Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #108

Issue #108 - Spring Edition 2017

THE CONCRETE RESEARCH ROADMAP Mapping the future of concrete use in New Zealand

UPDATING ROOFING INDUSTRY STANDARDS IS NO QUICK FIX Not all product certification schemes are created equal The benefits and features of Trombe walls

Automation and the future of your industry

WHAT TO DO

when things don’t go to plan

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 3

Contents, Issue #108 - Spring Edition 2017 Page: 12

Page: 23

Page: 49

Contents

Welcome

- publisher's note Despite the building sector’s continued robustness, nagging issues remain, meaning that running a company continues to present ongoing challenges.

So we look at what these challenges are, as outlined in the first New Zealand Construction Industry Survey, which reveals a staggering 84 percent of those in industry management roles identify labour and skills shortages as a major issue facing the industry.

With health and safety taking ever more precedence in the daily lives of tradesmen and consultants, commercial lawyer Geoff Hardy looks at safeguards built into our justice system to ensure the law is applied consistently, transparently, impartially and fairly.

And of course, all work and no play makes for a pretty dull existence, so check out the tradies toys page.

A big thank you to all our columnists for their expertise and insight, along with the views, opinions and predictions of all those who contributed to give you, the reader, information you can apply to your worksites and offices around the country.

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Building Recruitment HR consultant Amanda Chase on how maximising people potential maximises your business potential

16: New Zealand Green Building

36: Form Building’s award-winning

Business strategist Kevin Vincent outlines the two types of plans a business owner needs to successfully exit their company

Commercial lawyer Geoff Hardy on when and where tradesmen and consultants should stand up for their right to natural justice construction services

is the ultimate tradies toy

the one you arrive on site in concrete performance

Builders and Contractors, a national trade newspaper targeted directly at New Zealand's building and construction industry.

For some time we were aware that, although the building and related trades were generally covered individually by some trade journals, there was no amalgamated news link for trades as a whole, especially on a nationwide basis.

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

Readers: Construction/building industry

leaders and decision makers: government & trade organisations, site safe members, business owners and professionals in the industry.

Nationwide Distribution: Mailed directly to a carefully maintained list of decision makers and subscribers for 25 years.

FREE distribution maximises readership 4 | B&C - Spring 2017

for a record year

22: A resilient concrete research

15: The smart way to measure

17: NZ’s construction industry is set

Tina Hwang and Marcus Beveridge from Queen City Law discuss the importance of employment and immigration compliance

14: Your biggest workplace risk is

your industry

20: Thirty students, one brief and

13: Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup

17: Automation and the future of

Martz Witty from the Martz Group discusses what to do when things don’t go to plan

10: Tana Group’s suite of

Council’s new standard makes it easier to verify the performance of new homes

This void has been successfully filled by Builders & Contractors. Distribution is by way of various outlets: PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, Builders Hardware, I.T.M., Carters, Site Safe Members, Home Ideas Centre, timber companies, hire companies, together with our database direct mail drop to architects, draughting professionals, consulting engineers, building consultants, designers and local Councils. By these means we aim to reach one of the most powerful buying groups in the industry.

three days to develop a fictional experimental village

roadmap

26: The benefits and features of

Trombe walls

30: Not all product certification

schemes are created equal

31: How the innovative Core

Drill Block can improve safety and accuracy in the drilling industry

33: An advanced, lightweight

alternative to traditional rafting solutions

35: How diversity reaps rewards for

AP Group

success solidifies its position at the forefront of construction

38: Putting the ‘health’ in H&S 39: RDL Group’s longstanding

history in construction

42: A booming industry means

more people are required to meet construction demand

44: Arrow International’s

ground-breaking work on Queenstown’s indoor skydiving simulator

48: The humble glove’s ultimate

protection against chemicals and solvents

49: Buying timber joinery

with confidence

53: Serious changes are needed

to update NZ roofing industry standards

60: How to support improved

national infrastructure resilience

71: The Elevated Work Platform

Association extends its reach and influence

Does your company have any exciting projects or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Builders & Contractors?

Please contact our Sales Manager to discuss: Editorial/Production: Sarah Smith 120 Maces Road, Bromley Christchurch 8062 PO Box 19607, Woolston, Christchurch, 8241 Ph: (03) 376 5120 • Cell: 0288 500 4181 Email: sarah@markat.co.nz

Sales Manager: Stewart Smith

120 Maces Road, Bromley Christchurch 8062 PO Box 19607, Woolston, Christchurch, 8241 Cell: 027 222 1736 Email: stewart@markat.co.nz

Disclaimer This publication is provided on the basis that The Job Agency T|A Markat is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2017 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

contacted accordingly. Communication is key. We can help write your advert, screen and prepare for interviews. What takes your time and put`s pressure on you we can help manage. Building long term working relationships is essential to us both, understanding your business and your recruitment needs.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 5

Viewpoints

Maximising people's potential will maximise your business potential

Exit planning

By Amanda Chase

By Kevin Vincent

The most important resource's any business will ever have are its people.

Exit planning refers to the process of helping the business owner(s) leave or exit the business and ensures that a successful transition of ownership will transpire in a timely, efficient and effective manner.

This means; one of the most important investments you will make will be in the processes around finding and managing the right people. Which is where HR comes in.

'Managing' not only means KPIs and making sure your team reach their targets or quotas for the month, it more importantly means empowering, coaching and motivating your staff to share your business’ vision.

This will, in return, increase their determination to do well and help the business they work for do well also. When your staff understand the reasons why they do what they do and how it affects the bigger picture, they are more likely to feel like an essential part of the business.

By investing in good human resource practices and helping your people grow, you will be directly impacting the business' success. When leaders tell people to do their jobs, they get workers, but when they trust people to get the job done, they get leaders.

There are multiple areas that benefit from having good HR practices in your business.

Some of these include:

• Your staff will build your reputation as an employer of choice • You will build a great company culture and a more productive team • Focusing on retaining staff will save you recruitment money and time and will avoid disruption to your workflow • You will have peace of mind that you are legally compliant • You will be able to align the right people with your business goals • There will be less 'grey areas' and more clarity on what employees can expect when working with you.

So how do you build that culture where staff will feel motivated and encouraged?

Organisational culture is determined by how people interact with each other. It is a behaviour that each individual must conscientiously watch and improve and as each person does that, it becomes a piece to a much bigger puzzle.

As all staff improve their own culture, it feeds through to their colleagues, which feeds through to other departments and so on.

The goal in most cases is to maximise the financial returns to the business owner, however, in cases of family succession this may be secondary.

Amanda Chase graduated in HR Management & Employment Relations in 2012 and has worked in the HR field for many years. If you feel your business could use a hand in HR matters please feel free to contact her on (09) 215 9746, or email amanda@buildingrecruitment.co.nz.

If you want to have a culture that encourages safe work practises, then you start by focusing on safe work practices within the office. If you want to have a culture that provides service on time to your clients, then you must cultivate a culture of being punctual for internal meetings.

How we behave as leaders drives the kind of culture we want to end up with. This also means that if your business has been doing something a certain way that hasn’t shown the desired results, then ensuring you have the right leaders to guide the change is extremely important. This includes having those HR practices in place or having someone to help you set those up.

Some of the pitfalls of not having those HR practices in place are: that you could potentially lose good staff, promote the wrong staff and waste time and money on recruitment due to high staff turnover.

Not to mention the possibility of personal grievances and the reputation of a revolving door for employees. It is much more cost effective to do things once and do them well.

And to have a well-run business, you can’t get away from HR matters.

Building Recruitment has recently launched it's own HR division, in response to the demand from small to medium sized businesses who don’t have an HR specialist within their organisation.

Some of the areas that we are able to assist with are: employee administration and induction, health and safety, training and development, pre-employment screening, performance and retention management, succession and career planning, HR planning, compliance, legislation, and more.

Two types of plans need to be prepared in order for a business owner to successfully leave or exit the business.

Kevin Vincent, managing director of Vincent Consulting

Personal goals and action plans

• Retire from active involvement (or scale down involvement) by taking on a new partner or appointing a manager

The personal goals of the business owner(s) must be taken into account and plans must be made to ensure that “life after transition” goes smoothly.

Personal financial planning and tax planning will need to be considered to ensure the maximum net proceeds and transfer of wealth.

Business goals and action plans The business value of the enterprise needs to be maximised prior to the transition. This will ensure that the business owner(s) receive the maximum return on their investment.

Plans must be put in place to transfer the management roles and responsibilities that were previously performed by the business owner(s) (management succession).

If a management succession plan is considered at least 12-36 months prior to selling, then it is likely that internal structures will lower the risk of failure of a new business owner. This will ultimately increase the value of the business.

Why prepare an exit plan?

Why would you prepare an 'exit, succession or business owner retirement' strategic plan for your business?

No matter how much you enjoy working in your business, inevitably there will come a time when you will need to retire or sell your business.

A business owner can retire in several ways.

Each has implications, not only for you as the owner, but for the business and the business adviser.

An exit and succession plan will help you to consider a variety of different options before you make the final decision. In order to retire from the business, the business owner can choose to: • Sell the business • Transfer ownership and control of the business to family members • Allow the business to cease – particularly if the business is small and closely tied to the owner's personal involvement

6 | B&C - Spring 2017

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• Allow existing partners or family to run the business and maintain a passive involvement.

Each option has its merits and drawbacks.

However it is essential that any decision regarding retirement be made early so that death or infirmity does not force an unfortunate decision on the owner or the owner's family.

Most business owners are only concerned with selling their business to a third party.

Therefore the primary driver for preparing an exit plan is to maximise the value of the business in this sales process.

Common problems To ensure you get the best price for your business if you decide to sell, you need to start planning for such a sale well in advance.

You also need to consider the issues that could cause you problems.

Common problems at the start of the process can include: • Many business owners feel their business is worth more than is justified by the marketplace • Many business owners books and records may fail to reflect the true worth of the business • Many business owners have backdated compliance and financial statements • Some business owners have little systems and processes in place • Most business owners have never reviewed their business from an 'attractiveness to a buyer' perspective so there are fundamental problems that will drag the value down.

For more information on exit / succession planning please contact Kevin@vincentconsulting.co.nz for a no obligation free initial consultation.

Viewpoints

When things don’t go to plan

The importance of employment and immigration compliance

By Martz Witty

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang

So you’re in business and something isn’t quite going to plan, or has happened that you hadn’t budgeted for, or has struck from the left field and caught you unaware.

These all happen. But how are you dealing with them?

The Employment Relations Act 2000 (ERA) and Immigration Act 2009 (the Act) provides requirements for both construction operators and its workers.

The first typical reaction is knee jerk and panic, but this is seldom the correct course of action.

Instead I suggest grabbing a pen and paper and answering these questions that I learned years ago at a Dale Carnegie course.

It changed my life forever and is cited in Dale’s book How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.

Of course, as with anything, the theory is one thing – you need to apply it:

1. What’s the problem? Try to itemise in measurable terms what is wrong, what’s happened? What is about to happen? At a fundamental level, anything we can measure, we can manage.

2. What’s the cause(s) of the problem? What has happened that led to this arising: is it a system fault or a human fault? Who is that person? What is the system? When and how did it happen? When did it come to your attention?

3. What are the possible solutions?

Okay now let your worry get out of the way here. No answer or possible solution is a crazy one, from the sublime to the ridiculous. List them, don’t stop at one or two – go for gold. I remember years ago I had a staff member who did this exercise about a failing computer system the company had at the time. One of his possible solutions was to go to the roof of our building in Durham Street and throw the computers off. Yes it was a bit crazy, but the fundamental truth was that the entire system needed to go.

4. What is the best possible solution? Pick and choose; with a vast array of options from the three listed above, what can you glean, merge, pick and choose that will fix the problem?

5. Do it. Just do it. Now.

It sounds so simple (and it is), but the challenge in business when facing a crisis or problem is we fail to stop and think, contemplate and act.

Martz Witty, Head of the Martz Group www.martz.co.nz

Unfortunately, many of these important provisions are overlooked. The construction sector is notorious for breaching key requirements necessitating investigations

by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Labour Inspector who have, at various times, deemed construction to be a “high risk” sector.

These bodies have made several “busts” and have taken numerous steps to ensure compliance with the law.

So what are the common breaches and issues relating to employment and immigration?

Tina Hwang & Marcus Beveridge

Employment

The agreement should make this especially clear. If building tools, mobile phones, cars and/ or equipment are provided to the worker, then it should clearly say so.

One of the fundamental issues that recurs not only within the building industry, but across the board, is whether a worker has been employed as an employee or contracted for services as an independent contractor.

Consequent to this is the responsibility to insure these items. The ability of the operator to relocate the worker to various projects and restrictions on such relocation (if any) is another important point.

About Martz Group

The Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court have made confusing precedents in determining whether a worker is in fact an employee or not.

Provision for breaks, payments (or non-payment) of overtime, any restraint of trade including possible prohibition of “moon lighting” or conflicts of interest, are also important.

Martz Group is a niche marketed boutique group of companies that brings together the discipline and learning of chartered accounting together with the creativity and passion of focussed business development all carefully blended with the panache of motivational and professional speaking.

An employee has all the basic rights and entitlements under the ERA, including annual leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, parental leave, public holidays, protection from unjustified dismissal, obligations of good faith, obligations of due process and general protection over their job.

Whilst no two businesses are ever exactly the same, it is amazing how the essential skeleton of processes, procedures and protocols to run a successful business are completely transferable between almost any business. Therein lies the key to success.

A contractor is obliged to pay its own ACC, tax, expenses and generally has no protection over future work.

We really stress that money is only one currency in business, there are others that deserve equal hearing. Time is one that we spend a good deal of effort on. Having pots of money isn’t much use if you don’t have the time to enjoy the fruits of your labours.

Equally home and family needs attention.

We have seen far too many business owners striving away at work, making great businesses and lots of money only to go home and find the family have gone!

Each case is said to be “intensely factual” and each Court has looked at the intention of the parties, the amount of control the operator has over the worker, who pays the tax, the importance of the worker to the business operation, and so on.

Finding that integral balance between self and health, business and career, home and family, and community and humanity gives purpose for why you work so hard and so long. When you get these in balance (or at least closer to in balance) then you enjoy a core wellbeing and that (frankly) is worth more than all the money you can throw at it.

The operator could risk the worker raising a personal grievance claim in the Employment Relations Authority regardless of its contract.

Perhaps you are too close to the action?

Then find a friend, an advisor or a colleague and work through this together. A fresh set of eyes will see things differently (perhaps less emotionally) than you do.

A more objective viewpoint can help you through issues with clarity and probably speed.

Find one to help you today. We often get called to undertake this exercise and the true power of the process is in the implementation.

The Courts have made contradicting decisions on this issue determining that what the parties call one another is not necessarily decisive.

Operators must therefore be careful that they do not simply hire workers as “contractors”, with circumstances reflecting an employment arrangement, to avoid having to pay the worker leave and other guaranteed entitlements.

Having a written employment agreement is vital. If the employer does not have a signed employment agreement with the employee, the employer can be fined up to $20,000 by a Labour Inspector (for companies or corporates) or up to $10,000 for individuals.

Another essential factor is whether the worker is permanent full time, permanent part time, fixed-term, or casual.

There are common misnomers among employers for when they can employ a worker on a fixed-term or casual basis and this needs to be carefully understood and applied.

Immigration All workers must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Whether this means they are a citizen, permanent resident, or on a work visa (open or specified), they must have a valid visa.

Employers should always check the eligibility of their workers and ensure all workers are compliant with their visa conditions.

The operator should take steps to monitor the visa expiry and get the employee/subcontractor to confirm that they are eligible to work in New Zealand, or face consequences.

An employer can commit an offence if it “allows or continues to allow any person to work… knowing that the person is not entitled…” or exploits unlawful employees.

Penalties for such offences can include a fine of up to $50,000 or up to seven years' imprisonment.

The above should not be taken as legal advice.

If you have any queries regarding construction contracts, please feel free to contact Tina Hwang or Marcus Beveridge of Queen City Law.

Another common issue for the building industry is who owns and supplies the tools for the workers. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 7

News

Stand up for your right to natural justice

By Geoff Hardy, an Auckland commercial lawyer

Tradesmen and consultants working in the construction industry are subject to the law of the land like everyone else.

So they can be prosecuted by the police, they can be sued by the general public, and they can be told what to do (or more often, what not to do) by various government departments or agencies, and by councils.

Not surprisingly, in a first-world country such as ours, there are safeguards built into our justice system to ensure the law is applied against us consistently, transparently, impartially and fairly. By and large, the odds are loaded in the defendant’s favour.

Sometimes, though, we encounter situations where someone other than the courts has the right to tell us what to do, and to penalise us if we disobey them.

Two common examples are the Disputes Tribunal (our small claims court) and the Weathertight Homes Tribunal (a specialist tribunal set up to resolve leaky building claims).

Then there are the bodies that regulate our profession or calling – such as the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand, the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand, the New Zealand Institute of Architects, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, the Electrical Workers Registration Board, and the Building Practitioners Board.

Finally, there are specialist dispute resolution professionals such as arbitrators and adjudicators who are given power to make an award against you which is binding and has the force of law.

When you get down to that level, there aren’t the same legal safeguards as there are in the court system, so there is a risk that these people could abuse their power, and make a ruling out of spite, prejudice, selfinterest, or laziness.

What protections do you have against that?

There are two main protections. The first is that you can usually have their decisions second-guessed by the courts, under a procedure known as 'judicial review', if you think they have behaved unfairly or unreasonably. The second is that they are usually required to comply with a body of rules known as the 'principles of natural justice'.

For example, if you are an arbitrator, and the arbitration is being held in New Zealand, then the Arbitration Act 1996 says that an arbitral award may be set aside by the High Court if a breach of the rules of natural justice occurred.

using the process known as Determination, then the Government must comply with the principles of natural justice. Under the same Act, the Building Practitioners Board and the Registrar of Licensed Building Practitioners, when they are looking at disciplining a licensed builder, must comply with those same principles. And finally, under the Construction Contracts Act 2002, when you are having a dispute resolved using the adjudication process, then the adjudicator must comply with them as well.

The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 goes even further. It says that every person has the right to the observance of the principles of natural justice by any tribunal, or other public authority, which has the power to make a determination in respect of that person's rights, obligations, or interests protected or recognised by law. And every person whose rights, obligations, or interests protected or recognised by law have been affected by a determination of any tribunal or other public authority has the right to apply, in accordance with law, for judicial review of that determination.

So what exactly are the principles of natural justice?

There are only two of them. The first is that when you are being judged, you must be given adequate notice of the hearing and an adequate opportunity to present your case.

This can be summarised as the right to a fair trial. The second is that the judge or decisionmaker must be disinterested in the outcome, and unbiased. In other words, he or she must be strictly neutral.

The right to a fair trial means that you must be given prior notice of all the allegations that are going to be made against you, a fair opportunity to answer those allegations, and the opportunity to present your case properly.

You are not allowed to be ambushed or to have allegations or evidence sprung on you without a chance to prepare for them in advance. And you must be given an opportunity to answer every allegation, even if they seem to be a “no brainer”.

The rule against bias, on the other hand, disqualifies the decision-maker from hearing the case in three distinct situations.

Similarly, recognition or enforcement of an arbitral award, irrespective of the country in which it was made, may be refused on the same grounds.

The first is where you would automatically assume that he or she has a personal interest in the outcome (eg. he or she is a major shareholder in one of the parties, and stands to benefit financially if they win).

Under the Building Act 2004, if you are asking the Government to review a Council decision

The second is if he or she is actually prejudiced against one of the parties or

8 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Geoff Hardy, a commercial lawyer based in Auckland

actually champions the other, right from the outset.

The third is where it is reasonably obvious that the decision-maker is not impartial. For example, where their statements or conduct suggest they have predetermined views or personal hostility towards one of the parties or favouritism towards another.

There have been plenty of cases where decisions have been successfully set aside because of a breach of the principles of natural justice, whether those decisions were made by arbitrators and adjudicators under the Construction Contracts Act, or the Building Practitioners Board.

Remember however that you can’t complain simply because you didn’t win. There has to have been some unfairness in the process by which that conclusion was arrived at, before you can challenge the decision on the basis of natural justice.

Geoff Hardy has 42 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and heads up the construction law team at the Auckland firm “Martelli McKegg”. He guarantees personal attention to new clients at competitive rates.

His phone number is (09) 379 0700, fax (09) 309 4112, and e-mail geoff@martellimckegg. co.nz. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

Shoreload & Propping

New location, improved solutions Shoreload & Propping have been running at full tilt since Managing Director, Tim Smith, took over the business in 2015. They continue to shake up the industry with a unique personality and focus on outstanding quality, and a recent move to Avondale ensures they’re equipped to tackle the next phase of business growth with gusto.

Shoreload & Propping provide temporary support solutions for both residential and commercial projects in the construction industry. These solutions are offered through the design, install and supply of both Shoreload and Acrow propping systems.

Tim’s previous leadership and commercial experience gained from over 25 years in telecommunications have enabled him to view the market through a fresh lens and hone business operations by introducing advanced processes, systems and software.

Tim says the key has centred around finding their niche in the market and ensuring

there is always a ‘solutions-first’ focus.

“Our solutions approach includes strong consultation with our clients and focused site visits to fully understand the requirements and the environment. From there, our teams take over to deliver an efficient outcome based on both the specifications and consultation.” This ‘solutions-first’ approach has also been encouraged by Shoreload’s values-based dedication to building strong personal relationships with customers and suppliers. Not shy of some banter, the Shoreload team pride themselves on their ability to share a laugh or be available for a chat any time of the day.

Tim says one of the biggest challenges in today’s construction market is the real shortage of skilled labour. “Many of our clients and other sub-contractors are finding it extremely hard to source and retain skilled, qualified and experienced staff.” That said, Tim is thrilled to have recently employed Jonas Wagner as Operations Manager.

Jonas, who holds a Bachelor in Engineering, brings energy and detailed thinking to the Shoreload and Propping team.

Shoreload & Propping have also taken an industry leadership position by creating a solution of their own to ensure the identification and retention of quality, motivated staff. This comes in the form

of their proprietary staff & training development program. The program will work on an employment continuum that trains, educates and motivates staff in health & safety, propping (practical & theory), teamwork, and behavioural skills. While the program is only in its infancy, Tim says they have already seen a huge boost in initiative, leadership and quality output. “It’s all about motivating our team to take their jobs to the next level and continue to grow with us to become experts in their field. The goal is to lead the industry with our knowledge,

conduct and standards and we recognise that it’s up to us to invest in the capability of our people.”

As Shoreload & Propping continues to grow in both size and capability, Tim is positive they will remain consistent in their ‘solutionsfirst’ approach and ability to support their customers every step of the way.

Shoreload & Propping’s new premises is located at 74D Patiki Road, Avondale. Get in touch at info@shoreload.co.nz or call (09) 829 2514.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 9

Tana Group

A suite of construction services Tana Group sets high standards in its three branches: Tana Scaffolding, Tana Training, and Tana Building & Interiors.

Since the boom in the Auckland building market, the large well-established company has expanded and now providesa wide range of services to the building industry.

Tana Group has grown from offering primarily scaffolding to include a training school plus a building and interiors service.

Tana Group is based in Auckland, but the company’s services are available nationwide.

Owner John Tana and his wife Deborah Tana first opened their first scaffolding business, Tana Scaffolding Ltd, five years ago. Jason McCormack become a partner in 2016.

To meet demand, Tana Training followed and offers a selection of industry courses.

Tana Building & Interiors is the most recent branch to be opened.

All branches of the company are much in demand, and the staff now numbers 80 to 90, plus its contractors.

Tana Scaffolding has a motto of client satisfaction and delivery of a quality service with safety every time. It specializes in all aspects of scaffolding, falsework, propping, temporary roofing, staging, edge protection, key events, rubbish chutes, special hoist systems, rigging and steel erecting. The

company’s staff is its biggest asset, and staff are regularly reviewed and trained in safety and skills. From residential to commercial, industrial and events, no job is too big or too Small. Tana Scaffolding is a member of Sitesafe and SARNZ.we are also Sitewise and Fonterra (Prequal) Accredited.

Tana Training offers a range of high-quality courses in high risk areas such as working at heights, confined spaces, to operating and obtaining a licence for a forklift and first aid.. Trainer Dan Tana has over 50 years’ experience in the industry, and has a New Zealand National Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 5) International Environment. Depending on the course, trainees spend at least 50% of their time in a classroom, while the remainder of the course will be conducted either on a scaffolding tower (for the working at heights course), a customized entry and exit container (confined spaces), or practical forklift assessment.

Tana Training also provides auditing and consulting services. Rima Cooper and Dan Tana are exceptional members of staff to Tana Training Ltd

RESOURCING YOUR FUTURE • SCAFFOLDING • FALSEWORK / PROPPING • TRAINING AND ASSESSING • HIAB SERVICES • BUILDING • INTERIOR FITOUT TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT AND ON TIME CONTACT US NOW!

P: 09 236 3805 | E: jasonm@tana.nz

tana.nz 10 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Tana Building & Interiors provide comprehensive building and interior services across the building and construction industry. The company commits to providing a high level of communication, fully qualified people, unbeatable workmanship, and dedication to health and safety.

Sharleen Fah, Donald Fah and Reuben Boyd are valued members of staff to assist in the execution of all work from inception to completion.

