Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #120

Issue #120 - 2020

OPTING OUT

In what situations can you cancel a building contract?

ESTIMATING HOW LONG A JOB WILL TAKE Why 83 percent get it wrong

CAMBRIDGE TERRACE APARTMENTS A case study in project management

90-day trials and probationary periods

NZ SAFETY COUNCIL

The place of good practice in safety

What to expect from the reinforcing steel standards review

The technology behind award-winning buildings

MAINSTREAMING GREEN CONSTRUCTION

ECO FRIENDLY. USER FRIENDLY.

THE FUTURE OF FOUNDATIONS IS HERE

CONSTRUCTED FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL

100% RECYCLABLE, MEANS ZERO LANDFILL WASTE

ZERO POLYSTYRENE

EFFECTIVE IN EXPANSIVE SOILS WHERE STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS IS KEY

ADJUSTABLE PODS FIT ANY SIZE FOUNDATION

WATCH THE INSTALL VIDEO AT XPOD.CO.NZ

2 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT

6 reasons to do training the The PAL card is valid for 3 years nationally and 5 years internationally Expert training by internationally accredited training instructors On completion participants receive a PAL card, log book and an operator handbook Class sizes are kept small to maximise individual learning IPAF Training Centres are regualrily audited to ensure they meet and adhere to IPAF standards E-learning is available for those who prefer to learn out of the classroom setting

0800 2GET HIGH training@accessman.co.nz www.accessman.co.nz

Taking franchising to new heights!

Exciting Accessman Franchise options available throughout the North Island

Act Now!

0800 2GET HIGH franchises@accessman.co.nz www.accessman.co.nz

With over 1200 machines Nationwide, Accessman is New Zealand’s leading specialised Hire company, supplying Scissorlifts; Knucklebooms; Cherry Pickers; and Telehandlers since 1994 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 3

Contents, Issue #120 - 2020 Page: 16

Page: 60

Page: 58

Contents

Welcome

- publisher's note In this issue of Builders & Contractors Geoff Hardy discusses the situations where you can cancel a building contract. We look at what to expect from the reinforcing steel standards review and discuss why 83 percent of operators incorrectly estimate how long a job will take.

We also look at 90-day trials and probationary periods, why green business is good business, and the technology behind award-winning buildings.

Throughout the magazine, features provide insights into successful companies and organisations, and the people working in them, and as always, we thank all our columnists for their expertise, along with the views, opinions and predictions of all those who contributed, to help you manage the risks you face each and every day.

In what situations can you cancel a building contract?

8:

New technologies in the sector

8:

90-day trials and probationary periods

30: What to expect from the reinforcing

9:

Green business is good business

36: Mainstreaming green construction

9:

The inescapable consequences of decisions

37: Celebrating innovation and

10:

Estimating how many hours the job will take: Why 83 percent get it wrong

12:

Ecolabel specification introduced

13:

The technology behind award-winning buildings

14: Guidelines signal new hope for

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 - Issue #120

tomorrow by innovating today

steel standards review

64: Hutt Gas & Plumbing

Page: 72

45: Snug Insulation

18:

Change needed to reduce housing and infrastructure deficit

54: NZDAA marks safety and

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.

63: PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Nelson

during construction

50: The danger of dust

to Tool Protect

62: Preston Pre-cut

44: Weather proofing buildings

A case study in project management

ceiling industry

42: Waterproof membranes matter

16:

24: Tradies fighting back thanks

40: Tackling weathertightness

46: The place of good practice in safety

60: AWCI: Masters of the wall and

excellence in the concrete industry

construction industry

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.

Readers: Construction/building industry

26: Steel construction - securing

Builders and Contractors, a national

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

25: One maxed-out Gladiator

6:

celebrates excellence

58: Paul Smith Earthmoving

Page: 64

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

Please contact us to discuss: Editorial/Production: Lou Keates PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8041 Phone: (03) 961 5050 Email: production@markat.co.nz

Sales Manager: Monice Kruger PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8041 Phone: (03) 961 5083

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

Jones Contracting

Adaptability the crucial ingredient for Jones Contracting Based in Arrowtown, Jones Contracting Queenstown Ltd covers the whole Wakatipu Basin specialising in house pad dig-outs, driveways, general landscaping work, and so on.

As Queenstown is becoming increasingly builtup and access for large trucks and transporter trailers is getting limited, Jones Contracting has purchased specialised equipment.

Two Posi-Track Skid-Steer loaders with rubber tracks; these all-terrain vehicles are perfect for landscaping, irrigation trenching and lawn preparation. Arriving on the back of a 4x2 tipper truck, there is no access problems and no blocking the road. Also the small truck can cart away fill and rubbish and return with topsoil, sand or gravel.

The very versatile Posi-Tracks have several attachments including the lawnleveller for preparing topsoil and removing stones so you can throw away your rake and save your Page: 26 back.

You can also get rid of your shovel and get the Posi-Track with trencher attachment to dig irrigation trenches. In addition, there is a post hole auger, so no need to manually dig holes.

Two rubber-wheeled excavators can be driven directly to your site, ready to work.

These diggers are excellent for excavating house pads, garage pads, driveways or spreading gravel. Great for moving from siteto-site with no waiting.

Staying with the two-of-a-kind theme, Jones Contracting are well-known for their award winning Western Star Trucks. These trucks demand attention with masses of shiny chrome and lights galore.

This impressive American-style truck can cart in small or large quantities of top soil, gravel and sand, and then cart away unwanted fill.

With excavators ranging in size from 3.5 to 22 tonne, there is an excavator for any job, from commercial building dig-outs to house pads or landscaping.

Top soil, bark chip and a range of gravels are available either from their yard or delivered to your property. The staff at Jones Contracting are long-term locals with a good grounding in Queenstown’s unique terrain and can easily deal with special requirements.

VERY VERSATILE Machines made to work hard Earthworks and Excavation

Heavy Haulage

Residential and Commercial

Transporting

Heavy Vehicle Recovery

Landscaping

Gravel and Topsoil Supplies Sound Advice

Free quotes

Locally Owned and Operated TREVOR (021) 381-913 Email: earthworks@queenstown.co.nz | www.earthworksqueenstown.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 5

News

Opting out In what situations can you cancel a building contract?

Commerical lawyer, Geoff Hardy

There are plenty of situations where a builder might want to cancel a building contract.

You might have suffered a personal tragedy or a serious health setback, or you might have unexpectedly lost one or more senior staff members. You might have overcommitted yourself and taken on more projects than you can handle.

Alternatively, you might have discovered that your clients are impossible to work with, either because they are distrusting micro-managers who are constantly interfering and finding fault with your work, or because they are determined to fleece you by always delaying payment or shortpaying your invoices, and manufacturing excuses to justify it. Finally, you might have simply got a better offer, and regretted your earlier decision.

In any of those situations, can you just bail out? The short answer is, no.

Under a building contract you are not only entitled to see the project through to the end, you are obliged to see the project through to the end. So just as the owners can’t have second thoughts, neither can you.

What would happen if you just do it anyway? The starting point is that if you pull out of a building contract before completion, you will have breached your obligation to see it through to the end. The owners could then sue your company for their losses, or get an order forcing you to continue, and you would be on very weak ground in trying to defend yourself.

Nevertheless, you might have no choice but to do it regardless. What would be your exposure then? The losses the owners would suffer are only the additional cost they would incur as a result of having to change builders.

In charge-up contracts, that might only be the cost of the delay — assuming the building materials and subcontractors haven’t gone up in price, and the new builder’s hourly rates are the same as yours.

So sometimes paying damages and legal fees is the lesser of two evils. And if you genuinely believe that you are in the right, you might even gamble that they won’t bother suing you in the first place.

6 | B&C - Issue #120

However, that is not a decision you ought to take lightly. It is far safer to try to find some way to cancel the building contract instead.

There are circumstances where the building contract can be cancelled, and those circumstances are summarised below.

However, you need to be very sure of your ground, because if you get it wrong, you are in breach yourself, so it could backfire on you.

"

What happens if you terminate? There is normally a process that you have to follow to cancel, which is either set out in the contract or in the Contract and Commercial Law Act. Once that is done, then typically the builder gets paid up to date, he hands over possession, and clears the site.

"

In all building contracts there are certain standard situations where you can cancel.

For example, where the owners have gone bust. Or, where they are seriously in default.

Most standard-form building contracts spell out when a party is considered to be seriously in default, but the wording of those contracts varies so you need to check it carefully.

Where the contract doesn’t spell it out, then you can always fall back on Part 2 Subpart 3 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, which allows you to cancel the contract in the following circumstances: 1. Where the owners might make it clear they don’t intend to complete the performance of their obligations.

2. Where you have been induced to enter into the contract by a representation the

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

owners made to you that turned out to be false. In that case it must have been agreed (expressly or impliedly) that the truth of the representation was essential to you, or the effect of the false representation must be that the project is substantially worse for you than you expected.

3. Where the owners have breached a term in the contract, or it is patently obvious that they will do so. In that case, performance of the term must have been agreed (expressly or impliedly) as being essential to you, or the effect of nonperformance must be that the project is substantially worse for you than you expected.

their default), you may then be justified in cancelling the contract.

If none of the above situations applies, but something is preventing you from working, you may be able to rely on the “force majeure” clause in the building contract, if it has such a clause.

Force majeure is also known as “Act of God” and it means a cause or event beyond your reasonable control that prevents you from complying with your obligations. Think earthquakes, subsidence, floods, war, riots, industrial action, states of emergency, or unforeseeable shortages of labour, materials, or transport.

4. Under some building contracts you can also terminate if the owners have abandoned the project or they are incapable of performing (permanently and without a doubt). Or if the contract has been “frustrated” – which means impossible to perform any longer.

If those prevent you from getting on with the project, then you’re not liable for failing to do so. It’s not a permanent leave-pass, however — you must try to resume work as soon as possible. But if, despite your efforts, the force majeure continues for long enough, then once again you may be justified in cancelling the contract.

What happens if you terminate? There is normally a process that you have to follow to cancel, which is either set out in the contract or in the Contract and Commercial Law Act. Once that is done, then typically the builder gets paid up to date, he hands over possession, and clears the site.

If all else fails, you may be able to persuade the owners to let you go. If you have had a personal crisis, overcommitted yourself, or lost valuable staff, they may sympathise with you or at least recognise that it’s not in their interests to persevere with you.

Parts of the contract such as the disputeresolution provisions, the warranties and guarantees, etc. continue in force. But the main consequence is that the builder is free to go and the owners are free to hire another builder. If the termination was caused by the owners’ default, then the builder can recover his losses from the owners if he chooses to do so.

Of course, it is not always so clear-cut. There may not be any insolvency, intention not to complete, misrepresentation, serious breach, abandonment, incapacity, or frustration.

The owners may be in default, but not seriously enough to justify you cancelling the contract. In that case, all is not lost. If the owners fail to pay promptly or interfere with progress, then you may be entitled to suspend work.

There is a process you have to follow to do this, so check the contract, and if in doubt seek legal advice. The important point is that if the suspension continues for long enough (because the owners have not remedied

Alternatively, if your relationship with the owners has completely deteriorated then they may be just as happy to be rid of you as you would be of being rid of them.

You will have a better chance of negotiating a mutual cancellation if you write off some of the money owing to you, and/or line up another suitable builder to take over from you.

Geoff Hardy has 45 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and is a partner in 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.

RELM Quantity Surveyors

RELM Quantity Surveyors With so much at stake, so many choices, decisions, legislations‌ it makes sense to start with us.

At RELM Quantity Surveyors our team of experienced quantity surveyors work for you, preparing detailed schedules ready for you to compile your tenders, allowing you to commit your time to running current projects.

At RELM Quantity Surveyors we offer more than a per-square-metre rate.

A lot of factors affect the pricing of your construction project starting from foundations, local government rules, geographic areas, types of finishes, and style of house to name a few.

We work closely with people who design and construct, as well as those in the retail supply chain allowing our team of quantity surveyors to develop a strong understanding of construction materials, techniques and costs.

We break your building components down and measure using our database of costings to calculate an estimated total cost.

In some instances, we can also shop around for prices.

With a RELM Quantity Surveyors' estimate in hand, you can commit to working drawings with confidence or tender your job knowing everyone is pricing the same thing and allowing the same standard of finish and products in your build.

Ask about our Concept to Tender package, where we can estimate costs at the early stages of design, and give you pricing updates as your plan develops to help you stay on track and make your build more efficient.

Once you are ready, we finalise detailed schedules ready for tender.

We can suggest innovative options, so your construction project meets expectations and budgets.

At RELM Quantity Surveyors we are seeing a shift in the market to more architectural styling and innovative new products. These all add to the complexity of the build, which requires a greater understanding of materials and labour to provide accurate estimates.

With recent natural events having a huge impact on structural design a wide range of solutions have been introduced. A lot these solutions are complex and require in depth scheduling to ensure all materials and labours are included in your tender price.

In the past the role of the quantity surveyor in residential construction has been limited. However, with the changes in regulations, construction methods, materials

and innovation in design, an understanding of costs earlier is more important than ever before.

RELM Quantity Surveyors can offer conceptual pricing to help you understand your budget earlier on, through to full schedule to enable contractors to accurately price your project.

Working with RELM Quantity Surveyors you are receiving an impartial view of materials

and overall costs to help your decisions progress from early concept through to full consent drawings.

RELM Quantity Surveyors 49 Main Road Pleasant Point South Canterbury (03) 614 8888 info@relm.co.nz www.relm.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 7

News

New technologies in the sector

John Shingleton, managing director of First Law www.firstlaw.co.nz

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law

The construction industry has seen constant and significant leaps and bounds in technology.

Now that we have entered a new decade, this is a good time to take a look at what new technologies are being used in the construction sector and what we should be keeping an eye on.

Drones are being used in construction sites around the world. These eyes in the sky can take images and videos, perform surveys and make maps, monitor and inspect the construction site, and other useful tasks. On top of that drones can do all of these things faster and easier than doing them in person.

Virtual reality headsets allow users to “see” and even “walk” through a computer generated simulation of the completed project as if they were really there. It allows users to understand the 3D space more clearly, which helps prevent different systems like HVAC and electrical wiring from accidentally occupying the same space.

Exoskeletons are robotic frameworks that you wear, and they contain motorized muscles that literally do the heavy lifting for you.

These new advancements do not need to make your previous tools obsolete — they can actually enhance them to a whole new level. Drones and virtual reality have already been integrated into different BIM projects, enabling data to be gathered more easily and accurately than ever before. This of course has great benefits in terms of management and design of a project.

As exciting as all of these new toys are, its important to consider the legal issues surrounding them to understand the costs and benefits of the technology beyond the price tag.

One key benefit of adopting these technologies is that they allow data to be gathered more accurately and precisely than ever before, and then display this information in ways that are easy to understand. This allows for better management and planning on projects, which reduces the chances of a dispute arising if something goes wrong.

Even when disputes arise, accurate information gathering and recording will give contractors a better fighting chance to prove their case. A drone’s ability to quickly take photos of the construction site from almost any angle would be very useful for settling claims, for example.

8 | B&C - Issue #120

90-day trials and probationary periods

Since May 2019, if you employ more than 19 employees, you are no longer permitted to have any new employees on a 90-day trial. Instead, you will have to satisfy yourself with employees on a probationary period.

But as these technologies are new, there is a level of uncertainty around them.

For example, legislation about drones is constantly evolving as more cases of them being used dangerously occur. This means that you would need to keep a careful eye on drone and aviation legislation in order to maintain compliance with the law.

Another thing to think about is data and privacy. These new technologies can record data on an unprecedented scale, but this also means that they’re likely to pick up on private and personal data.

What should you do with any personal data that your technology picks up? What about confidential information? Data protection policies will need to be scrutinized carefully when adopting these technologies.

Health and safety can both benefit and be hindered by introducing new technology onto the construction site. Machines like exoskeletons can help provide health and safety compliance by boosting the wearer’s physical abilities to prevent them from injuries, but when used improperly these same machines could cause significant harm to the wearer and those around them.

Health and safety policies will need to evolve alongside technology in order to prevent accidents occurring in the workplace.

Autonomous robots and AI are being implemented into the construction industry, but who owns the intellectual property of the machine’s “brain” as it learns how to do things more efficiently?

Will it belong to the contractors who “taught” the robot what to do? Will it belong to the manufacturers of the robot?

How will this change if a contractor is merely renting a robot instead of purchasing it?

Should contractors be compensated for training a robot? What value does a robot’s potential to learn have and how will this impact contracts?

Trial periods are still governed by the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the rules have not changed. Essentially, by employing an employee under a 90-day trial period, an employer will benefit from an immunity against a personal grievance of unjustified dismissal provided they: 1. Have not employed the employee before.

2. Ensure the employment agreement includes written provisions that stipulate the date the trial period commences, that the employee is subject to a 90-day trial period and that during the trial period the employer can dismiss the employee without being subjected to a personal grievance by the employee in relation to the dismissal.

3. The employee has agreed to the employment being on a trial basis.

4. Ensure there is evidence the employer explained to the employee to seek independent legal advice before signing the employment agreement and gave the employee a reasonable period of time to obtain that advice.

5. The employee signed the agreement before the employee commenced employment.

6. Invoke the clause in writing when terminating the employment agreement.

7. Have not breached any provisions of the Human Rights Act 2000 and acted in good faith.

If the technicalities are properly followed, then the decision to dismiss ought to be upheld.

It is important to consider not just the monetary costs and benefits of new technology, but also the legal aspects of it too.

It is important employers do pay great attention to the technical aspects of 90day trial periods. The Courts have made it clear they will strike 90-day clauses down if there is a technical defect.

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

In 2010, Judge Colgan of the Employment Court said that because the effect of the regime was to deprive employees from access to justice, the provisions of the Act must be strictly interpreted.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Since 2010, the case books are full of cases whereby employers failed to abide by the technicalities.

This can be very costly because if an employer terminates someone’s employment in reliance of a 90-day trial clause that is then struck out as invalid, then it is inevitable the dismissal will be determined to be unjustified for breach of fair process.

Probationary periods should not be confused with trial periods. With a probationary period, the employer is never immune to a personal grievance of unjustified dismissal. My next article will cover probationary periods.

About First Law First Law was the visionary idea of John Shingleton, the founder of Online Lawyers.

A very experienced business lawyer, John was not satisfied that the traditional law firm model actually put people’s needs first.

Determined there should be a more helpful, cost-effective way to access great legal services, John combined his experience, knowledge and expertise with like-minded professionals, who embrace the vision of First Law. Together they developed a smarter ‘new law’ model that embraces new technologies and adopts a flexible, accessible, responsive and agile approach to helping clients find solutions while making their journeys simpler.

First Law is a people-first law firm that combines great legal services with emerging technologies and innovative ways of working.

We’ve redefined the way you access legal services so you can get the important things done simply, quickly, affordably and with total transparency. Working in ways that are better for people, and better for you, is just better thinking.

News

Green business is good business

Choise and consequences

Marcus Shaw, Action Coach Christchurch www.marcusshaw.actioncoach.com

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

Let’s be honest, the average business owner is more focused on profit than they are on sustainability. But are sustainability and profitability mutually exclusive?

In life (that’s personal and business) we are afforded free will, the ability to choose.

I don’t think so!

Controlling operational costs is obviously good for business because it benefits bottom line earnings, providing a degree of protection against seasonal fluctuations and some flexibility or breathing space to drop prices in order to remain competitive, or meet unexpected expenses that may arise.

Companies that invest in high efficiency equipment and eco-friendly processes enjoy a number of benefits that go beyond lower energy bills. Energy efficient equipment provides greater reliability and productivity, while ensuring lower maintenance costs and less waste.

harness some of that and leave the planet in a better place in the process?

Here are three ideas to get you started: Go paperless There is now an app for almost anything imaginable and very few tasks need to be done exclusively on physical paper.

Not only will you spend less on printing, but you’ll also improve the efficiency of your business systems.

Sell the story Tell your prospects and your customers about your greening efforts.

This is actually a very big thing but we must always temper our enthusiasm with the knowledge every choice has consequence.

Dale Carnegie taught that 80 percent of what we worry about never happens. So I’m certainly not saying ponder and stress and worry.

I regularly present to high schools’ Year 13 students on this topic.

Rather, take an upbeat role and track and trace possible outcomes. Accept them for what they are. Then based on how risk averse you are, make a decision and move on it.

Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “The price of greatness is responsibility”.

The challenge is so many don’t want to be responsible for the choices they make, but the fact is you can’t escape the consequences of your decisions – whether good or bad.

Be prepared to test, measure and monitor as the consequences unfold. Be ready to make a swift course adjustment. Most of all remember to enjoy the journey.

Only you get to make the choices. You can choose to be a victor or a victim, to be happy or not, to react with positivity or negativity, to take responsibility for your actions or to find someone else to blame.

A few years back, in a museum just outside Opunake, I came across a popular saying from when the region was first settled. The saying was, “A blade of grass is worth two trees”. In other words, the value of pasture was so immense that cutting down a few trees wasn’t seen as a big deal.

Involve your team A great team has a shared vision. Meet with your team to get their ideas on how to reduce your environmental impact and to set a collective goal.

These days, things are a little bit different.

About Marcus Shaw

In business sometimes you can be blissfully unaware of possible consequences and ramifications.

As your coach, I will be working with you in five key areas. The emphasis on each area depends on your needs, the type of business you have, and your goals.

It’s fair and reasonable that you can’t have foresight on every situation.

Things can happen out of the blue, so it becomes a matter of recognising a change is needed and then acting on it as soon as possible.

Aside from cost reductions, companies differentiate themselves by promoting their green credentials to create unique selling points that can ultimately lead to business growth.

