Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #125

Issue #125 - 2020

BUILDING OUR WAY OUT OF THE HOUSING CRISIS

How to bring New Zealand's urban planning into this century

Building ingenuity SCAN TO CONTINUE READING ONLINE

Designing a resilient building for no extra cost

FREE

SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT

PASSIVE HOUSE STANDARD AIMS FOR EXCELLENCE

The five biggest mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them

The idiot's guide to staff Christmas parties

COVID-19 has made it a good time to talk about vulnerability

Adam Gurr

– Ray White City Realty Looking to get the most out of the market for a project?

Call Adam today When it comes to bridging that gap between new builds and the Auckland market, it makes sense to work with a man who can speak your language.

Understanding the process of taking an idea, developing it, to then selling the finished product is what makes me an easy agent to work with. Simply put, it comes down to the experience and professional acumen gained over a diverse professional background and six-years of selling Auckland properties.

With solid knowledge of titles and their complexities, a sound understanding of plans and council docs, and being able to negotiate the Auckland Unitary Plan from the ‘less than user-friendly’ Auckland Council website, you can trust in me to achieve great results.

A unique background & skillset From mixing concrete in a barrow for my father as an 11-year-old, my background includes a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management from the University of Otago as well as having worked in underground mines in the Western Australian desert. From there, I entered into the commercial banking sector as a BNZ Partners Graduate, before finally starting my real estate career as a scholarship recipient.

Hence, I know how to talk to people from all walks of life.

Also, the time spent building new apartment buildings, recladding existing ones, and completing high-end renovations in the Auckland Central region, goes a long way when talking to vendors and buyers alike.

Coupled with the ability to convey the finished product effectively and efficiently to the end buyer, all my experiences and knowledge have helped me become a top performing salesman for Auckland’s Ray White City Realty Ltd.

It’s also the little things that make a difference Like dealing with lawyers and understanding a LIM report.

“Adam certainly does his homework on the property in question and was well prepared.

In fact, Adam went about professionally to solve an issue, which had the potential of de-railing the agreement over a minor issue, mainly attributed to the purchaser’s representatives [incl. lawyers], not reading council files/documents correctly.”

Lawyer for Vendor – 2018 Or helping owners manage renovations: “Adam helped organise quotes for renovations, coordinated viewings and went out of his way to present and explain the final contract. We were very impressed and will use him again. We highly recommend him.”

Vendor – 2019/2020 In short, I love watching a project develop from an idea to a tangible end product that I can then help owners market and sell to a happy and satisfied buyer.

So, if you’re looking for a real estate professional who you can trust to get the job done, then get in touch with Adam Gurr.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 3

Contents, Issue #125 - 2020 Page: 22

Page: 90

Page: 29

Contents

Welcome

- publisher's note In this issue of Builders & Contractors we look at how New Zealand can build its way out of the housing crisis, the five biggest mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them, designing a resilient building for no extra cost, and how COVID-19 has made it a good time to talk about vulnerability.

We also feature pieces on three simple ways to free up your time, good cash flow modelling for your company, there’s an idiot’s guide to staff Christmas parties, and we ask if a building company in liquidation still use adjudication under the CCA? 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 your face each and every day.

6:

8:

9:

9:

Can a building company in liquidation still use adjudication under the CCA? Construction disputes under adjudiation Good cash flow modelling for your company Playing to our strengths in a post-Covid world

12: Three simple ways to free up your time 14: The five biggest mistakes small

businesses make and how to avoid them

18: Building our way out of the

housing crisis

20: Building ingenuity - designing a

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 #125

effective steel fabrication and construction research

for excellence

78: Concrete NZ is building a productive

46: Grayson Engineering’s

82: Asbestos removal not just a risk for

structural solutions

49: Whakatiki Engineering’s quality

control initiatives

53: Shepherd & Kime’s half century of

collision repair services

agent or do it yourself?

70: Modernising our rental laws 74: Heating, ventilation and

the worker

84: Hutt Gas & Plumbing’s

award-winning work

85: iPlumber’s broad range of

60: Should you sell your house with an

relationship with government

plumbing and gasfitting services

88: Preventing falls from height 89: COVID-19 has made it a good time

to about vulnerability

93: Encouraging signs for building activity

cooling systems

in Dunedin

Page: 56

22: The idiot’s guide to staff

Christmas parties

24: Mental health - the difference a

conversation can make

30: Kalmar Construction’s Ormiston

Medical Centre project build

36: Indesign Retail Designers medical

centre fit-out success

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

75: Passive House Standard aims

resilient building for no extra cost

Builders and Contractors, a national

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

38: HERA CEO Troy Coyle leads the way to

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.

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:

Jonathan Taylor PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8041 Phone: (03) 961 5098 Email: editor@markat.co.nz

Production:

Jarred Shakespeare PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8041 Phone: (03) 961 5088 Email: jarred@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 AMark Publishing NZ Limited 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. AMark 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 AMark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 5

News

Can a building company in liquidation still use adjudication under the CCA? As we all know, disputes are common in construction projects. Building projects are complex, they go on a long time, there is a lot of money at stake, and they never end up costing what was anticipated at the outset.

In commercial projects the tendering process encourages building firms to underbid and then try to make it up on variation claims.

And frequently in residential projects the property owners are stressed and underfunded and the building firm doesn’t have the resources to price the job accurately or follow the contractual processes to the letter.

The justice system provides a limited range of options for resolving building disputes, primarily the Disputes Tribunals (for simple claims of up to $30,000) or the courts.

Outside of that system there are the so-called “alternative” dispute-resolution mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration or adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (the “CCA”).

CCA adjudication is a relative newcomer on the scene and is based on similar models overseas. It provides what is colloquially known as a “quick and dirty” outcome because the whole thing can be done and dusted within two months (as compared to two years or more in the courts), and there isn’t the same degree of thoroughness that you get in litigation.

For that reason, adjudications were only ever intended to be interim rulings that allow the parties to get on with the project while reserving the option to have their differences more comprehensively resolved using some other system later on.

For that reason the CCA says that adjudication rulings (known as “determinations”) are binding on the parties in the sense that they can be immediately enforced, but not final in the sense that they can be overturned if a party who didn’t like the outcome, chooses to have a second bite at the cherry by re-litigating the dispute in arbitration or the courts.

Interestingly, though, it hasn’t always worked out that way. In a lot of cases the parties simply accept the adjudication determination as the final say in the matter, and move on.

So CCA adjudication has proven to be a very useful development in the construction setting. It is more similar to arbitration than 6 | B&C - Issue #125

By Geoff Hardy, an Auckland commercial lawyer.

the courts in that the adjudicators are private individuals who charge fees for their services (rather than being paid by the Government) and the determinations don’t become public so we don’t get the benefit of a body of precedent to follow in the future.

Nevertheless, that is probably a good thing because although the adjudicators tend to be experts in construction law or methodology, they don’t have to be lawyers, and they aren’t selected through as rigorous a screening process as the judges are, so their standards tend to be highly variable.

Now sometimes these construction disputes take a serious toll on one or more of the parties, so much so that it can drive them into insolvency.

Where the insolvency is beyond salvation, the ultimate outcome for an individual is bankruptcy, and for a company it is liquidation. The rules relating to liquidation are found in the Companies Act 1993.

When a company goes into liquidation the power to manage the company passes from the directors to the liquidators and their duty is to convert the company’s assets into as much cash as they can (within reason), and to distribute it to the creditors in a defined order of priority (after paying themselves), with any surplus left over going to the shareholders.

Liquidators are given special rights that make this job easier. For example, you can no longer sue the company in liquidation unless the liquidators consent to that. And if the company is a party to a contract that the liquidators think is more of a burden than a benefit, then they can bring the contract to an end regardless of whether it says so or not.

For that reason, liquidators will usually bail out of a construction project rather than see it through to the end. So the property owner will have to find a replacement builder and, if the original builder has caused some losses, the owner will have to line up with all the other unsecured creditors for a few cents in the dollar if he isn’t adequately covered by insurance, third party guarantees, retentions or bonds.

Regardless of whether the liquidators pull out of the project, they might believe that the building company is owed a considerable amount of money by the property owner, especially if the property owner has seen the liquidation coming and has withheld payment of the latest invoices.

Termination of the building contract doesn’t mean that payment is no longer due for past work. Debts owed to the company are one of the main assets the liquidators try to convert

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into cash, but if the debt is disputed then the liquidators may decide that it is worthwhile spending a bit of money to resolve that dispute. Naturally they would look for the most cost-effective option, and that will generally be CCA adjudication.

Surprisingly, there has been major disagreement as to whether liquidators can actually do that.

There are two reasons. First, in a liquidation you are supposed to set-off all competing claims that a creditor has against the company in liquidation, and vice versa, so there is only one net balance owed by one to the other. In a CCA adjudication you might only be trying to enforce one of those claims, so it doesn’t result in a net result.

Secondly, what is the point if the adjudication is only going to produce an interim ruling?

The parties might as well go straight to arbitration or the courts and get a final ruling.

The issue arose recently in an English case called Bresco Electrical Services Ltd (In Liquidation) v Michael J Lonsdale (electrical) Ltd, which went all the way to the United Kingdom Supreme Court.

The liquidators of Bresco (the subsubcontractor) wanted to use the UK equivalent of our CCA adjudication to recover some money from Lonsdale (the subcontractor) but had run up against these arguments and had lost in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. So they appealed to the Supreme Court, and fortunately for them, they won.

Lord Briggs in the Supreme Court didn’t buy the argument that the liquidators should be barred from using the adjudication process

because it didn’t necessarily resolve all the competing claims between the parties.

He also didn’t agree with the objection that the adjudication was pointless because it would only provide an interim ruling. He recognised that adjudications are increasingly becoming a mainstream method of alternative dispute resolution, and liquidators were perfectly entitled to use it as a costeffective means of gaining some certainty.

Yes, it was tough luck on the property owner if the adjudication went against them, and they were then denied a chance of clawing the money back through arbitration or the courts. But that issue could be addressed if and when the liquidators sought to enforce the determination against them.

Interestingly these same issues have been topical in Australia, with their courts eventually siding with the UK Supreme Court. However, the New South Wales Parliament then went the other way and passed legislation saying that companies in liquidation couldn’t use the adjudication process.

So if you’re a liquidator of a construction company in New Zealand, you had better hope that our courts follow the United Kingdom lead.

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.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 7

Viewpoints

Adjudication

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang from Queen City Law

The Construction Contracts Act (the CCA) sets out the process for a speedy resolution of construction disputes under adjudication.

This process is commonly known as a “pay now, argue later” regime, typically in favour of contractors, and is often regarded as a “fast and cheap” process.

Recent amendments to the CCA means that adjudication can be brought against consultants such as architects or engineers now.

However, the process is not as “cheap” as one may expect despite the prevalent views, and the short deadlines can have fatal repercussions if one does not act fast.

The process Reviewing the construction contract and the CCA would be the starting point, and typically a party raises a dispute under a construction contract and attempts negotiations, failing which they commence adjudication.

However, a right to adjudicate is inherent and can occur at any time. A Notice of Adjudication initiates the process, requiring parties to choose an adjudicator within two to five working days.

If parties cannot agree, the default position under the construction contract may prevail or the claimant may just appoint one.

Once an adjudicator is appointed and the claimant serves the Adjudication Claim, the respondent only has five working days to respond with a Response.

The claimant can choose to bring its claim based on default liability only, or the substantive merits of its claim only, or both.

The claimant can also choose to join an owner where the owner may be associated with the respondent, which may ultimately give them a charging order against the property and/or liability orders against the owner.

Five working days is an extremely short period of time and if the respondent uses part of the five working days to slowly consider the claim and appoint a lawyer halfway through this critical period, it would have seriously prejudiced its position.

This is because the timeframe is woefully inadequate to properly review the claim and prepare a response, which should include witness statements and evidence. Therefore, a party potentially facing adjudication should contact a lawyer ASAP. 8 | B&C - Issue #125

If third party witness statements are required, more time will be consumed in getting the third party on board.

There is no subpoena regime in adjudication so if a third party is unwilling to assist, there is nothing the party can do to obtain assistance from the hostile witness. Witness statements can often exceed 100 pages so adequate service methods must also be considered in advance.

Adjudication does not allow for cross examination to test the veracity of the witness, so it is up to the parties to put forward their best argument and evidence in their respective claim and response, in order to persuade the adjudicator to side with their legal position.

Once the respondent submits its response, the adjudicator may allow the claimant to file a Reply within a further five working days, which is often supported by further witness statements.

carefully consider “having regard to the size or complexity of the claim” or “because, in the adjudicator’s opinion, the claim has been served with undue haste and, as a result, the respondent has had insufficient time to prepare his or her response” (s37 CCA).

despite there being a valid payment claim/ payment schedule and has failed to pay the amount outstanding, then adjudication would likely be the appropriate means to recovering these unpaid costs.

The adjudicator will consider the purpose and principle of the CCA which requires reasonable grounds to justify an extension.

It would be unusual to be granted an extension of time unless exceptional circumstances apply.

However, where substantial disputes involve contested witnesses, arbitration or court may be more fitting to test the veracity of witnesses and documents in detail to avoid a “quick and fast” decision which may have significant adverse consequences for you.

The adjudicator will then have 20 working days from receiving the Response to provide its determination, although the adjudicator can extend this time to 30 working days.

There is no right of appeal.

Limited costs can be awarded to a successful party and the adjudicator may allow for costs on an indemnity “solicitor-client” basis in rare cases.

The adjudicator may also allow the respondent to file a further Rejoinder to the claimant’s Reply, but this must be done within a mere two working days during which the adjudicator has no power to extend, so time is of the essence.

The claimant normally pays the adjudicator’s costs. For instance, the Building Disputes Tribunal’s standard costs for accepting an adjudication matter is normally $15,000 with any further costs to be paid (charged on a case by case basis) before the final determination can be uplifted.

Parties may apply for an extension of time for any other dates, which the adjudicator must

If a contractor has a significant debt that the principal or head-contractor has failed to pay

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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

We have taken care to ensure that the information given is accurate; however, it is intended for general guidance only and should not be relied upon in individual cases. Professional advice should be always be sought before any decision or action is taken.

Viewpoints

Good cash flow modelling

Playing to our strengths in a post-Covid world

Martz Witty Chief strategist at Shi Martz Chartered Accountants www.shiandmartz.co.nz

Rob Clarke Founder and CEO of LearningArchitects.com

We repeatedly get asked to prepare financial forecasts on behalf of clients. These are typically for the bank or more recently for COVID-19 planning.

If there’s one thing that living in Canterbury’s ever-changing landscape over the last decade has taught us – even though it may not always feel like it – is that we really are strong, creative and resilient!

There are however good projections and bad projections.

The most common thing I hear is, “But I don’t know what’s going to happen next week – let alone in 12 or 18-months’ time!”

In many instances that is a fair comment but I try and persuade clients to treat it as a goal to achieve rather than something set in concrete. This also keeps it as a living document rather than something done for the bank and then popped in the bottom drawer never to see daylight again.

Ideally projections should include breakeven, cash flow, profit and loss and balance sheet.

Why so many you may ask? Well they are related but each serves a very different purpose.

Breakeven is straightforward – if you aren’t meeting that then you’re going backwards.

Cash is king, so to know you will have cash available to meet your bills as they fall due, or alternatively knowing when you won’t have enough and proactively get the bank to provide some seasonal finance before you need it.

Profit and loss is a cousin to cash flow. You can be profitable on paper but go broke because you have no cash.

Items such as stock levels, debtors (accounts receivable) days, credit policy all can disrupt cash but make your business profitable (and therefore liable for income tax – yet another drain on cash).

I recommend projected balance sheets because these tell you if you are trading insolvent, going to trade insolvent, go broke or if you are growing too fast and will run out of appropriate resource.

Building in actual seasonality into projections means that what you see is very much more likely to how things will actually pan out.

There are very few expenses that are the same amount every month (sure there are some like rent, HP’s etc) but usually there are fluctuations.

If I ever see a projection where the total is simply divided by 12 across all line items, I’m afraid I don’t give much credence to the projections – and neither will your financiers.

My last tip is to do projections for a minimum of 24 months, preferably 36.

This shows what will happen based on your assumptions, such as, are you growing, sliding backwards or static?

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Cash is king, so to know you will have cash available to meet your bills as they fall due, or alternatively knowing when you won’t have enough and proactively get the bank to provide some seasonal finance before you need it.

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Mind you, being static is just a slower form of going backwards.

Good luck with creating meaningful projections for your business.

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.

Plato coined the phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” and with the ongoing challenges that we face as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re certainly going to have to be inventive; there is no better time than now to look for ways to diversify and find more innovative, creative and sustainable ways to live, learn, and do business.

Judging from online chatter and discussions with friends, family, colleagues, and clients over the past couple of months, people are ready for change.

One topic that frequently comes up as we work towards ‘regular life’ is how much people enjoyed having the option to work from home. Another is that having had the time and opportunity to reflect on life in general, people are keen to find new ways of doing things.

So where does this leave us as individuals, employees, managers, and business owners?

How might we become inspired to create new ways of doing things that are effective, meaningful and sustainable in our post-Covid world?

Well, as someone who cares about both community and global issues, I think it helps if you have some kind of a framework to guide and shape your thinking.

There are several models that could work for this, but two that I use when considering ‘what next’ are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Strengths movement approach.

Sometimes referred to as the Global Goals, the SDGs identify 17 areas that require our attention if we are to create a sustainable future. And the Strengths movement focuses on how we can turn peoples’ talents into strengths.

I find that combining these two frameworks provides a powerful perspective for helping us develop what we are naturally good at to get better results and to thrive.

So how might this combination play out in the real world?

During lockdown I had the opportunity to present at NZ’s first Impact Unconference.

Originally planned as an on the ground event, lockdown saw it taken online.

Given the situation at the time (we were in Level 4), the organisers were particularly interested in exploring the foundations we can build on in a post-crisis world.

With an overall theme of ‘collaboration’, their aim was to help participants generate ways to work together in order to build our future post COVID-19 in a way that everyone can thrive, so I ran an interactive session to generate ideas with participants based on this combination.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African Proverb.

As people identified their strengths and worked out which SDGs resonated with them, some examples of actions that were suggested were: Using advocacy skills to give back to the local community and help build resilience Being future-focused and optimistic, helping to build partnerships across sectors that enable us to transition from crisis to recovery and regeneration Using an ability to connect others to help develop and activate collaborative ideas that benefit the social and mental wellbeing of the community.

What could you do to make an impact using this approach?

Taking this approach is relatively easy; all you need to do is to identify which SDGs are relevant and useful to the context you are working in (the categories are readily available online), then apply the notion of taking action to that using your strengths, and/or those of the people within your organisation.

As a leadership coach, the one key defining feature of people who make the most of their coaching input is taking action on new insights.

Being able to apply new thinking about how you interact with others, lead or solve problems (for instance) means you can learn new behaviours and approaches that enable you to improve.

Thinking in a broader, more intentional context will enable you to better utilise our strengths while applying home-grown solutions in a post-Covid world; in other words, it enables us to think globally while creating innovative solutions locally.

What transpires in reality of course, only time will tell, but taking this two-pronged approach can only make a positive impact regardless.

So, what strengths and passions can you combine and apply at home, and/or at work, to make a difference in the future?

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 9

SIT

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To support New Zealand’s economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, the Government announced a free training initiative in July, through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF).

The fund is available across a range of subjects, specifically focusing on sectors with possible skill shortages, aiming to supply the workforce with graduates where they’re most needed.

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This is the real thing – you can gain a new qualification in a desirable sector for job opportunities, without incurring a hefty student loan. Depending on the course and the duration of training, apprentices 10 | B&C - Issue #125

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Some of SIT’s most popular programmes are available to study now under TTAF:

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Check it out today to discover an even more affordable way to achieve your qualification.

Aside from saving thousands of dollars, there’s a raft of other great reasons to choose SIT for your study: Programmes are designed with employment in mind – SIT’s close collaborations with industry results in producing qualifications that are clearly focused on graduates achieving employment outcomes at the completion of their study. Flexible and responsive to the needs of the community, SIT creates learning opportunities to meet the requirements of a changing workforce.

Supportive learning environment – SIT graduates frequently comment on how well they were supported during their time studying. This comes in the form of great facilities, easy access to tutors, student nurse, counsellors, student leisure areas, and

The best gear anywhere – SIT students train with cutting-edge technology, producing graduates well-equipped with current and desirable skills to enter the workforce. The continued priority to invest in technology ensures SIT students receive one of the most contemporary education experiences currently available anywhere in NZ. Choose SIT, you know you want to! – At SIT we believe it’s all about the people.

Enrol now for 2021 and discover southern hospitality in the caring, supportive learning environment of our campuses. Choose the future you want for yourself. Here’s some remarks from those who chose SIT (and couldn’t be happier!).

“Studying at SIT gives me real-world, practical work knowledge, it’s been much better than other studies where I did 99 percent theory and haven’t used it even once.” - Yogesh, Carpentry graduate.

“SIT has been a huge part of my family’s success, following their studies, to obtain work.”

“I have no student debt.” - Damian, Architectural Technology student.

“I would recommend study at SIT to anyone due to the very supportive culture there, and the wide range of study options available.

It’s been nice to see other kids my age studying and making a start on their careers at SIT.” - Arohaina, Carpentry student.

“Since completing the pre-trade joinery course, I am pleased to say I have started my apprenticeship at Pooles Joinery. I highly recommend this course, not only did I gain skills and knowledge but I also gained the confidence that has led to a new career path.” - Nicola, Joinery graduate Phone 0800 40 FEES (0800 40 3337). Look out for the TTAF logo on more programmes on the SIT website: https://www.sit.ac.nz/ Fees-Enrolments/TTAF-No-Fees The SIT Zero Fees Scheme (ZFS) is subject to NZ government policies.

SIT

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Issue #125 - B&C | 11

News

Three simple ways to free up your time You can’t get more time. But you can make yourself use it better. Business coach Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie explains how.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie.

Weird, right? When push came to shove, you did have time.

If you’re like most tradies, you’re so busy you can barely catch a breath right now.

Make hay while the sun shines. I couldn’t agree more.

The secret is, for the most part, things get done when they need to get done.

But there’s one small catch: The year isn’t over yet. Avoiding burnout is paramount.

For you, your family, your team, and for the success of your company.

In other words - time is elastic. That’s why we often get more done when we have less time to do it. We fit the task to the timeframe.

It’s Parkinson’s law: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

Try it: Set yourself deadlines. Shorten the allocated time.

Sucking it up “to just get through the next big job”? Not the best plan. Why? Because there’s always another “next big job” around the corner.

To stay on your game, handle the curveballs of this “new normal”, maintain strong margins and profits (and still have family time) you’re going to need tried-and-true strategies that work in the real world.

You’ll need to get a better handle on managing your time.

Here are three of my favourite insights:

#1: Only 20 percent of tasks move the needle Heard of the 80/20 law? Here’s how it works: • 80% of referrals come from 20% of your contacts • 80% of your profit comes from 20% of the jobs you do • 80% of the problems come from 20% of your clients • 80% of staff issues come from 20% of your team (if you have 10 staff, most of the headaches are caused by the same one or two) etc.

It’s the same with your time: 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts.

In eight hours at work, you’ll find that less than two hours of your time is spent on tasks that make a real difference.

Take a look at your week. What are the things that move the needle?

Instead of reacting to the demands of the day, step back, just for a moment.

childcare) reported higher levels of satisfaction with life.

Don’t let other people’s priorities dominate your day.

This was true regardless of income level, even when participants had very little disposable cash.

Identify the 20 percent of tasks on your plate that drive results - things that move you closer to your goals.

Here’s how: Grab a piece of paper. On the left, list all your daily and weekly activities.

On the right, write down your recent wins.

Then draw a line to connect your wins to tasks directly responsible for making them happen. Then you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts.

Start each day by jotting down your top three tasks. Do the most important or hardest one first. Minimise interruptions during this time.

Remember: You can’t do it all anyway. So you’re going to have to choose. Be strategic and intentional about how you spend your time. And you’ll be way ahead.

#2: Using money to save time makes you happier As a skilled professional, you probably think it’s crazy when a homeowner wants to DIY. It’s stressful. It takes longer. And the quality isn’t nearly as good.

But here’s something really interesting: Most of us DIY stuff inside our own business. All the time.

Profit-generating tasks might be: Speaking with key clients; negotiating deals; organising your team; staff training and keeping standards high; setting targets with your team; working on profitability; hiring; streamlining systems so things happen without you being involved every step of the way... and so on.