“From concept to completion, we visualize a project, we take ownership and ensure the project is completed in accordance with our client’s vision Tana Group Ltd itself is all about presenting itself professionally within the construction and Industrial sectors. We ensure our staff are well trained and looked after and are working towards their preferred trade. All members of staff are key and critical to us.

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Scaffold tower with fully adjustable levels 12m long, 0.8m wide and a reach height of 7m. Worksafe Compliant.

Metal walkboards not included.

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0800 GOSCAFFOLD (0800 467 223) info@goscaffolding.co.nz

0800 444 090 | www.fatweb.co.nz

www.goscaffolding.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 11

Tradies’ toys Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 Black Dial Quartz Men’s Watch A watch deserving of the wrist-space of the tough and the suave is Diesel’s Mr. Daddy 2.0 black dial quartz watch. Boasting gold-plated stainless steel, a golden steel strap and featuring quartz movement, date display, and chronographic function, as well as being 30 metres water resistant, this design oozes sophistication but remains practicality’s best friend.

RRP: $749 www.smithandcaugheys.co.nz

Montague full-size folding bike Combining high performance and portability, Montague is a world-leading provider of both recreational and specialised bicycles. With superior folding technology for ease of transportation, and backed by decades of research into comfort and durability, make the most of the beautiful outdoors with absolute effortlessness.

Simply fold and stow the bike when you’re done.

RRP: $1,199 www.montaguebikes.com.au

Beats by Dre Studio Wireless Headphones Named the best Bluetooth wireless headphone of 2015 and 2016 by CNET, these beauties allow you to feel the music, not the wires. Take calls, skip songs and change the volume right from the headphone. The Bluetooth connection lets you enjoy your music wirelessly for up to 12 – 20 hours when plugged into your audio device.

RRP: $619.95 nz.beatsbydre.com

UZI Tactical Glassbreaker Pen There’s a little James Bond in all of us, and for those who like to act on that instinct, this tactical pen is just the thing for you. UZI’s products are tried and tested by the US Army, Secret Service and Special Forces, so you know they’re good. Made with heavy-duty aircraft aluminium and featuring a carbide-tip glass breaker and striking point, this is a compact device that’s ideal for any toolbox, just in case you need to, you know, write something down or smash some glass.

RRP: From $31.95 www.uzi.com

minimising the risk of accidents and re-work Ask for Ovaboard by name. Available at your local building and hardware merchant.

sale@ovaboard.co.nz • www.ovaboard.co.nz • facebook.com/ovaboardnz A trusted brand sold nationwide, OVABOARD incorporates the latest technology in temporary flooring protection designed for project managers, builders and trades people in commercial construction, residential builds and renovations.

12 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Tradies’ toys

Stylishly tough

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Mercedes-Benz has made a pickup – but true to form, they’ve done it with typical Mercedes style.

In the X-Class, the Germans have thrown down the gauntlet and squared up to traditional market monopolists such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.

Mercedes-Benz say the X-Class has been developed with the changing requirements of the international pickup markets in mind.

The demand for mid-size pickups with typical passenger car characteristics and comfort features has been steadily on the rise for years. At the same time, the number of pickups for private use is increasing.

They are no longer viewed purely as workhorses and Mercedes-Benz is taking these changes into account.

The X-Class is aimed at land owners and farmers, business owners and building contractors, families with an affinity for premium products, trend-conscious individualists, as well as sporty adventurers.

Due to be launched in Europe in November and available here in early 2018, there will be three versions to choose from: the basic X-Class Pure, the X-Class Progressive, a "rugged ute with extra styling and comfort functions", and the X-Class Power - the highend version with probably a touch more bling than a ‘workhorse ute’ ought to have.

These choices encompass four or six-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive and engagable or permanent all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Two turbo-diesel fours will be available from launch – the X220d (120kW) and X250d (140kW) – with the V6 turbo-diesel boasting 190kW arriving later in the year (2018).

Mixing work and pleasure The X-Class has been designed to resolve apparent contradictions: modern design and uncompromising robustness, impressive offroad capability and a high level of driving dynamics, stylish comfort and great functionality.

This tough performance pickup delivers a driveability and handling that matches many demands – both with regard to driving dynamics and ride comfort. This is attained thanks to a comfort suspension with the fine tuning expected of a Mercedes.

The three variants The X-Class PURE basic variant is ideal for rugged, functional use. It fulfils all the demands placed on a workhorse. At the same time its comfort and design make it perfect for visiting customers or suppliers and for private activities.

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

BULK INDUSTRIAL LAND CLOSE TO THE PORT PORTFOLIO SELL DOWN - JUST $55M² FOR SALE

PORTLINK INDUSTRIAL PARK - STAGES 7&8, WOOLSTON, CHRISTCHURCH LAND DEVELOPMENT

The X-Class PROGRESSIVE is aimed at people seeking a rugged pickup with extra styling and comfort functions – as a calling card for their own business, while also being a comfortable yet prestigious vehicle for private use.

The X-Class POWER is the high-end design and equipment line. It is aimed at customers for whom styling, performance and comfort are paramount. The X-Class POWER is a lifestyle vehicle beyond the mainstream – suitable for urban environments as well as for sports and leisure activities off the beaten track. Through its design and high level of equipment it reflects an independent and individualistic lifestyle.

Selling well 8.3858ha Final stage below book value zoned Industrial (7&8) of Portlink - bulk lot General Industrial Park

Balancing heavy load capability and general use ride comfort is taken care of via a rear multi-link solid axle, and independent front suspension and coil springs on both axles, allowing for a 1,042 kg payload capability.

Established 6km from business park - top Lyttelton Port quality occupiers

This is a very rare opportunity for astute purchasers to acquire a large parcel of undeveloped freehold industrial land so close to Lyttelton Port and just 10 minutes from the central city. The long term owners of this development are selling down their portfolio and have priced this to sell quickly.

Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, depending on specification, and at 5,340mm long, the X-Class is a tad shorter than a Ford Ranger (5,351mm).

colliers.co.nz/61802

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E. Darryl@kensingtonconsulting.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 13

News

Your biggest workplace risk is the one you arrive on site in Sixty-five percent of workplace deaths are vehicle related, according to Safe Work Australia.

We would use New Zealand figures, but unfortunately Worksafe and NZTA don’t share information and NZTA doesn’t store the purpose of a person’s journey.

There’s no reason to believe that our figures would be much different, as 26 percent of that 65 percent are off-road crashes (from farm bike rollovers to building site incidents), and the remaining 39 percent are on-road fatal crashes involving a work vehicle. That work vehicle could be one of yours.

Most of us are over hearing about the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, but with the real risk of fines large enough to wipe out your business, what are we doing to reduce what is widely acknowledged as the biggest risk to health and safety in our business: driving?

The answer is, unfortunately, usually nothing.

What is work travel?

Work travel is not commuting from a person’s home to a depot. Work travel is driving for work. That means driving to the building site, going to pick up some supplies, and nipping down to the café to pick up some pies for the crew. When you are driving for work,

you fall under the rules of the HSWA2015 and in clause 20 it says that a vehicle is a place of work.

How do you reduce the risk of vehicle accidents and cover your health and safety obligations?

There are three things you need to do: 1) Use a service such as NZTA’s Driver Check to make sure that all of your guys actually have valid licences and that they haven’t lost it through a speeding fine over the weekend, but not told you.

2) Make sure your vehicles are safe – tyres are legal, it’s got a WoF and registration and there’s nothing that would make it fail a WoF. When you buy a new vehicle, get the safest you can, preferably with a 5-star crash test rating.

3) Get some driver training – this is especially important if you’re hiring people that have never had to take a New Zealand driving test.

There are cost-effective online driver training options that cover your obligations and are easy to use on a computer or smartphone.

Construction industry survey hammers home skills shortages As demand for construction surges, the industry is constrained by capacity, compliance and sluggish contract turnaround times.

Results from the first New Zealand Construction Industry Survey reveal a staggering 84 percent of those in construction industry management roles (general, project and fleet managers) identify labour and skills shortages as a major issue facing the industry, with 69 percent of all respondents agreeing.

Almost two thirds of respondents (64 percent) anticipate that they will be needing more staff in the upcoming year.

So severe is the shortage that 84 percent of respondents say they would hire immediately, if labour with the right skills were available.

That’s a big ‘if’ - finding skilled, motivated workers who can pass workplace drug testing is proving to be a real challenge.

Presented at the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) annual conference in Dunedin, the Survey is a joint research project between Teletrac Navman, CCNZ and Contractor magazine. The Survey gauges 14 | B&C - Spring 2017

the attitudes of people in the construction industry on a wide range of issues regarding productivity, training, staffing, safety, measurement and the use of technology.

CCNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says, “We want a strong, successful and productive industry, but need change.

“Focus should be on reducing approval and turnaround times for projects, and improving collaboration between the public and private sectors. We can’t do it alone. We need local councils and central government to work with us to complete projects efficiently and to a high standard.”

A significant three quarters (74 percent) of owners and directors identify compliance costs as the most important area requiring change in the NZ construction industry, as do 57 percent of all survey respondents.

The need for better, not more, regulations is the prevalent view held by 80 percent of the respondents. Other key areas requiring change are, the approval and turnaround time on construction projects (34 percent), and collaborative private-public partnerships to enable future planning and sensible operating environments (33 percent).

The New Zealand Construction Industry Survey is available to download at http:// www.teletracnavman.co.nz/constructionindustry-survey.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

One option, used by BCITO and others in the industry, is DT Driver Training’s Fleet Driver Plan (www.drivingtests.co.nz). For $19 per driver per year it covers driver health and safety, the road rules, advanced driving, heavy vehicle loading and more.

Cottingham hits the nail on the head about our overall driving risk being something that affects our loved ones, too: you drive on holiday, to social events, and take your kids to school. It would be helpful to reduce those risks for the sake of your family.

Director Darren Cottingham says, “Small companies struggle to know what practical steps to take for workplace health and safety because it’s overwhelming. Online driver training is simple to organise and has benefits outside the business as well as in the business.”

Just a small crash could cost your company well over $5,000 in insurance excess, damage to any materials you’re carrying, time off work and lost productivity.

Driver training is one risk that’s well worth mitigating.

News

Smart ways to measure concrete performance To most people, concrete doesn’t warrant a second look, although we see it everywhere.

It is used to construct houses, warehouses, hospitals, schools, apartment buildings, wastewater treatment plants and bridges, just to name a few.

It has been used for thousands of years and it is the single most widely used building material in the world.

Both Smartrock 2 and Bluerock sensors are tied to reinforcing steel within the slab or formwork, which enables wireless and continuous monitoring of concrete temperature and strength.

This is critical to achieve the design life of the concrete structure.

The sensors use Bluetooth technology to transmit data that can be read with an android IOS smartphone app. The app draws on data stored in the cloud to analyse the performance of the concrete.

However, as it turns out, it is not as easy to work with as people would expect.

The sensors have several benefits. One major advantage is the optimisation of the concrete formwork removal cycles.

“Don’t assume anything when it comes to concrete,” states Lance Canute, the founder of Canzac, a Christchurch based innovator, manufacturer and supplier of new technologies for concrete construction.

The smart sensors will provide updates on the strength and humidity of the concrete, which can possibly lead to the formwork being removed earlier than anticipated.

Once the main ingredients of concrete are mixed together (cement aggregates and water), a series of chemical reactions occur and timing becomes a key factor. It can be difficult to judge when concrete reaches the desired strength and humidity.

Canzac is preparing to distribute smart sensors that can be buried in concrete.

Smartrock 2 and Bluerock measure concrete strength and relative humidity.

Concrete strength is normally measured in MPA (Mega Pascal’s) and relative humidity (RH) is usually measured in concrete slabs which receive applied finishes.

This would therefore push the construction programme ahead and ultimately the project could be delivered earlier, saving valuable man hours.

Typically field technicians cast test cylinders which are sent to the lab for analysis.

However, the concrete in the cylinder may not share or show all of the properties within the concrete that has been placed.

This is due to variables such as temperature, weather or improper casting and storage. For contractors using this new sensor technology, they know in real time if their concrete has reached the desired strength. www.canzac.com

Advantages of timber in mid-rise construction

Registrations now open: www.cpetc2017.com

Property expert Sir Bob Jones will be building a tall timber commercial building in Wellington, New Zealand’s most recent earthquake-affected centre. This is a huge step forward for wood in commercial building.

It’s no secret to wood manufacturers though. Their strongest advocate Jon Tanner, who leads the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA), has long been promoting wood, especially for earthquake safety in buildings. Now a national conference in Rotorua is set to spread the message even wider.

Leading companies in the industry, like XLAM in Nelson, are well-versed in engineered wood products. WPMA and timber design engineers have been working hard to get the message out to building owners, developers and specifiers for years. So it’s rewarding to see our best-known property personality taking up the opportunity.

The upcoming national building industry conference, entitled “Changing Perceptions of Engineered Timber in Construction”, runs on 28 September in Rotorua. It’s the second annual conference for Innovatek in commercial wood building. The diverse programme attracts building owners, developers, architects, engineers, specifiers and key engineered wood suppliers. The theme is “Advantages of Timber in Mid Rise Construction.”

“Commercial buildings in wood go up faster, better and cheaper with great design too”, says conference organiser, John Stulen. “Our conference keynote speaker managed the newest and tallest timber building yet. Karla Fraser from Urban One Builders led the project management and construction teams for the Brock Commons project - an 18-storey timber building for University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

“Australian companies like Lendlease and Strongbuild have moved quickly and decisively in the tall timber building game.

They’re well ahead of their New Zealand counterparts in commercial gains. So, Jones’ decision to go big with a wood structured tall office building augers well for the whole sector in this country,” Stulen adds.

The conference is set to be part of a wood technology week of events coming to the city in September, including the FIEA WoodTECH 2017 two-day conference and trade expo. Rotorua Lakes Council is an event partner promoting it's successful “Wood-First” policy. For more details see: www.cpetc2017.com.

ADVANTAGES OF TIMBER IN MID-RISE CONSTRUCTION Proud to support ROP Thursday 28 September 2017, Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand

www.cpetc2017.com www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 15

News

Strong support for new home-quality verification tool With the launch of the biggest update and overhaul to the Homestar standard since it was first introduced in 2010, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is making it easier for the building and construction sector to lift and verify the performance of new homes.

The new standard, Homestar v4, was introduced in July 2017.

Homestar is an independent rating tool that certifies the health, efficiency and sustainability of New Zealand homes. With extensive industry consultation, NZGBC has re-engineered the tool to align with the needs of those building apartments or homes at volume.

Dr Rhys Jones represents OraTaiao, an organisation of health professionals calling for healthy climate action. “Housing is one of the major ‘win-win’ areas for climate and health in New Zealand,” he says.

“Low quality housing is a significant cause of poor health, particularly in our most

disadvantaged communities, and addressing this can have huge environmental benefits.

homes in and around Auckland in the coming decade.

“OraTaiao therefore supports measures such as Homestar that ensure homes are built with better insulation, ventilation and energy efficiency. This will be great for health and for the low carbon future that New Zealand needs,” he says.

CEO Roger MacDonald says, “We’re supporting this tool, because we believe it is necessary for the New Zealand housing market. By simplifying the tool considerably, NZGBC is making it possible for sustainable healthy homes to become the norm, not the exception.”

Katja Lietz, general manager of masterplanning and placemaking at HLC NZ (formerly Hobsonville Land Company), welcomes the new standard. She says HLC manages the development of integrated urban communities.

“The company is developing the Hobsonville Air Force base into a new township. In 2016 HLC was tasked with helping the New Zealand Government provide more homes more quickly to growth areas, particularly Auckland. With this new standard, we can assure our customers of quality homes without an onerous overhead.”

Panuku Development Auckland, the Councilcontrolled organisation (COO) responsible for urban regeneration, has supported the review and re-launch of Homestar.

As well as requiring Homestar at Wynyard Quarter, Panuku is planning to require it in other locations with a social housing component as it sets out to deliver 9,750

meetings. That has resulted in a revised rating tool that is simple to use, quick to run and cost-effective to implement, accelerating delivery of better quality homes.

“With the pressures on the construction industry to meet a substantial and growing housing backlog, we’ve delivered a standard which retains its rigour, yet significantly eases compliance overhead,” he says.

The Tamaki Regeneration Company (TRC) is overseeing the construction of around 7,500 new homes over the next 10-15 years - a significant number of which will be allocated to social housing.

TRC general manager of assets and development, Tracey Wadsworth, says our communities reap the benefits when we build affordable, healthy and sustainable housing.

The tool is completely re-engineered to align with the needs of volume builders, providing for volume certification, with more practical evidence requirements, and a removal of the requirement for slab edge insulation in Auckland, Coromandel or Northland.

When developers use Homestar, new home buyers have absolute confidence that their investment is sound and their family will be kept healthy.

“They thrive because we have happier families, lower rates of sickness and homes that are more economical to maintain.

Homestar is a way for us to ensure that the social houses are of quality design and built to high standards.”

By listening to the market, adapting and simplifying, Eagles adds that, “We’ve made it more economical to drive momentum with a concrete, streamlined methodology which helps accelerate the delivery of quality housing stock.

NZGBC chief executive Andrew Eagles explains that six months were spent consulting with the sector including a national tour, survey, scoping paper, webinars, advisory groups and key sector

“The revised tool provides a clear framework for constructing a quality home that contributes positively to the health and wellbeing of its occupants.”

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Get it right from the start. Call us now 0800 500 338

16 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

News

Automation and the future of your industry As the pace of technological development continues to accelerate, the impact it has on all facets of society is likely to be as profound as it is unpredictable.

For company managers the promise is for more automation, intelligence and control, for the ultimate in efficiency and performance. But how much of that promise is likely to become reality?

That’s a fundamental question which only the test of time can answer, says Dona White, CEO of North Port Events.

“There’s no question that we are in a period of dramatic change, so far reaching that it has been called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But the impact of this wave of technology is likely to be uneven, with some parts of business and society being affected at different rates to others.”

Drones, which have already reached commodity pricing levels (models complete with 4k GoPro cameras are available for around $1,000) can revolutionise building maintenance and groundskeeping by ‘seeing’ in places that were once difficult to access.

The Internet of Things provides for the mass deployment of sensors to track temperature, humidity, assets and more, providing for accurate, automated management of a variety of resources.

Architects and engineers are using AR/VR to guide the design of buildings and facilities; robotics can speed up construction while driving down costs and eliminating workplace accidents. And artificial intelligence can reduce engineering overheads by automating calculations and the preparation of documents for council and other approvals.

“New Zealand is renowned for being ahead of the curve with technology; Facilities Integrate is an opportunity to make the latest technology a productive part of the operation.”

"

We’ve seen an accelerating progression of the technological revolution that is taking hold in this industry.

- Dona White

“Over the previous two Facilities Integrate shows, we’ve seen an accelerating progression of the technological revolution that is taking hold in this industry.

Her company is preparing for the third annual Facilities Integrate exhibition at the ASB Showgrounds on September 27-28. At the show, the latest in building and facilities management technology will be on display, providing architects, facilities managers, construction industry players and other interested parties with unique opportunities to glimpse into the future.

“Building management solutions are becoming more sophisticated. The opportunities for improvements in design, construction and management of the built environment are being explored by innovators in the spaces which range from the large, established players, through to entrepreneurs who have identified issues and come up with clever solutions to them,” Dona says.

Matt Garty, the event manager of Facilities Integrate, points to technologies that include drones, the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), robotics, workflow automation and artificial intelligence.

At this year’s Facilities Integrate, delegates can expect to discover and try new products, services, and technologies, learn about the latest trends and benefit from special trade deals from top suppliers. The event includes world-class seminars, workshops and speakers.

“These developments can all influence how buildings are designed, constructed and managed. It’s not just in the future, either; all of these concepts are ‘production ready’ and in many cases are being put to work in New Zealand today,” he says.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing the latest technologies and providing insights into how technology is changing and improving this industry today.

"

Dona says the event is a ‘must attend’ for local architects, building operators, electrical engineers, electrical service contractors, facility managers, installers, integrators, property developers and system designers.

Construction industry set for record year New Zealand is on track to exceed last year’s level of building consents for new homes, following consent data released

by Statistics New Zealand.

More than 30,450 new houses, apartments, townhouses and flats were consented in the year ended June 2017, up 4.7 percent on the previous 12 months, Statistics New Zealand has reported.

The seasonally adjusted number of new homes consented in June 2017 fell 8.3 percent compared with May 2017 and 2,560 new homes were consented in April 2017 compared with 2,752 in April 2016.

Not withstanding the fall, New Zealand is ahead of the same period last year and still on track to exceed the number of new building consents issued in 2016, of just over 30,000, says Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation chief executive Warwick Quinn.

Warwick says on a regional level only Canterbury, down 23.5 percent, Tasman, down 4.7 percent, and Waikato, down 0.4 percent are below where they were this time last year with all other areas up on the equivalent six-month period in 2016.

However he says the only region showing a consistent decline is Canterbury as the residential rebuild following the earthquakes tapers off.

The rest of the regions recorded a rise: Northland is up 14.2 percent, Auckland 7.6 percent, Bay of Plenty 0.4 percent, Hawke’s Bay 27.9 percent, Taranaki 19.6 percent, Manawatu/

Whanganui 34.4 percent, Wellington 18.9 percent, Nelson 25.3 percent, Marlborough 49.5 percent, West Coast 63.4 percent, and Otago 26.7 percent, Southland 4 percent.

Gisborne remained the same.

Warwick says New Zealand overall is up 8.4 percent on the same period last year which, if the trend continues, will see new residential building consents nudging 32,000 in 2017.

“Continued growth may be affected by the general election as often activity quietens down for a few months prior,” he says. “But there is a good chance this year will be the highest year for 40 years and the third highest since records began. It could exceed the 31,423 consents issued in 2004 but will be below the 1973 record of just under 40,000 consents.”

Warwick says the demand for skills is very high across all trades and regions. “More than 60,000 construction workers are needed over the next five years and a little under half of those need to be trade qualified.”

The BCITO has embarked on a significant recruitment drive in 2017 to attract more people into construction, and there has never been a better time to consider a career in the trades, he says.

“We are in the midst of one the biggest building booms in recent memory and it is expected to last for many years – job prospects are excellent.

“Skill shortages are not restricted to tradespeople but are across the entire construction sector with engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, project managers, supervisors and many other professionals in high demand.” www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 17

Would you like to increase your productivity and profits?

MIMICO supplies Kobelco excavators and Atlas Copco breakers and compactors.

Established in 1989 as an indent parts supplier based in Matamata, MIMICO has grown significantly and is now the New Zealand distributor of a range of world-class heavy equipment brands.

These include Kobelco, Japan’s leading excavator brand, and Atlas Copco rock breakers and compactors.

MIMICO is also the New Zealand distributor of Metso rock crushers and screens (both mobile plant and fixed plant), Kawasaki Z7 wheel loaders, Moxy articulated dump trucks, ZF transmission and drive components and Cesco concrete mixer bowls.

MIMICO operates a heavy machinery workshop, parts store, adjoining offices and training facilities in Matamata.

Sales, parts and service is available at four MIMICO branches (Auckland, Paraparaumu and Christchurch, as well as Matamata) and fifteen Service Agents throughout New Zealand. No matter where your business is located, MIMICO has the resources to provide repairs and maintenance, including a fleet of fully equipped mobile vehicles.

MIMICO’s indent parts service covers all makes and models. Specialist staff source the best value parts from around the world. This means MIMICO can provide wears and spares at prices lower than stock carried in inventory.

The MIMICO service team is factory trained and capable of handling all servicing and any unplanned breakdowns anywhere in New Zealand.

Mobile service teams carry out scheduled servicing and respond to heavy machinery breakdowns all over New Zealand.

MIMICO’s general manager, Chris Gray, is pleased with the progress the business has made over the last few years. “We believe this is down to supplying our customers with high quality, market leading machinery, with top class service and support.

“We’re a family business that’s growing fast and we’ve had to adapt to different demands. I think we’re in a good place right now, though, and we look forward to helping equip our customers’ success.”

MIMICO’s range of world class brands, including Kobelco excavators and Atlas Copco breakers and demolition equipment, backed up by our extensive parts supply and nationwide service support can help increase the productivity and profitability of your operation.

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Health and Safety – lead from the top On July 2, 2017, an article in the Herald on Sunday stated that even after one year of the new legislation, WorkSafe NZ is worried about the continuing incidents of workplace deaths and accidents.

From the information, while it is clear there have been some outstanding efforts by some PCBU’s, there are no signs that there are systematic changes in appropriate health and safety activities that either eliminate or minimise risks that cause considerable personal harm within the workplace.

Legislation alone will not solve the unacceptable workplace practices that cause death and injuries.

culture within the business and most importantly it must be managed and reviewed.

Training to a defined level of competency is important – the adage ‘If you do not train you cannot blame’ applies.

It all comes down to attitude led from the top.

Workplace health and safety (note, both health and safety) will only improve if PCBU’s engage in a health and safety strategic direction wrapped within and around its business, and having all within the business focused and engaged on looking after themselves and others while at work.

Besafe Training suggests that if any PCBU wants to improve in the best investment such as health and safety, then health and safety must be led from all levels of management, it must become a

18 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

BESAFE TRAINING - 4 HOUR MEWP COURSE Complete the theory component of our MEWP course online and attend a 4 hour practical session to put the theory into practice.