Various pieces of research show that the majority of consumers think it’s important to buy from environmentally responsible companies. Being recognised as a green organisation can boost sales, increase interest in an organisation, improve brand awareness and build brand loyalty.

Operating a resource-efficient business will also help to ensure that the company complies with increasing regulatory pressures.

News and social media is now dominated by messages urging us to consider the effect that our lifestyles are having on the environment.

Alongside the changing political and social agenda, a powerful new generation of consumers has emerged – the millennials.

Not only are millennials more aware of the environmental qualifications of companies but they’re also prepared to pay a premium for brands with green credentials.

The power of “green” brands is clear.

However, the question is, what can you do to

I am a certified business coach with Action Coach.

The key areas are: sales, marketing and advertising, team building and recruitment, systems and business development, and, customer service.

My goal is to help small business owners, such as yourself, spend less time working in your business and more time working on your business. In the end, you’ll be spending less total time working and will be making more money.

As a small business owner myself, I know what it is like to worry about the day-today survival of the business and making the amount of money needed to run my business and personal life.

I understand what it’s like to put in long hours and wonder what happened to the dreams and vision I had for my life and future.

In life and in business there are decisions to make every single day.

The old head in the sand mentality seldom works, if ever.

It is far better to reach out for help from a trusted friend, advisor or colleague. Maybe they’ve already had a similar experience.

It really is so much easier and less painful to learn from others’ mistakes instead of spending your days making them all on your own.

There are times where there is something worse than making a bad decision. That’s making no decision at all. Standing still will be sure to get you run over on the highway of business life.

To mitigate making bad decisions, set about to do as much background checking and fact finding as you can.

About Martz Group 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.

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.

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!

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.

Hypothesise on the possible outcomes (but don’t get all bent out of shape about it). www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 9

News

Estimating how many hours the job will take: Why 83 percent get it wrong Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie.

How often have you quoted a job but ended up losing on it because the hours blew out? It happens to everyone once in a while… but get this wrong too often and you won’t be very profitable.

Even the big players in our industry get this wrong more than they’d like to admit… Fletchers got in trouble last year with overruns on a number of their major projects. It cost them millions.

Did you know: The Sydney Opera House was completed a massive 10 years behind schedule!

Clearly when you want to make money on your jobs, it’s very important to accurately estimate how much time they will take. If you’ve ever wondered why your quotes don’t work out, this is a good starting point.

Research shows only 17 percent of the population can accurately estimate how much time a job or task will take. Basically, we’re all optimists. We tend to believe the future will be better than the past.

If only 17 percent can estimate time correctly, that means 83 percent are getting it wrong. Mistakes include: • Failing to consider how long it’s taken us to complete similar tasks in the past (science calls this - planning fallacy) • Assuming that we won’t run into any complications that will cause delays (science calls this - optimism bias).

There are a lot of moving parts in a business and if you often underestimate hours on jobs, or don’t allow for unexpected curve balls, you won’t make the margin you need to.

Achieving target margins consistently on every job is key when it comes to being profitable. Let’s not forget: When costs exceed what you quoted, that cold hard cash comes directly out of your pocket.

In very real terms, that means less income for you + stressful cashflow. And that is all kinds of bad, especially for a family business.

Plus, cashflow headaches are the #1 reason for going broke.

So how can the average tradie business owner override their planning fallacy and optimism bias?

The secret is to be dealing with concrete numbers. They make things very black and white, allowing for smarter decision-making.

That’s the kind of strategic thinking required for both quick wins and long term success.

10 | B&C - Issue #120

I’ve worked with hundreds of tradie businesses and I can tell you: It’s amazing the insights you can get from a simple deep dive into the numbers - when you know what to look for (most don’t).

Yes, one important part of this is backcosting (checking all costs – including time/labour - on previous jobs to see how your quote stacked up against what actually happened).

To do this, you first need to be working with the right project management software, time tracking app or system, for your specific business.

Then, the main thing is, use a structure - so back-costing is easy and doesn’t take all day!

Especially important if you run multiple jobs and have a large team.

Revisit regularly and make sure you are charging enough. The trick is to then actually deploy this historical data and turn it into increased accuracy on your next job.

When I assist clients in the business coaching process to really look at their previous jobs, they can see exactly where they’re losing money on under-quoting. From then on, everything becomes much easier.

Be sure to use a pricing formula so you have certainty that your price is fair. Not too low that you won’t make money.

Not too high that you’ll be priced out (or if you are, you can walk away confident, knowing the margin was not enough – you don’t work for free).

Using a formula also means you price consistently regardless of whether you’re

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

By the way, studies also show that while we’re generally bad at estimating how long it takes us to do the job, we’re quite good at estimating how much time the job will take when others are doing the work. So harnessing the talents and objectivity of someone outside your immediate team (like a QS) could be a smart move.

"

feeling optimistic, tired, are desperate for work for your team, or have too much on already.

Include your “fudge ratio” calculation and buffer percentage to build in extra hours for delivery delays, staff absences, weather, etc.

Finally, you need a strong gross profit margin. A “good” margin to add on top varies for each company, depending on your overheads and industry. So it’s important to know what is a good margin percentage to be aiming at for you, in your market.

Although, if it’s not at least 20 percent, I’d encourage you to make some adjustments right away. Anything under this and you won’t be able to cover overheads and still make the profits you need to maintain a successful business.

By the way, studies also show that while we’re generally bad at estimating how long it takes us to do the job, we’re quite good at estimating how much time the job will take

when others are doing the work.

So harnessing the talents and objectivity of someone outside your immediate team (like a QS) could be a smart move.

Ultimately, accurate predictions and backcosting effectively ensures you will achieve the target margins you need, become more profitable, and grow safely, even with the variables, and any bias you may have.

Tweaks like this in profitability + productivity typically get my clients return-on-investment far exceeding my fees inside 3-6 months.

Book a time with me here to find out how I might be able to help you: www.nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep.

Fergusson Lockwood & Associates

Waikato property valuers Fergusson, Lockwood & Associates (FLA) have been established in the Waikato since the 1970s and over that time there have been name changes as the business has evolved and grown.

Our principal office is in Hamilton and we cover North Waikato, South Waikato, Raglan, etc. We also have a second office in Morrinsville which enables us to service a geographical area including Te Aroha, Morrinsville and Matamata.

We currently employ six valuers with valuers specialising in: Residential, commercial and industrial, and rural, including farm consultancy.

As one of the leading Waikato property valuation firms, we assist clients throughout the Waikato to make sound property decisions which will not only benefit them now, but also in the longer term.

Clients may be facing the challenges of arranging financing, trying to determine the value of their property and/or land for sale or purchase, and we are able to assist in this.

We also value buildings for insurance or rental and we actively manage farm properties for national and international clients.

The market has certainly been through an interesting journey in the past five or so years. We have seen incredible highs, but

also lows as a result of the recession and subsequent recovery.

While property has been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride, the market is now coming out the other side and most of our clients now have a higher level of confidence and property values generally are moving upwards.

We value our clients and colleagues tremendously and over the years have developed very strong relationships. We have instances where a client will introduce themself and say that we did work for Dad who said to call us.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of our business is meeting with lending partners and clients on their properties, listening to and understanding their business and property objectives, seeing what their property investment is actually achieving for them, and being part of their preferred professional network team.

We are an ambitious company and over the years have adapted and grown to keep up with demand and the changing business environment, and we look forward to the future.

YOUR WAIKATO PROPERTY SPECIALISTS Talk to us today and speak with one of the most experienced professional teams in the business. After 30 years locally and nationwide we have what it takes to get the job done.

0800 922 122 | www.fla.co.nz | hamilton.fla.co.nz | Hamilton Office Level 2, 28 Liverpool St | Hamilton | 07 838 3248 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 11

News

Ecolabel specification introduced An ecolabel specification that will encourage companies to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste going to landfill has been launched in New Zealand.

“I believe the specification will drive real, positive change across the industry and support better management of the projected increase in C&D waste in coming years.”

The specification has been carefully developed over the last 18 months and was made possible through a grant from Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund. The development process included consultation with industry players and experts.

Launched at the WasteMINZ conference, the new specification, EC-59 C&D Waste Services, has been developed by the New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust (NZET).

“The Council’s grant has been crucial to the successful completion of the specification.

We’re also thankful to the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) and WasteMINZ for their ongoing support.”

NZET general manager, Francesca Lipscombe says the Trust believes the new specification could be a game-changer for waste management in the construction industry.

Research shows that by weight, the C&D industry is one of the largest waste producers in the country and makes up around half of all waste going to landfill. A feasibility study by the Trust also found that the most significant issue is the amount of material going straight into landfill when it could be reused.

Francesca says the Trust hopes the specification will encourage more innovative waste management practices within the industry.

“As the official ecolabel for New Zealand, our goal has been to deliver a powerful ecolabel which incentivises good practices in C&D waste services.

NZET general manager, Francesca Lipscombe, and Auckland Council programme director for Waste Solutions, Parul Sood.

“The specification answers a real need in the market and will drive positive change by differentiating service providers by their environmental impact.

“The Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ) label will lend verified providers kudos with customers.

“Those with the label will be recognised as top performers who reliably demonstrate best practice around waste minimisation,

Specialists in:

• Domestic servicing • Oven repairs • Hot water cylinder element & thermostat replacements • Wiring new houses • Rewires of old houses • Data, TVs, Audio systems • LED lighting upgrades

Phone 0274 180 437 joshs@jiasl.nz 03 310 3037

from waste reduction through recovery, reuse and recycling.”

Francesca says that the specification is a signal for consumers and organisations looking to support sustainable C&D waste services providers.

“There’s been a clear shift in thinking and more people and businesses are looking for services that have a positive impact on the environment and society.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

The specification will be awarded on a project basis and cover both domestic and commercial construction and demolition waste. It will include best-practice criteria for waste minimisation planning, waste management on site, transportation, sorting and processing, reuse, recycling, and disposal. Licensed organisations will be required to report on measures of success in diverting waste from landfill.

To find out more details on EC-59 C&D Waste Services please go to: https://bit.ly/2nWik2T.

Josh is a sparky Josh is a Sparky Ltd is a locally owned and operated business with a team of electricians who have expert knowledge and experience in a variety of electrical work.

• Repairs on hobs, ranges, ovens and hot water cylinders

As a small electrical contractor we specialise in domestic and commercial maintenance, LED lighting upgrades, renovations, and new homes. There is no project we cannot do.

Our mission is to provide a top quality, safe, reliable, and friendly service that our customers can trust.

We have five fully-qualified electricians and one apprentice on staff. However, a significant bonus is that we all live in different parts of Canterbury, giving us a wide coverage of the area and this means we can respond to urgent work within hours.

Types of work we can help with: • New homes covering all services, power, lighting, security, data, surveillance cameras and audio visual setups • Rewiring of houses and buildings

12 | B&C - Issue #120

Francesca says the C&D Waste Services label will also help verify waste-diversion credits in the NZGBC’s Green Star rating tool – a tool that measures the sustainability credentials of buildings across nine categories.

• Upgrading of lighting to efficient LED options • General maintenance, replacing sockets and lights, fault finding damaged cables, no power issues.

We can offer a wide range of electrical services so please contact us on 0274 180 437 or email joshs@jiasl.nz to discuss your electrical needs.

Memberships and accreditations Super Gold Card Josh is a Sparky Ltd PO Box 838 Rangiora 0274 180 437 joshs@jiasl.nz www.joshisasparky.co.nz

News

The technology behind award-winning buildings Building twice holds the secret to creating better buildings – a method demonstrated by the winners of Registered Master Builders inaugural BIM (Building Information Modelling) Innovation Awards.

Airways Air Traffic Control Facility in Auckland won the under $25million category. “This project used a model prototype on site before building,” Jason says.

“It was a great example of the contractor understanding the client, and approaching a very complex project by holding collaborative workshops involving designers, contractors and sub-trades working with 3D technology and LOD 400 (a level of development with advanced detail).”

BIM technology was used by all entrants to model the projects in the virtual world, before the physical building was built.

Auckland’s QT Hotel picked up the Overall Award and the $25-50 million category; Airways Air Traffic Control Facility in Whenuapai won the under $25 million category; and Tūranga, the new Christchurch Central Library, secured the over $50 million award.

The awards were judged by Jason Howden from architecture firm Warren and Mahoney and Andrew Field from engineering firm Beca.

RMBA chief executive David Kelly says, “There are great things happening in our sector which are sometimes overshadowed by the challenges we face.

“It’s refreshing to see the construction sector embracing innovative technology that improves the construction life cycle and identifies potential issues before they become real ones.

race to the bottom approach. Teamwork will drive a better-built New Zealand,” David says.

Winner of the over $50 million category was Turanga, the new Christchurch Central Library. The BIM process improved stakeholder engagement and was used as a tool for the Safety in Design review.

Consultants and contractors were able to highlight any possible safety issues and remedy them before building.

The Overall Winner and winner of the $25-50 million category, QT Hotel, built

by Dominion for RPG, is one of a few New Zealand buildings that used BIM from early design through all phases of project management to building and asset management.

“This was a large, complex building with significant challenges. Its highly engaged team used a range of innovative technologies to deliver on time and on budget, providing a fantastic result for New Zealand and a great case study for BIM,” the judges said.

Judges Jason Howden and Andrew Field say it was an exceptional use of BIM.

“It’s good to see this innovative technology used more frequently across the sector.

BIM has been a slow burn in New Zealand but is now starting to gain momentum and is delivering real benefits to everyone involved. We look forward to future awards celebrating the teams using this technology,” David says.

Turanga, the new Christchurch Central Library, won the over $50 million category.

“These awards celebrate the project teams which use BIM to design and build dynamic, innovative buildings. They look good, they work well, and they reduce cost and waste by building in virtual or augmented reality first, before being built physically.

“These projects use 3D and even 5D to take teams through the detail of projects. Clients and construction teams can see possible issues and move quickly to fix them before they become problems.

“Rather than functioning in a traditional, sometimes adversarial environment, BIM demands a collaborative approach.

“That’s what the construction sector needs if we are going to overcome our problematic,

“By sharing live models with the entire team from designers to contractors and tradies, using mobile devices, everyone was able to ask questions, communicate quickly and resolve issues.”

A safer construction site starts with us Last year Safety ‘n Action trained over 40,000 students across thousands of New Zealand businesses.

As well as delivering training at our customer’s sites, we also offer courses at our ten purpose-built training centres nationwide.

With more than 30 full-time trainers and 20 years experience in health and safety training, the Safety ‘n Action team is dedicated to helping you manage your health and safety training needs.

Get in touch today 0800 222 388 www.safetynaction.co.nz admin@safetynaction.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 13

News

Guidelines signal new hope for construction industry The contracting relationship between government and the construction industry is set to be redefined, with the new construction-specific guidelines created to accompany the government procurement rules that came into effect late last year.

Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive, Peter Silcock, says if the new Construction Procurement Guidelines and the new Government Procurement Rules 4th Edition were properly implemented with agencies held accountable, it could signal a new era.

He says the new guidelines align with principles of the Construction Sector Accord – a commitment between industry and government to improve productivity and address challenges faced by the construction sector by building capability and resilience.

“For a long time now, the focus has been on lowest cost. Agencies will now be required to change their procurement to focus on outcomes rather than cost, placing more emphasis on fair allocation of project risk to those best-placed to manage it.”

Because of this, interpretation was also important. The guidelines provide agencies with practical interpretation for different business models, from strategy and market engagement, to risk management and improved skills and training to ensure a skilled future workforce.

Peter says the new guidelines required agencies to limit or justify any use of special conditions — a move away from lengthy additions to ‘standard’ construction contracts, which sometimes added hundreds of pages of special terms, requiring complex legal interpretation.

“Clients think they are managing risk by deviating from standard contracts. In some cases, they create it. Moving away from this should bring the costs down as clients, contractors and lawyers won’t have to spend time poring over hundreds of pages of special conditions.”

Peter says while the threshold requiring a specific skills and training development plan was too high at $50 million dollars, its inclusion placed greater emphasis on skills and could be adopted in smaller projects too.

Factors such as involving contractors early in project planning to ensure a sound business case would also make a positive difference.

He says shifting the focus from cost-cutting would provide more value for money in the long run. For instance, greater emphasis on

skills development planning would improve project quality, potentially also reducing cost by making it easier to find skilled people.

Peter says many of the new rules were optional for local government, but he would like to see increasing uptake amongst councils. An increasing focus on partnership and a sustainable construction industry were in the interests of all parties involved and were likely to lead to better results for projects, companies and communities.

FOR ALL YOUR WORK AT HEIGHT NEEDS 1230ES Mast Lift • Now outdoor rated • Electric Drive • Long run time between recharging Electric Scissor Lifts • 5 x ES models available (6 m to 12 m work height) • Electric Drive • 4 x R models available (6 m to 14 m work height) • Rugged design • Large number of accessories available • Long run times between recharging LRT Scissor Lifts • 3 x models available (10 m to 17 m work heights) • Dual Extension Decks • Large Rated Capacities • Tier 4 Final Engine Electric Knuckle Booms • 4 x models available (9 m to 18 m) • Electric Drive • Long run times between recharging • Jib Plus on most models

New Zealand - 09 276 1728 www.jlg.com.au 14 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Find our BIM Files for helping select your equipment during the Building design phase at www.jlg.com.au/bimlibrary.

Some councils were already looking to implement the rules in their procurement policies, such as Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department, which had used social procurement strategy to underpin its procurement approach and Sustainability Toolkit, he says.

The Construction Procurement Guidelines are available here: www.procurement.govt. nz/procurement/specialised-procurement/ construction-procurement.

Aquamax

Concrete hydrodemolition specialists Founded by Kiwi owners in 1996, Aquamax has built a reputation based around ultra-high pressure (40,000 psi) water jetting.

The company became a forerunner in using water jetting for road line removal, paint and corrosion stripping, aircraft paint stripping, and descaling of geothermal turbines.

Over the past five years, Aquamax has embarked on a programme of expansion and investment in newer, high-powered equipment.

Seven 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 concreterelated services.

Concrete related services: • Hydrodemolition such as rebar exposure • Hydro–scabbling such as for Type B construction joints • Paint stripping of concrete and blockwork

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.

The process can be conducted in-situ on standard panels and utilises low-flow rate equipment, and is dust-free and creates minimal mess, which is easily contained and vacuumed away.

Recently, Aquamax has invested in an automated manipulator called a Jetframe (pictured). This tool delivers scabbling and rebar exposure with an automated machine rather than an operator holding onto a lance.

Automated blasting on a column.

• 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 a new structure is being tied into old. Other examples are cleaning up pile caps and 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. Aquamax is currently engaged on the America’s Cup wharf at Wynyard – a major remediation project.

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.

The health and safety benefits are clear along with increased productivity. It is also possible to use higher-power pumps as the machine does not tire when loaded up with high back thrust.

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

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

For more information please contact Hamish Coop on 021 316 844 or refer to Aquamax.co.nz.

Hydrodemolition and Scabbling Specialists Health and safety paramount Modern equipment

www.aquamax.co.nz

Blasting in accordance with AS/NZS 4233 Experienced team

Contact Hamish Coop on 021 316 844 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 15

News

Cambridge Terrace Apartments A case study in project management After a six-year insurance battle and a further three-years of redesign, repair and strengthening, Murray Woodward, chairperson of the Body Corporate for Christchurch’s Cambridge Terrace Apartments, is excited at the prospect of finally moving home.

Completed in September 2019, Murray joined 28 other owners as they gained access to their Avon Riverside apartments — almost nine years after the devastating Christchurch earthquakes.

Challenged with directly negotiating the repair strategy and settlement with the Earthquake Commission (EQC), Murray admitted the Body Corporate faced repeated roadblocks.

“It was a very difficult process in the initial phases, as individuals like us were unable to deal directly with EQC,” he says.

“This made it extremely difficult to get anything resolved.”

In mid-2015, some four years after the February 2011 earthquake, Murray was introduced to Nathan Lang, co-founder and director of Christchurch-based project management and quantity surveying company Focus Project Services (Focus).

“When I first met Nathan, we were wallowing; we were just stalled,” explains Murray. “But his work ethic and ideas were so impressive. We felt that he knew what to do – someone to look after us. He had the knowledge.”

Accepted by the Body Corporate to complete and manage an extensive quantity surveying and engineering assessment of the apartment block, Focus issued an alternative, comprehensive costed scope of works to challenge the existing EQC assessment.

This new report pushed the cost to repair the damage well over the capped value that EQC was liable to pay, and into the hands of the insurance company.

In December 2017, after a protracted and technical negotiation, the insurance company paid the Body Corporate an agreed cash sum – a figure that was considerably higher than the original EQC offer.

Gilcom - A trusted name & proud provider of Telecommunications cabling & services in the Taranaki Region for over 25 years.

COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL - RESIDENTIAL We can help you too: 0800 4 GILCOM www.gilcom.biz 23 Gilmour St. Westown, Plymouth

Cambridge Terrace Apartments Body Corporate chairperson Murray Woodward.

Murray credited the increase in payout to the tenacity, diligence, and industry knowledge held by the Focus team. The Body Corporate was now in a position to manage and direct the repair process itself, and so turned to Focus to get the job done.

“I’ve learned through this process just exactly how valuable a good project management team is.”

“If we didn’t find Focus, a company that provides such a complete service, we wouldn’t have achieved nearly as much as we have,” Murray says.

Taking an alternative approach to the more common contract tender exercise, Focus worked to a collaborative design and construction process and negotiated

Once settled, Focus switched from negotiation to project management mode.