I’ll tell you what though. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the wrong things. Fires and squeaky wheels distract you from what you should be doing. This can leave you shattered week after week.

Chasing your tail. Frustrated there is no time left to make the business better. No time left to get the important stuff done.

A study by University of British Columbia found people felt happier when they spent money on a time-saving purchase, rather than a material one.

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Let’s be honest: The bulk of your time is probably spent on stuff you could pay someone else $30/hour (or less) to do.

Did you know using your money to free up your time actually makes you happier?

People who invested in time-saving services (such as house cleaning, grocery/ meal delivery, lawn mowing, errands,

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Let’s apply this to business. Take another look at your to-do list. Ask: Does this task need to be done? For real? Does it need to be done by me? Who else could do this?

Could you outsource, employ an admin person, foreman, an extra pair of hands on the tools?

Do you need to be: Answering the phone 24/7 (dealing with the tyre-kickers)?

Wrestling paperwork, doing all the bookkeeping (invoicing, following up late payers, handling payroll)? Fiddling around sorting out IT issues, or wasting 40 minutes fixing the printer? Manning social media? Running out to collect materials for jobs? (could you pay for delivery?)

Don’t get me wrong - delegating is not just about handing work over – but also checking in to ensure it’s done to the same high standards you expect.

Letting go is easier than you think. But having the confidence to let go - staying in control - happens by putting in place standards and systems so you can trust your team will get it done right.

Don’t forget to consider what you can automate. Bad systems cost you time and make your life harder. You might invest in apps so you can get paid on the spot, log timesheets, use GPS, or project management software for job tracking, and to keep clients updated/get the same information out to everyone in real time.

#3: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion Ever swore you couldn’t possibly fit one more task into your busy day - then something urgent cropped up, and somehow you still got everything done?

Here’s another clue: “My #1 productivity hack is understanding the difference between “doing” and “done”. When you shift your focus from what you are going to be “doing” in a given time period, to what you are going to get “done”, your productivity skyrockets.” Dr Sam Hazledine By now you’ll be wondering: Can I use this idea with my team? Heck yes!

Give your crew set targets for when you expect the job to be completed by. How many hours are allocated on fixed price jobs before you start eating away at profit? Break it down to each stage to stay on track.

Sure, sometimes things take longer and delays are unavoidable. But I can almost guarantee if you adjust expectations and set targets, you’ll shave significant time off each job.

A drainlayer I worked with would book inspections on jobs before they were complete. When they didn’t, jobs would take 2 ½ days instead of the usual 2. Staff productivity increased when “gotta get it done because the inspector is turning up on Friday” was in play. Interesting isn’t it?

Let’s wrap things up A word of caution: Ideas are useless without execution. Yet to get results you don’t have to implement every idea that comes along.

Just the ones that make the most difference.

You can have your nights and weekends back and a highly successful business. My clients have achieved this and so can you.

Like the idea of getting some support and accountability to be the best version of yourself as a business owner? Book a free call with me. It’s a zero-pressure chat to see if private one-on-one mentoring might be right for you.

Go here and book a time now: www.nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 13

News

Shooting yourself in the foot The five biggest mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them Stacey Price, financial coach, accountant and the founder of Healthy Business Finances shares the biggest mistakes small business owners make and how to avoid them.

We had one client decide to take matters into her own hands when wanting a bank loan. She walked into her bank and requested a loan, no budgets, no cash flows, no projections, no two-year forecast. The bank simply said no!

Another client did come to us and we spent several rounds of calculations, assumptions, financial reports until we had a complete workbook she could provide to the bank.

With the evolution of cloud accounting software (think MYOB, Xero, Quickbooks Online), business owners tend to sign up to a software subscription under the impression that because they have chosen an accounting system, the end numbers the system spits out are accurate and reliable.

With no financial security as her backup, the bank approved her $80k small business loan within 48 hours and said that was the most detailed set of financials they had seen.

5. A shoebox is not a storage system

Think again.

The old saying of “rubbish in, rubbish out” has never been more important than when it comes to business owners (who do not have a financial background,) taking on the role of bookkeeper/accountant in their own business.

ATO rules and regulations say that you need to keep source documents and proof of purchase for a minimum of five or seven years depending on your structure.

While those in the startup phase often don’t have spare cash to outsource everything, there are ways to still get help in a more cost-effective way.

before you start your business. Spend 5-6 hours of your time nutting this out, and don’t flush $20k down the drain playing a guessing game.

Often business owners are completely oblivious to any mistakes.

2. It is too expensive to have accounting software

Here Stacey sheds some light on some of the biggest financial mistakes she has seen:

1. I am just going to pluck pricing out of mid-air It is such a pivotal part of the success or failure of a business. We had a client come to us wanting some help with her pricing and cash flow forecasting.

No problems, however, by the time we had done the sums, we had to advise the client they would need to sell 200 units a month just to breakeven. And in eight months no units had been sold.

Sadly, the reality was the business was not a viable idea as it stood because the pricing model was just all wrong.

Do some “what if” scenarios to determine if you are comfortable with the outcome

3. My uncle has taken care of it for me We love that family (or friends) want to help and support your business, but if they don’t have a financial background be wary of the help they are providing.

If we had a dollar for each time we heard this a week, we would be writing this from the Bahamas.

Accounting software that covers payroll, inventory, budgeting, income, expenses and reporting starts at around $25 a month and goes up to around $60 a month.

We had a client sign up to accounting software after much debate and in the first week when she saw her bank transactions she realised she was paying for a gym membership for the past 18 months despite tearing her achilles and not setting foot inside the gym.

The accounting software was $50 a month and her gym membership was $88 a month.

So, her accounting software could have saved her that unnecessary expense.

We recently had a client pay employees in cash causing issues with end of year payment summaries, superannuation was not being paid for two years, as the uncle never told them about it, the business was not registered for Workcover despite having four staff and the list of things goes on.

The implications of these mistakes (or lack of advice) has cost the business owner many thousands of dollars in fines and penalties.

There is so much to get you head around when starting a business – financial coaching sessions cover all these topics and more.

4. The level of detail is just not important, so I will do it myself While yes, you will save on costs to prepare things like cash flows and budgets yourself, often an accountant is far more qualified to get the level of detail you need.

That is a long time given some receipts fade after about three months.

We had a client receive an audit for payroll tax purposes dating back three years. They were required to provide source documents including contractor invoices to prove the work done.

Keeping things in a shoebox means any kind of audit is stressful and time consuming.

Thankfully, the client had all filing cabinets neatly labelled by month and year and we were able to provide everything that was asked.

To summarise Financial mistakes cost more than just money. They can cost you in time, stress, family arguments, brand reputation and mental health issues for those involved.

But help is out there and a tailored training session could be all that you need to invest in to get the guidance that you need.

A review and tidy up of your numbers could set you on the right path, and before you know it, those numbers, which are vital to run a financially sustainable business, might just start to make sense.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 15

Hyundai Material Handling – lifting the bar Hyundai is a world-renowned brand, known for quality, innovation and affordability.

Recognising their potential and following substantial growth over a 10-year period, the decision was made in 2017 to separate from construction equipment and set up the stand alone Hyundai Material Handling equipment division (HMH), specialising in forklifts.

The focus now is to continue developing the product to exceed that of its counterparts in the automotive and construction sector.

HMH has invested heavily in R&D, to the point they now lead the way in terms of safety, innovation and performance.

Following consistent sales for over a decade, HMH introduced their new 9 series forklift products in 2015, ranging from one ton battery electrics through to 25 ton large diesel lift trucks.

It was immediately evident Hyundai was lifting the bar, looking to stand out from the crowd and lead the industry forward.

experience, with industry leading response times, ensuring your equipment is operating to its full potential, minimising downtime and maximising your business performance.

We work with you from day one to understand your business requirements and provide a total materials handling solution.

With six branches nationwide, contact one of our specialists today to discuss your business requirements.

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Hyundai had leapfrogged their competitors with technological advances straight from the factory such as speed limiting, digital load indicators, and auto fork levelling alongside never before seen safety features including reversing cameras and an automatic electronic parking brake.

The Hyundai product is built to handle any situation from a flat warehouse floor distribution centre through to rough terrain timber mills and the harsh environment of concrete manufacturing plants.

Halbro Forklifts Ltd, a forklift sale, rental and service provider, is the sole distributor of the Hyundai Material Handling product range within New Zealand. 100 percent locally owned and operated with nearly four decades of experience in selling, leasing and servicing forklifts commercially, we have the experience and expertise to support our exceptional product offering.

At Halbro Forklifts Ltd we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible customer

Harris Taylor Limited As part of the accounting team at Harris Taylor, we welcome new clients. I find a number of modern business professionals loathe to give helpful professional accounting advice on real issues that matter.

People today need advice around wealth, succession, taxation and structure.

Contracting, investment, trusts and business employment are complex issues nowadays and with straightforward advice, it can

be made easier to plan and profit in the business world. At Harris Taylor we pride ourselves on the ability to provide our clients with positive action and then create positive results, our company motto.

30 years and have extensive commercial and public practice experience.

Professionals owe it to our clients to work hard for their success where legislation, finance, taxation and governments can often be difficult areas to navigate. That is the area where sound advice is so valuable, enabling business people to work smarter not harder to gain more. I find this area of accounting practice the most satisfying, seeing hard working clients really grow their wealth and get the rewards they deserve from their endeavours.

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Hyundai Material Handling are a world class leading forklift brand with exceptional features, safety and innovation. With 40 years industry knowledge and 6 branches nationwide, Halbro Forklifts can provide a total material handling solution to maximise your business performance.

Contact Halbro Forklifts today to discuss your business requirements Ph: 0508 HYUNDAI (0508 498 6324) Email: sales@hyundaiforklifts.co.nz Web: www.hyundaiforklifts.co.nz Northland – Auckland – Tauranga – Palmerston North – Nelson – Christchurch

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Issue #125 - B&C | 17

News

Building our way out of the housing crisis CROSS PARTISAN SUPPORT NEEDED TO BRING NEW ZEALAND’S URBAN PLANNING INTO THIS CENTURY

This release of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) in July was a step in the right direction.

“Such collaboration will allow the sector to move beyond the never-ending cycle of sole planning stages and into the implementation and delivery of developments that shape cities and enable communities to thrive.

“In practical terms, the NPS-UD will mean that although there may be an ability (from a planning perspective) to intensify cities, the developer would only do so if the numbers stacked up. The market will dictate this feasibility.”

However, Property Council New Zealand chief executive, Leonie Freeman says it will not solve our housing crisis overnight.

The Property Council, which represents over 600 member companies who have a collective $50 billion investment in New Zealand property, are calling on politicians to work together, allowing proposed changes to enable development and rekindle the economy.

The NPS provides a long-term planning framework for councils to ensure it creates well planned and functioning cities. It is hoped to reduce fragmentation and ensure we have enough amenities such as housing, schools, hospitals, business areas to meet the needs of communities and cities in New Zealand.

The councils are now tasked to develop these plans over the next few years.

Property Council’s submission on the draft NPS-UD called for Future Development Strategies to be compulsory for all medium and high growth councils (rather than solely high growth councils). high demand or areas that are a walkable distance from existing or planned public transport (noting there are a list of exceptions specified such as heritage, open spaces and many other circumstances) • The abolishment of car parking requirements for developers (lending towards a more market-driven approach)

The NPS-UD was released by Minister Phil Twyford today, with several notable changes from the previous draft. The most significant include:

• Tier 1 and 2** councils will be required to work collaboratively to produce a ‘Future Development Strategy’ which sets out a long-term vision for accommodating urban growth.

• Tier 1* council plans are to enable building heights of at least six storeys in areas of

This is welcome news for the property industry, Leonie says, as the NPS-UD directs

councils to encourage intensification and enable development that, in time, could ease the housing shortage and unaffordability issues.

“Good quality planning takes time,” she says. “With the first Future Development Strategies to be developed by 2024 we can’t afford to continually move the goal posts for local authorities, planners and developers.

“If the Government is serious about building our way out of crisis and ensuring New Zealander’s a future of well-planned, fit-forpurpose infrastructure, then the politicians will need to come together and focus on what is best for our communities and cities.

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“We are pleased to see the Government has taken on board our advice, which will better allow for collaboration and alignment of regional planning across New Zealand,” she says.

“Clear planning provides certainty for future development and builds confidence in the sector.” (*) Tier 1 councils are local authorities located in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. (**) Tier 2 councils are local authorities located in Whangārei, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier Hastings, Palmerston North, Nelson Tasman, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Chemwash

First impressions count Chemwash is a trusted, national brand that has been keeping residential and commercial exteriors spick and span since 1981. Way back then they developed their revolutionary non-poisonous and non-toxic detergents to ease away dirt, grime, build-up, grease and soot – without risk of damage.

This system replaced high pressure water blasting, which was the norm in those days, and is still used extensively today by many other cleaning companies. These detergents also kill mould, fungus and lichen without harming vegetation and are safe to use around children and pets. could include entrance ways, paths and railing, carparks, and other high traffic areas.

They can also ensure zero face-to-face contact throughout the entire process.

Regularly cleaning a property’s exterior prevents nature from taking over and deteriorating the structure. Mildew and mould, once it gets hold, can damage paint.

A professional building wash can also rid its exterior of spider webs, eggs and the mess they leave behind.

Chemwash has branches all over New Zealand that are individually owned and operated by local people. No commercial cleaning contract is too big or too small – whether it is one wall of a commercial building or an annual ongoing contract with hundreds of buildings. They can submit a detailed and professional tender for a contract in a short time frame.

More than just buildings and houses, Chemwash can clean anything outside! Their services include the cleaning of windows, decks, concrete, roofs, gutters, pavers, tennis courts and more. Another area of expertise is pest control. Their methods are safe and effective, and there are many non-toxic solutions available.

The truth is that first impressions count, no matter the industry. Chemwash can provide competitive quotes for schools, retirement villages, hotels and motels, apartment blocks and office buildings, factories, annual contract agreements, tunnels and bridges, boats, parking, and more.

To help create safer environments, Chemwash offers exterior sanitisation for any business or service. Their methods and detergents are effective at disinfecting surfaces, creating a much safer environment for both customers and staff. At risk surfaces

The advantage of calling a nearby Chemwash operator to help is that they can tackle any sized job, residential or commercial, with a state of the art health and safety system that is updated annually. They have received all kinds of jobs in the past, and enjoy the challenge that some properties offer. When using Chemwash customers are always assured of

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As a company Chemwash continues to research and develop new products to meet current demands for safe and environmentally friendly products. All detergents used in residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial situations are safe and break down easily.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 19

News

Building ingenuity US engineer designs resilient building for no extra cost with a little help from his Kiwi friends A “magic bullet” from a Canterbury engineer provided the key for leading US engineer David Mar to demonstrate that more resilient buildings in earthquake zones do not need to cost more than conventional buildings.

The low-damage design expert spoke to New Zealand engineers about Casa Adelante, a recently completed affordable housing project in San Francisco, that successfully delivered a high-performance building for almost no additional cost.

David Mar was keynote speaker at the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) webinar series thanks to the support of the Earthquake Commission (EQC) , where he spoke about designing resilient, affordable buildings that can continue to function after an earthquake.

David Mar.

“Many of the units in the San Francisco project were for very low-income and formerly homeless seniors – people who don’t necessarily have options like staying with relatives or in a hotel if their building is damaged by an earthquake,” David says. “That got us really thinking about the design.”

“This low-damage designed building will keep functioning under much bigger earthquake loads and allow people to keep living in the building.

Casa Adelante, a recently completed affordable housing project in San Francisco, that successfully delivered a high-performance building for almost no additional cost, designed by David Mar.

"

This low-damage designed building will keep functioning under much bigger earthquake loads and allow people to keep living in the building.

"

“For example, windows are far less likely to break and the building will stay waterproof and heat-tight,” he says.

David explains that his team started designing a conventional building, as well as running a parallel design process for a high seismic performance building.

“About half way through the design, we realised that with the fine-tuning we were doing, the costs were about the same, so we asked the client if we could go ahead with a low-damage design building,” he says.

The aim was to deliver a zero-cost increase, but ended up spending an additional $100,000 on a $42m project to include the low-damage design components.

David says that while most of the design process focused on fine-tuning a conventional concrete building with structural walls, Professor Geoff Rodgers from the University of Canterbury, provided a missing piece of the design puzzle.

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“We knew that a good design approach for these types of buildings was to allow them to rock on their foundations in an earthquake and then come back to centre, so they don’t get as damaged.

“We started with this concept and looked at every aspect of the building and made adjustments that gave a big resilience increase overall,” David says.

Most of the building was behaving well under earthquake simulations, except for one tricky area where the design was stuck.

He was sketching details of the problem in a hotel lobby during a US-Japan-New Zealand seismic workshop in Nara Japan when he encountered Professor Rodgers from the University of Canterbury.

Professor Rodgers shared his research where the team was developing and testing a type of “damper” system that was both powerful and compact.

It was the perfect fit for the project, and the two started collaborating on the design.

“That was the magic bullet and gave us a way to essentially bury the damper in the foundations, so that it would limit peak foundation loads, and absorb energy from shaking to manage the rocking.

“So the success of this building in San Francisco was a really international affair,” David says.

Case Adelante is the first multi-unit housing project to be evaluated by the US Resilience Council, earning a gold rating.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 21

News

The idiot’s guide to staff Christmas parties It is now Christmas staff party time, and while you might welcome this as the beginning of the holiday season, it is a time fraught with danger.

Letting your hair down is one thing – but when you’re faced with a colleague or boss sitting you down the next day and explaining how you embarrassed yourself in front of your colleagues at the work party, it’s something else entirely.

So for your upcoming Christmas party/social event, look after your colleagues and make sure you leave the following ‘mates’ behind.

Embarrassing you The last thing you want to do is fall over, cause a scene and embarrass colleagues, as well as yourself. Not only does it make them feel uncomfortable, but you will be the one left red faced.

image; no one wants to be known as the ‘office bicycle’.

Taking advantage you It is not tactically smart to ask your boss for pay rise, promotion, or time off at the office party – hassling him/her is not going to get you anywhere.

Aggressive you Instigating conflict verbally or physically intimidating people and making jokes at other people’s expense is just plain and simply bullying. No one likes an ‘office bully’ or a ‘loud mouth’.

Karaoke you

No matter what you think about your colleagues, boss or even someone’s partner, it doesn’t mean you should tell them. Not a great way to start the New Year.

Even if you think you’re the next big thing, other people may think you sound like a drowning cat. That’s fine in moderation, but not if you spend the entire party screaming into a microphone; let others get involved and stop being annoying.

Slutty you

Rambling you

No matter how gorgeous you think he or she may be, throwing yourself at a co-worker isn’t the best look. It’s not funny to strip, hit on everyone, or cheat (if you have a partner).

These antics will not leave you with a great

If you find yourself mumbling, slurring, telling people you love them, repeating yourself, drowning your sorrows, then maybe it's time to call and cab and head home before you start to get on people nerves.

Brutally honest you

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CONCRETE SLEEPER RETAINING WALLS

A retaining wall system comprising of reinforced concrete sleepers and galvanized steel posts.

Choose from a variety of sleeper types including Timberlook, Smooth & Slate

RETAINING SYSTEMS

• Sleepers • Posts • Fence Brackets • Post Caps

info@kongcrete.nz • 022 515 0511 • kongcrete.nz 22 | B&C - Issue #125

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Experienced concrete contractor specialising in house slabs, driveways, paths and patios Servicing the greater Auckland region

A solid slab and driveway are key parts of a good home. Get yours right by booking the expert concrete layers at Auckland-based Sunset Concrete Ltd

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Sunset Concrete Ltd is an established Aucklandbased concrete contractor backed by over 15 years’ expertise in the concrete industry in America and New Zealand. From concrete slabs to give your property a solid foundation to stamped concrete driveways and patios for the finishing touch, our team can help. You can also take advantage of our earthmoving services to make sure your section is ready for building.

CALL US NOW! 09 889 6872

Email: sunsetconcreteltd@gmail.com www.sunsetconcreteltd.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 23

News

The difference a conversation can make A POCKET GUIDE FOR HELPING YOUR MATES

Got a mate who’s looking down, isn’t themselves, maybe gone a bit quiet?

You want to help but aren’t sure how?

A pocket guide called How to have a conversation about mental health has great advice on looking after friends and colleagues.

And it’s easy to lend an ear, listen, and have a conversation with someone, says Paul Lynch, a guy who knows what it’s like to do it tough.

“Just listen, let them speak, and validate what they’re saying. It doesn’t have to be a crisis intervention.” There are emergency numbers provided in the pocket guide if the situation requires higher intervention.

“I know myself, once you’ve unburdened yourself of something that’s been troubling you, a lot of the pressure goes away with the words.”

The free pocket guide has been created by Dr Kate Bryson of Axon Consulting, one of the key researchers who worked on Site Safe’s study into suicide in the construction sector last year, in consultation with industry people.

It’s an open-ended question he came up with after dealing with depression himself and is detailed in his book Lengthening the Shadows.

It can be a dark topic, but the book is a moving, funny account about a guy who carried on too long struggling on by himself.

One of the three winners of the Kalmar Mental Health and Wellbeing Award last year, along with Paul Lynch and the team from The Switched On Group, Dave put money from his book towards the pocket guide and he says it is full of good advice.

Kristal McGill from The Switched On Group also says the pocket guide is a top resource and they will use it.

He says that’s where the pocket guide helps.

“I’ve always said, it’s not like we don’t care or want to check up on our mates, it’s just we often don’t know how to. We need to change that.”

Dave Burt agrees, and says helping someone is actually pretty easy.

The Christchurch carpet and vinyl installer lost his brother Brett to suicide in 2013. It took him a while to shake off resulting anger and darkness that he felt, but he did, and wrote the book Suicide; Aftermath & Beyond about it.

Site Safe offers the guide in conjunction with Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ), the Mental Health Foundation and Mates in Construction.

He has made it his mission to help people in the trades talk about things that are getting them down and he says the guide, released earlier this year, is a top tool to do this.

Be approachable – don’t judge and don’t try to have all the answers.

Be empathetic – try and put yourself in their shoes.

“This will build on training provided during 2019 and will take all people leaders through our best-practice approach, our resources and our support for both the manager and individuals involved,” Kristal says.

Paul says people don’t have to be a counsellor or a therapist to help; they just have to take time to listen.

Be willing to listen – give them your full attention and let them know it is confidential between you and them.

Paul says one of the issues people worry about in dealing with mental health is that they don’t feel they’re qualified to help.

“Think of someone in your life who means a lot to you; be it a family member, colleague or maybe a mate,” Dave says.

“In my experience in about 99 times out of a hundred, all that’s required is a conversation. It’s that simple act of letting people talk or share something they might be going through.

Auckland electrical contractor Dave Burt uses a question to break the ice with people that is one of the suggested phrases in the guide: “What’s happening in your world?”

“The truth is you don’t need to know anything about it, you just need to be a decent enough person to allow somebody to speak and to get whatever’s on their mind, off their mind.”

“Take the time to connect and ask them what is going on in their world. You might just be surprised by what you hear, and what a difference you can make in someone else’s life.”

The key messages in it are:

Currently it is focusing on how alcohol can affect people at work and home, and how to reach out to services if they, or someone close, may be struggling with addiction issues.

We provide domestic and commercial heat pumps, air conditioning and ventilation solutions including 24 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

“You may not be aware, but every one of us possesses a very powerful gift. You may not know that you have this gift, but trust me on this, you do – it is the power to give and provide hope.

“Having experienced depression, I can tell you hope is something I will never take for granted again. For those dealing with a mental health issue, hope is all powerful.

Northside Plumbing Northside Plumbing is a small business that has been running for 10 years now. We are a close-knit team that works well alongside each other – we thrive on all challenges and jobs we are given; no job is ever too small or too big.

Our work ranges from new builds, renovations, maintenance and light commercial jobs.

With our experienced team of certified plumbers and gas fitters, we provide a reliable, efficient service. We cover all gas fitting and plumbing work, with fast service Auckland-wide.

We pride ourselves on customer service and anything you need; you can count on us to make the process that much easier for you.

You can check out the team and our work on both Facebook and Instagram by searching Northside Plumbing. Give us a call today to speak to our friendly office staff for all enquiries you may have.

Office Phone: 09 2150901 OFFICE@NORTHSIDEPLUMBING.CO.NZ

WWW.NORTHSIDEPLUMBING.CO.NZ

The Installers The company started in November 2009 as a home maintenance company.

In March 2010, we did our first insulation installation under the Government insulation scheme.