This course will teach you the use of MEWPs and how to safely set up and operate the required MEWP, types of MEWPs, their suitability for purpose; safety features; legislative requirements in relation to Code of Practice $329 + gst per person or company booking for $1,970 (max 8) + gst.

PROVIDING A NEW AND REFRESHING CONCEPT TO WORKPLACE TRAINING OUR COURSES: • Confined Space • Fire Safety • Driving • First Aid • Health & Safety • Mobile Elevated Working Platform • Working at Heights • WTC • W, T, R • HSR Contact us and we will help you to achieve the appropriate training and unit standards for your industry.

Phone: 0800 333 899 Email: info@besafetraining.co.nz www.besafetraining.co.nz

A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SOLID TIMBER FRAMING

make the choice to save time & money J-FRAME is a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) engineered wood product.

Reducing time, cost and waste during the build process with less time spent straightening and squaring walls. It makes for cleaner lines for both internal and external cladding, so it’s a great choice for kitchen and bathroom installations.

J-FRAME is CodeMark certified making it suitable for residential and commercial framing. It complies with the New Zealand Building Code and guarantees compliance with all New Zealand councils.

To find out more about the benefits of using J-Frame please contact us.

t 09 373 3933 I e info@jnl.co.nz I www.jnl.co.nz

design thinking for your home

Visit us at 165 The Strand, Parnell www.homeideas.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 19

Cement & Concrete

ArchEngBuild 2017 – inspiring collaboration Thirty architecture, engineering and construction management students, one brief and just three days to develop a fictional experimental village for the New Plymouth Council.

That was the creative task facing entrants in the annual ArchEngBuild competition this year. Teams were given a fictional scenario where they had to pitch a concept design for an ‘Incremental Village’ as part of the Council’s 2030 Live+Work On The Edge economic development project. The concept was to encourage young innovative businesssavvy individuals and families to the region.

The Incremental Village is an extension to Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena’s Pritzker Prize-winning concept of the incremental house. Alejandro Aravena’s idea is participants’ purchase a standard designed half-built home and build the remaining space to fit their individual needs. The brief for the New Plymouth Village was to incorporate the half-built accommodation but also include working space, shared community space and be based around an economic development for Taranaki.

The winning team of Annie Tong (University of Auckland – Architecture), Callum Lamont (University of Auckland – Engineering) and Sanjeev Ganda (Victoria University of

Wellington – Contract Management) created a stunning and functional ‘Farm to Table’ community.

The Farm to Table village consisted of multistorey commercial and residential units where the focus was on the production of fresh produce on site. Farm to Table is aimed at those wanting a unique, lowimpact lifestyle where fresh produce can be commercialised through the local farmer’s market and even internationally.

The judges said they were impressed with the environmental, social and cultural considerations shown within the designs which showed a real empathy toward Taranaki.

Despite being strangers at the beginning of the three days the judges commented the collaboration within the teams was a breath of fresh air for the construction industry. Some of the best projects happen when there is true collaboration between engineers, architects and builders where the work is developed through mutual respect for each profession, they said.

Sanjeev Ganda, (Victoria University of Wellington), Annie Tong, (University of Auckland), Callum Lamont, (University of Auckland) winners of ArchEngBuild 2017 with Chelydra Percy, BRANZ CEO.

Now in its sixth year, ArchEngBuild brings together architecture design, engineering and construction final-year students simulating a real-life client brief situation to demonstrate the importance of effective cross-disciplinary collaboration.

This year’s event was sponsored by CCANZ, BRANZ, Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA), NZ Timber Design Society and Wood Processors & Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA).

The event was originally an idea of the Cement and Concrete Association of NZ (CCANZ), and has been supported by the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ).

Supporters of the event were NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA), NZ Institute of Building (NZIOB) and Institution of Professional Engineers NZ (IPENZ).

Envirocon product stewardship scheme making concrete progress Associate Environment Minister Scott Simpson has visited Interbloc NZ and Envirocon to see first-hand how their cutting-edge facility turns leftover concrete into a primary resource.

“The Envirocon product stewardship scheme provides a standard, sustainable and credible waste management solution to the ready-mix concrete and construction industries,” Mr Simpson says.

Leftover wet concrete is delivered to the Envirocon facility in Auckland, where it is

upcycled by Interbloc NZ into stackable concrete blocks.

A unique collection system stops the waste concrete from setting so it can be used to manufacture the blocks, instead of being dumped at landfill. The Interbloc modular wall system provides the flexibility of bricks with the speed and durability of precast construction.

“Members of the industry-based voluntary scheme improve the organisation’s environmental performance by diverting waste concrete in its wet form, which significantly reduces the resources required to process the waste stream.

www.drymix.co.nz 20 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

“Envirocon aims to increase its diversion rates to 80,000 tonnes of concrete by 2022 as more construction businesses become aware of the environmental opportunities offered by the Envirocon product stewardship scheme.”

Envirocon is now investigating in-yard collection facilities so delivery trucks can recycle wet waste concrete faster and more easily.

“Huge progress has been made by members of this voluntary product stewardship scheme. It's a great example of forward thinking businesses being innovative and using a waste stream as a resource.

“The Government is keen for businesses and communities to step up and take responsibility for the waste they produce and I congratulate the Envirocon scheme members for making a positive difference.

I encourage other organisations and industries to review their manufacturing processes so they too can receive the environmental and economic benefits of product stewardship.”

Cement & Concrete

Concrete industry set for Te Papa conference Arrangements for this year’s New Zealand Concrete Industry Conference in Wellington are well under way.

The conference was last held in Wellington in 2010 – and organisers are confident this year’s programme will be a repeat of the success 2010 event.

Te Papa will host the conference (Thursday 12 – Saturday 14, October), and James Mackechnie, chairman of the organising committee, says the National Museum is an excellent venue.

“It’s very central with easy access to hotels.

The conference rooms are bright and modern with great facilities and big screens, as well as a fantastic area for trade displays.”

In addition to the diverse range of presentations and discussions, the programme includes the formal conference dinner and awards evening, as well as a choice of social activities for partners.

Call for papers Budding speakers and presenters for this year’s NZ Concrete Industry Conference have until 3 April to submit proposed papers.

Because all aspects of concrete construction and associated technologies will be covered, papers are being sought on research, design trends, marketing opportunities, recent developments, construction, materials, methodologies and new issues for cement and concrete.

All papers accepted for the conference will be eligible for the NZ Concrete Society’s Sandy Cormack Award. The author judged to have presented the best paper at the conference will receive $1,000 and an award certificate.

Please address enquiries to: The NZ Concrete Industry Conference PO Box 12 Beachlands Auckland 2147 (09) 536 5410 concrete@bluepacificevents.com www.theconcreteconference.co.nz

Authors are asked to contact the conference secretary and provide: • A one-page synopsis of their proposed paper • A short career history and a written commitment to personally attend and present the paper at the conference, if the paper is accepted.

MAPEI cutting-edge systems and solutions for the repair and static / seismic upgrading of buildings using fibre reinforced composites.

A six to 10-page paper is required from authors of accepted papers. These will be published in the conference proceedings.

Deadlines Receipt of synopsis - 3 April, 2017 Preliminary acceptance of papers - 18 April, 2017 Receipt of papers - 7 August, 2017

Organising committee chairman, James Mackechnie

• Driveways • Earthquake Repairs • New Home Specialists • Patios & Paths

The use of composites is now widely accepted as one of the strengthening techniques employed by engineers in New Zealand for the upgrading of existing reinforced concrete, masonry and wooden structures.

Structural Strengthening Products

MAPEI. TO BUILD EXPERTISE.

www.mapei.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 21

Cement & Concrete

A resilient research roadmap In partnership with the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ), the Cement & Concrete Association of NZ (CCANZ) has developed a research roadmap around the theme of resilience.

Canvassing opinion from within the concrete industry, along with other stakeholders, the roadmap identifies common research areas and articulates these as a series of goals. Specific research projects to achieve these goals form the final component of the Roadmap.

A common problem with a research strategy is to accept that demand exceeds the resources available. As such the exercise quickly becomes, consciously or not, one of prioritisation.

The Roadmap therefore acknowledges that prioritisation may occur, but it will be an outcome of understanding research needs.

A successful roadmap will ensure everyone benefits, and that engagement will continue even if some sector needs don’t appear to be met immediately.

There are a number of incentives for pursuing research across the concrete industry, ranging from academic interest through to product development. It’s critical in a small economy such as New Zealand, with a limited number of experts, that our research efforts are suitably focused.

The Roadmap assumes that New Zealand cannot attempt to be world-leading in all possible disciplines, but rather a mixture of customer, innovator and occasionally frontrunner. The Roadmap defines these roles as adopt, adapt and adept.

● Adopt – a customer of products, expertise and technologies developed elsewhere. Examples include imported cement, admixtures and structural design innovations ● Adapt – informed selection of existing products and services but with a significant adaptation. An example might include adapting concrete admixtures for high UV levels ● Adept – widely acknowledged as domain specific experts. An example being capacity design principles developed by Paulay, Park and Priestley at the University of Canterbury.

To ensure the methodology for arriving at the Roadmap is inclusive, concrete related concerns across the supply chain were accounted for – from constituent materials, concrete supply, design and construction, ownership and maintenance, as well as end-of-life.

"

There are a number of incentives for pursuing research across the concrete industry, ranging from academic interest through to product development.

along with their relationship with investors, project managers and consultants. A number of common themes based around security of supply, adoption of overseas technology and workforce demographics and capability were identified in the first phase of the project.

Many respondents were looking to build and support expertise within disciplines and across stakeholders.

"

The complex interaction between these stages of the supply chain was considered, 22 | B&C - Spring 2017

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The final list of project areas identified included overseas concrete formulations/ practices, carbon pricing, demographics, investor incentives and materials science.

The hope is that the industry will take up the challenge of adopting the results of this project.

Developing the Concrete Sector’s 10 Year Research Roadmap can be downloaded from the BRANZ website; www.branz.co.nz.

Cement & Concrete

Post Kaikoura quake recommendations The 7.8 Mw Kaikoura Earthquake of 14 November 2016 - a complex multi-fault rupture with prolonged ground shaking – was a wakeup call for Wellington.

As a result of 25-30 seconds of strong motion in the CBD, with localised amplification on deep deposits near the waterfront, structural damage tended to be concentrated on moment-resisting concrete frame buildings between six and 15 storeys.

The outcome has been a number of official recommendations intended to ensure more rigorous regulations and address public safety concerns. Issues with the performance of precast concrete floor systems are reflected in these recommendations.

Precast concrete floors While the spotlight is warranted to a degree, it is important to consider some qualifying factors.

For instance, the codes in force at the time a number of these buildings were designed (e.g. NZS 3101:1995 Concrete Structures Standard) did not account for the unique nature of the earthquake. These codes have been, or are in the process of being, updated with total concrete industry support.

Moment-resisting, concrete frame, multistorey buildings comprise a significant proportion of the Wellington CBD, and would therefore inevitably be amongst any damaged stock by sheer volume.

Also, attention must not be drawn away from the more pressing challenge posed by unstrengthened unreinforced masonry buildings.

Another outcome of the Kaikoura Earthquake from which valuable lessons can be learnt is the debate around safety vs. amenity. It seems that although, with the odd exception, our buildings perform as designed, public expectations are not being met.

The disruption caused by building repair or demolition has seen a growing call for damage resistant design, an approach which allows for ‘life safety’ as well as ‘building survivability’. Through PREcast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS) and base isolation, concrete is ideally positioned to help meet this demand.

Kaikoura earthquake Post-quake discussion has focussed on two areas. Firstly, a Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) investigation into Statistics House - a six storey reinforced concrete office building built in the CentrePort Harbour Quays business park in 2005 - which suffered the partial collapse of two floors.

Secondly, Wellington City Council’s (WCC) Targeted Assessment Programme, which sought to address public safety issues by confirming the structural integrity of multi-storey buildings that had experienced significant shaking in the Kaikoura Earthquake.

The resulting reports are available for download from the MBIE and WCC websites.

Recommendations The MBIE investigation into Statistics House made four key recommendations investigate similar buildings in the Wellington region, notify industry about issues with existing buildings with precast floor systems and frames that may be affected by beam elongation, access expertise to consider the implications for this type of design for new buildings, and undertake research into Standards to ensure they reflect current best practice.

The MBIE report noted that the combination of the causal factors in the partial floor collapses of Statistics House was not foreseen by Standards when the building was designed. As such, NZS1170.5 – Earthquake Actions Standard and NZS3101 were identified as requiring review. In fact, Amendment 3 to NZS3101 will be published soon, addressing design issues in this area.

The WCC report offers nine recommendations in such areas as building owner responsibility and postearthquake assessment . A number of the recommendations also relate to precast floors, including the call for a testing regime, standardised details and guidance for practitioners.

However, the report mentions that while the focus of the assessment programme was on buildings most affected in this earthquake, it is important that structures vulnerable in earthquakes, such as unstrengthened unreinforced masonry buildings, remain on the radar.

Moving forward These reports set a path forward for the wider Wellington region, one which will require collective buy-in from all stakeholders if the recommendations are to ensure a more robust building regulatory system and address public safety issues.

The concrete industry is fully committed to this process; participating in technical discussions, driving Standards revision and exploring new low damage approaches to seismic design.

Tool of the trade One of the most taken-forgranted tools of the trade is the often used but rarely celebrated wheelbarrow.

It offers the robust, hardwearing integrity you will find in all our barrows while allowing you to save your knees, back and energy on those demanding jobs.

The workhorse on any site, the wheelbarrow gets pushed, pulled and even thrown around, dumped on, smashed and generally abused to make our lives easier. And we like it that way.

The powerful 48volt, 500 watt brushless hub motor will power a full 160kg load up steep slopes and over planks with little effort and the Ion-lithium battery will run for two days on a single charge.

New Zealand Wheelbarrows’ wheelbarrows are built to withstand the hard times and designed to make the hard work that much simpler.

The brake allows much more control downhill and when tipping, while also charging the battery.

From concreting to rubble, hard-fill removal and hot mix and soil, there is a New Zealand Wheelbarrow that will suit your needs and is built to last. Ask for us at your usual supplier.

Our new Electric Wheelbarrow has been designed and built here in New Zealand.

The flagship wheelbarrow of the construction industry built and proven to last. Available with the standard plastic tray, metal tray or a double galvanised tray.

The pre-galvanised frame and components mean it will last and last.

Purpose built for concreting. Fantastic balance, this wheelbarrow is perfect for transporting and placing concrete. Made to the highest specifications.

Bolt free with reinforced plastic tray.

Comfortable non-slip handgrips and of course a pourer. Special wide stable legs for a strong and secure design.

When the more you get done in the least amount time, with as little injury and down-time from your staff, the better you start to see this beast as a logical progression and a great investment.

Visit www.nzwheelbarrows.co.nz email justin@nzwheelbarrows.co.nz or call Justin on 021462872.

Our Power Barrow has been proving its worth in the construction industry.

This electric workhorse is powered by a 48 volt, 500 watt hub motor with enough in the battery to get you through 2 days of commercial use before recharging.

This beast will walk you uphill fully loaded with 160kg with no problem and the brake gives you full control downhill as well. Get the most out of your day, and team while saving their back and knees.

“I thought it was a gimmick, now I have 6 for my teams and we get more done than ever.

I wish I’d seen this years ago”.

Test drives available.

Email or call: Justin@nzwheelbarrows.co.nz, 021 462 872.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 23

Cement & Concrete

Sustainable Urban Drainage SUDS Seminars System seminars Auckland – 17 October 2017 | Christchurch – 19 October 2017 Seminar Programme

Seminar Presenters

09:30 Registration and morning tea

Bob Bray – Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) designer and landscape architect, Robert Bray Associates, UK

10.00 Welcome – Ralf Kessel, NZCMA 10:15 Bob Bray – how permeable pavements can contribute to meeting stormwater objectives and urban design in an integrated way 11:15 Nick Vigar – where and how permeable paving fits into the requirements of the Auckland Unitary Plan 12:30 Lunch

David Hein – Principal engineer and vice-president of Applied Research Associates Inc., Toronto, Canada Sam Blackbourn – Director of engineering, Civix Limited Nick Vigar – Stormwater technical specialist, Auckland Stormwater Technical Services

13:30 Bob Bray – introduction to the value of permeable pavement surfaces in urban design and will also discuss the design management of the pavements themselves 14:00 David Hein – introducing the ICPI Permeable Design Pro Software which provides base course thickness solutions from calculating permeable paving inflow/outflows and traffic loads 15:00 Afternoon tea 15:15 Sam Blackbourn – design and construction examples of permeable paving projects within the Auckland area 16:15 Finish.

24 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

With growing interest in Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) applications for urban development growing, Concrete NZ Masonry Sector Group (NZ Concrete Masonry Association*) has organised two seminars that bring together expertise from the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

The seminars – being held in Auckland (17 October 2017) and Christchurch (19 October 2017) – cover the disciplines of landscape architecture, urban and environmental planning, and the engineering design and construction of the drainage systems.

● David Hein - Principal engineer and vice-president of Transportation of Applied Research Associates Inc. in Toronto, Canada

With the seminars covering all aspects of SUDS, they will be of interest to landscape architects, architects, urban planners, engineers involved with stormwater systems, and paving contractors.

● Nick Vigar - Stormwater technical specialist, Auckland Council Stormwater Technical Services

Further information on SUDS applications is available from the Interpave (UK) website – www.paving.org.uk/commercial/ permeable.php.

Seminar Presenters ● Bob Bray - SUDS designer and landscape architect, Robert Bray Associates, UK

● Sam Blackbourn - Director of engineering, Civix Limited

There is no cost to attend these seminars, however, pre-registration is required as numbers are limited. If you would like to register or require more information contact Angelique Van Schaik on (04) 499 8820 or admin@concretenz.org.nz. *Bowers Brothers Concrete Limited, Firth Industries, Mitchell Concrete Limited, The Block Shop New Zealand Limited and Viblock Limited.

"

With the seminars covering all aspects of SUDS, they will be of interest to Landscape architects, architects, urban planners, engineers involved with stormwater systems, and paving contractors.

"

Cement & Concrete

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www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 25

Cement & Concrete

Trombe walls create comfort The Cement & Concrete Association of NZ (CCANZ) has added the Information Bulletin 96 (IB 96)Concrete and Concrete Masonry Trombe Wall, which outlines the benefits and features of Trombe walls, to its collection of publications.

The IB 96 is for architects, designers and those interested in designing energy efficient homes. It covers the design and application of Trombe walls which are passive solar building elements that, designed correctly, provide an effective way of conserving energy in buildings.

“Trombe walls are well suited to New Zealand conditions, where we often experience many sunny winter days followed by cold nights,” says CCANZ architect Ralf Kessel. “They are gaining in popularity here as consumers become increasingly aware of the benefits of sustainability to their health and well-being, and to the environment.”

A Trombe wall consists of a sun-facing, solid concrete or masonry wall behind a glazed space. When the sun shines, energy comes through the glass and is stored in the wall’s thermal mass. When the sun sets or is blocked and the temperature drops, the wall releases its heat into the room behind.

“Trombe walls are commonly used to absorb heat during winter sunlight hours and then slowly release that heat at night, when it is

26 | B&C - Spring 2017

most needed,” Ralf adds. “The concept was patented as long ago as 1881. However, it was not fully developed as an architectural element until the 1960s, by French engineer Félix Trombe and architect Jacques Michel.”

Trombe walls work in a similar way to a greenhouse, by trapping solar radiation.

The solar heat’s higher-energy ultraviolet radiation has a short wavelength and this passes through glass almost unhindered.

When this radiation strikes a wall or slab, the energy is absorbed and then re-emitted in the form of longer-wavelength infrared radiation. The infrared radiation does not pass through glass as easily, so the heat is trapped and builds up in the enclosed space.

For Trombe walls to work well they are best made from high heat capacity materials such as concrete or concrete masonry and positioned so the sun will strike them directly, Ralf says. “They will also absorb radiant heat more effectively if they have a dark coloured, matte surface on their sun-facing side (there are no specific requirements for the room-facing side).”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

LafargeHolcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

The most appropriate glazing to use in front of a Trombe wall depends on the location.

Clearer glass allows more short-wavelength radiation to penetrate, which is beneficial for predominantly sunny locations to capture as much solar heat as possible. More reflective or non-transparent glass means that less re-emitted heat will escape from the building

and suits less sunny locations, where better thermal insulation properties are desired.

Concrete and Concrete Masonry Trombe Wall can be downloaded from the CCANZ website – www.ccanz.org.nz.

Cement & Concrete

Outstanding concrete examples Concrete - is there any material that carries such contradictory associations stigmatised on the one hand, celebrated on the other.

Concrete is one of our most important building materials - its potential is almost inexhaustible and continual innovations in how it is applied, integrated and used in building mean its versatility continues to expand.

From the early days of the ancient Romans to the most modern architectural and engineered structures of today, this seemingly simple mix of water, sand, stone and cement has applications far beyond what the naked eye can see.

Across the world, it's used more than any other man made material and is one of the most durable building material around - fire resistant and gaining strength over time.

During the past 50 years many outstanding concrete structures have been realised across New Zealand.

The Sky Tower is the one structure that dominates the Auckland skyline more than

any other. This 328-metre high observation and telecommunications tower, the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, is constructed primarily from high performance reinforced concrete.

There are however, many other important structures, buildings and facilities across Auckland that utilise the strength, durability and design flexibility of the world’s most widely used construction material.

Ready-mix concrete production stays close to record level Ready-mix concrete production was more than one million cubic metres in the June 2017 quarter, Stats NZ has revealed. This continued the high levels of the past two years.

Production in the June 2017 quarter was 1.03 million cubic metres, down 2 percent from the June 2016 quarter (when it was at a record 1.05 million cubic metres).

“Ready-mix concrete production has been running above 1 million cubic metres per quarter for over a year, except in March quarters,” construction statistics manager Melissa McKenzie said. “This June quarter, enough concrete was produced to build almost 69 Sky Towers.”

Auckland region accounted for more than one-third of the total ready-mix concrete production. At 377,000 cubic metres in the June 2017 quarter, this was down 2 percent from the June 2016 quarter.

In Canterbury region, 176,000 cubic metres of ready-mix concrete was produced in the June 2017 quarter, down 17 percent from the June 2016 quarter.

Nationally, ready-mix production totalled 4.07 million cubic metres in the year ended June 2017. At a recent low point (the year ended December 2011), ready-mix production was 2.64 million cubic metres.

Ready-mix concrete production is an indicator of construction activity. Concrete is used in a variety of residential and commercial construction building projects, and for infrastructure and civil construction projects. It is even used in farm drainage.

Building Consents Issued shows that in the year ended June 2017, non-residential building consents totalled $6.2 billion – up 1.6 percent from the June 2016 year. Over the same period more than 30,000 new homes were consented, up 4.7 percent from the June 2016 year.

The strength behind Auckland’s concrete As one of Auckland's leading reinforcing steel suppliers, Nauhria Reinforcing provides its customers with a trustworthy and reliable source of certified quality and compliant products meeting the stringent requirements of New Zealand’s building standard AS/NZS 4671.

Products are used in a multitude of building areas including below ground beams, footings, floors, spiral pile cages, multi-level columns, lintels and stairs, in fact anywhere concrete is used and needs strengthening.

The reinforcing steel provides concrete with ductility and strength. It transfers loads through the structure and aids to prevent concrete cracking.

In providing its products, Nauhria utilises an arsenal of cut-n-bending machinery capable of both automated and manual processing of up-to 32mm diameter bars. Nauhria’s multiple resources provide the ability to ensure continuity of supply and efficiency in product manufacturing.

For 26 years Nauhria Reinforcing has continued to provide a full service offering, partnering with some of New Zealand’s most prestigious construction companies on hundreds of landmark projects. These include landscaping, walls and residential developments to high-rise constructions and major infrastructure, bridge and roading projects.

If you have concrete work coming up, talk with Nauhria about how it can help strengthen your project with it's quality products and services. www.nauhria.co.nz Phone: (09) 262 1065 sales@nauhria.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 27

Cement & Concrete

Basement design to maximise space Building on the success of the Code of Practice for Weathertight Concrete and Concrete Masonry Construction (CP 01: 2014), the Cement & Concrete Association of NZ (CCANZ) has published a Concrete and Concrete Masonry Basement Design Guide (BG 01:2016).

The Guide is intended as an overview to inform the initial design process for underground structures. It covers the use considerations for basements and site characteristics, describes suitable design methods, and discusses the selection of materials.

or unappealing and possibly noisy plant equipment or waste collection facilities, all without increasing the building footprint or occupying additional land,” Rob says.

“It is imperative that during the planning stages of a basement, all factors are accounted for. This Guide will be a valuable tool in helping designers meet their objectives.”

“New Zealand is undergoing a demographic transformation. The population is aging, immigration patterns are changing, and couple and single-person households are increasing,” says CCANZ Chief Executive Rob Gaimster.

“Add to this rising property prices, the scarcity of land for development, plus the relatively slow rate of residential construction and we are seeing significant growth in medium-density developments and therefore basement construction.”

● Basic plant rooms and refuse collectors – minor seepage and patches accepted ● Dry plant rooms, high-spec car parks and workshops – no seepage but moisture vapour accepted ● Ventilated areas such as retail storage and restaurants – dry ambience

“Basements maximise available land space by creating storage for household items

pecafil

The Guide provides solutions for a watertight below ground concrete structure across four separate categories, each requiring different levels of watertightness:

®

● Controlled ventilated areas: residential, offices and archives – totally dry and thermally insulated.

ground water is present. Solutions will cover watertight concrete, cavity draining build ups and membrane options.