● Fibre Optics Cabling ● Alarm Installation ● CCTV/Camera Systems ● Access Control Systems ● Data & Phone Cabling ● Telephones & Telephone Systems - Standard, VoIP and Cloud based solutions

● Wireless Networks & Wireless Devices ● Network troubleshooting & Network Testing Equipment ● ICT Cabling Infrastructure + ICT Consultancy

• PLUMBING • DRAINLAYING • GAS SUPPLIER & FITTING • ROOFING

K J Morgan Plumbing Ltd

11 Purkiss Street, PO Box 925, BLENHEIM 7240

t: 03 578 0060 f: 03 578 0994 www.morganplumbing.co.nz 16 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

News

He marvelled at how innovative Focus had been throughout the entire process, offering the best solution at each stage of the repair.

"

The team is so professional with what they do, everyone takes responsibility for all aspects of the process, even the smallest detail.

Their responses and actions are immediate; no matter how minor the issue, they are always on it.

- Murray Woodward

"

with a contractor to undertake the repair based on an open book tendering and recommendation process for the subcontract trades.

This approach was used in order to achieve the required price tension for the project, whilst ensuring a team approach working towards the common goal of ‘best for project’ outcomes.

“I have never seen this before in my business life,” Murray says. “Through great leadership and management, they pulled together

“The team is so professional with what they do,” he says. “Everyone takes responsibility for all aspects of the process, even the smallest detail. Their responses and actions are immediate; no matter how minor the issue, they are always on it.”

Working with Focus for the past five-years has somewhat transformed the repair experience for Murray.

“From what I have seen, they could do any size project. They look at both the macro and the micro – they see the whole thing,” he says.

“And through my position as chair, the extensive and open communication from Nathan made this process so much easier than it was when we tried to deal with it ourselves.”

Focus Project Services co-founder and director, Nathan Lang

a smart contract, kept costs relative, continually reassessed the process and kept us fully updated.

“They completely took the stress away from us and from having to deal with it ourselves.”

Murray also explained how valuable it was that they were kept informed every step of the way.

“You imagine having to manage and communicate what is going on with 29 owners,” he explains.

MODO FLOORING

FREE QUOTE

“Yet the detailed reports that Focus provided at the beginning of each month meant that I didn’t have even one query from any of the apartment owners.

As to whether Murray would choose to work with Focus again? Without a doubt. He said it was the personal, yet professional level of service provided by Focus that he would remember the most.

“Everyone knew what was going on at all times. What a fantastic achievement.”

“Nathan’s commitment to regular eye to eye meetings gave us complete confidence that we were dealing with someone we could trust.

Having been heavily involved in the repair process over the past year, Murray was confident the apartment would be safer and stronger than ever.

“The Focus team are immensely passionate and enthusiastic about their work, and their attitude is outstanding,” he concluded. “We are just thrilled to bits.”

AROWHENUA WHANAU SERVICES Call in and talk to our staff about your health, social service and educational needs. If we can’t help we will make sure we refer you to the right service

THE FLOORING EXPERTS Carpets | Carpet Tiles Floorboards | Vinyl | Tiles

0800 867 028 CONTACT US FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL FLOORING NEEDS

sales@modoflooring.co.nz | modoflooring.co.nz

Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArowhenuaWhanauServices/ Arowhenua Whanau Services 94 King Street Temuka, Phone: 03 615 5180 Fax: 03 6155181 Email: admin@aws.health.nz www.aws.health.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 17

News

Change needed to reduce housing and infrastructure deficit New Zealand’s construction industry desperately needs to change quickly to address the country’s housing and infrastructure deficit, and the Construction Industry Council is the organisation best placed to lead this change, say incoming chair Graham Burke and deputy chair Malcolm Fleming.

Graham says while there were some good initiatives underway, such as the Construction Sector Accord and introduction of new procurement rules, the industry was hard to penetrate because it had so many parts and so many small businesses.

“It is important to drive change though the whole industry, not just the big companies and clients. Small to medium enterprises and subcontractors are a critical component of the construction industry, and there is no way we can address the housing and infrastructure deficit without them.”

He says the only way to effectively engage with the entire industry was through industry associations, which provide advice to and represent the interests of those small companies.

Because of this, the Construction Industry Council – an overarching body of more than 30 construction industry associations – was the perfect body to lead the change because of its very wide coverage and involvement at all levels of the construction industry.

Because the Council represented a broad cross section of construction associations, it was well-placed to communicate at all levels and provide leadership around that change.

Graham says a good example of the CIC’s leadership was the successful establishment of Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ), a charitable trust uniting the industry to focus on health and safety across construction sites and to start addressing high suicide rates in the industry.

"

We have all seen what is happening. There’s a lot of work out there with companies struggling to cope. Many contractors have taken on too much risk and their margins have become paper-thin.

But that’s all changing, and quickly.

"

contractor failures, which affects everyone including: homeowners commercial property owners and contractors.

The Council had also recently developed an industry-endorsed proposal designed to promote careers within the built environment.

Often, the people most impacted in these situations are the subcontractors who run the risk of not getting paid for the work they perform. Should the project hit difficulties, ‘subbies’ literally risked losing their homes in the fallout of a main contractor or developer failure, he says.

A current focus is the industry’s need to adequately address recent building

“We have all seen what is happening.

There’s a lot of work out there with

Graham Burke, Incoming NZCIC chair

companies struggling to cope. Many contractors have taken on too much risk and their margins have become paper-thin. But that’s all changing, and quickly.”

Pushing responsibility for project risk down the chain to contractors and subcontractors was very unfair; project risk should sit with those best able to manage the risk. Expensive lessons had been learned, and even business owners not directly impacted were saying, ‘next time I could be left out of pocket’.

Graham says good clients were increasingly teaming up with reputable main contractors who are supported by a skilled subcontractor supply-chain, with construction businesses now more likely to shun clients and not bid on projects offering poor or unreasonable terms and conditions.

He says now was the time for the construction industry to stand up and be part of that change at all levels.

We’ll help you find the right floor to make your place a home. Carpet to laminate, vinyl & tiles - we know floors and how to help you get your dream one.

Resene has all the quality paint, wallpaper, accessories and professional advice you need for your decorating projects.

5 Empire St Kaitaia Phone 09 408 4362

5 Empire St Kaitaia Phone 09 408 0347

www.carpetcourt.nz

www.resene.co.nz

18 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Workplace Health & Safety

Staying sharp and fighting fatigue Everyone in the workplace has a responsibility to prevent and manage the risk of fatigue.

Both employers and employees should know what their responsibilities are and take reasonable care for their own safety, plus the safety of others who might be affected.

Workers should: • Comply with reasonable instructions of their employer and/or the person conducting the business or undertaking where they work • Co-operate with any health and safety policy that has been notified to them

• Ensure as far as reasonably practicable that working arrangements are not hazardous to employees • Ensure adequate training to complete tasks • Engage, so far as reasonably practicable, with workers with respect to health and safety matters.

Assessing the risks

Fatigue is often caused by a number of interrelated factors which can be cumulative.

When assessing risks, contributors to fatigue should not be considered in isolation.

Factors that can contribute to fatigue include:

Employers and those conducting a business or undertaking have a general duty to:

Once fatigue is identified as a risk, the next step is to take measures to prevent and manage that risk.

If it is reasonably practicable to do so, the risk of fatigue should be eliminated (for example by making changes to shift patterns or workloads). The best way to eliminate fatigue risks is to eliminate the factors that cause it.

There may not be obvious signs of fatigue at the workplace, but this does not mean it is not occurring, or that factors which may increase If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk of fatigue are not present. the risks must be minimised.

The first step in the risk management and assessment process is to identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards that could contribute to fatigue.

• Ensure they are adequate trained to complete the tasks and to identify risks associated with their work, including fatigue.

Preventing fatigue

• The mental and physical demands of work

What is reasonably practicable to do to manage the risk of fatigue will vary depending on the type of industry, the structure of an organisation and the person carrying out the work.

Some of the control measures that can be implemented might include: Mental and physical demands of work • Using machinery to assist with tasks

• Leaving appropriate rest periods between shifts.

Environmental conditions • Avoiding working during periods of extreme temperature • Providing shelter and adequate facilities for rest, sleep, meal breaks and other requirements where appropriate • Organisational factors • Training and encouraging workers/ managers/supervisors to recognise signs of fatigue • Encouraging the reporting of issues and concerns.

Develop a policy Develop a fatigue policy for all workers, managers and supervisors. This policy should include information about: • Maximum shift length and average weekly hours

• Work scheduling and planning

• Limiting periods of excessive physical and mental demands

• Work-related travel

• Working time

• Job rotations

• Provide and maintain a working environment that is without risk to health and safety

• Environmental conditions, and

• Procedures for managing fatigued workers.

• Appropriate rest breaks.

• Provide and maintain facilities for the safety and health of employees at work

Effective risk assessment and management of fatigue can help an organisation’s productivity and increase performance by reducing workplace incidents and injuries, with reductions in absenteeism and staff turnover.

• Reducing the need to work excessive hours/overtime

• Make sure that anyone can report fatigue-related issues to supervisors and managers, and consider fatigue as a factor when investigating accidents. Also, train your employees on fatigue management.

• Ensuring there are appropriate resources to carry out the work

For more information, visit: www.worksafe.govt.nz.

• Ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of their workers

• Ensure that machinery and equipment are safe for employees

• Individual factors.

Work scheduling and planning

Policy Design

Comprehensive Substance Identification

• Procedures for reporting fatigue risks

Mobile On-site Drug & Alcohol Testing

Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol Testing

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 19

Snorkel

Snorkel S2755RT: Fit to go further It’s not a slim chance that the Snorkel S2755RT rough terrain scissor lift works well in tight areas. With an overall width of just 1.45m, this model is made to fit through confined spaces.

The S2755RT offers a maximum working height of 10.1m, 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 S2755RT weighs 3,100kg.

An ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport using a tandem trailer, offering the ultimate flexibility.

Get full performance with rugged 4WD and optional bi-energy for a highly versatile scissor lift.

Engineered for safe working at height, this versatile machine is suitable for all terrain applications.

Powerful 4WD and auto-level outriggers handle tough jobsites with ease. It provides excellent off-road performance, even on uneven ground. A 35-percent gradeability gives the S2755RT superb terrain capabilities for outdoor work.

More platform space and additional reach are available from a 1.2m roll-out deck extension.

Lifting up to 300kg, the scissor lift has the load capacity for tools and materials.

Working from the platform with power tools is easy with an optional 240V outlet.

"

An ultra-compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport using a tandem trailer, offering the ultimate flexibility.

"

The full line of Snorkel rough terrain scissor lifts includes the narrow width Snorkel S2255RT and S2755RT, and the standard width Snorkel S2770RT, S3370RT and S3970RT models.

All lifts in the series deliver a large working area, high lifting capacity, and superb terrain capabilities from compact dimensions.

The S2755RT lift shares many features with Snorkel’s existing line of compact rough terrain scissor lifts, the S2255RT, S2270RT, S3370RT and S3970RT, including nonmarking 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 platform permits the easy connection of power tools while working at height, without trailing cables.

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 fitout work. Switching to battery power can also help to meet increasing regulations on noise and emissions.

Designed and assembled at the Snorkel manufacturing facility in Levin, North Island, New Zealand, the entire family of Snorkel rough terrain scissor lifts has become extremely popular with contractors and rental companies alike.

These models are available from Snorkel New Zealand and come with a five-year structural warranty, plus a twoyear warranty for parts and labour as standard.

For more information about Snorkel rough terrain scissor lifts, or to arrange a product demonstration, please call +64 6 3689 168 or visit: www.snorkellifts.co.nz.

20 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Snorkel

r nar ow FAR-REACHING YET

Agility is the key to reaching confined s p a ce s .

At

o nl y

1. 45m,

the ultra-

narrow width of the Snorkel S2755RT fits in places where a standard width machine would have difficulties. While it can reach a maximum working h e i g ht of 10.1m, t hi s machine is also lightweight and can be towed on a car trailer between jobs. Add to that rugged 4-wheel drive and optional bi-energy for a highly versatile scissor lift that can go the distance on all terrains.

FIT TO GO FURTHER

To arrange a demonstration, call Snorkel New Zealand™ on +64 6 3689 168 or view our entire product line at www.snorkellifts.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 21

Murtagh Crane Hire

Murtagh Crane Hire Murtagh Crane Hire (Wayne’s Cranes) has a range of all-terrain truck mounted cranes to suit a variety of lifting jobs.

Specialising in steel erection, tilt panel erection, accident recovery, bore removal, tree removal, switch yard work, house and cottage lifting, and cartage of containers, the team at Murtagh Crane Hire are prepared to provide crane and lifting solutions for any project.

"With over 25,000 lifts to date — accident free — you can be confident that safety is our top priority."

Murtagh Crane Hire has also been site inducted to all current major construction areas in progress in the Taupo region including switch yard inducted.

"We have cranes to suit all jobs – from little spaces to heavy lifts."

WE HAVE CRANES TO SUIT ALL JOBS - LITTLE SPACE’S TO HEAVY LIFTS. Specialising in steel erection, tilt panel erection, accident recovery, bore removal, tree removal, switch yard work, house and cottage lifting, and supply/cartage of containers, the team at Murtagh Crane Hire are prepared to provide crane and lifting solutions for any project.

IF YOU NEED IT LIFTED OR SHIFTED CALL WAYNE’S CRANES ON 021 941 161 (SERVICING THE TAUPO AREA) LOCATED ON MIRO ST IN TAUPO

Email: wayne@murtaghcranehire.co.nz www.murtaghcranehire.co.nz

22 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Murtagh Crane Hire, located on Miro St in Taupo, is proud to have serviced the Taupo district for over 20 years and to have worked with leading companies in the area on some amazing projects.

Murtagh Crane Hire is now looking to the future and has plans in place to provide the highest quality equipment, service and safety standards in the industry.

If you need it lifted or shifted, then call Wayne’s Cranes on 021 941 161, email: wayne@murtaghcranehire.co.nz, or visit: murtaghcranehire.co.nz.

Nikau Group

Nikau Group Delivering strategic deconstruction and environmental remediation Nikau has again showed its experience and expertise winning another major national prize at the 2019 New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association’s annual awards.

Nikau has netted a three-peat win (2017, 2018 and 2019) with the award for Demolition and Asbestos Best Practice Project over $1M, for its work on the recently opened Westfield Newmarket shopping centre for Scentre Group.

Nikau offer specialist expertise in the following areas:

Nikau delivers best practice in demolition and asbestos services comparable to many others around the world.

Nikau regards this year’s recognition as a reflection of its highly skilled, cohesive workforce; rather than individual efforts.

Director Michael Stil says of the award, “Our people are equally proud of this award, as they should be, as it acknowledges their own specialised expertise and complementary skills that drive the company to constant excellence in project delivery for our clients.”

• Crane Hire up to 250T capacity

Nikau Group fast facts • Trading since 1980

• Deconstruction and dismantling

• 100% New Zealand-owned family company

• Demolition

• Trading Pacific wide

• Asbestos abatement and land remediation

• World Demolition Contractor of the Year 2013

• Specialist concrete cutting

• World Demolition Award Finalists 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015

• Civil earthworks

• Recipient New Zealand Defence Force Excellence to Industry Award

• Scrap metal recycling • Construction waste and concrete recycling.

• Honorary Member United Kingdom Urban Search and Rescue Team • Multiple Regional and National winner OHS/E Awards and Commendations

This year’s award recognised the unique challenges that Nikau faced, including:

• Accredited provider to Government Agencies and Blue Chip companies

• Additional hazardous material discoveries

• Shift works

• Members of the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA), National Demolition Association (NDA) and European Demolition Association (EDA)

• Multiple working locations on large worksite(s)

• ISNET, Telarc, Sitewise and Impac certified health and safety systems.

• Interface with other contractors, members of the public • Limited working areas

• Strict programme and budget provisions.

The Association’s awards held on the 28th of November 2019 in Auckland are in its third year, with Nikau projects being finalists in five award categories, and winning four of those, demonstrating that

Nikau Group (09) 636 5917 reception@Nikaugroup.com www.nikaugroup.com

Phone 06 357 6022 E: admin@pncossieclub.co.nz W: www.pncossieclub.co.nz

• • • • • • • •

Indoor Bowls Fishing 8 Ball Snooker Golf Darts Big Screen TVs TAB

Membership starting at $30 a year

www.facebook.com/PNCossieclub

OPEN 7 DAYS 18 Gaming Machines

Housie Thursday afternoon Restaurant Tuesday - Sunday Buffet: Friday evenings & Sunday lunch Piranis Restaurant 22 Linton St, Palmerston North

Affiliated members, guests & visitors welcome www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 23

News

Tradies fighting back thanks to Tool Protect Tool theft is a growing problem in New Zealand, with equipment often stolen from the back of utes, cars and even construction sites.

The impact of such crimes isn’t limited to cost of replacement — it can also mean jobs need to be cancelled until new equipment is purchased, impacting livelihoods. Claiming on insurance can be a lengthy process and unless proper records are kept the full repayment value may not be paid.

However, thieves will find stealing work tools a little harder thanks to an Aussie mother of four who has created an app to foil their plans.

Gayle Neville from Brisbane came up with the novel idea to create a virtual tool box where tradies could register all of their equipment, including serial numbers, in one safe location. In the event of items being stolen, the records stored on the app called Tool Protect could be accessed quickly and tools later identified if recovered.

year. Already 2,300 tradies have signed up to trial the app. Tool Protect has now launched in New Zealand and Gayle is excited to offer tradies the opportunity to fight back against tool theft.

The idea was hatched after listening to her husband Dan, a police officer, talk about his frustration at how little could be done to recover stolen tools.

“Police often come across rooms full of power tools but are unable to reunite these with their owners, as they don’t often keep the serial numbers or an up to date list of their tools,” Gayle says.

With the help of her four adult sons – and their wives – Gayle released Tool Protect onto the Australian market in June last

“I just thought — tradies love their phones, they just need an app to make it easier to store details of their tools and report theft.

"I wanted to catch these thieves who are ripping people off like my son, who also happens to be a tradie.”

“It will make stealing tools harder because the serial numbers of stolen tools will be available to police.

Tool theft is a growing problem in New Zealand, with equipment often stolen from the back of utes, cars, and even construction sites.

“It will shut down stolen tools sold through second hand stores. I really want to make it harder for these grubs to steal equipment from honest and hardworking tradies – we want to be able to fight back.”

Tool Protect allows information to be stored in one convenient place with information ready to be sent to police, insurers and even tool shops where they can be reordered. Tradies take a photo of each tool which is recorded with its serial number and any other identifiable marks.

Tool Protect is available through the App stores of both Apple and Android devices. It has been uniquely designed for convenient use on phones and tablets. It also allows the user to call the police from a button within the app.

Visit: www.toolprotect.com.au.

Reduce the stress or headache of owning a rental property by using Hamilton Property Management. The all-inclusive full service package includes:

Our fee of 6.5% + GST is a straightforward percentage of gross rent collected - no additional charges for letting fees, arranging maintenance, doing inspections, or any of those other hidden fees that other companies add on.

24 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• Personal Service guaranteed

• No fixed term

• Zero tolerance for rent arrears

• No hidden fees

• Regular inspections

• No Letting Fees

Are you building or buying a new rental property in Hamilton, or maybe you already own one (or more)? Hamilton Property Management is a dedicated property management company, focused entirely on the residential rental market. We pride ourselves in providing a personal level of service - you will be dealing directly with the person who is actually looking after your investment property. We offer a cost effective service, providing the most profitable returns for your investment property.

Hamilton Property Management is owned and operated by Jeremy Barker. Jeremy started working in Property Management, and Real Estate, in Hamilton in 1983 and has been involved ever since by either being an investor (and managing his own properties) or managing properties for friends and colleagues. That is 36 years of experience in the rental property market.

JEREMY BARKER

Ph: 07 949 9229 Mob: 022 0122 530 Email: info@hamiltonpm.co.nz www.hamiltonpm.co.nz

Wheels

Maxed-out Gladiator Vehicle customisation is nothing new, but when you take a hi-spec vehicle to start with, and the customisation is done by the manufacturer – you end up with something special.

towing the boat, trailer or weaker rivals out of the mud.

And that’s exactly the case with this oneoff Hilux Gladiator.

Inside, the Gladiator has a custom made full Pantera red leather interior, featuring tombstone front seats. The driver will hang onto a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and rest their feet on custom floor mats with Gladiator branding. The rear deck features a roll-and-lock retractable lid with custom mounts for a sports bar.

Already a highly spec’d model, this version of the Hilux SR5 has been uniquely modified beyond recognition into a muscular beast, fit and ready for anything from climbing mountains to

Modifications and accessories fitted to the Hilux Gladiator include a suspension lift kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear bull-bars and winch, snorkel, bolt-on flares, sports bar with custom mounts for the spare tyre, custom Gladiator Grille, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) skid plate, TRD side-steps and full custom-decal vehicle wrap.

LADDERS • Step • Platform • Extension • Electrical • Sales & Servicing

g Supplyin !

NZ Wide

Timaru 0508 885 656

Christchurch 0508 447 348

Auckland 0508 447 348

www.totalsitesupplies.co.nz

Excavation Specialists, Gravel & Building Suppliers • Site Preparation • Trenching • Landscaping Rocks • Driveway Prep

• Section Clearing • Earthworks • Demolition • Gravel Supplies

• Derainage Gravels • Landscaping Stones • Builders Mix • Sand

PICKUP OR DELIVERIES AVAILABLE

0800 344 844 or 0274 153 973 jesse.rout@nurod.co.nz | Shotover Delta, Frankton

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 25

Steel Construction

Securing tomorrow’s industry by innovating today HERA at its core is a research association, so the new Innovation Centre was a natural next step in the direction of future proofing steel construction within New Zealand.

Dating back to 1978, the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) has strong technical DNA to springboard from.