We continued to insulate houses during the EECA Heat Smart programme, which continued to its conclusion in June 2013.

At that stage a new scheme, EECA Healthy Homes, was started and we continued to operate, insulating homes under the new scheme.

In 2011, a personal injury forced the manager to stop the home maintenance portion and primarily focus on insulation.

This scheme discounts structure concluded in June 2016 which then was replaced again.

We decided to separate from the funding scheme at that stage.

This was due to the manager personally working on the home maintenance portion and having employees doing the insulation installing.

We are now contracted as insulation installers to three larger companies, who had an established sales structure but was lacking in the retro installer side.

These companies heard of our reputation in the Waikato region as retro installers with an eye for detail and high quality of work.

We take pride in our work, with our employees continuously trained and audited to ensure the installs are done up to the NZS4246 insulation standards.

Our employees are rewarded for showing high quality of workmanship and deducted, should they fail in workmanship.

We offer a great price for the install, straight off the bat. We don’t charge administrative or other hidden prices to surprise you.

• Insulation Services • Insulfluff Removal • Healthy Homes Inspections • Ventilation • Garage Carpet 07 260 3161 enquiries@theinstallers.nz www.theinstallers.nz

• Contract Installing www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 25

tanascaffolding.co.nz tana.nz Formwork False Work/Propping Scaffolding Grandstand Seating & Staging Jason McCormack 021 784 528 / 09 236 3805 jasonm@tana.nz 26 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

We can handle everything from blocked drains to heater installations and everything inbetween!

Martin Plumbing & Gas Services Ltd offer a wide range of plumbing expertise. Having been established since 1978 we have the know-how and vast experience in all aspects of commercial, industrial and residential plumbing and gas fitting works.

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Phone: (09) 570 2052 Mobile: 027 482 4503 Email: info@martinplumbing.co.nz www.martinplumbing.co.nz

QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL BCITO TONY HORSFALL M: 021 935 699 T: 09 533 5566 P.O.Box 82264 Highland Park, Auckland. 2010

Member of TANZ Tile Association of New Zealand.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 27

ODL Construction

Specialist In Construction Of Residential Landscapes • Decking • Fencing • Retaining Walls • Driveways • Swimming Pools • Outdoor Living • Landscape Design • Landscaping We have a skilled team of landscapers capable of building you the ultimate kiwi outdoor entertaining area.

ODL Construction Creating stunning outside spaces that meet the requirements of our clients is our specialty at ODL Construction.

We work with both residential and commercial clients on large jobs and small.

want a complete overall, everything starts with design.

It is our attention to detail, experience, and knowledge of landscaping design and construction that sets us apart from the competition.

An expert team

We’ve been creating beautiful outside spaces for over 15 years, and we still have the same passion for the work today as we did back then.

We are able to deliver the highest standards in the industry for our customers because of the experience of our team.

We also have a broad range of skills on our team, enabling us to offer a full range of landscaping services.

This includes everything from swimming pool construction to laying a new lawn to building a new deck. Whether you want to enhance your outside space with a new feature, you have a blank canvas, or you

P: 022 176 2909 E: info@odlconstruction.co.nz www.odlconstruction.co.nz 28 | B&C - Issue #125

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We are able to deliver the highest standards in the industry for our customers because of the experience of our team. We also have a broad range of skills on our team, enabling us to offer a full range of landscaping services. This includes everything from swimming pool construction to laying a new lawn to building a new deck.

Design expertise Whether you want to enhance your outside space with a new feature, you have a blank canvas, or you want a complete overall, everything starts with design.

At ODL Construction, we’ll make sure the design concept we develop looks fantastic, is practical, and meets all your requirements, including your budget requirements.

Safety Nets

Staying safe while working at heights Working at height is risky, but it should not be dangerous.

There are ways of managing the risks to ensure that everyone involved goes home safely at the end of the day.

For example, as a sparky on site, have you spoken to the gib stopper about keeping the floor clear so you can both use ladders or work platforms safely?

Providing the right tools for the job is paramount for workers working at height to avoid life-changing injuries.

One of the key recommendations was that scaffolding should be used wherever possible, even on residential builds. Today it is common to see scaffolding on sites and industry has largely embraced this shift in working, with many taking advantage of the onsite efficiencies that come with using scaffolding.

As an industry the construction sector has made some real strides to reduce the number of injuries, but it is clear that we all still have work to do.

The introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) put a renewed focus on health and safety for many businesses.

The challenge for the construction industry around working from heights is translating this into sustained cultural change that results in fewer injuries and helps your bottom line.

Essentially this is a return to the good old days when we used to talk to each other on site, but now it includes a discussion about risk.

Of course, there are a lot of myths out there. Everyone’s heard them – you can’t use stepladders or you have to use a scaffold or a harness if you’re working a foot off the ground.

The Act also introduced the concept of overlapping duties. This puts a duty on all parties involved on a site to work together to manage health and safety. This boils down to having conversations with all players involved onsite and deciding which business should take the lead in managing the identified risks.

Of course not every project requires fullon scaffolding. Sometimes a job is short duration and low risk. That’s when it might be perfectly reasonable to use a step ladder or a safety harness instead.

Safe use of safety nets 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.

It is up to you how you manage the risk from working at height. While we recommend the use of scaffolding, there is no rule requiring you to do so.

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.

But why wouldn’t you? Not only does a good scaffold improve worker safety – once it’s erected it can lift productivity onsite, helping everyone from chippies to sparkies and painters.

Safety nets are collective fall arrest systems, not fall restraint systems. That is, they provide passive protection from falls while allowing people to work at height without restricting their movement.

SAFETY NETS ALLOW WORKS TO CONTINUE ABOVE AND BELOW THE NET, UNLIKE OTHER PLATFORM SYSTEMS

Collective fall arrest systems include safety nets, and soft-landing systems, or fall arrest mats.

Key points about safety nets: • Safety nets installed below a high-level work area reduce the distance a person can fall • Safety nets are designed to deflect and absorb the energy of a fall so they reduce the likelihood of a person being injured • There must be enough clear space below the net so that as the net deflects, the person who has fallen does not strike an obstacle or the ground • Safety nets allow people to work at height without restricting their movement.

• Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed a fall through protection system that has been independently tested and certified by Massey University • There is a “duty to test” placed on all PCBU’s by the HSWA ( 2015) to ensure that the systems that they use are without risk to their workforce.

• By using our system you have the comfort of knowing that you have taken all reasonably practicable steps in regard to this obligation • 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

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 29

Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

Base build contract works for Ormiston Medical Centre Construction commenced on the Ormiston Medical Centre project on 21st May 2019, giving Kalmar Construction a 12-month programme to deliver the base build scope of works.

Kalmar has since been awarded practical completion for the base build contract, the final construction value of which was a little over $11.4 million.

The medical centre is expected to open to the public early next year on completion of Medispace’s six-month fit-out contract, which is already underway.

Todd Property is the developer behind the 3,000sqm, three-level medical centre, with joint venture partners East Care Group and East Health Services, the duo that are creating the full range of specialist health care services under a single roof.

The medical centre also forms part of the large-scale Ormiston Town Centre development which is actively under construction in the area.

The client’s project manager and engineers – the Building Intelligence Group – were responsible for co-ordination of the project.

The main contractor for the project was Kalmar Construction, one of Auckland’s

leading contractors with a reputation for professionalism, quality and timely delivery.

Kalmar’s very effective Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) ensured that the design and programme risks were identified in advance and mitigated collectively throughout the process.

Kalmar Construction was selected through a competitive P&G and margin tender process, followed by ECI, where the company provided a fixed lump sum contract price based on the detailed design documentation.

“The company negotiated the final price through an open book process, ensuring transparent negotiations and providing an up to date market value to the client,” Kalmar Construction project director, Neil Ball says.

Neil was introduced to the project in May 2019 following the pre-construction period, ECI and tender negotiations and went on to oversee the site team for the construction and delivery of the base build contract.

Neil “kept a handle” on the commercial

aspects of the construction delivery, as well as ensuring the site team, consulting design teams and client interfaces were managed effectively through the client’s project management firm, the Building Intelligence Group.

“Having a structured and robust reporting interface between internal and external stakeholders was a key part in developing an open communication style to create accountability within an environment for the project teams to co-ordinate with one another,” Neil says.

The lead consultant, Brewer Davidson Architects, took the lead on the design front and were responsible for coordinating the other primary disciplines. The structure was designed by Holmes Consulting, Services Engineering by Cosgroves Ltd and Fire Strategy by OnFire Ltd. Kalmar procured a total of 47 subcontractors with three design and build elements for the delivery of the project. Several of these were new subcontractors to Kalmar, part of a strategy to diversify its build partnerships within the marketplace.

Classique Landscapers Ltd Classique Landscapers Ltd has a very simple mission statement: to deliver the very highest quality landscaping at the fairest prices available in the upper North Island.

Classique’s Border Fencing division began the East Care Ormiston Road Medical Centre project for Kalmar Construction by building the retaining walls then laying the concrete pad the gas tanks stand on. Next, they tackled the Ako drains, a difficult job

given the proximity of columns to the building. One of the first on the job, they were also one of the last to leave, having installed the aluminium and timber fencing on the 3,000sqm site.

Classique provides all types of fencing and gates, as well as electronic security and access controls and can provide fully automated solutions including proximity sensors, keypads, intercom and safety beams.

Classique undertakes all aspects of hard and soft landscaping and their staff take huge pride in achieving the results their clients’ desire. They are one of the few landscaping companies to achieve ISO

45001 accreditation – a difficult rating to be awarded and a testament to the high quality of Classique’s work and processes.

Classique has worked with most of New Zealand’s largest commercial and civil construction companies for over 30 years, excelling at tasks including civil works, drainage landscaping, retaining walls and fencing, and it also undertakes residential projects of all sizes too.

If you would like your project to look amazing when complete and you are seeking a team you can rely on, call Classique today on 09 299 1335.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Unit 3, 100 Hunua Road, Papakura 2110 | 09 299 1335 | classiland@xtra.co.nz | www.classiquelandscapers.co.nz 30 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

"

The successful delivery of a construction project results from a collective process where ideas and design become something real that is built to a programme and financial budget constraints. The Ormiston Medical Centre is a prime example of this.

"

- Kalmar Construction project director, Neil Ball

Challenges and triumphs of the base build construction At the peak of the construction phase, there were around 75 people with a daily average of 55 onsite.

“Following the Alert Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown period, we managed to re-open the site and regain momentum very quickly.

“Nearly 100 percent of the workforce returned to the site within the first week, whereas many other construction sites were challenged by the strict Health and Safety protocols that were in place,” Neil says.

“This was only possible due to the huge effort placed on proactive and diligent planning that went on behind the scenes to ensure compliance would be strictly maintained when the government allowed construction to continue to operate under Alert Level 3 restrictions.

“The effects of COVID-19 have had a profound impact worldwide. Preparing for a global pandemic certainly tested the resilience of the economy, the industry, and our business.

“Taking a collaborative approach to managing the impact of COVID-19 was necessary for the successful outcome of the project.

“Other challenging aspects onsite were the continued complexities around fire rating and achieving the desired architectural finishes.

construction was relatively simple, cost-effective and allowed for the required tolerances.

“There were a number of these challenges on the project, where timber to steel connections needed to be considered in order to maintain the intumescent coating expansion zones.”

“The team encountered a challenge coordinating and revising the base build design to suit the tenant’s ongoing design changes.

Working closely with the architect (Brewer Davidson), fire engineer (OnFire) and coating supplier (Carboline Altex), with review by the structural engineer (Holmes) and facilitation by the project managers (TBIG), Kalmar contributed to developing innovative solutions across a wide range of issues.

One specific challenge was posed by the need to maintain a 50mm clear zone all around the steel to allow the intumescent paint to expand and protect the steel in a fire event.

By collecting, sharing and discussing the latest information, the team developed a detail with a footprint on the protected steel of only 13 percent of the maximum allowable under TABIG TGD13 guidance.

Using steel pipe spacers, 90x45 timber plates, standard M12 bolts and nail plates, the

“The project team put together a robust design management methodology that allowed joint design co-ordination from the early stage of the design phase that involved input from the on-site construction team.

“This proved very effective during the construction, given that the process minimised design clashes and enabled early tenant access to complete fit-out enabling works, preventing unnecessary re-work and delay to the fit-out contract works,” Neil explains.

There were elements of lateral thinking that were vital, ensuring the project was completed to the degree of excellence required.

Neil has enjoyed working with the client, design team and subcontractors involved on the project, both new and familiar faces.

Constructa Built Constructa Built was engaged

by Kalmar Construction to tender for the carpentry subcontract for the Ormiston Medical Centre as we had previously completed some successful projects for Kalmar, and we felt this one was a good fit given the high quality, high pressure build.

We had also worked on a couple of apartment builds at Stonefields for Todd Property Group who was the client on the Medical Centre and also with Gene Larson, Kalmar’s project manager on site as well.

We hit the ground running as soon as the carpentry was ready to start and barely got to catch a breath until the end, apart from the unexpected five weeks off for COVID-19; that was an unexpected and unwelcome break, not to mention coming back to all the extra protocols! We got through all of that and managed to complete the job to everyone’s expectations and are extremely

proud of the outcome, another job we are happy to add to our resume.

“We’ve used John Nelson from Constructa Built on the majority of our projects. One particular client has specified his services on all their jobs because of the consistently high standard of their work. They know how to work in on projects with us really well. Their team take their work very seriously and their supervision is astute. Constructa Built has a high level professionalism and takes pride in what it does.” -Neil Ball, Project Director, Kalmar Construction Ltd

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 31

Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

"

To help relieve some of the co-ordination pressure and provide flexibility for the design and construction team to work through complex situations, Kalmar re-sequenced some of the project tasks to maintain continuity for the subcontractors onsite. This was a team delivery from the design office to the construction site.

- Kalmar Construction project director, Neil Ball

Unique structures and feats of innovation The structure of the Ormiston Medical Centre was designed as a moment resistant frame, where the beam and column connections are rigidly connected, eliminating the need for lateral support bracing, which would be visible through the external glazing of the façade.

“The structure and façade shop drawing co-ordination phases were pretty intense and required careful coordination.

“Expectations around timely outputs to meet the construction schedule were a successfully planned process that could have seen delays to the project if they had not been managed effectively,” Neil says.

“To help relieve some of the co-ordination pressure and provide flexibility for the design and construction team to work through complex situations, Kalmar re-sequenced some of the project tasks to maintain continuity for the subcontractors onsite. This was a team delivery from the design office to the construction site.”

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Custom designed or selected from a wide range of standard items.

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8 King Street, Hamilton 3242 Phone: 0800 473 466 or 07 846 6146 www.segno.co.nz 32 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

From start to finish, Kalmar Construction took its role to the next level as the main contractor for the Ormiston Medical Centre base build.

Communicating effectively with the design team and their subcontractors, they came up with fresh and innovative solutions to ensure these matched the client’s vision.

“The successful delivery of a construction project results from a collective process where ideas and design become something real that is built to a programme and financial budget constraints. The Ormiston Medical Centre is a prime example of this.

“We’ve always understood and practised the imperative of having and continuing to have strongly developed relationships with our clients, subcontractors and supply chain.

“Selecting the right businesses to work with to ensure that a combined and balanced approach is taken has certainly helped towards our success and the success of those we partner with.

“Continuing to develop our relationship with this valued client has contributed to the successful delivery of this project.”

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Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

In partnership with Auckland Council’s redevelopment agency Panuku Development Auckland, Todd Property is developing the Ormiston Town Centre.

With over two thirds of the land area in the town centre project developed and more than 200 new homes built or under construction, Ormiston is an engaged and growing community that is looking to expand.

The 40,000sqm town centre is due for completion late 2020. Ormiston Town Centre will include around 100 retail and commercial tenants, a three-level parking structure and four major tenants expected to draw big crowds – Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, HOYTS Cinemas, and New World.

Kalmar Construction PO Box 33 446 Takapuna Auckland (09) 489 3470 info@kalmar.co.nz www.kalmar.co.nz

Formstress Precast Ltd Formstress Precast Ltd is a family run business based south of Auckland in Waiuku, specialising in the manufacture of prestressed concrete flooring systems.

We also offer additional precast components to complement the flooring, such as panels, beams, stairs, stair treads and balconies.

We provide prestressed and precast products throughout the North Island.

With more than 20 years in the industry, Formstress Precast are an accredited Concrete New Zealand and Ready-Mix New Zealand plant.

We are third party audited to ensure our Quality and Assurance systems meet the most current standards.

Formstress have assisted in the supply of products for projects of all scales, ranging from private house multi storey car parks, retirement villages and the occasional civil infrastructure job.

We are a competent team, with big ambitions and a ‘no job is too big or too small’ attitude.

Give our friendly team a call today, to discuss your options.

Formstress Precast Ltd 4 Hosking Place Waiuku 09 2357257 Info@formstress.co.nz www.Formstress.co.nz

We have a diverse and experienced team that strive to manufacture products that meet specifications and suit any design, all delivered on time and in full.

Due to our size and experience we can offer advice to meet designs, costs, and restrictions. Our in-house draughting, design and engineering team have a wealth of experience to offer.

Our onsite, computerised production system ensures you receive a quality product that is manufactured to New Zealand standards and tolerances and is suitable for purpose. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 33

Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

Revival Building Revival Building is a family run cladding installation business that has built up a trusted team of staff. We pride ourselves on the quality of workmanship, efficiency and adaptability.

Our managing director Doug Sigversten is a fully licensed building practitioner who has been in the building trade for over 50 years.

In that time Doug has developed a niche in exterior cladding.

Doug, along with his partner Tim Harries, also a LBP, and with 25 years' commercial experience, run Revival Building specialising in this niche.

The company has seen continuous growth and we are now able to fully service the north half of the North Island.

Here at Revival Building, we aim to keep abreast of new cladding techniques and products.

Of all the cladding materials and options available, Revival Building highly recommends the ‘Nu Wall extruded aluminum weatherboard system’, as used to great effect on the Ormiston Medical Centre, featured in this issue.

A stylish but tough weather board system that’s 100 percent Kiwi made and 100 percent recycleable with a 50+ year board guarantee.

Whatever product you choose for your project, we’re happy to discuss.

021 875 689 Tim 021 931 708 Doug

www.RevivalBuildingLtd.com Sales@RevivalBuildingLtd.com

Design Tints Design Tints has been providing quality products and services to the construction and fitout sectors for over 20 years. Many of our clients have been with us from the beginning and still keep coming back, as we deliver when required, especially on short notice.

PWC office Commercial Bay: Design Tints were chosen to provide graphics and signage to 6 levels for PWC new office in Commercial Bay. This was a test for us to provide high quality products and finish in a very short time and we delivered on all counts.

Design Tints have been providing quality products and services to the construction and fitout sectors for over 20 years. Many of our clients have been with us from the beginning and still keep coming back as we deliver when required especially on short notice.

Contact Design Tints today for hassle free prompt service and provide you with a stunning finish to your office.

Unit O, 150 Harris Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2013 Phone: 09 263 0505 | Email: info@designtints.co.nz | www.designtints.co.nz 34 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Through sheer hard work and determination, Design Tints became known for its high-quality production and superior installation and over time they positioned their company as an industry innovator by their increasing capacity to install graphics on a variety of media.

Design Tints also continues to innovate, through exploring and discovering approaches to handling new media and ways to print and apply window film to glass.

While its services continue to be extremely functional, they now also provide greater scope for artistic and creative applications.

It continues to be well respected for its fast turnaround of jobs and high quality workmanship.

Contact Design Tints today for hassle free prompt service and provide you with a stunning finish to your office fitout.

Our customer wanted privacy at different levels so Design Tints custom designed and printed film for their new office using the latest technology in printing white and gradient designs. The customer was pleased with the outcome.

Kalmar Construction – Ormiston Medical Centre

Specialists in Cladding - Construction - Commercial - Residential With over 20 years experience in the cladding industry, CCS Manufacture & Installations are specialist suppliers, fabricators and installers of Aluminium and ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) cladding.

CCS offers cladding solutions for exterior and interior projects from large construction projects to commercial builds/refurbishments, multi-storey apartments and residential builds.

CCS’s knowledge and expertise in the fabrication and installation of aluminium and ACP cladding has seen the company complete a multitude of projects, gaining the reputation of being a trusted and highly experienced cladding specialist.

From conception to completion, CCS works directly with clients and designers providing specialist cladding solutions.

Our experienced team ensures that projects are managed efficiently and effectively to achieve an exceptional finished project.

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Issue #125 - B&C | 35

Indesign Retail Designers

Medical centre fit-out success

"

One of Indesign Retail Designers’ most recent projects include a total fit out of Team Medical, one of Green Cross’ largest medical centres.

A lot of people will judge a design purely on its appearance, which is beautiful and it encompasses a lot of natural products, very strong branding, and messaging for the group, but its functionality is the key to its success.

The practice grew to 1,100sqm in floor area and included a reconfiguration of the entire medical centre.

Team Medical is a prominent and wellestablished medical centre on the Kapiti Coast. Due to the local community’s heavy reliance on the medical centre, the fit out took place as Team Medical continued to trade.

- Retail Design Consultants managing director Mark Greenland

As a result of the complexity of the project, Indesign Retail Design Consultants managing director Mark Greenland says the design process started as a large space planning exercise taking into consideration the client’s needs as well as how it would be built.

“Quite often because it wasn’t obvious at the design stage. The main contractor would be good enough to contact us and communicate through possible solutions.”

“Our design was very detailed to allow the practice to operate efficiently and function smoothly throughout the fit out.”

When unexpected issues arise, most people start reaching for their wallets. With Indesign however, the team does its best to come up with cost-effective solutions to stay within budget.

Before the fit out, the practice experienced difficulty managing patients across the three different disciplines including its general practice, urgent care and the specialist suites.

Established in 1998, the team at Indesign Retail Designers has years of experience working in a wide variety of environments including retail, pharmacies and medical centres.

Along with its design services, Indesign offers free initial consultations and can also assist its clients in site appraisals and lease negotiations.

The new design has a central reception and waiting area that now directs patients to each zone by clearly defined graphic treatment, signage and pathways. Using the same flooring within the three different disciplines and the pharmacy gives a feeling of continuity.

Indesign’s spatial designer, Ryno Brand, worked through a number of different configurations for the entire medical centre to provide the necessary consulting rooms, support rooms, storage, wait areas and additional toilets.

Giving an example, Mark says, “One of the issues that arose was that the ceiling that they were trying to retain wasn’t a seismic restraint. There were issues around fire protection not being upgraded as well.

“A lot of people will judge a design purely on its appearance, which is beautiful and it encompasses a lot of natural products, very strong branding, and messaging for the group, but its functionality is the key to its success.”

Green Cross is a primary health care provider which wants to make its medical centres, like Team Medical, feel less sterile and more welcoming.

This was achieved using natural timber, a softer colour palette and grey weatherboards to create a Kiwiana feel.

Also, considering Team Medical’s strong ties to its surrounding community, Indesign incorporated artwork by local artists and of Kapiti Coast landscapes into designated waiting areas.

To accommodate patients’ different needs, a variety of seating is available, including a bar leaner with electrical outlets for people to

Mark says, “In addition to the new suites, there were a lot of improvements made to the existing rooms”.

Directed by Tussock Ltd, the fit out was planned in four different phases so that the medical centre could continue to trade.

To support medical centre staff during the fit-out process, the team onsite would relocate medical equipment into completed areas overnight to allow clinicians to continue their work during operational hours.

It’s unsurprising when considering the demands and complexity of the fit out, the design process, planning and fit out took almost three years to complete.

36 | B&C - Issue #125

"

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plug in and charge their electronics as they wait to be served.

Aesthetics aside, Mark says, “It was a logistics exercise first and foremost; to make the space work for the patients and for the staff”.

Ryno prepared comprehensive design documentation with clear instructions for all contractors. A major part of the project’s success was the collaboration of the client, Green Cross Health, and the main contractors Tussock Ltd, Allen and Chapman and S&S Cabinetmakers who liaised with Ryno throughout the entire fit out.

However, every project has its disruptions which Ryno and the team took in stride.

Ryno says, “In any project there might be unexpected surprises that pose a problem with the design not working the way it was intended.

“We just worked together to come up with a solution that the council was happy with and kept within a reasonable budget.”

Taking into account the efforts Indesign and other contractors have made to improve the overall functionality of the medical centre, it’s easy to see their efforts have paid off. Rightfully so, the client, Green Cross Health, and Team Medical’s staff and patients are all delighted with the final outcome of the fit out.

