to all Master Joiner regional associations and is also visiting specifiers, architects, and local government regulators.

Suppliers of hardware have joined in support, as have manufacturers of timber profiles.

Each project will require compliance tags (purchased from JMF NZ) to be fixed to the profiles as proof of compliance. It is envisaged that the income from sales of compliance tags will cover the cost of ongoing research and testing.

JMF New Zealand Limited: 20 Cambridge Terrace, Taradale Napier 4112 Ph (06) 9956, Fax (06) 650 6756. E: admin@jmfnz.co.nz, www.jmfnz.co.nz

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Directory

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CONCRETE PRODUCTS

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Electrix Celebrates 60th Anniversary

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Southern Workplace Safety

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