It comprises one of the most comprehensive technical libraries in New Zealand and a highly experienced team of international welding and metal experts.

Primarily targeted at steel designers, fabricators and manufacturers, the new Innovation Centre provides the perfect space to advance the sector’s scope and future sustainability through access to emerging technologies, people, and systems innovation.

It is also a welcome platform to serve as an entry point for adjacent, even traditionally unrelated organisations, as well as to help build and facilitate trust and opportunity between HERA partners and members.

The Centre has been carefully considered to benefit multiple audiences: • It will provide national research infrastructure for fabrication 4.0; professional training in robotics; VR; digital integration; in-process QA; and innovation strategy • It will address skills for the future of the industry through advanced fabrication training as well as training and development of training providers • It will offer prototyping and fabrication technology transfer services • It will demonstrate new and emerging technologies to provide inspiration on future trends • It will act as a link between international experts, local universities, technology providers, and industry.

What does a career in steel construction look like?

A career in steel construction is a robustly value-based career: • Health, safety and wellbeing • Sustainability • Solving social problems (affordable housing, resilient design, improved infrastructure, and more).

Innovative partnerships are already in place between HERA and: the University of Michigan; the University of Wollongong; the University of Auckland; and IMS Projects.

Innovation Centre manager, Greg Buckley, says the Centre exemplifies HERA’s three-pronged approach for ensuring its members are prepared for the future. That is 1) delivering solutions 2) developing and maintaining a skilled workforce, and 3) connecting and inspiring.

“The Centre will enable HERA to assert its position of excellence for the heavy engineering industry,” Greg says.

The future of steel construction Greg is encouraged by a greater focus on quality, automation and productivity that is emerging, at least in part, from HERA’s dedication to improving the standards of steel construction and heavy engineering in New Zealand.

The Steel Fabrication Scheme (SFC), which HERA Certifications audits, has set some rigorous standards to ensure quality.

HERA has also been offering automation and productivity assessments, which include some benchmarking work, due to the increasing number of companies interested in automation and data analysis (moving towards Industry 4.0).

Several exhibition pieces dotted throughout the world, which showcase innovative, high quality steel construction solutions, are further inspiring a closer, more achievable relationship between design and fabrication.

MX3D chief executive officer, Gijs van der Welden, will be presenting on one such project at HERA’s 20/20 VISION conference. The 3D-printed footbridge, in Holland, was made using steel manufactured by welding robots.

“The future is going to be digital and we would like to see more design innovation where the nexus between design and fabrication is bridged,” Greg says.

“We are currently investigating ways this gap can be filled using digital technologies, increased standardisation, and improved procurement collaboration.

“It simply doesn’t make sense that designs are not optimising constructability.”

26 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Steel Construction

Tray-dec NZ You may not have seen our products, but you’ll have walked on them!

The boom in the construction industry is putting pressure on construction companies and builders alike to meet the ambitious targets of their clients.

No composite steel flooring job is too

Big

Finding the right products and companies to achieve these goals is the constant challenge.

Composite flooring from Tray-dec NZ meets these challenges head-on.

The composite action of the steel floors and concrete produces a floor that is very strong and light in weight.

Capable of covering large areas in a short amount of time, composite flooring is a bespoke solution for suspended floors.

Or too small.

Cold rolled steel straight from the factory to the building site makes composite flooring an efficient part of the construction process. Onsite crews can cut and customise parts of the floor system from site to site.

Tray-dec NZ Ltd is a Kiwi owned and operated company making big moves in the construction industry.

Tray-dec manufactures and installs steel composite flooring that has many benefits in both residential and commercial construction.

After the release of the newest standard in composite structures – AS/NZS2327 – Traydec decided to respond by updating all of our technical literature and developing a new design software.

Following laboratory testing at AUT under the supervision of OBD consultants, Traydec has successfully delivered a composite steel flooring design software to the building design industry.

"We understand that it is important to stick to local standards and are anticipating NZS2327 will solidify to the norm in composite structures in the future as it becomes widely accepted within the engineering community."

Tray-dec works in conjunction with Nelson Stud Welding to install the Tray-dec flooring and Nelson shear studs as the two services go hand in hand.

Tray-dec tackles both big and small projects yet still prides itself in having an open-door policy to all builders.

Tray-dec slab under seismic load testing at AUT laboratories, Aug 2019.

"Many times, we have builders show up at our door and by the end of the day they have their building material ready to go or delivered on site. It doesn’t matter the size of the job; we are always happy to supply and install."

Tray-dec manufactures three profiles of steel composite flooring, two trapezoidal profiles and one flat profile. All profiles are shaped to interlock with adjacent trays to act as both tensile reinforcement and permanent formwork for a concrete slab. The composite action of the steel and the concrete deliver a strong floor that is light in weight.

“A lot of builders associate the Traydec name with our flat deck profile; however most of our sales come from Tray-dec 60 and 80 because of their excellent spanning capabilities.”

for a quote today!

Tray-dec

NELSON STUD WELDING

New Zealand Ltd

09 820 9133

09 820 9133

info@traydec.co.nz

sales@nelsonstud.co.nz

www.traydec.co.nz

www.nelsonstud.co.nz

Visit our website to get our Tray-dec floor design software www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 27

Steel Construction

"

20/20 VISION Conference & Awards Taking place on February 21, 2020, the HERA Future Forum – 20/20 VISION conference gives members a glimpse into what’s next – what the future of steel construction looks like.

The future is going to be digital and we would like to see more design innovation where the nexus between design and fabrication is bridged.

The first in HERA’s new Future Forum series, 20/20 VISION brings together five of the world’s 'thought leaders' in steel construction. They will challenge those in attendance to explore the ideas of digital fabrication processes, 3D printing of large scale steel components, HR innovation, future technology impacting the engineering industry, and business innovation culture.

We are currently investigating ways this gap can be filled using digital technologies, increased standardisation, and improved procurement collaboration.

Members will also be privy to insights into what will affect them in the next three years: understanding what they’ll need to do to pivot or prepare and what as an industry they need to do to futureproof themselves.

It simply doesn’t make sense that designs are not optimising constructability.

The five presenters this year are: Chris Riddell – Futurist A futurist and digital technology expert, who will crystal-ball what is ahead for the industry.

Gijs van der Velden – CEO, MX3D The creator of a first-of-its-kind 3D-printed steel footbridge in the Netherlands, Gijs will share with attendees the challenges and rewards of his experience, and what he sees the future bringing to the industry.

Mike Hutchinson – Adjunct Prof Innovation, AUT A businessman, media guru and adjunct professor of innovation at the Auckland University of Technology, Mike will focus on how the industry can improve its image, build a community and raise its attractiveness.

Des Watkins – CEO, Watkins Steel

Alia Bojilova – HR specialist, Associate Director Sheffield Recruitment

An Australian steel fabricator, who has developed a four-step end-to-end digital process for his steel fabrication business utilising 3D scanning, digital twins, augmented reality, and automation.

An HR specialist, who will help members to understand the labour market and what the next generation of engineers will look for in a prospective employer, as well as how to retain staff.

The 20/20 VISION conference will be followed by the Nation Dinner and awards, which replaces the Industry Gala Dinner of the past.

“We are seeing some really exciting nominations come through, particularly for our Keith Smith Award, which recognises significant contributions made by an individual,” Greg says.

“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our industry. We are just about to announce a new award category to recognise emerging leaders in the industry who are helping to shift mindsets in terms of diversity and inclusion within the industry, the importance of automation, and more."

Weld Smarter.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AT THE WIREFEEDER with Miller’s XMT® 350 FieldPro & ArcReach® Smart Feeder.

IT’S THE IDEAL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTION. MIG | STICK | TIG | FLUX-CORED | PULSED MIG* | RMD* *Available with ArcReach Smart Feeder only.

weldwell.co.nz 0800 WELDWELL

28 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

- HERA Innovation Centre manager Greg Buckley

HERA 17-19 Gladding Place Manukau City Auckland 2104 (09) 262 2885 www.hera.org.nz

Steel Construction

For Steel Professionals

PFERD is one of the leading brands in metalworking. Steel professionals around the world rely on PFERD and trust blue. If you are a steel professional looking for performance and cost effectiveness contact us.

P.P.S Industries Limited METAL FINISHING SPECIALISTS

ABRASIVES - POLISHING - PLATING - ENGINEERING SUPPLIES

FREEPHONE 0800 657 894 FREEFAX 0800 454 445 AUCKLAND - WHANGAREI - HAMILTON - TAURANGA - HASTINGS - TAUPO - PALMERSTON NORTH - NELSON - CHRISTCHURCH - DUNEDIN

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 29

Reinforcing Steel

What to expect with the reinforcing steel standards up for review With reinforced steel standards up for review and the process drawing close to the finish line, those in the industry are eager to know how they can stay compliant with the law.

The importance of reinforced steel is now being recognised by both the government and the public.

The unsung heroes of the construction world, reinforcing steel and mesh are the bones of concrete foundations and structures.

While concrete is a good material on its own, it has no significant tensile strength or toughness. During times of stress on the structure, the reinforcing steel holds the building up.

In conjunction with Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand reinforced steel experts have contributed to drafting the new standards that will affect both Australia and New Zealand.

Recently, Standards Australia instituted a new rule deeming that compliance standards should be updated once every 10 years.

years. Before that, he worked for the industry in Australia. Regarding the updates on the standards, Bruce is confident that the modified standard will serve New Zealand well.

“The actual steel doesn’t require any changes with the revision in New Zealand.

It’s mostly just clarifying compliance requirements and how you can prove compliance to the standard.

“Modern standards should promote third party certification, but still allow other ways of verifying compliance.

“There’s also an added bit of commentary to help interpretation of the standard.

Hopefully, things are a bit clearer now as well.

It’s been since 2001 since they’ve been updated, so industry professionals on the committee have been working on the renewed standards for almost a year now.

“And among the little technical changes that we’ve made, some changes specifically cater for the unique reinforcing property requirements that we have in New Zealand with the high ductility reinforcing,” Bruce says.

A member of the committee and Fletcher Steel’s authority on reinforced steel, metallurgist Bruce Roberts, has been working in wire and reinforcing steel in NZ for 25

Bruce has also been on the Standards New Zealand committee for a while now, and he has seen it evolve with the times. He helped write the code in 2001.

STRUCTURED FOR STRENGTH For all your concrete foundations and structures, large or small - choose Fletcher Reinforcing to make the experience a success - first time, every time. We only supply the highest quality, New Zealand made steel, from Pacific Steel, so you can be rest assured of the inner strength for your next commercial, industrial, infrastructure or residential project.

Fletcher Reinforcing; at the heart of New Zealand’s building environment.

Visit fletcherreinforcing.co.nz

30 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Reinforcing Steel

The major change to the Standard is the addition of higher tensile grades of reinforcing steel for use in Australia, where ductility requirements are much lower.

"

We’re long term participants in the industry and we want to retain that position of being a reliable supplier.

The focus on higher-tensile reinforcing is aimed at reducing congestion in highly stressed members and helping a little with green building compliance.

The Christchurch Earthquakes brought to light what New Zealand’s regulations were lacking in slab-on-ground residential foundation requirements.

The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) updated their regulations in 2016 to improve public safety. Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have updated their standard to be consistent with MBIE’s regulations.

Bruce runs the mechanical test lab at Fletcher Steel, where he places an emphasis on the quality of product they supply with extensive in-house testing.

Fletcher's own testing lab is fully International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) accredited, and this assures both the company and its customers they can trust the processes the lab follows.

"

In regards to the steel itself, the material for use in New Zealand, Class E reinforcing, isn’t undergoing any changes.

Mainly, the standards’ revision is a more structured approach to how compliance is proved, ensuring that the reinforcing mesh and steel is up to scratch.

Fletcher Steel knows the value of reinforcing steel. While its client base is mainly large construction and infrastructure contractors, it extends its services to anyone interested in the quality and care Fletcher Steel puts into its products.

Not only that, Fletcher's uses British Standards Institution (BSI) as its third party partner to ensure ongoing conformance to the reinforcing mesh requirements.

“We’re long term participants in the industry and we want to retain that position of being a reliable supplier.

Fletcher Steel 0800 327 9783 hello@fletchersteel.co.nz www.fletchersteel.co.nz

“We take a responsible perspective on the material and the quality, and that’s why we’ve established our own testing capability,” Bruce says.

BUILDING STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE What do updated standards mean for the reinforcing steel industry in New Zealand?

• Minor technical and editorial errors and omissions have been addressed • Changes proposed by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2016 in relation to Class E mesh have been incorporated where possible • Product conformity requirements have been redrafted to increase clarity around compliance through batch conformance and by long-term quality assessment, and requirements for type testing have been introduced • The Standard requires that testing is conducted by laboratories in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories • The minimum ductility requirement for plain 300E reduces from 5 percent Agt to 12 percent Agt. Deformed 300E remains at 15 percent Agt • A 50mm diameter has been included as a commonly available size

• Although the 2019 (2020) version otherwise maintains the existing steel grades for NZ, the determination of proof strength for Class E reinforcing (when a lower-yield strength cannot be identified) has been modified to provide both a more consistent proof strength result and a value more representative of the actual material yield strength • The batch performance criteria have been relaxed slightly to better match the long-term quality requirements in the standard • An optional manufacturer’s certificate has been introduced to replace the test report in the previous Appendix B. Minimum requirements for the certificate include long-term quality statements and parameters in place of single batch test results • Two new appendices have been added.

Appendix E provides an explanation of the concept of long-term quality versus batch testing. Appendix F gives a rationale for product conformity and sampling, and discusses appropriate points for sampling de-coiled products.

Steel & Tube is a leading provider of reinforcing and floor decking. Through our combined CFDL / Reinforcing team we are able to provide a single point of supply for both solutions.

Every day, we are helping to build strength and resilience in some of the most important infrastructure & construction developments nationally and across many sectors of the economy.

CALL CFDL/REO TO DISCUSS YOUR REO & COMFLOR PROJECTS

0800 100 260 steelandtube.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 31

ACRS Steel

Why and how to use the ACRS Steel Certification Scheme for conformity assurance for NZ construction projects ACRS specialist certification gives the highest available level of steel certification.

Following last edition’s ACRS article on the different types of certification available and the differences between certificates issued by different schemes, ACRS fielded questions on how to recognise these differences, what the limitations are, and the risks of automatic acceptance of certificates offered by different suppliers.

In this article Philp Sanders, CEO of ACRS, answers some of those questions for NZ steel specifiers, purchasers, and users.

By Philip Sanders, CEO, ACRS

Is ACRS the only JAS-ANZ accredited product certification body for steel to NZ Standards?

the individual scheme and its certification does what you expect, and you should always check what schemes and certificates are acceptable to the client – especially in government work.

Absolutely not. JAS-ANZ accredits many product certification bodies, and several of these are accredited to provide product certification to AS/NZS steel Standards.

So, can I accept any other JAS-ANZ accredited product certification body to NZ Standards?

Yes, of course, but, as I said in my last article, “The extent to which … surveillance activities are conducted may be varied for a given situation as defined in the [individual] scheme.”

So what’s the catch?

JAS-ANZ accreditation of product certification schemes and certifiers does not mean JAS-ANZ is saying all schemes do the same thing, and provide similar outcomes — even if JAS-ANZ accredits them to certify the same products to the same standards.

The potential catch, therefore, is that whilst you can choose to accept any scheme you wish, you cannot say that any JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme, by definition, provides the same level of assurance as any other. Again, from my last article:

I’ve checked the ACRS scheme and it stresses two stages of certification are necessary, not just one. Why should I require both stages?

A lot can happen before steel arrives on your project. So, you should call up both stages so you have certification covering more than simply steel manufacture.

One of the potential drawbacks of reliance on a single stage scheme, particularly if it is only for the mill of manufacture, is that such schemes usually cannot take into account what happens to the steel between leaving the mill and being dispatched to site. ACRS was designed to do more.

ACRS has operated to the UK version of the EU system since 2001, and ACRS is unlike any other system in NZ and Australia. As such, the ACRS scheme assesses several important aspects of supply of steel to NZ construction projects: 1. Steel manufactured to a specific standard (ACRS “Stage 1”), e.g: • Steel reinforcing bar

That is, different schemes assessing the same product and process may:

• Steel reinforcing wire

• Do different things

• Structural steels.

• To different technical levels • Using different levels of expertise

2. The subsequent working of ACRS Stage 1 steel into its final form (ACRS “Stage 2”), e.g:

• With different levels of rigour.

• Processed (fabricated) steel rebar

So, on the face of it, schemes and certificates might look very similar, but they may offer very different levels of assurance.

Therefore, any specifier, or user of steel product certification must be confident that 32 | B&C - Issue #120

• Prestressing bar, wire, and strand

• Rebar threading and application of the coupler • Welded steel mesh manufacture • Structural steel welded sections from steel plate.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

3. The traceability of the steel between Stage 1 and Stage 2 to ensure integrity of supply, e.g: • ACRS Stage 1 and ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must hold ACRS certificates for all their sites and for all their AS/NZS materials to demonstrate they can manage full traceability of conforming materials • ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must only use ACRS Stage 1 materials • ACRS Stage 2 certificate holders must demonstrate that their process does not render Stage 1 steel nonconforming.

be verified. Others found that the welded section fabricator, or mesh manufacturer could not demonstrate that the materials were compliant after fabrication, and were having problems with product acceptance.

Be sure your steel procurement policies reference both ACRS manufacture certification (Stage 1) and then either ACRS rebar processing certification or ACRS structural steel welded section certification (Stage 2) to properly manage your risks of receiving nonconforming steel.

Visit ACRS’ website at www.steelcertification. com for full details of all Stage 1 and Stage 2 certificate holders and materials to update your preferred supplier lists.

Can I use welded section fabricator or rebar processor certification by another scheme if the supplier assures me they will only use ACRS “Stage 1” manufactured steel?

As above, you can choose a scheme other than ACRS. However, ACRS does not cover material transformed byholders of other “Stage 2” certifiers as ACRS has not assessed and validated the fabricated product.

ACRS has had to disappoint several enquirers recently who have discovered that material was not ACRS stage 1 and was unable to

ACRS is an independent, expert, not for profit steel conformity scheme set up for consumer benefit.

Please contact ACRS, free of charge, if there is any aspect of steel specification, procurement, and supply that your team would like to discuss. All enquiries are confidential.

Email: info@steelcertification.com, or call +61 2 9965 7216.

ACRS Steel

THE ACRS DIFFERENCE

Independent

ACRS is a steel certification scheme for steel users, and independent of product suppliers. So you know ACRS is working for you;

Expert

All ACRS auditors and technical experienced in the manufacture of the materials ACRS certifies. So with ACRS you know certified materials have been audited and approved by people who understand them;

Comprehensive

ACRS certifies all steel products, from all manufacturing locations to all scheme standards. So with ACRS you know all listed products are covered, not just some;

Rigorous

ACRS audits every major site at least once every year. So with ACRS you know certificates are up to date;

Verified

During every audit, ACRS takes samples at random from standard production and checks production data every three-months. So with ACRS you know supplied materials are assessed regularly;

Continuous

ACRS uses only selected laboratories to ensure accurate results independent of the supplier, and matches these with the supplier’s production data to monitor the supplier’s consistency.

www.steelcertification.com

Ph: +61 2 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545 ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 33

The Bolt Shop

Getting down to the nuts and bolts If you’re looking for nuts, bolts or fastenings of any kind, your first go-to spot to check out should be The Bolt Shop. They’re bound to stock what you need.

really make a difference for some clients.

If you can’t find the product you need, the store will obtain it as quickly as possible.

That’s because the small, niche local business stocks an extensive range of hard-to-find products that your local hardware store may not have, such as extra fine nuts and bolts.

The staff is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their work; combined, they have roughly 200 years of knowledge.

The company carries almost 20,000 product lines and has 2.5 million individual items on stock.

And after you visit one of the company’s two Auckland stores, you’ll be glad you stopped by because you’ll receive the best customer service someone can receive.

Because it’s a small business, business manager Darryl Wannell says their company is very customer service driven and they’re able to easily foster relationships with their clients.

Darryl says they strive to meet their customers’ needs and then some. “We go that extra mile for our customers,” he adds.

For instance, it is not unusual for The Bolt Shop’s employees to keep a running invoice so customers aren’t hassled or bombarded with many separate invoices, but instead are only sent one comprehensive bill.

To make things easier on customers, they also offer delivery on most orders, which can

But the quality of customer service given at The Bolt Shop doesn’t quite end there.

If you’re in a pinch or unsure what to do, the store’s employees offer free advice and are available by phone.

Darryl says there has been the odd occasion where he and other employees have continuously followed up with clients who may have issues with the products – but they ensure they work with the customer until the problem is solved.

Formed in 2000, The Bolt Shop can still be found at its original premises on Archers Road, Glenfield where you'll find those familiar faces of our team who've been there since the beginning along with some new blood. And due to demand, another branch was opened at 23 Ash Road, Wiri.

The Bolt Shop 191B Archers Road Glenfield,North Shore City (09) 441 9425 23 Ash Road Wiri, Auckland City (09) 262 2944 www.boltshop.co.nz

The team along with two directors, Geoff Smith and John Storr, has a huge amount of experience in the fastening and engineering fields. They, of course, are always ready to use this expertise to help you with the complexities of your projects and solve any "hard to work out" problems.

The Bolt Shop stores carry an amazing range of fasteners and those hard to find nuts, bolts and screws not available at other fastening suppliers and general hardware stores.

2/191 Archers Rd, Glenfield Ph 09 441 9425 Fax 09 441 9426 23 Ash Road, Wiri Ph 09 262 2944 Fax 09 262 0713 info@boltshop.co.nz 34 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Southern Towers

Southern Towers — a new name, but not new to the game Southern Towers may be a new name on the tower crane scene, but managing director Graham Millar has worked the length of the country erecting and operating cranes for over 25 years, and has arguably the soundest local knowledge for what tower crane will suit your project the best.