Indesign Retail Designers 958 New North Road Mt Albert Auckland (09) 849 2140 info@indesign.net.nz www.indesign.net.nz

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Issue #125 - B&C | 37

Steel Construction

Leading the way Trailblazer and Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) CEO, Troy Coyle leads the way to effective steel fabrication and construction research.

After 40 years as an association, Dr Troy Coyle became HERA’s first female CEO in 2018.

Troy has a background in innovation, research and commercialisation management as a result of Troy working in biotechnology, medical radiation devices, superconductors, 3D printing, electromaterials, numeracy and literacy.

Furthermore, Troy is also the first HERA CEO who has had to contend with the challenge that a global pandemic presents to the building, construction and manufacturing sectors.

Troy says, “I have an ability, I suppose, based on my experience in innovation management, to predict movement in policies, consumer behaviours, funding mechanisms and market opportunities, that enables us to provide the underlying support for the industry to transform and respond in advance of disruption.”

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38 | B&C - Issue #125

“I am very conscious to use my voice at every opportunity I have to advocate on behalf of those who don’t have a voice at the table or to hold space so that they can.”

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“That is not acceptable or forward thinking and we all have a responsibility to change that.

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New Zealand, only 16 percent are women.

I would say the percentage of female CEOs or chairs in the industry is much lower.

W

“

Even though she considers the challenges she faces as a female in a male-dominated industry insignificant, Troy still has a sense of responsibility to other women in the industry.

Referring to a 2015 survey conducted by IPENZ, Troy says, “Of all the engineers in

Troy says, “I have a long-standing relationship and admiration of HERA.

NZ RECRUIT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE YOUR COMPANY WITH ALL ITS RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS.

HERA has a strong reputation for integrity and independence in its research activities, something it strongly invests in maintaining because research credibility is all important.”

N

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“The best way to describe a metalhead is someone who would drive over the Harbour Bridge and admire the beauty of the structural steel that forms the backbone of the structure instead of the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf!”

Eventually, Troy made the move to New Zealand Steel as the company’s Head of Innovation and Product Development where she also joined the HERA board – becoming the association’s first female Deputy Chair.

"

- HERA CEO, Troy Coyle

K

“HERA’s mission is to build a passionate tribe of metalheads who innovate successfully,” says Troy.

Before working in New Zealand, Troy worked at BlueScope Steel in the Illawarra, Australia’s leading steel region. While at BlueScope Steel, Troy gained much knowledge and experience in steel innovation.

I am very conscious to use my voice at every opportunity I have to advocate on behalf of those who don’t have a voice at the table or to hold space so that they can.

BU

The Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) is an association with a focus on innovation, research and development.

According to HERA CEO Troy Coyle says the association’s formula for success is delivering solutions while also developing and maintaining a skilled workforce to future proof the industry.

"

CY PAC

Steel Construction

A path to zero carbon steel All parts of the building and construction channel should be considering and developing ways to reduce carbon emissions.

We are already seeing some demand for this at the consumer end of the channel.

There are already strong indications too that MBIE is very likely to modify the Building Code to drive carbon reductions.

In an effort to create an evidence-based carbon offset scheme, HERA has partnered with likeminded organisations such as Ekos. Ekos helps organisations calculate their carbon footprint and how to offset it.

Together, the organisations hope to create a pathway for zero carbon steel.

“Currently, carbon dioxide is a key biproduct of the steel making process. This is because carbon (coal) is used as a reductant in the chemical process of converting iron oxides to steel, thus transforming carbon to carbon dioxide.

“It is a commonly held misconception that coal is used primarily as a fuel source in steel making but it is primarily a reductant in the chemical process to create steel.

“Currently, there is no commercially viable alternative chemical pathway. This makes offsetting a key interim step in reducing steel’s carbon emissions until the research challenge of finding an alternative reductant is achieved.

“There is already research underway here in New Zealand, at Victoria University of Wellington, to replace carbon with hydrogen as the reductant in steel making. There are a lot of technical challenges to be overcome, but the research is looking promising.”

Call 0800 800 649 or visit www.unitedsteel.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 39

Steel Construction

No composite steel flooring job is too

Big

"

Steel is already a strong performer in the circular economy.

It is probably the most recycled building material on Earth.

In addition, there is very little onsite waste with structural steel, if any.

Conversations on carbon reduction in the meantime According to HERA partner thinkstep-anz, a circular economy describes the longevity of resources within the said economy; in other words, getting the most use out of resources with minimal waste.

Or too small.

"

- HERA CEO Troy Coyle

“Steel is already a strong performer in the circular economy. It is probably the most recycled building material on Earth. In addition, there is very little onsite waste with structural steel, if any,” says Troy.

Another reason why steel is considered a strong performer in the New Zealand circular economy is because structural steel is ideal for building in New Zealand with its frequent seismic activity.

According to a 2015 survey conducted by IPENZ, out of everyone employed by the organisations participating in the survey, females only made up 32 percent of employees – female engineers only made up 16 percent of employees.

Up front, it might seem that reducing the embodied carbon in a building is most effective in reducing net carbon emissions.

Still, when steel is substituted for less resilient materials, the lifespan of the building can be compromised.

However, in an effort to reduce carbon, some have turned away from the use of structural steel because of its perceived heavy use of carbon.

When the lifespan of the building is cut short, more resources and carbon are used to replace the previous building, potentially using more carbon than if the building was made of more resilient materials to begin with.

Although it is important to reduce the overall use of carbon, reducing carbon in new builds requires consideration of the lifespan of each building.

“Therefore, building lifespan is a key variable that needs to be considered in order to deliver the desired outcome of overall carbon reductions,” says Troy.

Continued on page 42 >

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Visit our website to get our Tray-dec floor design software 40 | B&C - Issue #125

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Scott Morrison from Fletcher Steel accepting the 2020 Leading Metalhead Award.

Chris Bumby from the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington accepting the 2020 Innovation Award.

Steel Construction

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Issue #125 - B&C | 41

Steel Construction

"

HERA’s mission is to build a passionate tribe of metalheads who innovate successfully.

"

With that in mind, the association prioritises the pursuit of knowledge and believes that sharing information, like discussions on building lifespans and carbon reductions, is key in the progress of the industry at large.

seismic performance, sustainability and Industry 4.0.

Troy says, “A key role for HERA is its thought leadership and this requires us to cover some fairly complex and nuanced topics in an easily digestible way.”

She says that the podcast is for those who don’t have time to read technical papers and just want to listen to an informative conversation during day-to-day activities.

Troy says that the overall goal of the podcast is to give an alternative platform for key topics relevant to the industry.

For that reason, HERA hosts the podcast, Stirring the Pot. The name of the podcast is a pun, addressing the fact that HERA is trying to stimulate conversations on potentially controversial topics while also alluding to a key part of the steel-making process, that being “the pot”.

Topics that are often discussed in the podcast include the need to focus on innovation, workforce recruitment and retention, the importance of diversity and sustainability in manufacturing and technical topics like

Heavy Engineering Research Association PO Box 76-134 Manukau Auckland (09) 262 2885 www.hera.org.nz

Made in NZ since 1967.

WELDWELL ELECTRODES ARE STILL MANUFACTURED LOCALLY RIGHT HERE IN NEW ZEALAND. THAT’S SOMETHING WE’RE PROUD OF. 42 | B&C - Issue #125

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Steel Construction

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Issue #125 - B&C | 43

Steel Construction

So, you think you are getting the steel you specify?

HOW YOU CAN BE SURE YOU DO

By Philip Sanders Executive Director, ACRS

New Zealand used to be an easy place to buy steels to build with. Standards were enforced by engineers, local councils, and government departments, and domestic New Zealand or Australian steel producers manufactured world-class product that supplied virtually the entire market.

All any specifier had to do was state in their documentation “to New Zealand Standards” and all any builder had to ask his suppliers was “how much?”

Site engineers and checking authorities did the rest. It was really that simple and by and large, it worked – but no longer.

A global market Today, New Zealand is part of a highly competitive world market for steel.

Materials can and do come from a variety of sources around the globe: Asia, Africa, Europe, dictated by price and availability.

This flexibility gives consumers the best price for their products, but it can trip up the unwary when it comes to getting the right “quality”.

If we define “quality” as “performance characteristics” (surely our governing concern), then “quality” varies wildly between markets. So, just how does anyone know what they are getting when they place their order?

With material coming from diverse sources and manufactured to many different specifications, specifying “to AS/NZS Standards” does not guarantee that what is supplied will perform as intended by the design, unless certain checks are made.

Regular site checking of materials is very much a thing of the past. Reliance is almost exclusively on the documentation that arrives with the material supplied.

"

Today, New Zealand is part of a highly competitive world market for steel. Materials can and do come from a variety of sources around the globe: Asia, Africa, Europe, dictated by price and availability.

"

What is “adequate documentation”?

Documentation is therefore of critical concern. What, in fact, constitutes “adequate documentation”?

Whilst this differs by Standard, there are basically four different means of satisfying this aspect (and one, or more may be required): 1. Suppliers’ quality management system (e.g. ISO 9001 certification).

2. Statistical sampling (e.g. long-term quality testing results).

3. Product certification (e.g. independent third party audit by an accredited certification body competent in the products assessed).

4. “Other such means proposed by the manufacturer or supplier and acceptable to the customer.”

The intent is the consistent delivery of specified materials demonstrably conforming to the Standard, fit for the intended purpose and adequality managing contract risk.

So, how does a designer, specifier, or builder know that all the steel delivered to their project meets the minimum requirements?

Unfortunately, the simple answer is that it is not easy and all branches of the construction industry have greater responsibilities in this regard than in “the good old days”.

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Steel Construction

Apples and oranges A quick look at the list above shows that the four options above do not provide equal confidence or outcomes: • A supplier’s quality management system, such as ISO 9001, is a quality system that helps ensure consistent processes and methods are followed by the company.

It does not in and of itself guarantee that any materials will be manufactured or supplied to the requirements of any particular Standard. Further documentation and checks are necessary, even if there are “Factory Production Control” (FPC) audits as well • Long-term quality testing of each product provides a much greater level of certainty of quality, presuming that it is maintained consistently and completely.

However, the supplier’s own declaration is not sufficient. Samples should be drawn randomly, at a particular quality and timing from a source of “known history”. But who checks this? And how can it be verified?

Test certificates That test certificates alone are not suitable as proof of conformity without substantial

Verify the ACRS ‘chain of certification’ Remember to check the ACRS Stage 1 certification for each steel mill, and then the ACRS Stage 2 certification of the finished steel supplier (processed rebar, mesh, or welded section) supplying you the steel. This is easy, just check the ACRS website or contact ACRS directly.

Any break in the “chain of certification” between ACRS Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification means the finished steel suppled to you may not be able to claim reliance on ACRS certification.

This may be breaching contract requirements if ACRS certification is specified, and you will need to verify your steel by other means.

additional review and verification by a suitably qualified and experienced auditor.

This is because test certificates are produced for a particular batch of finished material. They are only a “snapshot” of that individual product at that particular time. So you cannot rely on that certificate

for a different batch of the same product, let alone for a different product altogether. Furthermore, one certificate does not demonstrate statistical compliance with code requirements. Test certificates alone are not therefore adequate to demonstrate code compliance.

• “Other means” puts the entire onus on the customer to determine compliance from the results of testing coupled with the manufacturer’s guarantee of product conformance.

Does the customer, or approval body (engineer or building surveyor) really wish to take full responsibility for determining that the supplier has met all the requirements of the Standard?

• Lastly, we have steel specialist third party product certification bodies independent of the steel suppliers that examine all of the above criteria expertly and importantly, independent of the supplier to provide effective audit and certification of performance of certified products.

Clearly, independent, third party product certification is both the most rigorous and being independent, provides the most confidence in the outcome for all parties.

The ACRS scheme – steelmaking and subsequent processing and fabrication This complex and potentially confusing situation is why ACRS was formed in 2001– to provide the Australian and New Zealand construction industries with a third party system independent of steel suppliers that would ensure “the continued manufacture of reliable, safe, consistent-quality construction steels to Australian and New Zealand Standards”.

ACRS certifies both steel mills and then the rebar processing or structural welded section fabrication. This integrated two-stage process means that all relevant products and applicable processes supplied by ACRS certificate holders are properly assessed for both key areas in the supply chain: 1. Manufacture of the materials, and 2. The material’s subsequent transformation by cutting, bending, or welding to ensure it remains conforming with the required Standards.

ACRS certification of the materials along the entire supply chain from steel manufacture to finished processed product ensures that the construction industry and public can be confident that the products assessed under the ACRS certification Scheme meet AS/NZS requirements.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 45

Grayson Engineering

Structural solutions In recent years, the commercial building market has seen reasonable returns for most structural steel fabricators. However, it’s best to be prepared at all times, especially for the unexpected.

This is where diverse services are advantageous.

More recently, the company completed the University of Auckland Engineering School for Hawkins Construction.

Considering the quantity of machined holes for the project, Grayson Engineering purchased and installed a full CNC Butler Elgamill machine to fabricate assemblies with precision bored holes at up to 10 metre centres.

“We are very proud of how the business has grown over the years and has retained its position as one of the leading structural steel fabricators in New Zealand,” managing director David Moore says.

By evaluating its entire operation and looking at how capability in processing of standard structural steel can be leveraged with existing machinery and skill sets, Grayson Engineering (2015) Ltd is able to provide a wide range of services.

The company started off as a structural steel fabricator and erector. Later, a plate rolling and press-brake division was introduced.

First, a single secondhand machine for section rolling was purchased, but once the division showed signs of growth, further purchases were made.

Implementing the plate rolling and pressbrake division propelled the business further forward, showcasing its abilities and lifting its throughput of processed steel for a wide variety of customers all over New Zealand.

Always looking for new ways to grow and develop, the company is currently building a blasting and painting shop. This will allow a significant proportion of the surface protection of fabricated steel to be performed in-house.

Grayson Engineering’s efforts can be measured by the awards it has earned.

“Like any business, our success is the sum of many parts. For us, price is one of our strongest points, as is our ability to undertake complex work and deliver our projects on time and to budget.”

"

I am very proud that we have such a high quality of staff working in every element of the business. We do have very long-serving employees who we have brought into the business to uphold the high standards we set for ourselves.”

"

- Grayson Engineering managing director, David Moore

For example, projects completed for the University of Auckland Business School, Auckland Museum and Forsyth Barr Stadium won the business awards for excellence in steel construction through Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ).

Grayson Engineering also won multiple awards through the AceCad International Drawing Competition Awards for its involvement in the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Vector Arena, and the Waikato Stadium.

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Call your local Dulux Protective Coatings Consultant or contact Dulux Customer Service on 0800 800 424 Dulux Protective Coatings products used: Internal steelwork – Durepon FRX, Luxathane R; External steelwork – Zincanode 402, Duremax GPE, Weathermax HBE MIO Manukau Bus Station Architects: Beca, Fabricator: Grayson Engineering, Contractor: NZ Strong, Painter: Target Painters, Photographer: Syd Mannion Dulux, Durepon, Luxathane, Duremax and Weathermax are registered trade marks and Zincanode is a trade mark of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.

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David also praises his staff for their considerable efforts and skills, acknowledging their invaluable input and loyalty throughout the years.

“I am very proud that we have such a high quality of staff working in every element of the business. We do have very long-serving employees who we have brought into the business to uphold the high standards we set for ourselves.

“We consider it to be of the upmost importance that our staff members have a very good demeanor towards our clients, that they are team players, and of course, that they have sound technical knowledge and expertise in this area.”

Grayson Engineering

Grayson Engineering’s services include: Shop drawings Shop drawings are completed in-house by associated detailing company Cadtec Draughting Ltd. Grayson Engineering trusts Cadtec Draughting because of its professional reputation and meticulous attention to detail.

Plate cutting Plate cutting is all done in-house utilising CNC machinery. The mainstream production is done by a Peddinghaus FPDB 1800 which is supported by other profile cutting machines including the Peddinghaus Anglemaster.

Section cutting Section cutting is all done in-house utilising CNC machinery. The steel sections are unloaded and stored in a 2500m2 uncovered yard with a 20 tonne semi-goliath crane.

Then, they are transferred into the workshop by conveyor and processed through a production line of Peddinghaus saws, beamlines, and coping machines.

Fabrication Fabrication of components is generally limited in size only to what can be transported, and the maximum in-house lifting capacity of 40 tonnes. All work is carried out by qualified tradesmen to strict QA procedures and independent testing authorities undertake weld inspections.

Grayson Engineering is recognised as a market leader in the Steel fabrication industry.

Shop Drawings / Plate Cutting / Section Cutting Plate and Section Rolling / Trial Assemblies Fabrication / Transport / Painting / Erection Cellular Beams / BRB’s

P: (09) 278 3366 F: (09) 278 8595 E: reception@grayson-eng.co.nz A: 25 Langley Road, Manukau City, Auckland

www.grayson-eng.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 47

Grayson Engineering Plate and section rolling Plate and section rolling are all done in-house within a dedicated rolling shop.

Grayson Engineering has a number of machines and formers, which cater for the differing sizes of UB, UC, PFC, CHS, RHS, and SHS members. The business also has a 300 tonne brake press for pressing channels, trough sections, and stair treads.

Trial assemblies Trial assemblies are often undertaken in-house to ensure the accuracy of the fit up on site.

This can mean that extensive jigging is needed to support the structures while fabricating.

Transport Transport is generally carried out in-house using Grayson Engineering’s own trucks with trombone trailers, or by hiab. Occasionally external transport is used, particularly for out of town projects, or over-dimensional loads.

Painting Painting is currently sourced offsite at specialist paint shops, which allows the business to have more capacity for fabrication. However, when components are too big or heavy for paint shops to handle, the components are painted on Grayson Engineering’s premises in a 36 metre x 15 metre facility.

Grayson Engineering

Erection

Cellular beams

Erection is carried out by a combination of in-house and sublet rigging crews, cranes, and access booms. Grayson Engineering tries to complete as much ground assembly as possible and minimise the work done at height.

Typically, cellular beams are up to 2.5 times stronger than the parent section. Therefore, they can provide huge benefits where long column free spans are required. Also, the open cells allow for services to run through the beams which reduces the floor heights on multi-storey buildings.

PO Box 97-550 Manukau Auckland 2241 (09) 278 3366 davidm@grayson-eng.co.nz www.grayson-eng.co.nz

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Machining CNC Butler Elgamill with 10 metres of x axis travel, 1.5 metres of y axis travel and 2.0 metres of z axis travel. Available for milling, boring, and a wide range of machining requirements.

FASTENING NEW ZEALAND’S TOMORROW INNOVATION. EFFICIENCY. QUALITY. PROUD SUPPLIERS OF GRAYSON ENGINEERING FOR OVER 15 YEARS

Ph 09 634 1949 | www.weldingengineers.co.nz

WWW.EDLFAST.CO.NZ CUSTOMER.CARE@EDLFAST.CO.NZ | 0800 304 316

PROUDLY SUPPORTING GRAYSON ENGINEERING

For more information call 0800 EASYSTEEL (0800 327 978) or visit thesteelpromise.co.nz 48 | B&C - Issue #125

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Whakatiki Engineering

Whakatiki Engineering: leading the way in quality control

"

Whakatiki Engineering Ltd is proud to be one of the first eight steel construction companies to achieve the ‘Steel Fabricator Certification in New Zealand’.

In recent years there has been more of an emphasis put on quality control and Whakatiki Engineering is one of the first eight SFC certified fabricators starting to lead the way in the construction industry.

Certification represents a greater certainty of product quality and shows that a company has proven procedures and personnel that represent international best practice.

Whakatiki Engineering Ltd managers, Murray Scaife and Scott Barr say producing a quality product has been a huge part of their business success.

“We’ve concentrated on the quality a lot more in the last five-six years, it’s helped to give people more confidence and assurity in the quality we produce.”

With over 30 years’ experience in the steel construction industry, we are known for our ability to deliver high quality outcomes for our clients.

"

Establishing his business in 1984, Scaife started off doing local industry work but now as his business has grown, his team is servicing more of the Wellington area and focusing on the structural sector.

Choosing to work in the trades had been a particularly rewarding path for Scaife.

“To see something you’ve been involved in, organise the building or be on the tools, from that point of view it’s rewarding.

“You see something tangible for your hours of work, you put the job up and you spend a couple of months building it, it looks great and everyone feels good about it.”

“Many New Zealand fabricators and members Some of the key projects they were working of SFCNZ construction New Zealand are becoming certified fabricators, it’s becoming a on or had worked on in the past were the new wing at the Arohata Women’s Prison huge part of the industry recently.”

in Tawa, a staircase in an existing 13-floor building and strengthening work in Lambton Quay.

The staircase had been a particularly memorable project for Murray and Scott as it wasn’t covered up after the job was finished.

“Because of the work we do a lot of the time it is covered up, so it is nice at times to see what we have been working on after the job is completed.

“While there had been many highlights for both of us, working in the construction industry didn’t come without its challenges.

“Finding skilled trades people for the job was one of the bigger challenges on the job for Scott and myself.

back if they don’t follow through and stay in the industry.

“It is bit better now with the Government ideas to get people trained up, but there are times when it is hard to find skilled trades' people.”

Whakatiki Engineering Ltd 9 Jupiter Grove Upper Hutt 5018 (04) 528 8982 www.whakatikiengineering.com

“You’re always training people, or trying to train people and that can hold you

Established in 2010, Steel Iconz Ltd is a leading Steel Detailing company, with total dedication to delivering quality detailed drawings for the construction industry.

Detailing services include but not limited to the following: • • • • •

3D Modelling Shop Drawings Erection Plans Anchor Bolt Drawings Advance Bill of Materials

• • •

DXF for plate work, DSTV files for cutting & drilling, inclusive of files needed for robotic equipment BIM coordination Site measuring, 3D Scanning

Email: office@steeliconz.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 49

THE MATIRI POWER STATION CONSTRUCTION The hydro-electric power generation potential of Lake Matiri and the Matiri River was first identified in the 1970s. Tasman Energy originally looked to develop a hydro scheme but, after the 1999 electricity reforms, the non-Crown owned property and intellectual property associated with the scheme was sold to New Zealand Energy Limited (NZ Energy).

Pioneer purchased the development rights for Matiri from NZ Energy in October 2014 and the construction is nearing completion. The completed scheme will consist of a 5.0 MWe power station and produce an estimated 28.2 GWh net annual average electricity generation.

1. Digging 4m below river lenal

2. CW drilling drilling anchor rods into rock 15m

3. Stage 1 - Pour bottem of draft pit and tail race

4. Draft pit and tail race ready for concrete

5. Rock fail netting in place for protection

6. Stage 2 - Pump shaft and draft tube discharge pit

7. Stage 2 - Tail race wall section to 4.8m

Tail race wall section to 4.8m

8. Walls poured 4.8m high

9. Stripped out

10. Penstock area and turbine support pad

11. Penstock anchor block

12. Tail race extension to river

13. Placing tail race extension roofs 14. Tail gate

1 Queen Street, Westport 7825 | South Island Cell: 027 662 4848 | Fax: (03) 789 5006 | Email: Mick@adamsconstruction.co.nz

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lakeohauquarters.co.nz

TGV

Premium wall lining for a premium look

When scenic Lake Ohau Quarters needed wall lining options, they searched for a product that was not only appealing to the eye, but one that would blend in with the stunning alpine backdrop. The premium solution was Triboard TGV with its unique tones and natural patterns.

New Zealand made Triboard TGV is a three-layered panel, with a wood strand core, sandwiched between MDF outer “skins�.

The result is a clean-lined panel that has great resistance to impact. The dimensionally stable core also provides superior screw holding ability, meaning screws will not loosen over time. And the tongue and groove system also allows for fast and easy installation.

keep dry

impact resistant

Find out more at jnl.co.nz or contact us on

(09) 373 3933

sales@jnl.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 51

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

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CY PAC

If you would like to talk to one of our consultants about your recruitment needs, please contact us on

0800 88 00 18 | info@nzrecruit.co.nz

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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.

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Second – know what answers you’re looking for. Then you can assess each answer objectively and place candidates in pecking order.

Shepherd & Kime Ltd

Over 50 years of collision repair services

"

Shepherd & Kime Ltd has been doing collision repairs in Christchurch since 1966.

Over the years, the business has kept up with the latest technologies to provide the high-quality services customers have grown accustomed to.

We like to give good, fast turnarounds because we don’t like people being off the road for too long. We just like to do a quality repair, really. We’ve got a pretty good crew on deck.

Aside from business owners Gary Shepherd and Errol Kime retiring and selling the collision repair shop to David Kennedy and Gerard Kime in 2006, very few things have changed for the business.