Special attention will also be given to soil type, with different watertight solutions recommended depending on whether the soil is, for instance, self-draining or if

The Concrete and Concrete Masonry Basement Design Guide (BG 01:2016) can be downloaded from the CCANZ website – www.ccanz.org.nz.

save time and money A flexible stay in place formwork solution that replaces traditional systems.

■

Installed quickly - saves time and costs

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No stripping, cleaning or return of the formwork

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Lighter handling, fast and easy to install

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Up to 40% savings on traditional formwork* *workings available on request

North Island Mark Ash / mark.ash@fbusteel.com / 027 201 3629 South Island Iain Osborne / iain.osborne@fbusteel.com / 027 323 8515

28 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

For more information go to www.fletcherreinforcing.co.nz

Cement & Concrete

CHCH Ready Mix Christchurch Ready Mix Concrete Ltd has been providing concrete, aggregates, sand and civil construction in Canterbury for over 50 years.

As a locally owned and operated company, the team at CRMC takes pride in their outstanding customer service and quality workmanship, and they’re committed to providing their customers with products and services that meet or exceed their requirements and expectations.

CRMC has recently expanded its capability in its civil construction division with the recent acquisition of Precision Kerbing. The kerbing business was acquired in November 2016 and has been producing some very good results. The addition of kerbing to the civil contracting division means that for clients, CRMC can provide an end to end service and its existing customers are noticing

an advantage in not having to organise a different subcontractor to undertake a separate trade.

“It’s proving to be a really valuable addition having this specialist resource within our business. Managing quality, timing and the staff has real advantages and efficiencies that the customer can really benefit from. We know that they’ll be turning up when they’re supposed to turn up and that we’re not introducing another subcontractor into the mix,” says business development & marketing manager James Eckersley. “There is the ability to utilise the entire business in getting a first class finished product to the customer.”

“The kerbing team are highly skilled with a combined 30 years in the kerbing industry.

We know we have a team that are dedicated, and can ensure that the right people are deployed to site to get the right result,” James says. “Having a more vertically integrated business sets CRMC apart from all the other civil construction companies, and the advantages are plain to see.”

CRMC currently has approximately 20 different moulds available.

Some of the recent jobs completed have been Connetic’s – Waterloo Business Park; New World – Prestons; Briscoes – Rangiora; and IPort – Rolleston.

THE SOUTH ISLAND’S

LARGEST SUPPLIER

INDEPENDENT CONCRETE

CONCRETE

CIVIL

AGGREGATES

PHONE 03 323 8149 WWW.CRMC.CO.NZ www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 29

Cement & Concrete

Choose ACRS – Because not all product certification schemes are created equal!

When it comes to selecting construction steels, ensuring that they conform with the appropriate New Zealand and Australian standards is critical.

What's more, it's simply not enough to think that just because steel has been ordered to a New Zealand or Australian standard that the delivered product will automatically conform with that standard and be fit for purpose.

Increasingly, this is not the case: The product may meet the standard; it may be supplied with documents for “an equivalent standard” (but which standard and is it really equivalent?) or; it may not meet any standard at all.

With the building products being used on construction sites now sourced globally, the importance of independent technical validation of materials conformance, and awareness of consequences of failure of these materials, has never been greater.

comply with all relevant standards is one of identification, or, more specifically, who or what to believe. The same applies for ‘product certification’.

ACRS makes it easy ACRS certification makes checking for compliance with the relevant New Zealand and Australian standards easy.

It demonstrates independently and expertly that the supplier consistently meets the standards stated on the certificate.

Beyond checking the supplier’s ACRS certificate, product markings and tags, there’s no need for you to make any further checks on ACRS certified materials.

• No more checking materials’ properties against technical specifications • No more checking batch numbers against the test certificates.

The bottom line... with ACRS it’s easy for your suppliers, easy for your customers and easy for you!

Aren't test certificates the same thing?

Test certificates are not the same as ACRS independent certification.

Test certificates from the supplier are simply a “snapshot” of the manufacturer’s own test results of the material on the certificate, not its regular supply.

ACRS certification demonstrates independently and expertly that the supplier manufactures consistently to the standards stated on the certificate.

Unfortunately, in some instances, one of the major problems associated with the selection and use of materials that

Unless you are going to check and validate every single test certificate against every delivery, you should check the ACRS certificates for the manufacturer and supplier instead.

For further information about the validity of certification for any materials being supplied into your project, please visit the ACRS website: www.steelcertification.com, or contact ACRS, Phone: +61 2 9965 7216.

ACRS - The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd

ACRS makes it easy!

ACRS certification makes checking for compliance with the relevant New Zealand and Australian Standards easy.

Beyond checking the supplier’s ACRS certificate, product markings and tags, there’s no need for you to make any further checks on certified materials.

• No more checking materials properties against technical specifications; • No more checking batch numbers against the test certificates.

The bottom line... with ACRS it’s easy for your suppliers, easy for your customers and easy for you!

www.steelcertification.com ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with New Zealand and Australian Standards

30 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Ph: +61 2 9965 7216 E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545

Cement & Concrete

Kiwi ingenuity at its finest Designed and developed by Kiwi twin brothers Graham and David Honey, the Core Drill Block is an innovative new product created to improve safety and accuracy in the core drilling industry.

After working abroad in the demolition industry for a number of years, David Honey saw the need for a product to assist in the accuracy of core drilling of all diameters, as well as the need to eliminate unsafe drilling practices.

Years passed and the need for the Core Drill Block became stronger and David couldn’t sit on the idea any longer. After countless conversations with his brother Graham who has an engineering background, the twins decided to get together to design, patent and produce the Core Drill Block.

The block has been designed to fit perfectly inside the core drill so as to stabilise the drill for an accurate pinpoint position, eliminating the need to use expensive drill frames, which then also eliminates the need to patch any holes left behind once the frame is taken down.

The main reason however for the development of this product, is to eliminate the use of dangerous core drills being stabilised with the operator's feet.

This method of drilling between the feet has been used for years, often causing injury once the drill bites and becomes dangerously out of control, as well as the inaccurate drilling results and extended time needed for patch ups.

The Core Drill Block is especially helpful when used for drilling on vertical walls or other awkward surfaces (for example concrete pipes) as the block supports the weight of the drill and centralises the drilling path, ensuring a clean and accurate drilling result.

SAFETY

ACCURACY

Another bonus is the product affordability: The blocks start at $56.93 (52mm) and for the current largest block (152mm) you will only pay $119.72 (including GST).

If you are an employer and you want greater peace of mind around employee safety when it comes to core drilling, the Core Drill Block can help.

Where to buy? The Core Drill Block is currently available through South Pacific Diamond Tools Ltd, Wiri, 0800 77 38 25, as well as, of course, through Core Drill Block’s warehouse in East Tamaki.

For any queries or to enquire about an obligation free demonstration, please contact Graham on 0211544488 or graham@coredrillblock.co.nz. www.coredrillblock.co.nz



ACCESSIBILITY

  www.coredrillblock.co.nz

NZ Patent Application 731758 / NZ Design Applications 423023, 423024, 423025 11 0˚

˚ 90

The Auckland-based company currently produces 20 different-sized blocks ranging from 52mm to 152mm to accommodate all drilling diameters. Because the blocks are produced in the company’s east Auckland factory, they are also able to custom make any size required.

CLEAN RESULT

 

With help and expertise from the team at ISCAR Plus, the Core Drill Block prototypes were originally constructed from white UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). Later on the twins decided to update their design, and the block is now made from a similar but harder black UHMWPE, which is constructed from recycled materials, it is also more weather resistant thus improving the longevity of the product.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 31

Cement & Concrete

Concrete surface preparation specialists Aquamax has been around for over 20 years and has built a reputation based around lowflow but ultra-high pressure (40,000 psi) water jetting.

Founded by kiwi owners in 1996, the company developed a compact and highly versatile water jetting package based around a small-scale water jetting pump and a 25 kW Lister engine.

Eight 10-tonne Izusu trucks were fitted out with these pumps and capacity for 1,800 litres of water – enough for a day’s blasting.

The company became one of the forerunners in using water jetting for road line removal, paint and corrosion stripping, aircraft paint stripping and descaling of geothermal turbines. The low-flow equipment generates minimal back-thrust on the gun, a key health and safety consideration, and has enabled blasting applications that are not safely performed with higher powered equipment.

Over the past two years, Aquamax has embarked on a programme of expansion and investment in newer, high-powered equipment. Five pumps from the well-known German manufacturer, WOMA, have been purchased to fill out the range delivering heavy duty hydrodemolition work right down to precise blasting on oil and gas pipework.

The current construction boom has driven the need for further concrete related services.

Concrete related services: • Hydrodemolition such as rebar exposure • Hydro–scabbling, such as, for Type B construction joints • Paint stripping of concrete and blockwork • Creating specialist finishes such as stencilled images.

Hydrodemolition is being increasingly specified as it allows concrete to be removed without damaging the immediate structure or rebar. This is usually required when new structure is being tied into old. Other examples are cleaning up pile caps, cutting holes and slots when there is a lot of steel in the structure. Recent successes have been the Devonport Training Jetty, Moorhouse and Durham overbridges, and some significant seismic repair work on a prominent Wellington tower block.

Hydro-scabbling is a very fast and effective method for creating a Type-B construction joint with, for example a 10 mm peak-totrough roughness in the concrete surface.

This ensures a good, roughened surface for new concrete to key into.

The appearance of bare concrete can be significantly enhanced with etched

decorative designs. Ultra high-pressure water jetting cuts through the concrete laitance to expose the aggregate and create a much darker, textured surface. By using a stencil, very accurate and crisp designs can be applied. A polychromatic effect can be created by etching to variable depths.

The process can be conducted in-situ on standard panels. Unlike moulded relief, the panel does not need to be thickened to retain design strength. The process utilises low flow rate equipment, is dust free and creates minimal mess which is easily contained and vacuumed away.

A dramatic example is the five-metre high rugby players Aquamax stencilled on panels at the Canterbury Rugby Union Headquarters in Christchurch. Another recent project, in New Plymouth, delivered spectacular results.

Advantages of Stencilling • Cost-effective approach to enhance bare concrete

• Process can be conducted in the pre-casting yard or in-situ • No requirement to thicken panels • Complex designs possible • Mono or polychromatic design.

Aquamax operates nationwide with depots in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

A division was opened in Christchurch in 2013 with two pumps and a permanent team of three, enabling the company to provide a true nationwide service.

Recently the company has been successful in winning and delivering two high profile projects, a large wharf repair in Auckland, and hydroblasting work on the Moorhouse Ave and Durham St overbridges in Christchurch.

Aquamax looks to have a bright future as it continues to develop its reputation as New Zealand’s leading specialist water jetting company.

Hydrodemolition and Scabbling Specialists Health and safety paramount Modern equipment

www.aquamax.co.nz 32 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Blasting in accordance with AS/NZS 4233 Experienced team

Contact Hamish Coop on 021 316 844

Cement & Concrete

Advanced alternative to traditional rafting solutions Every building needs a solid foundation before work can commence, which is why ground improvement is an integral element to ensure a building’s longevity.

While an initial soil test can identify unsuitable or insufficient subgrade and determine whether a site needs to be improved, taking a proactive approach to foundation stability is advisable.

For builders and contractors looking for safe, sustainable ways to deliver greater ground improvement before a slab pour, an innovative and cost-effective alternative to traditional rafting solutions is now available.

Mainmark, global leaders in advanced ground engineering solutions, has introduced Terefil®, an advanced structural lightweight cementitious-based filler for geotechnical applications.

How it works As a smart engineered fill alternative to prepare for a slab pour, it requires no compaction with minimum site disruption.

Fast and easy to place, the material itself is environmentally inert and a completely safe ground preparation solution.

Terefil is suitable when building on TC3 sites and soft soil conditions, replacing the existing ground with a competent, lightweight fill. Terefil replaces the upper layer of the unsuitable subgrade with a non-liquefiable cementitious layer to create a uniform mat to support the structure. The total weight of the Terefil platform and the superstructure is significantly less than the weight of the soil removed. This mitigates the effects of liquefaction and lateral spreading to improve seismic performance.

In addition to its use for underground void filling, this solution is ideal for construction of engineered fill platforms as an alternative to more costly and time consuming gravel raft or cement stabilised crusts.

A typical densified crust involves excavating and compacting soils, a process which can be complex, time-intensive and expensive.

If the densified crust is on a base of soft subgrade conditions, it may be necessary to create a densified raft which can be even more complex. The amount of excavation and soil movement required can add weeks to a building project and can cause significant disruption to neighbouring properties.

Terefil will shave weeks off your project's timelines, and is able to be installed in days.

Likewise, stabilised crusts can be equally cost and labour intensive to achieve, as they are

constructed by mixing cement into existing site soils using a cement injector to treat the ground. This method involves extensive excavation and the process is also time consuming, disruptive and often complex.

Ideal for use over large areas, Terefil is self-levelling. It is able to withstand significant pressure and will maintain its integrity under heavy loads, including multistorey buildings, residential homes and other building structures.

Terefil flows into spaces and voids, filling them with lightweight material that delivers strengths of more than 2MPa. Terefil does not require compaction, making it ideal for sites where time is critical.

When builders and contractors use Terefil to replace unsuitable soil before pouring the slab, they can be confident they will deliver a structure that is less likely to be damaged as a result of ground movement or liquefaction.

Terefil can be applied quickly and accurately, so unnecessary delays to the project schedule can be avoided. It is extremely cost effective compared to compacted earth or soil backfill, and more reliable.

The patented technology used in Terefil has increased stability, greater lift thickness, and can be pumped greater distances compared to traditional fills. Shrinkage is typically less than 0.3 percent with zero bleed and

compressive strengths of 300kPa to 10MPa. It is pumpable to distances of up to 1,000 metres at rates ranging from tens of metres cubed per hour to 100 metres cubed per hour. Terefil also complies with regulatory specifications as set out in MBIE Module 5A, relating to ground improvement of soils prone to liquefaction.

Terefil provides builders and contractors added confidence that the stability and performance of their structure will stand the test of time.

Mainmark’s technologies and solutions can be scaled to suit small or large projects, including residential homes, multi-storey buildings, warehouses, industrial buildings, roads, tunnels, railways and bridges.

Other advanced solutions offered by Mainmark include Teretek®, an engineered resin solution for ground improvement and re-levelling, and ENCAP6®, an anti-corrosion coating that is ideal for revitalising, sealing, protecting and structurally reinforcing ageing concrete and steel assets.

Mainmark is an award-winning company that has built its reputation on delivering industry-wide innovation and worldclass capabilities.

For more information visit www.mainmark.com or call 0800 873 835.

Do you need to stabilise and improve your ground before you build?

Introducing Mainmark’s Terefil®, an advanced structural light-weight cementitious based filler for geotechnical and construction industries.

Terefil® is ideal for densification and stabilisation works, shaving weeks off project timelines when compared to traditional densified or stabilised crust, gravel-rafting solutions.

Terefil® is a smart engineered fill alternative to prepare for a slab pour, requiring no site excavation with minimum site disruption. Fast and easy to place, the material itself is environmentally inert, cost effective and a completely safe ground preparation solution.

Leaders in Advanced Ground Engineering and Asset Preservation Technologies.

Contact us now!

0800 873 835 I www.mainmark.com Level Correction | Ground Improvement | Liquefaction Mitigation | Asset Preservation Residential | Commercial | Industrial | Infrastructure | Heritage

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 33

Cement & Concrete

OVERCOME REINFORCING STEEL CONGESTION WITH IMBMS COUPLERS AND TERMINATORS

TYPE-C IMBMS-BAR INSTALLATION

LONGITUDINAL IMBMS TERMINATORS

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUCKLAND P 04 566 2253

E enquiry@imbms.co.nz

Key features • Allows greater flexibility for designer/engineers • Reduce steel wastage as lap and hook bars replaced by couplers and terminators • Superior cyclic performance compared to lap joint as coupler performs as a continuous bar • Use of couplers significantly saves time thus reducing labour cost for fixing and installation • IMBMS couplers knuckle design for easy use with any gripping tool • Improves concrete flow in critical zones • Parallel rolled thread means only five turns for faster fixing • Locally tested and compliant to NZS 3101 clause 8.7.5.2 and meets seismic and slip requirements of ISO 15835:2009

PO Box 38-509 Wellington Mail Centre, Te Puni 5045

Make Hard Easy Never compromise on quality or service.

Our team are customer focused, committed to quality and will go the extra distance for your project. Allied Concrete are your concrete experts.

2016 Extra Distance Award Winner | NZRMCA Conference

0800 4 ALLIED 0800 4 255 433

www.alliedconcrete.co.nz www.facebook.com/alliedconcrete/

34 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

www.imbms.co.nz

AP Group

Diversity reaps rewards for AP Group Diversity and offering a wide range of services is the secret to AP Group’s success, says general manager Andrew Proudlock.

“We’ve been around a while and have built up a good reputation. We offer a diverse range and we’re a bit different from other firms. We have a lot of other synergies within our group that give us a point of difference.”

Based in Hamilton, but serving the entire central North Island, AP Group consists of AP Construction, AP Demolition, and AP Waste, plus related company Waikato Demolition add an investment arm to the group.

While the companies often work together on the same projects, they also undertake separate contracts. Andrew says it is this range of service that makes AP Group stand out from the competition.

“The ultimate job for us, and we’ve done quite a few and are quite successful, is going into a structure where we’re completely renovating it, retrofitting, part demolishing, and building new attachedments, because it ticks all the boxes in our group.”

The company also has its own excavation company, with its own trucks, diggers, crane, scissor lifts and high reach diggers for pulling down multiple level buildings.

“We’ve got about 100 pieces of kit we can call on to achieve the goals that a client wants in their project and do it cost effectively,” says Andrew.

When this equipment is not in use, the AP Group hires it out to other contractors through its hire division.

AP Group has been in business for 22 years and has a staff of 60, split into 22 in construction, and the rest in demolition and waste. Andrew says the staff are another major reason why AP Group has been a success.

“We’ve got some pretty skilled guys working in-house, and good contract management skills, so we can achieve whatever is set in front of us and do it successfully.”

“When you see us all together you realise how big we are, but a lot of the time our resources aren’t at home in the Waikato.

They pick up and move to where the jobs are, particularly for our demolition and our waste.”

AP Construction AP Construction builds residential and commercial properties primarily in the Waikato area.

of the group. The company also works with numerous key developers in the Waikato area.

wiring stripped and sold to scrap metal merchants, and timber and joinery resold from the company’s Hamilton yard.

AP Demolition

AP Waste

AP Demolition works throughout the wider central North Island, undertaking large and small, mechanical and manual demolitions.

The company also has an asbestos removal arm to the business.

AP Waste has a large variety of skips to suit all types of commercial and residential requirements available for hire throughout Hamilton, with an extra charge for outside Hamilton.

AP Group works for a wide range of clients, from government departments such as Housing New Zealand, to hospital boards, councils, and developers.

Andrew heads up this sector. He’s a qualified carpenter, project manager and surveyor. As general manager; much of his work is now in the office, but he says he still likes to get on site as often as possible.

Andrew says a large percentage of the older buildings they demolish have asbestos in them, so having trained and experienced asbestos removers on the staff adds another area of diversity to the services offered by AP Group.

Because they work over a wide geographical area, Andrew says people often don’t realise just how big and diverse AP Group is.

A large proportion of AP Construction’s buildings are their own design and build, and are built under the investment company wing

The group aims to recycle as much as possible, and keep waste to a minimum.

Concrete is crushed and sold as aggregate,

Andrew says having these distinct arms to the group, which all work together, allows AP Group to deliver a quality, professional service to clients within agreed time frames.

AP Group 0800 99 19 99 info@ap-group.co.nz www.ap-group.co.nz

Supplying SKIP and HOOK Bins in the Waikato - 3m3 to 30m3 CONSTRUCTION • COMMERCIAL • DOMESTIC Phone 0800 99 80 64 • www.apwaste.co.nz • 56 Foreman Road, Hamilton www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 35

Form Building & Development

Gallant commercial construction Form Building and Development’s (Form B&D) success at the 2017 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards solidifies its position at the forefront of the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty construction industries.

In 2007 two trusted and longstanding companies on Tauranga’s construction landscape, Moyle Construction and Eaton Developments, merged to create Form Building & Development.

This successful unification of more than 65 years of residential and commercial expertise was a confident, collaborative bid between two outstanding teams to pave the way for a more sustainable commercial operation, capture larger projects and diversify into areas previously untapped.

Today Form B&D employs 120 staff and counting. The use of resources, namely people and equipment, is greatly optimised and as a result there is the ability for employees to flourish in specialised roles and for clients to reap the benefits.

Form B&D targets all works in the commercial and industrial construction sector. This ranges from trade units, office fit outs, multi-level units, remediation, to large-scale retail developments.

It’s found that its clients are preferring a design and build approach. “This provides

“We feel the nature of the awards themselves are pretty special because they acknowledge all aspects of the project and the overall success. Essentially a great final product and a happy team at the end,” says project manager on the Mangatawa Tari project, Dean Ewing.

cost certainty from the onset with the majority of ‘risk’ carried by the contractor,” says general manager Craig McCullough.

Form’s offices are continuing to experience rapid growth and the company puts this down to its key values of quality assurance, fashioning excellent internal and external relationships and a dedication to sustainability and green building.

Triple success at the 2017 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards The New Zealand Commercial Project Awards are recognised as the supreme national contractor's awards and Form B&D was the proud recipient of three at this year’s ceremony: the Special Award, Commercial Gold, and the Value Award for Under $2million, for its efforts in the Mangatawa Tari project.

All entries are judged by a panel of two judges comprised of a commercial contractor and an architect. Projects are scrutinised by the judging panel, through a site visit including an interview with at least three members of the project team, being the construction company, the owner and one consulting project partner.

Special Award The Special Award is given at the discretion of the judges for a specific outstanding project or element of a project they feel is

G.M.R. HOLMAC LIMITED

SPECIALIST BUILDING MAINTENANCE & PAINTING CONTRACTORS Proud to be part of the Mangatawa Tari Trust with Form Building and Developments Ltd Professional commercial plumbers, gas fitters and drainlayers. We are proud to have an amazing team of 30 plumbers who tackle all kinds of plumbing projects in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, from domestic maintenance and new builds, through to large commercial and industrial projects.

We are a one stop shop providing Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying and Hydraulic Design.

UNIT 4/ 24 PAERANGI PLACE, TAURIKO, TAURANGA • Phone: 07 576 6659 Email: admin@aquaholics.co.nz • Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 7:30-5:00 PM 36 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• • • • •

FIREPROOF COATINGS WATERPROOFING PAINTING & DECORATING JOINT SEALANTS & GROUTS FLAT ROOF & DECK SURFACING

• • • • •

GUTTER LININGS & FLASHINGS CHEMICALLY RESISTANT COATINGS FLOOR COATINGS FOUNDATION DAMP PROOFING SANDBLASTING & METAL COATING SYSTEMS

NZ Master Painters Awards 2014 WINNER • “Large Commercial Interior”

We provide quotations, specifications, maintenance programmes and practical advice at no charge as part of our overall service. Therefore should you have any requirements in these fields please do not hesitate to contact us.

GMR HOLMAC LIMITED - 89 Birch Ave, Tauranga Ph 07 571 5005 Fax 07 571 5006 www.gmrholmac.co.nz / admin@gmrholmac.co.nz

Form Building & Development magic spring that turned them all to stone, forming the local hills.

“We all quickly realised that this was a lot more than just a building but a legacy for many generations to come.

“During our meetings with James, the carver [of the three pou], our team was taken on a journey – incorporating the whales, culture and history into our building.”

The initial concepts for the building’s design even briefly had it envisioned as the shape of an entire whale. Dean says that fortunately for all this concept was refined and the whale building became ‘the whale tail’.

The end result is a breath-taking, cohesive and functional work of art that pays homage to its history and is a fine example of mahi nga tahi – “working together” in Maori.

worthy of recognition. Form B&D received this award for its delivery of Mangatawa Tari, for which it led the design and build.

“Form was engaged by the client, Mangatawa Incorporation, and successfully selected to facilitate the complete design and build of the office block,” says Form D&B director, Andy Dew. “After receiving the initial brief we then set our sights on selecting the correct engineer and architect who would assist Form in capturing the vision thus bringing to life the brief that Form was presented with by the principal.

“The time spent at the front of this project ensured all parties involved were correctly positioned and held the necessary skill set to deliver what would be one of Tauranga's leading commercial projects in 2016.

“We feel very proud that we were entrusted to undertake this special design and build project for Mangatawa.

“We all feel we have delivered a pretty special building which is now a prominent landmark, but more importantly, we have cemented an enduring relationship with Mangatawa Inc.” The brief was to deliver a hospitable corporate building that not only emphasised physical aspects like functionality, but also aspirations of how it would connect with its surroundings and the local community it serves.

The construction team included contractors, Mangatawa shareholders and local Iwi, as well as a resident carver who was charged with the task of producing the three pou (carvings), and the Inc.’s chairman as the roofing contractor.

The design and build team delivered a “fantastic initial vision and concept that was easily sold to the client. This developed into something we’re all proud of and we appreciate everyone’s efforts”.