Established in late 2018 and aptly named Southern Towers, the company fills a much needed gap for tower crane operations, maintenance and services throughout the lower South Island.

“We have hoists and crane loading platforms for hire for your next project as well as qualified operators and dogmen available to come with the tower crane as well,” Graham says.

Hoists and exterior lifts are used to scale workers and materials safely and efficiently up and down the outside of a building and keep projects and jobsites running smoothly and safely, saving time and making workers’ lives easier.

The energy saved by your workers here is then utilised more importantly elsewhere onsite in delivering your project on time and to standard.

“We work with clients step by step through the entire process to ensure they have the right crane for the job and are not operating uneconomically.”

Southern Towers’ target market includes medium to large-sized construction companies operating across any industry.

Managing director Graham Millar’s considerable experience in the industry means he and his team have the knowledge-base to know what tower crane will suit your project the best.

An exciting development for Southern Towers, earmarked for the horizon, to strengthen its service offering, is the branch into hoists.

Hoists to hire GEDA SINGLE AND TWIN PH3240 Personal/Material Construction Hoist GEDA 3700Z/ZPS Personal/Material Construction Hoist ELSA H20 Max Height 220M Net Load 2000kg YSC650A SERIES CRANEDECKS Crane Deck 2200 Crane Deck 2800 Crane Deck 3200 Rear rollers for ease of installation Harness anchor points.

Safe working loads of up to 5 Tonnes Vastly reduced overall costs on comparable products.

Cranes to hire LEIBHERR 71EC Hammerhead Crane Max Capacity 5.6T Max Boom Length 45M RAIMONDI MR81+3 Hammerhead Crane Max Capacity 5T Max Boom Length 51.8M RAIMONDI LR60 Luffing Crane Max Capacity 5T Max Boom Length 36M LIEBHERR 34K Self-Erecting Crane Max Capacity 4T Max Boom Length 33M LIEBHERR 280EC-H Litronic High-Top Crane Max Capacity 12,000KG Max Boom Length 75M

Contact Southern Towers today for your tower crane requirements.

Southern Towers Ltd 027 486 2460 graham@southerntowers.co.nz www.southerntowers.co.nz

Southern Tower’s is new to the tower crane industry but managing director Graham Millar has worked the length of the country erecting and Operating cranes for over 25 years and has a sound knowledge of what tower crane will suit your project the best.

Queenstown, Otago, NZ 027 486 2460 graham@southerntowers.co.nz www.southerntowers.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 35

Green Building

Mainstreaming green construction Turn the clock back a scant 15 years and you arrive at a time when New Zealand didn’t have a single certified green building.

For an initial 1.7 percent you then have healthier places in which to live and work and as a result, family and workers are happier, healthier, more productive, and generally experiencing improved quality of life.

Then there’s existing buildings. There are approximately 1.8M existing homes in New Zealand and 40,000 existing buildings, and we still need to work on improving those.

In fact, we didn’t even have any certifiable tools for measuring the environmental attributes and performance of buildings.

So it’s safe to say we’ve come a fair way in a short period of time.

“Probably the single biggest opportunity right now is how we repurpose our existing buildings,” Andrew says. “There’s a great piece from BECA showing that retrofitting 1,200 of our larger buildings would save all of the energy that all of the wind turbines in NZ generate.”

The establishment of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) in 2005 introduced New Zealand’s dated building mindset to the realities of modern construction.

The NZGBC is the catalyst behind both the 25,000 homes being built to Homestar standard over the next six years, and the now multiple tools for assessing buildings’ eco-friendliness.

NZBGC executive director, Andrew Eagles, acknowledges it’s a well-known fact that New Zealand’s building code doesn’t fare well on an international scale and while we have come a long way in 14 years, there’s still a long way to go.

“There’s very clear recommendations from international agencies that NZ’s building code is very poor by international standards, specifically the OECD and International Energy Agency,” Andrew says.

The NZGBC became recognised as a member of the World Green Building Council in 2006 and works tirelessly to improve the

Many people fit out when they move into a building – they repurpose it, put in new elements, etc – and this can be done to a high green standard.

health and quality of New Zealand buildings and homes.

property owners, landlords, local authorities, and government agencies,” Andrew says.

Anyone involved in designing, building, supplying or managing properties or homes is eligible to join – the only requirement being an interest in healthier, better buildings.

Managing misconceptions

“We’re seeing involvement from architects, builders, quantity surveyors and other costing experts in construction; then we have the real estate owners of commercial buildings; and now that the tools also cover health, retail and hotel buildings, we’re seeing a wider range of interest from

“To give an indication, we had QS firm Rawlinsons investigate and they found that building to Homestar standard as minimum was only 1.7 percent more expensive than the building code – whereas people may be led to believe it’s as much as five to ten percent higher,” he says.

Whether building new or renovating, what many people don’t consider with enough importance, Andrew says, is the benefit for them in terms of being able to market the home for sale. Simply put, the running costs are far lower and the quality of life improved.

We have been part of the carboNZero programme since 2014, which demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development, as this has enabled us to manage and reduce emissions as best we can.

Conservation on various environmental management projects.

"There’s a perception of complexity and costs surrounding building green, but the reality is quite different," Andrew says.

It is far more sustainable to not knock a building down and rather retrofit it.

Because if you can achieve a Green Star rating through retrofitting, you’re not putting so much construction waste back into the landfill.

www.nzgbc.org.nz.

Davis Ogilvie Davis Ogilvie provides a complete range of multidisciplinary engineering, surveying and development planning services.

By covering structural, civil and geotechnical engineering, land surveying, resource management and environmental science, Davis Ogilvie are able to simplify construction, design and development using collaborative processes to create better solutions for our clients.

Davis Ogilvie is an established development consultancy which originated in Christchurch in 1932, now with offices in Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth and Timaru. With an overall team of 90 staff, Davis Ogilvie works on a wide range of land development projects throughout the South Island.

Committed to green building It is important to Davis Ogilvie that we minimise our impact on the environment.

Therefore, we are committed to sustainable development and appropriate resource management.

Davis Ogilvie has also taken on a number of other initiatives to help minimise our impact on the environment, including installing a 20kW solar power system in our Christchurch office, the use of biofuel in all our vehicles, promoting waste minimisation with an office based reuse, and recycling programme and partnering with the Department of

In all projects we are involved with, Davis Ogilvie is working towards more efficient land development, high water quality and low impact design solutions.

Contact Davis Ogilvie’s Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth or Timaru office today for leading engineering, surveying and planning services with a conscience.

0800 999 333 hello@do.nz www.do.nz

Land Surveying / Resource Management Environmental Science / Structural Engineering Geotechnical Engineering / Civil Engineering

36 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Christchurch / Timaru Greymouth / Nelson

Cement & Concrete

Celebrating innovation and excellence in the concrete industry More than 300 delegates were in attendance at the Concrete NZ Learned Society – 2019 Concrete Awards and Conference, to witness a spectacle of new and exciting innovations, projects, and trends within the cement and concrete industry.

The three-day event was held this year for the first time in Dunedin, at the iconic Town Hall, with the exception of the ‘mystery location’ of the President’s Reception, Casual Conference Dinner & Entertainment.

Concrete NZ Learned Society secretary manager, Allan Bluett, who organises the annual conference, says the decision was made to hold the conference and awards in the deep south for a change, to both recognise and bring the conference to those who contribute to the industry from afar.

Held 10th – 12th October, the awards and conference highlighted more than 30 key technical papers, featured more than 50 speakers, and celebrated seven award winners.

Topics discussed included sustainability, materials, processes, the Building Code, quality control, establishing connections, careers in concrete, trends, challenges, and more.

Day One – Thursday, October 10, 2019 The conference commenced on Thursday morning with registration and the first of the keynote presentations and technical papers.

Guests were then invited onto buses to travel to an unknown location for the night, which was later revealed to be Forsyth Bar Stadium, for the Presidents Reception social function.

After entering the function through the stadium’s players’ tunnel, which featured audio playing a cheering crowd, those in attendance enjoyed a night of networking complemented by various food stations and a live band.

Day Two – Friday, October 11, 2019 Friday hosted more presentations in the morning and a range of social activities in the afternoon.

On Friday night, pre-dinner drinks preceded the formal conference dinner and awards evening at the beautiful Town Hall.

Concrete testing requirements for large commercial pours Concrete is a unique product when it is delivered to your construction project. It is delivered in a form that does not reflect its properties in a finished state — it’s a time sensitive product — requires care during placement and time (28 days or more) to develop its ultimate performance and strength properties.

To obtain a reliable assessment of its fitness for use on a project, accurately performed sampling and testing is required.

Concrete testing procedures are stipulated in a series of Standards that specify the steps to be followed to obtain a representative sample of what is being used in your project, while enabling test results to be replicated repeatedly during the project to generate a creditable database of strength test results to provide the designer confidence that what he or she specified, to meet design assumptions, have been delivered to site.

Test data gathered by experienced Allied Concrete technicians is then used to manage material suppliers (aggregates, water, cement and any admixtures that were selected or specified), to ensure that the concrete meets the strength requirements of the specific concrete strength (Grade Strength) selected by the designer.

NZS 3104 is the standard that nominates the safety margin that all reputable ready-mix suppliers need to apply to the nominated concrete strength, to ensure

that the concrete supplied meets the strength requirements for the project.

NZS 3104 establishes rejection criteria for low strength test results, and the NZRMCA Plant Audit rules defines actions necessary if there is a suspected low-test result.

The nature of concrete is such that for every error or departure from the Standard, there is a drop in concrete strength at the time of test.

Adhering to all testing procedures is critical for a representative sample result. Allied technical staff has observed that samples taken on site and then returned to the laboratory also exhibit significant strength loses, even when sampled in accordance with NZS 3104.

This is because site samples can be kept at a much wider range of temperatures than those in a laboratory.

Allied Concrete tests over 1300 different loads of concrete every month to maintain stringent quality control over concrete production.

Allied does not use site derived test data as part of their regular testing regime for this reason and encourage their customers to accept test data that forms part of the NZRMCA Plant Audit Scheme, an independent and rigorous audit of quality systems in place at a ready mixed concrete plant to meet the requirements of ISO 9002, in which all Allied Concrete plants comply and exceed annually.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 37

Cement & Concrete

Concrete NZ Learned Society Award Winners 2019 2019 Concrete Award Winner: Beca Project: Waterview Connection, Auckland Owner: NZ Transport Agency Consulting Engineer: Beca Contractor: Fletcher Construction Monte Craven Architectural Building Award Winner: Fulton Hogan Ltd Project: Wynyard Quarter Pump Station, Auckland Owner: Watercare Services Contractor: Acrow Ltd Infrastructure Award Winner: Beca Project: Waterview Connection, Auckland Owner: NZ Transport Agency Consulting Engineer: Beca Contractor: Fletcher Construction Commercial/Industrial Award Winner: BBR Contech Project: University of Auckland Old Arts Building Refurbishment, Auckland Owner: University of Auckland Consulting Engineer: Structure Design Contractor: Argon Construction

The evening was appropriately led by MC and arguably New Zealand’s most celebrated referee, Paddy O’Brien.

A memorable highlight of the night was when the Hall’s 100-year-old-pipe organ, with its more than 3,500 pipes, was exposed and Phantom of the Opera played.

Also of worthy mention is one particular project that showcased the logistics and turnaround post-the Kaikoura earthquake.

With both the state highway and railway line sustaining damage that rendered them unusable, Allan says it was incredible to see just how quickly the team involved got together and got work progressed.

“It was a fascinating paper, a great engineering feat and a credit to all involved,” Allan says.

Day Three – Saturday, October 12, 2019 The conference was concluded by two morning presentations, each on either side of morning tea.

Overall the technical papers presented this year aimed for a balance between project-based (typically the more popular papers), research, innovations going forward,

38 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Residential Award Winner: Xsite Architects Ltd Project: Tracey House, Auckland Owner: Colin and Doris Tracey Consulting Engineer: Slab Specialists Contractor: Slab Specialists Landscaping Award Winner: Firth Industries Project: University of Auckland Old Arts Building Refurbishment Owner: Ministry for Culture & Heritage Client: Embassy of France Architect: Patterson Associates Contractor: Naylor Love Technology Award Winner: Firth Industries/Cresco Engineers Ltd Project: Firth Ribraft X-Pod Owner: Firth Industries Consulting Engineer: Cresco Group A technology award commendation was also given, to the University of Auckland for its QuakeCoRE-ILEE Low-Damage Concrete Building Test.

and indications about what’s required for future sustainability.

Allan says it is always the hope that members, delegates, and all others in attendance leave with key learnings and takeaways to focus on and work towards achieving or improving.

The Concrete NZ Learned Society – 2020 Conference is to be held at the Energy Event Centre, Rotorua, from 15th – 17th October.

In response to member feedback, the 2020 Conference is being trailed one week later than its traditional date to avoid coinciding with the final week of school holidays.

The next Concrete NZ Learned Society Awards take place in conjunction with the 2021 conference.

Concrete NZ P O Box 448 Wellington (04) 499 8820 admin@concretenz.org.nz www.concretenz.org.nz

SIFCO

Introducing the MAX TwinTier RB441T Rebar The new MAX® TwinTier™ RB441T Rebar tier can tie rebar faster and with more power than ever before! This is the sixth generation tool from MAX® Japan and by far the best!

The MAX® TwinTier™ works at double the speed and produces double the number of ties from a single roll of wire than the previous model and far exceeds that of any of its competitors.

The MAX® TwinTier’s “dual wire feeding mechanism” increases tying speed by reducing the time needed to twist and feed the wire, as a result it reduces the cost of each tie and shortens the time required for construction. The tool’s dualwire wrap ensures each tie is reinforced for maximum hold.

The MAX® TwinTier’s wire tensioning mechanism firmly pulls the tie wire in to adjust the tie to the rebar’s size to maximize the strength of the tie.

When forming a tie the tool makes a loop with the wire and then pulls the wire to tightly secure and lock the rebar in place.

The MAX® TwinTier’s wire bending mechanism feeds a precise amount of wire to match the thickness of the rebar being tied and cut down on the use of unnecessary

"

The MAX® TwinTier’s “wire tensioning mechanism” firmly pulls the tie wire in to adjust the tie to the rebar’s size to maximize the strength of the tie.

"

wire. This bending mechanism consistently feeds, pulls back, twists and releases the perfect sized tie for the each application.

This generation of the MAX® Re-Bar-Tier produces ties that are approximately 50

percent shorter in height, allowing for thinner concrete pours. Also, the ends of each tie are positioned downward to increase safety. Additionally, wire spools now produce up to 240 ties (when tying D12 x D12).

The MAX® TwinTier’s added features also include a jaw that is constructed to tie #D10 x D10 up to D22 x D22 rebar. This wide jaw accommodates larger gauge rebar while its slim arm offers the freedom to work in tight spaces.

The MAX® TwinTier’s quick load magazine makes changing wire spools a piece of cake, and its frontward position provides improved balance/ergonomics, making flatwork easier.

A low battery power consumption design allows the tool to produce 4000 ties per charge using a 14.4v, 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery, which recharges in just 45 minutes using the MAX® Rapid charger.

The tool’s 6-step torque adjustment dial allows its user to adjust the strength of the tie based on the application. Bright steel, stainless steel and polyester (“poly”) coated wire are all available for use with the MAX® TwinTier™.

Overall, no matter the application, the MAX® TwinTier™ reduces the time it takes to complete a job, saves businesses money by cutting man hours needed for each project and increases the productivity of its workers.

Double the Speed - Double the Ties Simple to operate - fast to use - wraps 2 x 1.0mm tie wires, tensions and ties tight, with a 50% shorter tie height than other models. Ties a combined size of 20mm, up to 44mm, approximately 240 ties per coil, 4000 ties per charge, with the MAX® 40 minute fast charger. The MAX® RB441T TwinTier™ Re-bar-tier is lightweight, with a compact body.

Made in Japan.

For a demo, contact sales@sifco.co.nz NZ distributors

Battery operated re-bar-tying tool for: • Precast concrete products • Building foundations • Floors and walls

• Road and bridge construction • Retaining walls • Swimming pool walls

www.sifco.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 39

Weather Proofing

Tackling weathertightness Many factors contribute to problems with weathertightness. Poor design, poor project management and poor building practices play a role.

Steps to remediating a leaky home The words ‘leaky home’ may send chills up any homeowner’s spine, but HOBANZ makes the process straightforward and easy to follow.

Step 1 Call HOBANZ for independent advice and to discuss the options that are available to you.

The exposure of New Zealanders to international design trends and materials has led to a wider range of housing styles, but some house designs and materials are unsuitable to specific site conditions.

Step 2 HOBANZ will provide an initial consultation where they will review any available reports. In partnership with you, they will develop a tailored solution that meets your specific needs and circumstances. If required they can introduce legal experts for an overview of the likely success of any claim.

Some house styles and features designed for dry climate locations have been used in areas of high wind and rainfall.

Features such as parapets, decks and pergolas that penetrate a dwelling’s cladding contribute to weathertightness risks, as does monolithic cladding, low-slope roofs, membrane roofs, a lack of eaves and complex junctions, especially when these are used in wet and windy conditions.

Step 3 Engage HOBANZ to put together a team of experienced independent professionals. HOBANZ has a proven track record in creating successful solutions for leaky home owners, key to which is the organisation’s ability to link trusted professionals to form one cohesive unit.

House claddings do leak. That becomes an issue when the water is not dealt with effectively and affects the integrity of the house.

The Canadians developed the 4Ds philosophy of weathertightness – deflection, drainage, drying and durability. In New Zealand we have adopted those principles but we now also consider airtightness, ventilation and insulation.

Step 4 HOBANZ will guide and support you through the journey. The organisation’s in-depth knowledge of the issues leaky home owners face and its experience in resolving these issues means they will be on-hand to work in partnership with the professionals you engage, answer all your questions and keep things on track and moving to a successful and cost effective conclusion.

The ideal is to achieve all 4Ds. Deflection devices (such as cladding and window head flashings) intercept water at a building’s exterior and deflect it away from critical junctions.

Wall assemblies need to be designed and built with protected cavities to incorporate drainage to allow any water that may have penetrated the exterior cladding to drain down the back of the wall cladding and out.

The amount of drying that occurs depends on the cladding type and the way it is installed and all components of a cladding and wall assembly must meet the durability requirements of the Building Code.

No price stigma for ‘tactically’ remediated leaky homes Leaky family homes that have been fixed, made weathertight and reclad in nonmonolithic cladding have the same market value as unaffected dwellings.

A recently released research paper entitled ‘Stigma, risk perception and the remediation of leaky homes in New Zealand,’ by Michael Rehm, William Cheung, Olga Filippova and Dipesh Patel, from the University of Auckland Business School’s Department of Property, found that the value of leaky homes that had been remediated and reclad in non-monolithic cladding systems, was on a par with ordinary dwellings.

A building becomes ‘leaky’ when water breaches its external cladding and is unable to evaporate or drain easily.

40 | B&C - Issue #120

"

A building becomes ‘leaky’ when water breaches its external cladding and is unable to evaporate or drain easily.

General market stigma refers to the market effect due to the perception of weathertightness risks associated with monolithic cladding.

"

When left unattended, the trapped moisture can cause the building’s structure to decay and corrode. Aside from the risk of structural failure, mould can grow within building materials and create health and safety hazards for the occupants.

One detriment of New Zealand’s leaky home crisis is the stigma that afflict particular architectural features linked to leaky homes such as monolithic cladding - exterior walls finished with a continuous surface.

The research defined stigma as “the blighting effect on property value caused by perceived risk and uncertainty”.

The stigma of leaky buildings can be classified into two forms: general market stigma and post-remediation stigma.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Post-remediation stigma is purported to be an additional effect that’s invoked following remediation works. It involves market perception that a home that leaked in the past but has been repaired is more likely to leak in the future, versus ‘ordinary’ homes that have never leaked. This stigma is irrespective of a home’s cladding type.

Post-remediation stigma damages are often claimed in legal proceedings during leaky building litigation.

Despite millions of dollars in postremediation stigma claims, no empirical analysis has previously been undertaken to determine whether post-remediation stigma is a genuine phenomenon that affects property values.

The main form of remediation in relation to a leaky building is the practice of recladding.

This is the process of removing existing cladding from the affected property, assessing the condition of the structure, replacing damaged framing and reinstalling new cladding over a drained and vented cavity.

Using detailed sales data from the Auckland single-family housing market combined with building consent information to identify properties that were recently reclad, the researchers analysed reclad homes against non-leaky home sales.

Houses that had been remediated and reclad using a non-monolithic cladding system showed no ill signs of stigma.

However, a general market stigma discount of six percent persisted where homeowners opted to install a new monolithic cladding system as part of the remediation.

This was a slight improvement on the nine percent general market stigma discount found to affect monolithic-clad houses that had never undergone remediation.

“Our study shows that post-remediation stigma does not exist in the Auckland housing market,” says lead author Dr Michael Rehm.

“It also sends a message to leaky home owners that they should tactically consider what cladding system they chose when recladding. Choosing to install a new monolithic cladding system versus an alternative will likely attract general market stigma and devalue their home.”

DuPont

Impact of air leakage on the building envelope Uncontrolled air leakage through the building enclosure can have a significant impact, affecting energy use, envelope durability, occupants' thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

Questions to consider when specifying any RAB system: Do you know the wall system vapour permeability?

• Can you rely on the tapes and flashing to keep the wall weathertight for the life of the building?

• Is it air-tight?