When asked how the shop has withstood the test of time, Shepherd & Kime Ltd coowner Gerard Kime says, “I think it comes down to our good service. We try to keep the customer experience as a whole as high quality as we can give.

“We like to give good, fast turnarounds because we don’t like people being off the road for too long. We just like to do a quality repair, really. We’ve got a pretty good crew on deck.”

In order to get customers back on the road, Gerard says that the team does its best to keep up to date with all of the latest gear, spray ovens, and chassis electronic measuring systems.

In addition to adopting new technologies, the team is always looking to perfect its

- Shepherd & Kime co-owner Gerard Kime

Whichever shop you take your vehicle, you can trust Shepherd & Kime to get the job done right the first time. Gerard says, “We’re just trying to supply a good service to the Christchurch people.” process so that repairs are done in an efficient manner.

cleared and we get the parts here on site we’ll book them in with a loan car.”

Considering the customer’s point of view, Gerard says, “A lot of the time, when they’ve had a ding, it’s not their fault and they are a little upset when they arrive here on our doorsteps, so we’re just trying to make the repair process as painless as possible.

You can trust the team at Shepherd & Kime to sort out the parts needed to fix your vehicle so that the quote you get at the start of the process is what you pay when the job is done.

“Normally we get the vehicle, photograph it, basically get all of the vehicle’s details, the owner’s details. We send them away again if it’s drivable and then we process the claim and get it submitted and as soon as it’s

Customers can bring their vehicles to the Shepherd & Kime shop on Sheffield Crescent or its new location on Selwyn Street. The Selwyn Street shop was purposefully fitted out for the business’s panel and paint services and equipment.

Shepherd & Kime Ltd 440 Selwyn Street Addington Christchurch (03) 366 8256 admin@sandk.co.nz www.shepherdandkime.co.nz

Panel and paint specialists As one of the longest standing panel and paint mechanics in Christchurch, Shepherd & Kime has a no-nonsense approach to handling demand. Their motto, “the best for panel and paint”, has garnered them a stellar reputation and a bigger following.

When young panel beaters Gary Shepherd and Errol Kime joined forces to create a collision repair centre, they quickly made a reputation for high quality panel and paint repairs.

commercial vehicles and small campervans on our Selwyn Street site. The new booth is seven metres long, four metres wide, with a door height of three metres.

There have been huge advancements in the motoring industry since then, but Shepherd & Kime continue to step up to the challenge, including opening a purpose-built branch on Selwyn Street.

What sets Shepherd & Kime apart from their competitors is their ability to work efficiently and without compromising on quality.

We now have a Car-O-liner chassis bench and electronic measuring system at each of our sites and have just installed a new Usi Italia spray booth, which can handle light

Quick, quality work

them. We all work together to minimise a client’s concerns and make their experience hassle free.

As members of the NZ Collision Repair Association and the Motor Trade Association, Shepherd & Kime remain at the forefront of the industry and up to date with the latest industry knowledge and developments.

Each branch offers a full complement of services to keep people moving, from car park dings to major collision repairs, full body re-sprays and even free loan vehicles.

Shepherd & Kime’s skilled technicians know exactly what you want and aim to get you mobile as soon as possible.

We work closely with all insurance companies and are a preferred repairer for several of

Shepherd & Kime Ltd www.shepherdandkime.co.nz

Collision Repair The Best for Panel & Paint Shepherd & Kime Ltd 440 Selwyn Street, Addington, Christchurch Phone: 366 8256 Email: admin@sandk.co.nz

Shepherd & Kime 2008 Ltd 35 Sheffield Cres, Burnside, Christchurch Phone: 348 4448 Email: sheffield@sandk.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 53

Northshore Earthmoving & Civil

We are a team of professional earthmoving contractors with years of knowledge and experience in this industry.

We believe that having the right skills, and tools is not enough. Having passion, attention to detail, and being punctual and flexible to work in all manner of conditions is just as important.

Health and Safety is one of our priorities. We make sure all work is in accordance with the New Zealand Regulation Standards.

Our complete services includes; a free consultation. We understand each project is different, assess them with careful planning and customised solutions based on requirements, budget, and timeframe.

No project is too challenging for the team.

Earthworks, digger hire and civil services to the greater Auckland area.

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Nick Elliott Phone 021 152 6894 Email admin@northshoreearthmoving.net www.earthmovingandcivil.co.nz

Northshore Earthmoving & Civil

EARTHWORKS, DIGGER HIRE AND CIVIL SERVICES TO THE GREATER AUCKLAND AREA. The team at North Shore Earthmoving & Civil prioritise customer service. Our team is presentable, reliable and experienced. Our service is quality, affordable and reliable.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL FOUNDATION SERVICES

SITE CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION

DRIVEWAYS AND ASPHALT SERVICES

Including house repiling and repairs, underpinning, retaining, bridge footings and commercial foundations. Besides, our main service includes preparing your land or section for a house foundation, house footings and blockwork, and under house or basement excavations. We also provide services into other areas such as landscaping, garden beds, pools, and other outdoor structures.

We’re experienced in clearing sections, breaking up and the removal of concrete slabs, foundations, structures demolition and removal of buildings. Also, we’re equipped to handle projects of all sizes and demands, eliminating obstacles that stand in the way of your project goals. Most importantly, we have the heavy equipment and workforce available to get your project done quickly and efficiently.

The team at Northshore Earthmoving & Civil specialises in both the construction and repair of all asphalt surfaces for your home, subdivisions and roading projects.

Our team is equipped to take on jobs of all sizes. Moreover, our services include roadways, driveways, car parks, footpaths and more. We service both commercial and domestic clients in the greater Auckland area.

EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING SERVICES

EARTHMOVING AND RETAINING WALL SERVICES

EARTHMOVING AND LANDFILLING

We’re experienced in trenching for the following utilities; electricity, gas, water, phone, internet, drainage, sewer systems and more. So whether your excavation project is big or small, our excavation contractors will provide a prompt and reliable service at a competitive cost.

PHONE 021 152 6894

EMAIL

Do you need earthmovers or earthworks for your next retaining wall project? We have plenty of experience in building and removing residential retaining walls.

Furthermore, we are flexible to work in any conditions including tight spaces and hard to access locations. Likewise, we also accept large scale work. So get in touch with us to plan according to your next project.

admin@northshoreearthmoving.net

At Earthmoving & Civil we have the machinery and expertise to offer competitively priced earthmoving and landfilling services across the greater Auckland area. If you’re interested in learning more about our earthworks services, or would like a direct quote, please feel free to get in touch.

ADDRESS East Coast Road, Auckland

WEBSITE www.earthmovingandcivil.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 55

Custom Kit Building & EcoSpan

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Custom Kit Building & EcoSpan

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 57

ADVANCED Automatics

ADVANCED Automatics Northland ADVANCED Automatics Northland’s only AA approved transmission workshop Advanced Automatics, your go to Automatic transmission experts, also covering power steering, diffs, all servicing, rebuilds and repairs for most makes and models and have been established and based in Whangarei for over 20 years. We offer customers our recommendations and options towards a repair or a transmission rebuild.We have a great team dynamic, each bringing with them different strengths. Our team, Jon, James, Ian and Taylor, have a depth of knowledge in transmission problems, speciality performance upgrades and general repairs. Steve our service advisor and Connie our lovely receptionist are there to answer customer questions, price services and repairs etc. They work together and sharing skills to get the best for each customer.

Since moving to their new premises on the corner of Kaka Street and Pororwini Avenue, Advanced Automatics has been able to streamline workshop systems allowing a better flow of jobs and a shorter waiting time. Sheryl believes in upskilling, having sent some of the team to Auckland and Australia for training with American experts.

Automatic transmission: Automatic Transmissions (Gearbox) have a lubricating fluid and filter in them. Like engine oil they get dirty and worn out. Most

58 | B&C - Issue #125

Problems show up as: 99% of problems start from the lack of servicing.

Solution: Keep your vehicle serviced. Advanced Automatics Northland are the best people to explain to you ‘how often’ is the best.

Benefits: • Your vehicle will be safer • Your vehicle will be more reliable • You will get a better price for your vehicle when you sell it • You will save money on fuel • Your vehicle will last longer before you need to replace it transmission problems cannot be fixed by the vehicle owner. Too many pieces of specialised equipment and tools are needed.

Problems show up as: Two common types of problems. Put simply, your vehicle won’t move/go into gear or it won’t move smoothly (changes poorly or not at all).

Solutions: • Check the fluid level. If low, top it up. This is only a temporary fix as it means you have a leak • Replace the fluid and filter. This can be complicated as a lot of filters are located inside the transmission itself

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• (Most likely) change the fluid and/or the filter. Specialised equipment needed.

It is recommended that you have this done on a regular basis, about every 30,000km or so.

The worst case: A complete tear down, recondition and rebuild will be needed.

Regular servicing: the 3 Rs of servicing Reliability | Resale value | Safety Yes, the third is an S but it is really important.

• You will be less likely to face large repair bills.

Next Edition Kitchens

Next Edition Kitchens Whangarei kitchen design is what Next Edition Kitchens is all about. Locally owned and operated by Ryan Bourke, with a strong team of experienced kitchen designers and custom cabinet makers behind them, you can be assured that we’re all about kitchens!

Here at Next Edition Kitchens we have a special recipe, the one to design and build fabulous kitchens! Whether your kitchen is a chef’s dream, a stunning showpiece or simply the heart of your home, we can help you personalise this magical space to suit to your changing needs.

Our passion lies in helping to keep the Northland economy going. We have a strong focus on Whangarei & Northland kitchen design. This is reflected in our factory location at 50 Kioreroa Road.

Being part of our town’s history helps our creativity to flow when it comes to creating dream kitchens, custom laundries, wardrobes, custom cabinets, renovation plans or shop fittings.

Our team of designers is turning out some spectacular options and would love to help you turn your visions to reality uniquely functional and aesthetically pleasing fall easily into our visions!

Trusted Local Staff Ryan and the staff are hardworking, familyorientated people. Ryan has been working in Whangarei kitchen design for more than a decade now. Ryan is an expert at creating the smallest of custom cabinets through to

     

entirely new kitchens. He does this all within the budgets set by our clients. Whether you are building your dream home from scratch, or renovating a tiny cottage, we can help you create your ideal kitchen – the heart of any home.

Personalised service is guaranteed with us.

We will travel to your home so we can get an idea of your tastes and style, and then get to work finding all the necessary stuff that suits you and your requirements. You will then be sent a quote and 3D design, no strings attached!

Working with us is simple, stress-free and results in you getting the kitchen of your dreams. Whether big or small, luxurious or simplistic – we can do it all.

Here at Next Edition Kitchens, our job is to make your life easier. Let us take care of you, and the other tradespeople you will need for your kitchen, leaving you to enjoy the finished product. Thinking an upgrade?

Think Next Edition Kitchens, call us now on 09 430 3074 or maybe email us on sales@NextEditionKitchens.com and we will arrange a site measure and consultation to enable us to meet your needs in that special space we all enjoy the benefits.





 

 

 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 59

REINZ

Should you sell your house with an agent or do it yourself?

By Bindi Norwell, chief executive at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand

One of the questions we get asked time and time again is ‘will I get more for my house if I sell it myself rather than using a real estate agent?’

Analysis of private sales compared to those using an agent recently conducted by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), has shown that homeowners who use a real estate agent to sell their home can expect to get on average 12 percent more for the property than they would by selling it privately – even when taking commission into account.

Naturally, the premium varies depending where in the country you are, but one interesting thing the analysis highlighted is that this premium has been increasing over the last few years.

Back in 2015 the premium was four percent, lifting to eight percent in 2016, nine percent in 2017, 11 percent in 2018 and now 12 percent in 2020 highlighting the true value an agent can bring to the process of selling your property.

Whilst REINZ is the industry body for real estate agents around the country, and could therefore be accused of being biased

towards agents, as an organisation we have never argued for a “closed shop” and believe that people should have choice when it comes to choosing how they want to sell their property – and, indeed, many do.

We wanted to provide people with the data on using an agent versus selling themselves, so that they can make an informed decision.

The percentage of private sales in New Zealand has fluctuated over the years, making up 17 percent of all sales in 2014, 13 percent in 2017, 10 percent in 2018 and back up to 15 percent in 2020.

Selling privately works perfectly for those who have the time, inclination, expertise and patience to do so.

However, for example, if you’re a busy family where both parents work full time, then it might be better to utilise the skills and expertise of an agent.

Interestingly, the majority of people who sell privately sell by negotiation, suggesting that perhaps the use of auction as a marketing/ sales technique could be one additional reason for the premium.

been approved by your legal adviser and don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel uncomfortable with the process – it’s your house and your call.

Our advice to those who are considering selling privately is to gain an independent valuation, don’t sign anything that hasn’t

As it is likely to be one of the most expensive and complex transactions that most people ever enter into, it’s for this

reason many people choose to appoint a licenced real estate agent.

In addition to the price premium, there are many advantages dealing with a licenced real estate agent. Some of the skills and advantages an agent can bring to the sales transaction include:

A trusted partner for your property journey Simone’s commitment to you as her client is to always be an honest professional that you can trust to provide you with an excellent service and achieve an exceptional result.

Simone understands that buying and selling property represents one of the biggest financial investments that most people will ever make.

It’s her endeavour to maximise the results and minimise the stress throughout this process, talking you through every step of the way.

Her adaptability in any situation means that no task is too big. She approaches all dealings with ease and confidence.

With Simone and Barfoot & Thompson, not only do you have the strength of Auckland’s largest and most trusted real estate company behind you, you also have 1,700+ salespeople working for you.

Our salespeople are skilled marketers and negotiators who work on your behalf to make sure your home gets the exposure it deserves.

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When you list with Barfoot & Thompson, your property will appear on our website www.barfoot.co.nz and on our state-of-the-art app. Your property will also appear on realestate.co.nz and our other partner websites.

We pride ourselves on getting you the best possible result in today’s market. Find out more about our marketing options.

REINZ

• Legal protections for vendors • Significant experience in a sales environment and agents must undergo approved education requirements that focus on their professional conduct • Proven marketing expertise including access to experts in their teams who have training in social media, marketing or advertising • Excellent negotiating skills – it can be very awkward talking to strangers about money, but agents have extensive training in negotiation skills • A wide network of contacts including buyers waiting for properties to come to market

Real Estate Agents Act 2008, which provides extensive protection mechanisms for people who deal with agents such as being legally required to have in-house complaints and dispute resolution procedures.

If a buyer or seller is unable to resolve an issue directly with their agent, they can contact the Real Estate Authority, which is able to address complaints against agents.

One final thing to take into consideration if you’re thinking about selling privately – if you’re thinking about doing it to save money – don’t forget to take into account that your potential buyers may think the same thing.

% Diff agent Median sales price for private sales ($)

Median sales price for agent-based sales ($)

Auckland

849,000

908,500

7%

Bay of Plenty

540,000

655,000

21%

Canterbury

430,000

477,000

11%

Gisborne

380,000

435,000

14%

Hawke’s Bay

500,000

550,000

10%

Manawatu-Wanganui

367,750

425,000

16%

Marlborough

445,000

489,500

10%

Nelson

585,000

600,000

3%

Northland

479,000

543,500

13%

Otago

440,000

550,000

25%

Southland

280,000

340,000

21%

Region

vs private

Taranaki

391,500

425,000

9%

• Access to the power of their agency’s selling network.

Waikato

530,000

595,000

12%

Wellington

625,000

695,000

11%

They are also obliged to act in the best interests of their client and have the market knowledge and networks to ensure their clients get the best possible price – or, at the very least, fair market value.

West Coast

252,000

229,000

-9%

New Zealand

575,000

645,000

12%

Residential Tenancy Act changes

They also have to follow a professional code of conduct and are bound by the

By Bindi Norwell, chief executive at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

Carol Stafford – Harcourts Alexandra From selling the frillies in retail, to buzzing around the town in her courier van, Carol makes her entrance back into real estate.

Re-joining the team in ‘blue’ at Harcourts Alexandra, Carol is excited to be back and behind the wheel of her little orange Mini, out and about assisting people with their real estate moves.

of the legislation to come into effect in February and August next year.

Immediate changes to legislation

On November 2019, the Associate Minister of Housing announced a number of proposals to bring the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) up to date, reflecting the fact that more people are renting than ever before.

Under Phase 1 of the legislation, transitional and emergency housing became exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act and rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months (previously increases were allowed once every six months).

This legislation was then passed in August this year with two changes coming into effect immediately and the remainder

Any rent increase notices given to tenants from 12 August 2020 onwards must comply with the new 12-month rule.

Buying and Selling

Carol is excited to be a part of the Real Estate team at Harcourts Alexandra and is looking forward to ‘getting people moving’ – either into a new home, or selling their existing one.

So if you see Carol out and about, give her a wave, a shout or call her – she’s ready to get you moving in real estate.

Harcourts is a household name in real estate and a trusted brand dating back to 1988.

Specialising in residential, commercial and rural property sales, as well as property management services, Harcourts has a strong history with a future focus delivering the best results for clients with honesty and integrity.

Whether you’re buying or selling residential, commercial, rural, lifestyle, holiday rentals, land, or a new home, Carol and the team at Harcourts Alexandra is here to help you.

We place a huge amount of value on all real estate matters and believe each transaction should be a consultative process, whereby you get the best support and commitment from us in buying or selling your home, and you get the best result.

We believe in an individual and personalised approach. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 61

REINZ periodic tenancies; a tenant gives notice for any reason at least 28 days before the end of the tenancy; or both parties agree to extend, renew, or end the fixed term tenancy.

3. Minor changes to the property Phase two will also see tenants have more freedom in making minor changes to the premises, as landlords must not unreasonably withhold consent for any minor renovations or alterations.

Changes coming into effect from 11 February 2021: 1. 90-day notice Under Phase 2 of the legislation, from 11 February 2021, landlords and property managers will no longer be able to give a nocause 90-day notice to terminate a tenancy.

To end a tenancy based on anti-social behaviour, the tenant must have been issued three written notices for anti-social behaviour within a 90-day period and an application must be made to the Tenancy Tribunal with evidence of this behaviour.

There are a number of other valid reasons for terminating a periodic tenancy after 11 February 2021, which include but are not limited to: The tenant has been at least five working days late with their rent payments on three separate occasions within a 90-day period The landlord would suffer greater hardship than the tenant if the tenancy continues;

the tenant assaulted the landlord, their family or property manager and the police laid a charge.

The property is going on the market or has been sold with vacant possession; or extensive alterations, refurbishments, repairs or redevelopment of the premises are to be carried out, or the landlord requires the premises as a principal place of residence for themselves or a family member (63 days).

provided there is no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply.

4. Advertising a property for rent Rental properties will not be allowed to be advertised without a rental price listed, and rental bidding or encouraging tenants to pay more than the advertised amount will be prohibited.

5. Further powers for MBIE

Minor changes could include: shelving, baby gates, picture hooks, curtains or window coverings, securing furniture or appliances to protect against earthquake risk or to make a property child safe.

The regulator (the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) will have more power to take action against parties who are not meeting their obligations under this new phase.

If the landlord consents to the changes, they can impose reasonable conditions; for example, moving the shelf slightly to avoid wiring behind the wall. These minor changes must be remediated when a tenant leaves the premises at the end of a tenancy.

Furthermore, the Tenancy Tribunal can hear cases and make awards of up to $100,000 (up from $50,000 previously). If a party is involved in a published Tenancy Tribunal case and is wholly or substantially successful, they can apply for a suppression order to remove names and identifying details from the published case.

Tenants will also be able to request fibre to be installed, and landlords must agree,

Continues on page 66 >

A tenant can still terminate a periodic tenancy by giving at least 28 days’ notice.

Additionally, all requests to assign a tenancy (or pass on the lease to another tenant) must be considered, and the landlord cannot unreasonably decline. If the tenancy agreement prohibits assigning another tenant, this is not in effect.

2. Fixed-term to periodic tenancies Under Phase 2, fixed-term tenancy agreements will convert to periodic tenancies unless a landlord gives notice using the reasons listed above or in the RTA for

Why now is the right time to buy your first home Over the past 20 years it has been my great privilege to talk to many young people about buying their first home.

If we conservatively assume that most of that is refixed at an interest rate which is just half a percent lower, we will see almost $1 billion in extra cash being retained by kiwi households.

Of course, not all of that will go back into housing – but some will, which means more competition for first home buyers.

Sometimes that advice is proffered in person, sometimes by email, sometimes as a speaker at an event, and sometimes through published articles.

Of course, in most of these cases, I don’t get to hear how that advice was used – but every so often I’ll meet somebody who is anxious to tell me how I’ve impacted them and, in a few cases, I’ve remained friends with people who have had their lives positively changed by taking my advice many years ago.

This last view has been particularly widespread in the wake of COVID 19.

Three months ago, people were telling me that they were waiting for prices to drop before they bought a home. And who could blame them?

Despite the more considered approach taken by people like Tony Alexander and I, who were suggesting, based on the evidence, that house prices would be largely unaffected by Covid – most Bank economists were telling us that house prices would drop by as much as 15 percent.

Instead, house prices have taken off in virtually all parts of the country and anyone who was in a position to buy three months ago is now almost certainly worse off as a result of the delay.

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The LVRs might soon be back

So, it is against that background that I am now suggesting that anyone thinking about buying their first home should do so as soon as possible.

There’s an old real estate maxim that ‘it’s always a good time to buy’ and that’s largely true – but there are some particular factors at play, right now, that make the need to get into the market even more pressing than usual for first home buyers:

House prices are rising No matter where you are in New Zealand, house prices in your area are probably going up, and quickly.

Against most predictions, house prices are rising due to an unusual mix of factors which are partly related to COVID 19.

In my view these increases mark the early start of the next property boom, in Auckland – which means that prices will

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

continue to increase, in that city, for the next five – six years.

Right now, the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions, which created an obstacle for first home buyers by requiring a mandatory deposit of up to 20 percent for those wanting a mortgage, have been dropped by the Reserve Bank.

I’m less confident that that price growth is sustainable in other parts of the country – but it could be with us for at least a year, by which time house prices in those areas could have increased by 10 percent or more. If you wait – houses are going to cost more.

However, over the past couple of weeks Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has started to make noises about reimposing them in the wake of investor activity and the sharp increases in house prices.

A whole lot more money is about to hit the market

Currently, the Banks have discretion over the deposit – but if the LVRs come back that discretion will almost certainly be gone.

Interest rates have never been cheaper and are likely to go even lower and stay there for a long time. That is great news for first home buyers – but do not fall into the trap of waiting for rates to drop further before buying a home.

Here is why. Over the coming year $203 billion of existing mortgage lending will be up for review and repricing. $41 billion of that is on floating rates and the rest – $162 billion – is fixed.

For all these reasons, waiting to buy your first home probably is not the smartest move you could make.

Do not wait. Act now.

Abridged – Ashley Church – property commentator for First National Real Estate If you want to read the full version or hear more from Ashley Church and First National Te Awamutu, sign up to our newsletter.

REINZ 35 35Alexandra AlexandraStreet, Street,Te TeAwamutu Awamutu3800 3800 admin@waiparealestate.nz admin@waiparealestate.nz

Waipa Real Estate Limited, MREINZ, Licenced REAA 2008

Calling all Developers!

Do you have sections or house and land packages to sell?

You’re good at what you do; developing, so let us help you by doing what we are good at doing - marketing, negotiating and sales!

Here at First National Te Awamutu we would like to help you market and negotiate the best price.

First National Te Awamutu believe in investing in their clients so talk to us about how we work best for you, we are always looking for ways to support other businesses that align with our industry.

Vayle and Joan are proud to support you in your business and not only bring a wealth of local knowledge, but an extensive reach within our network of offices throughout New Zealand.

As part of a nation-wide real estate business, we could be your marketing base with window advertising in your local district right now. From Kaitaia in the North to Riverton in the South, First National Real Estate has the country covered!

Essentially, we are a co-operative - a business and social network of successful, like-minded people who are good at what we do. While most property sales are local, our members benefit from a comprehensive referral network throughout New Zealand.

At First National Real Estate, nothing gets in the way of you and your needs. Our mission is clear, we treat you as our top priority and always put you first.

Working with us will put you in the unique position of having a local real estate agent with local knowledge, combined with the support and systems that a national network can provide. So, all our agents have to do is concentrate on you and your business. Give us a call on 0800 22 55 87 or visit firstnational.co.nz to find an office near you.