Commercial Gold Commercial Gold is awarded to entries that have achieved 90 percent or more on the judging criteria. Form received this award for the Mangatawa Project.

Commercial Project Under $2million Award All projects entered in the awards are automatically eligible for the category awards – Commercial Project Under $2million, Commercial Project $2-5million, Commercial Project $5-15million and Commercial Project Over $15million – based on their total project value.

Form won the Commercial Project Under $2million Award for the Mangatawa development.

Form Building & Developments Ltd Bay of Plenty (07) 574 7705 Auckland (09) 579 5079 Waikato (07) 282 0797 www.formnz.co.nz

The journey began with the Incorporation’s chairman, Kevia Haua, taking the team from Form to the top of Mangatawa Hill which overlooks the Inc.’s land and what was, at the time, the intended site for the new build.

It was here the team became inspired by the story of the Legend of Mangatawa – of the mother whale, Mangatawa, her calf and the calf’s father, who ventured into Tauranga Harbour and upon becoming stranded drank from what was, unbeknownst to them, a

Jensen Steel Fabricators Ltd. Jensen Steel Fabricators was formed in 1987. Over the years and wide variety of projects, the experienced and committed team at Jensen Steel has developed strong relationships with many or New Zealand’s major leading construction companies and key manufacturers.

Jensen Steel values the importance of manufacturing a high quality steel products. As the construction industry evolves to meet increasing national and international standard requirements, Jensen Steel continue to develop systems that maintains their prominent market position.

With over thirty years of experience in Steel Fabrication, Jensen Steel know that it takes more than fabrication and erection experience to create preferred contractor status.

GUILD & SPENCE ELECTRICAL LTD ARE PROUD TO BE INVOLVED IN THE MANGATAWA TARI PROJECT

In House Structural Detailing

PHONE 07 5783782 Complete Steel Erection Service

www.guildspence.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 37

Health & Safety

Putting the ‘health’ in H&S The construction industry presents unique challenges for health and safety, as the day to day activities vary greatly over the duration of a project.

WorkSafe New Zealand classes construction as a high-risk sector, and 60 percent of workers and 50 percent of employers in construction share this view.

Since the Health and Safety at Work Act and Regulations came into effect in 2015 and 2016 respectively, there has been a growing culture change in health and safety for the better.

However, the focus has been on ‘safety’ rather than ‘health’. The ‘health’ aspect is important because in the construction industry, five percent of workplace fatalities were from accidents, whereas 95 percent of deaths were from occupational disease –a difference of almost 20-fold.

and workers can be exposed from activities such as drilling, cutting, sawing and sanding.

Furthermore, there are other health hazards such as noise, welding fumes, hand-arm vibration and solvents that workers can be exposed to.

How can I deal with these hazards?

Contact an occupational hygienist from SGS New Zealand Ltd. Occupational hygienists identify and evaluate workplace health hazards using a variety of established methods and equipment. They measure the amount or concentration of hazards and compare it to exposure limits. Based on the results, they can help you reduce worker exposure to hazards.

Why should I get exposure monitoring done?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and General Risk and Workplace Management regulations 2016 requires PCBUs to do so. The regulations outline the specific requirements relating to exposure monitoring.

of the construction project at the Olympic Park and Athletes Village in the UK, showed a $13 return on every dollar spent on occupational hygiene services.

• Enhance your business image with respect for human and environmental health

Additional benefits include:

• Reduced down-time from shuts due to overexposure of hazards

• Protecting the health of workers is the right thing to do

• Using the appropriate control measures in your workplace can save thousands.

• Fewer people leaving work early through illness

For advice and further information, contact:

What are the benefits of occupational hygiene exposure monitoring?

• Minimise the risk of WorkSafe NZ compliance fines and penalties

Wood dust, asbestos and silica are substances which are known to cause cancer,

Occupational hygiene can save businesses money – for example, a cost-benefit analysis

• More efficient working processes and increased productivity

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• Increased capacity and quality of work

• Increased life expectancy means a longer productive worker life

What kind of health-related hazards are there on a construction site?

38 | B&C - Spring 2017

• Reduced healthcare costs associated with occupational disease

Kerry Cheung Occupational hygienist Health and Safety, SGS New Zealand Ltd 027 405 2802 Kerry.Cheung@sgs.com

RDL Group

A proud, longstanding history in construction RDL is a family owned and operated construction, demolition and earthworks business based in Upper Hutt, Wellington.

Finalists in the Chamber of Commerce Wellington Region Business Excellence Awards for Best Emerging Business last year, RDL has proudly delivered the highest standard of service in the lower North Island for over 25 years and has emerged as a new competitive industry player, with a new, structure and brand in 2015.

In 1991, founder of RDL Group (formerly Ridge Park Developments), David Sneddon and his small team started as bright-eyed apprentices, eager to expand their repertoire and profile in general construction.

The team travelled the length and breadth of the country undertaking small and large projects from commercial fit-outs to housing.

The project numbers and scale steadily increased, and Ridge Park Developments became a reputable local brand; large enough to take on big projects, but small enough to remain dynamic and responsive.

In 2008, David’s son, and soon-to-be director, Benji Sneddon, dedicated himself to learning the ropes of the business. He worked tirelessly to attain practical knowledge on construction sites across the region, while identifying improvements in resource management and efficiency.

It wasn’t long before Benji excelled as a natural leader, managing resources, staff and projects in a way that was unique to the industry. His strengths in people management and managing project resources saw him excel and rapidly take on more responsibility.

RDL soon excelled as a local industry leader.

Benji took on the role as director in 2015 and led RDL Group in a new direction.

He invested in a raft of new equipment to enable the business to efficiently undertake all aspects of construction, demolition and earthworks projects, providing end-to-end, professional and personal services.

He sourced a small group of staff to help with obtaining new contracts and it wasn’t long

before the team excelled at building new industry and public relationships.

The business has now grown from a staff of 12 to a strong workforce of 67, working at over 13 locations (projects) across the region. Benji places emphasis on employing local people and works hard to provide opportunities for development and progression.

RDL now punches well above its weight for its size, with recent notable projects including the full new build of the Spotlight complex in Paraparaumu, the new seawalls in Island Bay and Plimmerton, the demolition of commercial buildings for new developments on Kingsford Smith Street, Woodward Street and Roxborough Street in Wellington and the recent acquisition of the full demolition

contract for the 11-story earthquake damaged Revera House on Mulgrave Street, and the internal demolition at the Amora Hotel.

In March this year RDL was thrilled to receive its Class A Asbestos licence through WorkSafe New Zealand. This now enables the company to undertake complex Class A asbestos removal projects across the region, assuring its clients that no matter what is uncovered on their project, RDL can take care of it safely.

RDL is entered in this year’s Business Excellence Awards in the category for the Supreme Award for Best Trade Service and the special category for Young Business Person of the Year. www.rdlgroup.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 39

Green Way

40 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Green Way

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 41

Education

Keeping construction at full steam “With the construction industry booming, getting more people into the industry is key to meeting demand and ensuring we can all prosper from our strong economy,” says Hon Louise Upston, Associate Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.

In 2017, national construction value will peak at $37 billion dollars for projects from 2015 to 2021. According to MBIE projections, demand for construction workers means around 49,000 more people will be needed in construction-related occupations in the next five years, taking the total to over 539,000.

Total construction value in Auckland alone will peak at $17 billion in 2018.

These figures are simply astounding. With industry demand predicted to remain consistent until 2021, there are strong employment opportunities and job security for any person entering the industry in the near future. It’s a great time to be in construction.

Meeting industry demand To help meet industry demand we need an injection of workers from all walks of life, young and old. So it is great to see employers looking for new ways to promote their industry and to connect with their future workforce, alongside the traditional tertiary education partnerships.

I recently spent a couple of hours at a construction industry-focused event, getting a first-hand look at how educationto-employer initiatives work. It was an opportunity to spend some valuable time with present and future construction industry leaders.

I spoke with members from Canam Group and observed a group of secondary students who were spending three days trying out a number of different roles on offer – surveying, costing, and computer design and modelling. The enthusiasm and positivity shown by everyone in the room was phenomenal. It was wonderful to see employers letting students get hands-on experience with a real-world construction project, working alongside industry professionals who were teaching them the ropes.

Targeting young people earlier is key to building a consistent flow of workers and a strong workforce. International research shows young people having four or more experiences with employers during their schooling years sets them up well for future workplace success.

42 | B&C - Spring 2017

Hon Louise Upston with students from Henderson High School at the Canam Group construction industry-focused event

"

I’m incredibly proud of the latest numbers showing 43,000 Kiwis are engaged in an apprenticeship. That’s an increase of 6,800, or nearly 19 percent since 2012.

- Hon Louise

showing 43,000 Kiwis are engaged in an apprenticeship. That’s an increase of 6,800, or nearly 19 percent since 2012.

"

The Tertiary Education Commission is continually working to find ways to promote construction careers to young people.

Programmes like Work Inspiration and Gateway play a critical role in highlighting jobs, pathways and opportunities in the construction industry. They are key to providing options to students and enabling schools to build and broaden their relationships with employers and industry training organisations (ITOs).

these resources to as many young people as possible.

I encourage any employer or school to consider participating in these valuable mentoring and work experience programmes.

It was pleasing to see Destination Trades taking this message to heart and launching a new course in Auckland. Nailing It lets women get a taste of the entire industry during a 10-week apprenticeshipstyle course.

But there is still more we can do. In addition to getting more employers on board we need to enable young people and their families with high-quality information for them to make positive study and career choices.

A great example is careers.govt.nz which is run by the Tertiary Education Commission and helps young people and their parents, teachers and whānau to explore career opportunities. If they’re totally at square one, there’s a great tool called CareerQuest that identifies careers based on interests.

There’s also a tool to build CVs, a jobs database of more than 400 jobs and a tonne of articles and free resources to help young people make the right career decision. We need to promote and encourage the use of

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Women in trades We also need to get more women into trades apprenticeships to help us meet the skills shortage challenge. Statistics New Zealand data shows that less than two percent of women are employed in building and related trades, and increasing this number is an important focus.

I believe if we can set aside gender stereotypes we will succeed in encouraging young women to consider careers in trades where there is high growth and high demand, like building and construction.

We’ve seen some successful results in Canterbury, where the number of women in trades increased 124 percent between 2010 and 2017. It is up to educators, businesses and parents to ensure young women have access to the well-paid career opportunities that are available.

Training for the future I’m incredibly proud of the latest numbers

We have set an ambitious target of 50,000 people to be training in apprenticeships by 2020 and we are working with ITOs on an action plan to achieve that.

Budget 2016 saw more than $14.4 million invested in industry training and an additional $9.6 million for Māori and Pasifika trades training over four years. This year we invested a further $7 million in apprenticeships and industry training over the next four years.

The Government will continue to invest to meet the skills challenge, but we need support from parents, teachers, career advisors and businesses if we are to meet our apprenticeship target by 2020. This means getting these influencers – parents, teachers, employers and whānau – to discuss and encourage young people to consider these career options.

Industry future We have a lot of work to do to meet industry demand, fill the skills shortages and get the industry into a position where we can meet workforce demands with ease. I encourage you to support your current workforce by up-skilling them, make use of apprenticeships and support initiatives like Gateway and Work Inspiration.

These initiatives will get construction and trades careers on the radar of young people earlier, which will go a long way towards shaping our future construction and building skills pipeline. By working together we can maximise opportunities for New Zealand’s workers, communities and businesses to grow and prosper.

Education

Study in Invercargill with zero fees It is well worth looking into your options at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), just like current student Narcisse Carr.

Originally thinking of doing a carpentry course, she then discovered joinery which allows for more detailed and intricate work - something that appealed to her as an artist. Friends recommended the Certificate in Joinery at SIT as SIT offers a new joinery facility that many believe is the best in New Zealand.

Moving to Invercargill from Dunedin, Narcisse describes the course as “top notch” and would highly recommend it to any potential joinery students. The machine shop students work in is large and contains high quality modern industrial machinery which is used to manufacture kitchens, furniture, doors, windows and cabinetry.

Narcisse flew through her course work and coming into the end of the year had finished well before most of her classmates. One of the tutors selected Narcisse and another capable student for an extra project which would help hone their skills and give them valuable experience.

The project was to build a new front counter for the main reception at SIT’s Tay Street campus. It was turned out in an impressive two and a half weeks and now has pride of place in the centre of reception, displaying its professional finish and providing a modern, spacious and functional work space.

Upon graduating, Narcisse made the decision to continue studying and is now undertaking a National Diploma in Architectural Technology.

Her experience at SIT has been overwhelmingly positive and the Certificate in Joinery a stepping stone to give her a background in the practical side of building and joinery, which is standing her in good stead to move into the architectural side of things.

As an artist, the drawing and design concepts involved in the architectural technology course are in line with her talents, and aspects she is enjoying.

Long term, Narcisse is thinking about starting her own business and her background in both joinery and architectural technology will be invaluable experience.

There is a shortage of skilled construction personnel in New Zealand and so there has never been a better time to gain a qualification, or in Narcisse’s case, two.

TRADES @ SIT INVERCARGILL UPSKILL OR RETRAIN æ Automotive & Road Transport æ Architectural Technology & Quantity Surveying æ Construction æ Electrotechnology æ Engineering æ Joinery

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz 0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 43

Arrow International

Arrow hits Queenstown target The construction of iFLY – an indoor skydiving simulator facility in Queenstown – is an iconic project, being the first of its kind in New Zealand, says Arrow International’s South Island general manager Nick Hamlin.

With Queenstown being the adventure capital of New Zealand, iFLY’s owners decided it was the right place and time to bring the unique experience of indoor skydiving to New Zealand.

Located in Brecon Street, the iFLY Queenstown facility is being built on the tourism corridor which leads to the Skyline Gondola.

The iFLY Queenstown project consists of building a wind tunnel inside an

architecturally designed building. The wind tunnel enables flyers to float on a column of air which lifts people up from a stainlesssteel elastic net, strong enough to hold two adult elephants, located at the base of the glass flight chamber. Construction of the three-level complex began in February 2017.

Like any construction, the project has had a number of challenges. “Securing contractors in a very heated labour market has certainly been a challenge, which has been felt around the district,” Nick says. “Construction of an insitu concrete wind tunnel to very strict tolerances has also been a challenge along with the construction of an in ground structure through the middle of a Queenstown winter.”

Construction of the $15 million project is expected to be completed in early 2018. “To date we have had minimal down time, albeit being the winter months; hopefully this continues,” Nick says.

Specialist fabricators & installers of custom-made metalwork and Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel

Ph. 03 442 3036 BRIDGE & MARINE STRUCTURES CRANE HIRE FOUNDATION & SHEET PILING HEAVY HAUL TRANSPORT PRECAST & PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE

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www.queenstownengineering.co.nz 120 Glenda Drive, Frankton

Delivering beyond expectation

WATERPROOFING - GREEN ROOFS - REMEDIATION

Just Dig It are Queenstown’s preferred earthmovers. Offering the Otago region reliable services, we bring our experience and expertise to your project. The great services offered by Just Dig It include:

Rhino Construction provides specialised construction industry services. Based in Queenstown servicing the Southern Lakes and Central Otago Rhino specialises in construction waterproofing, complete green roof construction, roof membranes, deck membranes, tanking, remediation, strengthening and concrete repair. Rhino is dedicated to ensuring our customers receive high quality, cost effective and sustainable construction solutions.

Rhino Construction PO Box 2479, Wakatipu Unit 3, 214 Glenda Drive, Frankton 44 | B&C - Spring 2017

Phone: (03) 409 0885 Email: james@rhinoconstruction.co.nz www.rhinoconstruction.co.nz

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• Fully Managed Site Works • Earthmoving & Excavations • Landscaping & House Sites

• Driveways & Subdivisions • Diggers & Trucks

We offer all clients unparalleled service for all earthworks, earthmoving and excavation projects.

CONTACT THE JUST DIG IT TEAM TODAY!

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Arrow International

The complex is built over three levels, with the exterior having been adapted to fit the local aesthetic by local firm Walker Commercial Architects, and it is unlike any of the other 67 iFLY buildings around the world. The basement is approximately 200 square metres and 7 metres high; it is constructed of 450mm insitu built concrete walls. The ground and first floors have a structural steel frame infilled with timber framing and have been clad in colour steel.

The internals are timber framed, lined with gib board, ceiling tiles, ceramic tiles and floor coverings of different types. The total build is approximately 500 square metres.

The construction features a seven-metre deep basement and wind turbines that sit on top of the building. The turbines blow air around the building, into the basement and then project it up through the centre of the building to create a “flight chamber”.

The wind tunnel and most of the technology

for the project will come from Texas, United States.

Entertainment company iFLY created modern indoor skydiving, and made the dream of flight a reality by giving it's customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment. iFLY New Zealand is a joint project between SkyVenture International, which manufactures iFLY wind tunnels, and Auckland couple Emma Beyer and her husband Gary Beyer. iFLY Indoor Skydiving NZ managing director Emma Beyer was on the British skydiving team that won the 2006 World Championships, while her husband Gary is a former world champion and 18-time US champion.

Emma says the site in Queenstown’s Brecon Street, close to the Skyline Gondola, was the perfect fit for iFLY.

INVERCARGILL QUEENSTOWN DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH

• Industrial • Commercial • Residential “Quality Solutions delivered on Time”

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160 Glenda Drive Commercial & Residential Roofing • PO Box 2445, Wakatipu Fascia & Spouting • Queenstown 9349 Fax 03 442 2204

Ph 03 442 2202

Rubber Membrane •

CS Roofing Queenstown Ltd Proud to be supporting Arrow iFLY project

Build for Success

Proud build partner of i-Fly New Zealand, the exciting new Queenstown indoor flying facilty. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 45

Arrow International “Being located here in the city centre means people can visit us very easily, even when time is tight, and with indoor skydiving it doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing; we can fly rain or shine, 365 days a year. The local team dedicated considerable resources to designing the building for Queenstown, working with our local consultants, Queenstown Council and the Urban Design Panel, and we’re proud of the way this facility looks. Queenstown is a unique destination and we believe our building reflects that.”

“A great deal of work has gone into ensuring the architecture is sympathetic to the alpine backdrop of Bob's Peak at the end of Brecon Street. We also needed to consider Queenstown's distinct character and qualities. Our architect, Simon Adnitt from Walkers, adapted the standard iFLY building to this unique environment in a number of ways, such as adding small, individual windows, and detailing on the facade to reduce the apparent bulk. We used a very muted palette and the roof line was modulated to disguise the basic rectangular shape. We worked closely with Queenstown Council and the Urban Design Panel with the intention of creating an iconic building at the gateway to the Brecon Street tourism corridor.

“We also needed to address that this is very much a 'town centre' location which

brings a unique adventure activity right into the heart of the city. We're in a very active pedestrian area so it was important to ensure there was good connectivity with the street. For this building we'll have a large deck with outdoor seating, and also a good-sized cafe in the front part of the facility. We want to give people plenty of reasons to make us an essential place to stop and stay a while on their Queenstown visit. By giving people the opportunity to fly with us and then grab a drink and a bite to eat afterwards while they soak up the atmosphere, we hope we'll be able to achieve that.”

The iFLY experience is suitable for flyers from three years old to 103. “If you have reasonable health and fitness you can fly.

Our goal is to deliver the dream of flight to everyone. It’s an incredible experience; nothing comes closer to genuine, human flight.”

A flying start iFLY started in 1998 as SkyVenture, LLC. Once the company had developed the technology to create a stable, wall-to-wall cushion of air in a flight chamber, it knew it could offer a very realistic and safe indoor skydiving experience. iFLY opened its first indoor skydiving facility in 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, iFLY opened three more facilities. In 2005, it rebranded itself iFLY,

maintaining SkyVenture as its design and manufacturing company. Today, iFLY has 67 locations around the world, in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia, and the list continues to grow with the facility currently in construction in Queenstown.

Contractors The iFLY build is a medium sized project for AIL, which has half a dozen staff involved, from project managers to site administration, site management and cost control. Other contractors involved with the iFLY Queenstown project are as follows: Angle Interiors Gib Fix & Stop; Aquaheat Mechanical Services; Base Contracting Excavation; Braziers Scaffolding; Carters Carpentry Materials; CFJ Construction Concrete Formwork; CS Roofing Warm

Span Roofing & Cladding; Dennis Industries Sheet Piling; Ellisons Aluminium Metal & Window Doors; Fire Protection Compliance Fire Protection; Fletcher Reinforcing Reinforcing Steel; Flooring Xtra Queenstown Floor Coverings; Foley Plumbers; Hallmark Group Fire & Timber Doors; Henry & Kemp Hardware; Just Dig It Drainage; Nind Electrical Electrical Services; NJ Block Blockwork; Otago Painting Solutions Painting & Decorating; Performance Interiors Suspended Ceilings; Price Landscaping; Queenstown Engineering Structural Steel; Queenstown Paving Works; Ramset Concrete Fasteners; Rhino Construction Waterproofing / Tanking; Smith Cranes Cranage; South Pacific Fire Protection (SPFP) Fire Sprinklers; South Roads Site Works; Steve’s Joinery Joinery; Thomson Plastering; Tradestaff Queenstown Labour Hire.

Plasterboard Stopping • Painting • Wallpapering Intumescent Coatings • Interior Acoustic Products

Exceptional Quality & Professional Service P: 03 442 3206 F: 03 442 3207 46 | B&C - Spring 2017

E: steve@stevesjoinery.co.nz W: www.stevesjoinery.co.nz

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• Concrete Kerbing • Car Parks • Driveways & Footpaths ( Gravel, Concrete, Asphalt or Chipseal ) • Tennis Courts • Site Preparation ( Building Platforms, Driveways & General Excavations )

Coastal Auto

Automotive out-servicing in the BOP Established in 2015 as the only auto electrical repairs and servicing terminus in the seaside settlement of Opotiki, Coastal Automotive Ltd specialises in the mobile servicing of agricultural, forestry and marine equipment, but it also caters to residential customers within the community.

Coastal Automotive Ltd offers a full suite of auto electrical repairs, including:

Its popular out-service is comprised of two mobile service vehicles working around the clock to deliver a full suite of auto electrical repairs and maintenance, from electrical fires to machine servicing, to parts replacement and everything in between.

Director Brodie Eruera established Coastal Automotive upon his return home from a lengthy spell as an auto electrician in the mines in Australia.

He notes it was always the plan to return home one day, but not before adding worldly depth to his repertoire of industry experience.

Brodie is abetted by 2IC auto electrician and long-time friend Sid, with whom Brodie began his career in the industry, as apprentices for Gary’s Auto Electrical many years back. They are joined by a mechanic and an apprentice and collectively the Coastal Auto team boasts more than 85 years’ experience.

• WOF • Auto air conditioning • Agricultural plant

You’d be hard-pressed to present them with an auto electrical issue they can’t together conquer.

They balance their respect for traditional solutions with their grasp of modern movements in the industry, to offer the most effective solutions for private, commercial, specialised, heavy and smaller vehicles.

Opotiki Harbour Transformation Project to boost region’s business

The Opotiki Harbour Transformation Project, headed by Opotiki mayor John Forbes, is intended to restore Opotiki to

the bustling socially and economically independent port town it once was.

Coastal Automotive is readily equipped to service the region’s growing marine and automotive fleet and is excited to play its part in helping the region to flourish.

It’s specialised, acquired knowledge surrounding marine and heavy plant equipment will come in particularly handy for the Project’s two interdependent ventures: the country’s largest offshore marine farm (the Opotiki Muscle Farm), and a large-scale infrastructure project to improve the navigability of the Opotiki Harbour entrance, not to mention the

• Forestry plant • Marine plant • Full range of batteries in stock • Wide range of lighting and equipment available.

additional growth the Project will bring to the region.

With Brodie and Sid’s experience with heavy machinery, and growth in the forestry industry throughout the East coast region, Coastal Auto has naturally become a key service to businesses operating throughout the Bay of Plenty region.

• All Auto Electrical and Auto Air Conditioning Repairs • Light Vehicle Mechanical and Servicing and WOFS. • 24/7 Mobile Service for Heavy Machinery and Trucks • All Auto Electrical Repairs • Maring Auto Electrical and Servicing • Forestry Machinery Auto Electrical and Servicing • Agricultural Machinery Auto Electrical and Servicing

M 027 915 3676 • P 07 315 7480

E coastalautomotive@outlook.com A 78 Bridge Street, Opotiki www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 47

Personal Proctective Equipment

Glove up Nobody needs an explanation about why it makes sense to have a pair of gloves handy on construction sites.

But one aspect of protection that might get overlooked is the humble glove’s protection against chemicals and solvents.

We all know how dangerous solvents can be and protecting people exposed to them is essential.

They enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption and by digestion of droplets.

Solvents can be detected in the body within 30 seconds of skin contact.

Solvents have different effects on humans, depending on their type, the length and frequency of exposure and the concentration of the solvent in the inhaled air.

The safety specialists Action Safety supplies quality safety products and apparel to individuals as well as trade, industry, forestry, education and government sectors.

to the blood forming system and damage to the unborn foetus. Some solvents, such as Benzene and Toluene, can cause cancer.

Reducing the risks

Short term exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, dermatitis or skin problems, poor coordination and nausea.

While employers are ultimately responsible for taking all possible measures to prevent their staff from being exposed to solvents, there are several easy ways to help prevent exposure.