Despite its myriad impacts on building performance, air leakage is generally regulated through energy codes because the effects on consumption is the one most readily quantified.

• How much water will the sheet absorb, and how long will it take to dry out? Will this affect structurally sensitive building elements and insulation?

While a continuous air barrier is a costeffective strategy for leakage control, the energy code has only recently developed quantitative requirements for these product systems.

• Can the window cavities and penetrations be effectively sealed against water and air penetration?

• Will the envelope penetration create water entry points?

Air leakage should not be confused with planned mechanical ventilation. It is never advisable to rely on holes in the building envelope to provide fresh air ventilation for occupants.

For one reason, the wind is not guaranteed to blow when fresh air is needed. Outdoor ventilation air is not intended to ordinate from cracks or holes in the building shell, but rather should be delivered through a well-designed and commissioned passive or active ventilation systems that meets or exceeds the requirements set forth in NZ Building Code G4 and E3.

The indirect impact of air leakage on thermal envelope performance is the result of loss of insulation R-Value due to air movements and moisture transported by air currents.

Air can carry significant amounts of moisture that can be deposited on cooler interior surfaces, leading to interstitial condensation.

Repeated condensation events, coupled with slow drying rates, could lead to significant moisture degradation of building materials.

Weather barrier envelopes with high vapour

When choosing DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap®, you can be assured you are using the leading brand of wall underlays.

permeability give the wall and roof cavities the ability to dry.

RAB (Rigid Air Barrier) on their own, appear to have the advantages of a solid substrate, durability, a bracing element, and some territorial authorities are allowing interior pre-finishing before cladding. However, the NZBC E2/A1 requires for an Acceptable Solution, RAB shall be over-sheathed by a vapour permeable wall underlay.

The best-in-class Building Envelope systems incorporate a dry RAB oversheathed with HomeWrap®, and flashed off with DuPont™ Flashing Tape and DuPont™ FlexWrap NF Tape.

Equally in low risk open frame building systems up to very high wind zones, RAB is not required.

These building envelope systems provide an air and water resistant, highly vapour permeable and durable building envelope.

Air penetration resistance The ability of a wall underlay in helping to prevent air infiltration directly relates to the energy costs of heating and cooling a home. The high air resistance level of DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® allows insulation to be more effective, helping to lower energy costs.

Bulk water hold-out and vapor permeability High bulk water resistance and high drying potential are key components of creating the optimal wall system. At the same time, the high Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) of DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® ensures that water vapor does not linger in the walls, but passes to the outside where it belongs.

Durability Conscientious builders choose DuPont™ Tyvek® HomeWrap® over any other product because it withstands the rigors of the construction site and offers an easy solution to protect the homes they build from the harmful effects of the elements once construction is completed.

THE WORLD’S LEADING HOUSEWRAP, WITH MORE THAN 25 YEARS PERFORMANCE ON MILLIONS OF HOMES. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 41

Waterproofing Membrane Association

Waterproof membranes matter A waterproofing membrane is a thin layer of water-tight material that is laid over a surface.

Membranes used to waterproof roofs, decks, basements and internal wet areas must be designed and installed to manage water and protect from water damage.

Ideally, a waterproofing membrane should be strong, flexible, tear-resistant and elastic so that it can stretch to cover cracks and also move with the building.

The Waterproof Membrane Association Inc (WMAI) aim is to set the benchmark for the best practice in installing and maintaining waterproofing membranes.

To do this they have written codes of practice for torch-on membranes and internal wet area membranes.

These codes of practice are available through the association’s website in both hard copy and downloadable versions.

A code of practice for below ground tanking membranes is due to be published by the end of this year. The association also plans to develop codes of practice for liquid applied membranes, and self-adhesive membranes.

The codes of practice cover internal or external membranes, above and below ground membranes, roofing or decking, trafficable or non-trafficable areas.

Torch-on membranes Torch-on membranes are an alternative to asphalt roofing.

Typically used on flat roofs, this waterproofing membrane is made of sticky, viscous organic liquids, with bitumen and polymers as the key components.

When applied correctly it prevents the risk of water-entry, is resistant to tears and punctures, and has an extremely long life span.

Internal wet area membranes Effective waterproofing is essential for internal wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

remain unnoticed for long periods, causing severe damage.

Properly installed waterproofing membranes are essential behind tiled surfaces because tiling itself does not provide waterproofing.

The Waterproofing Membrane Association’s code of practice for internal wet area membranes addresses issues to ensure these areas remain completely watertight.

Liquid applied waterproofing membrane Liquid applied waterproofing membranes are suitable for most types of roofs to provide a weather-tight seal.

The waterproofing membrane forms a seamless bond and prevents the passage of water and water vapour into the structure.

It can tolerate pooling water, can stand up to harsh UV light, and has excellent resistance to mould and mildew.

Poor waterproofing results in problems with tiling, leaks and potentially expensive repairs.

Liquid applied waterproofing membranes provide a high degree of durability, are flexible, and chemical resistant.

Water escaping from the shower, around the bath, the basin, and other wet areas can

They can be used over existing roof surfaces for repairs and maintenance.

Below ground tanking waterproofing membrane

About the Waterproofing Membrane Association NZ

Any part of a building that is below ground must be completely waterproof, including basements, underground car parking, foundations, and retaining walls.

The Waterproof Membrane Association Inc (WMAI) has a fundamental appreciation of the role technology plays in enhancing living conditions, and is rightfully proud of the role it plays in continuing to set the benchmark for best practice in its native industry — waterproofing, as the organisation’s name so aptly applies.

The consequences of leaks in underground structures and foundations can be disastrous, so the waterproofing needs to be high quality and applied correctly.

M O D E R N M A I N T E N A N C E P R O D U C T S N Z LT D RUSTOLEUM NOXYDE is an anti-corrosion waterproofing membrane is self-priming and can be applied to rusty iron roofs, aged Butynol and Nuralite, Asbestos roofing and concrete surfaces, including block walls to encapsulate and waterproof building exteriors.

THE BEST COATING FOR ENCAPSULATING ASBESTOS ROOFS..

The thick Noxyde membrane never becomes brittle and will retain its flexible properties. Noxyde has 23 years recorded performance history in New Zealand and withstands our aggressive corrosive environments and high UV levels.

When applied to roofs or gutters, with ponding water issue, EAGLE DOUBLECOAT ALUMINIUM reinforced with microfibres, can be applied as a thick topcoat over Noxyde so it can withstand ponding water 365 days of the year. Can also be applied directly to most roofing substrates and will retain a flexible impermeable encapsulation layer that lasts for years.

Our roof maintenance methodology has become a long-term fix, for hundreds of Industrial roofs all around New Zealand.

P.O. Box 18-243, Glen Innes, Auckland 1743 | 5/33 Elizabeth Knox Place, Mt Wellington.

Phone: 09 5701461 | Free Phone: 0800 180 677 | Email: david@mmpcoatings.co.nz | Web: www.mmpcoatings.co.nz 42 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Waterproofing Membrane Association

06 363 5686 Development methodology The development methodology for all Codes developed by the WMAI is as follows: • The Members create a “wish list” for the scope of the proposed document • A review of international documents and publications, manufacturers and suppliers’ literature, and the New Zealand Building Code is undertaken to refine the scope • Draft text is written, based on the surveyed literature, the practical experience of the committee members and from industry knowledge • An initial draft is reviewed by the Members, and edited accordingly • A public consultation draft is released to targeted industry parties for their comments, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (New Zealand), industry organisations, BCAs (Building Consent Authorities), applicators, designers, suppliers, building owners, and roofing consultants • Each comment received from the reviewers is considered and discussed by the Development Committee, and where appropriate changes are made • The pre-print draft is reviewed and signed off by all members of the WMAI • The Code is made available for download from the WMAI website, members’ websites, plus printed in hard copy.

The WMAI is made up of dedicated constituents, a group of companies throughout New Zealand who are committed to advancing their industry and share an interest in membranes use for waterproofing applications and their benefits.

With membership including manufacturers, importers and applicators — and open to any interested party — this diverse collective is New Zealand owned and operated and contributes significant expertise to the market.

While the importance of WMAI’s role is not in question, revealing further context for its vital contribution to the building industry further reinforces this understanding.

Most waterproof membrane systems are currently outside the scope of any of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE, previously the Department of Building and Housing)

Acceptable Solutions to the New Zealand Building Code.

Furthermore, they can only be considered as an Alternative Solution for the purposes of any building consent application, with the exception of BUTYL and EPDM membranes which are included within the Ministries Acceptable Solutions.

As a result of this, there have previously been no standards or accepted industrywide documents in use in New Zealand.

The Waterproofing Membrane Association has filled a gap between the New Zealand Building Code and what is required for consent by district councils throughout the country.

The WMAI has risen admirably and ambitiously to the associated challenge and continues to develop a suite of Codes for waterproofing membranes which will set the minimum WMAI-agreed benchmark requirements for an Alternative Solution.

These Codes will also set recommended training criteria and installation methodology for the industry.

The third edition of the Code of Practice for Internal Wet Area Membranes went to print in July 2018.

The Internal Wet Area Membranes Code of Practice applies to any room in a domestic dwelling that has a water source —like bathrooms, tiled wash-houses, or laundries. It doesn’t apply to toilets unless they are built into a bathroom. It’s any area where the water source is connected to a mains supply.

Membranes are usually, but not restricted to, being placed under tiling which prevents any overflow water reaching other rooms.

Previously, people thought a ceramic tile with grouting was waterproof, but when cracks occur in the grouting, there will be dry rot where the water hits supporting timber.

The benefits for the general public associated with the WMAI’s existence speak for themselves, and in turn, explain why membership continues to grow.

Waterproof Membrane Association Inc info@membrane.org.nz www.membrane.org.nz

Waterproof coating solution

MASTERMIX MULTI-COTE Mastermix your local problem solving concrete specialist

Multicote is the long lasting Solution • Adheres in damp conditions • Acid and alkali resistant • High Flexibility • Waterproof repair medium • Non-toxic & Stored water safe

Tests have shown a design life of more than 50 years!

21 Bergin Road Foxton 4815, New Zealand Email mastermix@mastermix.co.nz

www.mastermix.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 43

Weather Proofing

Weather proofing buildings during construction A building or renovating project anywhere in New Zealand can be at the mercy of mother nature at any time.

"

In order to protect both the building structure and onsite materials, building wraps (also known as shrink wraps), offer an ideal solution.

Our climate means we face extreme temperature swings, and this is especially so if the project continues over an extended period.

"

In order to protect both the building structure and onsite materials, building wraps (also known as shrink wraps), offer an ideal solution.

For the structure itself, building wraps offer efficiency and ease of use regarding providing temporary weather protection.

Wraps also provide continuous membrane protection, which covers all types of cracks and gaps between exterior sheathings.

Once a building is wrapped, interior work can get under way before the completion of final external cladding. While the benefits of waterproofing the structure seem, and are, obvious, this also helps address the problem of potential project overruns – which means wrapping a building under construction bears serious consideration.

It’s also important to protect building materials. The best thing to do is protect any raw materials on the ground from rain water.

Don’t forget about basements

Remediation of the multi-storey apartment building. Familiar white plastic shrinkwrap covers and water filled plastic barrels to hold everything down. Remediation today is about rebuilding whole parts of buildings to replace defective systems. Image courtesy of www.prendos.co.nz.

Hessian sheets are an excellent option to cover large piles of bricks or partially finished brickwork. The material is often used by gardeners because it’s eco-friendly, and the multi-purpose cloth is really easy to just roll over any area.

The basic premise is that in areas which experience high annual rainfall and

In terms of general weather tightness, it is important for basements and foundations to be waterproof especially in areas where the ground water table is high.

occasional flooding events, which can be anywhere in New Zealand at any time of the year, waterproofing is a must.

In the case of high water table, water in the soil is likely to exert hydrostatic pressure on the basement floor and walls.

There is an array of companies that provide shrink wrapping throughout every region in the country – and utilising their services is far from a bad idea – especially when summer’s warm glow is coming to an end.

This can force the water through the cracks, which can result in structural damages along with moisturerelated problems such as mould, mildew and decay.

• Free Training • Free Heat Tool Servicing and Repair • Same Day Delivery in the Auckland Area • Christchurch Warehouse • Fantastic Customer Service • Large Range of Quality NZ & US Products • Expert Technical Advice & Support

NOW STOCKING HEIGHT SAFETY EQUIPMENT ShrinkWrap Supplies 52-54 Anvil Road, Silverdale 0932, Auckland p. +64 9 426 4500 e. admin@shrinkwrapsupplies.co.nz www.shrinkwrapsupplies.co.nz 44 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Snug Insulation

The insulation experts No one in New Zealand should be living in a home without any insulation – the new RTA standards brought into effect July 1 2019 make sure of that.

Where does that leave landlords and tenants? Of the many benefits of the new standards introduced last year is heightened awareness around living conditions.

Snug Insulation’s client base is comprised of builders, contractors and construction companies who want a quality install for their client, as well as landlords and homeowners who want to reap the benefits of a healthy and high-quality home to live in.

An increasing amount of Snug Insulation’s business has become advising on landlords’ obligations and tenants’ rights as they navigate the changes.

This type of work is likely to be ongoing until at least July 1 2021, when the Healthy Homes Standards make effective new requirements for insulation. Under the Standards, all rental properties will need to have insulation which meets the 2008 Building Code, or is at least 120mm thick.

Giving honest assessments and welcoming other quotes have become signature traits of Snug Insulation’s service. Director Blair Smith has grown the company from being the sole employee into a successful SME. Today, Snug Insulation is perfectly positioned to cater to those in the market

for insulation that exceeds, rather than meets minimum standard.

“Our main preferred and recommended product of choice is Earthwool Glasswool sourced from the UK,” Blair says.

“All products we install meet BRANZ testing and the NZ Building Code; however, Earthwool Glasswool also meets international certifications such as CodeMark and GreenTag.” It is worth noting that Blair’s team can install other (non-Earthwool) products sourced throughout New Zealand and worldwide, dependent on the customer’s product of choice and whether it meets NZ Building Code and compliance. But why would you? Blair estimates that only a small percentage of his client base requests anything but the Earthwool Glasswool range.

The difference between good and bad insulation is noticeable difference when it comes to keeping a space warm in winter and cool in summer.

The majority of insulation carries a 50-year warranty however it is recommended that property owners check insulation has been put back adequately following any work by any tradespeople.

How much would you expect to pay to insulate the average three-bedroom, 100sqm house? You might be surprised to learn it would cost approximately $3,000 to $4,000 depending on any individual needs.

Through Snug Insulation, Blair is proud to be IAONZ certified, a Homefit assessor for NZGBC, and a recognised installer of Knauf Insulation products across Hawkes Bay and into Gisborne, Tararua District and Manawatu.

Snug Insulation 021 043 9302 www.snuggy.co.nz

YOUR PREFERRED INSULATION INSTALLERS IN HAWKES BAY Earthwool Glasswool | New Builds | Commercial | Retrofit Insulating your home is the single most effective measure you can take to keep your home warm and to save money on energy bills. A well-insulated home will provide year-round comfort. Installing or even improving your insulation will increase the amount of heat kept inside your home meaning your home heats up quicker and requires less energy to stay warm, saving you money as a result.

0800 SNUGGY | www.snuggy.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 45

New Zealand Safety Council

The place of good practice in safety

By NZSC chief executive Kevin Thompson

As a safety professional, I am often asked to carryout reviews of procedures, SSSPs and SWMS in preparation for work activities, and sometimes by clients wanting opinions of their contractors proposed activities.

After 22 years I am still left wondering why some contractors in our industry struggle with getting it right.

I am still getting responses like, this is just the way we do things here,” or doing all this paper work is so over the top — we just follow a common sense approach.”

As an accredited safety professional and auditor, I base my findings on the practices viewed against the “good practice” for the topic and the quality of preparedness by the PCBU for work activities especially where there are shared workplaces.

A “good practice” is not only a practice that is good, but a practice that has been proven to work well and produce good results, and is therefore recommended as a model.

It is a successful experience, which has been tested and validated, in the broad sense, which has been repeated and deserves to be

NZSC chief executive Kevin Thompson

shared so that it becomes “the recipe” on how to undertake the tasks involved.

It also serves businesses well in the training of staff about how to safely undertake a task or activity in a way which reduces the exposures of risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, to its lowest acceptable level, whilst still allowing the activity to be undertaken.

Good practice guidelines give advice – they are not legally binding. However, by following these documents, a PCBU can demonstrate that they have taken reasonably practicable steps to ensure the safety or workers.

However, if a duty holder deviates from good practice they should have well thought out reasons for this and be able to provide appropriate alternative evidence equal to or exceeding the good practice document.

Good practice guidelines may sometimes be cited by WorkSafe as an expected standard of practice if poor practice is being alleged.

They have formerly also been called best practice guidelines.

All of our construction based activities carry risk, and the PCBU has the obligation to manage these risks to the lowest possible acceptable level.

Using the good practice document as a guidance allows Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to be prepared for site work, and serves also as an induction tool for new starts, as well as a pre-site meeting tool to ensure everyone understands how things will be done.

• Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed a fall through protection system that has been independently tested and certified by Massey University • By using our system you have the comfort of knowing that as PCBU, you have taken all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the system you are using is fit for purpose, and capable of performing as expected without risk to the health and safety of your workforce.

• Are you re roofing an industrial property? If so ask us about our bespoke debris and asbestos containment, fall protection system which enables your work processes to continue uninterrupted whilst the roof is replaced.

• Our nationwide network of local installers are dedicated to providing exceptional, customer focussed fall arrest solutions

North Island 0800 NETSNZ (638 769) • South Island 0800 NETS4U (638 748) • WWW.SAFETYNETSNZ.CO.NZ

46 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

New Zealand Safety Council

"

A fall from a height is likely to result in a serious injury. By installing safety nets below a high-level work area, there is less likelihood that the person will be injured if they fall.

"

WorkSafe New Zealand has created a library of these documents, saving the need for a PCBU to prepare one from the beginning. However, it does not mean that because there is not one already created the PCBU can opt out. In this case the PCBU must create a SOP/SWMS as a means of controlling practices.

Creating a “good practice” document requires input from WorkSafe, industry specialists and practitioners to formulate a series of guidance practices, which are then put out to industry as a draft for comments.

Once the document has been reviewed it is issued and put into the WorkSafe Library on their website.

Some good practice documents relate to general practices and some are industry specific.

Looking at roofing for example (from the current published document), the Good Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs is not industryspecific and gives general advice for working on roofs.

THE DOMESTIC & SMALL COMMERCIAL GLASS EXPERTS

If those people working on roofs are from a specific industry (for example, electrical industry), the safety guidance from that industry should also be consulted.

These guidelines are not intended to provide all information relating to safe working on roofs. Detailed information on safety equipment used for working at height is covered in the Good Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand, and other WorkSafe NZ guidance on working at height.

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY

• • • • •

Double Glazing Insurance Work Window Repairs Glass Cut To Size Supply & Fit Pet Doors

Ph: 03 471 9537 Fax: 03 471 9266 Email: glass@glasscity.co.nz

Reliability, Workmanship and Product Guaranteed!

EARTHMOVING

EXCAVATION

TRENCHING

HOUSING FOUNDATION

Robert Laing Contracting offer a range of excavation and earth moving services throughout Dunedin and surrounding regions.

They have the skill, the experience and the machinery to tackle your project with ease.

Contact Robert Laing Contracting and the friendly team today!

Phone 021 55 77 88 for a FREE no obligation consultation & quotation on or, for more information, visit our website: www.robertlaingcontracting.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 47

New Zealand Safety Council

For example, extract from the good practice guideline on use of safety nets outlines safety net requirements and the safe use of safety nets.

“A fall from a height is likely to result in a serious injury. By installing safety nets below a high-level work area, there is less likelihood that the person will be injured if they fall.

“Regardless of the time spent on a roof, the risk of falling is high. Any fall is likely to result in a serious injury. Safety nets installed below a high-level work area reduce the distance that a worker can fall. They absorb the impact of the fall and provide a ‘soft landing’ to reduce the likelihood of a person being injured.”

The documents create a level of understanding and comfort for a PCBU in ensuring the safety of workers on their site or work.

Some industries have guidelines that deal with specific problems faced in their working environments, such as the electricity sector or plant and machinery hire. When deciding how to do a job safely, make sure to check any industry-specific guidance.

It has been asked that if a PCBU follows the good practice principles and is still found wanting by the Regulator, is the PCBU at fault or is the guidance document in need of a review?

The New Zealand Safety Council advocates PCBUs to ensure that all their practices are in line with good practice documents, and on behalf of Industry has regularly made submissions to WorkSafe on upgrades to practices or changes in technology or for new practices.

"To bring a sense of consistency to our industry, all the players must communicate, collaborate and communicate with each other and do the right thing. WorkSafe earlier this year issued a good practice document PCBU’s working together that set out the expectation around how two or more PCBU’s must interact with each other."

About the author Kevin is a Registered Safety Professional with 22 years’ construction based experience. He is the CEO of the New Zealand Safety Council, and a member of the Governance Board of the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand HASANZ.

New Zealand Safety Council PO Box 25 9056 Botany Auckland 2163 021 142 9372 media@safetycouncil.nz www.safetycouncil.nz

It has been sometimes said that safety is something we can copyright.

Instead we should view safety as something we should embrace and openly share with each other, as a good or better way of doing something. You never know, the life it saves could be your own.

NZ Communities face challenges from sudden events such as natural disasters, and from gradual but significant changes such as resource shortages or climate change.

An ability to respond to both requires resilience: a mix of adaptation, imagination and resourcefulness.

How skilled are you at resilience? Have you given it much thought?