Vayle Hammond (Licensed Agent REAA2008)

027 226 9532

vayle@waiparealestate.nz

(Licensed Salesperson REAA2008) Joan

Milgate

027 268 9379

joan@waiparealestate.nz

Let us be your first choice in real estate because ‘we put you first’.

www.waiparealestate.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 63

REINZ

Less talk – more listen Real estate is in our blood at Living Corporation with our team boasting 110 years of combined ec-xperience servicing the greater Dunedin market.

Over the years we have learnt that the house is the product and those selling it or buying it are the items of real interest.

The old adage that we are born with one mouth and two ears, so we should listen twice as much as we speak, is critical to success in a career in real estate.

Whether you are buying or selling, we offer to listen first and then offer our thoughts on your best course of action on buying or selling.

Living Corporation is not an international franchise, nor a national one, but rather a 100 percent locally owned company which supports local businesses and local jobs.

When you utilise Living to sell your home, all of the money stays local.

In the age of social media and the internet, local companies have all the advertising reach and spread to equal and even surpass that of the larger real estate companies, so why not keep it local?

At Living, we know our stuff and we are here to help when your property is too small or too big, when you need to move towns, when you find a new partner and need a home, or lose a partner and need to scale back.

Our large team of property consultants know the areas surrounding Dunedin, North Otago, Balclutha and Mosgiel like the back of their hands.

And because they have all the up-to-theminute market information right at their fingertips there’s nothing they can’t help you with.

With a fresh approach to marketing and advertising, plus a stress-reducing backend system, your property is in safe hands with Living Corporation.

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7 reasons our clients choose us: 1. Fresh, innovative marketing and advertising.

2. Invitation-only open homes if preferred.

3. Locally owned - meaning all expenditure and profits are spent in our community.

4. Marketing on four major property websites and Facebook for national and global reach.A unique buyer matching system.

5. Large inhouse buyer database.

6. Any time, free advice on any of your real estate queries. No obligation assessments of getting your house ready for market.

7. Hassle free handover on settlement day.

We tailor our service to you For instance, if you want to be involved in every step of the marketing and advertising – fine with us. If you want to leave the entire process to us – no problem.

However, we are non-negotiable on communication. It is important to us that you are kept informed every step of the way, so that the sale or purchase of your property is easy, fast and problem-free.

Everyone is an individual and everyone has different needs and we are here to listen, plan and then swing into action for you.

Call us today on (03) 489 4455.

REINZ

Rachel Miller – Bayleys Real Estate Whanganui: a prime location for developers, investors and builders.

Located 1.5 hours from the North Island Adventure District of Ruapehu, a one hour flight from Auckland and 2.5 hour’s drive from Wellington, Whanganui is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and dramatic west coast beaches.

Modern and timeless, with a vibrant arts community and abundance of creativity, it’s a place where people go to both discover themselves and set up roots. These qualities are why more and more Kiwis have unearthed the beauty of Whanganui, with an influx of high-value purchasers now entering the region.

As a result, the market in Whanganui is booming, with a record median house price of $400,000 so far this year. And the market shows no signs of slowing down – as demonstrated by record median house prices each month since May 2020.

This growing hotspot of activity leads to a rising interest for lifestyle and residential sales. With demand comes the need for supply, which leaves an open space for savvy developers to start building and investors to buy in. Now’s the time to take advantage of this lucrative space by either building new or locking in a valuable investment opportunity.

How can you find success as a developer or investor in Whanganui?

Entering the Whanganui market requires a certain finesse; the market is strong and growing, which means there is a bit of competition. The key to success is having someone local on your team – an agent who understands the area, has first-hand knowledge of buyers’ expectations and can help you take the right steps towards your goals.

For developers, this means finding prime locations in up-and-coming or established neighbourhoods depending on your plans and budget. It’s time to cut through the red tape and start building!

"

Discovering her passion for real estate in 2016, Rachel Miller became a licensed salesperson and has developed a keen interest to work with developers, investors and builders to find and sell properties around Whanganui.

"

For investors, this means knowing what’s hot and what’s not – uncovering the best value homes available now while considering market projections and other factors.

Meet Rachel – your agent in Whanganui.

Discovering her passion for real estate in 2016, Rachel Miller became a licensed salesperson and has developed a keen interest to work with developers, investors and builders to find and sell properties around Whanganui.

Leveraging a strong background in administration, Rachel believes in marrying her passion for sales with an attention to detail that gets the job done. Rachel focuses on the goals of her clients without compromise, delivering the best possible results thanks to her resilience and keen eye for opportunities.

Beyond making dreams happen in Whanganui, Rachel loves building relationships with her clients and knows that authenticity is what sets her apart. Always friendly and approachable, contact Rachel any time.

Phone: +64 6 348 0573 Email: rachel.miller@bayleys.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 65

REINZ to remove them should there be issues down the track.

6. Changes coming into effect from 11 August 2021 at the latest The final phase of this new legislation will take effect no later than 11 August 2021.

Under Phase 3, tenants who are experiencing family violence can withdraw from a tenancy by giving two days’ notice.

However, all things considered, the majority of these changes are positive for the rental sector and will hopefully mean a more secure tenure for the renting population of New Zealand.

Additionally, if a tenant physically assaults the landlord, owner, a member of the landlord’s family or the landlord’s agent and the police have laid a charge in this respect, the landlord may give the tenant 14 days’ notice to terminate the tenancy.

REINZ

REINZ has warned that it may get much more difficult for tenants who can’t provide an ‘excellent’ tenancy rental history, as a rental property owner is now less likely to select that tenant for fear that they will be unable

PO Box 5663 Victoria St West Auckland 1142 (09) 356 1755 info@reinz.co.nz www.reinz.co.nz

We have many success stories where people have thought marketing is a waste of money, but have finally found something that gives them a transparent Return on Investment.

If you would like to be our next success story, please email: enquiries@fatweb.co.nz We have offices throughout New Zealand and can discuss your needs over the phone or by Skype.

Don’t let another year go by without truly discovering what digital marketing can do for your business.

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We are so confident, that if you aren’t 100% happy after the first month, you won’t pay a cent for the management fee. And if you mention this ad, set-up is free – a service other companies charge up to $3,000 for. form of advertising you can measure, then increase or decrease, so you can manage your workflow accordingly!

You’ve probably heard people talk about digital marketing, Google AdWords, online traffic, SEO and social media. Then on top of all that, you need to have a lead generating web presence with good traffic etc.

FREE call tracking, which means you can actually hear recordings of the phone calls coming into your business to see if your staff are doing things correctly or if they need more training. This tool can make a massive difference to the FAT on your bottom line.

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Included is a complimentary call tracking service to measure daily results, plus you get a monthly report that’s explained in as much detail as you like.

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0800 FATWEB | www.fatweb.co.nz

REINZ

Property Brokers Property Brokers are enthusiastic about the Tararua District and we have a vast knowledge of properties for sale and rent in the area.

Our sales team is well equipped to help you with all aspects of buying or selling a property, residential, rural or commercial.

So whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, developer, landlord or you’re just in the market for a new home, drop in and have a chat to our sales or property management team to give you an informed up to date analysis of the market.

The Property Brokers Tararua team have been serving the residential, commercial, rural and lifestyle markets since 1987, take advantage of this wealth of local knowledge if you are thinking of buying or selling.

"

You can deal with the same company with the same high level of service, the same values and the same True Team approach Property Brokers True Team Promise.

"

Our whole team works for you.

When we shake your hand, we mean it.

We help and value our clients and each other.

We do the little things that make a difference.

We are passionate about our communities and want to see them thrive.

Proudly Provincial Right from the start, provincial New Zealand has been the place we feel most at home. We thrive in places where relationships and trust count for everything, a deal is done on a handshake and locals just you on how long they've known you.

We have the experience and expertise across all your property needs. So no matter what area of property you need help with, you can deal with the same company with the same high level of service, the same values and the same "True Team" approach. And because we're talking to more people, more often, our networks are larger, giving you more selling power.

About the district The Tararua district is an outdoor paradise.

In particular Pahiatua rivers (The 5 Ms) are known throughout New Zealand.

In their cool deep pools lurk fine brown trout and fishing is pleasurable for most of these waterways are easily accessible and largely uncrowded.

For much of the year these top-class fishing spots are undiscovered territory. Their names are legendary: Makuri, Mangahao, Mangatainoka, Makakahi and Manawatu.

Within half an hour’s drive you’ll find 200 kilometres of fishable water.

At the end of October, the reign of peace is dispelled. Anglers come from far and wide for the annual week-long trout fishing carnival.

Townsfolk and visitors rub shoulders at a market day characterised by its colourful entertainments, live music and retail stalls with bargains for everyone. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 67

REINZ

Harcourts Riverlands Real Estate

•

Locally owned and operated, Harcourts Riverlands Real Estate is the place to go for all real estate services in the North Waikato.

•

When you choose Riverlands Real Estate you’re not just supporting local business, you’re helping our community thrive. We have been investing in our people since 1993, and we know that the North Waikato, the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’, is the best place to live, work and raise a family. Now the word is out. We’re seeing exponential growth in demand for properties in the townships of Te Kauwhata, Huntly and Ngāruawāhia in particular, resulting in a shortage of listings across the board. Let us connect you with our clients, who are urgently looking to settle or invest here, and help you tap into the earning potential in our area.

•

•

•

Our vast knowledge base, complemented by the extensive reach of New Zealand’s largest real estate group, we are best placed to work with you on your development project.

Our fully-staffed offices in Te Kauwhata, Huntly and Ngāruawāhia can form your local marketing base, with prominent window and local Bluebook advertising, alongside online marketing, and print media. Our team members are passionate ambassadors for the communities we live in, offering local insight to those who are thinking of moving to our towns. We’ve got you covered, and will ensure you get maximum reach and return on investment when you list with us.

We’re leaders in our field because we put our people at the heart of what we do. We have walked alongside our community for over 27 years of challenges and celebrations.

Harcourts was recently voted the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Real Estate brand award for the eighth year in a row, and our team at Riverlands also won first place in Client Experience for the central region in 2019.

The challenges presented by the different COVID-19 alert levels were no match for our team, who adapted to the rapidly changing work environment with ease, supporting our sellers, purchasers, landlords and tenants through this stressful time. We don’t pay lip service to supporting our community, we’re out there mucking in, whether through 68 | B&C - Issue #125

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"

We’re leaders in our field because we put our people at the heart of what we do.

We have walked alongside our community for over 27 years of challenges and celebrations. Harcourts was recently voted the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Real Estate brand award for the eighth year in a row, and our team at Riverlands also won first place in Client Experience for the central region in 2019.

"

Harcourts sponsorships and grants, or our annual Pink Bake sale in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation. We’re also proud to walk alongside our local schools, sponsoring photography, Wearable Art and more.

We also offer a comprehensive property management service which can provide rental appraisals and full management services for investors. Most of our property managers have the Level 4 Property Management Qualification and are fully backed by our administration team. With a fully audited rental trust account investors can be assured their assets are being managed by professionals.

Take advantage of our prime position. Our local professionals look forward to working with you, and will be with you all the way.

REINZ

Sheila Boon – First National

I moved to the Kaipara area in 1999 and I have worked in the real estate industry since 2002.

Before real estate, my background was banking; and now, after living on a farm for most of my life, I live on a lifestyle block in Matakohe.

Since starting in real estate I have had the greatest opportunity to discover the beauty of the Kaipara that, in other professions, I perhaps would have never seen.

I have great pleasure in showing people that are new to the area what is on offer such as the beautiful beaches, bountiful fishing, and the rural lifestyle.

I have worked for First National Roper and Jones Maungaturoto since 2011 and really enjoy the team culture of the company.

Essentially, we are a co-operative – a business and social network of successful, like-minded people who are good at what we do.

While most property sales are local, our members benefit from a comprehensive referral network, not only throughout New Zealand and Australia, but also in Singapore, the United States and Canada.

"

Our members enjoy the sense of camaraderie that exists within the group nationwide and take great pride in flying the First National Real Estate flag.

"

Regional Awards for First National year ended 31 March 2020 • Ruby Achiever Award Regional Awards for First National year ended 31 March 2019 • Emerald Achiever Award

About First National Established in New Zealand since 1985, First National has become the first stop for tens of thousands of property buyers and sellers throughout the country.

From Kaitaia in the north to Riverton in the south, First National Real Estate has the country covered! Each are independently owned and operated, just like their counterparts in Australia where First National Real Estate is the largest real estate organisation of them all.

Our members enjoy the sense of camaraderie that exists within the group nationwide and take great pride in flying the First National Real Estate flag.

How ‘we put you first’ At First National Real Estate, nothing gets in the way of you and your needs. Whether you are buying, renting or selling, you will always be treated as our top priority.

The First National Real Estate network has been set up specifically for that purpose.

You will be in the unique position of having a local real estate agent with local knowledge, combined with the support and systems that a national network can provide.

So, all our agents have to do is concentrate on you. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 69

Property Management

Modernising our rental laws

Experts in Property Maintenance & Improvement We provide property maintenance services to the domestic, retail and commercial sectors, with property cleanup work completed to the required specifications, taking into account the working environment. Our property maintenance services are designed to save you substantial savings upfront and in the long run. We can offer one-off property clean up services as well as ongoing property maintenance services.

• GUTTER CLEANING • WATER BLASTING • GARDENS

• HEDGES

• EXCAVATING

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) was introduced in 1986 when the world was a very different place.

Most people owned their own homes and only a few people rented.

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and more people rent than ever before which is why the Government has announced a number of proposals to bring the RTA up to date.

Broadly speaking the proposals will bring about a number of positive changes for those renting.

However, it’s important that as much balance as possible is achieved in terms of both tenants’ and landlords’ rights – particularly with the raft of legislation landlords have had to deal with over the past 18-24 months.

Proposals such as a ban on rental bidding, limiting rent increases to once every 12 months and making rental properties safer and more liveable for tenants are likely to bring about positive changes for tenants’ lives, and will give them more certainty than they’ve had in the past.

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Competent landlords always prefer to have a property tenanted, and would prefer to fix problems raised by tenants, so only use the 90-day notice as a last resort.

The proposed changes could incur huge administrative costs and the need for reeducation and could lead to more landlords being deterred from leasing properties at all.

We believe a better approach would be to provide for higher exemplary damages to penalise landlords who abuse no-cause terminations.

The other proposal causing concern amongst industry professionals is the proposal to automatically convert fixed-term tenancies to periodic tenancies.

Under the proposals, tenants will have up until 28 days before the end of a fixed-term lease to let an owner know they are not going to renew their fixed term agreement – even if the landlord does not want the tenancy to renew.

This change could significantly affect areas that have strong student populations such as Christchurch, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.

However, as with any legislation, there are some aspects to the proposed changes to the Bill which have caused some concern.

Under the proposal, students could let their tenancy rollover to a periodic contract throughout the Christmas period.

The most significant and controversial proposal is the recommendation to end the no-cause 90-day notice.

Then in the New Year, after university has started back, the tenant could give notice to leave and the landlord will have missed the student market for a whole year.

For many landlords the 90-day notice is only used as a last resort when there is antisocial, aggressive or threatening behaviour happening in a tenancy.

Phone: 027 548 1978 Email: info@tbpm.co.nz www.thebestpropertymaintenance.co.nz

In the vast majority of circumstances, landlords use “no-cause” termination notices as a way of bringing a tenancy to an end for serious issues.

Often that behaviour can have a detrimental impact on others who are living in the neighbourhood.

The removal of the 90-day notice will likely influence landlords’ and property managers’ decisions around choosing tenants and could see tenants who have had small issues in past tenancies not selected.

In our view, a tenant’s desire for security of tenure, needs to be carefully balanced against a landlord’s need to manage business assets.

Submissions on the Bill were due on March 25 and the Government then began working through the select committee process.

The Government is aiming to have the new Bill introduced before the election on September 19.

Article by Bindi Norwell, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

Property Management

Property Management Millwater Trust. Whether you are an investor with property in Millwater, Silverdale on Auckland’s North Shore, or an investor living overseas, you can trust Quinovic Millwater to care for your property and to give you the best possible return for your investment.

We pride ourselves on building a fantastic working relationship with our clients and you can trust Quinovic Property Management Millwater to go the extra mile to give you the best service possible.

Managing your Auckland property With over 30 years’ experience in the region, Quinovic offers expert knowledge of the Auckland market.

Our 14 Auckland offices manage apartments and houses throughout the city and surrounding suburbs – Parnell, Ponsonby, Millwater, Greenlane, West Auckland, North to Warkworth and South to Pukekohoe, to name but a few.

Because we have in-depth insight into the residential rental property market, we can ensure that you’ll receive the maximum rent for your property.

Better still, our reputation for managing quality properties means we attract the best property managers and the highest calibre of tenants.

We also have relationships with the best local trades-people, so you can benefit from accessing high quality maintenance at competitive prices.

Proven Property Management Systems We’ve been developing and refining our Care and Return systems for over 30 years.

Find out how these systems can help unlock the maximum return in your property while protecting its value.

About Craig Harrison Craig has worked in the pre-press side of the print trade for 32 years, starting as an apprentice colour camera operator before

Trust. Whether you are an investor with property in Millwater, Silverdale on Auckland’s North Shore; or an investor living overseas, you can trust Quinovic Millwater to care for your property and to give you the best possible return for your investment.

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Because we have in-depth insight into the residential rental property market, we can ensure that you’ll receive the maximum rent for your property.

We pride ourselves on building a fantastic working relationship with our clients and you can trust Quinovic Property Management Millwater to go the extra mile to give you the best service possible.

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advancing to drum scanner operator and then managing a very busy pre-press company on the North Shore.

Craig has also owned and renovated many of his properties since he was 24 years old, as well as an investment rental property in Hamilton.

For five years, Craig had been owner/ operator of a very successful lawn mowing, tree trimming and rubbish removal franchise.

Craig also speaks Spanish and has two beautiful daughters and three gorgeous grandchildren.

Craig is now in his third year of owning the Quinovic Millwater franchise and has built many successful business relationships with his clients and has also tenanted many properties with the right fit tenant.

Getting the right tenant for a rental property is very important to Craig because as we all know, a happy tenant and a happy owner makes the whole process a lot easier.

GET A FREE APPRAISAL NOW!

CONTACT

Millwater, Rodney

09 444 5753 / 021 476 621 Craigh@quinovic-millwater.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 71

Property Management

Walker Weir Property Management We are a premium property management company, not a real estate company, so unlike a lot of other property managers who sell properties, we aren’t confused by our role.

It’s simple – on your behalf we’ll find you good tenants who will look after your property, paying good market rent on time, every time.

We’ll ensure the property is well maintained, up to date with all legislation and deal with any hiccups along the way.

Some of the professional property management services you can expect from us include: • Free rental appraisals • Comprehensive tenant screening and selection • Entry and Exit inspections with photos and videos • Routine inspections and maintenance coordination • Increased income through our rental tender system • Preparation and enforcement of Tenancy Agreements • Paying insurance, maintenance, and other invoices on behalf of owners • On-time rent collection • Management of bond returns.

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In reality, it’s probably not that simple – but we make it look that way – to make life easy for you.

It’s our job to make owning a rental property easy and give you peace of mind that your property is in the best hands.

Walker Weir Property Management looks after the day to day business of keeping your investment property in peak condition so that you have more time to focus on what’s important.

Successful investors know that an experienced, informed management team will increase your rental income and maximise the return you earn on your property.

At Walker Weir Property Management, we focus our knowledge, skills, and talents on the management of your property. We are not real estate agents, so there are no conflicts of interest in our role as your property managers.

Instead, we make sure your rental home is performing at its peak and earning you the income you expect.

When you partner with Walker Weir, you’re getting the best in Auckland property management.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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We are locally owned and operated, and we are so confident in our services that all our property owners get a no-risk rental guarantee.

We are locally owned and operated, and we are so confident in our services that all our property owners get a no-risk rental guarantee.

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Ask about our Rental Guarantee

During any tenancy in which we placed the resident, we will pay the rent if that tenant slips into arrears or fails to pay. Then, we’ll place a new tenant in your property at no cost to you.

Walker Weir offers a unique guarantee for the rent on your Auckland rental property.

We’re confident in the tenants we place, and we’re confident in our rent collection policy.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 73

HVAC&R

Heating, Ventilation and Cooling Systems If you work in an airconditioned office, up to half the building’s energy use will go on heating, ventilating and cooling the building. This can be a highly technical area, so use the pointers provided here as discussion topics with your consultant.

Issues Older cooling systems may use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete the ozone layer and are active greenhouse gases.

(Look for alternative cooling agents.)

Inefficient heating/cooling systems increase energy use.

Pointers Maximise natural ventilation • If possible, have windows that open so you can naturally ventilate the office. If this is not an option make sure the air quality is regularly assessed to avoid sick building syndrome. Avoid overheating in summer months – look for summer shading ideas (eg, trees, climbers or blinds).

Insulate your office • Ensure the building is properly insulated above ‘building code’ requirements.

Insulation will save energy and provide a healthier, more comfortable environment.

Most heat is lost through the ceiling (42 percent), the rest through windows (12 percent), cracks (12 percent), or the floor (10 percent).

Don’t let engineers over-specify HVAC equipment • Conservative approaches often lead to 30 percent excess capacity in HVAC plant, which creates enormous ongoing inefficiencies. Ask your engineers how they decided on the HVAC plant size and test their assumptions • If possible, retain existing systems or ductwork but ensure all air ductwork is cleaned to remove dust, dirt and mould before occupation.

Don’t skip commissioning • Time over-runs may mean essential testing and balancing of the HVAC is not done until the building is occupied. This can lead to an unbalanced and inefficient HVAC system • A building needs to be ‘tuned’ over a full year’s running to ensure all systems are operating properly in all climatic conditions.

Look after HVAC systems • Ensure you have a building users’ guide for the engineering systems • Your HVAC system must be designed, operated and maintained to a required standard or it may cause air pollution as a result of poor maintenance • Set thermostats, with adjustable dead bands, between 20-24oC. • Avoid after-hours use of the HVAC system.

Find out how the HVAC system is zoned.

Ensure that after-hours switches service an area not greater than 500m2 and that they automatically switch off the HVAC system after a pre-set time

• Avoid using single heaters as much as possible. If you have heaters use radiant heaters, not fan heaters • Have your HVAC system serviced regularly.

Useful resources and information Although there is presently little New Zealand based information available about efficient HVAC systems, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority has produced a local case study (Wellington District Court) highlighting one of the country’s most energy efficient air-conditioned buildings. The case study is available on the EMProve website.

This article is courtesy of the Ministry for the Environment. For more, visit www.mfe.govt.nz.

WWW.HARTNELL.CO.NZ 03 366 3952

DESIGN & BUILD | INSTALLATION | SERVICE | MAINTENANCE AIR CONDITIONING | HEAT RECOVERY | UNDERFLOOR HEATING FOUNDING MEMBER OF:

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PROUD AUTHORIZED DEALER:

Passive House Institute New Zealand

The Passive House Standard: aiming for excellence With rising fuel poverty and an emphasis on reducing climate change, there is a new wave towards sustainable living and it’s called Passive House.

Passive House designers and tradespeople, influencing the government to show them that Passive House New Zealand buildings are the standard to aim for and increasing the general knowledge of the public, so more people know about Passive House.

A current project we are very excited about is a collaboration with BRANZ to publish a book of high-performance construction details in early 2021.

A fairly new concept in New Zealand, with the first Passive House here being certified in 2012, it is already proving popular because of the benefits it offers in terms of fuel saving, energy efficiency and public health.

It is a catalogue of high-performance and Passive House suitable details that are tried and tested in NZ and each construction detail comes with thermal performance, carbon impact and cost information.

Imagine living in a house where you don’t have to use much heating but you’re still able to stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot? This is all part of the Passive House standard.

“We have a proven method of designing and building houses that are energy efficient and comfortable. This leads to people living, working and playing in nurturing healthy houses and, for example, attending early childhood centres that are warm and dry and comfortable. That’s a really good foundation for a fulfilled life, it’s that baseline of comfort.

Passive House Institute New Zealand CEO, Amy Tankard says the Passive House standard is a voluntary standard which ensures good ventilation, a comfortable temperature range, humidity balance and energy efficiency.

“The Government needs to lead the way in setting these high-quality standards.”

Passive House buildings are energy efficient as they need minimal heating and cooling.

“To put public health into context, every year we have stories about how New Zealanders live in these damp and cold homes, their heating bills are huge, and millions and millions is spent each year on respiratory disease in New Zealand.

“If you’re cold and you’re spending all your money on heating or you have to choose between heating and eating, you can’t move on from that, because you’re just surviving.”