Long term repeated exposure may lead to neurotoxicity (damage to the brain and nervous system), skin problems, liver and/or kidney damage, fertility problems, damage

Investigate whether a solvent can be substituted for a less harmful one or whether the job can be done differently to minimise or eliminate exposure.

Established in 1998, its mission is to provide each and every New Zealander who asks with the best chance to stay safe and healthy, in or out of the workplace.

Whether you’re a tradesperson or a member of the general public, you’ll find protective gear for all your safety needs at Action Safety.

Action Safety stocks everything from safety footwear, hi-visability vests, wet weather gear and sun hats, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and personal

46 Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu 04 298 2229

INSTORE & ONLINE

protective equipment to occupational health/safety items.

The company is also exclusive stockists of She Wear woman’s safety boots from Australia, alongside a range of established, premium-quality brands available.

Its comprehensive product range is sourced from approved manufacturers and distributors who provide products and services that are compliant with, and often exceed, all current New Zealand Safety Standards.

Where possible, control exposure by employing mechanical/automated handling methods. Isolate the area in which the solvent is used and improve ventilation.

Prevent or minimise entry to high solvent areas by posting signs.

Use personal protective equipment specific to the solvent/chemical you are using, including protective clothing to cover all exposed parts of the body and personal clothing, as well as gloves, eye protection and suitable respirators. www.gloveup.co.nz

The trusted safety equipment and workwear company has taken every step to ensure it can offer you the best quality products at the sharpest prices.

Action Safety can also provide documentation to help you understand your requirements under the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Custom goods and specialist items are available: contact Jeff and the team online or instore to discuss your specific requirements. All goods are sold at trade prices and can be delivered nationwide.

Safety Equipment Workwear Safety Boots Personal Protective Equipment www.actionsafety.co.nz

48 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

NZ Master Joiners Awards

Buy your timber joinery with confidence Deciding on your new timber joinery, whether for a new or existing home, is a complex decision.

Timber joinery is timeless in appearance and will suit modern architectural or traditional building methods.

But not all timber joinery is created equal.

There is quality timber joinery and there is cheap timber joinery, but there is no cheap, quality timber joinery.

So choosing the supplier of your new timber joinery is very important.

Registered Master Joiners provides full consultation and design services for all joinery needs and works closely with other design professionals to ensure that the finished product looks and functions at its best.

Exterior and interior joinery are premium products, which require a level of protection to enhance the properties of the products.

It is therefore important that you take your time in selecting who designs, manufactures and advises on care and maintenance.

Registered Master Joiners brings innovation to the joinery industry. It encourages competition and the pursuit of excellence between and from its members, their employees and apprentices.

The annual Master Joiner Awards promote excellence in design and joinery craftsmanship, encourage use of sustainable timber and best practice, and showcase the finest work from the industry.

Whether renovating or rebuilding, don’t take a gamble with a major investment in your home – the best kitchens and cabinetry don’t just happen. It makes sense to consult a professional for the planning, manufacture and installation in your home.

Environmentally, timber joinery is manufactured from a renewable resource, is low in energy to produce and has thermal insulation qualities better than alternative products.

JMF NZ LTD was formed as a partnership between Registered Master Joiners and McNaughton Windows and Doors to undertake a rigorous weather tightness testing programme with a number of profiles of Windows and Doors. JMF NZ LTD now has a website showing a range of products that have been tested and comply.

The system can only be manufactured by Joiners that are affiliated to Registered Master Joiners and who are authorised to

DOMESTIC

manufacture. There is a list of authorised manufacturers available from a link from www.masterjoiners.co.nz or on the JMF NZ LTD website www.jmfnz.co.nz Members of the group are also able to provide assistance to building consent authorities, specifiers and architects that specify or use these products, by providing drawings, specifications and installation instructions. Specifying authorities can register for detailed information, drawings etc at no cost, here www.jmfnz.co.nz.

Masterspec has released a new section covering the range, entitled 4511JF JMF exterior timber windows and doors, available in Standard and Basic.

To find a Registered Master Joiner in your area, check out the website www.masterjoiners.co.nz or email info@masterjoiners.co.nz.

2017 NZ Master Joiners Awards The annual NZ Master Joiners Awards are the largest industry awards of their kind in New Zealand. The awards aim to promote excellence in joinery design and craftsmanship, to encourage the use of sustainable timbers and to showcase the finest work from the industry.

Judging criteria includes design, quality of workmanship, use of materials, complexity of project and visual appeal.

Kitchen design is judged on the ‘wow factor’, cutting edge design, practicality and creative use of materials and colour.

The judges commented, “There has been high interest again this year in the NZ Master Joiners Awards, and we congratulate all contestants on their efforts. This competition has shown that winners can come from all sized projects, from those with an endless supply of money to those of very modest means. It is heartening to see the pride in our trade and the skills we can offer our clients.”

Best Kitchen – Greg and Leigh Ayers, Advanced Joinery, Christchurch Best Kitchen Under $15,000 – Karen Harlen, Bays Joinery, Nelson Best Kitchen $15,000 to $30,000 – Greg Rabbitte, Rabbitte Joinery, Christchurch Best Kitchen Design – Kirsty Davis, Hagley Kitchens, Christchurch Best Use of Colour – Anna Thomas, Bays Joinery, Nelson Best Use of Creative Lighting – George Molnar, Bays Joinery, Nelson Supreme Award (sponsored by Carters) – Greg and Leigh Ayers, Advanced Joinery, Christchurch

Nelson/Marlborough – Bays Joinery, Nelson Canterbury – Advanced Joinery, Christchurch Waitaki – Brett Joinery, Timaru Otago/Southland – Formatt Bespoke Joinery, Queenstown Also announced at the awards dinner are the NZ Master Joiners Apprentice Awards, open to all joinery apprentices in New Zealand who may present a project with a minimum of 80% completed entirely by the apprentice.

2017 Apprentice Award: Best Fitment 0 – 4,000 hours – Conor Hunter, Personal Touch Kitchens, Te Awamutu

2017 Regional Award:

Best Fitment 4,001 – 8,000 hours – Fraser Hall, Vogue Kitchens and Appliances, New Plymouth

Auckland/Northland – McNaughton Windows and Doors, Auckland

Best Timber Project 0 – 4,000 hours – Tiarn Ririnui, Clearline, Mt Maunganui

Waikato/Bay of Plenty – Wackrow’s Joinery, Cambridge

Best Timber Project 4,001 – 8,000 hours – Sam Clapham, Reilly Joinery, Fielding

Hawke’s Bay/Poverty Bay – Rabbitte Joinery, Hastings

Highest Judged for Workmanship and Skill – Tiarn Ririnui, Clearline, Mt Maunganui

Central – Unique Timber Joinery, Palmerston North

Gordon Caulfield Memorial Trophy (awarded to the apprentice with the highest scoring points in the 4,001 – 8000 hours category who is a member of Master Joiners – Carl Lewis, Vogue Kitchens and Appliances, New Plymouth.

Taranaki – Vogue Kitchens and Appliances, New Plymouth Wellington – Countrylane Kitchens, Carterton

2017 Category winners: Best Speciality, Stairs, Bar/Counter, Fitment – Murray McIndoe, McIndoe Kitchens, Napier Best Door or Window – Dave Cunningham, McNaughton Windows and Doors, Auckland Best Use of Imported Timber – Dave Cunningham, McNaughton Windows and Doors, Auckland

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 49

Syntech

Clean and prepare with Syntech “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation!”

No matter whether a customer is large or small, the key to successful preparation is having the right tools for the right job.

One of the directors, William Bettle, says Syntech carefully selects it product lines to fit its core mantra of “Surface Finishing Specialists!” This could be from the hugely successful range of Elcometer Inspection equipment to Graco Vapor blasting equipment to other equally popular product lines within the Syntech range.

Syntech’s customers ultimately need to prepare surfaces for various forms of coating or surface finish.

The basic groundwork may start by carrying out surface inspection by looking at the profile. The customer may have to determine whether the climatic conditions are suitable to apply the finish. Preparing a surface may require sandblasting of the surface for a coating to adhere to, William says.

“We are lucky that the product lines we hold fit the decisions customers have to make on many of their contracting situations. We are finding our customers need options and as

we are solution based provider, it becomes a symbiotic relationship.

“Getting the job done quicker, easier and more cost effective are what our customers want.”

For example, one of Syntech’s latest entrants is the new EQP Graco Ecoquip Vapor blast unit.

This Vapor blast unit is small, compact and designed for portability. It can be an alternative to water-blasting, chemical cleaning or the use of power tools William says. This compact version is useful in areas where the big units are just too big. All sizes of these mobile units are in hot demand and can be leased and purchased in a variety of set-ups.

Graco’s vapor abrasive blast equipment reduces dust by up to 92 percent less than traditional dry blasting and uses very little water, making containment and clean-up of debris simple.

The spray equipment covers, paint, concrete and texture spraying.

One of our other areas is the traditional Graco Industrial Spray painting systems says William.

Although based in Auckland, Syntech supplies nationwide. “We prefer our customers are fully conversant with their asset purchase, so we offer training options,” William explains.

“This is backed up by full workshop facilities and service personnel. We are not into customers being left in the dark about the operation of their purchase.”

Not only do we supply Contractor spray paint equipment we service and support with spare parts.

If customers want to find out more, contact Syntech either by phone, on 09 820 2121, or email sales@syntechnz.com.

CONTRACTOR INSPECTION EQUIPMENT CONCRETE INSPECTION 500 Concrete Coating Thickness Gauge

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Syntech- Surface Finishing Specialists PO Box 19-341, 12B Saunders Place Avondale, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND 50 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Elcometer’s product range follows the coating process from coating development to post application inspection.

For more information please contact Syntech 0800 Syntech (0800 796 8324) www.syntechnz.com Email: sales@syntechnz.com

Inline Plumbing Ltd

Inline Plumbing is much more than just a plumbing company. The Christchurch business does complete bathroom renovations, taking care of every aspect of the project, whatever the size.

Inline Plumbing was formed by Johnny and Sally Gardner in 2008. Johnny is a Master Plumber with over twenty years’ experience in the plumbing industry including four years doing full bathroom renovations while in London.

COMPLETE BATHROOMS

Inline Plumbing recognises that one of the most difficult parts of renovating your bathroom is coordinating all the contractors. However, choosing Inline Plumbing means Johnny and his team will project manage and coordinate every aspect of the job.

Inline Plumbing employs its own building, electrical, plumbing and gas fitting staff. They offer a full floor-to-ceiling bathroom, laundry and kitchen renovation service with a fast turnaround and to the highest standard of work.

“Our service begins with meeting the customer at the property and completing a comprehensive design and quote process. From there we manage the project until completion. We pride ourselves on our high-quality finish and our high level of communication and keeping the customer aware of what’s going on throughout the entire project.”

Inline Plumbing’s complete bathroom service has become increasingly popular and Johnny attributes this growth to the successful model his company is offering, which takes away all the stress and hassle for their clients.

BEFORE

AFTER

^ Johnny Gardner and Sarah Driver your Bathroom Renovation specialists.

Inline Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that can take care of all your new or existing home requirements, from plumbing and gas fitting to heating, electrical and maintenance work.

NEW BUILDS, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

Inline Plumbing can handle every aspect of your new build plumbing, gasfitting and electrical. Whether your home is in the planning stages or well underway, owner Johnny and his team will find a solution for your plumbing situation.

The Christchurch company can also handle a wide range of repairs and maintenance work, including insurance work, blocked drains, roofing repairs, hot water cylinder repairs and upgrades, gas servicing.

“We do general plumbing, gas fitting and drainage and we do a lot of maintenance and new housing,” Johnny says.

“We focus on the residential market but we do some smaller commercial work as well. We will give you good advice and help you get the best possible result within your budget.”

The team at Inline Plumbing is fully equipped to carry out all emergency plumbing work. The company will have an expert plumber out to your residential or commercial premises in a service van as soon as possible.

Its emergency plumbing services include repairing leaks, broken fixtures, blocked drains, leaking hot water cylinders and frozen pipes.

“Talk to us about your planned or emergency repairs and we will work together to get these sorted as quickly as possible. We are able to co-ordinate with other contractors as required.”

BEFORE

Inline Plumbing is a highly professional business, which Johnny takes great pride in.

AFTER

“Our good name is our biggest asset,” he says.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to get that quality name and the majority of our work is gained by referral.”

Factfile: Why choose Inline Plumbing?

• Inline is a member of Master Plumbers NZ, bringing you the industry’s highest standards of expertise.

• The company is committed to quality workmanship and prides itself on its service reputation.

Factfile: Inline Plumbing’s comprehensive range of services includes: • Complete projects: bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, kitchens, toilets

• New houses, alterations and renovations: plumbing, heating, gas fitting, electrical • Repairs and maintenance: insurance work, blocked drains, roofing repairs, electrical, hot water cylinder faults, heating

INLINE PLUMBING LIMITED PO BOX 7644, SYDENHAM, CHRISTCHURCH

• It has a growing team of committed tradesmen ready to deal with all your plumbing, gas fitting and electrical needs.

• Inline Plumbing provides a solution to all your plumbing requirements, from fixing that annoying leak to transforming your bathroom.

• It is a locally owned and operated Canterbury based business.

• Inline’s services include new housing, repairs and maintenance, insurance work, gas fitting, drain laying, electrical, roofing repairs and bathroom/kitchens/laundry renovations.

T: (03) 377 5806 FREE PHONE 0508 4 INLINE

E: ADMIN@INLINEPLUMBING.CO.NZ WWW.INLINEPLUMBING.CO.NZ www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 51

Roofing

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52 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Roofing

Serious changes needed to update NZ roofing industry standards Imported building products coming into New Zealand that are not covered by standards is a worrying trend in the roofing industry, says Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) CEO Graham Moor.

“We’re having products coming into the roofing market that don’t have a standard attached, or there isn’t a standard available for some of these products, and that’s a problem for the consumer, ultimately.”

He says the consumer might purchase a product which they believe to be fit for purpose, and while there is some onus on the manufacturer or importer that it must perform to the building code, unless there’s an accepted standard, there is no way the consumer can know it’s going to perform.

“The only way they can find out it is not going to perform, is when they use it on your building and it fails, which is a nonsense.”

He says RANZ’s concerns regarding this issue is not about being anti-imports, or anticompetition, it’s about being able to ensure that anything used in the New Zealand market is fit for purpose and people know that a product can perform in a New Zealand environment.

He says for consumers it can be confusing as products can look similar but will not necessary perform to the same standard.

“Consumers are not necessarily able to tell the difference. Substandard stuff is making its way onto the market and consumers need to

be aware that product substitution does go on, that another product that looks similar may have been used in their building.”

Graham says that often the only way you can tell if a product is fit for purpose is the price.

“That old chestnut is true - you tend to get what you pay for. You may be lucky and the cheaper product may work, but the building industry shouldn’t rely on luck.”

He says consumers also need to be aware that if they do use materials that fail after the building is sold they could be liable, whether they were aware that lesser quality products were used or not.

Another issue of concern is that many of the existing standards are now out of date, and even reputable companies may be using products with out of date standards.

While this might not mean the product is faulty, he says it is an area that should be addressed.

than waiting for a disaster to happen then stepping in to fix it.

RANZ, as part of New Zealand Specialist Trade Contractors Federation (NZSTCF), has been lobbying government and expressing their concerns on this issue.

He says the Standards Authority, which is part of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, is underfunded. NZSTCF is advocating one percent of the cost of building consent should go towards ensuring standards.

Graham says the association wants action to be taken before any problems arise, rather

“There’s been a lot of noise around cost of building, but what has been the cost around

the leaky building crisis. If one percent had been used for standards, then we might not have had a crisis.”

He says it’s not just about money, it’s about people’s safety.

“It would be terrible if it took a tragedy like the fire in London, before people stood back and said ‘how did that happen?’, but it seems we have to wait until something fails before we take action.”

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 53

Roofing

Reducing falls from height In 2012 the roofing industry was given the challenge to reduce falls from height by 25 percent by 2020. It achieved this goal by 2014.

a skilled tradesperson out of the workforce, and that is a problem in an industry that has a skill shortage.”

Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) CEO Graham Moor says while this is a good outcome, more still needs to be done to protect people in the roofing industry.

“A lot of people say it’s added a layer of cost, but millions are spent putting people back together after a fall.”

“Unfortunately people are still getting hurt from falls from height. Falls can take lives, they can impact on people’s lives, and take

He says placing an emphasis on health and safety and fall prevention is not only helping save lives and preventing injuries, it also makes good economic sense.

He says a safe working environment is also a more productive working environment.

“Productivity improves when people can move around more assuredly on site, and it’s

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easier to work off good compliant scaffolding than a ladder. I know what I’d rather use.”

While most roofers take fall prevention very seriously, he says unfortunately some still see it as an issue of compliance, rather than about having a strong commitment to health and safety. To these roofers he would say look at the advantages that come with fall prevention.

For a start their ACC rating will improve, which can help bring their costs down.

There’s the increase in productivity that comes when people feel safe, and of course the human factor of being seen to look after your workforce.

“If you’re only doing it for compliance reasons you’re doing it for the wrong reasons,” says Graham.

“Owners need to mentor and coach, and to take a collective approach to health and safety. It shows you are looking after your people.”

He says while the roofing industry has made good advances, with clearer lines of accountability, and changes in workplace culture, anyone falling and getting hurt is unacceptable and it is an area the roofing industry is always looking to improve.

Are you a member of RANZ? You should be...

The Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) represents the majority of roofing contractor businesses involved in the installation of roofing and related materials nationwide.

RANZ CEO Graham Moor says there are many reasons why roofers should join the association.

Networking is also an important function of RANZ and a national conference is held annually.

The association represents members’ interests at all levels and provides a collective voice for the roofing industry. It’s a watchdog, protecting the interests and welfare of members and the industry, and ensures a more professional, better trained, informed and educated industry.

The association also offer support to individuals, providing coaching and mentorship for companies which are struggling.

Members stay up to date and fully informed regarding any changes to current legislation and compliance requirements and have access to industry specific information and education resources.

Graham says unfortunately some roofers have benefited by the collective work done

by RANZ, without actually joining and becoming involved in the association.

He says he would challenge these roofers to join the association, to become part of an association that has gone from strength to strength since it was first formed in 1994.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 55

Roofing

Skills shortage in roofing right now Roofing, like many trades in the building industry, is suffering from a skills shortage.

Graham Moor, CEO of Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ), says surveys of the association’s members have found the industry needs about 450 more experienced roofers right now.

He says RANZ represents about 65 percent of people working in the roofing industry, so that means the problem is even greater than that.

He attributes the shortage to a number of factors; the lack of promotion of trades at school level, the lack of mentorship for young people, a lack of awareness of the career opportunities in trades such as roofing, and age and gender biases in the industry.

Graham says much more can be done at school level to encourage young people to see roofing and other trades as a good option.

Presently it is almost seen as a fall back for people who are not going to pursue an academic career, but Graham says this shouldn’t be the case.

“Part of the problem is I don’t think any trade has packaged their trade as a career pathway. More can be done at school level to emphasise that trades need a whole range of people, not just labourers, but engineers,

scientists, and that people can move up within the trade.”

He uses his own career pathway as an example. He left school and became an apprentice plumber then moved into roofing.

He had his own company then worked for larger groups, such as Fletchers, and eventually worked his way up to becoming CEO of RANZ. And he says his pathway is not that unusual; he has many friends in trades who had similar pathways that resulted in them working in vastly different areas than they would have expected when they started their working lives.

Graham says in New Zealand the perception of trades can also be a turnoff for some people. At the recent RANZ conference a speaker from Germany showed how this perception differs in Europe.

Their roofers are seen more as craftsmen, and they can spend up to seven years honing their craft to a high level. He says evidence of the craftsmanship of roofers can be seen at The Rock at Wellington Airport.

“Anyone in the roofing industry looking at that can see the skill and craftsmanship that has gone into that, it’s phenomenal.”

Graham says roofing has also traditionally been seen as a male occupation, only open to young people, but that is no longer the case.

“We’re seeing some diversity in the industry.

Gender is no longer a concern and you’re living with your head in the sand if you think

people will be excluded because of such things as heavy lifting.

“With health and safety we’re supposed to be working smarter not harder, and not lifting heavy weights, so people who previously might have been excluded can now work in the roofing industry.”

He says it’s the same with older people coming into the roofing industry. The average age of a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) registered roofer is 48.

It takes two to three years to achieve a national qualification, and usually a further two to three years to become a LBP, so someone starting in the roofing trade at 40 will still be well within the average age.

Graham says individual roofing businesses could also do more to encourage people into the industry, with better mentorship and support. He says the days of putting a young person on the broom for extended periods of time need to be a thing of the past and employers should see themselves as mentors.

He notes that when it comes to choosing a career, entering a trade is always a viable option that everyone should consider.

“I often say to people the worst that can happen is you’ve got a qualification you can fall back on, the best is that you’ve started to map out your future in a career that has almost endless possibilities.”

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56 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Roofing

INTAKS NZ With a busy construction industry nationwide and high demand on the allocation of scaffolding and edge protection, as well as the labour to install it, the awardwinning modular INTAKS system improves safety on site while also reducing labour costs and improving efficiencies.

Started in 1997 as an idea by a Kiwi bloke in his shed, INTAKS has evolved into a multi-configurable system which is not only lightweight in design but is also extremely tough and robust.

Veteran of the New Zealand scaffolding and building industries, Lew Cleveland, designed and developed INTAKS in response to the challenges and shortcomings of traditional scaffold systems and increasingly rigorous health and safety legislation.

The recipient of multiple health and safety and design awards, INTAKS has become a highly recognised and sought after scaffolding and edge protection system to provide solutions for working at height on residential and commercial sites.

INTAKS NZ general manager, Joel Warren, says INTAKS offers industry-leading levels of safety for end users and installers alike.

“Our interlocking planks are an integral component to the system and are just one of the ways that allows our customers to deliver a competitive advantage. Our planks can be joined mid span which allows the installer to have more options on where standards are to be erected.

“Once installed they create a trip-free platform and are extremely strong, boasting a four-metre span for heavy duty. Along with this they are quick and easy to carry around site; a six-metre plank weighs in less than a 21 foot scaffold tube."

Components are designed to be faster and simpler to install. The INTAKS Spring Clips quickly lock directly onto the handrail tube for a safer, completely tool-less handrail installation that’s 15 times faster than the traditional coupler method.

Being approximately 20 percent the weight of steel scaffolding, the aluminium INTAKS system takes far less time, truck tonnage, and manpower to put up, pack down and transport.

INTAKS saves time, labour costs and manpower on site.

Site progress is uninterrupted, and tighter build schedules can be achieved, significantly expediting build progress - faster builds, less team downtime, more jobs.

The INTAKS system provides more than 30 different multi-functional configurations for scaffolding and/or roof edge protection systems.

In the commercial sector, INTAKS is quickly becoming the preferred solution provider for edge protection and is involved with quite a few projects around the country, including the NZ International Convention Centre, which is under construction in Auckland.

The innovative suspended design allows for ground space and lower walls to be kept clear, enabling multiple trades to work simultaneously.

“INTAKS offers a multitude of features for enhanced safety, including, reduced trip hazards, tool-less installation of many components, and the ability to install planks

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and advance guardrail handrails on the level above without leaving the safety of the existing level,” he says With a range of interconnecting components, these components can be used in many ways, adapting to virtually any job or terrain, and minimising the amount of equipment required onsite.

“Every component is manufactured in New Zealand to the highest quality standards and rigorously tested and certified to NZ/AU Safety Standards.”

INTAKS is certified as complying with AS/NZ 1576.1, AS/NZ 1576.3, AS/NZ 4994.1

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 57

Roofing

No compromise A market leader in roof access systems, MonkeyToe Group is not one to compromise.

accelerated corrosion from timber walkways and debris, or by incorrectly attaching items to the roof. This can lead to costly damage to a building and its interior.

“There are no trade-offs when it comes to quality, safety, and the structural integrity of your roof,” says marketing manager Jeff Poole.

“I have been up on many roofs - you would be surprised what can end up there,” Mr Poole says.

When did you last check your roof’s water tightness?

A roof’s water tightness can be impaired through foot traffic directly on the roof,

“Seagulls are notorious for dropping rubbish, particularly on shopping malls.

“A system that sits on the roof will eventually erode and damage it. While a roof is often not given much attention, you don’t want to be taking any shortcuts.”

MonkeyToe walkways are raised 200mm off the roof to ensure that rain can wash through preventing debris traps.

Prioritising proper roof access MonkeyToe is a New Zealand company that has developed a range of walkways, handrails, platforms and fixing methods that don’t compromise your roof.

Loads are transferred back to the building structure so no weight is directly applied to the roof; creating fully compliant access, with no compromise to your roof.

When AMP Capital saw that its archaic timber walkway system, which was used to access and service plant items across its vast roof system, was causing damage, it quickly embarked on a three-year project with MonkeyToe Group and Newfield Roofing to remedy the problem.

The access system for The Palms included an array of walkways, stairs, platforms, condenser mounts and handrails. These arrive on site in prefabricated units. The lightweight yet highly durable marine-grade aluminium is easily installed with no welding required.

MonkeyToe Group products are engineered for safety and are manufactured in New Zealand at the company factory in South Taranaki. All products are fully compliant with AS/NZS industry standards. Many products have a lifetime warranty.

Because MonkeyToe Group has an engineering and design team, as well as a nationwide network of installers, it can assist customers from concept to installation and supply and install product nationwide.