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 Also look on our website waimakariri.govt.nz for more information about sustainability, waste minimisation and civil defence preparedness.

48 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

New Zealand Safety Council

Adhesion Sealing Adhesion Sealing is a leading South Island based subcontracting company specialising in waterproofing, sealants, membrane roofing, concrete repair, crack injection, resin floor coatings and toppings, and FRP seismic strengthening.

Adhesion Sealing has access to a wide range of products to aid with the future proofing of your building, whether it be residential or commercial. We source our products from a range of suppliers based in NZ and overseas.

Whether you want low VOC products, products that can be recycled at the end of their life, or products to enhance thermal properties, Adhesion Sealing are the go-to guys.

Checking the seam on a Sika Sarnafil membrane roof.

Sarnafil is recyclable at the end of its life.

Roof and deck membranes Waterproofing and tanking Concrete protection and repairs Floor leveling, toppings and coatings Grouting and sealants Flooring screeds - epoxy and polyester HP injection epoxy and polyurethane Swimming pool sealing and coating

We are happy to share this experience with our clients to ensure that they get the quality job that they require.

Our applicators are trained and experienced in the application of all products and with our robust Health & Safety systems and our suppliers Quality Assurance System, you can be sure that the work will be completed professionally to industry standards.

If you have a job that involves concrete repair, crack injection, resin floor coatings and toppings, or FRP seismic strengthening, then give us a call. We also carry out waterproofing, sealant and membrane roofing.

Our team of local applicators have completed many large and small projects over the 30 years we have been in business, and as a result have built a huge amount of experience.

Dunedin: Phone (03) 453-0791, email: dn@adhesionsealing.co.nz.

Christchurch: Phone (03) 365-0914, email: ch@adhesionsealing.co.nz.

DUNEDIN (03) 453 0791 dn@adhesionsealing.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH (03) 365 0914 ch@adhesionsealing.co.nz

www.adhesionsealing.co.nz

Available for all your roofing & metal wall cladding requirements Daniel Hay PO Box 391, Timaru | Mobile: 027 555 3551 Email: roofingdan@xtra.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 49

Exposure to Dust

The danger of dust You might not realise it, but workers in the construction sector are 20 times more likely to die of exposure to harmful airborne substances than from a workplace accident.

Every year, 5,000-6,000 people in New Zealand are hospitalised after being exposed to airborne contaminants at work, including wood dust and silica.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a responsibility, as far as is reasonably practicable, to keep their workers not only safe, but healthy as well. And this means thinking about how risks like dust can be eliminated, isolated or managed.

So, what kind of work creates dust and what can you do about it? SiteSafe has put together some quick tips on how you can help protect yourself and your workers.

Dust is generated by: • Cutting, sanding, grinding sweeping, and polishing operations • Old lead pipes (lead oxide dust) • Stripping out fibrous insulation, lagging or packing materials (potentially asbestos) • Being on a dry and exposed work site • Wind and heat.

50 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Exposure to Dust

In dry weather, circulation of dust in the air increases.

How do you reduce the health risks associated with dust?

Take sand, for example. It can be fatal when breathed into your lungs over time, and if sand is your building material, on a windy day your product is literally flying away.

By using water

Breathing in silica dust can cause lung tissue to scar, a condition referred to as silicosis. This scarring results in a loss of lung function. The effects of silicosis are permanent and may continue to develop even after exposure has stopped.

Once silicosis has developed, there can be an increased risk of kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Testing for it is difficult so prevention for yourself and others is important.

Symptoms of silicosis to watch out for include: • Frequent dry coughing • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Increased tiredness.

• Clean equipment and work areas frequently with a water hose.

Don’t dry sweep.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC.

• Remember that dust silt can’t go down the drain. It needs to be collected up and then disposed of.

With more than 50 years’ experience in the construction sector we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

By extraction methods • On-tool extraction.

• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). For example, this can be used for places of work which cut, grind and polish stone.

• Be aware of where the dust is going because it may affect other workers and the public.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Wear PPE suitable for the task and in accordance with the material safety data sheet (MSDS), such as respiratory protection, hearing protection, overalls, jacket, gloves, hard hat and eye protection.

For more information about workplace safety, visit: www.sitesafe.org.nz.

So, as a national company servicing New Zealanders in the construction industry, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and we guarantee to be on time – check out our Secureguarantee.

Secureguarantee • We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10% • We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge!

Securescaffold covers all NEW WorkSafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions. * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

“

Ask your builder if they are using Securescaffold – it will save you money.

“

Exposure to silica dust (a major component of beach sand and granite) can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Silica can be found in cement concrete, bricks, rocks, stone, sand and clay.

• Continuous water and wet working methods can keep dust out of the air, and out of your lungs. Spray surfaces with water or cover (especially piles of sand or gravel outdoors). Make sure you have enough water available for whole job.

0800 66 00 22

www.securescaffold.co.nz Head Office - 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Christchurch Yard - 72 Shortland Street, Wainoni, Christchurch 8061 Auckland Yard - 250 Oruarangi Road, Mangere, Auckland 2022

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 51

Nikau Group

NIKAU CONTRACTORS LTD, WORLD WINNING SPECIALISTS IN THE MOST TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX AREAS OF DEMOLITION AND DECONSTRUCTION.

HEAD OFFICE AND SALES 355 CHURCH STREET, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 636 5917 • Enquiries: admin@nikaugroup.com Webiste: www.nikaugroup.com

52 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Nikau Group

Commercial and Domestic Structures Multi-storey Buildings • Bridges • Removal of Underwater Structures • Power Stations and Heavy Industrial Plants Refineries • Port Facilities and Wharf Structures Timber Processing and Milling Facilities Asbestos Abatement and Remediation of Contaminated Land

www.nikaugroup.com www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 53

NZDAA

Marking safety and celebrating excellence The week beginning 25th November 2019 was a notable one for New Zealand’s asbestos and demolition industry.

It combined its two biggest highlights of the annual calendar: Asbestos Awareness Week including the Asbestos Management Conference, and the NZDAA Awards.

Asbestos Awareness Week (AAW) was introduced in 2017 in support of the industry’s evolved attitude.

Previously occurring in April, it was pushed back in 2019 to coincide with the NZDAA (New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association) Awards.

The annual Asbestos Management Conference is one of the key education activities of AAW. Held on Tuesday 26th November, at the Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington, the conference aimed to drive improvements in the management of asbestos in buildings and workplaces throughout New Zealand.

As the industry emerges from the grace period for legislative changes, the conversation around asbestos management and prevention was pleasantly elevated.

A major highlight of the conference was when WorkSafe launched its new online asbestos management tool.

The tool is anticipated to encourage and support a proactive, as opposed to reactive attitude towards asbestos safety and management.

54 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

NZDAA

2019 NZDAA AWARD WINNERS The annual NZDAA Awards celebrate outstanding people, processes and projects in the industry over the past 12 months (from July).

Record attendance at the 2019 awards signified the industry’s growing engagement in delivering exceptional projects founded on best practice and high quality solutions.

Entry is open to anyone working in the demolition and/or asbestos industries (they are not required to be an NZDAA member), and projects entered for all award categories can be based on a demolition or asbestos project, or a combination of both.

Multiple entries are permitted, however only one entry per category (by any one company) will be accepted.

The award categories are each judged by the same panel of independent industry experts.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR This award recognises individual employees who have demonstrated leadership and/ or a commitment to training, customer engagement, work ethic, or outstanding service to their company.

The winner is one who shows initiative and is willing to take on extra projects and accept responsibilities above and beyond their regular job routine.

They are also a role model for others in the organisation, with strong relationships not only in their own team but across the entire business.

Short-listed nominees: Mia Maric – ACM Removals; Taare Ferris – Central Demolition;

Siosiua “Siua” Tonga – Henderson Demolition; Mark Renata – Ward Demolition; Lulio Lafai – Comex.

Winner Employee of the Year 2019: Siosiua “Siua” Tonga – Henderson Demolition.

“Siua is a fantastic leader who has an unrivalled work ethic and relentless passion to deliver excellent outcomes.

He is an articulate communicator with a calm, confident demeanour. His outstanding communication and intuitive skills are an obvious contribution to projects’ overall success.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY BEST PRACTICE Sponsored by ATL Group, this award is specific to health and safety training programmes that companies have established as an effective methodology to ensure safety during daily operations.

A successful programme is one that demonstrates company-wide safety and/or training initiatives that enable employees to feel safe and be safe on job sites and are implemented using a specific process or innovative approach.

Short-listed nominees: BWARE Safety System – Ward Demolition; Digger Unit – AR Plus and ACM Removals.

Winner Health & Safety Best Practice 2019: BWARE Safety System – Ward Demolition.

The BWARE System allows the supervisors to report an event in real time, react swiftly to events on-site, and conduct thorough investigations in a timely manner.

KEEPING KIWIS SAFER THAN EVER With our head office located in Auckland and branches in Tauranga, Taranaki, Wellington and Dunedin we have New Zealand covered for all asbestos, demolition and remediation requirements, commercial or residential.

CHOOSE THE NZDAA ‘CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR’ FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT.

Delivering a great outcome for our clients starts with using the best methods and equipment.

It also rests on looking after our staff, so everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.

ASBESTOS, DEMOLITION & REMEDIATION SPECIALISTS

CONTACT US TODAY: www.atlgroup.co.nz 0800 272 378 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 55

NZDAA

All information can be recorded, collated and used for ongoing education and improvements. The use of the system has helped to build a strong safety culture that focuses on preventing injuries.

ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICE This award recognises a contract where a company has demonstrated a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its operations.

This includes but is not limited to ‘green’ working practices that utilise new innovation, technologies or equipment to reduce the effects of noise, pollution, disturbance, and more at a worksite.

Short-listed nominees: ‘Reducing Waste’ – Central Demolition; ‘Relocate, Repurpose, Recover’ – Henderson Demolition.

Winner Environmental Best Practice 2019: ‘Reducing Waste’ – Central Demolition.

Central Demolition’s ‘Reducing Waste’ initiative aims to reduce the significant percentage of demolition waste going to landfill by recycling and repurposing as much demolition by-product as possible, as well as by working with local authorities to improve methodologies.

ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION BEST PRACTICE PROJECT UNDER $20K This category pertains to asbestos and demolition company contracts valued at below $20k that presented challenges or required a unique approach for completion. Successful applicants highlighted industry best practice techniques and/or demonstrate the use of an innovative approach, new equipment, or technology.

Short-listed nominees: Opotiki House Fire Remediation – Central Demolition; Gerrard Beeson Place Toilet Block – Henderson Demolition.

Winner Best Practice Project Under $20k 2019: ‘Opotiki House Fire Remediation – Central Demolition’.

“The residential dwelling was riddled with asbestos. Asbestos fragments had blown throughout the house and property and, given the dangerous nature of airborne asbestos fibres, the team had to act urgently. The speed, agility and quality in which this project was completed led to a very happy client.”

OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE ANALYSTS & CONSULTANTS

Asbestos Analysis

Asbestos Management

Occupational Hygiene

www.dowdellassociates.co.nz 0800 DOWDELL (369 335) 56 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION BEST PRACTICE PROJECT UNDER $1M This category is for asbestos and demolition company contracts valued at below $1M that presented challenges or required a unique approach for completion.

Successful applicants highlighted industry best practice techniques and/ or demonstrate the use of an innovative approach, new equipment, or technology; and the judges made special mention of the standard of the entries and the difficulty they had in selecting the eventual winner.

Short-listed nominees: CDHB Diabetes Building, Central Christchurch – Taggarts; Asbestos Removal, Tasti Factory – ATL Group.

Winner Best Practice Project Under $1M 2019: ‘CDHB Diabetes Building, Central Christchurch – Taggarts’.

“Many factors posed the need for a complex and robust demolition project. The fourstorey building on a corner site required deconstruction via a Top Down Cut and Crane method, as well as consideration of the adjacent live medical laboratories with their sensitive equipment.”

ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION BEST PRACTICE PROJECT OVER $1M This award exists to recognise asbestos and demolition company contracts valued above $1M that presented challenges or required a unique approach for completion.

Successful applicants highlight industry best practice techniques and/or demonstrate the use of an innovative approach, new equipment, or technology.

Short-listed nominees: Demolition of 277 & 309 Broadway – Nikau Contractors; Demolition of Lancaster Park, Christchurch – Yakka Contracting.

Winner Best Practice Project Under $1M 2019: 'Demolition of 277 & 309 Broadway – Nikau Contractors'.

A major component of the new $760M Westfield Newmarket project, the contract included the complete demolition of two sites sharing approximately 4ha of area across three main structures. It also included structural bracing strengthening design and installation. Across 16 months, Nikau invested 42,840 hours of manpower on this project and had zero lost-time injuries and zero notifiable incidences.

Civil Construction Earthworks Demolition Drainage Siteworks Roading Quarries

Proud to be associated with NZDAA W: taggart.net.nz P: 323 7085

NZDAA

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR The Supplier of the Year Award recognises key partners who supply essential equipment or services to support the asbestos or demolition industry.

Successful applicants have gone above and beyond to support the industry by providing specialised training or other specialised services.

Short-listed nominees: Focus Analytics; Endless Metals.

Winner Supplier of the Year 2019: Endless Metals.

Endless Metals’ fresh perspective, use of technology to provide transparency, and efficient reporting, resulted in superior service and a quick turnaround.

SERVICES TO ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION This award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional services to the demolition and/or asbestos industries.

This award honours the individual for their recognised leadership and commitment to betterment of their industry and the community as a whole.

Winner Services to Asbestos or Demolition 2019: John Kendall.

John is a well-known figure in who has been involved in the industry for many years. He goes out of his way to educate and upskill younger members of the industry and is a strong believer of and advocate for improving the industry and making it safer.

ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR This award is presented to the company who the judging panel believes to have demonstrated exemplary consistency and/ or be the best of all those entered across the 2019 award categories.

Only entries submitted into other categories will be eligible however all entrants will be considered – entry into this award is not limited to the winners of other award categories.

Winner Asbestos or Demolition Contractor of the Year 2019: ATL Group.

The asbestos and demolition industry is forever learning and growing as an industry.

NZDAA looks forward to some exciting developments on the horizon including the Road Show 2020 targeting tradies and DIYers.

Asbestos exposure • Exposure to asbestos dust can cause serious health issues including cancer.

• It is New Zealand’s number one workplace killer, with around 170 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.

• Sixty-seven percent of all cases reported to the national asbestos register are tradespeople.

• Always consider asbestos.

• Minimise the risk.

• Get asbestos aware today.

New Zealand Asbestos and Demolition Association 57 Walls Road Penrose Auckland 1061 0800 469 322 nzdaa@nzdaa.com www.nzdaa.com

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEMOLITION For exceptional customer care and professional service, you can depend on Henderson Demolition’s experienced & professional teams. Contact us today!

2 Parker Street, PO Box 72 232, Papakura 2244 Office: 09 298 0960 Email: tenders@hendersondemo.co.nz Website: www.hendersondemolition.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 57

Paul Smith Earthmoving

PSE’s commitment to the southern market A new branch signals Paul Smith Earthmoving’s resolute commitment to the wider South Island.

Already a major force in South Canterbury’s earthmoving and civil industry, Paul Smith Earthmoving’s new Central Otago base further strengthens its distribution of resources and capabilities throughout the entire South Island.

“The move is a commitment to the local region and is expected to result in employment and subcontracting opportunities for local residents and businesses,” says Paul Smith Earthmoving’s Ellen Moir.

In June 2019, PSE appointed Peter Mackenzie as Central Otago area manager, who brings to the role over 40 years’ experience from a background in construction and as a local resident of Cromwell.

A preferred general earthworks contractor, Paul Smith Earthmoving (PSE) also delivers a number of services that complement its core functions. These include construction, roading, water, infrastructure, irrigation, drainage, utilities, and landscaping.

The company is proud to have been involved in many projects of complex size and nature throughout the South Island that have benefited both client and community.

JB & BM ARPS T/A

Babbage & Mccullough Are proud to provide accountancy - tax and business advice services for Paul Smith Earthmoving since 2002.

Partners:

Proud Suppliers of Stationery, Business Machines, Furniture.

Duncan Brand | Paul Wolffenbuttel Craig Copland | Nick Krivan | Kalpesh Hari Phone: 03 687 9222 Website: www.hcpartners.co.nz 39 George Street, Timaru PO Box 125, Timaru 7940 Email: hcmail@hcpartners.co.nz

A: 9 Church Street, Timaru.

P: 688 1189 E: admin@dowells.co.nz W: www.opd.co.nz

Locally owned and operated business

Ph. 027 5768 162 481 Blenheim Rd Sockburn Canterbury 58 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• 24 Hour Salvage Towing • Approved Insurance Repairer Phone: 03 688 2499 Email: jimmy.arps@xtra.co.nz Mobile: 027 451 5523 AH: 03 688 8627 35 Treneglos St, Washdyke Industrial Park PO Box 2039, Washdyke 7941 TIMARU

Accident Repair Paint Specialists

Paul Smith Earthmoving

"

These include the Synlait Project White in Dunsandel, the Kurow Duntroon Irrigation Scheme, the Action Irrigation Scheme, and the Upper Fraser Pipeline, plus many more of equal significance.

We have delivered numerous projects in all types of ground conditions and in challenging and diverse circumstances. We believe that we have the experience and proven track record to deliver.

We are innovative, skilled and efficient at what we do.

However PSE is also involved in projects on a smaller scale, generally various residential works, driveways, rock walls, and drainage installations.

“We have delivered numerous projects in all types of ground conditions and in challenging and diverse circumstances.

“We believe that we have the experience and proven track record to deliver. We are innovative, skilled and efficient at what we do.”

Working in conjunction with its people is its extensive range of plant and machinery. From 1.8T to 30T excavators; graders, loaders and rollers in a variety of sizes; and scrapers and dozers; to small plant requirements such as plate compactors, breakers, water pumps, generators and more, PSE has the inhouse supply of equipment to guarantee plant is available when and where it is best needed to service its clients.

Zealand at 490m and is a landmark project in the power generation industry. It was completed in June 2019.

Sought-after skills A reputation built on excellence has supported Paul Smith Earthmoving in securing the contracts for some particularly memorable projects.

Paul Smith Earthmoving has branches in Christchurch, Timaru, Central Otago, Ashburton, Greymouth, Twizel and Auckland; and is a preferred contractor for a number of high-profile clients and organisations throughout New Zealand.

The Hydro Grand Hotel demolition was a notable highlight for the PSE team.

Paul Smith Earthmoving is committed to acting in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The company is certified to the OHSAS 18001:2007 and ASNZS4801:2001.

A high-profile project covered by New Zealand media, the existing 104-year building was demolished to make way

Paul Smith Earthmoving is an expert earthmoving and civil contractor with over 35 years’ experience specialising in:

for a $42 million hotel, apartment, and corporate office complex that developers Bayhill Developments Ltd hope will spark the ‘urbanisation of Timaru’.

• Excavation

The three-storey Hydro Grand Hotel was registered with the Historic Places Trust as a Category Two building in 1983. It had reportedly been unoccupied for more than a decade prior to its demolition and was considered an eyesore in a somewhat dilapidated state.

• Demolition • Drainage • Construction • Track and road maintenance • Landscaping • Rock supply • Landfill management • Trucking and transport works.

"

- Paul Smith Earthmoving spokesperson Ellen Moir

Another fine example of PSE’s prowess was the highly complex, $3.6 million Upper Fraser Hydro Power Scheme project for Pioneer Energy, for which PSE was the head contractor.

The Upper Fraser project included 4,000m of high pressure GRP installation in both

1,100mm and 1,000mm. This was extremely technical with over 123 bends that required full concrete encasement.

Is it also certified to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard and ISNetworld accredited at Level A for NZTA works.

The pipe was installed through challenging countryside that required drill and blast and installation of a pipe bench on the side of a slope that exceeds 60 percent in places.

The last 950m of the Penstock is highpressure steel. This was continually welded in-situ and paint coatings re-instated to ensure the durability of the pipe line is not compromised.

The steel penstock was installed on a 58 percent slope. The team diligently worked up the hill installing 12m sections at a time.

Paul Smith Earthmoving Head Office 55 Sheffield Street Washdyke Timaru 7910 (03) 688 2001 www.paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz

The Upper Fraser Hydro Power Scheme is the second highest head scheme in New

Timaru’s Only Automatic & Manual Transmission Specialists

TIMARU & TWIZEL 88-94 HILTON HWY (03) 687 4035

1 OSTLER RD (03) 435 3133

• Full service, repair and rebuilds • Mazda Rotary specialists • Diff overhauls & 4WD drivetrain repairs • Factory trained in most makes and models • Stockists of quality Penrite oils and lubricants

• WOF service available • Handy central city location

7 Station Street, Timaru • Phone 03 688 6630 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 59

AWCI

Masters of the wall and ceiling industry No matter the industry, technology goes hand in hand with innovation. Looking to the future while placing an importance on its members and the quality of the work they do is something that comes easy to the Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries NZ (AWCI).

AWCI has cemented itself as the master of commercial and residential interior systems.

Originally founded in 1992 as the Interior Systems Association, the association includes contractors, tradesmen, manufacturers and suppliers. Its aim is to represent the interests of members and customers for interior walls and ceiling lining systems, plus their related products.

AWCI representative Richard Arkinstall says, “AWCI has been evolving a lot since its inception. We offer significantly more benefits for members and have two pathways for membership, depending if you are qualified or can demonstrate quality workmanship.

“The AWCI is now the recognised trade association for quality residential and commercial interior fitouts.”

Recognition With major funding partners like GIB, Forman Building Systems and Rondo, plus other partners like James Hardie, USG Boral, Hilti, Potter Interior Systems and Ramset, AWCI is well-equipped to support and stand behind its members.