Fuel poverty is a big deal. If you can’t afford the fuel bill you won’t turn the heating on.

But if people are living in a house where it stays warm and they don’t have to turn the heating on then that helps in preventing fuel poverty and respiratory disease, Amy says.

Since establishing Passive House in New Zealand, 33 buildings have been built which are certified to Passive House standard.

There are over 100 more dwelling units in the pipeline, including two buildings, which Amy says she hopes will be certified in the next week or so.

It’s not just houses that can be Passive House certified – all buildings that accommodate people, such as apartments, offices, schools, museums and hospitals can all be made certified if they meet the Passive House standard.

Passive House Institute New Zealand, Te Tōpūtanga o te Whare Korou ki Aotearoa (PHINZ) is a charitable trust.

The charity’s aims are to increase the awareness of the benefits and opportunities of high-performance buildings based on the Passive House Standard, through research, education and building industry engagement.

Community benefits include improving public health and wellbeing, relieving fuel poverty in New Zealand through the promotion of healthy and highly energy efficient public buildings, and working with the public sector such as Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, to help improve their understanding of energy efficiency in homes and public buildings, Amy says.

As well as promoting the benefits of Passive House, the institute also has also big plans for the future, Amy says.

Passive House Institute New Zealand PO BOX 11766 Wellington 6142 enquiries@passivehouse.nz www.passivehouse.nz

Some of the goals are expanding the offer of training so more people can become certified

PHINZ aims to advance education to the building industry and to the public about improved energy efficiency in New Zealand buildings, specifically Passive House, promoting education and the Passive House Standard in New Zealand, and making research on building performance readily available in New Zealand.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 75

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC. 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.

Secureguarantee

So, as a national company servicing New Zealanders in the construction industry, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

By using Securescaffold you can rest assured that your objectives of safety, cost and meeting deadlines are of paramount importance.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

All our equipment is rigorously tested to the highest of standards.

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.

• 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! * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

Securescaffold covers all NEW Worksafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions.

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Ask your builder if they are using Securescaffold – it will save you money.

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0800 66 00 22

www.securescaffold.co.nz * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

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Head Office - 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Christchurch Yard - 72 Shortland Street, Wainoni, Christchurch 8061

Angus McMillam Concrete

Angus McMillan Concrete Angus McMillan Concrete was established in 1994 by Angus and Carol who ran the operation from their rural property on the outskirts of Hastings.

In 2001 our business became too big for a backyard, so we moved to a large yard space in Hastings with offices and a workshop.

We are a very family orientated business and employ around 20 staff ranging from excavator operators, boxers, carpenters, concreters, quantity surveyors and sales staff.

We pride ourselves in finding a solution for all situations.

Expertise, determination and passion Angus McMillan continues to be recognised in the industry by the NZ Concrete Contractors Association (NZCCA) and the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) for technical expertise, quality of work and business acumen.

installation to the right specifications, this could mean upgrading your existing services.

Decorative concrete Transform your area using custom coloured, exposed or beautifully stamped, patterned concrete.

Specialised concrete We have a team that has specialised in Skateparks, when redoing your driveway or a pool consider ramps or a skate able bowl that can be used as a pool in the summer.

Concrete flooring Natural, durable and beautifully polished concrete flooring is energy efficient and hypo-allergenic.

Our capabilities We at Angus McMillan Concrete employ a wide range of staff with different abilities. We then train them to extend those capabilities giving a work force of very diverse abilities.

Site preparation Making a proper bed for concrete is critical to achieve ultimate performance.

Commercial concrete We cover the full spectrum of size, scale and complexity, from new builds to renovation work.

Drainage With our staff holding drain laying qualifications, we are able to include drainage as part of our services. Most projects need some form of drainage, we will help you design your project to include a drainage plan and we will complete the

Testimonials “Thanks for the great job you did on the driveway and paths for our new home.

The process was completely stress-free and we are very pleased with the colour and finished effect.”

- J Kelly, Havelock North “We are delighted with the final product and would like to commend the entire staff involved for their professional approach in completing our driveway.

Throughout the project we found all the staff involved excellent and keen to provide the best job possible. Several neighbours have admired the driveway and we have been willingly sharing with them your involvement.”

- John and Marijke McKenzie, Hastings

Talk to us about all your concrete needs Residential Commercial Decorative Specialised Restoration FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE: P 06 873 4428 E sales@amc.nz www.amc.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 77

Cement & Concrete

Concrete NZ is building a productive relationship with government There is much the recently elected Labour Government can do, in partnership with industry, to ensure quality infrastructure and housing, which is central to economic success and the welfare of New Zealanders in a world impacted by COVID-19.

“Concrete NZ’s broad focus is to work towards optimising a resilient built environment that benefits all New Zealanders,” says Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster.

“Working collaboratively with all levels of government will be key to achieving this outcome.

“The concrete industry has identified a number of important strategic issues that it will target in its government relations work over the next three years.”

Resilience & sustainability

CRL trench construction Albert Street. Copyright belongs to City Rail Link Ltd (cityraillink.co.nz).

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Predictable climate change policy is welcomed by

“Predictable climate change policy is welcomed by the concrete industry, although decisions should be evidencebased and deliver pragmatic emission reduction results,” says Rob.

the concrete industry,

“The Government must implement the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act to ensure New Zealand plays its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

deliver pragmatic emission

“Concrete NZ also supports the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Building for Climate Change programme, as demonstrated by the New Zealand concrete industry’s vision to reduce emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

“However, if the programme’s focus is solely on carbon reduction, it will lead to perverse outcomes, such as inappropriate materials selection for buildings.

“In short, climate change regulation and government procurement must treat all building materials equitably. Government

although decisions should be evidence-based and reduction results.

- Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster

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should articulate a building’s required performance and sustainability criteria through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which will allow building professionals to select the most suitable materials,” says Rob.

Building regulatory system improvement “Concrete NZ will continue its call for a review of the Building Regulatory System, which based on engagement between the regulator and industry should target

regulations, such as New Zealand Standards, that support a quality built environment,” says Rob. “Through suitable funding and meaningful consultation, Government needs to ensure the building regulatory system is continually reviewed to improve productivity and quality, keep pace with modern construction methods and avoid unintended consequences of efforts to reduce emissions.”

Construction and infrastructure COVID-19 recovery “Government support for all areas of the construction and infrastructure sectors will be crucial to driving post-COVID-19 employment and economic activity,” says Rob. “This should also address critical shortages of housing supply and further up-grading of education, health, transport and three waters infrastructure.

“Job creation through fast-tracked, large-scale ‘shovel-ready’ projects, and addressing deferred maintenance across infrastructure, schools and hospitals, will be critical to helping New Zealand emerge from recession.”

Investment in concrete roads “Concrete NZ would like to see Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) adopt concrete pavement solutions for low-speed highstress applications, such as roundabouts, immediately, and also develop a more informed understanding of how concrete road pavements can help deliver New Zealand’s land transport objectives.

“The case for how concrete roads can provide cost competitive and durable solutions on key transport routes is more persuasive than ever, yet continues to be ignored by NZTA, as it has been by its predecessors for decades,” says Rob.

The CRL milestone breakthrough to the commercial bay development site from the Albert Street trench tunnels in downtown Auckland. Copyright belongs to City Rail Link Ltd (cityraillink.co.nz).

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“The recent high-profile, early pavement failures on the Kapiti and Waikato Expressways add further weight and urgency to the need for NZTA to update its technical guidance and standards, as well as revise its risk/reliability criteria.

Commercial Bay tunnel. Copyright belongs to City Rail Link Ltd (cityraillink.co.nz).

“This plays out against a backdrop ideally suited to concrete’s credentials as a road pavement material, in which Government has pledged to be carbon zero by 2050 and committed to record levels of investment in transport infrastructure as part of the COVID-19 recovery.

“Concrete NZ urges the NZTA to partner with industry and undertake research, including building a trial section of road, as a preliminary step in realising the cost competitive and durable solutions concrete roads can offer New Zealand’s key transport routes.”

Construction and infrastructure capability and capacity “Developing people capability and capacity across the construction and infrastructure sectors in another strategic issue that government can work with industry to address,” says Rob. “For instance, the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) must result in a system which supports employers and apprentices in the construction and infrastructure.

“Issuing entry visas to fill short term skill and capacity gaps where required will alleviate pressure in this area, as will working with the concrete industry to regulate concrete placing.

“Developing people capability and capacity will be key to the construction and infrastructure sectors supporting COVID-19 economic recovery.

“Across both sectors proficiency must be enhanced, immigration policy tailored to address skill shortages, and RoVE provide outcomes that build on current strengths and listen to all stakeholders.”

Concrete NZ Level 4/70 The Terrace Wellington admin@concretenz.org.nz www.concretenz.org.nz

Cement & Concrete

T5G 6X4 CONCRETE TRUCK $185,000 +GST 6.5m3 factory fitted bowl TWS wired with plug in remote controller

T5G 8X4 CONCRETE TRUCK $197,500 +GST

Extendable chute, bucket and scraper holder

7.5m3 factory made bowl

Extendable chute, bucket and scraper holder

25,000kg GVM

NZ common standard remote controller

Pressurised water system

330HP Power

Pressurised water system

330HP Power

Work and safety lights

ZF 9 Speed Transmission

Work and safety lights

AMT Transmission

32,000kg GVM

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 79

Cement & Concrete

New from MAX® – The RB611T TwinTier™ Rebar Tying Tool The MAX® TwinTier™ RB611T is reportedly the first battery powered tool in its class with the ability to tie D29 x D32 rebar.

TwinTier™ technology’s special attributes include faster tying speed, which further increases productivity; reduced wire consumption, increasing cost savings; and, for end-users, a wire tie that is shorter in height, requiring less concrete to fully cover it.

The MAX® TwinTier™ simultaneously shoots two x 1.0mm wires around rebar intersections, wrapping once to form a tie equivalent to the strength of a hand snap tie.

The TwinTier™ uses TW1061T series tie wire, available in black, poly coated, and stainless steel options. The tool’s 4.0 Ah lithium ion battery will complete approximately 4,000 ties before needing to be recharged.

The MAX® TwinTier™ RB611T’s large jaw allows users to tie D16 x D16 up to D29 x D32 rebar (varying by manufacturer).

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The MAX® TwinTier™ simultaneously shoots two x 1.0mm wires around rebar intersections, wrapping once to form a tie equivalent to the strength of a hand snap tie.

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Its enclosed design offers greater protection against debris and moisture entering the tool.

Like other MAX® rebar tying tools, the simple operation of the MAX® TwinTier™ helps reduce muscular skeletal injuries when compared to manual alternatives – a position supported by NIOSH in USA. 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 - Larger Capacity 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 32mm, up to 61mm, with 115 to 205 ties per coil, 4000 ties per charge, with the Max® 40 minute fast charger. The Max® RB611T TwinTier™ Re-bar-tier is lightweight, with a compact body. Made in Japan.

Battery operated re-bar-tying tool for: • • • • • •

Precast concrete products Building foundations Road and bridge construction Floors and walls Retaining walls Swimming pool walls

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

Jessie Laird Concrete

Jesse Laird Concrete At JLC, we specialise in residential and commercial concrete and landscape solutions, as well as prefabricated swimming pool installations.

Whether your property needs a new driveway, patio extension or a swimming pool the whole family can enjoy, we’ll do it right, first time. We never compromise on quality and strive to complete each job to a standard no less than perfection.

Not only does our JLC team produce exceptional work, we do it using the safest methods 100 percent of the time.

believe that honestly provides the stepping stone for exceptional customer service and client relationships.

Reliability: As a team, we dedicate ourselves whole-heartedly to a project, meaning that our clients have our full attention 100 percent of the time until their project is complete.

JLC are proudly SHE Health and Safety accredited, meaning you can be sure that we’ll never compromise on safe work practices.

Timeliness: Whatever we promise, we will work exceptionally hard to deliver. If we are not able to meet a deadline for any reason, we will always communicate this honestly with our clients.

Our team

Residential Concrete services

LC is a small team of expertly experienced concrete and landscape contractors. Here at JLC, we boast more than a decade’s experience in each of our service fields, with our staff’s experience reaching beyond international borders to both Australia and the UK.

JLC provides exceptional quality concrete improvements to your home and garden.

JLC is a Family-centred company that understands the demands of our clients ' everyday lives. As such, we aim to provide our clients with an experience that is efficient, reliable and uncomplicated.

JLC aims to provide a level of professionalism that reflects exceptional customer service and efficient communication throughout the process of any project.

JLC aims to be consistently committed to the needs of our clients, providing quality, affordable services with the highest level of honesty, integrity and efficiency.

At the heart of our company are three core aims that JLC strive to include in the everyday running of our services.

Our values Honesty: We believe that Honesty plays the most important role in our correspondence with our clients: not only do we pride ourselves on honest communication, but we

Specialising in all areas of residential concrete and landscaping, we will create an addition to your home that will not only look spectacular, but also stand the test of time.

We are proud to work with some of the Waikato’s leading building companies in completing homes for their clients. We are also council approved, meaning you can be rest assured that your new, or existing home, will be completed to a high standard, with the correct specifications.

Commercial Concrete services JLC’s expertise lies in completing commercial concrete projects for civil companies, builders and developers.

Boasting our own traffic management crew, excavators and concrete placers/finishers, you know that you’ll get the best value for your money when working with JLC. We are fully insured and experienced in working with some of New Zealand’s leading civil companies and councils.

Our familiarity with RITS, as well as our SHE pre-qualifications means that JLC is the perfect sub-contractor for any roading, civil or commercial building contract.

WE SPECIALISE IN RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONCRETE AND LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS PREFABRICATED SWIMMING POOL INSTALLATIONS Whether your property needs a new driveway, patio extension or a swimming pool the whole family can enjoy, we’ll do it right, first time. We never compromise on quality and strive to complete each job to a standard no less than perfection.

We complete work throughout Waipa District and wider Waikato PHONE: 027 327 1531 EMAIL: admin@jlccontracts.co.nz www.jlccontracts.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 81

Asbestos

Asbestos removal not just a risk for the worker Almost 50 years after New Zealand businesses working in and around construction were first made aware of the risks of asbestos, removal of the cancer-causing material is still not being managed effectively.

“Asbestos is New Zealand’s number one killer in the workplace with around 170 people dying every year from asbestos-related diseases,” says WorkSafe Deputy General Manager, Investigations and Specialist Services, Simon Humphries.

Those working in construction need to be more diligent when it comes to managing asbestos removal because it is not just yourself at risk.

“Asbestos fibres can travel thousands of kilometres from a site where removal work is undertaken under certain weather conditions. Negligence is unacceptable and there is no excuse for putting the lives of others in and around your workplace at risk.”

These comments follow the sentencing of John Carstairs Robertson in New Plymouth District Court today on health and safety charges relating to unsafe removal of asbestos.

In February 2017, Mr Robertson began work on a New Plymouth property to remove asbestos containing material from a shed.

His conduct departed significantly from current asbestos regulations and included the use of hand tools to break up asbestos containing material, no use of masks or proper protective clothing, and no management of airborne asbestos particles.

Our investigation found that Mr Robertson had failed to manage the risk of asbestos appropriately, despite training and a prior improvement notice. We were not notified of the class B removal work.

“No asbestos removal plan was prepared and Mr Roberston’s haphazard removal work not only put himself and a worker at risk, but the occupier and visitors to the property, and those in the neighbouring area,” Mr Humphries said.

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Notes: • A fine of $35,000 was imposed.

• Reparation of $2580.59 was ordered for site remediation.

• Costs of $1297.50 were ordered.

• John Carstairs Robertson faced three charges: 1. Regulations 34(1) and 34(5) of the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 • Being a licensed asbestos removalist failed to give written notice to WorkSafe at least 5 days before the removalist commences licensed asbestos removal work.

• Maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding $6000.

2. Section 36(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 • Being a PCBU, failed to ensure., so far as was reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons, was not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking, namely the removal of asbestos cladding.

• Maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding $300,000.

3. Section 36(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 • Being a PCBU who is a self-employed person, failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who worked for the PCBU while at work in the business of removal of asbestos cladding.

• Maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding $300,000.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Mismanagement of asbestos removal unacceptable Motueka company Bays Boating Limited were fined $108,000 at the Nelson District Court following a WorkSafe prosecution for the unsafe removal of asbestos.

In August 2018, the company began demolition work on a building known to have asbestos in both its roof and walls, without safely removing the asbestos it first.

An estimated 220 people die from asbestos-related disease each year in New Zealand and WorkSafe is reminding businesses that the mismanagement of asbestos removal is unacceptable.

WorkSafe’s Principal Advisor for Asbestos Robert Birse said despite being aware of the presence of asbestos, the company cut corners and carried out unsafe demolition work.

“The company should have ensured there was no asbestos in the building by engaging a competent licensed person to complete the safe removal before demolition work commenced,” said Mr Birse.

“The dangers of asbestos are well known by those in the industry and the wider

A fine of $108,000 was imposed.

Bays Boating Limited was sentenced under sections 49(1), 49(2)(c) and 36(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, namely undertaking demolition work, did fail to comply with that duty.

Carries a maximum penalty of $500,000.

public. It is unacceptable that Bays Boating Limited allowed a building containing asbestos to be demolished without having the asbestos removed first.”

“When it comes time to renovate or demolish buildings where asbestos may be present, people need to remember they are required to have an asbestos removal control plan in place, or they run a very real risk of exposing workers and members of the public to harmful asbestos fibres.”

WorkSafe New Zealand owns the copyright of this content. Find more information on the safe removal of asbestos at www.worksafe.govt.nz.

Asbestos

Until relatively recently Asbestos flew under the radar in New Zealand, regulations existed but they were brief and vague in comparison to the rest of the world. This all changed in 2016 with the introduction of the new asbestos regulations which toughened up the requirements around managing, identifying and removing asbestos and bought New Zealand more in line with other developed countries in its approach to managing this potentially deadly mineral.

How can you be sure you are selecting a competent Asbestos Surveyor or Asbestos Assessor?

When selecting an Asbestos Surveyor, it’s important they have the correct level of training and experience, however it’s also the quality of experience that really matters, not just the length of experience. There are many Asbestos Surveyors that have 3 or 4 years’ experience but have never been mentored by a Senior Surveyor and are self-taught. There are also many that have the P402 certificate of training for Asbestos Surveying and Sampling and use this to claim competence.

The P402 whilst a great starting point doesn‘t on its own prove competency, much like an apprenticeship Asbestos Surveyors should also have considerable time shadowing and being overseen and mentored by a Senior Asbestos Surveyor. I’d always recommend when trying to select an Asbestos Surveyor that you insist on P402 trained Asbestos Surveyors but that you also request details of ongoing training and mentoring and who that has been provided by. Good companies will also audit their staff and we’d also

recommend asking for evidence of this.

Independence is very important when selecting an Asbestos Assessor, we’d always recommend sourcing an Asbestos Assessor independently and not relying on recommendations by those undertaking the asbestos removal.

A good Asbestos Assessor will carry out adequate checks during works and ensure the area is handed back in a safe condition, this isn’t necessarily a quick process and some asbestos removal contractors prefer the path of least resistance which doesn’t always align with a safe approach and quality work. This isn’t to say that there aren’t some good honest asbestos removal contractors out there who want to do a great job safely, however there are definitely a number who don’t have these standards and independent selection of your Asbestos Assessor will safe guard against an unsafe outcome.

Lastly whilst not mandatory at present, IANZ accreditation to ISO17020 for Asbestos Surveying and ISO17020/ ISO17025 Asbestos Assessing activities is available and some companies have chosen to voluntarily gain this accreditation to prove that they

have the systems in place to provide adequate training, mentoring and auditing of Asbestos Surveyors / Assessors so it’s worth looking for companies that carry this accreditation as extra peace of mind.

It is also worth noting that a good Asbestos Surveyor does not necessarily make a good Asbestos Assessor although they can do if they have a good level of training and experience in both disciplines. Surveying and Assessing are two different disciplines with different training requirements and skill sets, many Asbestos Assessors will claim that their Licensed Asbestos Assessor status proves competency for asbestos surveying – it doesn’t, this is a common misconception. In summary, do your due diligence properly in this area prior to engaging the services of an Asbestos Surveyor or an Asbestos Assessor, poor selection can lead to bad workmanship, unnecessary exposure to asbestos and large unnecessary costs for repeated work.

By Dan Scott, Managing Director of Accurate Consulting Ltd

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 83

Hutt Gas & Plumbing

Award-winning plumbing and gasfitting BUSINESS WINS AWARD FOR WORK ON MPI’S NATIONAL BIOCONTAINMENT LABORATORY Many subcontractors were affected by the collapse of Mainzeal in 2013, including Hutt Gas & Plumbing. However, Hutt Gas & Plumbing used it as an opportunity to reinvent itself. Years later, after a major overhaul of the business, the team’s efforts have paid off.

Operating in Wellington for nearly 30 years, Hutt Gas & Plumbing is known for its detailoriented, plumbing and gasfitting work.

The business’ portfolio of projects includes work on scientific laboratories, research facilities, healthcare facilities and complex commercial projects.

According to Colleen, Hutt Gas & Plumbing has trained over 50 apprentices since 1992 and over 14 plumbing businesses in Wellington employ or are owned by former Hutt Gas and Plumbing graduates.

One of Hutt Gas & Plumbing’s most noteworthy projects is the company’s involvement in the Ministry for Primary Industry’s (MPI’s) National Biocontainment Laboratory. The high-level biocontainment lab is used to diagnose and contain infectious veterinary pathogens and diseases.

In addition, Colleen says that Hutt Gas & Plumbing employs the highest number of female plumbers and gasfitters in Wellington.

In order to meet the high demands of this project, Hutt Gas & Plumbing spent over a year designing the physical containment system. Due to the complexity of the project, the design took nearly four years to construct and implement.

diligence and attention to detail, Hutt Gas & Plumbing earned Master Plumbers 2020 Outstanding Project of the Year award.

Hutt Gas & Plumbing director and general manager Colleen says, “The very nature of this requires specialist skills to build systems that will prevent these pathogens from escaping and infecting the local population and wildlife. It was a job that required the highest level of skill and innovation from a plumbing team.”

Hutt Gas & Plumbing’s Scott Adin led the plumbing, gas and drainage team for the project and, as a result of the team’s

Colleen says, “We do embrace a willingness to grow, learn new things and utilise new technology. We value a diverse culture and we place a lot of emphasis on training and education.

“This has helped us to build a reputation for delivering highly technical and innovative solutions. The awards reflect the immense amount of work we’ve done in these areas.”

The awards Hutt Gas & Plumbing has earned reflects the team’s eagerness to learn and share its wealth of knowledge with others in the industry by also providing apprenticeship opportunities.

Scott Adin with Directors Colleen Upton and Darren Smith accepting the 2018 Master Plumber of the Year Award.

“We’ve mentored many apprentices over the years and this mentorship has even included help with practical things like how to manage time, bookwork, exam study and budgeting.

I extend my mentorship to apprentices that work for other firms as well,” says Colleen.

Along with Colleen, directors Darren Smith and Grant Jefferson believe that the construction sector needs to invest in New Zealand’s future workforce by taking on more

Create your dream bathroom at Mico

Hutt Gas & Plumbing 1/366 Hebden Crescent Belmont Lower Hutt (04) 565 0921 office@huttgas.co.nz www.huttgas.co.nz

apprentices. That’s why since 1992, Hutt Gas & Plumbing has trained over 50 apprentices.

R J Mullin Ltd STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINIUM FABRICATORS GENERAL SHEET METAL WORKERS

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF HUTT PLUMBING AND GAS LTD

MICO HUTT CITY CORNER PRETORIA & CORNWALL ST, LOWER HUTT 04 569 1917 www.mico.co.nz

04 939 8515 | admin@rjmullin.co.nz | rjmullin.co.nz

#30.

Our profits stay in your community.

See more reasons at plumbingworld.co.nz/30reasons

84 | B&C - Issue #125

Our profits become your profits, helping you put spend back into your local community.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Proud to support local businesses like Hutt Gas and Plumbing Plumbing World Lower Hutt 40 Bouverie Street, Petone Ph 04 576 4720 plumbingworld.co.nz

iPlumber

Masters of the plumbing industry Eleven years ago, iPlumber company director, Jamin Saes would have employed the first person that came knocking on his door looking for a job.

Based in Frankton Hamilton, iPlumber cover a broad range of Plumbing & Gasfitting services specialising in: • Renovations and alterations • Gas or electric hot water systems • General plumbing & gasfitting maintenance

Now a decade later, Jamin says taking the time to find good quality staff has been his biggest take away and what he believes is the key to his recent New Zealand Master Plumber of The Year win.

• Small job specialists with fast response times.

• We will meet your toughest, or most simple, plumbing and gasfitting requirements with:

While no stranger to being recognised for their work, with the team’s recent 2019 Waikato Master Plumber of the Year award, Jamin says being honoured with a national award has helped the company to stand out more amongst the industry.

“I think customers are a bit more confident and happier to use us, rather than questioning whether they can trust us or whether we’re going to turn up.”

Since establishing iPlumber in 2009, Jamin has gone from trading by himself to employing a team of four.

While it’s taken him a while to find a good team of workers, his biggest learning has been taking the time to find good quality staff and paying them what they are worth, he says.

“I employed the first guy who knocked on my door, basically if he could fog up a mirror and was keen, he was in.

“It probably wasn’t the best vetting process, we had a few words at the door where I discovered he was a drainlayer and to be fair, he was a good apprentice for a while, but things went south and it ended up costing us one of our biggest clients, which was so many thousand a month.”

• Attention to detail • Understanding of urgency • Quick communication

Communication is absolutely key, calling the client before we go round, or if something goes wrong, giving the client a call. it’s about keeping the communication going so the client knows what to expect.

As well as continuing great customer service and building a bigger client base, Jamin says his team are also working on a maintenance calendar, a yearly scheduled site visit to carry out preventative maintenance at customers’ homes, buildings or rentals.

“It’s to make sure that everything is 100 percent and not going to go bang in the middle of the night, people often neglect their plumbing system until it’s too late - it needs servicing just like a car.”

He was hoping to get it off the ground soon, they just had to do a bit more tweaking. As well as the maintenance calculator, they have also bought their own

While Jamin is proud of his team of staff and where iPlumber has got to today, he likes to make sure his staff are always improving the way they do things and always makes sure the customer is satisfied with the job.

• Fully stocked fleet of vans

"

“It’s to make sure that everything is 100 percent and not going to go bang in the middle of the night, people often neglect their plumbing system until it’s too late - it needs servicing just like a car.”

- iPlumber company director, Jamin Saes

• Police checked, healthy, professional, and friendly technicians.

"

workshop, instead of leasing, and plan on moving in once construction is completed in March.

- Jamin Saes, NZ Master Plumber of the year.

“We do have a bit of a process. I’ll try to get the guys to call the owner when they finish the job, talk them through whatever they’ve done, we’ll follow up with the client from the office before invoicing, make sure they’re happy, go back and sort out any little issues, and ask a few questions about the service.

iPlumber

6/222 Tristram St Frankton Hamilton (07) 839 7586 www.iplumber.co.nz

“Every now and then there is something that comes up and we’ll relay that back to the team.”

WAIKATO’S PREFERRED SUPPLIER OF QUALITY PLUMBING AND BATHROOM PRODUCTS Whether you require Bathroom Fittings, Gas Hot Water, Gas Heating or Plumbing Supplies, we can help.

Supplying quality products to both trade and retail customers throughout the Waikato region for over 20 years from our modern showroom based in Hamilton.

27-29 Somerset Street, Frankton, 3204 Phone: 0800 808 073 / (07) 847 3389 Email: sales@zipplumbingplus.co.nz www.zipplumbingplus.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 85

East Coast Plumbing and Gas

Looking for the best?

Choose East Coast Plumbing and Gas If you’re recommending a plumber, drainlayer or gasfitter to your client, you need to know you can rely on them to deliver the same great service and value that your clients expect from you. That’s just one of the reasons you should choose East Coast Plumbing and Gas. We can help with: • Drainage • Plumbing • Gasfitting • Gas heating solutions • Hot water solutions • Central heating.

Smart plumbing solutions, happy customers Are your clients planning on renovating a bathroom or upgrading their kitchen? East Coast Plumbing and Gas can help you to offer them the best solutions for plumbing installation, water heating and managing their drainage needs.

Stay safe, use an expert Your central heating experts We’re your local central heating experts.

Hawke’s Bay summers may be warm but our winters bring a chill to the home – especially for older houses. If you have a client who’s renovating or upgrading their home, why not ask if they’re interested in exploring central heating options?

We can help your clients choose the right system for their home and their budget, then we can install it to the highest standard.

We can also connect to wetback fires or can install a range of energy sources for increased efficiency.

Gas provides a great energy source for hot water, cooking, or heating your home. That makes it a popular choice for new builds and renovations. East Coast Plumbing and Gas are certified professionals and can ensure your gas installation is carried out safely, with no risk of harmful by-products polluting the home.

Don’t forget the drainage systems No one wants to find out they have a problem with their drains, but it’s not uncommon for renovations to uncover poor pipework or problems with wastewater.

East Coast Plumbing and Gas has the highest level of certification available from the PGDB (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board NZ) and our workmanship is fully guaranteed for two years. That means your clients can enjoy getting the job done right with minimum stress and inconvenience.

Visit our new Heating Showroom Our Heating Showroom provides your clients with a place to browse a selection of

appliances that we’ve handpicked because we know they perform at the top of their field. Whether your clients are looking for heating solutions for a whole home, a room, or a hot water system; our team can make it easy to find the right solution.

Connect your clients with a level of service that you can trust. Contact East Coast Plumbing and Gas today on 06 211 6462 or visit www.eastcoastplumbingandgas.co.nz.

Explore our range of gas fires.

Bring your clients to visit our showroom today at 308 Albert Street, Hastings.

Explore the latest designer ranges of gas fires from Rinnai and Rais.

86 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

HydroTech Drainage

HydroTech Founded by brothers Alan and Phil Hopkins, HydroTech Group’s humble beginnings started in 1995 as a small family business based in West Auckland delivering domestic drainage and plumbing services to the local community.

The brothers’ reputation of excellence in delivery, innovative thinking and outstanding customer experience saw the business expand service delivery to a wider range of clients including the local City Councils and Watercare, and develop into an organisation trusted to provide solutions to some difficult problems.

From the basics of drainage and plumbing services, HydroTech worked with industry suppliers to develop and source innovative technology to improve efficiencies and safety in delivery and meet the demands and challenges of three water network operations and maintenance. CCTV surveys, multi sensor profiling, pipeline cleaning and unblocking, and trenchless pipeline rehabilitation (fold and form and UV-CIPP) was added to the suite of services available which provided HydroTech the ability to find the problem, understand the problem and provide the solution.

As the business grew and expanded around the country and what is now the HydroTech Group, our people have always been the key part of our success. Our technology is nothing without our people and innovation starts with an idea. Our team's skill sets cover a vast spectrum from engineering and trades, robotics and software development and plant operators and equipment technicians. We pride ourselves at employing, shaping, and developing the very best people in our industry.

"

We continue to provide cost-effective first-class services, innovative solutions, utilising advance technology...

"

Today, after 25 years of serving New Zealand water infrastructure owners, the HydroTech Group has multiple service locations throughout New Zealand with over 180 people. We continue to provide cost-effective first-class services, innovative solutions, utilising advance technology to be the complete one stop shop for three water network operations and maintenance, and pipeline renewals and rehabilitation.

NATIONAL LEADER IN THREE WATERS OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND RENEWALS

Laser Prof iling • Multi Sensor Instrument Prof iling I & I Investigations • Hydro Excavation • Vacuum Loading CCTV • Inspections • Drainage Repairs • Pond Desludging High Pressure Water Blasting • Facilities Management

(49367)

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 87

Working at Heights

Preventing falls from height Every year hundreds of New Zealand workers are seriously injured due to falls from height at work, some of them fatally.

Plan a safe approach Too many falls from height are caused by a failure to plan and organise work properly.

Start by planning a safe approach.

Identify the hazards Identify any hazards of working at height where someone could fall. Four ways of identifying hazards are: Physical inspections – walk around the workplace using a checklist to identify and manage hazards.

Task analysis – identify the hazards involved in each task of the job.

Process analysis – identify hazards at each stage of the production or service delivery process.

Analysis of accident investigation – identify hazards and causal factors from investigations involving similar types of work.

Assess the hazards Decide if the identified hazards are significant. How badly harmed someone

would be if they fell and how likely a fall could be? If serious harm could result, then it’s a significant hazard.

Control the hazards Now keep people safe from the identified significant hazards. Select the best work method to eliminate, isolate or minimise (in that order) the potential for harm resulting from the significant hazard.

• Can the hazard of working at height be eliminated?

ASCEND SAFE FALL ARREST SYSTEM Hands-free Fall Arrest System provides personal safety on access ladders in both vertical and horizontal planes with no need to detach and re-attach due to the continuous movement capabilities of the rope grab.

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FABRICATION WORKSHOP OFFERING TAILORED SERVICES ACROSS MANY INDUSTRY SECTORS Superior Stainless are leaders in providing metal fabrications which are designed and created to our customers’ specifications.

Oil & Gas • Food & Beverage • Dairy Marine • Transport • Stainless Steel benching for Commercial / Domestic markets

Phone - 06 755 0688 www.superiorstainless.co.nz 88 | B&C - Issue #125

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• Could long-handled tools be used from ground level?

• Could structures be built at ground level and lifted into position on completion?

• Can the hazard of working at height be isolated?

• Could edge protection be used?

• Could a total restraint system be used to prevent a fall occurring?

• Could a fall arrest system be used?

• Can the distance and impact of the fall be minimised? Only take this step when elimination and isolation options have been exhausted.

• Could a guard-railed work platform (eg scaffold or elevating work platforms) be used?

• Could nets or air bags be used to minimise the impact of a fall?

Information kindly provided by Worksafe New Zealand. For further information, visit: worksafe.govt.nz.

Superior Stainless A close working relationship with clients and the support of a high performing team has polished the shine on Superior Stainless’ continued growth and development over the last 14 years.

Founded in 2006 by Derek Drinkwater and based in New Plymouth, Taranaki, Superior Stainless has evolved from a threeperson operation to a large team of skilled tradesmen and office support including design, project and site management.

stainless steel ducting, motor covers and brackets to meet the often-harsh environment at sea.

Elegant stainless steel kitchen and commercial benchtops, shower trays, handrails and electrical boxes are produced in the light sheetmetal workshop. The heavy metal workshop specialises in fabrication of milk tankers, silos, pipework, structural steel and stock feed componentry.

Health and safety is a priority for Superior Stainless and has led to the development of the Ascend Safe Fall Arrest System. Derek designed a simple unobstructive personal fall arrest system that can be adapted to almost any access ladder in both vertical and horizontal planes in both inside and outside environments.

Based in the oil and gas capital of New Zealand, Superior Stainless has designed and manufactured subsea clamps, handrails,

Leaning to its artistic side, Superior Stainless has even successfully ventured into the creative world of stainless steel sculptures.

For more details check out our website or give us a call today!

Insurance

COVID-19 has made it a good time to talk about vulnerability Now is a good time to talk about vulnerability.

Included in these was a commitment to responding flexibly and responsibly to those in financial hardship or who are vulnerable.

Now, because so many people in our team of five million are facing financial hardship, and now, because once you have a critical mass in similar circumstances, the stigma of hardship and vulnerability erodes.

Insurers moved quickly to put in place a range of measures including premium freezes, premium refunds, deferred timing for premium payments and flexibility on changing terms of policies to make them more affordable.

New Zealand’s financial vulnerability has always been there, it’s just that COVID-19 has exposed it.

New Zealanders have the worst savings rate in the OECD and our own research shows people’s confidence about their knowledge in insurance is very low.

In April, during lockdown, the Commission for Financial Capability surveyed over 3,000 New Zealander’s about their financial wellbeing and the results showed that 34 percent of households were in difficulty and 40 percent were at risk of tipping into hardship.

Our financial resilience is such that many Kiwis are one pay cheque away from disaster.

Organisations such as FinCap, who work with the most vulnerable in our communities, are predicting the last quarter of the year to be when we will see a large wave of people in dire straits and needing support.

From the early days of COVID-19 insurers developed a set of core principles for how it wanted to treat people.

But understanding and responding to vulnerability didn’t start there for the industry.

Back in 2016 the Human Rights Commission worked with the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) to develop best practice guidelines for the prioritisation of vulnerable customers for ICNZ members.

These guidelines are referenced in the Fair Insurance Code. The value proposition of insurance is being there to put you back on your feet when the worst happens, so working with people when they have suffered a loss is in our DNA. The treatment of vulnerable customers was a focus of the Australian Royal Commission.

Since then the FMA, in their thematic review of Banking and Life insurance conduct, said they expect insurers to identify potentially vulnerable customers, and have policies, processes and training for staff and intermediaries in place to support and deliver good customer outcomes.

They have recently published high level expectations separately, further spelling out their expectations that firms can demonstrate how they have embedded identification and management of customers experiencing vulnerability.

These expectations align with insurers approach to think widely about vulnerability to include financial exclusion, capability and resilience, health, life events and relationships and isolation.

Insurers agree it as a fluid state, not a label. We must discern between situational vulnerability, which can be bounced back from relatively easily, versus chronic, intergenerational, complex, and multipronged vulnerability.

Understanding and identifying vulnerability through various indicators is a first and important step.

The challenge set for insurers is then how to respond differently. In many cases

it may mean offering different ways of communicating. It will always mean treating each person fairly, as an individual and remaining flexible.

While our members report being well down the path with developing their policies and systems, training their people and developing partnerships, they are always re-evaluating for new thinking to ensure alignment with customer and regulator expectations.

For our part, ICNZ is leading a bi-monthly discussion group so that members can share best practice and learn from each other and provide resources to assist brokers and intermediaries.

We look forward to sharing our insights with the FMA when their next steps come to light.

Article from the Insurance Council of New Zealand: www.icnz.org.nz.

Construction Specialists

FG Insurance Services is part of the Steadfast Broker network

Phone 027 512 7500

430 Ulster Street, Beerescourt, Hamilton 3200 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 89

Curin Contractors

Innovative solutions and great customer service for earthworks throughout Waikato

3 CIVIL 3 PILING 3 RETAINING WALLS 3 EARTHWORKS

An environmental spin on earthmoving In recent years there has been an environmental shift towards a more sustainable way of working.

It’s clear that more consumers are choosing to support a business because of the sustainable practices they enforce.

According to an In Good Company study, at least 47 percent of New Zealanders say they care about sustainability when choosing a brand/product to purchase.

As consumers become more eco-conscious, the need to provide more sustainable options for clients has grown.

Like many businesses, the construction sector has also started to take a stand towards reducing its environmental footprint.

At Curin Contractors Ltd, this means improving and implementing better environmental practices to suit our clients.

Some of the steps we have taken as a team is offering pile driving in a range of sizes instead of traditional retaining walls.

“Driven piles are more environmentallyfriendly, as depending on how the job is done, there can be spoil removal.”

As well as driving piles, we also use best practices for sediment control and soil erosion, to ensure there is minimal disruption on site and closely monitor any environmental impacts to the surrounding area from traffic movements.

office@curincontractors.co.nz

380 Norwegian Rd, Cambridge, Waikato

www.curincontractors.co.nz

07 827 1869

90 | B&C - Issue #125

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Established in 1996 by owner operator Steve, Curin Contractors Ltd has grown significantly and now employs more than 30 full-time staff.

The Curin Contractors Ltd team, alongside Steve Curin and Cameron Roderick, covers a wide range of construction needs across the central North Island.

Servicing professional earthworks in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty for more than 20 years, the team has experience and expertise on its side.

Let Curin Contractors Ltd help your civil construction project run smoothly. Contact us regarding earthworks in Hamilton, Tauranga or the wider Waikato or Bay of Plenty regions today, 07 827 1869.

Specialists in: • Pile driving • Retaining walls • Earthworks for new builds, landscaping or driveways • Concrete bridge construction • Stock underpass construction • Effluent ponds • Roading works • Land clearing.

Along with environmental practices, innovative and modern techniques and processes are also at the forefront of Curin Contractors Ltd. We have expanded our business to run over 9x excavators varying from 1.7t up to 28t, 2x Bobcats & 2x Bulldozers supported by a modern fleet of over 15 trucks, trailers, transporters and tippers to meet more client needs. Each vehicle is reliable and offers efficient transport times throughout the North Island.

“All our fleet is fitted with GPS tracking units.

This system records daily log on/log off times, activation times, idle times, stopped times, every load carted is recorded, GPS coordinates or a job site number issued.”

9 excavates 1.7 ton up to 28ton 2 Bobcats, 2 bull dozers

Central Demolition

Central Demolition Central Demolition is a leading New Zealand asbestos removal and demolition expert.

We have been providing first class commercial and residential asbestos removal and demolition services in Manawatu and the wider North Island for more than 13 years.

Looking for an asbestos removal or demolition company you can trust?

Our reliable team provides all the services you’ll need.

Central Demolition strives to provide a quality, innovative and professional service for all its operations. Talk to us today about: • Building demolition including house demolition and commercial properties • Asbestos removal and asbestos disposal

Our success is the result of our firm commitment to health and safety, our dedicated and skilled workforce and making each job as easy as possible for our clients.

• Deconstruction of materials

With a reputation for our professional approach and achieving excellence, Central Demolition has been able to expand from our base in Manawatu and throughout the wider North Island.

Apart from the asbestos removal and demolition, we now offer skip bin hire, concrete crushing and recycling.

Central Demolition has a satellite office in Tauranga and Whakatane, which services the Auckland, Waikato and wider Bay of Plenty regions. Our Head Office in Feilding provides a solid base for our company to service Wellington, Manawatu/Wanganui, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay and South Waikato Regions.

As well as asbestos removal and demolition services, Central Demolition provides complimentary services to meet all your on-site requirements.

Contact us today to discuss your project and we will let you know if we can help.

• Disposal of materials, including hazardous waste and recycling

New services

Also waste minimisation services. This is where we sort recyclable material and shred non-recyclable material to reduce landfill volumes.

Safety, quality and protecting the environment In our industry, there is no compromise on safety and protecting the environment and we plan and undertake each job to ensure the environment, the general public and our staff are kept safe.

Our commitment to these areas is observed in our independently audited business management systems and holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZS 4801 Accreditations.

We continually get feedback from clients on the quality of our project planning, our safety documentation and our asbestos removal control plans. We also maintain very good records of our clearance procedures, validations results including air monitoring and soil sampling laboratory results.

Since our establishment in 2002, we have completed hundreds of complex asbestos removal and demolition jobs and we are

now one of the preferred suppliers of these services in our target area of the North Island.

Our staff follow strict safety procedures and have undertaken a significant amount of internal and external training including SiteSafe, A and B Class Removal Training, First Aid, Working at Heights and Elevated Work Platform Training to name a few.

Demolition & Asbestos Removal Services

0800 344 421

Experts in commercial and residential demolition and asbestos removal throughout the North Island www.centraldemolition.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #125 - B&C | 91

Canterbury Home Show

Home show success

EENZ CALENDAR OF 2021 EVENTS

As a result of the pandemic, many long-anticipated events have been cancelled or postponed, including the March 2020 Christchurch Home Show. The solution for the organisers was to integrate that show into the October 2020 Canterbury Home Show.

Looking at the crowds attending the Canterbury Home Show, it was easy to see that organizers made the right move and that the show had been long awaited!

The lockdown created the perfect brainstorm for home improvement and renovation ideas. With the lockdown behind us, New Zealanders are free to make their newly thought up, dream home a reality.

Auckland Home Show 24-28 February 2021 ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland Christchurch Home Show 16-18 April 2021 Horncastle Arena, Addington, Christchurch Canterbury Home Show 15-17 October 2021 Horncastle Arena, Addington, Christchurch

At the home show, event attendees were able to enjoy a vast variety of free seminars and live demonstrations, all hosted by industry experts. Some of the seminar topics included kitchen design, bathroom renovations, the correct method to apply wallpaper and much more.

Hosting the Canterbury Home Show, Exhibitions and Events New Zealand (EENZ) made entry free when registering online or at the door. The free event was the perfect opportunity for homeowners to further conduct their research.

In between seminars, event attendees were able to visit a myriad of booths with suppliers exhibiting all sorts of homewares and products. This is beneficial to event attendees because they are able to handle products before bringing them home.

The Canterbury Home Show is an important contributor to the local economy and home renovation market. This is because over 140 businesses were able to enjoy the opportunity to exhibit their various products and services to attendees.

On top of giving event attendees an up-close look at home goods, many suppliers gave home show attendees exclusive deals and offers. For example, home show sponsor TSB offered up to $5,000 to event attendees when they moved their home loan to TSB.

DEMOLITION & ASBESTOS REMOVAL

The hope was that attendee numbers would be up since so many events were postponed earlier in the year. The 16-18 October 2020 event surpassed expectations with the EENZ officials confirming that 12,670 people attended the three-day event – an increase of 50 percent when compared to last year’s show.

Considering the lead up to the event, EENZ general manager Amanda Magnus says that there was a strong indication the event would have a great attendance. “But we were still pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout, and thrilled for the exhibiting businesses in the show to have such a positive opportunity to do business.”

However, the success of the Canterbury Home Show suggests that Aucklanders should expect another great show that they won’t want to miss.

Exhibitions & Events New Zealand PO Box 9037 New Market Auckland (09) 394 8120 info@eenz.net.nz www.eenz.net.nz

EENZ’s next event is the Auckland Home Show which will take place 24-28 February 2021. Like the Christchurch Home Show, the Auckland Home Show was also postponed.

“Put our experience to work on your project” Commerical and residential demolition Asbestos removal - classes A & B Site clearances Large or small projects Contact us for a no obligation quote

CITY SALVAGE CONTRACTORS W: www.citysalvage.co.nz E: info@citysalvage.co.nz 544 Tuam Street, Christchurch, PO Box 32139 Christchurch 92 | B&C - Issue #125

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

CONTACT: 0274 324 878 OFFICE PHONE: 03 389 9650

Dunedin/Otago

Encouraging signs for building activity in Dunedin The Dunedin City Council says a significant level of building activity across the city is a positive sign the economy is bouncing back from the COVID-19 lockdown.

In the four months to the end of September, the number of building consent applications received by the DCC is up 20 percent on any comparable period over the previous five years.

At the same time, demand for building inspections is also up 17 percent compared to 2016 and 2017, and consent volumes for October are also tracking at record levels.

DCC general manager Community Services, Simon Pickford, says the “unprecedented” activity is a positive sign for the city’s building industry.

“We know a lot of businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdown, so it’s encouraging to see demand for these services coming back.”

DCC Building Solutions manager, Paul Henderson, says the activity shows a postCovid catch-up is underway, helped by people unable to travel choosing to spend on home renovations instead.

The 1195 consent applications received between June and September 2020 compares favourably to the same four-month period in 2015 (895 consents received), 2016

(985 received), 2017 (966 received) and 2018 (1010 received).

DCC Resource Consents Manager Alan Worthington says resource consent applications are also up seven percent compared to the nine-year average from 2011-2019.

The number of applications received in 2020 had been even higher, at 32 percent above average, just before the COVID-19 lockdown hit, before dropping back.

Figures for 2020 also show consent applications for new subdivisions are also up 25 percent compared to 2019, reflecting demand for housing.

Simon says the economic activity is a doubleedged sword for DCC staff, who are working hard to meet statutory 20-working day processing timeframes.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure we get through this volume of work as quickly as possible.”

DCC plans for the coming decade What should the Dunedin City Council’s priorities be for the next 10 years?

The DCC is putting together plans and budgets for the next decade and has canvassed local opinions about what residents think is important.

Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins says, “We were already facing some big challenges and making plans at the moment is difficult, given there’s so much uncertainty.

“Not only are we dealing with the longerterm impact of COVID-19, we have challenges around things like responding to climate change and the planned water reforms.

community wants, and that’s before we think about new projects and initiatives such as possibly introducing an improved kerbside rubbish and recycling service.

“We think we need to keep doing what we’re doing – investing in our city while still planning for Dunedin to grow. If we continue to invest, we’ll be improving the city and helping its economic recovery through spending and jobs.”

“We will need to decide whether to increase rates further, put up fees and charges, borrow more, cut costs or delay or not do some projects. We may have to do a combination of these things.”

At this stage there is a lot of pressure on DCC budgets. Much of this is because the DCC has to fix or replace assets that are wearing out, such as water and wastewater pipes and buildings it owns.

The DCC is doing a quick check in with residents before talking with the community in much more detail next year as the 10year plan for 2021-31 is developed. Formal consultation on the draft 10-year plan is likely to be in March-April next year.

Mayor Hawkins says “It’s difficult to balance the income we have with all the things the

Information sourced from www.dunedin.govt.nz.

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