MonkeyToe – the height of safety

A large platform being installed at Cashel Square

When it comes to height safety, Monkey Toe Group are specialists in their field. Whether it is the height a rail needs to be, minimum distance a walk-off platform must extend, or whether a ladder requires a cage, they can provide access solutions that will ensure full safety compliance.

58 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

www.monkeytoe.co.nz 0800 658 637

Roofing

Dense. But smart.

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4 Full sheet size 3600 x 800mm for ease of handling 4 Meets the requirements of hazard class H3.1 4 For use with timber roof framing 4 15 year limited warranty 4 Can be used in wind zones up to and including Extra High as specified in NZS 3604

Another trade essential from Laminex New Zealand®

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For more information visit www.laminexnewzealand.co.nz or call 0800 303 606

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 59

Best Practice

Changes needed in the training and education of the trades With a general election this month, CEO of Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ), Peter Silcock, has some key recommendations for the incoming government to support improved national infrastructure resilience in the short and long term.

CCNZ represents 600 members of the civil construction sector including large, medium-sized and small businesses in civil engineering, construction and general contracting.

Silcock says feedback from members highlights three main areas that require future commitment from central government: addressing the workforce shortage; procurement standardisation; and better funding tools for local authorities.

CCNZ welcomed the Budget announcement of $11 billion a year for new infrastructure over the next four years and announcements from all parties around their priorities for future infrastructure investment. This, along with the local government’s three waters work (stormwater, wastewater and freshwater), residential and commercial building demand, natural disaster response and our continued population increase, means the industry is facing its highest ever level of work.

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Best Practice

Skills and labour shortages This high demand for civil contraction work means the industry is also facing a serious workforce and skills shortage.

As MBIE’s May employment growth forecast figures show, the country’s construction and utility services industry will need another 32,000 workers by 2020, including professionals, technicians, trade workers and labourers.

This demand, combined with the fact that 37% of those currently working in civil construction are aged 55 and over, means that our workforce demand is looking at a perfect storm. Young workers in particular are sorely needed.

CCNZ members are increasingly investing in skills training of current and new staff to address the skills shortage. The industry does have the capability to grow and meet the skills demand, but needs central government help to attract more people into civil trade apprenticeships and technical roles in the industry.

The Civil Trades Certification has been a fantastic step in the right direction and we

have a very good apprenticeship scheme. The reality is, however, that there has been such a huge demand for infrastructure work in such a short time that the education system needs some changes to provide for the workforce our industry requires.

We have a secondary school system that channels people towards university rather than trades and technical work. Generally, university is seen by parents and teachers as the preferred first option. Our industry and central government needs to collaborate more and engage with schools to help change perspectives. There are plenty of young people who would love to work in the trades and are better suited there.

We recognise this Government’s work in vocational training with the development of Apprenticeships New Zealand, Apprenticeships Reboot and Vocational

Premium care for your car at Premium Tyres & Auto Premium Tyres & Auto offer a convenient, one-stop-shop, which director Don Fearon says is appreciated by their customers.

With two Christchurch branches, in Linwood and Bromley, they are conveniently located for ease of access.

waste time going elsewhere for repairs etc., and then spend even more time returning for a recheck,” says Don.

“People can drive in, leave their car, get their warrant done, any repairs and servicing, then drive away. It’s very convenient to have it all at one place, and people really appreciate that, especially the tradies. It means that people don’t have to

The team at Premium Tyres & Auto provide a full service for all makes and models of cars, four wheel drives, vans and light trucks.

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They also carry an extensive range of new and used tyres for cars, vans, light trucks and

Pathways. Labour’s announcement that it will integrate careers advice into learning and ensure every student has a personalised career development plan also looks to be positive policy.

Our industry itself has big a role to play in this mind shift away from university being the preferred first choice. We did not have a well-defined career path for some time and have tried to resolve that over the last few years and can now offer a clear development path for anyone joining our industry.

Part of that work involves better communication to school leavers about the many different jobs available due to rapid changes in technology. Innovations such as GPS tracking, drones and ground-sensing equipment have transformed some roles.

We need to communicate with young people about the wide range of exciting

and rewarding careers available. Attracting a more diverse workforce, including more women, is also a focus because, as with any industry, the workforce should be representative of the communities within which they operate. Ideally we’d like to have to good diversity balance in our future workforce teams.

Contractors and clients including local and central government and developers also need to continue to have access to people from off-shore to ensure that we can deliver on our critical infrastructure development plans, especially in the short-term while our education system plays catch-up.

With the looming worker shortage, it is even more important that we use our existing staff resource even more efficiently, which brings me to next main issue: current procurement systems.

four wheel drives and provide a free fitting and balancing service on all the tyres they sell. Don says their extensive range means they can fit most vehicles but if they don’t have it in stock they’ll quickly source it.

• Wheel balancing and alignment

He says another aspect of the service appreciated by their clients is they offer quality products at competitive prices with no hidden costs.

• Shock absorbers and suspension repairs

Premium Tyres & Autos Services Includes:

• Puncture repairs • Brakes • CV joints • Batteries Premium Tyres & Auto has all the latest vehicle diagnostic technology in their fully-equipped workshop, and fully trained and qualified staff.

Don says along with having everything you would expect in a modern, well-equipped auto servicing shop, what makes Premium Tyres & Autos stand out is the effort they make to do their best for their customers.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 61

Best Practice

Procurement systems The incoming government has the opportunity to standardise and streamline procurement processes to free up resources and enable the industry to be more productive. As our major client, central government needs to take a lead on this.

Having contractors bid for work they don’t have a chance of getting, having multiple contractors bid on a design and construct contract or having copious amounts of amendments to industry standard documents like NZS 3910 wastes so much time, scarce resources and money.

There are also so many different prequalification procurement systems. Some of our members report that they have to maintain up to 12 different prequalification systems to work for various clients. That is a massive duplication and waste of resources.

Procurement system standardisation would save millions of dollars with the more efficient use of time and money.

Central government could start by introducing a standardised system, in close collaboration with the industry, across its own main infrastructure agencies; for example DHBs, the Ministry of Education, NZTA and Corrections.

What we need are clearer documents, the increased use of standard contract with minimal amendments, reduction of the need to duplicate information, use of industry

standard health and safety systems and standard prequalification systems.

Ideally, that standardisation would also encompass local government, but a good start would be central government agencies.

A factor affecting the consistent flow of work is inadequate local authority funding to cover required infrastructure maintenance across many parts of the country

Local and central government needs to understand that in an extremely busy construction market, contractors won’t bid for work if the tender process has poor documentation, unrealistic conditions, tight time frames, or transfers too much risk to the contractor.

I heard of a recent case where a council included over 50 pages of variations to the industry standard NZS 3910 Contract. Any company bidding for that work would need their lawyers to look through the variations, all at great expense.

These variations often have as their endgame, the transfer of risk from local or central government to the contractor. If this continues, agencies run the risk of not receiving any tenders. We had a recent situation where a council included conditions in a tender document that transferred an unmanageable risk to the contractor.

Powertech Nelson A region’s infrastructure is only as good as the personnel responsible for it, so it pays to enlist the best.

Since its establishment 20 years ago, Powertech Nelson has proven time and time again its commitment to designing, implementing and supporting effective electrical power and lighting solutions in the Nelson/Tasman region.

Powertech is well-known within the Nelson Tasman top of the south region for having projects done on time and within budget.

Powertech partners with stake holders to maximise outcomes and helps to identify not just what you want but deliver what you need. Powertech has a high level of experience that helps you interface with Local Bodies and meet regulatory requirements.

Powertech is made up of a team of experienced electrical workers and engineers with more than 35 years’ expertise providing

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"

Better procurement practices could help eliminate project delays and allow contractors more flexibility around start and completion dates.

The result was that they only received one bid for the work. They did not award the tender and complained that there was a lack of contractor capability when it was their own poor practice that created the problem.

to understand the benefits of doing work at the most appropriate times of the year rather than fitting into, for example, their financial year end. This minimises rework and maximises quality.

When industry is under pressure, we need to make the best use of resources and have a consistent flow of work. Better procurement practices could help eliminate project delays and allow contractors more flexibility around start and completion dates. Clients also need

A factor affecting the consistent flow of work is inadequate local authority funding to cover required infrastructure maintenance across many parts of the country, which leads me to our next main concern.

specialised electrical solutions for all types of power supplies, power upgrades, and lighting solutions.

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62 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

Best Practice consistency of work and making smart investments that look at the ‘whole of life’ costs. They need to strike a better balance between capital and maintenance expenditure. Our members see too much focus on lowest price and not enough on quality of construction. As a consequence, maintenance costs go up and that impacts on the value that the infrastructure provides to the local community. The reality is that lowest cost construction is very rarely the best value.

Funding for local authorities While CCNZ welcomes the July announcement that central government will loan five councils a cumulative $1 billion for roading and water infrastructure to support new housing, this is not necessarily a long-term answer.

Under spending of maintenance and renewal budgets is also a continuing problem. What that means is that our assets are aging and becoming more vulnerable. They are less able to cope when extreme events occur and more difficult to repair. Our members see this all the time; poorly maintained services that will require very expensive overhauls or replacements instead of regular, less expensive maintenance.

The incoming government needs to provide a wider range of flexible funding tools for local authorities to fund all types of infrastructure including water systems, sewerage, flood protection, earthquake strengthening etc.

Councils also need to do a much better job of bringing planned projects to market. One of the biggest challenges here is the need for an urgent and comprehensive review of the Resource Management Act. It is disappointing to see the continued use of the RMA by competitor companies to stifle or slow down developments and the “not in my backyard” approach by members of the public.

Local authorities also need to do a better job providing visibility of upcoming projects,

Councils are major long-term asset managers but often have poor asset management systems and lack skilled people because of inadequate long-term funding streams.

This has been highlighted by examples such as the water quality issues in the Havelock North, flood protection systems in Edgecombe and slip-affected Wellington roads.

Despite the introduction of Long Term Plans, local councillors often run electoral campaigns on the basis of no or low rates increases and this is creating serious deferred maintenance problems. Maintenance is seen as a “hard-sell” to ratepayers.

Better communication with ratepayers can help explain why a rate increase is essential to future-proof a town or city in

CEO of Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ), Peter Silcock

case of earthquake, flooding and other natural disasters. However, in some areas the number of ratepayers, even with rate increases, is not large enough to provide the services required, especially in areas where tourists outnumber ratepayers.

The incoming government and the civil construction industry need to engage closely with each other to ensure resources – staff, plants and time – are used most efficiently and effectively to help ensure New Zealand remains a great place to live, work and play.

This is why more flexible funding tools for local authorities are required. Some of our infrastructure is extremely vulnerable and so we need to rethink priorities and our approach to funding.

Article provided courtesy of Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) CEO, Peter Silcock.

The core overall issue is the resilience of our nation’s infrastructure as we face more adverse weather events and an increasing population.

You may also enjoy reading the following article: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/ whats-happening/news/2017/employmentforecast-to-grow-by-152-000-over-the-nextthree-years.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 63

Best Practice

Dodgy dealings Why and how to report such behaviour If you are concerned that a building product (which may include a building method) might not comply with the building code, you should notify MBIE. You can also find out about warnings and bans, including the step-by-step process and any bans already in place.

If a building or any building work fails to comply with the building code due to a building product, or is likely to fail, MBIE’s chief executive can issue a warning about, or ban the use of that building product.

MBIE's role and responsibilities in relation to building products includes: • Monitoring the market • Providing education and guidance to product manufacturers and suppliers and others in the industry • Investigating complaints where necessary • Dealing with products (including building methods) that don’t comply with the performance requirements of the building code.

If you have any concerns about a building product and its compliance with the building code, we encourage you to get in touch with MBIE. You need to provide the following information so MBIE can investigate your concerns fully:

• The name of the building product or a description of the building method • Where the product was purchased from or who it was manufactured or supplied by, if this is known • Any compliance information you have for the product provided by the manufacturer or supplier; such as test reports, assessments or calculations, claims of compliance with the building code, the products scope of use as defined by the manufacturer, technical information, etc • The reasons why you believe the product does not comply with the building code, and what code clauses it doesn’t comply with • Any evidence of failure (such as photographs, or locations where it was used) • Any other information you think supports an investigation.

Send your complaint to products@mbie.govt. nz or freephone 0800 24 22 43.

Important things to note All information MBIE receive is public information. If requested, under the Official Information Act 1982, MBIE may have to release details about your complaint to other individuals or organisations.

There might be grounds under that Act to withhold information you have provided (such as privacy concerns or commercial sensitivity). Indicate in your email or correspondence if there is any information you would want withheld. If MBIE decides to withhold any information, the person requesting the information can ask the Ombudsman to review the decision.

be a building code compliance issue that we can deal with using the tools MBIE has under the building act.

The complaints process

If MBIE cannot deal with the complaint under the building act, it may refer the complaint onto another agency or suggest that you do so.

MBIE will generally follow the process below for complaints received about building products.

1: Determining the nature of the complaint MBIE will carry out an initial assessment of the information you have provided to determine whether the complaint is likely to

MBIE may decide at this stage to take no further action if it believes your concerns are not substantiated, are minor, or do not fall within MBIE’s jurisdiction.

2: Refer to appropriate agency

This may include the Commerce Commission who is responsible for dealing with misleading advertising and false or unsubstantiated claims made about a product by the manufacturer or supplier.

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admin@sandk.co.nz 64 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Best Practice Please note that sometimes a complaint can be dealt with by both the Commerce Commission and MBIE if it relates to misrepresentation as well as potential noncompliance with the building code.

(such as an opinion or calculations from an engineer) as well as any other method MBIE considers necessary to assess the products compliance.

Often the failure of a building product is the result of incorrect or negligent installation rather than an issue with the product itself.

Prior to issuing a warning or ban on the use of a building product, MBIE, as required by the building act, will publicly consult on its proposal to issue the warning or ban. The public will be given at least 10 working days to make submissions on the statement of proposal.

5: Consulting on warning or ban

Complaints that relate to the conduct of the builder or tradesperson should be referred to the relevant licensing body (such as the LBP Board) if they hold a licence in their trade. You may also be able to take legal proceedings against a builder through the court system if they have breached the contract they have with you or the implied warranties in the building act.

If MBIE considers that the warning or ban needs to be declared urgently it may issue it prior to running the consultation process. In this case it will consult on the warning or ban within six months of issuing it and depending on the outcome of the consultation, it will amend or revoke the ban if necessary.

3: Further analysis by MBIE If, after its initial assessment, MBIE believes there may be an issue with the product and its compliance with the building code, it will conduct a more in depth analysis of the product.

A more in-depth analysis may involve any or all of the following: • Seeking further information from you • Talking to the product manufacturer or supplier about the complaint

6: Issuing a warning or ban under the building act involved in manufacturing, supplying, specifying or installing the building product.

MBIE may also decide to close out a complaint at this stage if it has no evidence that it does not comply with the Building Code.

4: Warning and ban investigation

At this stage MBIE will decide whether to proceed with a warning and ban investigation or whether another avenue may be a more suitable option for dealing with any potential non-compliance.

A warning and ban investigation by MBIE is an in-depth investigation of a product and the evidence provided by the manufacturer or supplier about that product and its compliance with the building code to determine whether the product is safe, and if not, whether a warning or a ban needs to be declared on the use of the product.

Other options may include issuing guidance to the public, the building industry or both, or providing more education to those

The timeframe for this investigation varies and is likely to depend on a range of factors including the complexity of the product, the

• Carrying out a review of the technical information for that product.

FREE S E T O QU

consequences of its failure, and the amount of evidence MBIE has received about any non-compliance.

Generally MBIE needs a substantial amount of evidence that proves a product is likely to result in a building, or building work, being non-compliant with the building code before its chief executive can consider issuing a warning or a ban.

A ban on a building product completely prevents the use of the product (this could be in some or all situations).

A warning still permits the product to be used, but places caution on its use and may suggest some best practice guidance to follow if you do decide to use the product.

The investigation process is likely to involve site visits, interviews, expert assessments

Following the consultation process MBIE will review all submissions received and take these into account when making its final decision. The warning or ban will be published on its website and will remain in place until amended or revoked.

Penalties for breaching a ban It is considered an offence under section 27 of the building act to breach a ban. Any person who breaches a ban is liable on conviction to a fine of up to $200,000.

Territorial authorities are primarily responsible for enforcing the ban but in some instances the Ministry may take prosecutions under section 11 of the building act.

Information provided courtesy of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. For more information see www.building.govt.nz.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 65

Best Practice

Dynamic drainage Dynamic Drainage uses a tried and true formula of experience and efficiency to install drains quicker than is usual in the industry.

While it normally takes two to three days to install house drains, Dynamic Drainage can get in and get the job done in just one and a half days.

The company has achieved this impressive result by using certified drainlayers.

“We prefer to use certified drainlayers, licensed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, rather than relying on labourers,” says Dynamic Drainage owner Grant Wooster.

The staff of 14 is formed into four efficient teams, with each team lead by an experienced foreman. The foremen’s combined drainlaying experience represents 40 years in the industry.

“This system is working well for us,” Grant says. “The crews are each doing three houses every week.”

Dynamic Drainage installs drains on all types of houses, with teams working all over

Canterbury, including Christchurch, Castle Hill and Amberley, and as far south as Ashburton.

Building Consents in the Selwyn District Council region.

new 580 square metre building enables all equipment and vehicles to be stored indoors.

As well as installing drains for new houses built by large housing companies such as Mike Greer Homes and Orange Homes, the company has branched out in the last year with more work coming from individual builders.

Dynamic Drainage operates the latest equipment, including Yanmar excavators and Hino trucks, and all equipment is regularly upgraded.

The company also invests heavily in training.

It offers apprenticeships in conjunction with the Skills Organisation team in New Zealand to help more young people enter the industry, with six apprentices on the books at present.

Grant says he has noticed a trend in the industry with more people requiring the personal service achieved by using an individual builder. Now the company’s clients are made up of a mix of about 50/50 housing companies and individual house builders.

While new housing makes up a large portion of business, the company also installs drains for housing alterations, in light commercial buildings, installs septic tank systems and carries out percolation tests for

Working week days from 7am to 5.30pm, installation of drains carries on through most types of weather, including rain. However, the torrential rain of the recent past has forced the company to down tools a few times. “The rain we’ve had lately… we can’t really work through that.”

With the building industry buoyant in Canterbury, thanks to strong immigration and earthquake rebuilding, Grant says the company has plenty of work.

Dynamic Drainage was opened in 2007 and celebrates 10 years in business this year.

However, he is always happy to meet new clients onsite for an obligation-free consultation or to provide a quote.

The company moved into new premises at the Izone business hub in Rolleston two years ago. The custom-designed purpose-built

As well as supplying Dynamic’s trademark speedy service, all work carried out by the company comes with a guarantee.

• All residential, light commercial drainage • Septic Tank systems • Alterations • Excavations • Canterbury Wide • Free Quotes M: 027 437 2468 | E: office@dynamicdrainage.co.nz | W: www.dynamicdrainage.co.nz PO Box 86024, Rolleston West, Rolleston 7658 66 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Best Practice

Workable sustainable building solutions There are lots of things to consider when planning a new home or major renovation and one area rightfully deserving to be high on the list is sustainable building solutions.

Incorporating good environmental design before you commence a project is vitally

important for the conservation and welfare of our limited natural resources, can save you money in the long run and can avoid costly alterations later on.

Homestar is the official rating and certification programme, operated by the New Zealand Green Building Council, that evaluates the environmental attributes of New Zealand's stand-alone homes in terms of energy, health and comfort, water, waste and more.

The rating is on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being very poor and 10 being world excellence).

Many of the more problematic old Kiwi homes sit in the 2-3 star region - so there is plenty of room for improvement.

whiteware, lighting and renewable energy), moisture control, noise control and useability for disabled people.

With the introduction of a rating system homeowners are able to use Homestar to independently demonstrate true value of their home. As the market develops and demand increases, homes with a higher star rating will be able to sell for more money.

Focussing mainly on water conservation within the home, including rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling wherever possible.

Many overseas countries are now requesting that homes be officially certified before they can be bought or sold, and it is expected that Homestar will be one of the biggest changes to the New Zealand residential market in years to come.

Ensuring you select environmentally certified materials, helping provide healthy indoor air quality and a more environmentally friendly supply chain for your home.

So here are some useful tips and insights to help you perform well and secure a good Homestar rating for your property.

Homestar looks at many aspects of environmental and social sustainability within a home. It’s not all just about energy performance, although of course energy efficiency is one of the more heavy weighted sections in the assessment programme.

The Homestar assessment framework is divided into seven main sections. A quick overview of the framework can be: 1. Energy, health and comfort

Looking into energy efficiency throughout the house (space and water heating,

What could make a building more resilient to climate change and environmental challenges? Resilience is more than making the structure earthquake-strong and weather-tight.

Dry or Rain on the Plains?

A gradually warming climate brings greater rain carrying capacity in the atmosphere, so we can expect heavier winter snow on higher ground and more frequent heavy rain storms than this region experienced last century, even if the average annual rainfall goes down. Drains could be overloaded, as what was 50 year flood frequency becomes perhaps ten year frequency. House and garden designs will need to adapt in order to stay water-tight.

In the east of New Zealand climate change may mean the year’s rain falling in uneven bursts between periods of drought, so rainwater storage is part of resilient buildings as well as relevant for farmers. Tank water storage is also really useful in civil emergency such as after earthquakes.

Garden watering and toilet flushing are good uses for stored rainwater, preserving treated and piped supplies for essential uses. As water supply costs rise, designing-in efficiency will pay for itself.

What’s that buzz?

Warmer average temperatures and dwindling frost nights may allow mosquitoes to spread their living space southwards in New Zealand, boosting demand for insect screens on opening Windows. Longer growing seasons may favour home food production, and fashionable edible ‘potager’ gardens with smaller lawns. The resilient home need space for raised garden beds and must have healthy soil left on the site after construction, preferably free from lead paint scrapings or construction debris.

Warming to these ideas.

Sunshine is the free heat input that a resilient house design incorporates, even in winter, by increasing North-facing glazing whilst reducing glazing area on the South. This requires the structure to have internal thermal mass to absorb heat by day and release it overnight to achieve temperature stability.

External shading from Midsummer heat is important too, especially at the north-west, to prevent summer overheating. Wall and ceiling insulation needs to be extensive and be placed outside the thermal mass of the floor or sunlit walls, for that thermal mass to work.

2. Water

3. Materials

4. Waste

Looking at waste management during the construction process as well as from user occupation.

5. Site

Looking at items such as storm water runoff control, native ecology, access to regular transport connections and local amenities, etcetera.

6. Management

Looking at health and safety issues within the home and the selection of environmentally-responsible building contractors. www.homestar.org.nz

Placing carpets over insulated floors does not work: floor surfaces such as tiles or polished concrete will let solar energy flow in by day and the stored warmth flow out at night.

Warmer (but sufficiently ventilated) homes at night are better for our health, allowing good sleep and fewer doctor visits - which improves productivity work and success at school. A quarter of a million homes in New Zealand still have no or little insulation in their roofs and three times that number have little or no wall insulation, so there is scope for considerable improvement to existing homes.

Building standards in Europe and North America are running well ahead of ours.

Photovoltaic panels are most useful on buildings where the largest power use is 9.30 AM to 4 PM such as at schools, factories and offices, although fast developing technology may soon make on-site power storage cost-effective. Decentralised power production increases resilience by reducing reliance on distant generators linked to us by the National Grid, and it saves carbon if those distant generators are still burning coal or gas.

Future Living Skills.

A resource-efficient, less polluting future will call on new life skills from us as building users as well as the building designers and constructors. We may need to know about local food production, low carbon transport, waste and water minimisation, re-use and community resilience. These topics feature alongside energy and eco-design in a local-government backed programme which is now available free in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Timaru Districts.

For details see Future Living Skills at www.sustainableliving.org.nz Visit the website for a page of local sustainability links, information on occasional courses and Facebook links.

You can download learning guides once registered, free for your use at home or with friends.

Additional advice on bringing sustainability awareness into new building and home renovations appears at: www.ccc.govt.nz/environment/sustainability/buildback-smarter and at www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz Rhys Taylor is the National Coordinator of Sustainable Living Education Trust. He lives in Geraldine.

The Sustainable Living Programme is a practical, fun way of learning future living skills to become more resilient and to reduce your environmental impacts at home On-line materials are free to residents of this district because the Waimakariri District Council subscribes to the Sustainable Living Programme: to access the learning guides and see more District-specific information, register now at sustainableliving.org.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 67

Best Practice

Cole Property Development Auckland company Cole Property Development specialises in the development of small blocks of land.

“Small block development in Auckland is our niche business. We at Cole Property Development can help people develop their section,” says Cole Property Development owner Blair Cole.

With the huge demand for new housing in Auckland, developing small blocks of land by building a second house on the property, also known as in-fill housing, is becoming more popular.

Blair says there are many people who own small blocks of land but do not have the resources to develop the land.

“A lot of people are sitting on blocks of land with a house on it and they can’t afford to put another house on it,” Blair says. Cole Property Development helps to organise finance so the land owner can afford to build a second property on their section.

“We have another company that is in association with us that can finance this section of it, they come on board with the agreement of the land owner and we build another house on there once approved by the council. Then we hand it back to the

68 | B&C - Spring 2017

owner with a view to either renting it out or selling it outright and they can then pay their mortgage off.”