“We have also driven strong formal qualifications for the interior systems industry, plus assist to promote innovation that occurs at a product level with our partners,” Richard says.

Recognition of your skills and expertise in the industry is one thing AWCI does to add to your credibility.

They promote members of the association to other industries and homeowners alike, and you can even post your projects and quality work on its Facebook page. This platform ensures that clients and other members can admire your work.

Networking Being able to mingle and network with your peers is invaluable for both education and social engagement. Being able to learn

what is important to the industry now and looking toward the future is vital to staying relevant in the industry today.

Each year, AWCI holds a conference that brings together great speakers, the Annual Awards of Excellence presentations, Apprentice of the Year competition and Gala Dinner.

Education Outreach and education, through both traditional and innovative avenues, is an important aspect of what AWCI does.

Insight, AWCI’s magazine, provides industry professionals with valuable information around the technical, legislative and business climate surrounding the wall and ceiling industry. Not only that, but it helps those professionals, who typically make their start on the tools, how to create profitable companies and gain more business acumen.

In the past, Insight has also published articles on sensitive issues like mental health in the construction industry, as well as balancing your work and personal life.

AWCI understands the importance of its members’ well-being, not only so they work better on the job, but so they have greater satisfaction with their life in general. The magazine is available online and in print.

It has also launched a smartphone app, where its members can stay up to date with the latest news in legislation, health and safety, sample contracts and Code of Practice information. Having relevant, easily accessible resources right at your fingertips makes staying in the know simpler than ever.

Accountability AWCI recognises the quality of its members’ work. Understandably, this means holding its members accountable for providing the quality craftsmanship the association is known for country-wide.

AWCI’s core values:

This independent, balanced assessment is available at the cost of $400 plus GST.

• Believes the entire interior systems industry is capable of substantial growth – from residential to commercial

When you team up with the Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries NZ, you know you’re working with industry leaders, the ones who strive to be the best of the best.

• Members have the credibility to influence this growth by lifting standards, increasing education and gaining access to the right information

As a member, you’ll be able to showcase your quality workmanship and engage in opportunities to showcase your knowledge and learn from your peers and industry today. As a client, you know you’re working with experts in the field with a passion for the wall and ceiling industries.

• Gives members a voice to government, the public and the market • Offers greater profile and benefits for its members • Its members are an advocate for quality across the industry.

“One of the latest innovations is to drive more quality into the industry by offering an audit and assessment service for homeowners and industry.

Quality products + proven solutions for the NZ construction market. member

60 | B&C - Issue #120

0800 POTTERS

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

www.potters.co.nz

“If anyone feels they have received a poor quality result on a job just completed, we have specialised assessors who can go in and provide an independent assessment report on what has happened and suggested remedies,” Richard says.

AWCI PO Box 45 098 Lower Hutt Wellington 0800 292 469 admin@awci.org.nz www.awcinz.org.nz

AWCI

Lightweight steel framing system for external wall construction.

Engineered to offer builders a more efficient, versatile and cost-effective design.

• Increased performance with less product • Non-combustible, G500 high tensile steel • 92mm and 150mm system options • Simple interface between external façade and interior linings

www.rondo.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 61

Preston Pre-cut

Delivering precision products The game and even the players may have changed, but the same excellent service remains.

Preston Pre-cut Limited (PPC) manufactures roof trusses and wall frames for use throughout New Zealand’s deep south, and further afield by request.

Old-fashioned Kiwi service at its finest, unless you’ve been in the market for their service you’ve likely never heard of them, because they’ve existed for decades primarily on word of mouth referrals – they don’t even require a website – and they take great pride in their workmanship speaking for itself.

"

We spend a lot of time working with the builder so both parties understand what is required of the finished product. We are proud to have established a good rapport with all of our clients and are privileged to work with them on their projects.

"

- Preston Pre-cut co-owner Barbara Dawson

The locally owned and operated company was established in Invercargill by Bob Shields in the 1980s. New owners Brent and Barbara Dawson came on board in 2005 and Bob remained with the company until his retirement in 2018.

This combined wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm has steered the company through an influx of digital and technological change to emerge just as it began – a leader in its field.

Producing frames and trusses for architectural homes in the upper echelon of the market is what forms the majority of PPC’s client base.

These large, modern homes boast unique features and it’s not uncommon for the plans to be 100-pages plus and very involved.

Barbara says understanding detail is key to a superb job, and key to understanding detail is great relationships.

“We spend a lot of time working with the builder so both parties understand what is required of the finished product.

“We are proud to have established a good rapport with all of our clients and are privileged to work with them on their projects.”

Preston Pre-cut’s preferred materials to deal in are NZ Oregon and Nelson Pine LVL. The NZO is purchased locally and the LVL and specialised timbers also sourced out of Southland.

Once a job has been detailed for production, it is in the competent hands of the highly skilled staff operating the fully computerised saw – many of whom have been with PPC for some time.

PPC can deliver to anywhere it is asked – even, if required, having product transported by container to the North Island.

The team are well known for their knowledge base and skills used to complete the job in a timely manner, and they are worthy of their reputation for a quality job well done.

Suppliers of: • • • • • •

NZ Oregon Tanalised Pressure Treated Timber Dressed Timber Phytosanitary Certified for Packaging Machine Stress Graded Timber SG 6.8.10 Dry Wood Chip Boiler Fuel

In early 2019 PPC installed a Spida Automated Wall Extruder/Conveyor and Overframe with Pusher, and more recently the latest-technology Razer V5 Saw from Vekta Automation.

PPC is a member of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) and a licensed Pryda Fabricator and its in-house team of detailers and estimators are well accomplished in the latest engineering and design software that Pryda has to offer.

Preston Pre-cut Ltd

30 Mersey Street West Invercargill Invercagill (03) 218 3647 prestonprecuts@xtra.co.nz

Reliable products. Trusted service.

Complete Stockists of: • Screws • Washers • Dronco Discs • Bolts • Bosch Power Tools • Building Products • Construction Fasteners

We buy logs - we sell timber Tussock Creek RD 1, Winton New Zealand Invercargill Ph (03) 221 7310 E sales@findlater.co.nz 62 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Auckland • Nelson • Blenheim • Christchurch • Timaru • Dunedin • Invercargill

PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Nelson

A will and a way In an increasingly global world, locally-sourced and owned products are becoming a rarity.

• Frames are clearly marked and stacked in sequence (where ever possible), depending on load efficiency, site requirements and health and safety

People recognise the importance of supporting the community and its heritage, and PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Nelson is no different.

• Colour coded truss plans matched by truss coding for ease of placement on site

Serving the Tasman Bay area, PlaceMakers Frame & Truss uses only stress-graded, NZgrown timber from reputable suppliers.

• All site plans are weatherproof and sent with a PlaceMakers iconic builder’s pencil

All of their frames and trusses are up to code, and they can provide technical support in detailing. Not only that, but they provide experienced site support to assist their customers as much as possible.

• Wall junctions are marked on plates

This flexibility and customer care is due to PlaceMakers’ position as the largest producer of frames and trusses in New Zealand, with a network of eight plants across the country.

PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Tasman manufacturing manager, Haydn CampbellMears says, “We mainly use Douglas fir here in Nelson compared to pine and other products. It’s keeping it regional, which we like here in Nelson.”

Haydn has been in the building industry for over 15 years, working in detailing, and also as a builder and project manager.

Now, as the manager of the PlaceMakers Frame & Truss manufacturing plant, his prior

• Galvanised nails to any H3.2 CCA walls experience as a builder has given him the ability to know exactly what builders need and what will make their jobs easier.

Frame & Truss keeps up-to-date with the latest technology in the building world to make builders’ lives simpler.

They can supply and fit the MiTek Bowmac STUD-LOK system and LINTEL system at the plant to save you time and money instead of fitting stud-straps and Gang-nail plates on site.

“Being a builder myself, I was like, ‘This is magic!’ It might cost a wee bit extra, but you save on time which in turn saves you money in the long run.

“We try to keep up with the latest building technology, so we can give the customer and the builder the best sort of solution.

"We want to make their job easier at the end of the day,” Haydn says.

They can work with architects, specifiers and engineers to provide a specialised solution to complex projects. On top of that, they can integrate engineered timber products where specified.

At the end of the day, Haydn says, “We always find a will or a way to do it.”

PlaceMakers Frame & Truss supplies PlaceMakers’ customers with the best quality frame and truss for their building needs.

With PlaceMakers Frame & Truss, you know you’re getting the best building technology and the most experienced people with your job or project.

• PlaceMakers can supply and fit the MiTek Bowmac STUD-LOK system at the plant to save you time and money fitting stud-straps on site.

PlaceMakers Frame & Truss Nelson 750 Lower Queen Street Richmond Nelson (03) 5470131 Haydn.CampbellMears@ placemakers.co.nz www.placemakers.co.nz

laminated veneer lumber www.nelsonpine.co.nz

engineered for performance www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 63

Hutt Gas & Plumbing

Championing excellence and diversity in the trade industry Twenty-five years ago, Colleen Upton couldn’t walk into a meeting filled with her peers of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers without their chins dropping to the ground.

"Industries within construction need to take responsibility for offering courses on diversity that can help us understand some of the cultural differences that may arise.”

Then, without skipping a beat, someone would ask which plumber at Hutt Gas & Plumbing was her husband. This was just a day in the life for a woman in the trade industry.

They know that people in the trade industry are the doers, the people that take dreams and turn them into something tangible.

It’s been a slow but steady evolution, but those reactions have morphed over time into encouraging many young girls to think of plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying as a viable career option.

Master Plumbers is even launching a Women in Plumbing event at the 2020 conference.

Director and general manager of Hutt Gas & Plumbing, Colleen says, “As employers, we need to move away from the comfort zone of ‘employing people that look like us’ to fully embrace the tapestry of talent out there.

Hutt Gas & Plumbing currently employs three of the 32 female plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in New Zealand. Since 1992, they’ve trained over 57 new apprentices.

“You make such a difference to people’s quality of life and their health. You will make things that you will be able to take your grandchildren to see – how many people can say that about what they do for a job?”

Colleen says.

That cleverness, ingenuity and love for a challenge is what started it all. The three directors – Colleen, Darren and Scott – came together 25 years ago to found Hutt Gas & Plumbing.

“As an industry, we do need to be much more diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender.

With a passion for excellence and the industry as a whole, the three of them each have their own areas of expertise they contribute to the company. They trust their employees and have a strong belief in letting people ‘do what they’re good at doing’.

“This comes by having champions who espouse diversity and see that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

“Imagine a blank piece of ground that suddenly gets a floor and walls, and someone – and that someone could be you – puts in

Scott, Colleen and Darren at the 2018 Master Plumber of Year awards.

the first piece of pipe to deliver water to a tap, or that first metre of cable to bring light to the room, or the walls separating one room from another – the people that do that are clever, so very clever,” Colleen says.

There are alternative pathways to success other than a university degree, and Colleen is living proof of that.

This year she was a finalist in the Women in Governance Inspiring Governance Leader Awards; trade-based industries are underrepresented in these type of things, and Colleen was thrilled that she could showcase what success as a woman in trade looks like.

With 12 Certifying tradespeople, and many licensed and registered tradespeople, Hutt Gas & Plumbing has one of the most technically-abled staff in Wellington • Trained over 57 apprentices since its founding • Employs three of the 32 women plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers in NZ • Specialises in both commercial and domestic work.

Deal direct for natural gas connections.

If you’re a gasfitter in Wellington, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Taranaki or Hawke’s Bay, simply call

0508 GAS HUB ( 4 2 7

•

to find out if natural gas is available at your job

•

to check if your customer qualifies for a free connection

•

to schedule a new connection

•

to ask us to send your customer some information about natural gas.

www.thegashub.co.nz 64 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

4 8 2 )

Our locally-based customer team operates 8am–5pm, Mon–Fri

The Gas Hub is a division of Powerco Limited.

Hutt Gas & Plumbing

"

As an industry, we do need to be much more diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender. This comes by having champions who espouse diversity and see that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce. Industries within construction need to take responsibility for offering courses on diversity that can help us understand some of the cultural differences that may arise.

"

- Hutt Gas & Plumbing general manager Colleen Upton

Hutt Gas & Plumbing senior apprentice Nikita Ward.

She even won the Helen Tippet Award for actively promoting women in construction.

The belief in the ingenuity of all types of people, along with allowing their experts do what they’re best at, is what makes Hutt Gas & Plumbing one of the most recognised gasfitting and plumbing teams in Wellington and New Zealand.

Hutt Gas & Plumbing offers an array of plumbing and gasfitting services for all your commercial and domestic needs in the Wellington area. The highly skilled staff love a challenge, and no job is too big or too small.

For plumbing, that includes various bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations and maintenance, as well as general plumbing repairs, plus more.

For gas, Hutt Gas is a service agent for the likes such as Rinnai, Bosch, Masport, Escea and Aber (Bonaire, Paloma, Gasmate and Regency). Not only that, but they do general gasfitting, and so much more.

Create your dream bathroom at Mico PROUD SUPPORTERS OF HUTT PLUMBING AND GAS LTD

Hutt Gas & Plumbing 1/366 Hebden Crescent Belmont, Lower Hutt Wellington (04) 565 0921 office@huttgas.co.nz www.huttgas.co.nz

MICO HUTT CITY CORNER PRETORIA & CORNWALL ST, LOWER HUTT 04 569 1917 www.mico.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 65

Directory

Building

Commerical Wall Systems

Don’t let rain cost you time and money.

Hiandri Packers have been successfully used since 2014, with most frame and truss manufacturers now installing Hiandri at the request of their customers.

Join the growing number of builders and construction companies benefiting from this product. Hiandri - the most cost-effective choice for drying out wet bottom plates & frames.

A tried and tested solution for all concrete and timber floors.

Commercial Kitchens; - Cafes - Restaurants Food Processing Areas Hospital; - Operating Rooms - Sterile Rooms High Impact Resistant - Group 2 & 3 Fire Rated

Peter Roughan (sales) 027 484 3470 Alan Dick (technical assistance) 027 442 5238

0800 4 Marlite sales@marlitenz.com

For more information visit us online.

www.hiandri.com

Decorating

Concrete

Computers

Need a Website?

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

Specialists in Websites for Small Business m

Simple and Easy Process test

Ongoing Support From just $799 + gst

Court Holding Cells Bathrooms Laundries Corridors

Call Today 09 218 6300 contact@mybusinesswebsite.co.nz www.mybusinesswebsite.co.nz

Shane Anderton Owner/Manager

027 PAINTIN (027 724 6846) andertondecorators@gmail.com facebook.com/andertondecorators www.andertondecorators.co.nz

Design

Electrics

Plumbing

One call for all your electrical needs…

Nothing is impossible HI VIS CLOTHING | HEALTH & SAFETY SIGNS COMPANY BRANDING | VEHICLE GRAPHICS | GENERAL SIGNAGE

www.badboygraphix.co.nz

• LED Downlight replacement • Insurance Electrical Inspections • Industrial/commercial service, new installations or maintenance www.masterelectrics.co.nz • Boiler Maintenance MasterElectricsNZ • Thermal Imaging leo@masterelectrics.co.nz • Power factor testing and 0800 438 769 harmonics

Roofing

Portacoms

PLUMBING / DRAINLAYING / GAS SUPPLIER & FITTING / ROOFING K J Morgan Plumbing Ltd 11 Purkiss Street, P O Box 925, BLENHEIM 7240

t: 03 578 0060 | f: 03 578 0994 www.morganplumbing.co.nz

Scaffolding Delivering projects to the highest standards across the whole range of scaffolding requirements.

CALL NATIONWIDE 0800 476 782 www.portacom.co.nz HIRE OR PURCHASE OFFICES • CLASSROOMS ABLUTIONS • SITE FACILITIES CAFETERIAS • CONTROL ROOMS ACCOMMODATION 66 | B&C - Issue #120

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Available for all your roofing & metal wall cladding requirements Daniel Hay PO Box 391, Timaru Mobile: 027 555 3551 Email: roofingdan@xtra.co.nz

• Health and Safety • Commercial Scaffolding • Industrial Scaffolding

• Residential Scaffolding • Propping & Shore Loading • Equipment Hire/Sales

0508 SUMMIT (786648) www.summitscaffolding.co.nz

If you just wing each interview, the direction, tone and outcome of each conversation can vary wildly, making it more difficult to compare candidates to each other. The outcome of this can be that, despite spending all that time interviewing people, to a certain extent, you’re still none the wiser.

Then, the chances are, when it comes to deciding who to hire, you’re going to go with your gut, as you won’t reliably be able to compare one answer to another because you didn’t ask each candidate a few standard questions you can compare them by.

So, a little planning can go a long way towards helping you make an informed and considered choice of who to hire, as opposed to just sitting down with each individuals, having a completely random chat, and then hoping you get it right.

Mistake 2

- Overvaluing experience

It is risky to bet too heavily on how much experience a person has, when there are so many factors that determine whether someone will be successful in the role and a good fit for your organisation.

An applicant’s skills, knowledge, aptitude and personality all factor into the equation.

Because experience is a tangible and measurable component, it is very easy to overvalue it above less easily measurable factors such as intelligence, drive, and other components of raw talent.

Experience accumulates with time in the role and skills can be learned and acquired.

Hiring new employees is not an easy process.

You’ve got to wade through a mountain of applications, weed out the few you’re interested in and then interview all the candidates – all while still running your company.

But if you want your company to grow, you need to hire the right people.

You need people that are not only right for the now but can also help you move the business towards bigger and better things in the future.

This is especially so for smaller businesses and startups because they have fewer employees and a limited income with which to work.

Your next great employee might be someone with limited experience, but who has fantastic aptitude and flexibility.

Placing too much stock on a heavy list of qualifications in your job description, or only considering applicants with x amount of experience and not considering other factors, means you might be turning a blindeye to someone better suited to the role and your company’s culture.

However, this is a double-edged sword and there is a flip side.

If you’re looking to hire someone without any experience in the hope of finding someone cheaper – you might be buying into a false economy.

Ignoring a candidate with what you consider to be necessary experience in the hope of saving a few thousand dollars a year by hiring an unproven person, might not actually save you anything, due to the amount of on-the-job training and potentially decreased productivity the less experienced employee will deliver.

So, as with all aspects of running your business, you need to find a balance.

For these companies every single dollar they spend on finding and hiring an employee can affect their longer term success, meaning it’s vital that they avoid making major mistakes while hiring.

But it definitely pays to consider more than just the experience a candidate comes with.

You want someone with the potential to grow into the perfect for your company.

But the trouble is that running a small business is hard work and there often simply isn’t the time to commit to a thorough hiring process; and as result, corners get cut.

Mistake 3

The good news is that your competitors are probably making these mistakes whilst hiring as well. This means there’s an opportunity for you to seize; to waste less time and money by hiring right so you can get back to running your company.

This is a common mistake many small business owners make.

Mistake 1

- Not having an interview plan

The single biggest hiring mistake small business owners make is winging it or not having an interview plan. At best they’ll have a few questions written down on a piece of paper, but little else.

You need to treat an interview like a deductive science. You’ve sorted through all the resumes and selected the best individuals to be interviewed – but now you need a better way of evaluating their suitability for the role than just having a chat and going with your gut.

You achieve this by having an interview plan.

- Assuming the hiring process ends once they’re hired

An employee’s productivity is comprised of 50 percent ability [the reasons you hired them], and 50 percent of what happens once they’re in the workplace.

So conducting a good interview, offering that promising person the job and them saying ‘yes’ is only half the task.

Employees need to be properly induced and introduced to your company, well trained and supported.

It doesn’t matter how impressed you are with someone’s potential – poor training, insufficient access to resources, and little feedback will add up to poor job satisfaction and this will impact their performance.

So recruitment doesn’t stop at the ‘welcome aboard’ handshake – you need to make sure they are introduced, trained and supported every step of the way.

First – decide what questions are the most important, and ask them to each candidate.

IL

OUR D Y O W

N

K

C

A

A

VA

GE

N

This doesn’t have to be an iron-clad, exactly repeatable process – but it does need to have some consistency to it so you can accurately assess candidates’ answers in relation to each other.

BU

Second – know what answers you’re looking for. Then you can assess each answer objectively and place candidates in pecking order.

CY PAC

If you would like to talk to one of our consultants about your recruitment needs, please contact us on

(03) 943 9505 | 022 648 5960 | info@nzrecruit.co.nz

www.nzrecruit.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #120 - B&C | 67

Wet frames?

Don’t let rain cost you time and money.

Hiandri Packers have been successfully used since 2014, with most frame and truss manufacturers now installing Hiandri at the request of their customers.

Join the growing number of builders and construction companies benefiting from this product. Hiandri – the most cost-effective choice for drying out wet bottom plates and frames.

A tried and tested solution for all concrete and timber floors.

What our customers have to say about HIANDRI Packers “The winter of 2014 was the catalyst for Signature Homes Northland to begin using Hiandri packers on all of our builds.

We were building a number of homes, one of these was our showhome and as we had a firm timeline in terms of meeting an anticipated opening date we had to hire heaters and dehumidifiers at considerable cost. The Hiandri packers are a cost effective method of ensuring our homes completed on time”.

CRAIG DACKERS, SIGNATURE HOMES NORTHLAND “I recommend HIANDRI Packers to all builders especially if you have had problems with wet bottom plates. Stonewood Homes have been using HIANDRI for 3 years and they work! We spend less money putting on HIANDRI packers than we were spending on dehumidifiers and heaters. The big gain is we are not waiting weeks for frames to dry”. STEWART WILSON, GENERAL MANAGER, STONEWOOD HOMES, NORTH AUCKLAND

For more information visit us online. www.hiandri.com