As the project manager, Cole Property Development takes care of all aspects of developing a small block of privately owned land or section, including driveways, drainage and council permits.

“We do everything from start to finish.”

As project manager, Cole Property Development liaises with the council, organises architects, structural engineers, electricians and plumbers, and hires reputable subcontractors, including licensed building practitioners, as required.

With 35 years’ experience as a builder, boat builder and marine engineer, Blair Cole takes a lot of pride in his background, having always worked in the three trades.

“I’ve built waterproof boats, and I build waterproof homes too!” Over the years he has built up many contacts in the three industries throughout Albany and Auckland.

Project development could run in the blood as other members of Blair’s family are also involved in project development in Tauranga and the Coromandel, while his 19-year-old son is currently in his first year of a building apprenticeship, and is held in high regard by his employer.

Cole Property Development is a small business, which includes Blair and two

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"This house built by us 24 years ago, a stucco, never leaks because I built it right the first time," Blair Cole says.

apprentices, plus subcontractors where required, and is proud of what it offer.

“We take great pride in being precise and accurate.

“We are building a new team at present and are taking baby steps, but we may add to the staff in future,” Blair says.

Blair has lodged an application to be a Licensed Building Practitioner with the Building Practitioners board.

Cole Property Development guarantees every job it undertakes for 10 years and follows the New Zealand building standard number 3604.

Todd Mudie group

A one-stop-shop for all you finishing needs The Todd Mudie Group brings together the skills of top tradespeople to offer a comprehensive finishing service to clients throughout South Canterbury.

“Our specialist teams include professional exterior plasterers, Gib installers and stoppers, painters, tilers, brick and block layers, and non-slip applicators. With a team our size we can handle residential and commercial projects with ease. Our services dovetail together to ensure a consistently high standard of work and the job finished on time.”

Based in Timaru, Todd Mudie Group also serves clients in Oamaru, Fairlie, Geraldine, Waimate, Kurow, Twizel, and the wider Canterbury area. The standard of work and work practices was recognised when the Group received the Aoraki Development Business Excellence award in the Construction Industry category.

Operations manager Glenn Cormack says all team members pride themselves on making the building or renovation process a stressfree and enjoyable process for the clients. “Working for more than 56 of the region’s premium building firms and many valued private clients, shows we are dependable and produce the results needed to keep their project on-time, at an affordable cost and to a high level of finish.”

worked with some of the most respected designers, developers, construction companies and builders.

Each company within the group has a dedicated operations manager to guide the client though the project from start to finish to achieve the required result, no matter how complex.

Along with undertaking major projects, the team also includes specialist smallproject tradespeople, who are available within 48 hours to start a smaller bathroom or kitchen project.

The diversity of skills in the group means they can provide specialised skills, such as cove and cornice installation, along with all forms of traditional and modified plastering systems, concrete placing, and exposed aggregate finishes.

The interior and exterior painting team are Resene

Eco Decorator accredited.

The tile installation team also provide water proofing and underfloor heating options.

The plastering team are experts in the Rondo system, Gib supply, installation, finishing and stopping, as well as full wall and ceiling skimming.

Todd Mudie Group also undertakes all insurance damage repairs, from making areas needing emergency repairs safe, through to total repairs. The group is accredited by many major insurance companies.

Glenn says one area the group is particularly proud of is the Todd Mudie Plastering Recycling Programme. “We are proud to be leading this initiative with the approval of the Timaru District Council, and were pleased to be awarded the Timaru District Council’s top award and trophy for our Gib recycling initiative.”

Todd Mudie Group is also an integral part of the Young Enterprise Scheme in South Canterbury. This scheme develops the core business skills of young people and encourages the enterprise and entrepreneurship of local youth. The group is also a national business mentor for the scheme.

Glenn says the scheme is a way of investing in youth and backing them to become the business leaders of the future.

The group’s community involvement also includes supporting many local children’s sporting organisations, as well as individuals through sponsorship allocations each year. “The team at Todd Mudie believe the community are the people who have helped make our companies successful so we in turn support the community.”

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 69

Daylight robbery: Who stole our natural light?

The roof and sidelights of many commercial buildings and warehouses are providing a much lower level of daylighting than they have been designed to.

Daylighting is the use of glazing to allow natural light into spaces, often replacing or reducing the use of artificial light.

Daylighting saves energy – introducing natural light into the building means artificial lighting can be turned off or minimised, which can greatly reduce the

cooling load (two of the highest energy uses in a building are lighting and HVAC).

Natural daylight can create positive changes in people. Humans operate under a circadian rhythm, our 'inner clock', and daylight is one of the most important factors in keeping this process in line. When the circadian rhythm

is upset, this can contribute to a multitude of problems including hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders and mood disturbances.

Similarly, daylight is attributed to preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder and even Sick Building Syndrome. Happy humans are more productive and motivated to do more.

The options for industrial day lighting solutions are looking brighter thanks to Suntuf Diffused Skylighting Polycarbonate.

It can be easily installed into existing or new structures, with a 25-year warranty on light transmission, ensuring that the benefits of daylighting will be enjoyed by the building owners and occupants for many years to come.

In line with NZ’s stringent fire code, Suntuf Diffused Skylighting has achieved a Group 1S rating, so can be utilised in most rooflight or sidelight applications.

It will withstand punishing exterior applications while providing up to 20 times greater impact resistance than many GRP alternatives.

The unique material composition of the sheet allows 100% diffusion of light particles, resulting in no glare and shadows, yet allowing an outstanding 85% light transmission into the building interior.

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Training excellence reaps rewards for Safety ‘n Action trainer The Safety ‘n Action team are very proud that the quality of Norman’s teaching was recognised by industry leaders, when they awarded him the title of Skills PTE Crane Trainer of the Year at the Crane Conference held in Rotorua this year.

Nick Bradshaw, National Business Manager for Safety ‘n Action, says it is good for PTE’s that their trainers and their methods are scrutinised and recognised.

“The emphasis is always on business owners and workers becoming compliant, but how they are trained is a major factor and recognition like Norman’s award will give our customers greater confidence when deciding which training company to use for their health and safety programmes,” Nick says.

The award bowled Norman over, since it was only four years ago his dreams of becoming the best crane operator were over when an unexpected incident occurred – leaving him blind in one eye.

70 | B&C - Spring 2017

During his rehabilitation his CV ended up on the desk of Operations Manager Ayla Hutton.

“From the first look, we recognised that Norman had incredible potential, and so much to offer our customers. Trying to convince Norman that we needed him was not easy – he rang back several times just to make sure it wasn’t a joke!” Ayla says.

From working on the frontline as a crane operator, to becoming Safety ‘n Action’s crane subject matter expert, Norman has helped to develop, enhance and deliver over 28 crane courses in the past year and his students achieve a 95 percent competency record. He believes this result is due to building confidence and being available to them even after the course.

Norman would also like to thank the Skills Organisation and Crane Association. He says awards and recognising achievements encourages trainers to strive to be the best and it also boosts the progress of safe work practices in the crane industry.

It is this ongoing dedication that made Norman stand out from the rest. You can guarantee he’ll be there on the day, weekends, nights, nationwide – giving it 100 percent.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Safety ‘n Action Congratulates Norman Kete Skills PTE Crane Trainer of the Year Award 2017

We take our mission of transforming New Zealand’s health and safety culture seriously. So, it only gets better when one of our own is recognised for their passion and training excellence.

Well done Norman for becoming New Zealand’s industry expert for Crane Health and Safety training.

- The Team @ Safety ‘n Action

0800 222 388

www.safetynaction.co.nz

Elevated Work Platforms

EWPA reaches new heights Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) members now include hire companies, manufacturers, suppliers, end users, trainers and specialised support and service companies who cover the full spectrum of the EWP industry.

History Safety has been the primary objective of the Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) since its inception in 2003, says its CEO, Phil Tindle.

“Mobile elevating work platforms are useful but complex pieces of equipment that are often used for access in hazardous areas.

The aim of EWPA is to promote the best and safest practices for the use and maintenance of EWPs, with a major focus on the person in the basket. The biggest risk is usually with the operator rather than the machine.”

He says the establishment of the Association was triggered by the rapid emergence of EWPs in the early 2000s.

“These machines were very new. In the past people had used scaffolding and ladders, but now we had mechanical equipment taking people to greater heights. If something did go wrong and a fall occurred there was the potential for more serious harm or even death.”

The formation of EWPA was spearheaded by a group of business owners who worked within the industry and recognised the need

for safety regulations, training, and the setting of formal industry standards.

In the early days the Association worked closely with the Department of Labour around the compliance aspects of EWPs in the workplace.

A Code of Practice, referred to as the ‘Blue Book’, was developed soon after the formation of the Association, which became out of date and was superseded in 2014 by new Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms developed in conjunction with WorkSafe.

“The intention of the new document was to make it less ambiguous and provide greater clarity, particularly around operator competency as well as EWP inspection and maintenance requirements. This document is available on both the EWPA and WorkSafe websites.”

The EWPA is a not for profit association, originally a voluntarily-run organization until five years ago when it took on Phil Tindle as its CEO in a part-time paid position.

Phil is a trade qualified automotive technician, who has owned a number

New Genie boom lift goes further The new Genie® SX-135XC self-propelled telescopic boom lift delivers incredible industry-leading outreach and capacity.

The first model in the new Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) family, the Genie SX-135XC boom lift is packed with features, including 27.43m of outreach, 300kg unrestricted lift capacity, the ability to work 6m below grade and a 3.94m x 4.11m compact footprint.

“With 3m more outreach and 32 percent more capacity than a typical self-propelled boom of this size, the Genie SX-135XC boom lift is ideal for rental and structural steel customers working on challenging job site applications,” says Youngman Richardson & Co Ltd sales director, Phil Fairfield.

“Thanks to its unique up-and-over style capability this model is easily able to navigate obstacles at height.”

Built to safely and quickly lift operators to the full platform height of 41.15m in 2.5 minutes, the Genie SX-135XC boom lift will position workers and gear exactly where they are needed. The Genie SX-135XC boom’s innovative design means that it offers a 3m greater outreach than any other self-propelled boom on the market.

To accommodate the Genie SX-135XC boom lift’s increased capacity and range of motion, Genie engineers developed a

new hydraulically telescoping Jib-extend design that is robust enough to handle all of the up, over, out and below tasks. And when the job is done, the Jib can to be stowed under the primary boom for ease of transport Designed with transportability in mind, the Genie SX-135XC boom features the new Genie mini XChassis™ axle design, which extends and retracts the axles.

The Genie SX-135XC model, offers dual lift capacity giving the ability to work with up to three people on board while still leaving room for tools and job-site materials.

For more information on the new Genie SX135 Boom Lift contact Youngman Richardson & Co Ltd (O9) 443 2436 or for South Island enquiries, (03) 341 6923.

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Spring 2017 - B&C | 71

Elevated Work Platforms of successful businesses and served as a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years. He has been CEO of the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) for the last 13 years so is able to bring good synergies to his role with EWPA, considering access is a big part of the hire industry, he says.

“At the time I was taken on as CEO, the EWPA had no full time resource and was struggling to maintain the momentum it needed to carry forward a lot of its objectives. With my understanding of both the hire and access sectors it has worked well.”

Although the organisations are closely aligned and led by Phil, they continue to operate completely independently with separate boards of directors, he says.

“EWPA has its trade show within the HIANZ Annual Conference, but aside from that there is really no crossover, with independent boards working on their own business.”

Health and safety continues to be the big focus, from both an operating perspective and relating to the environment in which the machine is working.

ALL WORK, ALL BRANDS YOUR EWP ‘ONE STOP SHOP’ NEW & USED EQUIPMENT SALES 6 MONTH CERTIFICATES & MAJOR INSPECTION REBUILDS ON SITE BREAKDOWNS & SERVICE SPARE PARTS SALES WORKSHOP FACILITY INCLUDING BLASTING & PAINTING CBIP ACCREDITED TECHNICIANS NATIONWIDE SERVICE NETWORK 100% KIWI OWNED AND OPERATED

Safety and Information Alerts EWPA issues safety alerts to ensure EWP operators and owners are made aware of any known concerns or issue.

It has also collaborated with WorkSafe and other industry stakeholders to define competence for EWP maintenance. The EWPA has recently introduced a Registered Inspector Programme which aims to provide

educational content and updates to these inspectors, to moderate them to ensure standards are being met, and to promote these companies as reputable service business to owners of EWPs throughout New Zealand.

Benefits of membership Phil says there are numerous benefits of becoming a member.

Now that we’ve joined forces...

You’re covered all the way, up and down the country CALL 09 570 2209 WWW.ACCESSSPECS.CO.NZ

CALL 0800 LIFTX WWW.LIFTX.CO.NZ

72 | B&C - Spring 2017

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Elevated Work Platforms

Membership Benefits ● Promotion and discussion via social media such as Facebook

● Members are listed on the EWPA website ● Networking opportunities with various industry ● Access to national and professionals international conferences ● Industry meetings, ● Industry updates, support lobbying, training courses, and advice and events ● Access to industry ● Access to members standards and best only area, advertising practice material opportunities, FAQs on ● Member only discounted training and maintenance, rates on stationery code of conduct.

“The EWPA website lists our members’ businesses under a range of categories, which can reach potential customers. Our members can also gain access to networking opportunities at national and international conferences; as well as industry meetings, lobbying, training courses and events.”

EWPA regularly provides its members with industry updates, support and advice; provides them with access to industry standards and best practice material, offers member-only discounts, and has a 'members only' area on its website with further benefits.

this statement of ethical practices to promote the highest possible standards of professional conduct.

The code includes but is not limited to the following: Responsible Business Practices - to maintain the highest reasonable level of safety and compliance for all products, equipment, services, staff & customers, to support the development of industry standards and safe practices through appropriate training.

Ethical Standards - to comply with all relevant laws, codes, standards, regulations, and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions.

work hard to ensure their EWPs meet the required standards and regulations which contribute to a safe work place.

Association - to support the Association by taking an active role in EWPA activities and promoting the association to the industry.

Reporting Non-Compliance

However, some owners of EWPs do not realise their units are illegal or unsafe.

If you have any concerns in respect of your EWPs or of others you are asked to contact the association.

The issue of illegal EWPs being used by operators in New Zealand remains a major safety concern. The EWPA and their members

If you have any questions or need advice in relation to the above, please contact the association on 07 5752563.

ROOF ACCESS SYSTEMS

NZQA EWP Operator Training To safely operate elevating work platforms you should have NZQA operator qualifications. The Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand supports and endorses these “nationally recognised” operator qualifications, delivered by accredited trainers and registered assessors throughout New Zealand.

NZQA unit standards define the core requirements of competency, the NZQA assessor’s moderation process ensures that this content is properly delivered.

NZQA operator qualifications are the only “nationally recognised” means of proving competency, and 100 % backed by the EWPA. If you need training, make sure you use a EWPA member company. You can search the register on the EWPA website in the resources section.

Members Code of Conduct The members of the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand Inc. (EWPA) share a common commitment through

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Elevated Work Platforms

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Elevated Work Platforms

Five top tips for working with MEWP’s 1. Pre-checks A large and expensive machine can be used and abused by many people before you. So it is important you carry out pre-checks before you take the controls. Do this properly before and after use and take the time to complete the log book as well.

2. Perform risk assessments Do your risk assessment! This highlights any risk associated with your work and will determine the actions required to mitigate those risks. Is there a safe and easy means of access to the job?

This includes communication to others, especially when you are working on a large site and with other PCBU’s. Remember to review your risk assessment throughout the day as working conditions change.

3. Use the correct equipment MEWPs should not be used to lift equipment unless specifically designed to do so. Decide what the best equipment is for the task.

Your risk assessment will determine the right machine to use, for example, scissor lift, knuckle boom, flat slab or rough terrain.

Correct equipment also includes the fall restraint system. Do not even consider working at height without one! A harness with the correct lanyard is there to prevent any actions that could tip you out of the basket.

4. Don’t work alone You need to ensure you have a competent person to act as a safety observer who is capable of operating the emergency descent controls.

5. Carry out regular training The best tip of the lot! It’s important that all who work with MEWP’s are aware of the risks involved and are competent to operate the machine if an emergency occurs.

Refresher training ensures your team remains competent and can work with confidence.

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NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 75

Elevated Work Platforms

Snorkel™ rough terrain scissor lifts: The perfect fit for any job Designed to handle the toughest terrain and jobsite conditions, Snorkel™ produces a full-line of compact rough terrain scissor lifts.

Equipped with powerful four wheel drive, these scissor lifts are particularly popular with construction companies and contractors who commonly utilise the lifts on large building sites, as well as on smaller projects, such as shed and barn construction.

Snorkel™ offers five compact rough terrain scissor lift models. All lifts in the series deliver a large working area, high lifting capacity and superb terrain capabilities from compact dimensions.

S277ORT

Designed and assembled at the Snorkel™ manufacturing facility in Levin, the Snorkel™ compact rough terrain scissor lift family began with the S2770RT, providing a compact alternative to the large, high capacity diesel twin-deck scissor lifts used on major construction projects.

The Snorkel™ S2770RT provides a maximum working height of up to 10.23m, from a 1.8m wide chassis, and can lift up to 580kg.

Ideal for working on confined jobsites; the diesel powered lift has an inside turning radius of just 2.44m and can climb grades up to 35 percent.

Powerful four wheel drive, high grip foam-filled tyres and hydraulic outriggers with automatic levelling up to 6° front to

rear, and 10° side to side, ensure the lift can handle all types of jobsite conditions, including rough terrain.

S337ORT & S397ORT

Following success with this model, Snorkel™ added two more lifts on the 1.8m wide chassis; the S3370RT which can lift 450kg to a working height of 12.1m, and the S3970RT which can lift 350kg to a working height of 13.9m.

All three models continue to be built in Snorkel’s™ New Zealand facility, as well as in the United Kingdom, and are popular with contractors and rental companies around the world.

S2255RT & S2755RT

Due to the popularity of these lifts, Snorkel™ added two new models to the compact rough terrain scissor lift family in 2006. The Snorkel™ S2255RT and S2755RT were introduced in response to customer demand for a narrower width, machine that could be easily transported by contractors using a tandem trailer.

Although sales of these new models were initially slow, contractors soon realised the value of the narrow width which allowed the machines to work in constricted areas where a standard width lift would normally have difficulties.

Offering a maximum working height of 8.5m, the Snorkel™ S2255RT has a lift capacity of 420kg from a chassis that is 1.45m wide. The S2755RT offers a maximum working height of 10.4m, and can lift up to 300kg. Capable of climbing gradients of up to 35 percent and designed

to be towed by light commercial vehicles, the Snorkel™ S2255RT weighs just 2,360kg, while the S2755RT weighs 2,580kg.

The S2255RT and S2755RT lifts share many features with Snorkel’s™ existing line of compact rough terrain scissor lifts, the S2270RT, S3370RT and S3970RT, including a 1.2m roll-out deck extension; non-marking high-grip tyres; automatic levelling hydraulic outriggers; an oscillating axle; and a flashing amber light as standard.

Proportional joystick controls provide excellent maneuverability, and a power line to the platform permits the easy connection of power tools while working at height, without trailing cables.

The Snorkel™ facility in Levin is one of four manufacturing facilities that the company operates globally, and predominantly supplies equipment to the New Zealand, Australia and Asia Pacific region. The European and Middle East markets are supported by the Snorkel™ facility in the United Kingdom, and the company operates two manufacturing facilities in North America, including one at the corporate headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, and one in Elwood, Kansas.

Going Global

The Snorkel Story

As a result, the lifts have grown in popularity and these two models were introduced into the global Snorkel™ product portfolio in May 2017, when they made their European debut at APEX 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In September 2017, the first bi-energy narrow compact rough terrain scissor lift, the Snorkel™ S2255BE, will make a European appearance when shown at the Platformers’ Days exhibition in Hohenroda, Germany.

Founded in 1959 by Art Moore, with roots in the firefighting industry, Snorkel™ has always pushed the boundaries of design with a spirit of innovation. Built on the philosophy of 'keep it simple', all Snorkel™ lifts are simple to operate, simple to maintain and simple to repair, providing a safe and productive method to work at height.

The Ultimate in Jobsite Flexibility

Powered by Kubota diesel engines as standard, all five Snorkel™ compact rough terrain scissor lifts are also available with a bi-energy power source for the ultimate jobsite flexibility. The bi-energy system enables the lift to run on diesel power for working outdoors on rough terrain, then the lift can be switched to battery power for interior fit-out work. Switching to battery power can also help to meet increasing regulations on noise and emissions.

To minimise total ownership costs, all Snorkel™ lifts are designed to be simple, robust, and reliable. Utilising an all-steel construction, Snorkel™ lifts can be rebuilt at the end of their initial working life, at the Snorkel™ rebuild facility in Levin, maximising return on investment from the unit, whether through redeployment or resale.

All models of the Snorkel™ compact rough terrain scissor lift family have become extremely popular with contractors and 76 | B&C - Spring 2017

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rental companies alike. These lifts were designed and engineered at the Snorkel™ facility in Levin, and they have become a global success for the company.

Today, Snorkel™ is a leading global manufacturer of aerial work platforms, which is majority owned by Xtreme Manufacturing LLC. Nevada-based Xtreme Manufacturing produces a line of 15 high capacity telehandlers, which can lift loads weighing up to 31,750kg.

With a footprint of over 100 distributors globally, Snorkel™ offers over 50 models of aerial work platforms providing the perfect work at height solution for any application, from interior building maintenance through to the toughest construction job site.

In New Zealand, Snorkel provides local support through a dedicated sales and customer service team at the Levin facility, backed by a field-based product support team and a large inventory of spare parts.

Snorkel compact rough terrain scissor lifts are available from Snorkel™ New Zealand and come with a five-year structural warranty, plus a two-year warranty for parts and labour as standard.

For more information, or to arrange a product demonstration, call (06) 368 9168 or visit www.snorkellifts.com.

Elevated Work Platforms

A narrow path to

Snorkel™ S2255RT and S2755RT narrow rough terrain scissor lifts deliver a durable yet portable solution to working at height in confined spaces on challenging terrains. Both models have 4 wheel drive and a Kubota diesel engine as standard, with a bi-energy option available, that can be operated on diesel power outdoors or indoors on battery power with zero emissions.

Call Snorkel™ on +64 6 3689 168 or visit THE PERFECT FIT FOR ANY JOB.

*Specifications subject to change without notice. Photos in this advert are for promotional purposes only.

Refer to appropriate Snorkel operators manual for detailed instructions on the proper use and maintenance.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 77

Directory

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Traffic R Us has become well known in Canterbury over the past six years for its design and implementation of traffic management plans which have minimised the delays and disruption felt across the region as earthquake damaged roads are repaired.

In business for the past seven years, and one of the original six traffic management companies in Christchurch before the earthquakes (there are now about 24) Traffic R Us has grown through providing detailed traffic management plans with speed, precision, and efficiency, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic without compromising on safety.

Traffic R Us has now added roading products supply division to its capabilities with the establishment of sales and hire divisions providing best value and best quality traffic safety products, workplace and carpark safety products, asphalt maintenance products, and bitumen additives.

Many of the company’s 30 staff have grown up driving the roads of Christchurch, and their local understanding gives them an innate knowledge of what’s required to manage traffic in the region. Robert says the company’s experience of working with traffic management and roading products over the years stands it in good stead to identify which of the many legally compliant road signs and traffic safety and roading products are the best in terms of quality and price.

Traffic R Us’s traffic management work encompasses a wide range of clients and applications, including aiding demolition projects, managing traffic at sites under development, assisting with significant motorway expansion, and helping with bridge construction.

No matter the type of scale of the project, Traffic R Us ensures traffic is managed safely, smoothly, and cost effectively, while priding itself on working in partnership with its clients to help achieve their goals.

TRU group manager Robert Gillam says Traffic R Us has now developed and expanded its sales and hire divisions to complement the traffic management services it offers.

“Because we are an end user of a lot of these products, we are able to say what’s good and what’s not,” he says. “We know what’s good and what meets our own high standards, and we’ve even been able to advise some of our suppliers.”

Such as the connecting bars used to block access between two cones. “The bars our supplier was bringing in had plastic handles which were brittle and could easily break,” Robert says.

“We have always on-sold a bit of product but now we’ve set out to import so we can offer better prices to our customers,” he says.

“Our input has seen this supplier now switch to rubberised handles and we now have a better quality, fit-for-purpose product to provide to our customers.”

“As an independent traffic management provider, we don’t want to be in direct competition with the clients we service. Traffic R Us is really big on nurturing the relationships we have with our clients and our suppliers.

Traffic R Us provides a full range of electronic traffic management equipment, and is the sole South Island supplier and agent for New Zealand’s top two ranges of portable traffic lights.

"We had to look for a way to remain competitive, and we saw that instead of being a third party provider, there was an opportunity to increase our market share by selling products direct to our customers, and passing the savings we make by bulk buying on to them.”

While there is still plenty of work around for the company while construction and roading projects in Christchurch continue, Robert says the local industry will eventually become more competitive, and Traffic R Us, which intends to stick around, wants to keep itself and its personnel as busy as possible.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Spring 2017 - B&C | 79

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IANZ ACCREDITED FOR TESTING REINFORCING STEEL Pacific Steel uses 100% locally made materials and tests all its SEISMIC® reinforcing products to meet the AS/NZS 4671 standard.

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80 | B&C - Spring 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz