Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #126

Issue #126 - 2021

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Why data is the key to a greener built environment

TIME TO EXPAND YOUR TEAM? What to consider before taking on more staff

SCAN TO CONTINUE READING ONLINE

FREE

Improving awareness around asbestos

ON TRACK

Auckland Light Rail's potential to revolutionise the city's public transport network

The Excellence in Steel Awards 2020

Housing needs more than a band-aid solution

DIGITAL DILEMMAS

How to tell if it's time to move your data into the cloud

Working wonders with wood Ply pannels enhance natural flow of Pukekohe home

Nelson Marlborough Traffic Management

Nelson Marlborough Traffic Management Nelson Marlborough Traffic Management Limited is a family owned and operated traffic management business which is dedicated to working with excellence and integrity to deliver cost effective and competitive traffic management solutions tailored to local businesses and specialising in forestry and civil contracting sectors in the Nelson - Marlborough Districts.

We take care of the legal, contractual and onsite traffic safety needs, providing our clients with everything from traffic management plan approvals to temporary traffic management, sign and equipment hire and Level 1 STMS and TC Training & Mentoring.

All work is carried out in accordance with the New Zealand Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (COPTTM).

Our values • INTEGRITY We do what we say we’re going to do. We deal openly and honestly with everyone. We understand our reputation is critical to our long-term success.

• RELATIONSHIPS We believe in developing positive alliances with principals, contractors, staff, the travelling public and our community.

• QUALITY We value a “can do” attitude. We will provide traffic management solutions on a how, when and where required basis and at a competitive price.

• SAFETY “Safety first on every traffic management job.” We are committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment in accordance with NZTA and Local Authority standards for road users with the least disruption to our contractors harvesting operations. We hold Sitewise Green Status with Site Safe.

Our staff

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We do what we say we’re going to do. We deal openly and honestly with everyone. We understand our reputation is critical to our longterm success.

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All our staff are highly trained, and hold warrants for STMS L1 or TC. We are conscious of keeping our work places safe, so our staff are trained in Work Place First Aid, Anaphylaxis Training, Forestry Standards – demonstrate knowledge of factors that affect the performance of forestry workers, demonstrate knowledge of general health, safety and environmental requirements in forestry and fighting vegetation fires; and Construct Safe Tier 1.

• Our staff are all drug and alcohol tested • We offer Level 1 Traffic Controller and STMS Training Courses • Our plant and equipment are inspected and renewed regularly, our vehicles are equipped with GPS and Open Ops RT technology for our staff’s safety • We have a vigorous Health and Safety Management Plan and Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, Drug & Alcohol Policy and Vehicle and Mobile Phone Policies.

We operate Near Miss/Incident Reporting and Hazard Identification and Critical Risk Management Systems.

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Traffic Management Plan | Road control application & permits | Hazard reporting | Manual Road Control

P: 03 928 0475 M: 027 3190 956 E: admin@nmtraffic.nz www.nmtraffic.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 3

Contents, Issue #126 - 2021 Page: 20

Page: 76

Page: 24

Contents 6:

Welcome

- publisher's note In this issue of Builders & Contractors we look at the future of building and why data is the key to a greener built environment, what to consider before you take on more staff, and how to tell if it’s time to move your data into the cloud.

We also feature pieces on Auckland Light Rail’s potential to revolutionise the city’s public transport network, the Excellence in Steel Awards 2020, why housing needs more than a band-aid solution to tackle respiratory disease, and plenty more.

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.

Another form of leverage you can use against your debtors

58: Global Engineering’s success at the

9:

How to prepare your business for sale

62: The benefits of steel framed housing

93: Auckland’s plans to be zero-waste

9:

Building for the future: why data is the key to a greener built environment

64: How the FTMA represents its industry

70: The AWCI casts positive eyes to

94: Hard truths in hardware

10: Is it time to expand your team?

14: A case study in adaptation 16: How to tell it’s time to move your

project management to the cloud

Readers: Construction/building industry

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

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

FREE distribution maximises readership 4 | B&C - Issue #126

SCNZ Awards

the horizon

72: WMAI’s code of practice cited as

88: Taggart Earthmoving takes two titles

acceptable solution by MBIE

74: Adhesion Sealing’ work in

at the NZDAA Awards

by 2040

98: Staying safe on our roads 100: Taking care of your fleet of vehicles 104: Online Contractors diversifies its

19: Building code upgrades on the way

20: Housing needs more than a

77: Quality systems for ready mixed

106: How to get more business through

82: Improving awareness around asbestos

108: Modernising our rental laws

band-aid solution

22: Auckland Light Rail has the potential

to revolutionise the city’s public transport network – but only if done right

waterproofing, sealing and seismic strengthening

concrete plants

construction services

your website

Page: 92

23: Working wonders with wood 24: The South East Asia Jungle Track

project at Auckland Zoo

42: Inside Fletcher Construction’s work on

the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway

48: The Excellence in Steel Awards 2020

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

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

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

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.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

TRAINING FOR YOUR WHOLE TEAM

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CALL BCITO TODAY 0800 4 BCITO (422 486) 1625 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 5

News

Another form of leverage you can use against your debtors

By Geoff Hardy, an Auckland commercial lawyer.

When you do building work for clients, you invoice them from time to time.

Sometimes, your clients don’t pay those invoices, either because they can’t, or they don’t believe they should.

If you can’t prove that, then you can also personally deliver it, post it to the client’s usual or last known place of residence or business, or leave it there instead, or fax it.

Whatever method you use, make sure you have evidence of having done it, so your clients can’t later deny they received it.

Once you have served your payment claim, your clients have the opportunity to give you a payment schedule in response, but it is amazing how often they miss the deadline even though Form 1 spells it out in no uncertain terms.

There are various ways in which you can make them pay you, or at least resolve the underlying dispute that is causing them not to pay you. Those methods range from negotiation, mediation, DisputeResolution Panels, Disputes Tribunal claims, adjudication, arbitration, and suing in the courts.

Because none of them is perfect, you may as well take advantage of everything that’s available to you. And there’s one more option that you can use if you make the effort, and that is to turn your invoices into payment claims under the Construction Contracts Act (the “CCA”). You’re mad if you don’t.

Why? Because payment claims are like invoices on steroids. They have super powers that ordinary invoices don’t have.

Parliament intended it that way, because Parliament was concerned that it was easy for unscrupulous clients to withhold money from the contractors and subcontractors below them, based on fictitious reasons.

So, in 2002 Parliament introduced this new method to force them to either pay up, or explain why not.

What you do is you take your invoice and you modify the wording of it so that it becomes a CCA payment claim. Then you “serve it” to your client.

They have to respond to it with a payment schedule by a certain deadline. That payment schedule has to say how much of the claim they will pay.

If it’s not 100 percent of the claim, they have to say why. Then they have to pay the amount that they promised, by the due date.

And if they don’t respond by the deadline, they have to pay 100 percent regardless.

What if they don’t pay? You can sue them in court and recover your legal costs off them.

It’s a process known as summary judgment so it is quicker and cheaper than most court cases. Having said that, no court case is quick and no court case is cheap, so you may be wondering why you would bother.

The answer is that once they are served with court papers, they take it seriously, and they consult a lawyer. Their lawyer will look at the situation, and if you have done everything 6 | B&C - Issue #126

The deadline for a payment schedule is 20 working days after the payment claim is served, unless the building contract says something else. Most standard-form building contracts in common use go to the trouble of specifying a shorter period.

right, the lawyer will advise your clients that they are likely to lose.

Faced with that, they generally pay up promptly, to avoid losing in court and having to pay not only their own legal fees but yours as well.

It doesn’t matter if they have a counterclaim against you. They can’t even raise it in these proceedings. It’s a “pay now, argue later” system, and it’s all about who gets to have the money in the short term.

The underlying dispute can then be resolved afterwards, and if the clients are on solid ground, they may well claw some or all of that money back from you.

But in the meantime, you can use it to pay your subcontractors and suppliers, and your legal fees for that matter. And you will have given your clients a taste of defeat, and undermined their confidence a little, making it all the more likely that you will be able to negotiate a satisfactory settlement of the dispute.

To turn your invoices into payment claims, there are nine criteria in the CCA you have to satisfy. Some are easy, but others require more effort. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be okay, but you must not cut corners and you must not be lazy. The idea is to explain very clearly what you are claiming and why. These are the nine criteria: • It must be in writing • It must say “This is a payment claim under the Construction Contracts Act 2002” • It must identify the relevant construction contract • It must identify the construction work you are charging for

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Even if your clients make the deadline, their payment schedule may not be valid.

There are six criteria they have to satisfy, and they are:

"

What you do is you take your invoice and you modify the wording of it so that it becomes a CCA payment claim. Then you “serve it” to your client.

• It must be in writing • It must identify the payment claim to which it relates • It must state the amount that they propose to pay

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• It must identify the period of time during which the work took place • It must state a claimed amount • It must state the due date for payment • It must indicate the manner in which the claimed amount was calculated • And it must have Form 1 attached to it.

You will need a bit of help to get it right at the outset, and you will need to keep up with any law changes that affect payment claims. We can help you with both of those.

The important point is, this is one of those situations where you need to get it 100 percent right. There is no point in spending thousands of dollars and waiting months for a Court hearing, only to have the Court throw out your payment claim because you didn’t comply with all nine requirements.

You are supposed to “serve” your payment claim to your clients in the proper manner.

Email is the best way, but you can only do that if your clients have expressly or impliedly agreed that you can use email to serve a payment claim.

• It must indicate the manner in which they calculated that amount • It must indicate their reason or reasons for the difference • Where the difference is because they are withholding payment on any basis, it must indicate their reason or reasons.

Finally, just be aware that payment claims can also be used against you – by your subcontractors. So watch for the words “payment claim” on all incoming invoices, and train your staff to look for this immediately on receipt.

Make sure you know what deadlines apply to each subcontract, because it may not necessarily be the CCA 20 working days.

Have a payment schedule template ready to be completed, and send a payment schedule each time, even if the payment claim is repeated.

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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Since 2006 our mission statement hasn’t radically changed – we still want to: • Understand our clients’ needs • Provide expert advice and solutions for their specific requirements, and • Deliver workmanship to a high standard.

When you add our commitment to developing great working relationships, you understand why Cool Ray Auckland is proud of its long history working in the greater Auckland area with clients who repeatedly use our services.

Please contact Antony to discuss your project – antony@coolray.co.nz – or visit our website, www.coolray.co.nz, to scroll through featured projects and client testimonials.

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• Health and Safety • Commercial Scaffolding • Industrial Scaffolding • Residential Scaffolding • Propping & Shore Loading • Equipment Hire/Sales

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www.summitscaffolding.co.nz AUCKLAND, WAIKATO AND NORTHLAND www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 7

Viewpoints

How to turn good intentions into genuine commitment Rob Clarke CEO of Learning Architects

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So here we are again – getting back into gear at the start of a new year.

Looking back on changes made last year to this, maybe you’ve had to restructure your business, or change the way you work to navigate the uncertain landscape 2020 created.

By now you’ve probably got your plan for the business year ahead mapped out and have held whatever meetings or planning retreats you use to bring your team together.

Looking back on changes made last year to this, maybe you’ve had to restructure your business, or change the way you work to navigate the uncertain landscape 2020 created.

And we can’t do it alone. To succeed, leaders need our teams with us, all helping to row the waka in the same direction. So how might you discern if this is the case?

Have you got a highly engaged, high performing team? Or a group of people who are totally lacking in commitment, or as is often the case - a bit of a mix across the spectrum?

And perhaps more importantly, what can you do to make sure that you get or, if they are high performers, sustain, their buy-in?

Is your team with you?

How people approach 2021 is going to be different for every individual and it’s helpful

A critical component of this is enabling people to adapt to change – whether it’s regular planned development in the organisation, or change influenced by external factors (e.g. supply chain interruptions or up- or down-sizing of the business).

Helping people become open to and embrace change is more of an art form than a science.

You need insight, strategies, tools and techniques to support you.

It’s important to understand what is happening for different people.

There are a range of options that can be used depending on your situation. Some involve refining how you share your vision and strategy, while others are useful for helping prioritise resources. Here are a few to get you thinking:

If you are unclear about what to do when, or where to put your resources, then a gridbased system such as the Impact vs Effort matrix can help clarify ideas with your team.

It is especially useful when people are able to openly discuss which issues are more or less important, as it enables you to prioritise resources and energy accordingly.

If you have a team that is struggling, then I suggest you first look at how engaged they are. One on one or group coaching or a team, departmental or organisation-wide

OUR D Y O W N

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

A GANTT chart is great for this; make sure you build in regular opportunities to reflect on progress, holding team members accountable for their area(s) of responsibility.

These are just a few of many useful tools that can help you support your teams to thrive as they adapt to change in uncertain times, and you may already have others.

So now the question becomes – what will you do differently this year to support your individual employees, teams and overall organisation to be resilient and adaptable, so that you can turn good intentions into genuine commitment and achieve better results? Over to you.

We understand that sometimes you need an extra pair of hands to help for a few days or a few weeks; not a problem, we can provide both short and long term solutions to help your company during those busier times.

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8 | B&C - Issue #126

I suggest you use a tool that increases transparency, giving them different challenges, with immediate, real time feedback to keep them motivated.

NZ Recruit is offering services to help reach and fill your current vacancies by advertising your current jobs on Seek , Trademe and Myjobspace, also by expanding your reach through social media. Not only can NZ Recruit offer advertising services, we will ensure applicants are contacted accordingly. Communication is key. We can help write your advert, screen and prepare for

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www.nzrecruit.co.nz

If you have a high-performing team, it’s important to make sure that their commitment is sustained. So how to do that?

interviews. What takes your time and puts pressure on you; we can help manage.

Building long-term working relationships is essential to us both, understanding your business and your recruitment needs.

IL

N

CY PAC

(03) 943 9505 | admin@nzrecruit.co.nz

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engagement surveys are helpful to see how individuals are feeling.

Developing extensive knowledge during years of recruitment and sales, both in the UK and New Zealand, we wanted to bring this platform and provide a service to help and develop your recruitment needs.

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

Thoughtfully applied, it will enable you to become more attuned to people’s needs and help you identify and apply practical strategies into your leadership practice to support them.

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It’s no secret that with all the good will and good planning in the world, it’s not good intentions that get results, but commitment and action.

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What do you need to succeed?

Wherever they sit on the engagement continuum, how you enable them to achieve greater results is a key consideration for any leader.

If you are deciding how to implement a change and have a variety of responses across the team (e.g. from resistance through to acceptance and excitement), then applying a user-centric framework like the Concerns-based Adoption Model (CBAM), which provides a way of understanding how individuals respond to change as they undergo it can help.

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Whatever your circumstance, uncertainty still exists in 2021, so the impetus to succeed will likely be stronger than ever!

to gauge where everyone is at as early on in the piece as you can.

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Perhaps your business thrived amidst the disruption, or maybe you ticked on through as normal.

GOAL IS “TOOUR PROVIDE A

SERVICE THAT HELPS YOUR BUSINESS WITH RECRUITMENT AND TAKES THE PRESSURE OFF YOU.

“

Viewpoints

Building for the future: why data is the key to a greener built environment

How to prepare your business for sale

Callan Mantell, Area VP for Oracle Construction and Engineering

Richard O’Brien Manager of nzbizbuysell

Many businesses have had their exit plans scuttled by operating constraints and by the economic environment we have been working in.

Business owners now find themselves busy working on their business models and profitability to ensure they have a business that will survive, thrive and sell in the future.

Fortunately not all businesses have been affected, and there are some great opportunities that continue to be listed for sale.

While most businesses have a dent in their cashflow, many have mostly recovered and some have even flourished.

Astute business buyers will see past the bruised profits and the effects of the Covid lockdowns, and see the true potential of a business. As buyer interest is high, this all points to a great time to sell a business.

If you own a business, then you have put a lot of time, effort, and equity into growing your enterprise.

And when it comes time to sell your business, it is likely your main objectives are to get a sale and maximise the sale price on the terms that suit you.

Selling your business will be one of the most important things you’ll do and you get one chance to get it right.

When preparing your business for sale it’s important to plan it well. There are a number of factors that will influence your business value and how quickly it sells.

No matter what the economy, when a business is being appraised by a perspective buyer, they will be weighing up a number of factors when assessing its value.

Just as the seller wishes for the best price and favourable terms, the buyer will be wanting to close the deal at the lowest price possible. Therefore, building the value in your business is paramount to achieving the best outcome.

Where possible, plan your exit to ensure you get the best price for your business.

Key characteristics that add value are: strong cash flow, a good history and reputation, being a niche business with room for growth, the location, having good plant and systems, being in a growth industry with a competitive advantage, and having good staff, products and services.

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When preparing your business for sale it’s important to plan it well.

There are a number of factors that will influence your business value and how quickly it sells.

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Characteristics that can lower its value are: being a business in distress, having weak financials, a small customer base and a poor industry outlook, engaging in price cutting, having key relationships held with the owner, having poor records, systems and plant, and selling dated products or services.

If possible, attend to these before you list your business for sale as they will help ensure you get your best possible price and a sale. It is important you have a relevant, well-organised and systemised business with a future.

For more information on how to maximise your prospects of a sale at a great price, check out or google the ‘9 Steps to Selling a Business’.

When it comes to construction, green building practices have become a much bigger focus on a global level and locally here in New Zealand.

From general community and public expectations to sustainability legislation, sustainability has become a crucial part of any construction company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The Government’s recent introduction of the Building for Climate Change programme will encourage the industry to reduce greenhouse emissions and improve climate resilience.

This is a priority for New Zealand, as the built environment contributed up to 20 percent of the country’s emissions.

With the Government committed to become Carbon Zero by 2050, this means energy efficiency and carbon cost will need to be core considerations for the sector when it comes to the design and construction of future buildings.

To respond to this, construction companies may consider data analytics as part of their sustainable development methods.

The construction industry has an interesting relationship with data. Where some industries have become extremely mature in terms of the way they’re using data analytics due to the nature of their work, many construction companies are not as mature in their adoption.

At a basic level, companies across the sector should look at data for carbon counting, to do their part to help the nation meet its post-2020 commitment to reduce its green house emissions under the Paris Agreement.

But so much more can be done with data across the industry – in fact, if used to its full potential, data analytics can overhaul the way we construct not just individual buildings, but entire cities and major public infrastructure projects.

Rather than using data to simply look at how sustainable we’re being with our construction methods now, we can turn to data analysis and apply those insights to the

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The Government’s recent introduction of the Building for Climate Change programme will encourage the industry to reduce greenhouse emissions and improve climate resilience.

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entire construction lifecycle through the plan, build, operate phases, making sure any new builds run as sustainably as possible in the long term.

Used correctly, data will be the key to moving the construction and engineering industries towards sustainable development methods.

For example, any building or piece of infrastructure that is constructed from here on in can be built using data analysis for maximum sustainability.

That can be in the construction itself: using data to constantly refine development methods to be more sustainable, or to constantly address carbon footprints based on insights from previous projects.

Data analysis can also be used to reduce waste throughout the construction lifecycle.

If we can take data from existing smart cities and buildings to understand human needs, trends and behaviours, then the buildings can run as resource-efficiently as possible, and significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Ultimately, data analytics will change not only the way things are built, but what will be built.

As technology innovations create a smarter construction industry, we’ll reap even more data from these environments.

If we’re analysing and applying these insights to future builds, we’ll naturally become more sustainable in our approach, not only being greener today, but laying the foundation for a greener industry in the future.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 9

News

Is it time to expand your team?

You’re busy as. You don’t have the manpower to handle the current workload.

Lead time is stretching out and the work keeps coming.

In the meantime, you’ll find things for them to do: Use your downtime to train them. Get them in the office quoting, clean the van, fill it up, go get this or that.

Know your worst-case scenario numbers.

How long could you go with no work for them? With 90-day trial you can always let them go if you don’t have the work. Not ideal, but keep in mind.

Many tradies find it hard to say ‘no’ to customers, or feel they can’t knock back jobs as it will impact growth, so end up working longer and longer hours.

More things to check How will the new hire fit into the current team? Don’t want to upset the apple cart.

Is the answer to expand and try to do more – or stick it out and do as much as you can with the team you’ve got?

Can you speed up the office? A bookkeeper or office manager may be far more efficient than you.

You may have been down this road before; taken on extra staff, or seen others do it and be worse off. You don’t want to repeat those mistakes.

And isn’t there a downturn coming?! I t’s hard to predict.

That’s why I’d recommend building your war chest while things are good. Create a cash cushion and increase efficiency now so you can easily adapt – whatever happens next.

If you’re getting geared up to take as much work as you can, great. Nothing worse than feeling like you’re missing out on opportunities.

Want to know how you can tell if it’s likely to work out well?

It depends on your own situation.

Ask yourself these questions: • How many months confirmed work do you have right now?

• Are clients prepared to wait or are you losing jobs through long wait times?

• How much money could you make off increased capacity? Is the work profitable or is it work that has low margin?

Being busy doesn’t mean you’re profitable.

You might make more money picking and choosing the best jobs, and turning the others away.

When taking on more work and a bigger crew, ensure there’s margins in the jobs.

Otherwise it’s just endless stress and bad cashflow.

Also assess whether the work best suits you or if it’s slowing you up. If jobs are taking longer than they should, that’s affecting your margin too.

Do you see where I’m going with this? Let me say it straight: The real answer is in your numbers, not in your workload.

You’re in business to make money. So business decisions should (mostly) be based 10 | B&C - Issue #126

Daniel Fitzpatrick, business coach at Next Level Tradie.

Someone with experience costs more and gets more done. Someone who needs training costs less. Both can work. Return takes longer if less skilled. on the numbers. Numbers make things very black and white. So you can make smarter decisions.

Can you make money off another worker?

Consider how much it would cost you, and what you would need to get back.

A rough guide: If you pay your new tradie on the tools $65,000 per year ($1,250 per week) then billable hours (not including materials) for them needs to be around 2-3 times that (i.e. $2,500 - $3,750 per week).

To get a more exact picture we’d also look at overhead costs and gross margins*.

Generally, if you get this right, you can aim to make $40,000-$80,000 off each of your employees on the tools.

If you can’t afford to put on another fulltimer, it’s likely your rates are too low, especially if you have minimal overheads*.

Does cashflow support it?

They’ll be an initial dip in your bank account for at least a month or two, while you get them up to speed + pay their wages (before you can bill for the work they’re putting out and get that money back). Look for any subsidies to help with initial costs.

The trick is to do a simple cashflow forecast to see what’s going to be in your bank account over the next few months. Then you can make sure cashflow won’t be stretched too far.

Warning: Many tradies have lost the ability to pay their staff when customers didn’t pay. Ensure you have robust systems for minimising late/bad payers.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

What if you get a bad apple?

This can happen. It will cost you money.

It’s a risk.

What can you do? You gotta bite the bullet. Invest into finding the right person.

Play at 100 percent. Advertise the job right. Do due diligence. Interview well.

Check references properly.

Get the right help, not just ‘help’.

Make sure you include a 90-day trial in their employment contract. (If you have less than 20 staff).

During this time, you want to watch them closely on the job, check in regularly. Test and push them a bit, to see how they respond, if they’ll be a good long-term employee.

Remember that quality staff requires a quality leader. Train your crew properly.

Give them structure. Build team culture.

Grow the business this way and it will pay huge dividends down the track.

What happens if work dries up?

Finding a steady supply of the most profitable work takes effort.

Hiring will free you up to hunt for more work. Put the time in and you’ll find it. You can’t grow a business with a scarcity mindset.

Overwhelmed with work only some of the time? Make a decision to grow or stay small. You can’t have it both ways.

Sure – you don’t want to pay someone to do nothing. But in this environment – you’ll only be slow if you allow yourself to be.

Would a foreman to manage the team be a better option than an extra pair of hands on the tools?

Does anyone need to get off the bus first?

An existing crew member with a bad attitude creates ripples seen and unseen.

That’s something you need to take care of right away.

What if there’s no shortage of work, but a massive shortage of skilled workers? What if you just can’t find good qualified people?

Well, quality people are employed somewhere. A few may be looking for change. Do it right, and you can become the employer they desire. More on that another time.

If you’re busy, more workers will help.

After all, there’s a limit to how much work your current team can get out, even if you improve your productivity.

Conversely, more staff and more work won’t make your life easier unless the numbers stack up.

Employees should make you money.

If increasing your team makes sense – then go for it. *If you need help - or just want someone to talk strategy with - hit me up for a free 45-minute coaching session here: www.nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep.

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

Fully planked to two levels. Worksafe Compliant.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 11

Workdek

Introducing the complete system to eliminate falls from height Nets have been a familiar sight on building sites since 2012. But ultimately, they hinder productivity and aren’t the safety net they’re cracked up to be. This was a common frustration with the builders who developed Workdek, the new stable work mate for builders.

Workdek is a combined, solid working and safety platform that reduces stresses on builders’ bodies whilst eliminating falls.

These stable, modular platforms increase efficiencies and safety at any height, and builders can have their heavy-duty tools right beside them.

Feedback from the first builders lucky enough to build with Workdek is they’re working twice as fast, which means they can build more and make more money in the process. Workdek is an absolute game changer for builders.

“Nets rarely stopped items falling through to lower levels and hurting our team, causing all kinds of health and safety issues as well as building delays,” says David from Workdek.

by a complete system that’s as easy to put together as playing with Lego.

The Workdek team originally developed giant inflatable safety matts for the base of building sites. But they were still the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and they did nothing for builder productivity.

Whilst Workdek costs more than nets to install, this fee pales into comparison with the increased performance and profitability from working like you’re always on ground level. The improvement to stresses on the body are immeasurable too.

“We wanted our teams to work at any height with the same speed they would when standing on firm ground. And we needed to eliminate costly falls and improve safety for our teams,” says David.

It took new thinking to change the game After searching high and low for alternatives, the team at Workdek discovered safety platforms in the UK. They had been used with great success for over a decade. This system prevents falls and allows builders to work safely at any height, as if they were on solid ground.

Level-up your building performance

Mission accomplished. The Workdek team then made improvements to this platform system and is launching Workdek to the building industry with great success.

The people behind Workdek owned a building company, and like other builders, have experienced the frustrations of working with nets and inferior fall protection systems.

Workdek’s modular platforms are made from injection moulded panels which snap together creating a stable work platform at any building height. The decks are supported

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Cost versus value

It takes very little time for builders to realise what an amazing performance upgrade Workdek provides. Now builders can build more, working on a stable work platform at any height. Working twice as fast as they

would with competing “solutions” Workdek ensures builders make more money whilst staying safe.

Workdek is on the same page as Worksafe NZ Worksafe NZ endorses Workdek’s view on the hierarchy of fall protection, which is that eliminating the fall is better than capturing the fall. Nets are outdated, unsafe, and counterproductive. And Worksafe NZ has issued safety alerts over the use of nets.

Workdek is the solution.

To learn more and get started with Workdek, visit: www.workdek.com.

Workdek

workdek.com

Increase building productivity to make more bank Complete work twice as fast by walking on a flat surface anywhere on site with your tools and machinery.

Workdek is a modular, stable work platform system that helps builders work quickly, efficiently and safely at any height. Working on Workdek feels like you’re always on flat, solid ground. Complete building projects much faster, and move to the next project to make more money without more staff. Worksafe NZ wants you to eliminate the fall, not capture it. Workdek is the answer.

Installation is as easy as playing with Lego

Make building easier on the team while improving their productivity and safety.

Call: 0800 3255 7233 Online: workdek.com

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 13

News

A case study in adaptation Steel, manufacturing, and construction are not sectors that usually make us think of whizz-bang technologies and cool ‘apps’, but COVID-19 has meant crunch time – regardless of the sector – with customer and employee expectations of a seamless pivot to working and transacting online.

With over 60 years of history, Steel & Tube has not been immune. Due to Covidinduced timelines, the company had to move extremely quickly to fully implement its new e-commerce platform to keep sales up when its 25 retail outlets temporarily shut in lockdowns.

Steel & Tube was already on a digital transformation journey, with the hire of Mike Hendry, a digital change expert from Auckland Airport, in May 2019. But the lockdowns accelerated the process at breakneck speed.

Through last year, it had become clear to Steel & Tube that to meet intense competition, respond to volatile prices, increase sales, and reduce cost, digital technologies had to be brought to the front and centre of its strategy.

Meeting and surpassing customer expectations were at the heart of this, and with a new sense of urgency, the organisation focused on bringing these technologies to market.

The digital style of work and product development required a bit of a cultural shift for the company, but the changes were quickly recognised as exciting opportunities for both clients and employees, with new, convenient and efficient ways of doing things made available through using the cloud, chatbots, web stores and electronic transacting.

All was tracking well – then Covid hit and Level 4 lockdown changed things.

It didn’t stop progress. In fact, it sped it up.

Reg Prasad, general manager, Advisory & Northern Business, Qual IT with Mike Hendry, chief digital officer, Steel & Tube.

As well as having to enable 800 employees to work remotely, Mike and his team had to rapidly ensure Steel & Tube products were available to purchase online. During this lockdown, 13,000 products were made available for purchase.

By the time the second lockdown happened, 47,000 were offered.

“What we did as a team, and continue to do, in very compressed timeframes is to use the right technologies to enable the transformation of a traditional distribution business into a customer-led, solutionsfocused partner company to our customers across New Zealand,” Mike says.

“Employees have really supported the strategy and rallied around the specific digital initiatives because we all realised we had a window of opportunity to really lift our competitive game.”

"

What we did as a team, and continue to do, in very compressed timeframes is to use the right technologies to enable the transformation of a traditional distribution business into a customer-led, solutions-focused partner company to our customers across New Zealand.

But Steel & Tube did not traverse this journey alone.

Before Mike set about transforming the digital side of Steel & Tube, he brought in Qual IT, New Zealand information technology and quality assurance company, to help.

“With the high levels of change in our industry, acquisitions, restructures, market pressures, etcetera, we needed to focus on our agility and the performance of our platforms,” Mike explains.

“I needed help understanding how the Steel & Tube environment performed, so we could engineer a more contemporary architecture.

We needed an honest, independent health check,” says Mike.

“That is when I brought on board Qual IT. “Our job is to tell the truth about the current state,” says Reg Prasad, general manager, Advisory & Northern Business at Qual IT, “and then partner with our customers to ensure that, going forward, the right IT investments along with the right processes and governance are formed to enable the strategy from the top down.

“And importantly, that the investments can operate with longevity and minimal costs along the way.

“Pre-Covid, Mike was talking about a pretty significant digital change at Steel & Tube, which would put huge demands on the existing systems. We had to make sure the systems were up to it.

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"

“We also advised Mike on where he could make efficiency gains, by speeding up how quickly their systems could adapt, work, reduce cost and drive the outcomes the strategy required.

“And when Covid and lockdowns happened, the rubber hit the road.

“As part of the on-going digital transformation, an e-commerce platform was implemented and had to rev up ASAP to ensure Steel & Tube could effectively serve those customers still able to operate in lockdown.

“The goal was to use these platforms to ensure sales and service could continue with nationwide shutdown of its trading locations.

“Systems failure was simply not an option.

Moving from onboarding almost 50,000 products, ensuring a great customer experience, simple transacting, and delivery through the supply chain during lockdowns was a massive task.

“And I am happy to say, Steel & Tube, hit the mark, and reinforced their position as a digital leader in the steel industry,” Reg says.

“I feel confident that following a massive year of IT change - Steel & Tube are now positioned for the future and can take their clients and employees with them!”

Aquamax

Concrete hydrodemolition specialists Founded by Kiwi owners in 1996, Aquamax has built a reputation based around ultra-high pressure (40,000 psi) water jetting. The company became a forerunner in using water jetting for road line removal, paint and corrosion stripping, aircraft paint stripping and descaling of geothermal turbines.

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

Seven pumps from the well-known German manufacturer, WOMA, have been purchased to fill out the range delivering heavy-duty hydrodemolition work right down to precise blasting on oil and gas pipework.

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

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

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

Hydrodemolition is being increasingly specified as it allows concrete to be removed without damaging the immediate structure or rebar.

This is usually required when new structure is being tied into old. Other examples are

Stripe Hog creates an excellent scabbled surface.

cleaning up pile caps, cutting holes and slots when there is a lot of steel in the structure.

Recent successes have been the Devonport Training Jetty, Moorhouse and Durham Overbridges, and some significant seismic repair work on a prominent Wellington tower block. We are currently engaged on the America’s Cup wharf at Wynyard – a major remediation project.

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

Our new Stripe Hog can deliver up to 300 sqm per day of scabbled surface. Pictured removing waterproof membrane and creating scabble.

The appearance of bare concrete can be significantly enhanced with etched decorative designs.

Ultra-high pressure water-jetting cuts through the concrete laitance to expose the aggregate and create a much darker, textured surface. By using a stencil, very accurate and crisp designs can be applied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 15

News

Digital dilemmas How to tell it’s time to move your project management toolbox to the cloud Utilising the right technology and software to run a construction business is just as important to your success as having the right hardware tools to complete a job.

Although continuing to use traditional systems and manual processes – like spreadsheets or paper-based timesheets – might seem easier and quicker because they’re familiar, as a business grows there often comes a point where the processes that once helped with business management, become too time-heavy.

Ultimately, this can lead to reduced productivity and reduced capacity to scale.

As workflows increase and business operation requirements become more complex, switching to a cloud-based solution designed specifically for construction enterprises can save you time and give you confidence by providing business-critical information and flexibility to optimise performance and success.

So how do you know if it’s time for a change when it comes to the management tools you use for your business?

Here are five signs that you should consider making the move to a cloudbased platform:

You’re currently unable to predict potential issues within your business Project oversight is key to staying on time and budget. Without real-time visibility, there is a risk of catching issues too late and struggling to give clients timely updates.

This can often result in extra expenses and delays that eat into both your project profitability and productivity.

When you have access to real-time job tracking through the cloud, you’ll have insight that sees you better prepared to forecast potential obstacles, plan accordingly and ensure that your team has everything they need to finish the job to schedule, without added pressure and cost.

Your project estimates tend to be inaccurate Collating and analysing information from multiple systems, is not just time consuming – it also leaves room for human error.

If building costs are regularly exceeding estimates, it’s likely that they’ve been based on out-of-date or inaccurate reporting – a sure sign that you need to upgrade to an alternative business management solution.

If your project data is stored in a cloud platform – like the MYOB Advanced Construction Edition – you can generate accurate and timely reports at the click of a button, making it simpler to provide correct quotes and better manage client expectations.

Your teams are working in silos If your teams are experiencing a divide between on site and office workers, it’s almost always because they’re using different or disconnected systems.

This means they see information at different times and in different formats, and neither group has a full understanding of how their work affects the other. Even in companies with a strong team culture, the impracticalities of disparate systems can hold you back.

A cloud platform for construction solves all these issues, with full visibility of business operation and project management information which is regularly updated in one integrated platform. With everyone on the same page, it will lead to a positive, functional workplace for all.

More time is spent on paperwork than productive tasks Relying on spreadsheets or a range of individual, disconnected systems, often equates to wasting valuable time on

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Frank Feustel, MYOB Head of Product

manual processes – putting burdens on your team and limiting the time they spend on productive tasks.

This can also mean that site managers need to make trips to the office to catch up on paperwork, because they don’t have mobile or onsite access to office systems.

A cloud-based management platform for construction projects doesn’t just eliminate double data entry, it can also automate repetitive tasks while giving your staff oversight of key project components from any device, anywhere – increasing productivity and streamlining everyday processes.

You never get a complete, up-todate view of project details If you are always left guessing or relying on manually assembled reports that are generally out of date by the time you receive them, it’s time to integrate a cloud project management platform into your business.

A cloud platform creates a single source of truth – instantly accessible, all information flows into the same system so you can generate those up-to-date reports needed to guide internal discussions or influence project decisions, and have real-time visibility to update clients quickly and keep projects on track and on budget.

Design & Innovation meets Powerful Performance

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www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 17

News

Taming the wilding pines problem With the fiery blast of a La Nina heatwave predicted to sweep across New Zealand this summer, the vexing problem of wilding pines has certainly ratcheted up to a much more alarming level.

To date it is estimated that the problem created by this wind blown and self-seeding invasion has grown to cover over 1.8 million hectares throughout the country and is growing steadily at a yearly rate of around five percent.

As well as the extreme fire risk that they present, these pestilent conifers are also responsible for a range of other serious problems – such as reductions in grazing land, soil acidification, calcium depletion and degradation of rural waterways.

Paul Herbison of Boss Attachments believes their Dymax Tree Shears can help provide contractors, local bodies and conservation groups with a safe and cost-effective solution to assist in the remediation of widespread plantations.

“Obviously the size and scale of the problem means that it needs to be addressed in a number of ways – but in those sectors suitable for excavator operation – our Dymax Tree Shears can really make a positive difference,” Paul says.

“For starters, with an average cutting rate of 100 to 180 trees per hour they can provide

the level of productivity that a project of this size needs.

“Then there is the fact that in addition to cutting the trees, these shears can also lift and place them in a single location, to allow for easier removal and/or disposal of the fallen timber.

“Since they were introduced here three years ago our New Zealand clients have been really impressed with the

performance and production that these shears deliver – so much so that one of those customers now owns three of them.”

All Dymax Tree Shears provide advanced safety for excavators operators and feature dual grapple arms that secure the tree prior to shearing.

Options include a bunching arm, tilt or rotator, custom build gatherer that cuts multiple stems in specific operations and a

hydraulic tilt rotator that provides side-toside tilt, allowing operators to adjust to the tree trunk or limb when working on uneven ground.

The range includes 250mm to 700mm cut sizes and they are suitable for use with a wide range of excavators or skid steers.

“We have models available for sale or hire right now and we are happy to discuss a demonstration,” Paul says.

Classique Landscapers Ltd/Border Fencing Services Classique Landscapers Ltd/ Border Fencing Services is proud to have achieved ISO45001:2018 accreditation.

Island have also taken advantage of the expertise offered.

For over twenty years the company has been providing top quality hard and soft landscaping, civil works, fencing and retaining in both the commercial and residential spheres. In recent years many of the schools in the upper North

Being pre-qualified for Auckland City Council work and rated ‘green’ on the Sitewise system serves to show the results of many years of rigorous adhesion to safety and quality systems as good as any in the industry. Having a wide range of modern

International projects such as the Nadi Airport upgrade in Fiji and a quarantine station in Niue have also been completed on time and on budget.

plant and equipment leads to the ability to consistently complete projects to the highest standard and also, importantly, on time and on budget.

All of our staff and contractors are either ‘site safe’ or ‘constructsafe’, and in some case carry both passports.

Our fabrication plant in Papakura produces custom fences and gates of the highest quality. No job is too big, too small or too complex for our highly skilled staff.

The company is proud to have one employee recently complete his landscape apprenticeship, another almost completed his landscape apprenticeship and a third just setting out on his welding and fabrication apprenticeship.

Overall, we believe Classique Landscapers Ltd/Border Fencing Services to be one of the leading companies in the landscaping and fencing industry in New Zealand.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Unit 3, 100 Hunua Road, Papakura 2110 | 09 299 1335 | classiland@xtra.co.nz | www.classiquelandscapers.co.nz 18 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

News

Building code upgrades

The latest changes to the Building Code will improve fire safety requirements, surface water drainage and waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

Manager of Building Performance and Engineering at MBIE, Dave Robson, says the changes support high density housing, will make consenting easier and ensure buildings are safe, healthy and durable.

“We are going ahead with the majority of changes proposed earlier in the year with some amendments, after receiving mainly positive feedback through the consultation process,” Dave says.

“Gathering sector feedback through public consultation is a vital part of the Building Code update process. Based on the submissions we received, we have made improvements to our proposals, and reconsidered some aspects based on what we heard. This is all reflected in the decision document.

“We will be providing a new ‘acceptable solution’ for the design and installation of stormwater drainage systems, providing more options to comply with the Building Code for surface water drainage.

“We are making it easier to determine rainfall intensities for specific locations by updating rainfall intensity maps.

“We are also introducing a new acceptable solution for waterproofing in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries by referencing the

Waterproofing Membrane Association code of practice for internal wet-area membrane systems.

“Following feedback from the consultation, more work will be done around fire testing protocols for cladding systems for 10-to-25 metre-high buildings and firefighting operations.”

In the meantime, MBIE has updated the Cladding Guidance document released in 2019 to align with the requirements in the Acceptable Solution and Verification Method.

The changes were originally part of the June 2020 Building Code update, however, due to COVID-19 and late submissions, the publication date moved to November 2020.

The changes will come into effect on November 4, 2021 – a longer period

than usual to line up with the new delivery model.

After this update, MBIE will be moving to annual updates of the Building Code. The next update published will be in November 2021.

“MBIE is committed to updating the Building Code so that it keeps pace with innovation, current construction methods and the needs of modern society,” Dave says.

“It provides clarity, consistency and certainty for the whole construction sector, including homeowners, designers, builders and building consent authorities.”

The current focus of the Building Code update programme is to support densified housing.

More information on the changes is available on Building.govt.nz

Ranfurly Service Station The Challenge Ranfurly team is ready to assist you with your fuel and motoring needs, come and drive into a Challenge today.

Our community is our lifeblood.

While we do get many customers from out of town, our locals are what we represent.

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Phone: 03 4449011 OPENING HOURS: SUMMER: Mon-Fri 7:30am-9pm • Sat-Sun 8am-9pm WINTER: Mon-Fri 7:30am-7:30pm • Sat-Sun 8am-7:30pm www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 19

News

Less talk – more listen Real estate is in our blood at Living Corporation with our team boasting 110 years of combined experience servicing the greater Dunedin market.

Housing needs more than a band-aid solution 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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Systematic change needed to tackle respiratory disease in New Zealand 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.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

With the Government recently allocating 40 million dollars to help fix rheumatic fever linked to substandard housing, changing the way we build is becoming more and more critical.

According to Asthma Respiratory Foundation NZ, we have the second highest rate of asthma deaths in high income countries, with respiratory diseases affecting approximately 700,000 people in New Zealand, costing around seven billion dollars a year.

Bob Burnett Architecture director, Bob Burnett advocates for systematic change in the industry towards building healthy, sustainable homes.

He says things like curtains, floor coverings and bedding mentioned in the government’s recent funding proposal isn’t addressing the problem.

“It’s a band-aid solution. When it comes to retrofitting unhealthy homes, a case by case detailed analysis is needed to come up with a home specific, holistic deep retrofit plan.”

A successful renovation needs to be a complete upgrade in order to achieve the right results. While budget requirements could mean that a renovation might need to be staged over time, proper planning is essential.

Bob is currently embarking on a significant renovation of his hillside home in conjunction with earthquake repairs to improve future resilience.

This “SuperReno” aims to improve the house as much as possible within the budget utilising innovative design and building techniques following international best practise.

Top five Broad Oaks SuperReno features: 1. Triple glazed, Weathershield Warmcore thermally broken aluminium windows recessed into the timber framed walls. The main living areas have been prioritised and the windows are powder coated to match the existing so that in the future they could also be replaced.

Windows are one of the most important parts of a renovation as it is the weakest point of the house thermally.

2. External Rockwool rigid insulation added to the outside of walls. Rockwool is new product to New Zealand and is made from natural materials.

3. A warm roof added on top of the existing membrane roof will improve thermal performance.

4. Edge insulation to the concrete slab to reduce thermal bridging helping to avoid heat losses.

5. Whole house heat recovery ventilation; this can be quite tricky for renovations but it a crucial component of a healthy home to ensure good air quality and moisture control.

Bob is one of the founders of the Superhome Movement, which educates homeowners and industry professional alike about building healthy, resilient, sustainable homes.

News

Lifting productivity in construction New Zealand’s building and construction industry can lift its poor productivity by establishing a digital database on building products, according to BRANZ funded report from GS1 New Zealand.

and confidence in product selection, and in building consent processes.

This opportunity is explored in “Digital Product Data for Lifting Productivity” – a major report from GS1 New Zealand on how such a digital database, or repository, would support the building and construction industry and on feasible steps for its establishment.

“Digital infostructure”, including a product information database with information used in numerous business decisions, is one means of starting to tackle the problem.

The report, funded by BRANZ from the Building Research Levy, draws on analysis commissioned from the NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), on international examples of productivity gain from using digital data systems, and GS1 expertise in data standards and related technologies.

The report states improved accuracy of information, once standardised and digitalised, is a key source of productivity gain. This is because of reduced paperwork, information search time and costs. Furthermore, online availability of information – especially authoritative product assurance information for determining whether products are fit for purpose – can enable much greater certainty

The latest statistics put the industry’s annual output at $64 billion or 11.5 percent of New Zealand’s total economic output.

The report notes that its record of low productivity growth needs to be addressed (annual 0.9 percent per annum for the past 25 years; less than 30 percent of that seen in the ICT sector, and less than half of that in agriculture).

The report says such infostructure, enabling rapid exchange of product information across the industry, cannot succeed without the use of standardised data, and it recommends the use of global standards.

The repository would use “cloud” computing with multiple channels for “anytime, anywhere” access, and it would enable much more inter-operability between industry players.

The digital repository would enable suppliers to load product data once, making the data available to hundreds of users saving suppliers paper work, time and money.

NZIER has estimated that information barriers to efficient consenting on residential building projects could be costing more than $30 million annually. Having digital product data available across the industry would help reduce those costs. The NZIER analysis

indicates the appropriate infostructure could lead to productivity gains which benefit New Zealand’s Gross Domestic Product by as much as $220 million.

“The infostructure required does not involve any 'cutting edge' or new technology, and would plug into systems already in use throughout the building and construction industry,” says GS1 general manager Government, Nick Allison.

“The technology component might cost in the order of $1.5 million. The real challenge is cross-sector coordination and collaboration, including the adoption of common standards and data structures which enable information to be effectively gathered and exchanged.”

The infostructure design is market neutral, thereby enabling pro-competitive use and

Is your team site ready?

Safety 'n Action offer face to face and online Health & Safety Training.

extension of data by the private sector supporting innovation.

“Having structured and standardised data is the critical element, and this starting point is already recognised by the construction industry and government agencies.

“In general, industries with lakes of unstructured data are actually ‘information poor’ because the data just doesn’t enable the critical changes in business systems and practices which lead to productivity gain,” Allison says.

The report recommends the establishment of an initial, core set of data on products including “metadata” which links structured information about each back to its globally unique identifier. It proposes that an industry not-for-profit governance body oversee the infostructure and promote the necessary trust and collaboration.

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Train at our centre

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Train at your site

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Train online

Get that all-important training completed and let's get your team compliant before heading on site.

Our innovative solutions provide readily accessible training to suit all levels of operation, day and night. Urgent competency needed? Our online training solutions allow you to train at a time and place that suits you. www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 21

News

On track Auckland Light Rail will be the largest infrastructure project in New Zealand’s history. Anderson Lloyd partner, Anton Trixl, shares his firm’s views and recommended focus areas for the project.

The Auckland Light Rail was one of the most ambitious projects for the Auckland region, set to transform the public transport network. However, it got caught in an internal battle between the previous Government’s coalition partners over their different visions for the project.

The 2020 election has dawned a Labour party majority, and with it, a second chance at getting the Auckland Light Rail project moving.

Phil Twyford, former Minister for Transport, was right to claim that Auckland Light Rail will be one of the most complex infrastructure projects in decades, and it’s vital to get it right for future generations, but most importantly, local businesses and residents who will be directly impacted by the ongoing construction.

While the potential benefits are enticing, light rail projects are notoriously complex to plan and pull off. We only need to look to Australia to see the major problems plaguing the Sydney Light Rail project, an unfortunate showcase of the risks of urban light rail development, namely cost blowouts, lengthy delays to construction, legal battles and prolonged disruption to businesses and residents.

The Sydney project is a key source of learning to understand the importance of rigorous planning to pull off a successful light rail project for the first time in New Zealand.

From our own experience with complex public-private infrastructure projects, here’s what Anderson Lloyd’s recommended focus areas are to progress Auckland Light Rail and to achieve the best possible outcome for Auckland and New Zealand Inc.: With huge investments on the line and long periods of disruption for commuters and small businesses, air-tight planning is essential to keep work schedules on track and budgets under control.

Major cost and time overruns are the obvious concerns. These can be prevented through development of a comprehensive

Anton Trixl, Anderson Lloyd partner

project scoping plan that addresses all known and unknown risks, building them into the project and ensuring the project is not rushed into delivery if the issues have not been resolved.

Use centralised political power to mobilise and drive alignment between central government, state owned enterprises, council-controlled organisations and agencies to develop a unified front.

Major projects in New Zealand have suffered where government agencies’ incentives weren’t aligned to the project’s success, so identifying these issues early and developing a plan for forging that alignment will be integral to the success of the Auckland Light Rail project.

Understand the risk averse New Zealand contractor market and recognise the reluctance of contractors to take significant risk on fixed price contracts.

The Government will need to drive a procurement package that will achieve a sustainable outcome.

Understand which underground utilities will be affected, who owns them and how work to move them will be done before any ground is broken.

Plan for the impact on local businesses and residents on the route. These businesses shouldn’t be the victims of the project. They are likely to suffer the most inconvenience from the construction, which could have a disastrous impact on trading on top of the impacts from COVID-19.

Appointing a local representative for businesses will provide a platform to voice concerns, and in turn will ensure the Government is keeping this key stakeholder group close and informed.

Unlocking opportunities for New Zealand’s future If all goes to plan, there’s no denying the Auckland Light Rail will bring a plethora of benefits to residents living and working in Auckland.

With the city projected to have a population of 1,844,000 by 2025, totalling 37 percent of the country’s total population, a revitalised public transport network is imperative to enhancing Auckland as a thriving city.

Over time, Auckland Light Rail will be a game changer for commuters. An avid cyclist and self-confessed public transport fan, I’m looking forward to the light rail providing predictable and convenient journeys into the city and challenging the core Auckland belief that you can’t get around the city without a car.

Importantly, light rail provides a sustainable method of transport and will play a

significant role in reducing carbon emissions as it hopefully becomes the transport method of choice for the thousands of commuters travelling into the city each day.

The positive impacts from light rail can also ripple to wider New Zealand. Auckland is the engine of our economy and unlocking this potential will bolster economic recovery in the long term.

At Anderson Lloyd, we pride ourselves on a shared purpose to help our people, clients and communities to thrive.

If managed and executed successfully, we believe the Auckland Light Rail project will play an important role in providing efficient public transport to areas that are currently under-served.

We believe this project has the potential to create a more connected city and will be watching closely as the Government takes on the challenge.

WITH MORE THAN 50 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY.

“

Ask your builder if they are using “ Securescaffold – it will save you money.

By using Securescaffold you can rest assured that your objectives of safety, cost and meeting deadlines are of our paramount importance to us.

www.securescaffold.co.nz | 0800 66 00 22 22 | B&C - Issue #126

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News

Working wonders with wood

Ply panels enhance natural flow of Pukekohe home Images supplied courtesy of Jamie Cobel Photography.

Designed by Jann Hurley Architects, this home located in Pukekohe, brings natural timber finishes to the fore with cedar cladding and extensive use of Big River Plytech ply for interior walls, ceilings and cabinetry.

The natural material selection plays an important role in creating flow between indoor and outdoor entertaining areas.

The home features an expansive kitchen, dining and living area which leads out to a patio complete with barbecue, pool and access to a private section of native bush.

For the walls and high raking ceilings of the living areas Big River Plytech’s uncoated Birch Elite 12mm ply was chosen to provide a cohesive look between interior and exterior spaces.

“The whole exterior is cedar and the ply complements that,” explains builder Harry Van der Putten, from Van der Putten Construction. “The two products really work well together.”

The uncoated ply product helped the construction team deliver the clean look required.

“We wanted to be able to fix the ply in place prior to coatings, rather than using prefinished,” explains Harry. “This gave us the opportunity to fill any mechanical fastener holes.”

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Big River’s Plytech technical team advised on the products that would match their pre-finished result and went the extra mile and hand-picked the ply to make sure we had a good matching batch.

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The result is meticulous, with the clean lines of the ply only interrupted by subtle recessed lighting.

The natural aesthetic of Birch ply has also been extended into other areas of the home.

A striking ply wall in the corridor provides a visual connection between spaces, while in the bedrooms select walls in ply add a touch of warmth alongside plasterboard linings.

To ensure a consistent look throughout the home, Big River Plytech’s Birch ply was also used for cabinetry in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry — this time in pre-finished 18mm panels.

The choice to use both pre-finished and uncoated ply presented a unique challenge.

“It was important that the two mediums flow together,” explains Harry.

“We needed a similar coating to get consistency of sheen and colour.

“Big River’s Plytech technical team advised on the products that would match their prefinished result and went the extra mile and hand-picked the ply to make sure we had a good matching batch.”

Big River Plytech segment manager, Stuart McGonagle, says, “The versatile aesthetic of Birch ply meant that the design could be elevated when complemented by selective use of white pre-finished ply.

“The stunning effect this creates is most evident in the kitchen designed by Carlielle Kitchens where Futura HPL white cabinetry for lower cabinets brightens the space and provides a fresh contrast with the Birch Elite used for upper cabinets.”

The natural look and feel of Big River Plytech’s ply has contributed to a stunning home which blends beautifully into its rural surroundings.

“We love the accuracy and detail that can be attained using this product, we are really enjoying the harmony of the interior and exterior timbers used throughout the home,” homeowner Jason says.

“It looks really good on the piece of land it’s sitting on,” adds Harry. “The clients are loving every minute of living in their new home. It has exceeded their expectations.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 23

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

The future is now

By Claire Wright

With its most ambitious project yet, Auckland Zoo is leading the world on animal welfare and ethical construction for modern zoos with its South East Asia Jungle Track The South East Asia Jungle Track at Auckland Zoo has been years in the making, funded by a $60 million Future Zoo renewals programme through Auckland Council’s longterm plan.

the orangutans and siamangs to behave and move just as they would in the jungles of Borneo, Sumatra and Malaysia.

Once the South East Asia Jungle Track is complete, it will span one-fifth of the zoo.

“Mature trees are interspersed between eight-metre-high, tree-inspired structures referred to as ‘canopy climbers’ – fulfilling nature’s mid-canopy layer.

Featuring habitats for animals such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and Sunda gharials (freshwater crocodiles), the track will be a one-of-a-kind development where everything is centred around animal welfare and conservation.

“These connect to the network of 25 metre high aerial pathways – the highest ‘emergent’ layer of the rainforest, so the orangutans and siamangs are able to inhabit these layers in one fluid progression,” Monica says.

Auckland Zoo’s head of zoo environment, design and construction, Monica Lake says, “It’s an incredibly sustained effort to create the best welfare for orangutans and the other animals that are in the South East Asia Jungle Track habitat. It is completely focused on creating habitats that sustain these animals’ natural behaviours.”

The canopy climbers also facilitate providing browse, a term for branches of plants, and enrichment food items, such as bamboo tied around banana leaves or fruits that are hoisted via specially made feeders up into the canopy climbers.

Phase 1 of the track, the high canopy primate habitat, opened to the public on 1 July 2020, along with the new Te Puna café, a 1000sqm wharekai and function venue overlooking the Zoo’s lake – a way for visitors to enjoy lunch or coffee while observing the orangutans and siamangs.

“The zoo’s high canopy habitat has been designed to reflect nature’s different layers of the rainforest canopy and enables both 24 | B&C - Issue #126

Ultimately these primates choose where they want to be; they have the option to be in shady environments or high up in the sunshine on the aerial pathways.

Auckland Zoo’s goal is to create a life that is at least as good as, if not better, than what animals would experience in the wild.

This is why it’s important to create structures that allow the animals to interact in a way that’s natural and comfortable.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Continued on page 28 >

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

H2O Engineering The H2O Group of companies begun in 2007 with H2O Systems providing specialist service and maintenance support for municipal and industrial clients.

In 2010 the projects division was added and shortly after a third division of equipment sales was added.

Our philosophy and commitment is based on our desire to be the best in our industry and deliver facilities designed and constructed to the highest level.

We strive to be the contractor that clients and head contractors do not need to be concerned with due to good communication and consistently delivering on time.

For over 10 years H2O have been involved in supporting the development and maintenance at the Auckland Zoo, building life support systems for Aquatic animals along with working on the water aspects of many enclosures.

Currently as part of the Auckland Zoo’s large South East Asia Precinct works H2O are building stream circulation systems for the tigers and otters enclosures, along with a large Life Support System for the aquatic life in the new Tomistoma exhibit.

The fresh water LSS will be a fully automated treatment system including ozone and UV treatment systems and multiple sand filters.

With the concept design of the system coming from the client lead design team H2O has fully developed the detailed mechanical, electrical and control system design ready for installation and commissioning in 2021.

We specialise in developing conceptual and process designs into detailed designs, then constructing those detailed designs to hand over to the client.

If you are looking for a contractor to deliver your concept design or optimise your water treatment process, please contact one of our team and discuss what we can deliver for you.

Ongoing service support can then ensure that any system built can continue to operate as designed.

Our services

The wide range of industries that H2O operate in is a testament to the experience of the staff as well as the proven track record in delivering process systems which are out of the ordinary.

Today H2O has taken a step up, offering a fresh approach to the design, installation and service of the following: • Public Aquatic Centre Filtration Systems

• Public Water Features • Pure Water Treatment Systems • Chemical Dosing • Disinfection Systems • Industrial Waste Water.

Our team has expanded to meet the challenges and incorporate design and electrical engineers, as well as installation staff.

The team combines a youthful approach with years of experience to carry the company into the future and beyond.

SPECIALIZED OPERATIONAL INDUSTRIES:

Based in Auckland H2O Engineering Ltd specialises in detailed design and build solutions from Chemical Storage and Dosing, Industrial Water Treatment, Municipal Aquatic Centres, and Large Aquariums.

Primarily focused on Mechanical and Electrical systems, H2O have years of experience bringing clients conceptual designs to reality. From 3D Design, Mechanical and Electrical installation, Control System implementation through to System Commissioning.

Experienced in Powder Activated Carbon, Hydrated Lime, Sulphuric Acid, Sodium Hypochlorite.

H2O ENGINEERING LIMITED PO Box 84-105, Westgate, Auckland 0657 Ph 09-836 0999 • Fax 09-973 4769 Email: matt@h2oeng.co.nz / projects@h2oeng.co.nz

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Thermal and Geothermal Power stations – Chemical dosing, Instrumentation and sample conditioning, filtration, and water treatment.

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Dairy factories – Water and Wastewater treatment, Chemical dosing, Boiler water treatment and monitoring systems.

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Municipal Water and Wastewater – Chemical storage and dosing, Powder Activated carbon Systems, Instrumentation and sampling, filtration and UV treatment systems.

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Industrial Clients – Wastewater pH correction, Demineralisation systems, Specialist Filtration and chemical systems.

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Aquariums and Zoo’s – Enclosure life support systems, Water features, Ozone treatment, specialist pumping systems.

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Municipal Aquatic Centres – Filtration and treatment systems design, build, upgrade and continued maintenance, Sauna heating, steam rooms.

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Municipal Water features – Design and construction from concept development through to continued maintenance and all aspects in between www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 25

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Hardware Direct Hardware Direct enjoyed completing yet another successful job with the NZ Strong team.

NZ Strong, like Hardware Direct, choose exceptional people to get the job done right.

Our people have the experience and knowlxedge to produce a fit for purpose hardware package, to get the hardware right first time.

Hardware Direct has worked with NZ Strong on many projects from Social housing to

Healthcare. But especially rewarding are the signature jobs like the Zoo projects, there was no monkeying around on the Orangutan exhibit!

Hardware Direct covers all aspects of the door’s lifecycle.

Locksmithing – Our Master Locksmith team covers master keying, lock repairs and maintenance. Our 24/7 on call service is something our Prison clients absolutely rely on!

Residential and Commercial Hardware Our 3 showrooms (CBD, West Auckland and Hamilton) have extensive ranges on

show and cater to the public, builders, maintenance and construction clients on everything from the bach, to super projects like the Cordis Hotel, Park Hyatt and Commercial Bay. Servicing - Our IQP qualified servicing team maintain door operators and keep your building WOF compliance on track.

opening for disabled WC’s to retro fit magnetic drive systems to automate existing cavity sliders.

Supply, Install, Service… We take the Hard out of Hardware.

Auto door operators - Our Team supply and install Automatic Operators to almost any type of door. We proudly supply the fastest operator available in New Zealand, rounding out the range with Hermitic doors for isolation wings to touchless

Architectural Hardware, Locksmiths and Door Operator Supply and Service Henderson 09 837 1561 | Hamilton 07 839 3025 | Balmoral 09 631 7680

www.hardwaredirect.co.nz

Grace - Hardware and Mark – Auto doors & their stand at the trade show with 4 moving doors!

Auckland Concrete Auckland Concrete was formed in 2014 to provide a full range of concrete construction services.

We pride ourselves on delivering a finished product which stands the test of time, and to achieve that we have formed the best team to get the job done.

We ensure that we are easy to deal with and go the extra mile to provide advice, great service and results which sees everyone win.

We have more than 50 years of experience in the construction industry within our team.

We specialise in footings, slabs, mid floors, insitu walls, retaining walls, concrete piles and driveways. From formwork, pile drilling and reinforcing to pumping, placing and curing we have it covered.

We are at the forefront of technology to ensure that our processes are robust and that we can add value throughout the process.

Commercial work Our commercial projects have included warehouses, multi-story retail and carparking buildings and retaining.

Recent jobs include: Auckland Zoo, Mitre 10 Oteha Valley Rd, Westlake Girls Auditorium, Constellation Bus Station, Cordis Hotel refurbishment.

Residential work We are experienced in house slabs including RibRaft flooring, foundations including pile drilling and placement as well as driveways and paths.

We also have a real passion for bespoke custom designer concrete works, whether is paths, walls, pools or even benchtops.

Recent jobs have included: Hillside Ave Apartments, Bonair Crescent, Millwater, Sunderland Ave, Sale Street Apartments, Waterford Apartments.

We have skills and experience across multiple facets of concrete work, no job is too big or too small.

Our services Our experienced team is committed to ensuring all our clients receive the best project result possible. Regardless of whether it’s a house slab, an in-situ drainage chamber or a multi-storey apartment, we have the answers.

At Auckland Concrete we can offer you a full range of concrete services, including: • Concrete supply and pumping • Formwork

26 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

• Sawcutting and joint sealing • Precast panel placement • Block work • Paving.

To be used in any application imaginable, but not limited to: • Piles, foundations and footings • Floor Slabs • Insitu concrete walls • Block retaining walls

• Reinforcing

• Driveways, paths and bespoke landscaping

• Placing, finishing and curing

• Pools, both insitu and precast.

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

CONCRETE SERVICES YOU CAN RELY ON

RESIDENTIAL

Our experienced team is committed to ensuring all our clients receive the best project result possible. Regardless of whether it’s a house slab, an in-situ drainage chamber or a multi-storey apartment, we have the answers.

• Concrete supply & pumping • Formwork • Reinforcing • Placing, finishing & curing

• Sawcutting & joint sealing • Precast panel placement • Block work • Paving

COMMERCIAL

To be used in any application imaginable, but not limited to: • Piles, foundations & footings • Floor slabs • Insitu concrete walls • Block retaining walls • Driveways, paths and bespoke landscaping • Pools, both insitu and precast

www.aucklandconcrete.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 27

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Sustainable down to materials and construction Auckland Zoo is a not-for-profit wildlife conservation science organisation driven by four core strategic intents – caring, connecting, conserving and sustaining – strategic intents that have informed both the construction and implementation of this development.

Designed by American firm Studio Hanson Roberts, landscape designers specialising in zoo design, the construction of the South East Asia Jungle Track ultimately came back to one question and the zoo’s mission – how are we building that future for wildlife?

Building a better future for wildlife circles back to what and how materials are sourced for these relocated habitats. Are construction choices and materials sustainable? Does the sourcing of these materials negatively impact wild habitats?

NZ Strong, the general contractors for the construction of the South East Asia Jungle Track, was tasked with finding the best products that achieved the architect’s vision while hitting the need for a sustainably built environment.

NZ Strong project manager, Garyth Jones says, “In the orangutan viewing shelter building, NZ Strong has been working with the zoo and the design team since mid-2017 when we came on board as early contractor involvement.

“What we tried to do for the zoo is work really hard to use sustainable products.

Low energy, low carbon footprint. No

recycled soft plastics combined with recycled timber pulp.

chopping down rainforests or deforestation of any sorts. Trying to find the timber for boardwalks became quite hard.

as a sustainable method, they decided to go with a reconstituted timber – the product is called Outdure.

“The café and the boardwalk have the same product. The architects wanted to use purpleheart, and they went through this big process. As the zoo didn’t see that

“It’s a recycled timber combined with recycled plastic. The zoo took that whole concept when it first came up – you get all these ‘timbers’ recycled plastics or

“You get this product that looks like wood.

It went from a somewhat sustainable product that was being imported from South America to a recycled product from much closer, Australia.”

Our yard is conveniently located in central Manukau City which means we can shift our cranes, plant and resources to most locations quickly and efficiently.

We want all our people to turn up to work in the morning with all their fingers and toes, work a good day’s work, then go home after and still have all their fingers and toes intact.

Continued on page 30 >

Hi Lift Cranes Hi Lift Cranes is a privately owned company established in 1982 and based in Auckland.

Its mobile crane fleet is primarily employed in the installation of precast concrete.

For almost 40 years the company has been involved in the building of thousands of projects.

Some of the more notable ones include the Aotea Centre, Waitakere Trusts Stadium,

Auckland Ferry Terminal Buildings, Sistema Warehouse, and Office Max in Mangere, and of course, Auckland Zoo, working alongside NZ Strong Construction.

Our cranes are available to service most areas of industry with a fleet of 13 mobile cranes, two crawler cranes and a new and exciting mobile tower crane.

We can even shift spa pools and pizza ovens for homeowners!

The company has a key group of experienced crane operators and management staff with a vast collective industry knowledge.

Leading Mobile Crane Hire

If you need a lift, call Hi Lift. A Family owned company established in 1982 with a highly experienced and qualified team. The combined industry knowledge within Hi Lift Cranes cannot be rivalled, so contact us with confidence.

CALL US NOW! 09 262 1387 28 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

11 Kellow Place, Wiri, Auckland 2104

Email: sales@hilift.co.nz www.hilift.co.nz

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong Did you know? Fun facts about the South East Asia Jungle Track

be an especially wonderful experience in winter!

New species: South East Asia Jungle Track (SEAJT) will become home to more than 20 South East Asian species, from primates to tigers, otters, fish species, crocodiles (Sunda gharial) and other reptiles.

Rain harvesting: Auckland Zoo already harvests 250,000 litres of rainwater annually for use for animal wash-downs, washing animal areas, irrigation and flushing toilets. All South East Asia Jungle Track buildings will have water tanks, which will see the Zoo double its rainwater harvesting to 500,000 litres annually – further reducing its reliance on town supply.

Indonesian swamp forest: A tropical dome (23m diameter x 14m high) featuring a high-tech 639m2 transparent double-skinned EFTE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) provides the structure to create an environment to totally transport visitors to a slice of Sumatra’s palm-rich swamp forest. The first habitat of its kind in New Zealand, at a balmy 28 degrees year-round, it will

Best foot forward: While they will have the look and feel of wood, all the pathways and boardwalks within the South East Asia Jungle Track will be made from long-lasting (50 years plus!) recycled plastic.

MTS gives Auckland Zoo a brilliantly natural finish MTS Property Services were responsible for all of the interior and exterior painting of NZ Strong’s Auckland Zoo projects, including the café and the Primate Enclosures the scope of work included traditional paint and stain finishes, intumescent and protective steel coatings – another perfect execution for its large expert team.

A perfect blend of preparation, quality products and correct application is the key to a great result – and that’s the only approach we take at MTS Property Services.

The MTS team of well trained, experienced painters brought the Primate Enclosure development to life, producing a great interior and exterior paint finish that will still be looking good in years to come.

MTS certified Master Painters and Resene Eco Decorators, we employ full-time painters who’ll work consistently to our processes, which are proven to provide great results to our customers, rather than taking on short-term contractors.

MTS can also apply specialist protective coatings to steel work and concrete panels, as well as to general painting.

We enjoy working with an increasing number of New Zealand’s largest commercial construction firms carrying out general painting, wallpapering and

plastering to new build apartments, and housing and commercial spaces as well as heritage buildings and repaints projects.

We also provide services around protective and intumescent coatings being approved applicators for the all the major brands.

With MTS Property Services, you can be assured of: • Professionalism • Quality • Value • Commitment • Highly skilled painters, plasterers and other tradespeople • Customer service.

If you are interested in receiving a detailed and fixed quote on your next project, please call Chris Collier at MTS Property Services on 021 944 899.

Specialist painting services Professional painting solutions – aligned to your specific needs Phone 09 634 8118

www.mtspropertyservices.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 29

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Landscape immersion – for both animal and visitor Landscape immersion, when both visitors and animals are immersed in the same habitat, is central to all animal area renewals at Auckland Zoo. Landscape immersive places offer an incredibly exciting experience for visitors and natural habitats for the animals.

“The way we care for all animals that have a home here at Auckland Zoo is informed by our Animal Care Charter – an internationally renowned model that takes a totally holistic approach to welfare/care – from nutrition and environment, to physical, psychological and behavourial health.

“The freedom to engage physically with their space is one of the ways in which we provide great animal welfare,” Monica says.

“Visitors are looking for an opportunity to see animals engaging in their natural behaviours.

“The most satisfying visitor experience is when the animals look as though they’re part of their landscape, the ecosystem they’ve lived and evolved in over millions of years.

canopy across the lake, they can engage with the high canopy on the boardwalk.

From the boardwalk, the track leads into the swamp forest, where Sunda gharials, or the freshwater crocodiles, live in a humid, swampy environment with other reptiles and fish. The experience continues through the lowlands – the habitat where the Sumatran tiger and Asian small-clawed otter live.

“Another part of landscape immersion and immersing our visitors in these habitats that reflect in the natural environment is enabling the visitors and the animals to see one another,” Monica says.

“We create spaces and places that both visitors and animals can have a dynamic and somewhat unpredictable up-close encounter.

For example, in older, traditional zoos, tigers have often been placed in a low setting with visitors looking down at them – not how it would be for them in the wild.

“In our new tiger habitat, we have two high tiger ‘overpasses’ (16.5 metres or 54 feet!) over people. As apex predators, being up high is one of the places where it’s most natural for these big cats to be.

“Visitor satisfaction is seeing the animals and seeing them as they would be in the wild. The welfare component is essential for visitors having an experience and a visit to the zoo that makes good on our promise: the animals that are in our care have at least as good a life as they would in the wild.”

“By creating habitats in which the animals are able to behave in the ways they prefer, we’re creating opportunities for them to behave naturally.”

In the South East Asia Jungle Track, visitors travel through the high canopy where the primates glide along the trees. In the mid-

In order for the tiger to behave both naturally and safely, state-of-the-art containment design was crucial.

Engineers designed different structures and used materials such as mesh and glass to ensure the safety and protection of both visitors and animals. The engineers ran through equations that took into account the weight of an adult tiger running at full speed.

In the field test, the team created a bag-like structure that was soft on the outside, filled with steel pallets to mimic a tiger running full-speed to confirm the strength of the mesh.

On the first try, the mesh moved a bit, as it was designed to do in the event of collision,

but did not break. It was a successful, albeit, anti-climactic confirmation. Garyth says it proved that the mesh would hold strong.

The orangutan containment design was much more straightforward, where engineers calculated and tested the impact load of multiple orangutans on metal mesh.

Metal Concepts, a sub-contractor, fabricated major elements of the aerial pathways, as the primates’ inside areas, and the perimeters of the habitats.

Continued on page 34 >

Bamboo panels are tigers for punishment When you are looking for quality concrete panel solutions that require expertise in creation, look no further than the team at Concretec.

We specialise in custom and unique precast concrete solutions, aiding architects and engineers to bring their designs to life.

The panels for the Auckland Zoo Tiger Enclosure were challenging since the bamboo pattern was required on both sides. Using Reckli rubber moulds and the experience of our team, we achieved a great result.

Since 2005 our team at Concretec have supplied an extensive range of precast concrete products to over 750 construction projects.

Although typically involved with large and prestigious projects, Concretec are equally comfortable supplying small one-off builds as well.

Concretec operates to ISO9001 quality standard, and is a certified supplier under the national Concrete NZ – Precast Sector accreditation system.

Phone: 09 275 9906 | Email: sales@concretec.co.nz | www.concretec.co.nz 30 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

We continue to drive the quality system to lower levels of detail to improve performance over time and embrace the continuous improvement philosophy.

To ensure excellence in supply of Cut and Bent Reinforcing, in 2020 we established a purpose-built reinforcing cut and bend processing business on site, reducing critical lead times and improving the ability to raise quality standards.

Our Bombay operation has a light environmental and services footprint, being self-sufficient in water supply and sewage treatment.

We have maintained a greenbelt on the property and have planted approx. 1000 native trees and plants plus fruit and olive trees, and grape vines.

In December 2020 we further decreased our environmental footprint by becoming 70 percent self-sufficient in electricity supply with the installation of a 102kW solar array.

Contact us today at Sales@concretec.co.nz to assist with your next project.

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

All Steel Projects Ltd All Steel Projects Ltd is a small engineering company providing metal fabrication solutions. We have worked across many industries ranging from the commercial and residential construction, beverage and food manufacturers, and marine to name a few.

Owner Stephen Rogers took over the business in August 2014 from the old ownership of GB Sheetmetal’s Ltd, where he had been the factory manager for many years. Stephen brings to the business over 30 years’ experience within the metal fabricating industry, both in the fabrication side and management. The business has been very fortunate to have staff who have all worked for the business for seven years or more and offer high level of expertise and experience.

upgrade to the Auckland Zoo. The work completed involved the outside balustrade for the new café, servery, door surrounds, fascia and flashings. Further steelwork was also completed in the orangutan enclosure.

The company and staff pride themselves on providing high quality workmanship, superior service and a ‘can do’ attitude.

However, no job is too small for our team at All Steel Projects Ltd. We pride ourselves in our approachable service offering fabricating solutions for everyone. We like to consider our ‘can do’ attitude as setting us apart, we have the staff expertise and skill level to ensure all fabrication is of the highest standard and our problem solving and efficiency means that installation runs smoothly and on time.

The scope of work ranges from light to heavy fabrication and includes but is not limited to: • Handrails and balustrades • Safety access and platforms • Structural steel beams and stairways • Flashings and fascia • Racks and shelving • Fabricate in all metals (black steel, stainless, aluminium, brass, zinc, bronze, copper).

All Steel Projects Ltd recently completed various steel components at the recent

Our work is not just limited to the construction industry. We offer a vast amount of expertise in fabricating safety platforms and access ways within the beverage and food industry or manufacturing industry.

If you are looking for experts in steel fabrication that is of the highest quality, within budget and on time, we would love to hear from you. You can find more information about us on www.allsteelprojects.co.nz or contact us today on info@allsteelprojects.co.nz alternatively speak to Stephen 021 920 962.

COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL & RESIDENTIAL METAL FABRICATION SOLUTIONS Stainless Steel • Handrails /Balustrades • Mild Steel Stairs / Platforms • Metal Fabricators

26 Neilpark Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland

Phone: 09 274 4412 Email: info@allsteelprojects.co.nz www.allsteelprojects.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 31

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Bartons are infrastructure sound system experts Bartons were responsible for the design and build of the audio-visual systems throughout the new South East Asia precinct of the Auckland Zoo.

Bartons Sound Systems: • Combined Public Address and Evacuation • Complex Paging • Full Range Music • Noise Masking • Video Conferencing • Third Party Integration • Hearing Assistance / Hearing Aid Loops IQP.

The audio-visual systems were to be integrated with the site wide ICT network.

The scope of work focussed around the ‘code-red’ audio paging system which broadcasts information and instructions to zoo patrons in an emergency, it needed to therefore be robust and fault-tolerant.

The system also needed be able to automatically prioritise content (such as alarms, announcements, presentations, and sound effects) according to pre-defined business rules.

Design details were adapted as required to make the system aesthetically pleasing, as buildable as possible, and to incorporate safety in design.

Bartons worked with the builders, engineers, and architects to adapt off the shelf audio and video products with bespoke brackets and paint finishes to suit the environment at Auckland Zoo. Bartons Sound Systems have been trading for over 50 years and have an extensive track record throughout NZ in public infrastructure work. Projects include:

32 | B&C - Issue #126

Applications:

• Auckland - Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, the Civic Theatre and the Auckland Art Gallery (Auckland Live), Auckland Stadiums Auckland Airport, Auckland Transport, Spark Arena, Q Theatre, Auckland Waterfront Theatre • Wellington - Parliamentary Services, National Library Tiakiwai Conference Centre, Sky Stadium, Wellington Railway Station, • Christchurch - Christchurch Town Hall, Lyttleton Tunnel, Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Airport (Antarctic Walkway art installation) Bartons have worked under NZ Strong on many landmark infrastructure projects for Auckland, such as the Northern Busways,

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Manukau Bus Station and the AMETI, New Lynn and Manukau railway stations.

Director Tony Wehner explains, “Infrastructure designers, engineers and builders choose Bartons Sound Systems as we are a one stop shop, from concept, design and build, to ongoing maintenance.

“We have an extensive track record and intellectual property ‘brains trust’, thanks to over 50 years in business.

• Stadiums • Tunnels • Education • Boardrooms • Petro Chemical and Mining • Industrial • Theatres • Churches • Courtrooms • Mass Transport Centres.

“The work is all done in house by qualified engineers, programmers, electro acoustic experts, as well as fabricators and installers.

“We are brand agnostic and help the client to select the software and hardware most suited for the job.”

“Bartons Sound Systems are ISO9001 accredited and prequalified with Sitewise, Impac Prequal and ISNet.

For great ideas and the best AV gear, contact Bartons Sound Systems at 09 373 2416 or Info@bartonsound.co.nz

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong Q&A with NZ Strong project manager for South East Asia Jungle Track, Garyth Jones Q: What was a unique challenge that’s come with the South East Asia Jungle Track project so far?

A: The whole zoo is on a lava float; we’re on the very edge of the Mt Eden lava float. Every time you dig a hole, you dig up basalt. For around three months or so, we essentially moved hundreds of thousands cubic metres of rock. Just to reshape the topography to make room for the new primate habitat that is there now. That was one of our contractors we do a lot of work with, City Site Works, and they sat there digging away for months and months, with three machines chipping away.

Q: How many people were onsite at the peak of the project so far?

A: 150-180 people. That would be all subcontractors. Our team at NZ Strong had 15-16 of us at the maximum. That would be at the end of 2019 when the zoo had the orangutans coming back from Orana Wildlife Park.

During the build, Auckland Zoo’s orangutans, accompanied by their keepers, relocated to Orana. We did our demolition.

We were working 24 hours a day to get their inside areas (the back-of-house building) finished and ready for the required Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspections and approvals. In midJanuary 2019, the orangutans flew back to Auckland so they could move in here, where they could also do their quarantine.

City Siteworks

Our range of residential and commercial services include: • Bulk excavation • Road contractors • Retaining walls • Car park construction • Drainage • Driveway construction.

City Siteworks Ltd is a civil engineering contracting company formed in 2004 with a dedicated team focused on civil engineering contracting.

Based in Onehunga and with over 30 staff, our capabilities range from small residential to large commercial, infrastructure and land development contracts, covering the greater Auckland area.

Our clients include private, builders and developers, engineers, architects and other civil contractors.

With a modern fleet of machinery including trucks, diggers, bulldozers, rollers and

• BULK EXCAVATION • CAR PARK CONSTRUCTION • ROAD CONTRACTORS • DRAINAGE • RETAINING WALLS • DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION

wwwcitysiteworks.co.nz

bobcats there is a wide variety of projects we can and have undertaken.

Our current contract is the fourth project we have undertaken in the Zoo and we have gained a reputation for producing quality work in the difficult and detailed nature of the new exhibits.

We also have provided consultation in resolving design issues in a practical and economical manner.

Proudly working with

NZ Strong - Auckland Zoo CONTACT US! Phone: 09 636 6385 Email : info@citysiteworks.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 33

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Animal to animal engagement Another part of landscape immersion that reflects the natural environment is for the animals to see each other. For example, in the zoo’s Africa Safari Track, meerkats can look across the savannah at the giraffes.

Just as the meerkats are looking at the giraffes, giraffes potentially catch whiffs of the lions, Monica says.

“It all ties back to how we’re creating the best welfare for our animals, and in doing so, creating the best visitor experience.

That’s authentic. It’s not about creating cartoon environments. It’s about creating real environments.”

"

Our goal is to create a place where we’re bringing people together to build a future for wildlife.

"

In order to give the animals additional enrichment, keepers put different scents in the habitats. This can include spraying perfumes on rocks or scattering aromatic plants for the animals smell and rub against.

“Another way to provide enrichment is taking urine or faeces and rubbing those on leaves or grasses – just like they would encounter in the wild.

“Our goal is to create a place where we’re bringing people together to build a future for wildlife.

“That means we’re enabling opportunities for natural experiences that are enriching and meaningful for visitors, and it’s also enriching and exciting for the animals in our care.

“The ways in which we engage our visitors reflects our staff’s expertise of our animals and what enriches their lives,” says Monica. Auckland Zoo and NZ Strong are currently working on Phase 2 of the project that will open to visitors in summer 2021.

This includes the expansive lowlands habitat for the Sumatran tigers and Asian small-clawed otters and an Indonesian swamp forest habitat for Sunda gharial (freshwater crocodiles), fish and other reptiles.

Auckland Zoo Motions Road Auckland (09) 360 3805 info@aucklandzoo.co.nz www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

34 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

NZ Strong 108 Mount Eden Road Mount Eden Auckland (09) 630 7324 reception@nzstrong.co.nz www.nzstrong.co.nz

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Cremer Lifts Cremer Lifts is a NZ owned business providing service, options, and value to all their clients for more than 35 years.

Cremer Lifts is known for finding and delivering lift solutions from big to small; industrial, commercial or for residential purposes.

We import a wide range of lifts to cater for the diverse needs of the New Zealand market and walk with you through the entire journey from planning to servicing and maintenance.

Cremer Lifts’ range includes heavy duty car lifts, modernisations, low pit/low headroom options and much more.

Cremer is associated with international leaders in the manufacturing industry, such as Aritco from Sweden and Kleemann from Greece, both of which are considered leaders in their respective fields.

They are able to offer you a comprehensive range of people moving systems.

They can provide systems to suit most applications by tailor making standard product or custom builds at their manufacturing facility based in Auckland.

Their head office is located 20 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, with an office and service centre in Wellington, and they are able to offer services nationwide.

General manager, John Warren

The Auckland Zoo project was completed in 2020, one of several collaborations with NZ Strong. The team at Cremer Lifts maintain a positive and productive working relationship with all their clients.

Services Installations CREMER LIFTS employ a team of professional lift installers from its Auckland facilities. The staff are all fully trained and experienced in the installation of the various lift products supplied by the company. The team is further backed up by a highly competent Lift Commissioning Engineer to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction with their chosen Lift.

Custom design and build The Cremer Lifts team of highly skilled lift engineers and technicians offer our customers and clients a highly professional service. Consultation and advising on the products and brands available globally increases your choice in design and function.

With many years of experience, they are certain to offer you a solution to meet your needs.

Lifts offer full service and maintenance contracts to fully support their range of high-quality lifts.

Modernisations Cremer Lifts can modernise your old elevator and lift. From a simple aesthetic upgrade through to a full electrical and mechanical upgrade, no job is too small for this dedicated team of engineers and technicians.

Maintenance The maintenance and service staff are based in Auckland with further teams of contracted maintenance agents in all major New Zealand City and Town Centres. Cremer

Lift solutions big to small, supplied, installed & maintained throughout NZ

■ Commercial & Residential Lift Installations ■ Modernisations ■ Servicing & Maintenance

P 0800 40 40 60 • E info@cremerlifts.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 35

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Tree Tops "

Tree Tops is a modest family-owned arborist business based in Henderson, West Auckland.

Today, Tree Tops proudly thrives in the wider Auckland region with a mix of commercial, residential and Auckland Council contracts.

The company, launched in June 2015, is fronted by husband-and-wife team Zach Fell and Amanda Mellick.

With Zach’s qualifications, vast experience in the arboriculture world and drive to be successful, combined with Amanda’s passion for sales, marketing and customer experience, they make quite the team.

"

Their distinctive black trucks with red and white branding cannot be missed and local community social media pages are filled with Tree Tops’ recommendations whenever someone is seeking a professional.

What started out as a humble one-unit operation running out of their home yard, Zach and Amanda would often spend their evenings and weekends dragging their two young boys around Auckland to scope sites and quote.

While Tree Tops specialise in all aspects of tree care and maintenance, from tree removals to hedge trimming, the team get a real buzz off two areas of tree care in particular: technical large tree removals which require very precise rigging and cutting techniques, and large tree reductions.

This is fondly looked back on as their quality family time, something that they are sure several new business start-ups can relate to.

Thanks to Amanda’s knowledge in the lead generation space and Zach’s passionate, casual approach to customer interaction, it was not long before the Tree Tops fleet grew to support a much larger operation.

The precise game of driveway Tetris with the truck and chipper units at the beginning and end of each day became too much of a burden for the young family (that and the numerous piles of mulch and firewood!), so,

2016 saw the leap into their own yard on Railside Ave, Henderson.

The team now run multiple trucks, woodchippers, stump grinders and machinery, allowing that Tree Tops difference to be experienced far and wide.

When growing their team, Zach and Amanda noticed a huge gap in the industry

Professional Tree Services Qualified Arborists | Council Approved Tree Trimming Tree Removal Stump Grinding Land Clearing Zach Fell - 09 813 9042 or 021 215 4016 E: info@nztreetops.com www.nztreetops.com 36 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

of qualified and skilled arborists, so they decided to kick off an apprenticeship program, currently employing five apprentices at various stages of their threeyear New Zealand Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4).

Today, Tree Tops proudly thrives in the wider Auckland region with a mix of commercial, residential and Auckland Council contracts.

Their recent and most memorable project at the Auckland Zoo allowed them to utilise their wide range of skills in these areas.

For a free on-site no-obligation quote or tree assessment, contact Zach Fell directly on 021 215 4016 or visit them at www.nztreetops.com.

With a long list of positive reviews and customer feedback you cannot go wrong.

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Mainarc Engineering Mainarc Engineering has been operating in New Zealand for over 35 years under the leadership and direction of Dave Smyth.

The company began by carrying out maintenance operations in the Heavy Industry at the Glenbrook Steel Mill in 1987.

They soon extended into manufacturing and fabrication, specializing in building pressure vessels, Asme9 Welding and pipework.

Mainarc Engineering then transitioned from a labour hire company to a manufacturing company in the Heavy Industry.

As Mainarc Engineering continued to diversify, they entered into an alliance with Total Bridge Services (TBS) working on the Auckland Harbour Bridge strengthening project.

The project involved the installation of more than 900 tonnes of steel under strict specifications and tolerances. Their uncompromising safety practices and technical expertise earned the project the Supreme Winner at the Safeguard Safety Awards in 2009.

Seismic strengthening for Auckland Airport is another key project Mainarc Engineering has successfully completed.

This came with particular challenges, having to complete the project whilst the Airport continued to operate and within strict safety guidelines and practices.

They have continued to complete structural installation on brown field projects under similar operational challenges such as railways, shopping centres, bridges, architectural stairs, and lift shafts.

"

Mainarc Engineering have a particular interest in challenging and detailed engineering projects; one such project being the Auckland Zoo which involved the fabrication and installation of a complex dome structure.

Our key competencies Health & Safety:

We will not deliver anything to any customer that we would not accept ourselves.

• Risk assessment

- Dave Smyth, director

• Worksafe compliant

"

• Job safety analysis • Site safety plans • Safe work procedures • Guarding/screens • Supervision.

Their success in completing challenging and difficult projects is largely due to the experienced and skilled personnel involved.

Maintenance:

Mainarc Engineering have a particular interest in challenging and detailed engineering projects; one such project being the Auckland Zoo which involved the fabrication and installation of a complex dome structure.

• Specialist labour hire

Mainarc also offer shutdown maintenance management services, including ongoing preventative maintenance in the food industry architectural and structural projects.

• Shutdown and mechanical maintenance programmes • Job Processes.

Project services: • Turn key projects • On site installation • Project teams • Supervision • Management.

Structural: • Towers • Lighting • Conveyors • Gantrys • Pylons • Buildings / factories • Luxury homes.

Platework: • Mining • Processing plants • Cement factories • Chutes • Hoppers • Bins.

Vessels & Pipes: • Boiler refurbishment • Pipe work • Tanks • Pressure vessels • Steam pipes • Waste water.

MAINARC ENGINEERING LIMITED

We Deliver Quality without Compromise

• Fabrication (Stainless & Carbon Steel) • Pressure Vessels / Tanks / Pipework • All forms of Structural Steelwork • Project Management • Site Installation Service

• Shutdowns & Maintenance • Labour Hire (Short & Long Term) • Health & Safety • Supervision & Management

Prompt, No Obligation Quotes or Estimates

Ph: 09 238 3590 | E: quotes@mainarc.co.nz

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Issue #126 - B&C | 37

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

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18 Bassant Avenue, Penrose, Auckland 1061 ■ www.uniondemolition.co.nz 38 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

Hometech delivers an enlightened solution After more than 20 years in the planning, Auckland Zoo has opened the first stage of the South East Asia Jungle Track, the orangutan and siamang habitat.

The ongoing $60 million project is the largest redevelopment in the zoo’s 97-year history. Once complete it will cover one fifth of the zoo’s area.

It has been designed with both the animals and visitors in mind so that as a visitor you are immersed in the experience and landscape.

between 300 to 500 lux to mimic light with a bright forest understory.

This lux level would then be bright enough for staff to carry out routine maintenance and interactions without having to turn electric lighting on.

Client

The challenge As orangutans have 97.4 percent of DNA in common with humans, it is easy to understand why their sleep patterns are similar to ours. Hence, why they are brought into an indoor habitat over night for sleeping.

NZ Strong Construction Ltd.

Challenge Provide natural light that was independent of an electrical lighting system.

The habitat needed to provide natural light that was independent of an electrical lighting system; and it had to provide sufficient lux levels regardless of whether it was a cloudy day or not.

Results

The light quality and level needed to be adequate so that Charlie, Melur and Wanita, the three orangutans, would wake up naturally before heading out for the day.

10 Solatube SkyVaults .

In addition, the designers required an overall working source of light level

Studio Hanson | Roberts.

A working source of light to mimic light within a bright forest understory.

Product ®

®

Solatube installer Hometech.

Architect

The final requirement was for the source of the natural light to be able to stand up to close ‘inspection’ and prodding by the animals themselves with some added protection.

With arms that can stretch out longer than their bodies, over two metres fingertip to fingertip, this was an important factor to consider.

The solution By using the Solatube Daylighting Calculator the Solatube team was able to provide Becca Hanson, Principal at Studio Hanson | Roberts, with the data showing the size of Solatubes to use, and their physical placement, to provide the required lux levels of 300-500.

With a tube length of only 0.5m, so that they did not protrude into the cages themselves, the calculator deemed that the SkyVaults, with their 740mm diameter dome,

were required to provide the working source of light as the diffusers were 6.4m above the habitat floor.

The daylighting calculator was used for the day rooms, keepers’ corridors and the siamang habitat with the end result of 10 Solatube SkyVaults recommended.

“Solatube was the only manufacturer that we could find that could provide us with the levels,” says Becca Hanson.

The result The skylights allow the orangutans to wake naturally with the increasing levels of light at sunrise rather than the harshness of the flick of an electrical switch.

Plus, their keepers can perform most daily tasks utilising only the natural light provided by the Solatube tubular skylights.

Natural Daylight Construct wisely with naturally sustainable daylight Cost effective and energy efficient natural daylight that offers flexibility to bring natural light to areas that traditional skylights and windows simply can not reach

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 39

Auckland Zoo − NZ Strong

NFL Construction – defect-free decks and superior carpentry

• COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DECKING EXPERTS • SKILLED CARPENTERS

Director Martin Urban is carving out a niche in the Auckland construction market with his team of dedicated, detail-oriented builders responsible for the decks at the new Auckland Zoo Te Puna café and some of the carpentry work around other enclosures.

The design team selected the OUTDURE Qwickbuild system and Casadeck Endura Composite decking product for a number of areas, the most challenging being the amazing Te Puna Café area.

NFL Construction worked closely with OUTDURE, NZ Strong and the Auckland Zoo design team to ensure this challenging design was executed flawlessly.

“This project required us to develop a number of intricate installation techniques that allowed this progressive design to come to life and also stand the test of time. Our team has a special focus and market-leading experience in using modern decking systems for low height exterior decking areas and podiums, such as the Qwickbuild system from OUTDURE.” The Qwickbuild system uses aluminium bearer and joist framing members to overcome the problematic issues of a traditional timber frame approach at low height, while also offering flexibility of surface options (Decking, Tile, Turf) plus a supplier-backed guarantee.

“We are also involved in other areas of the wider Zoo project, building complicated architectural features including the new tiger enclosure roof, enclosure walls and an amazing elevated boardwalk that will provide visitors with an unparalleled viewing experience of a number of attractions,” Martin explains.

NFL Construction have been delivering defect-free installs of modern decking systems into many high-profile projects, such as Metlifecare Pinesong, and Metlifecare Greenwich Garden, Ryman Healthcare Lincoln Road, Air NZ Podium, OKLA

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

“We provide a full spectrum of professional, high quality building services and add real tangible value by listening to our clients’ needs, and then designing, costing and delivering innovative spaces to live, work and play in.

“Our team are experts at all forms of carpentry, including framing, trusses, soffits, floors, cladding and internal finishes.

Aluminium, glass and timber balustrades.

Timber, composite and tile decks. All types of screens. Bespoke custom-made timber, steel, composite and aluminium seating.”

NFL Construction believes the most important aspects to any great working relationship are: Communication, quality workmanship, competitive rates, time management, honesty, integrity, flexibility and positive engagement.

“As your next building contractor, you can be sure that we will take real pride in working constructively and collaboratively with you on solutions to overcome any challenges while adding value every step along the way, and always working towards a defect-free handover as the cornerstone of our service offering.

P.S And if you’re a skilled, positive builder looking for a better working environment, NFL would also love to hear from you.

Visit our website for inspiration and call Shane Torbet today on 021 958 780 for any of your upcoming project or tender opportunities.

40 | B&C - Issue #126

Apartments, Vanguard Apartments, Satori Apartments, Auckland Zoo and numerous others.

Call Shane Torbet today on 021 958 780 to experience the best building service – guaranteed.

“Te Puna Cafe - Auckland Zoo. Deck by NFL Construction”

www.nflconstruction.co.nz

Te Puna – Auckland Zoo. Deck by NFL.

As with many architectural features, creating clean lines and flush transitions within these decking areas requires a progressive design, an innovative product, and a meticulous installer.

Visit our website for inspiration and call Call Shane Torbet today on 021 958 780 for any of your up coming project or tender oppourtunities www.NFLconstruction.co.nz

Compass Group

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Issue #126 - B&C | 41

Fletcher Construction – Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway

The jigsaw of traffic diversions

By Claire Wright

Fletcher Construction’s traffic diversions to facilitate smooth construction process for the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway in the new year When Fletcher Construction completed the MacKays to Peka Peka Expressway in February 2017, the company became a key part of the team constructing the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway as well.

Along with the Transmission Gully motorway and Ōtaki to North of Levin highway, these roads will eventually form the Wellington Northern Corridor.

When fully completed, the Wellington Northern Corridor will provide a safer, more reliable and more efficient highway connection from Levin to Wellington, and with the wider North Island.

The Peka Peka to Ōtaki project is not only important for the Kāpiti Coast but also for the wider Wellington region – Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) says it will ease local trip congestion and facilitate economic development in the region.

A joint venture between Fletcher Infrastructure and Higgins, the two main contractors carrying out the construction planning and work, the $330M project is due for completion later than the original

42 | B&C - Issue #126

Flying south, looking east. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Fletcher Construction – Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway

The project scope includes: • Two partial interchanges

• Nine kilometres of new local roads • 1.5 kilometres of rail realignment • Nine bridges • 42 culverts • Over 1.5 million cubic metres of earthworks • 4000 tonnes of steel • 17,500 cubic metres of concrete.

contractual completion date of January 2021 due to additional scope and the impact of COVID-19.

“One of the real success factors for us is our project was the first Waka Kotahi project that got approval to restart after the lockdown in March/April/May 2020,” Fletcher Construction project director, Chris Hunt says.

“We got all of our management plans in place and got everything signed off

by Waka Kotahi during lockdown. As soon as the government confirmed that construction was an essential service, we were able to start working again.

Site opposite Mary Crest including old SH1. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

PLACE ON DEMAND STORAGE

“Since then, we’ve had systems, processes, and protocols in place to make sure we’re compliant with the government requirements.

“It’s also to make sure that if there is an issue moving forward, if there ever was another outbreak of Covid, we’ve got the contact tracing in place onsite so we know which individuals have come in contact with other individuals.

“As an industry, we’ve got used to that now.

We’ve got to keep our guard up though, to make sure we don’t get complacent with it.”

Fletcher Construction has been busy with earthworks and drainage activities on the project, shifting 180,000 cubic metres of structural fill, 200,000 cubic metres of unsuitable material and 46,000 cubic metres of topsoil used for landscaping.

Goodmans Contracting is providing earthworks, while Brian Perry Civil is doing the bridge piling. The team also completed an 11-barrel culvert at Taylors Road, on top of completing 2,461 lineal meters of carriageway drainage, and 1,293 lineal meters of piped culverts.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 43

Fletcher Construction – Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway

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Fletcher Construction – Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway Last year, Fletchers built and opened a new 2 kilometre section of old SH1 local arterial road, as part of the project, and switched traffic on to this new road.

Switching the SH1 traffic to the local arterial road allowed Fletchers to open up the southern end of the project to start excavating the old state highway in order to build the new one. The team has been working on the old SH1 alignment for a few months now.

Other significant diversions include a temporary diversion south of the Ōtaki River Bridge. Chris says it’s only a couple of hundred metres long, but it will allow the team to start constructing the Ōtaki Gorge Road connection.

SH1 diversion at Ōtaki Gorge Road for PP2O. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

In preparation for both the Christmas holidays and beyond, Fletchers planned traffic diversions, especially as the site shut down on 22 December 2020, with work resuming on 5 January 2021.

Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway project partners

“Over a length of about 500 metres, we slowly grade down to the existing SH1. That means we have to build over the top of it.

“We will be building a similar temporary diversion to the east of the existing SH1 to facilitate this. Again, only a 200-300 metre diversion, but that allows us to build the reinforced earth embankments over the top of the existing SH1.” Chris says.

“If you know anything about the Kāpiti Coast, traffic through Ōtaki coming out of Wellington, particularly during holiday periods, is exceptionally heavy.”

It takes quite a bit of technical work in creating and planning for diversions and traffic switches, but Fletchers’ main goal is to minimise the inconvenience to the traveling public.

Client: Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency Principal’s Advisor: WSP

Chris says, “The thing that is particularly unusual on this project is the large percentage of local roads. The overall project is only 12.4 kilometres long, which in the scale of large projects isn’t necessarily a particularly long project.

Lead Designer: Beca

“However, we’ve got nine kilometres of local roads as well. That’s a relatively high number for a project our size. This has meant many traffic switches that we’ve worked through.”

Project status: construction and design

Fletchers has now completed several structures that allow construction traffic to travel along the new expressway designation, minimising the amount of construction traffic using State Highway 1 (SH1).

Similar to the diversion at the southern end, there is also another at the northern end where it ties into the existing SH1. The

new alignment is about six or seven metres above the existing state highway.

JV Partner: Higgins Estimated project cost: $330 million Project type: road improvements and road management

“From a project perspective, being able to run construction traffic over the bridges shortens the distances we need to haul material and reduces delays on already congested public roads, which helps make our project even more efficient.”

Bridge 1 just south of Taylors Road. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 45

Fletcher Construction – Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway

Flying north, looking west. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

SH1 diversion at Ōtaki Gorge Road for PP2O. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

New Taylors Road for PP2O. Photo copyright Mark Coote.

“We always have mitigations in place because what we don’t want in the build up to Christmas and beyond, are issues caused by our project with people trying to get away for the holiday break.

“We’re pretty proud of our traffic switches to date as they’ve all gone smoothly which is a credit to the team that have planned and constructed them.”

A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway also has a shared path which is part of the New Zealand Cycle Network, a co-led initiative between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

While Chris says the project has been very much like typical construction projects, there have been other challenges.

The approximately 10-kilometre-long shared path will provide the local communities with a safer trail separated from cars, trucks and other motor vehicles.

“In regard to design and construction, having the scope varied a couple of times when you’re already well into the design and construction is a challenge.

The Peka Peka to Ōtaki shared path connects with Raumati South to Peka Peka shared path and Queen Elizabeth Park to the south.

“There have been challenges for us to change our methodology to include the shared path, and the change from a granular base course to structural asphalt. The biggest challenge

To the north it will connect with the future Ōtaki to North Levin shared user path.

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with this is understanding the impact on programme and how we minimise this,” Chris says.

“As a result of that, we set up a mobile batching plant onsite. Because of the volume of the structural asphalt, we’ve imported a mobile asphalt plant. Prior to that, we were going to have our asphalt surfacing done from local plants.”

This is so the project can produce asphalt in close proximity to the new alignment rather than trucking it in from outside the project area.

Mobile asphalt plants are relatively quick to assemble and don’t require a permanent fixture to be built, which means it can be transferred to another project when the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway is complete.

It’s expected that the asphalt plant will produce around 100 tonnes of asphalt per

hour, with the capacity to increase by a further 50 percent if required.

With the project back from the Christmas and New Year break, the focus for 2021 is on pavement and asphalt construction.

For more information on the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, visit nzta.govt.nz/pp2o.

Fletcher Construction

Level 2 810 Great South Road Penrose Auckland (09) 525 9000 www.fletcherconstruction.co.nz

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Issue #126 - B&C | 47

Steel Construction

Excellence in Steel Awards 2020 The Excellence in Steel Awards 2020 took place in Queenstown on 13 November 2020 and recognised some of 2020’s most notable structural steel industry projects and people.

No composite steel flooring job is too

Big

The awards ceremony provided almost 170 industry professionals the opportunity to come together and celebrate this year’s successes.

The annual awards are run by Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ), the voice of New Zealand’s diverse steel construction industry.

SCNZ promotes the benefits of structural steel solutions in building and infrastructure projects.

SCNZ Chair’s Award The SCNZ Chair’s Award acknowledges individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to New Zealand’s structural steel industry.

Greg MacRae, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury, was this year’s richly deserving recipient.

Or too small.

SCNZ Chair Frank Van Schaijik says Greg has had a deep impact, not only on the structural steel industry, but also on the wider construction sector.

“He has demonstrated a clear focus on finding the best structural solutions for both the community and the industry using safe, strong and resilient structures.”

With his focus on structural resilience and low-damage design, Greg’s expertise was highly sought after in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes.

“Greg’s willingness to engage with the industry in pursuit of the most cost-effective

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Visit our website to get our Tray-dec floor design software 48 | B&C - Issue #126

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SCNZ recognised various individuals for their achievements in the steel industry at the Excellence in Steel Awards 2020 who include: Apprentice of the Year Winner: Joshua Jackson, Global Engineering Young Achiever of the Year Winner: Kieran Houssenloge, Petone Engineering SCNZ Chair’s Award Winner: Greg MacRae, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury. and buildable solutions led to the successful completion of numerous projects involved in the Canterbury rebuild,” says Frank.

“The 2011 earthquake made people rethink how buildings are constructed and how they perform during and after a ’quake.

“While the primary concern for buildings is to ensure people can safely walk away after an earthquake, operational continuity where buildings can be quickly reoccupied following a seismic event is also critical.”

Greg’s work is also internationally recognised. Findings from Greg’s research into structural resilience and low-damage design have been incorporated in design guidelines around the world, and have influenced the construction of millions of dollars’ worth of buildings in New Zealand, Japan and the USA.

Steel Construction

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Issue #126 - B&C | 49

Steel Construction One of the key components of the design includes the bolt-up steel construction, which made the total build time just two weeks.

Apprentice of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year awards The apprentices and young structural steel workers of today are the future of the industry, which is why it is important to acknowledge their hard work and pay tribute to their success.

Steering away from vertical to horizontal construction, Eastbridge’s work on the Manawatu River Cycleway Bridge and Transmission Gully Bridge 20 won awards in the $1.5-$3M and Over $3M categories respectively.

The awards also reflect the industry’s commitment to upskilling young members of the trade and investing in the future of the local structural steel industry, which is crucial given the impact of COVID-19 on New Zealand-grown capability.

Joshua Jackson from Global Engineering was awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year thanks to his constant drive to do the best job he can and for his success at tackling some challenging and complex projects.

Kieran Houssenloge from Petone Engineering was recognised as 2020’s Young Achiever of the Year for his leadership skills and willingness to embrace change, improvements and innovative technology.

Kieran’s team noticed his effective management of the fabrication of the 30 K-frames used to construct the Chinese Embassy in Wellington.

Frank says, “As a well-established industry we have a responsibility to ensure we pass on our skills and experience to the next generation of structural steel specialists to safeguard the future of the sector and support our economic recovery.

“Of the total workforce employed by local structural steel contractors, 9.1 percent are in a training programme, and 69 percent of structural steel contractors employ an average of four apprentices.

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“So, it’s fantastic to see SCNZ’s Apprentice of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year awards gather momentum, year on year. Our industry should be proud of its commitment to fostering our bright, young talent.”

2020 award-winning projects Frank says the high calibre of projects showcased in this year’s awards is testament to the knowledge, expertise and dedication of the people within the industry.

One example is Global Engineering’s work on the NZ Blood Atrium, which won the Supreme Award and the Under $500K category. The project involved installation of a new atrium roof within the central compound of an existing building.

The project was originally planned as a timber structure. However, taking into account the complex design, structural steel was used instead.

In order to get the right look, the final roof form is a combined space-truss and diagrid featuring architecturally exposed structural steel.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Award-winning projects submitted for SCNZ’s Excellence in Steel Awards 2020 include: Supreme Award and Under $500K category Winner: Global Engineering for NZ Blood Atrium $500K-$1.5M: VIP Steel for Redcliffs School $1.5M-$3M: Eastbridge for Manawatu River Cycleway Bridge Over $3M: Eastbridge for Bridge 20 – Transmission Gully Standalone Residential: VIP Steel for The Spur.

Going up in overall budget, VIP Steel took first place in the $500-$1.5M category for the new Redcliffs School in Christchurch.

Structural steel was used to overcome numerous site and ground challenges, which resulted in an extremely robust a nd efficient building.

VIP Steel also won the Standalone Residential Award for The Spur. Due to the location in a small lane on the hills of Christchurch, much thought was put into the logistics and design of the project.

The Manawatu River Cycleway Bridge is a low-maintenance bridge which consists of weathering steel and grade 316 stainless steel. Altogether, 300 tonnes of steelwork was delivered to site over a three-month period. In the end, Eastbridge delivered a remarkable yet unimposing bridge with a low aesthetic impact.

Eastbridge’s Transmission Gully Bridge 20 was designed as a steel box girder structure to span 50 metre across Cannons Creek Gully.

The lightweight steel structure kept the pile foundations and piers slim and, due to the material’s lower mass, allowed for longer spans and improved seismic performance.

The diversity of award-winning projects demonstrates the multiple applications of structural steel and how prevalent it is in our day-to-day lives.

It will be exciting to see what 2021 holds for New Zealand’s structural steel industry and SCNZ.

SCNZ

PO Box 76403 Manukau Auckland 09 263 5635 info@scnz.org www.scnz.org

ACRS_2020_Ad04_Shandying_v4_260x350mm_PRESS.pdf

1

28/2/20

2:46 pm

Steel Construction

SHANDYING...

YOU WOULDN’T STAND FOR IT WITH YOUR BEER… SO WHY STAND FOR IT WITH YOUR STEEL?

M

Y

Y

Y

Are you getting what you ordered? (and what you PAID for?)

Does ALL of the steel you’re receiving comply with the right Standards?

The problem of mixed supply (or as it’s more commonly known, ‘shandying’) can have serious consequences – even if you’re specifying construction steels to meet Australian and New Zealand Standards.

Shandying can occur when conforming supply is ordered, but only a portion of the product supplied is sourced from ACRS Certified suppliers (and the rest is sourced from somewhere else). Using non ACRS Certified steel can leave you with non-compliant construction steel... and the risks that come with that.

By providing effective continuous review of both the manufacturer and the fabricator/processor, ACRS 2-stage steel certification scheme and the new ACRS traceability scheme play a major role in reducing the risk of shandying on your project.

Talk to us TODAY about how ACRS Certification gives you confidence in your steel supply.

www.steelcertification.com

Ph: +61 (0)2 9965 7216 | E: info@steelcertification.com ABN: 40 096 692 545 ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification & Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 51

Steel Construction

ACRS 2021 certificates are online with some important changes Philip Sanders, Executive Director, ACRS

While 2020 has been a year we would all like to move on from, the effects of the last year have created some perverse effects we all need to be aware of and manage.

Together with the pain and disruption to all our lives from the pandemic, most businesses have been severely impacted – few more so than steel traders, suppliers, and certifiers due to highly globalised supply chains and associated implications for continued effective verification of product conformance in Australia and New Zealand.

As many of you would have read in previous ACRS features, a number of new standards

were released during 2019 and 2020; some suppliers left the local market whilst others entered, and numerous projects have found their basic assumption that materials specified and purchased would consistently meet the required standards. Specifications have been severely challenged, including that materials would be supplied to projects under ACRS certification, as required.

Additionally, and separately, the ACRS traceability scheme supports and enhances ACRS product scheme certification, but care still needs to be taken in a more volatile and changeable supply environment.

This article covers some important recent developments in construction steels and steel supply, and some adjustments and additions to ACRS certification to reflect the new realities and provide continued confidence that materials supplied meet Standards, including: • Further developments in the certification of AS 4671:2019 for steel reinforcing materials • ACRS accreditation to AS 4100: 2020 Steel Structures complementing ACRS longstanding JAS-ANZ accredited certification of welded sections to AS/NZS 3679.2 2016 Welded I-Sections and AS/NZS 5131: 2016 Steelwork Fabrication

• Traceability concerns and use of ACRS certification to effectively manage materials traceability (and awareness of misstatements regarding ACRS certification to avoid effective scrutiny of supply of affected materials), and resultingly • Changes to ACRS certification and practice, particularly rebar processing and structural welded sections fabrication, to assist steel customers easily confirm the unbroken chain of ACRS certification required to verify only ACRS certified materials have been supplied.

Takeaways: Always obtain the ACRS certification from all the sources of steel supply, both manufactured steels and processed/fabricated steels. Where necessary, also demand the ACRS Traceability Scheme Certification from your trader or steel stockist to ensure the steel is traceable to origin and the correct standard of supply: Check the scope of each certificate to be sure that what you have ordered is what you have received.

Remember, “ACRS certification” of fabricated materials has always covered more than the just the mill of manufacture: You need an unbroken chain of ACRS certification from source to site. Therefore, you must have the appropriate ACRS Stage 2 certification from the rebar processor, mesh manufacturer, or structural welded section fabricator, for those materials to be ACRS certified – not just the ACRS certificate of the mill of origin from which the processor or fabricator sourced their basic steel.

If you don’t confirm this, you could be in trouble – as so many projects unfortunately discovered during 2020.

ACRS Certified Steel Reinforcing Materials

ACRS Certified Structural Steel Manufacture and Fabrication

Manufacture and Processing

An Integrated 2-Stage System

The recent release of AS/NZS 4671:2019 and its product requirements initially caused some confusion in the marketplace particularly whether the 2001 edition of AS/ NZS 4671 remains valid, or whether the 2019 edition must apply to any supply delivered under ACRS certification.

AS 4100:2020 Steel Structures was released in August 2020 with ACRS JAS-ANZ accredited to include this new edition in certification from November, providing an important link with ACRS existing JAS-ANZ accredited certification of structural welded sections to AS/NZS 5131:2016 Structural Steelwork Fabrication.

A transition period of two years is currently operating, and suppliers are progressively moving to the new Edition\ACRS early JAS-ANZ accreditation to certify to both AS/ NZS 4671:2001 and AS/NZS 4671: 2019 has continued to assist suppliers, building surveyors, government departments and consumers retain confidence in the uninterrupted supply of compliant materials.

ACRS is continuing to issue certificates to AS/NZS 4671:2001 and seamlessly update suppliers to AS/NZS 4671: 2019 as they complete their transition.

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With this latest extension to our accreditation, ACRS provides certification across all the necessary standards and government specifications forcibly ending the false claims by some parties that ACRS certification of structural welded fabricated sections does not cover AS/NZS 5131, leaving customers and government departments without their expected coverage by ACRS certification, with consequent contract problems when this was discovered.

Steel Construction

As with steel reinforcing materials manufacture and any subsequent processing or fabrication, ACRS certification of both Stage 1 - Manufactured Product and Stage 2 - Fabricated Product (structural welded sections) remains a requirement.

Any break in the chain of certification renders the materials uncertified, and materials conformity and compliance to regulations must be demonstrated by other means and approved by the appropriate decisions making body.

If you have any questions about: • The ACRS integrated 2-stage process, or • Questions about the ACRS chain of certification, or • Where ACRS certification is required and you are told that ACRS does not certify structural welded sections to AS/NZS 5131 please contact ACRS directly on T: +61 (0)2 9965 7216 or E: info@steelcertification.com.

ACRS Certified Traceability ACRS certification covers traceability between Stage 1 (Manufactured Product) certificate holders and Stage 2 (Fabricated Product, e.g. processed rebar, steel mesh, and welded structural sections) certificate holders.

Separately, the stand alone ACRS traceability scheme provides an additional, complementary assessment and verification systems for non-producers and intermediaries in the increasingly complex steel supply chain.

ACRS Traceability Certification, derived from long-established European best practice, showed its value in both prestressing strand and structural sections supply in Australia and New Zealand during 2020.

For example, in prestressing supply, ACRS certification and associated ACRS services to stakeholders assisted a longstanding and valued international

supplier maintain its supply to both infrastructure and commercial projects.

In other cases, the break in ACRS chain of certification between ACRS Stage 1 and ACRS Stage 2 or ACRS Traceability Certification alerted engineers, builders and government authorities to structural steels supply breaching purchase and supply conditions.

Whilst ACRS has worked with affected parties on several such incidences, regrettably from January 2021 – due to the sheer increase in these incidences during 2020 and the resulting demand on ACRS resources – ACRS will be unable to provide comment and assistance for parties not holding the necessary ACRS certifications.

Important ACRS Certificate Wording Updates January 2021 To assist users of ACRS certificates more clearly understand the scope of each certificate there have been some significant wording changes this year that you should be aware of.

For the various Manufactured Product categories, wording will be similar to: “Products listed on this Manufactured Product certificate may be relied upon as having the benefit of ACRS Product Scheme certification after any subsequent processing only where cut, or bent, or welded by an ACRS certified processor. For Approval of processed reinforcing bar, refer to the bar processor’s ACRS Fabricated Product certificate.”

It is therefore a very important part of your risk management process that you ensure you receive an unbroken chain of certification for both the steel manufacturer(s) and the steel processor(s) or fabricator(s).

For further information, or for any e nquires please contact ACRS at: info@steelcertification.com or phone: +61 (0)2 9965 7216

"

Separately, the stand alone ACRS traceability scheme provides an additional, complementary assessment and verification systems for non-producers and intermediaries in the increasingly complex steel supply chain.

"

For the various Fabricated Product categories, the new certificate wording will be similar to: “Products listed on this ACRS Fabricated Product certificate may only be relied upon as having the benefit of ACRS Product Scheme certification where fabricated from appropriate Approved Materials manufactured by an ACRS certified Manufacturer with the appropriate Scope of Certification.” www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 53

Steel Construction

What is an ITP – and why is it so important? " "

With increasing emphasis from clients, engineers and territorial authorities on proof of compliance, the Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) has become an essential element of the process of gaining compliance certificates.

The most common deficiency in ITPs is probably lack of specific detail:

So, what is an ITP?

• The ITP needs to detail responsibilities such as perform, review, witness, hold etc for each of the parties involved for each line item.

Often the time and effort spent producing an ITP could be important in prevention and early detection of quality issues which could otherwise result in significant cost and delays to the project.

Compare the level of detail in these two examples:

There are many examples where inclusion of an item in the ITP could have saved

One definition: An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is a document which summarises how the quality of a particular element of the construction works is to be managed.

The columns of an ITP normally list the various parts of the work, the method and extent of inspection or test, the compliance criteria, the recording document, the responsibility for the inspection or test, and whether a review, witness, or hold point applies.

• Compliance criteria should be references to exact clauses and subclauses in the standard or specification • Extent/frequency of test should be specified; this may require several line entries on the ITP if different parts have different test extents or frequencies

• Documents used for recording should be correctly specified with a document and revision number

It is relatively common for ITP to be presented for review and rejected for being too generic; ITPs should be extensively customised for each job. Extra work is often required to provide the level of detail which will ensure all parties are on the same page and that the completed document will demonstrate that the correct compliance checks have been carried out.

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is a document which summarises how the quality of a particular element of the construction works is to be managed.

The basic objective of the ITP is to demonstrate compliance of the works to provide confidence to relevant parties that the works are correct.

considerable time and money subsequently spent on rework.

In conclusion, ITPs are not just a piece of paper to satisfy compliance requirements – they play a significant part in the ability of contractors and subcontractors to perform to exacting compliance requirements first time, every time.

The good news is that the right amount of detail in an ITP there should be cost savings and reduced project risk for all parties.

Responsibilities Item #

Item

Compliance criteria

Method Surface Method roughness

14 # Item

Abrasive blasting Item

Compliance Specification criteria

14

Abrasive blasting prior to thermal metal spray

Spec 3.4.1 (b) 50 microns minimum

www.spa.co.nz

Document

Supplier Applicator

TPI

Engineer / Architect

Responsibilities

Check sheet Supplier N/A P Document Applicator

Surface roughness Check sheet once per 1 sq m, ABS form 1.2 record Ra rev 1

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* Third Party Inspection

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* Welder Qualification Testing

* Quality Assurance

* Eddy Current Testing

* Procedure Qualification Testing

* Rope Access Inspection

* Remote Visual Inspection

* Welding Inspection

* Hull Thickness Surveys

54 | B&C - Issue #126

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Steel Construction

Optimised steel solutions home grown in NZ Since the late 1980s, Steltech® has been a driving force in enabling the use of domestically manufactured structural steel sections as the preferred method of construction here in New Zealand.

The Steltech® journey began with commercial single-storey structures (known as portal frames) complimented with their free design service, making it easy for developers and clients to benefit from large open span buildings.

These Steltech® Optimised Structures are located throughout the country and the free

design service is still widely respected and used to this day.

As demand increased for its design optimisation service, they invested in the creation of the MEMDES® platform, a design aid that enabled engineers to undertake the design of their own Steltech® Custom Welded Beam (CWB®) sections.

With the benefits of steel construction becoming widely recognised during the 1990s and with the increasing use of steel in vertical construction, Steltech® developed a range of sections to impower engineers to self-optimise their designs.

Steltech general manager, Brad Stark says, “We created the Steltech® High Capacity Design Tables which provide a range of Steltech® CWB® sections to engineers allowing them to specify a locally

made, low risk, built up welded section in their buildings.

“As the use of these sections continues to grow, we’ve recently invested in new equipment to ensure high quality assembly and welding is maintained and to keep up with increasing orders with greater throughput, guaranteeing our local lead times that clients love.

“This new welding equipment means we’re able to weld sections up to 2.5m deep and 1.25m wide which puts us in the right place to meet the needs of the growing horizontal infrastructure sectors.”

Steel Fabricator: VIP Structural Steel Engineer: Beca Architect: 106 Architects NGĀ PUNA WAI SPORTS HUB, CHRISTCHURCH, built by Hawkins

Steel Fabricator: Jensen Steel Fabricators Engineer: Beca Architect: Warren and Mahoney ZESPRI HEADQUARTERS, MT MAUNGANUI, built by Hawkins

Not only does the size of the physical sections available add another string to their bow, but Steltech® has also gained some of the highest levels of production monitoring and overview of welding parameters available to date with their new equipment.

Keep an eye out in the coming months as they look to revamp their quality assurance documentation to take full advantage of this data to help provide even greater confidence to customers and their clients.

Steel Fabricator: Patton Engineering Engineer: Day Consultants Architect: Williams Architects TOLL AOTEA QUAY, WELLINGTON, built by Watts & Hughes

Steltech® optimised steel solutions. Creating freedom to build stunning structures that are made in, made by and made for New Zealand since 1987.

Choose New Zealand made, choose Steltech®.

Ph 0508 783 335 | sales@steltech.co.nz | steltech.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 55

YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO KEEP YOU MOVING

CAL ISUZU has always provided trucks you can rely on because trucks are in our DNA. We understand you need to complete your transport jobs on time. We can modify your new truck to suit all your business needs. We’ll be here to help you solve future challenges. We always put our customers first.

FOR ALL NATIONWIDE ENQUIRIES, CALL 0800 266 628 59 Lady Ruby Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland • PO Box 10129, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3241

www.calisuzu.co.nz

56 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

The challenges you face aren’t always met by a standard truck, van or ute.

That’s why at CAL>Isuzu we have full design, manufacturing and fabrication teams who can build the perfect vehicle to let you build more, build faster and build better.

We understand you need to complete your transport jobs on time. We can modify your new truck to suit all your business needs. We’ll be here to help you solve future challenges. We always put our customers first.

FOR ALL NATIONWIDE ENQUIRIES, CALL 0800 266 628 59 Lady Ruby Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland • PO Box 10129, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3241

www.calisuzu.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 57

Global Engineering

Global Engineering’s success at the SCNZ Awards Global Engineering is humbled to take home two prestigious awards at the 2020 SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards.

The company won the supreme award and team member Joshua Jackson was named 2020 Apprentice of the Year, winning the prestigious Forbes Cup and later being recognised with a letter of congratulations from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The SCNZ awards celebrate excellence in steel construction by identifying projects or people that demonstrate efficiency, cost effectiveness, sustainability, aesthetics, best practice, outstanding teamwork, great safety management and innovation.

Global Engineering business development manager, Will Mahon says winning both categories was an amazing feeling.

“The awards are held every year and this was the first year that we decided to enter,

so as you can imagine, we were blown away at the success and recognition received for our efforts.”

Global Engineering won the Supreme Award for the under $500k category for its work on the New Zealand Blood Atrium in Auckland. The project involved installation of a new atrium roof within the central compound of an existing building.

The design, which was originally planned as a timber structure, was changed to structural steel to accommodate the complex geometries and the desired spans. The SCNZ judges were impressed with the novel details devised for both the construction and the erection, and applauded the aesthetic and efficient use of steel.

“When we had also found out that Josh had won Apprentice of the Year, we were all so happy for him,” Will says.

“Josh is one of our stand-out members of staff and he has been a really big influence on our workshop teams. Those star players don’t come along too often and Josh has been one of them.”

Josh now holds the role of metalworks supervisor and is coaching two apprentices of his own.

"

The awards are held every year and this was the first year that we decided to enter, so as you can imagine, we were blown away at the success and recognition received for our efforts.

“There is a lot of competition for these awards and our passion as a team to do the best we can do shone through. The ultimate result came down to what the panel of judges decided, and we obviously ticked off most of the criteria in the judging scope this year.”

"

With over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, the team at Global Engineering recognises the needs for efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.

They take a caring approach to everything that they do, with attention to detail at the forefront to every project and being a family-owned business, they understand the importance of brand and reputation, with their main aim to help clients enhance their reputation.

Metspray specialises in the application of high-performance protective coatings, including intumescent and thermal metal coatings. Whether onsite or in shop our team have the expert capabilities to protect your asset and keep it standing for generations.

We believe our customers deserve the best possible care & quality of workmanship.

09 274 5488 www.metspay.co.nz 58 | B&C - Issue #126

info@metspray.co.nz 9 Neales Rd, East Tamaki

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Phone: +649 270 2008 | Email: info@alrite.co.nz www.alrite.co.nz

“Our real strength is in our team!

The high level of dedication, skill and care from our people is truly amazing,” Global Engineering director, Andrew Jackson.

Global Engineering Josh’s award recognises apprentices whose skills, drive and willingness to learn has helped them to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Winning the two awards and being in business for over 20 years, Will says the companies key to success is quite simple.

“It comes down to how we treat and support our staff, we have an open-door policy in the office and if there are any issues or problems, we face them head on as a team. There is no blame culture here and when we do have something that needs that extra care, we dig in as a team, come up with the solutions together and then share the credit for getting it right.

“This year is also our 25th anniversary as a company and it would be an injustice to the efforts made over the last 25 years if we didn’t mention the recession back in 2009 and this year’s pandemic.”

“As many businesses had to close down during the level four lockdown, as well as

our own business, keeping staff informed of the situation and supporting them as best we could while everybody was at home was essential to us coming out the back of it with enough energy to face the new challenges head on, Will says.

“In a manufacturing business you always have to keep an eye on the way the market is going and adapt your operation to stay current, so it helps that our owner and founder Andrew Jackson has also always had a hands-on, lead from the front attitude.

“The industry is not just changing, it is evolving for the better and there is a readily available access to technology now that is being introduced in our industry at an astounding rate, Will says.

“We were recently given a demonstration of some 3D technology to assist with site measurement and surveys, which can all be integrated into our 3D draughting software which just shows how quickly technology is growing.

“As well as growing technology, there is more awareness around the importance of looking after the planet and our environment in the industry and the social and economic actions this impact can have on our staff and customers, Will says.

“Now environmental, sustainability and social policies are requested to be in place and adequate before we secure tenders.

There are many considerations being made now and it’s not just a race to the lowest price which is encouraging.

Global Engineering 25 Wookey Lane Kumeu Auckland (09) 836 6008 info@globaleng.co.nz www.globaleng.co.nz

Freephone 0800 838 838 option 3 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 59

Gobal Engineering

Global Engineering celebrates 25th Anniversary winning two national industry awards To add the icing on the cake, for Global Engineering's 25th anniversary, they have scooped a top industry award and a member of the team won the annual Apprentice of the year award.

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This award has often gone to mega structures like bridges or high-rise buildings, but not this year - Global Engineering were again asked to go up on stage to receive the award of Supreme Winner.

25 years ago, Global Engineering was the brainchild of the owner and managing director, Andrew Jackson.

Grown from a very modest and humble beginning, Global Engineering really began when Andrew was an apprentice himself at the age of 15 and a half.

The drive to have a successful engineering business was growing back then, Andrew found time at night and weekends to use his training to make wood turning lathes and engine stands to sell to local mechanics. The writing was on the wall from then.

A number of years passed and with the arrival of a young family, Andrew’s desire to increase his reach beyond his garage projects saw the founding and incorporating of Global Engineering in 1995.

As with any business, the success is down to doing what you do well, with engineering, Andrew would always have that bright idea or ability to take the right job at the right time.

Throughout the last 25 years, the projects delivered by Global Engineering have always been of the highest quality.

There have been many significant projects delivered by the Global Engineering team over the last 25 years; one of its first was the structural steel to the Auckland Observatory – they detailed, fabricated and erected the steel for the main contractor Canam back in 1996.

This will have been one of the first long lasting relationships created between Global Engineering and its clients.

25 years later and having entered the Steel Construction Excellence in Steel awards for the first time in 2020, Global Engineering was extremely excited to have been successfully chosen as finalists in two categories and to also have two members of the team in awards for individual team members.

"

These awards are also to showcase the quality and broad capabilities of our New Zealand based structural steel industry.

The award entrants are judged by a carefully chosen panel of judges, ranging from engineering industry leaders to university lecturers and engineering professionals. A wide range of criteria had to be considered to score the various entrants.

The Global Engineering team descended on mass to the annual gala dinner held in Queenstown. It was a fantastic way for the team to celebrate being finalists.

After Josh winning, the next success of the evening was when Global Engineering were announced as winners of the Under $500k category with their NZ BloodAtrium project.

At this point, the Global team had the celebrating well underway and we thought that was it for our awards night.

Towards the end of the awards evening the last award was for the Supreme Winner. This award is given to the category winner that the judges deemed to stand out above the rest of the category winners.

This award has often gone to mega structures like bridges or high-rise buildings,

Josh Jackson, a finalist for the Apprentice of the Year, and Blair Neverman for the Young Achiever of the Year.

Both awards are highly sought after in our industry.

Blair came a good runner up in the Young Achiever category, but our first success of the evening was Josh winning the Apprentice of the year award. Josh was so excited as was the rest of the team.

This is a credit to both Josh and the way in which Andrew has promoted the coaching and development of the members of the Global Engineering team. Its that same drive he had when he founded the company in 1995 that he still shares with the team today.

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but not this year – Global Engineering was again asked to go up on stage to receive the award of Supreme Winner.

As a company, Global Engineering knows that its important to take stock of what you can do and grow from your abilities, we also know that it takes a long time to build relationships with your clients and staff.

The last 25 years have shown that you have to stay in your lane and keep looking forward.

Winning at our first SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards on our anniversary tells us that we are still doing what our founder Andrew Jackson intended.

To build a business based on great teamwork, quality workmanship and a desire to continue delivering excellence to our customers.

Happy Birthday Global Engineering, here’s to the next 25 years.

Global Engineering

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Issue #126 - B&C | 61

Steel Framed Housing

Why steel framed housing makes sense Stell framework has longlasting advantages from a structural point of view.

Steel framing is a straight and stable product that delivers a perfect finish.

Steel won’t warp or twist because it doesn’t absorb moisture. This means less maintenance problems like cracked lining and sticking doors.

Steel is exceptionally strong. It is noncombustible and has been shown to have excellent earthquake resistance. Good weather-tightness principles at the design stage will ensure that the steel framing will last for generations.

Steel framing requires no additional preservative chemicals and because it is pre-manufactured there is minimal wastage, reducing the impact on the environment.

Steel is also 100 percent recyclable.

The roll forming technology behind steel framing gives a high degree of dimensional accuracy, enabling consistently straight walls, square corners and an overall superior finish. Plus the stability of steel means no contraction or expansion with moisture changes, so frames won’t warp, twist, sag or shrink.

Working with steel-framing is fast and easy.

Most steel-framing fabricators will also supply and erect the framing, but erecting the steel frame is a straightforward process.

Fabricators will usually supply frames pre-assembled. The frames come with service holes pre-punched and with plastic grommets to make it easy for sub-trades to work with. The steel-frames do not absorb moisture so there is no delay waiting for frames to dry.

Steel framing FAQs Is it true that the weight of a steel frame is only one third that of timber?

Yes. All New Zealand steel framing is made from thin gauge, high tensile steel, meaning that the frames are approximately 1/3 of the weight of comparable timber framing.

What is the difference in cost between timber and steel framing?

This naturally varies with the volume purchased and the design adopted but generally, steel is similar in cost to timber and the final constructed cost will be the same or less for a house of comparable size and quality.

Although framing costs are only around 10 percent of the total building cost, steel provides other cost advantages. Steel is a lot faster to erect, and frames are much easier to handle. Costs are reduced because there are usually no callbacks or cracking to plaster linings.

Steel doesn’t support mould growth or rot and it won’t accommodate termites or other insects.

Its stability gives it the potential to reduce cracks in cladding and linings. It doesn’t contain additional preservatives and won’t give off gasses or emit volatile organic compounds.

An advocate for the industry The National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH) represents the interests of the fabricators of light steel framing systems for housing and low-rise steel framed construction, along with designers, engineers and steel suppliers.

NASH exists to monitor and improve the standards of the industry and those operating within it.

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Will the building cost more?

No. The cost of the consent will be determined by the overall cost of the building not the material of the framing.

Most Building Consent Authorities have had Light Steel Frames (LSF) erected in their area and are now familiar with the procedure for consenting steel frames. Usually the fabricator will supply engineered detail drawings for your consent application. NASH also provides support and has an excellent relationship with MBIE officials.

Is steel framing a New Zealand idea?

No. Steel framing has been around in New Zealand for over 50 years. In South Australia 30 percent of new homes are steel and Australia-wide the percentage is 15 percent. In Hawaii it is 40 percent and Japan builds 150,000 steel homes every year.

Only by keeping its finger on the pulse of industry standards and practices can NASH ensure the quality of steel frame work carried out industry-wide and truly showcase the versatility and capability of structural steel framing as a building solution.

For more information contact the National Association of Steel Framed Housing.

Call (09) 262-1625, or 0800 333 225.

Email, gm@nashnz.org.nz, or visit: www.nashnz.org.nz.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 63

Frame & Truss

Trust in the FTMA 2020 was a year like no other for many including the Frame & Truss Manufacturer’s Association (FTMA).

Surprisingly, the industry has seen almost unprecedented demand after the lockdowns earlier in the year. However, with 2021 here, the association hopes to increase the breadth and extent of its outreach to include a greater range of people as well as cope with the surge in building activity.

On 30 September 2020, Daniel Howe from Akarana Timbers stepped up as the new FTMA chairman. Daniel has been on the FTMA executive committee for a number of years and the association is excited for the fresh outlook that he brings.

In his new role as chairman, Daniel Howe hopes to continue to advocate for members in Government, carry on growing the credibility enjoyed by the association and broaden the association’s communication to include a larger audience.

Representation and advocacy One of the most valuable benefits to being a member of the FTMA is the representation it provides members when it comes to proposed new industry legislation and regulatory processes.

One recent example includes the association’s submission on the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Bill.

The FTMA appreciates the intent of the bill to provide consumers and houseowners greater assurance of suitability of building materials and systems, but believes the bill still needs more work due to ambiguities and lack of clarity around the wording, which may have adverse consequences for FTMA members and their customers.

FTMA has a long history of lobbying Government on behalf of members to achieve the most beneficial outcomes possible.

Credibility Because members are expected to comply with FTMA’s Code of Practice, clients can rely on FTMA members to provide a good service and quality product.

Peter says that if something is built by an FTMA fabricator, the building user should have the confidence that the frame and truss component of the building will be manufactured to a high standard that meets or exceeds the code.

Along with the assurance of quality, compliance with FTMA’s Code of Practice ensures the safety of workers, visitors, stakeholders, and others.

“We want to get that contact list down to further interest groups within the industry so that a wider range of people know of the benefits the FTMA provides.”

Peter says that there is a general expectation that people will come back from their work every day in the same condition as when they left for work.

Engagement with membership has predominately been at the senior leadership level. The intention is to engage younger people, apprentices and middle management and make them aware of the opportunities that a career in the frame and truss industry entails.

The idea is that those in the industry and those that cross paths with the industry are kept as safe as practicable.

Outreach Considering the difficulties encountered this year, FTMA waived its normal dues for members during 2020. The association understands that in some cases every penny can help. Despite that the FTMA is still in a very strong position and continues to look out for its members through its advocacy and credibility as an association.

FTMA member services manager Peter Carruthers says, “As a collective, I think we have a greater voice, particularly when dealing with Government and regulators.

Historically, the FTMA functioned largely as an industry association dealing directly with its members and other immediate industry entities.

Through the BCITO, the FTMA hopes to engage with young people who are leaving school or people who are thinking about what they might want to The FTMA consists of big and small businesses consider other careers. throughout New Zealand. However, Daniel’s There are currently generous incentives for vision for the association going forward BCITO apprenticeships in frame and truss includes an even more diverse membership. industry as well as many other building industry trades and the FTMA is actively Peter says, “Generally, our communications promoting these to the membership. have gone to the senior manager or the principal of frame and truss manufacturing companies.

“Each and every individual company doesn’t have to try and apply on their own questions or their own point of views to different Government or building code issues. The association can be their voice to express their concerns.”

Staying attuned with its members, the FTMA is able to put forward members’ concerns and issues within the industry to the benefit of members and New Zealanders alike.

FTMA PO Box 5745 Victoria Street West Auckland 021 912 977 member.services@ftma.co.nz www.ftma.co.nz

Currently the FTMA is representing the sector on two key building standard reviews relating to timber structure and timber treatment.

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The FTMA prides itself on informing its members of the opportunities available to them and helping their businesses to become more successful. That is why the association is excited about the FTMANZ 2021 conference in Wellington at the Te Papa Museum, September 7-9.

All building materials suppliers, equipment suppliers, frame & truss fabricators, building designers, architects, building inspectors and building certifiers should consider attending.

Peter also points out that the Government generally prefers dealing with an industry association rather than with individual companies within the industry.

The review of NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings and NZS 3640 Chemical preservation of round and sawn timber.

Effective outreach requires relationship and partnership. A critical relationship that the FTMA values is with the BCITO.

FTMA chairman Daniel Howe featuring in BCITO’s My Boss: Legend.

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Frame & Truss

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Issue #126 - B&C | 65

Frame & Truss

“No regrets!”

Regret — a negative cognitive or emotional state that involves blaming ourselves for a bad outcome, feeling a sense of loss or sorrow at what might have been, or wishing we had made a different decision in the past.

Ross Wallace at The Truss Joint commented: “Vekta support is pretty quick! Yeah a couple of times I put the ticket in, normally within half an hour someone’s onto it. It’s good and sometimes I haven’t got all the info ready.

“You know it’s the same as anywhere else - you have turnover of staff and you are bringing new people in and training them, but I think from a training point of view when we are talking with people they are not going ‘I don’t know I will have to find out’ they are generally well trained and versed in what we want and being able to fix or get someone to fix it for us quickly.

Regret originates in a comparison between outcomes of a chosen option and the non-chosen alternatives in which the latter outperforms the former.

Regret sits on a scale from the simple everyday regret – ‘I should have stuck to the speed limit’ or ‘I should have brought the washing in before the rain’. Then there are the regrets that keep you awake at night– loved ones, family, friends, the person who got away or the words you didn’t say.

No matter what causes the regret or where it sits on the scale, the emotional response is the same–sadness, remorse or disappointment.

At Vekta, it is interesting how many times we hear about regret from our customers.

“The only regret I have is that I didn’t buy it a couple of years sooner.” - Bruce Wallace, The Truss Joint.

“Just hurry up and do it, I wish I’d done it 4 years ago!” - Dean Kidd, Kidd Truss.

“I reflect on what we had to put up with over all the years before the purchase of our Vekta Razer S5. We wonder how we got this far without it.” - Alan Donagal, Timber Walls and Trusses.

So, what is it exactly that creates the regrets for Vekta customers? Why would not purchasing a Vekta Razer sooner create a regret? To better understand this- it’s only right to hear directly from the customers!

Expectation Regrets often revolve around expectations.

The reality does not live up to the expectations created in your mind – consider TV-shows, movies, restaurants on-line shopping experiences. For the Truss Joint, the expectations for their Razer Saw were exceeded.

“It’s meeting all our expectations, I am sure there are others that use it differently, but generally we get timber in, timber out and it’s labelled and cut exactly how we want it.

It’s the best piece of machinery that I’ve put in. I mean the other saw that I had when it went in… was the best bits of machinery you could buy at the time, you wouldn’t go back to one of them, that’s our recut machine and it probably will because with the Razer, it’s going, it’s flying along!”

For Richard Schoof at Rainbow Frame and Truss in Albany, WA it was the speed of the saw that exceeded expectations.

“The speed of operation compared to the Mango saw immediately improved, what we used to cut in a day, the Razer will do in a couple of hours. Also our use of timber has improved. We used to carry a lot more stock and different lengths. You’d have to work it all out in your brain, now the saw does it all 66 | B&C - Issue #126

for you. We’ve really been able to reduce the amount of stock held.”

For Dean Kidd at Kidd Truss there were a few surprise elements that exceeded expectations.

“There are two features that have really stood out for me. The ability to run ‘Razer View’ on my computer. I can sit in the office and oversee what is happening in production, review statistics and if the guys get stuck I’m instantly notified and able to help. The ‘onthe-fly’ cutting (optimising random lengths of timber) is also fantastic. I’m able to put re-used timbers on the live deck and the Razer automatically works out what can be cut using them.”

Andrew Sternberg from Dahlsens commented: “The operators especially love the printer (Vekta P3 Printer). The ability to print the plate location on the truss chords provides a huge advantage when putting the trusses together. For management, the feedback loop is fantastic. The ability to see what timbers are going through the saw, and the down and uptime allows us to review internal processes and make the improvements necessary. I also appreciate the ability to make changes on the fly and test them before going live.”

Alan Donagal from Timber Walls and Trusses: “A few years in and the benefits have exceeded our expectations. Not only from a financial point of view in a number of areas, but we have also ‘deskilled’ our plant as far as requirements for employing workers to cut truss components. Also, the safety aspects in the use of cutting equipment is now not an issue.”

Future considerations Regret often happens when a decision is made then something in the future (controlled or not) changes resulting in the earlier decision being regrettable.

Booking that European summer getaway for July 2020 – regrettable decision. In relation to automated machinery for the Frame and Truss industry – capacity is not something you want to regret.

“We’ve grown over 50% in the last 2 years, the saw has had a big part to play in that, from a cutting point of view, knowing we

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could do that and having heaps of capacity up our sleeve, we know that’s not an issue for us.

“We are still only running at 60-70% capacity – at 60-70% speed – when we are cutting at that high end of what we need to produce.

So we’ve still got a lot of capacity left in that saw and from where I sit, I don’t have to worry about sawing capacity for some time now, which is really good and I know when I was at another company and there was a lot of growth, we grew quite rapidly over a period of time.

“Sawing you know, we’d fix something and we’d be back at the saw for our bottleneck, so you are always upgrading your saw.

Knowing there is so much more capacity left on that saw is very comforting.

- Bruce Wallace, The Truss Joint.

“In Ballarat we’ve been able to reduce our wastage by 60% thanks to the Razer Saw. We also get an extra 30% efficiency in cutting in the same period of time than from other equipment.” - Andrew Sternberg, Dahlsens.

“I was interested in the Vekta Razer as my prior history with the Razers had been good.

I wanted something that was proven in the market and could be trusted – if something breaks down, I need it fixed and I felt that Vekta and the Razer gave me that assurance.

The footprint was also important- it needed to fit into my factory space… One of the main benefits was dealing with an Australian supplier and support team.” - Dean Kidd, Kidd Truss.

When it comes to automated machinery, the support you receive is definitely not something you want to be kicking yourself over! So, what do Vekta customers say?

“Vekta service is something we can’t fault at all. We’ve probably only had the saw out for a day maximum, maybe two. I remember in the early days, Ed would be in America and he would jump on his phone and log in and correct any issue.

“Being located in a remote area the support was a big concern. It’s different for the big companies with two or three saws. If one goes down they can still keep operating but when you’ve only got the one support is more critical. If it breaks down we need it up and running quick and smart. I really can’t fault the Vekta service and support at all.”

- Richard Schoof, Rainbow Frame and Truss.

“I put a ticket in early one morning, we wanted to put our logo on and be able to print it on the bottom chords so it could be seen. The guy from New Zealand rang in no time, I went out and logged him on and bang, bang, bang, next thing you know it was on there.”

Nathan Salama, Sydney Frame and Truss: “When issues tend to arise, the new system allows us to quickly alert the team to have things resolved rapidly. This form of interaction is especially useful as it creates less down time. After a brief phone call, a technician remotely logs into the machine to rectify the issue. This process has been great, the technicians have been extremely helpful in answering questions on product knowledge and resolving our issues in a timely manner.”

Dean Kidd, Kidd Truss: “My operators have all had experience with different linear saws. They really love the Razer and how easy it is to use.

They’re enjoying having no overtime. The installation was perfect, completed over two days and training started on the third.

The whole Vekta team has been fantastic!

David was awesome, he was helpful with the guys and took his time with helping them learn.”

Andrew Sternberg, Dahlsens: “The support and service is second to none.

With Vekta we can get constant support.

We can call any time of the day and do not need to worry about time zones. We can ask the stupidest questions and get a response within 24 hours. It has been a struggle to get information from other countries. We can also get spares and consumables delivered within 24 to 48 hours.”

As emotional people we are always going to have regrets. The emotion of wishing we had made a different decision in the past will always creep up on us. Living a life with ‘no regrets’ is just a catchphrase.

If you can learn from the mistakes others in the industry have made, it is this – contact Vekta and find out more about our automated equipment for your Frame and Truss plant.

From Razer Linear saws, PackFeeders, Truss Transfers, Smart Conveyor Lines and StakPros to name a few. You won’t regret it! info@vekta.com.au.

Frame & Truss

DELIVERING PRECISION The Vekta Razer V5 is the ultimate linear saw, designed to have maximum safety, flexibility and capability. The Razer can be customised to suit• Your budget: Fully installed systems starting at $220,000 AUD, with upgrade options as your budget and needs change over time.

• Your workflow: Left-to-right or right-to-left timber flow, as well as in from the front or back and out to the front or back.

• Your Space: Fully customisable to fit into even the smallest plants. Everything is built to order, so Vekta can customise virtually any aspect of your machine.

• Your Processes: Highly configurable software that easily lets you choose where and how optimising is done, what you want printed on each different member type, cut orders, options to go paperless and so much more.

Don’t just look at the outputs. You need to consider the entire package. The support, being a local supplier and not international, the servicing requirements and costs, optimisation, absolutely everything.

Vekta and the Razer ticks all the boxes.

Andrew Sternberg, Dahlsens

info@vekta.com.au I vekta.com.au

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Issue #126 - B&C | 67

Frame & Truss

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Interior Fittings

Interior Fittings Family owned business Interior Fittings has been serving customers in then Bay of Plenty region for over 70 years.

Its longevity is testament to the success of the company and its desire to meet customers needs both now and into the future, says company general manager Josh Anderson.

In fact, Interior Fittings has been working with some customers, for many decades across multiple generations.

“As a local family owned business we take great pride and care in every product we produce and in giving our customers great after sales service,” Josh says.

“It’s a personal approach and our customers deal with real people they get to know and trust.”

Whether building new or renovating an existing property, Interior Fittings can help to ensure that all of the rooms in the home meet the customers’ requirements when it comes to kitchens, laundries, bathrooms, bedrooms and anywhere else in the home requiring cabinetry.

The company typically works with building companies and builders across the North Island on residential projects, but can also take renovation projects in the Bay of Plenty, from design to completion for clients offering a full turnkey service.

Interior Fittings offers a showroom where people can come and see colours, product samples and two complete kitchens for ideas and inspiration.

The team then comes up with the right design to suit the home and customer’s individual requirements.

Josh says this is a process of getting to know the customer combined with the expertise of the Interior Fittings team to deliver a functional stunning design.

THE BUILDERS CHOICE FOR QUALITY KITCHENS

The resulting design is then sent straight to the manufacturing team’s machinery, which creates efficiencies and keeps costs down.

The project is manufactured and customised in the factory rather than onsite then delivered via its own in-house team and transportation.

This means better control over timing and quality of projects and installs can often be completed in as little as a day.

“Our 70-plus years in the business gives us an edge when it comes to managing customer outcomes by providing contemporary, innovative design ideas, coupled with state-of-the-art production facilities and efficient installations.

“We are one of the biggest cabinetry

manufacturers in the Bay of Plenty but still build custom kitchens.

“This means we can offer the benefits of buying power while still delivering a unique individual solution to suit any budget.”

Kitchens Vanities Custom Cabinetry www.interior.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 69

AWCI

Be a part of something great

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While much of the world and industries are still recoiling from the pandemic, others look back on 2020 and recognise the strength and resilience they’ve demonstrated, including the Association of Wall & Ceiling Industries New Zealand, Inc (AWCI).

AWCI executive director Richard Arkinstall says, “2021 so far is looking very strong. We are amazed how well our members and the industry in general has bounced back since the lockdown. Many members are very busy and have work booked out through most of 2021.

“Obviously, there will remain some uncertainty around the economy and Covid issues but our members have learned to deal with it and just keep moving. The industry and market are strong and it’s a great time for new members to join the association.”

Obviously, there will remain some uncertainty around the economy and Covid issues but our members have learned to deal with it and just keep moving. The industry and market are strong and it’s a great time for new members to join the association.

- AWCI executive director, Richard Arkinstall

The AWCI Conference will take place on 26 and 27 March 2021 at the Trinity Wharf in Tauranga. At the conference, members will be recognized for their stellar projects completed in the previous 12 months. Also, winners at the AWCI Conference in New Zealand are eligible to compete in the AWCI Australia Conference.

“Sitting next to the executive committee is a new technical committee which is mandated to focus on technical issues within the industry and work to solve those for members through collection of expert knowledge, research funding or whatever mechanism may be required.”

AWCI Conference 2021

Being the change

Latest services

Something Richard and the rest of the association is looking forward to is the AWCI Conference taking place on 26 and 27 March 2021 at the Trinity Wharf in Tauranga.

One of the purposes of AWCI is to showcase members’ craftsmanship and to support members with a national body. AWCI does this by gathering like-minded companies and businesses to grow and develop the industry so that members deliver quality work and build better buildings.

As a result of the association’s efforts to uphold high standards, many join AWCI for its credibility and recognition. Clients and the industry at large acknowledge AWCI members as quality installers.

The conference will be informative and celebratory as there will be numerous speakers at the conference, the latest technical updates and presentations of the awards of excellence and the apprentice of the year.

Richard says, “The Awards of Excellence Gala dinner will be held on Saturday, 27 March, and allows us to recognise the excellent projects that members have completed in the past 12 months.”

Furthermore, winning projects from the AWCI Conference then move on to the Australian competition which is carried out during the AWCI Australian Conference.

Therefore, winning an award at the New Zealand conference is a chance to be the best in Australasia.

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However, AWCI isn’t just a social club. AWCI knows that in order for the association to be successful it needs to make the changes necessary to garner success. That’s why AWCI recently changed its governance structure so that it is more effective and focused on its members.

“While governance may not be a ‘sexy’ topic, it is fundamentally important to the structure of the national body. We have moved to a six-person executive committee who all have focused roles. This change will allow quicker decision making and greater focus on member benefits and requirements,” says Richard.

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By becoming a member of AWCI, others will recognise the experience, qualifications and expertise in interior fitout and interior systems which differentiates members from others in the industry.

Understandably, credibility is important to the association because much of the work AWCI members do involves some of the most visible parts of a building.

The walls, ceilings, plastering, interior partitions, suspended ceilings might be painted but they are viewed the most by building occupants so they must be delivered in a very high-quality fashion.

One of AWCI’s latest services is to drive more quality into the industry by offering an audit

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and assessment service for homeowners, project managers, AWCI members and the wider industry.

“If anyone feels they have received a poor-quality result with their residential interior fixing or finishing, we have specialised assessors who can go in and provide an independent assessment report to review what has happened and provide suggested remedies.

“This is a chargeable service at a moderate cost of $390 plus GST and provides an independent balanced assessment of a finishing job.

“If you need to end a dispute or want a thirdparty independent assessment, then contact us today.”

In addition, members also enjoy featuring in the association’s magazine and website, insurance and retail packages, access to current standards and legislation, the member’s smart phone app, access to social and networking events and much more.

AWCI PO Box 45098 Lower Hutt Wellington 0800 292 469 admin@awcinz.org.nz www.awcinz.org.nz

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Issue #126 - B&C | 71

Waterproofing Membrane Association

Regulations prove watertight WMAI’s code of practice cited as acceptable solution by MBIE On 5 November last year, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) cited the Waterproofing Membrane Association Incorporation (WMAI)’s first code of practice for internal wet areas as an acceptable solution in the Building Code.

The code of practice cemented itself as a cited document in the Building Code as E3/AS2.

The scope of the code of practice is for the selection, design and installation of internal wet-area membrane systems that help protect buildings from the effects of overflow and watersplash when required.

Waterproofing Membrane Association chairman, Chris Withers says, “That was the critical document that’s been in a number of various drafts for around for five or six years now.

“It took a long time to develop it. Because internal moisture has been such a big area of concern in the New Zealand building industry for so long, there was a lot of ground work to do there to get it right and we encompassed everything.

“We took into consideration future design, future products and had a really good look at where we were and what we were doing.

“We tried to focus on some of the areas there that have been very problematic and provide solutions for those areas that align themselves with materials that are available in New Zealand.”

For the association, having its code of practice cited as an acceptable solution by MBIE has also raised the status of the work its members do.

“MBIE put a directive out there three or four years ago where they alerted the industry that they were going to change the way that they do things. They’ve been true to their word,” Chris says.

“They’ve engaged with industry bodies to tap that collective knowledge and rather than MBIE being solely in charged with producing the documents, MBIE has done the right thing by going right back into the specific industry professionals itself and getting these people to assist them to write these documents.

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Waterproofing Membrane Association “For us, the Waterproofing Membrane Association, it’s been a great collaboration.

We’ve been able to get a fair chunk of work done within the past three to four years.

“MBIE has got some great people within their organisation as well. The opportunity to meet and network and work alongside these people to help get these documents produced has been great for everyone.”

As per MBIE’s request, the Waterproofing Membrane Association has submitted another code of practice as an acceptable solution for reinforced modified bituminous membranes, formally known as torch-on membranes, for aspects of waterproofing membranes involved with roofs, decks, gutters and beyond.

As it’s now sitting with MBIE, the RMBM/ Torch-On Membrane Roofing Code of Practice will go out for public consultation early this year, with a potential citing in November, depending on how the process goes.

This will have a similar impact as the Internal Wet Area Membrane Code as this will solidify torch-on membranes as a solution across the building industry.

Currently, WMAI is working on the BelowGround Tanking Code for submission to MBIE. So far, it has had great reception across the industry.

“Tanking itself has been archived in the New Zealand building code for a number years now. We have a real gap in not only knowledge but in procedure and acceptable solutions around that area.

“The document we’re putting together is going to be a concise document that’ll look at all below ground tanking applications and have it applied through right across the discipline to different membrane types,” Chris says.

“For us, quite a detailed document, since we have so many types of membrane types that are classed as tanking membranes, so capturing all the information around the performance of those membranes is what we’re currently working on.

“We feel that the real challenges for the association are when we get to the detailing of that information. We produced detailed drawings, and we’re going to need to be able to produce detailed drawings right across the membrane types to encompass that right into the document.”

The association is focused and passionate about it and anticipates the code will be ready for completion in 2021. If everything goes to plan, the association will sneak it into a citing period for 2022.

Honoured beyond retirement Waterproofing Membrane Association founding chairman, Jim Gerbes was the first person to be awarded a lifetime membership into the association.

WMAI was founded back in 2004 due to a lack of standards and the epidemic of leaky buildings.

Jim led the charge in getting WMAI off the ground, lobbying different agencies to get support.

He was heavily invested in training and upskilling WMAI’s members, as well as developing the codes of practice as thorough documents for acceptable solutions to the Building Code.

He was succeeded by Chris Withers, who invented a revolutionary product – the Wetwall Caddy – as a solution to stop water from rotting out walls from internal membrane leaks.

Jim Gerbes being awarded Waterproofing Membrane Association’s first lifetime membership.

He also works as a roofing category manager for Allco Waterproofing Solutions.

Chris says, “Jim’s been instrumental in getting WMAI off the ground. I thought it was well deserved that he was our first inductee/life member.”

“Ultimately, once it goes through the whole process of public consultation and everything, the New Zealand building industry ends up with a better document that’s there to assist people – from designers to installers – at the end of the day.

“It’s really about upskilling the environment of the New Zealand Building Code.”

The Waterproofing Membrane Association recently affiliated itself with both the Tiling Association of New Zealand (TANZ) and Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ).

Now that E3/AS2 is an accepted solution in the New Zealand Building Code, it is working with like-minded associations to see it accepted by companies, such as anyone who produces materials or implements training around internal waterproofing.

Waterproofing Membrane Association Inc charmain@wmai.org.nz www.wmai.org.nz

Call Hitchins NZ for ALL aspects of Waterproofing Hitchins specialise in complete project waterproofing to Roof, Balconies, Gutters, Podium, Walkways, Internal Wet areas, underground Tanking & Exterior Coating solutions. A tradition that has lasted 86+ years in NZ and the Pacific Islands Hitchins Gundec Super - NZ, Torch-on Membranes, Traffigard & One Liquid membranes, Hitchins Formwal Exterior Coatings, Vandex Concrete waterproofing, Ceramitz Italian Textures.

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www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 73

Adhesion Sealing

Waterproofing, sealing and seismic strengthening Adhesion Sealing is a leader at waterproofing, sealing, and seismic strengthening.

We identify, plan, and apply industry-best solutions for keeping moisture out.

As a leading South Island–based subcontracting company, we specialise in waterproofing, sealants, membrane roofing, concrete repair, crack injection, resin floor coatings and toppings, and FRP seismic strengthening.

Adhesion Sealing has access to a wide range of products to aid with the future proofing of your building, whether it be residential or commercial. We source our products from a range of suppliers based in New Zealand and overseas.

Whether you want low VOC products, products that can be recycled at the end of their life, or products to enhance thermal properties, Adhesion Sealing are the go-to guys.

Our team of local applicators has completed many large and small projects over the 30 years we have been in business, and as a result have built a huge amount of experience.

Our applicators are trained and experienced in the application of all products and with our robust Health & Safety systems and our suppliers Quality Assurance System, you can be sure that the work will be completed professionally to industry standards.

We are happy to share this experience with our clients to ensure that they get the quality job that they require.

Services: • Waterproofing and tanking • Concrete protection and repairs • Structural repairs and strengthening • Floor levelling, toppings, and coatings • Grouting and sealants • Flat roof and deck membranes • Flooring screeds – epoxy and polyester • Swimming pool sealing and coating • High pressure injection – epoxy and polyurethane.

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If you have a job that involves concrete repair, crack injection, resin floor coatings and toppings, or FRP seismic strengthening, then give us a call. We also carry out waterproofing, sealant, and membrane roofing.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 75

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.

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OUR D Y O W

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

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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.

Cement & Concrete

Quality systems for ready mixed concrete plants The Concrete New Zealand (NZ) Plant Audit Scheme provides a rigorous and objective audit of the quality systems in place at a ready mixed concrete plant.

“Engineers and builders, as well as their clients, can be confident that ready mixed concrete from a producer audited by the scheme meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code through NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production,” Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster says.

Scheme history The New Zealand ready mixed concrete industry came into being around 1936 through the foresight of James Fletcher and George Winstone. This led to the creation of Certified Concrete Ltd under Sandy Cormack.

“The first ready mixed concrete plant was built at Grant Road, Wellington in 1938, followed by a plant in Symonds Street, Auckland in 1939,” Rob says.

“By the time NZSS 95 Model Building Bylaw Parts V and VI were written in 1950, ready mixed concrete production was already an integral part of the document.

“NZSS 95 became NZS 1900 Model Building Bylaw in 1964 and in 1967 a new Standard NZS 2086 New Zealand Standard Specification for Concrete Production - High Grade and Special Grade was released.

“With NZSS 95 setting the various production grades, it became clear that some means of establishing which plant qualified for which grading was needed.

“The protocols of quality control being used

by Sandy Cormack at Certified Concrete Ltd ahead of the introduction of NZS 2086, were developed into a draft quality control scheme in May 1963.”

This led to the formation of the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NZRMCA), with full membership restricted to plants that could demonstrate compliance.

“With the advent of NZS 3104, statistical control, already practiced in the NZRMCA Scheme, became the accepted practice recognised by NZS 3109 Concrete Construction.

“NZS 3104 underwent an update in 1991 before a major revision in 2003, with a 2021 revision pending publication.

“The NZRMCA was dissolved in 2019 as part of the Concrete NZ launch, with ownership of the scheme transferring to the new ‘consolidated’ association,” Rob says.

What the scheme provides The recently rebranded Plant Audit Scheme operates to audit Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group member’s ready mixed concrete plants as defined in NZS 3104.

“At this time, the Ministry of Works and Development also had an inspection programme for concrete facilities. After discussion, the two systems merged.

The scheme audits the quality systems in place at a ready mixed concrete plant. Audits are carried out by the Plant Audit Committee, a group of experienced engineers.

“As a follow up to combining the two systems, work commenced on updating NZS 2086, leading to NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production in 1983.

The management system of the scheme conforms with the requirements of ISO 9001 and is independently audited by Bureau Veritas (New Zealand) Limited.

What the scheme requires Compliance with NZS 3104 and the relevant parts of related documents is mandatory under the scheme, along with an appropriately qualified concrete tester at each plant, and a suitably qualified plant engineer.

Records must be properly maintained to provide an audit trail confirming the test records analysed are correct and complete.

Specific benchmarks audited Plants report quality performance data to the committee annually and are subject to an annual data review together with an onsite audit every second year.

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Engineers and builders, as well as their clients, can be confident that ready mixed concrete from a producer audited by the Scheme meets the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code through NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Issue #126 - B&C | 77

Cement & Concrete Among performance criteria audited are concrete strengths, aggregate quality, equipment calibration, as well as production and testing records.

Maintaining an audit certificate In addition to the benchmarks audited, the frequency of testing within each quarter year must be submitted to the committee.

Failure to maintain testing requirements can result in the withdrawal of an Audit Certificate, which are issued for a period not exceeding 12 months.

Consumer confidence Purchasers can be confident that ready mixed concrete from a producer audited through the scheme meets the requirements of NZS 3104. This provides assurance that the concrete will achieve its strength and durability requirements in its application.

A full list of audited plants is available on the scheme’s website: www.rmcplantaudit.org.nz.

Compliance with NZS 3104 can also be demonstrated outside of the Concrete NZ Plant Audit Scheme by the concrete producer obtaining an Audit Certificate from an appropriately qualified engineer.

When using concrete from a plant that does not have an Audit Certificate, the purchaser is responsible for ensuring that systems are in place (e.g. testing) to verify that the concrete meets NZS 3104.

In summary Concrete NZ Plant Audit Scheme is: Independent and rigorous The scheme provides a thorough and objective audit of the quality systems in place at a ready mixed concrete plant to ensure that the concrete produced complies with the requirements of NZS 3104, the main Standard used to specify structural concrete.

Preferred choice The vast majority of ready mixed concrete producers in New Zealand choose to be members of the Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group and use the scheme to demonstrate that the concrete they produce meets the required industry Standard(s).

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Allied Concrete’s Penrose and Nelson plants secured Gold status at the 2020 Concrete New Zealand (NZ) Plant Audit Scheme awards for the second year in a row.

mixed concrete plant’s quality systems in line with NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production, assured its future as part of the wider construction sector.

With the 2019 dissolution of the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NZRMCA) as part of the Concrete NZ launch, the Plant Audit Scheme moved under the new association’s banner.

Previously, the Plant Audit Scheme Committee had awarded an annual Supreme Plant Award. However, under the Concrete NZ branded Scheme a new Gold, Silver and Bronze acknowledgement system has been introduced as a simpler, more transparent way of rewarding continued excellence.

In doing so, the scheme, which provides an independent audit of around 190 ready

To receive an annual ‘Excellence’ certificate a plant must not have received any corrective actions or have its testing requirements questioned under the scheme.

In short, this means that plants that have demonstrated three years of continuous ‘Excellence’ are now recognised as Bronze, those with five years of continuous ‘Excellence’ as Silver, and those with 10 years of continuous ‘Excellence’ as Gold.

Concrete NZ chief executive, Rob Gaimster, believes that these plants represent a commitment to quality across all aspects of production.

“As identified by the Concrete NZ Plant Audit Scheme, Allied Concrete’s Penrose and Nelson plants deserve applause, and are an example to other ready mixed concrete plants,” Rob says.

Concrete NZ Level 4/70 The Terrace Wellington admin@concretenz.org.nz www.concretenz.org.nz

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).

"

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.

"

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.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 79

Cement & Concrete

Spare Parts

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Cement & Concrete

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Issue #126 - B&C | 81

NZDAA

Improving awareness around asbestos New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association and its partners are on a mission to improve standards and promote safer work practices around asbestos.

This week, beginning the 23rd of November was a significant one for NZDAA, with two of its biggest events of the year, Asbestos Awareness Week and the Demolition & Asbestos Awards.

The Awards recognise companies who showcase excellence in the projects that they work on across all sections of the asbestos or demolition industry.

“There were eight awards presented this year, with 9-10 categories open to submissions, NZDAA marketing manager Sarah Tohill says.

The quality and standard of submissions that we received across the board was phenomenal. The high standard of the projects being entered has always been there, but this year everyone really stepped it up in terms of articulating their approaches. We had drone footage, photographs, site plans that really painted a picture and made it a real challenge for the judges to decide on the winners.” Sarah says.

2020 NZDAA Award winners HEALTH AND SAFETY BEST PRACTICE Taggart Earthmoving – Service Strike Initiative ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICE AWARD Central Demolition – Construction and Demolition Resource Recovery Project SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR Focus Analytics ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION BEST PRACTICE PROJECT UNDER $1M Central Demolition – demolition of 104 Dixon Street, Wellington CBD ASBESTOS OR DEMOLITION BEST PRACTICE PROJECT OVER $1M ATL Group – decontamination and remediation of the Serpentine plant in Tauranga EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Julian Dempsey – Ryal Bush Transport SERVICES TO ASBESTOS OR DEMOLTION Glen Henderson – Henderson Demolition ASBESTOS OR DEMOLTION CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Taggart Earthmoving Asbestos Awareness Week was held on the 23-27th of November 2020, with the aim of putting a spotlight on the dangers of asbestos exposure and the key things businesses and tradespeople need to know when working around asbestos to stay safe.

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Obligations for workplaces where asbestos or asbestos-containing materials are found • The workplace must review and (if necessary) revise the asbestos management plan every five years, or when: • Asbestos controls are reviewed • Asbestos is removed, disturbed, sealed or enclosed • The plan is no longer adequate for managing the asbestos risks. For example, if new asbestos is identified, or if a previously inaccessible area is now accessible • Additionally, a representative for workers at a workplace may request a review of an asbestos management plan if the representative reasonably believes that: • Any of the situations noted above affects or may affect, the health and safety of a member of the workgroup being represented the workplace has not adequately reviewed the asbestos management plan in relation to the situation.

Now in its fourth year, Sarah says this year’s Asbestos Awareness Week was a huge success.

We had a half day conference at Unitec and we had about 40 people turn up to that event, which was really good considering the climate we are in coming off COVID-19.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

We also released free online content throughout the week targeted at tradespeople and the home owner, Sarah says. “Just a range of topics that delve a bit deeper into asbestos awareness.”

The videos cover the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) to wear if you are doing any type of maintenance or renovation work that could potentially disturb asbestos at home or work.

They also cover safe minor works that a tradesperson is permitted to undertake in line with the asbestos regulations.

We’ve also been collaborating with a lot more key partners, the likes of Unitec and their Environmental Solutions Research Centre. Through them we’ve linked up with the Cancer Society and lawyers who are working on some really landmark ACC cases for people who have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases.

As one of our association members, Unitec works really closely with us on these kinds of projects, Sarah says.

“They are obviously doing a lot in terms of asbestos research in general, but it’s really great to have them onboard for this awareness mission. Like us they are really passionate about the cause too.”

NZDAA code of conduct In 2018 the NZDAA introduced their code of conduct. Sarah says this was about them raising their game.

“If you’re part of our industry and part of our mission you need to adhere to that code and that knowledge.

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If you’re part of our industry and part of our mission you need to adhere to that code and that knowledge.

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“We’re now the body that a number of government departments and major projects are starting to default to, and as a result they will often stipulate membership of the NZDAA as a requirement for anyone intending to bid for the work.”

In acknowledging that a certain accreditation has been given to them, Sarah says NZDAA are imparting that back to their members that they need to align with our standards.

“That was introduced earlier this year and is now fully in place. All of our members have adhered to that as part of our annual membership renewal process.”

NZDAA Unit 4/57 Walls Rd Penrose Auckland 1061 0800 469 322 nzdaa@nzdaa.com www.nzdaa.com www.asbestosawareness.co.nz

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Founded by Peter Ward in 1987, the demolition side of the company was the first to be established within the Ward Group, which today involves a range of business ventures including demolition, asbestos removal, machinery hire, resource recovery, salvage and concrete crushing and recycling.

Ward Demolition are deconstruction artists, spanning the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors throughout New Zealand with a head office in Auckland, and another based in Wellington.

The deconstruction of a building usually involves the salvaging of items for clients and/or recycling, the removal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and hard demolition of the remaining structures. Methodologies are formulated to ensure that the most efficient and effective resources are put in place to make the removal and recycling of as many materials as possible is achieved.

The company possesses a resource of knowledge and expertise, which is centred around excellent methodologies and project management, backed by an impressive stable of machinery, equipment, and large plant.

This high level of expertise involves working with clients in the creation of deconstruction methodologies, programmes, and costs, and completing safely, on time and to budget.

Ward Group owns more than 20-plus excavators and 25-plus trucks, ranging from smaller four-wheeler hook trucks, through to nine axle truck and trailer units and a wonderful team of over 120 staff that make things happen.

Peter is the driving force behind Ward Demolition and his team, leading from the front as the managing director with his vast knowledge, practicality, and willingness to move forward with modern technology and processes or machinery.

Health, safety and environmental issues are at the forefront of Peter’s mind and he has surrounded himself with likeminded staff.

FROM PROJECT PLANNING THROUGH TO RECYCLING WE ARE DECONSTRUCTION ARTISTS

Randal, has been a key member of the Ward Demolition team since starting in 1992. As the general manager, his innovative ideas, practicality, and years of experience, are possibly only second to Peter with his wealth of knowledge in the demolition industry.

Chris started with Ward Demolition in early 2000’s and is now the NZ regional manager, due to the business continuing to increase activities outside of the Auckland region.

He has always maintained a passion for health and safety and has introduced health and safety processes during his time to excellent effect.

With Peter, Randal and Chris’s can-do attitude and long-lasting relationships with their existing and new clients, they form a glue that holds everything together and has created the ability to handle and deliver multiple projects with Ward's wellestablished teams.

This leadership team understands all aspects of management and risk, to best deliver projects of any nature, and having a practical, sometimes outside the square attitude, Ward Demolition Ltd is the #1 team in the industry.

Ward Demolition Ltd I Salvage I Quarries I Heavy Haulage Management P.O Box 12720 Penrose, Auckland 1642 New Zealand DD +64 9 622 3111 Email demo@ward-demolition.co.nz www.ward-demolition.co.nz Ph: 09 622 3111 Fax: 09 634 5128 13-17 Miami Parade, Onehunga, Auckland P O Box 12720, Penrose, Auckland 1642

Phone: +64 9 622 3111 or 0800 warddemo (9273 3366) Email: demo@ward-demolition.co.nz 13-17 Miami Parade, Penrose, Auckland 1061 www.ward-demolition.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 83

NZDAA

Working with or near asbestos for builders The best way for working with asbestos The best way to learn how to identify and safely handle asbestos is to attend asbestos awareness training. Courses are available across New Zealand and usually take just a couple of hours.

Before signing up, check whether the course: • Is relevant to building work.

• Will help builders to identify asbestosrelated hazards faced during their work.

• Covers safe handling and appropriate control measures.

Continue wetting the ACM while working.

This will reduce the amount of dust as it prevents asbestos becoming airborne.

Do not use a high-pressure hose because this may increase the risk of breathing in dust.

A mixture of eight parts water to one part washing-up liquid will help the water soak into the material. Or you can use thickened substances, pastes and gels to cover the surfaces of the ACM being worked on.

Wallpaper paste, hair gel or shaving cream are all effective.

• Provides information about different forms and types of asbestos – is eligible for continuing professional development (CPD) points.

As some asbestos materials (e.g. asbestos boards or sheets) cannot be wetted all the way through, additional methods to control dust – such as ‘shadow vacuuming’ – may be needed.

Protection

Use dust collection equipment wherever possible, such as extraction ventilation.

It’s really important that builders protect themselves against asbestos, even on small jobs that don’t seem to create much dust.

Use plastic sheets to cover your work area to help stop the spread of dust.

• If possible, plan the job so that no asbestos will be disturbed

Use the right personal protective equipment (PPE)

• If asbestos has to be disturbed, don’t start work until having the right information and training to work safely.

Keep dust down Keep ACM damp, but not too wet.

Wet materials using a low-pressure water spray such as a garden sprayer or a hand-held squirt bottle before starting a job.

Look out for electrical sockets and wiring before spraying.

Remember that PPE is the least effective control measure – it should not be the first or only control measure considered.

WEAR A SUITABLE MASK Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) protects workers from breathing in substances hazardous to health.

Not all masks will protect builders from asbestos.

• A disposable (single-use) P2 mask with a valve is the minimum needed. P1 or ‘nuisance dust’ masks will not provide the protection that you and your workers need • Make sure masks fit properly. Facial hair and stubble make it almost impossible to get a good seal between the face and the mask. Never re-use disposable masks.

WEAR COVERALLS We recommend wearing disposable coveralls.

These will stop asbestos fibres getting onto your clothes.

Wear coveralls that are a bit loose so that they won’t rip at the seams. We recommend wearing coveralls that are at least one size larger than you would normally wear.

• Make sure the legs of the coveralls are put over the top of footwear • Don’t tuck them in as this lets in dust • Mask straps should be under the hood of the coveralls • Never re-use disposable coveralls.

However, if reusable coveralls are used and it is not reasonably practicable to dispose of them, they must be cleaned at a specialist laundry that is set up to clean asbestoscontaminated clothing.

Getting rid of asbestos waste Dispose of any asbestos waste at an authorised disposal site.

Ask your local council where to find a tip (rubbish dump) that accepts asbestos waste and complies with the Resource Management Act. We recommend calling several days ahead to let the tip know asbestos waste will be arriving, so that they can prepare for its disposal.

Double-bag all waste All waste, including disposable (single-use) masks and coveralls, cloths and plastic sheets should be double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags.

REUSABLE COVERALLS

Twist the top of the bags tightly, fold the necks over (a ‘gooseneck twist’) and seal with adhesive tape so that the contents are fully enclosed. Clearly mark the outer bag as asbestos waste.

Washing asbestos-contaminated protective clothing is not recommended – decontamination cannot be guaranteed and the person washing the clothing can be exposed to asbestos.

This information has been provided by Worksafe. For more information on asbestos and other workplace hazards, visit worksafe.govt.nz.

Footwear should be non-laced safety gumboots, or footwear that completely covers each foot.

www.taggart.net.nz | (03) 323 7085

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NZDAA

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Issue #126 - B&C | 85

NZDAA

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NZDAA

Nikau Contractors Ltd, WORLD WINNING specialists in the most technical and complex areas of demolition and deconstruction.

HEAD OFFICE AND SALES 355 CHURCH STREET, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand Phone: +64 9 636 5917 • Enquiries: admin@nikaugroup.com Website: www.nikaugroup.com www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 87

Taggart Earthmoving

Taggart’s celebrates two awards at the NZDAA Awards Taggart Earthmoving Limited is proud to take home two big wins at the 2020 New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association awards.

Taggart’s were awarded with the NZDAA Health & Safety Best Practice Award and the Demolition Contractor of the Year Award at the NZDAA Annual Awards Ceremony, held at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland.

Chief executive Paul Taggart says taking home both awards was really exciting for the team.

“We’ve been working really hard on improving our documents right across the company and the focus going into the entries was no different.

“We have significantly improved our entries by taking a lot more professional photos which has helped a lot with the overall layout and look,” Paul says.

Taggart’s were awarded with the Health & Safety Best Practice Award for its service strike initiative.

After Paul and his team had some issues hitting underground services in the past, they knew something had to change.

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• Asbestos surveys, testing and analysis • Removal of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) including: linoleum, roofing, wall boards, fences, tiles, and other materials • Asbestos pipe lagging removals and re-insulation • Remediation of asbestos and other contaminants in soil • Removal of Asbestos Contaminated Dust (ACD) • Encapsulation of asbestos lined walls and roof spaces • ACM waste disposal to approved facilities

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Taggart Earthmoving

"

A prerequisite of working here is that the person has to be professional in the way that they carry themselves and their projects. We also hire slow and we are particular about who we employ, they have to be the right fit.

- Chief executive Paul Taggart

"

they carry themselves and their projects. We also hire slow and we are particular about who we employ, they have to be the right fit,” Paul says.

Taggart Earthmoving Limited was established in 1953 by Ron Taggart.

The business has continued to stay family owned with Paul’s brother and sister readily involved in the company as well.

“We used to just paint lines on the ground where the services were, but they ended up just getting lost. So, we decided that we’d come up with a staking system, which helped with identifying what kind of service was on the ground, and being colour coded, the initiative has been very successful,” Paul says.

It has also minimised the amount of service strikes that we have in the demolition space as well.

Taggart’s were also named Demolition Contractor of the Year at the NZDAA Awards.

NZDAA communications manager Sarah Tohill says the quality and standard of submissions that they received across the board was phenomenal, but Taggart’s entry particularly stood out through the way that they conveyed their projects to the judges.

This isn’t the first time the company has been recognized for its great work with NZDAA.

They was also awarded with the Demolition Best Practice Project under $1M in 2019 for thedemolition of the Christchurch District Health Board’s Diabetes Building on Hagley Avenue.

Paul says he believes the company’s success comes down to having a great team of staff who fit in well with the team culture.

“A prerequisite of working here is that the person has to be professional in the way that

The company has a long history of developing Christchurch and the surrounding areas, and has been involved in projects, such as the Christchurch Town Hall, University of Canterbury, Christchurch Public Hospital, Wilding Park, multiple residential and commercial subdivisions, sports complexes, street reconstructions, along with a number of private developments over the past 68 years.

Some of its more recent projects were the demolition of Shirley Boys’ High School and Linwood College and the demolition of the Tui Stand at Lancaster Park.

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Taggart Earthmoving As the company continues to grow, Paul says they have big plans for development in the future.

professionalism, technology, safety, quality and most importantly honest and open communication.”

“We’re looking at diversifying other areas of the industry and we’re moving site and building a new complex, which will give us the ability to grow in terms of management.

Demolition at Taggart​

“We are hoping to move into our new office complex in March”.

Taggart’s can offer a dynamic solution-based deconstruction and demolition package for both heavy commercial and multi-storey buildings through to singlestorey residential demolitions.

“We have been involved in the demolition industry for 65 years, and our current management team has over 20 years’ industry experience, that includes qualifications in advanced trade construction and this knowledge provides a detailed understanding of the deconstruction process which is invaluable for dealing with complex projects.”

​Taggart Earthmoving 30 Belfast Road Christchurch (03) 323 7085 taggart@taggart.net.nz www.taggartearthmoving.com

The services Taggart’s offer are: civil construction, demolition, three waters, quarries and heavy haulage.

Civil construction at Taggart The Civils division is where the “One Stop Shop” starts.

“The ‘one-stop-shop’ is a core aspect of our business model; we have a massive range of experience in land development, commercial sites, dams, irrigation schemes and subdivisions around Canterbury and anywhere else in the South Island, with the knowledge and processes to work across all scopes to fulfil specific client requirements.

“The team at Taggart are all incredibly proud to be part of a successful company that has the foresight to look to the future and only look back to learn by our mistakes, in an ever-changing market we have adapted and increased our capability in the areas our clients wanted the most –

"

We’re looking at diversifying other areas of the industry and we’re moving site and building a new complex, which will give us the ability to grow in terms of management.

- Chief executive Paul Taggart

"

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Asbestos

Always consider the asbestos factor The New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA) represents New Zealand’s premiere demolition and asbestos companies.

It works with industry members and clients to promote best practice and high working standards for the industry. It also acts as an advisor to members of the public regarding their asbestos concerns.

Currently NZDAA has around 60 members throughout New Zealand covering all aspects of demolition and asbestos works including surveys, removals and clearances.

“The NZDAA is recognised for driving excellence in the demolition and asbestos industries", says Terry Coleman, current secretary of the NZDAA. “We act as a bridge between industry regulators and our members to help address issues and concerns with regulations and legislative requirements in order to deliver the best working practice for our industries.”

There are numerous trades and professions with the potential for being exposed to asbestos containing materials in the workplace.

In addition to the more obvious demolition and construction worker, workplace asbestos exposure risk can also include the whole

remit of tradespeople that work in both the commercial and domestic environments, everyone from roofers, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters, to tilers, carpenters, painters and builders.

Due to its common use in building products from the 1940s onwards, most buildings built or renovated before 1990 are likely to contain some type of asbestos materials.

Tradespeople are therefore likely to come across some form of asbestos every single day. Undisturbed and in good condition or sealed, non-friable asbestos is relatively safe – but if it is likely to become disturbed due to renovation or repairs, it has the potential to become harmful.

That is why it is crucial for all tradespeople to learn how to identify and work safely around asbestos in order to control the risk of disturbance and exposure.

It is also a requirement under the HSWA (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, that asbestos is identified and removed before any renovations or refurbishments can commence on any building, structure or home built before January 1st 2000.

The NZDAA recommends that all tradespeople undergo asbestos awareness training to increase their knowledge of asbestos containing materials, where these can be found and how to manage them safely to avoid putting not only their own health at risk, but also the health of the homeowner, their family and the general public.

DEMOLITION & ASBESTOS REMOVAL

If you are unsure whether or not a product contains asbestos, assume it is and take all necessary safety precautions – or engage a competent person to conduct an asbestos survey.

Facts about asbestos • Around 170 people die each year in New Zealand from asbestos-related diseases • Exposure to asbestos dust can cause serious health issues, including various forms of cancer such as lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers • Asbestos in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to pose a health risk and doesn’t need to be removed • If asbestos is present NEVER cut it, drill it, sand it, scrape it, scrub it, waterblast it, or demolish it, unless you have had asbestos awareness training

It is important to avoid doing anything that could cause asbestos fibres to be released.

Never use high pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos materials, as this can cause the asbestos fibres to become airborne, and is now also illegal under the HSWA (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

In promoting the A Factor, NZDAA is hoping to make tradespeople and DIYers aware that asbestos is a serious issue and they should take action to minimise risk, and get asbestos aware.

• If you accidentally damage or uncover asbestos – stop work immediately, keep people away, minimise the spread of contamination and get advice on what to do next • Never use high pressure waterspray, compressed air or power tools on asbestos or suspected asbestos materials • Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with asbestos materials • All asbestos removal work over 10 square metres must be done by either a Class A or Class B licensed company • All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.

“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

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CONTACT: 0274 324 878 OFFICE PHONE: 03 389 9650 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 91

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Construction Waste

A zero-waste future for Auckland Construction and demolition are the biggest sources of waste in Auckland, with 40 percent going to landfill and the Auckland Council is prompting a change.

With Auckland aspiring to be zero-waste by 2040, the Waste Planning Team are working with the construction industry to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill.

In 2018/19 Auckland produced at least 568,935 tonnes of construction and demolition waste, the equivalent of 23,155 shipping containers.

Senior waste planning advisor, Mark Roberts says that because construction and demolition waste is largely a hidden source of waste, many people are unaware about how much they are actually throwing out.

“It’s not like kerbside waste that is out on your footpath every morning, it’s not in your kitchen, it’s not out in your bin, it’s not out the back, It goes into a large skip so you don’t see it in the skip then it is transported.

There is also a huge cost in not just disposing the waste, but also the value and materials that go into that waste, Mark says.

After recognising that more could be done to minimize construction waste, the Auckland Council have been developing their own zero-waste deconstruction studies.

“The most recent example we have is the case of the houses that were flood damaged in Piha.

“The council bought the houses for health and safety reasons and I guess there was a feeling that what we didn’t want is to buy those houses in a community that’s already been traumatized by a flood event and then for the people out there to see a couple of diggers driving through those two houses.

So, we worked with contractors TROW Group, who have done deconstruction on for us in the past, to try and keep as much of that material in Piha as they could for the community to reuse Mark says.

It didn’t make much sense to drag the materials over to Auckland, so we looked at different organization’s that could use the materials.

“We did a bit of an engagement project with the community and said hey the kindergarten or the environmental group or an artist or something like that, if you think you can use some of the material here’s a list of the stuff that’s coming out, if you can make use of it you can have some.”

'About a dozen or so organizations took us up on that and we have already started seeing examples of people who have been using that material, so it’s been quite a satisfying result'.

We’ve probably diverted the best part of 50 tonnes of waste from houses which would have otherwise been smashed or carted to landfill and the remaining deconstructed

materials went to MPHS Community Trust, Henderson and TROW Group.

Despite the positive impact of reusing deconstructed materials has on the environment, one of the biggest misconceptions of deconstructing a home is that it will be costly and take a lot longer, Mark says.

“While there were some technical difficulties with one of the homes in Piha because it was over a bridge, we managed to deconstruct the home for roughly the same price, and we’ve recovered all that material while engaging with the community and there is a whole lot of value in that, Mark says.

Aside from the various case studies the Auckland Council has done, the main measure Mark and his team have put in place is getting building contractors to do a lot better on minimisation of waste on their own projects.

“Certainly, removal projects have been doing a lot better and we have quite a large cluster of businesses that we’ve been working with, such as Mitre 10, Naylor Love and Unitec who are also working on how they can factor less plastic waste into their projects" Mark says.

“With a goal of zero-waste for Auckland in 2040 we can’t keep producing endless amounts of waste, carrying on the way we are Mark says.

“Every new house build produces about four and a half tonnes of waste, Kāinga Ora themselves are building over 20 thousand houses over the next ten years.

“It’s not something that’s sitting down the road, or a place that you arrive one day, you know that zero waste future starts today, it started yesterday. It’s not a destination, it’s the ride along the way, they are equally part of our zero-waste future.”

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Hardware

Hard truths in hardware When faced with tight deadlines, it’s easy to feel like you’re racing against time. However, haphazard, hurried solutions usually turn into compounding problems in the long run and this is especially true when ordering hardware for a project.

One of the easiest ways to go over budget on a project is ordering an incorrect number of a product or ordering the wrong product altogether. These are common and expensive mistakes to make anywhere in the building process, but in some ways, they are most felt in the finishing stages, like hardware installation.

A safeguard some contractors use includes building supply online systems. For example, CARTERS Trade Portal is available to CARTERS trade account holders and it has an online searchable product catalogue which can help you order when onsite and away from the computer.

Also, the portal allows users to keep track of regularly ordered products and to create favourites lists. Furthermore, CARTERS Trade Portal allows users to view estimates while also giving account holders access to invoices, statements and account information.

Recently, CARTERS has partnered with Xero to allow a direct connection from the Trade Portal to the Xero platform, which saves time keying invoices, creates better accuracy and expense tracking.

A look into the hardware industry Still, provided Covid’s effects on supply lines, ordering the right number of products isn’t enough to keep a tight schedule on track.

Hardware suppliers are seeing lead times jump from four weeks to four months.

This is because suppliers source hardware components from all over, like the US, Canada, China and beyond.

Hardware Direct owner and director Dave Nicholson says that he’d rather put orders in well ahead of time and have them available a month early instead of three weeks late.

Looking at the bigger picture, Dave says, “We’re at the bottom of the world – we’re

the last place on the globe. We get it when it gets here, it’s as simple as that.”

Another timeline issue hardware suppliers are confronted with is the fact that they are involved late in the process, because hardware installation typically takes place in the finishing stages of a build.

"

The Park Hyatt has some of the most impressive automatic sliding doors with an opening of nearly 12 metres. It just goes to show that every aspect of a build has potential to make a real impact.

"

To explain, Dave says, “What happens is architectural specifications come out, and a lot of the time those specifications came out long before the doors were selected for the project and this can directly affect whether the hardware is compliant or not.”

Hardware Direct utilises its vast knowledge and experience to schedule, supply, install and repair hardware and door operators. The business is comprised of three specialties including locksmithing, automatic doors and hardware supply and install.

As a result of the business’s significant involvement in the hardware industry, Dave is often disappointed when he finds out the hardware priced for a build is noncompliant or not fit for purpose. Usually, this is because specifications are written well in advanced without the consultation of a hardware supplier.

A secret door disguised as a trophy shelf at Weta Workshop in Auckland. Photo provided courtesy of Steve Turner.

Even so, hardware suppliers can help avoid this issue when they are involved early in the planning stages of the build. Dave says, “We want to fit what will actually work. We can sign off the PS3s and the documentation and the warranties knowing that it will actually do the job.”

Knowing that these sorts of mistakes happen all of the time, Dave does his best to send products back and get contractors refunds whenever possible. Yet, this isn’t always an option, especially when contractors order special finishes, the product is already delivered or attempts to install the hardware were already made.

As an example, Dave says oil-rubbed bronze is the hot finish at the moment. Nonetheless, oil-rubbed bronze is a living finish which means it’s easily damaged and made to order so it can’t be returned once it’s ordered.

“It’s about being able to review those documents and make sure that you can bring up any of those clashes or any abnormalities early so there’s time for everybody to think about potential issues,” says Dave.

Creative hardware applications Hardware featured at the Park Hyatt in Auckland. Photo provided courtesy of Steve Turner.

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Locks, door handles and all the like are usually an afterthought but can really tie a space together when done right. There are so

many different shapes and finishes, it’s often difficult to choose one look to go with.

This isn’t the case for the Hundertwasser project in Whangarei. Similar in concept to the Hundertwasser public toilets in Kawakawa, Dave reflects on the project and says, “That’s a different kettle of fish because not one single piece of hardware can be the same as another piece.

“If you can see three doors, all three doors’ hardware need to be different. Nothing can be the same. Even so much as having handles on the same door will be different on the inside to the outside. It’s really quite exciting.”

The business’s involvement in the Hundertwasser project is a point of pride for the business with Grace Clark from Hardware Direct advising on the project for over a year.

The project draws attention to the influence hardware choices can have on a building’s overall look.

You’ll find Hardware Direct’s mark on other notable buildings like the auto doors at Weta Workshops, Sky City and the Park Hyatt. In fact, the Park Hyatt has some of the most impressive automatic sliding doors with an opening of nearly 12 metres. It just goes to show that every aspect of a build has potential to make a real impact.

Hardware

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Our people can make the right recommendation on technical products to meet architects, builders and their client’s needs for quality, workable solutions at the right price.

Hardware Direct covers all aspects of the door’s lifecycle. All the way from supply, to maintaining, to replacing. This includes: • Architectural hardware supply and install • Master keying • IQP qualified service technicians 24/7 service • Access Control – access, CCTV, Alarms • Locksmiths – mobile technicians 24/7, backed up by full workshop facilities • Automated Doors - sliding and swinging.

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Access control

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Our contract administrators manage the smooth running of the supply and install from start to finish making hardware easy.

Retail showrooms enable easy access for end users to view a comprehensive range of beautiful and functional hardware.

We have completed many commercial and residential projects including high security

prisons such as South Auckland Men’s Correctional Facility. Hospitals and Acute Mental Health wards, and signature projects like the Auckland Art Gallery, Cordis Hotel, Park Hyatt and Commercial Bay.

When safety and security are paramount our qualified Technicians are able to supply and install electronic access for one to 1000 doors to be accurately controlled to any individual requirement. This is backed up with alarms and CCTV capabilities to ensure the total package of coverage.

Supply, Install, Service… call the hardware specialists… we take the Hard out of Hardware.

Locksmiths Our master locksmith team covers master keying, lock repairs and maintenance.

Our 24/7 on call service is something our prison, hospital and Skycity clients absolutely rely on.

Commercial or Residential Architectural Hardware, Locksmiths and Door Operator Supply and Service

Henderson 09 837 1561 | Hamilton 07 839 3025 | Balmoral 09 631 7680 www.hardwaredirect.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 95

Hardware

CARTERS TRADE PORTAL

NOW CONNECTS

DIRECTLY TO XERO CARTERS Trade Portal is designed to make the business of building easier for you, that’s why we’ve partnered with Xero to help save you time online, so you can spend more time out on site.

TIME

ACCURACY

Saves you time keying orders from your CARTERS invoice into Xero, as it inputs them automatically by line item or full order.

Ensures your invoicing is accurate as it is direct from our system to yours, meaning less invoicing queries, which in-turn means you should get paid on time.

CONNECT IN 3 EASY STEPS:

1

2

If you are not currently a Trade Portal customer go to www.carters.co.nz/trade-portal to register for an account.

96 | B&C - Issue #126

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3

You can also trial Xero for FREE for 30 days if you head to www.carters.co.nz/get-xero so you can check it out for yourself.

RESIDENTIAL SAFETY NETS SPECIALISTS ezinets is a Christchurch based company specialising in safety nets for residential properties.

All nets are certified in accordance with BS EN 1263 1-2.

All ezinets site supervisors have been FASET trained and certified.

mobile: 021 399 501 email: brent@ezinets.co.nz www.ezinets.co.nz

FirstClass

F L O O R S Contact Hayden 022 630 5678 or email haydentuiri@icloud.com

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 97

Road Safety

Staying safe on our roads

"

We all know that stress can affect our decision-making process. Heightened emotions such as stress, anger or upset are a form of cognitive distraction which can significantly impede drivers’ ability to spot and respond to hazards.

Without the traffic in place, we may find ourselves switching to auto pilot and letting the clutter in our minds take over. worse still, some drivers see the open road as an invitation to speed.

"

Any number of stressors can affect our driving on a normal day, but during this unprecedented time of a pandemic, in addition to navigating our way through school holiday traffic, our stress levels can go through the roof.

Switching off the mind-clutter can be particularly difficult when we’re behind the wheel making that rare and quick trip for essential supplies, getting to and from work, or helping someone more vulnerable. In these moments, we may find more anxiety and stress creeping into our driving.

You also have to be careful when experiencing a lot less traffic than you’re used to. Traffic often provides drivers with cues to moderate speed and take notice of traffic signals. Without the traffic in place, we may find ourselves switching to auto pilot and letting the clutter in our minds take over. worse still, some drivers see the open road as an invitation to speed.

Tips for staying safe on our roads during the holiday season This is the time of the year when more young people are driving to visit families and holiday destinations to enjoy a welldeserved break.

There are some great tips, especially for young drivers, to see them through what can be a confronting time on the road.

When it’s raining and/or foggy, double the distance to six seconds no matter what speed you’re doing.

Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) is an organisation intent on reducing road trauma among young drivers, by educating high school students through its highly acclaimed RYDA program, which provides powerful workshops to change the way young people think about road safety.

Indicate early Always indicate when changing lanes, 30-metres wherever practical, to advise other motorists of what you are doing.

Eyes ahead

Driving at night Driving at night requires more skill and concentration than at daytime due to your restricted vision. Oncoming headlights can obscure your vision and pedestrians can be near impossible to see. Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front to allow for your reduced vision and reaction time.

Road rage Stay relaxed and try not to let other people’s driving skills or decisions worry you. If another driver makes a mistake don’t get angry – just concentrate on your own driving skills, behaviour and safety.

RSE has strong support from corporate partners BOC, Toyota Australia, Bosch and Bridgestone, along with Rotary Clubs, whose volunteers co-ordinate the program in their local area.

Drive with your line of sight parallel to the road not looking down onto it. By doing this you see further into the distance so you can be better prepared if there is a problem ahead. It may even mean you can avoid a crash.

Remember that travelling during holiday periods can be more risky because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness, there are higher numbers of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and people may be driving in unfamiliar environments.

Some tips to bare in mind:

Overtaking Ensure you have enough room to go past the vehicle you are overtaking and not cut them off. Pick your time carefully as overtaking can be quite dangerous, and making the wrong decision may result in a serious crash.

Being courteous and flexible, remembering to share the road with others, allowing increased time for the journey, and scheduling frequent breaks can help drivers to stay safe during these highpressure periods.

space, but my view is the insurance data is the good oil and we can trust it.

more likely we are to be able to influence the causes of road accidents and deaths.

“We shouldn’t shy away from what the data shows as it gives us a chance to do better and develop solutions. The industry must take more of a hold in embracing information and using it to improve their safety and competency practices to improve safety results.

“We don’t believe the New Zealand government has addressed road safety in a way that will reduce road deaths significantly.

We think there should be more collaboration on this issue with professional drivers.

Driver behaviour stands out as the biggest cause of accidents over mechanical failure.

Yet much government time and sweat goes into obsessing about the truck, rather than improving the skills of the driver.”

Distance between your car and the car in front Always keep a minimum three seconds gap between you and the car in front.

NZ road safety could benefit from Australian research To strengthen road safety and reduce deaths, New Zealand needs better accident data, Road Transport Forum (RTF) chief executive Nick Leggett says.

Success Formula and the RTF hosted a trans-Tasman webinar to present the findings of the Australian NTI’s 2020 National Truck Accident Research Centre Accident Investigation Report.

“Insurers have the best data because they are always measuring risk. What isn’t measured accurately, isn’t attended to,” Nick says.

“It would be great to see similar data available in New Zealand and I’d like to call on New Zealand insurance companies to help with that.

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“For example, we see trucks demonised in New Zealand because the impact of a large object hitting a smaller one in an accident means the smaller one comes off second best. Trucks are labelled dangerous and politicians call to get them off the roads.

This is a very narrow-lens view.

“Australian research shows that while there has been an increase in the number of truck driver deaths on Australian roads, in 80 percent of all serious crashes involving cars and trucks, the car driver was at fault.

“It also found that the number of truck driver deaths caused by distraction more than doubled in the past two years and that 82 percent of the crashes involving truck drivers aged 25 years and under were caused by distraction.

“Insurance data deals in facts because their business depends on it. We see slanted interpretation of data from others in this

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

“The better the quality of data we have, the better our policy settings can be and the

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.

“

Ask your builder if they are using Securescaffold – it will save you money.

“

0800 66 00 22

www.securescaffold.co.nz * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

Head Office - 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011 Christchurch Yard - 72 Shortland Street, Wainoni, Christchurch 8061

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 99

Fleet Vehicles and Mobile Plant

Taking care of your fleet Fleet vehicles are an important tool for many building and contracting businesses. But like any tool, they need to be looked after.

All fleet vehicles require regular inspections and maintenance, and need a current warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness.

Vehicles that are well maintained are less likely to be out of service for extended periods and are less likely to be involved in crashes.

However, being used by many people, some fleet vehicles can have a hard life and receive rough treatment, resulting in damage and scratches.

Shepherd and Kime Collision Repair co-owner, Gerard Kime advises business owners to get any damage repaired quickly.

“Having a scratched and damaged vehicle is not a good advertisement for any business. A tatty fleet vehicle is not a good look.”

A damaged vehicle could also be dangerous, and needs prompt attention.

“Whenever there is damage, whether it’s a scratch or a more serious problem, it needs to get fixed straight away,” he says.

Shepherd and Kime repairs fleet vehicles for a number of Christchurch businesses, with damage ranging from minor scratches received in car parks, to major problems resulting from collisions.

“Every case is different – there is nothing that stands out as a repetitive damage problem.”

Well-managed fleets can reduce company costs – vehicles that are maintained safely and efficiently cost less to run, improve productivity and contribute to safer roads.

As well as regular maintenance, Gerard recommends giving vehicles a clean every week. Many fleet vehicles are on lease, and he advises getting them tidied up, including a polish, before sending them back to the lease company.

reduce the need to deal with unexpected breakdowns, meaning long-term savings for your business.

• Indicators, tail lights and brake lights operate correctly and the lenses are not cracked or broken

As a minimum, drivers should check that:

• Windscreen washers and wipers operate satisfactorily

• Tyres are inflated with close-to-equal pressure and have a legal tread depth with no uneven wear

• The horn operates satisfactorily

• Wheel nuts (where they can be seen) are in place and the wheels appear undamaged

Checking fleet vehicles before use

• There’s no obvious damage to the vehicle that could be considered dangerous

A simple check before driving any fleet vehicle can ensure it is safe and could

• Headlights work on both high and low beam and lenses are not cracked or broken

• The vehicle registration and WoF or CoF are current (as well as the road user charges label if you have a diesel or heavy vehicle) • Safety belts are in good condition • The engine fluid levels (water and oil) are correct.

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.

There have been huge advancements in the motoring industry since then, but Shepherd & Kime continue to step up to the challenge, recently relocated to 440 Selwyn Street to help cater to the spread of demand.

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

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.

We work closely with all insurance companies and are a preferred repairer for several of 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 remains at the forefront of the industry and up to date with the latest industry knowledge and developments.

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

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 100 | B&C - Issue #126

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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

QUALITY BUILDING EVERYTIME We specialise in residential and commercial builds, whether new or renovations, as well as being the agents for Myrtha Pools both residential, and competition pools within New Zealand.

CONTACT US NOW! Call Blair on 0274 059 101 or +64 6 858 8808 Email: info@jacobsconstruction.co.nz | Address: PO Box 283 Waipukurau | www.jacobsconstruction.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 101

Workplace Safety Solutions

Workplace Safety Solutions Asia Pacific Logistics Asia Pacific Logistics Ltd is a small transport service based in Rotorua and the East Coast, that offers services along with its subsidiary companies, GDF Limited Electrical Services and Workplace Safety Solutions - a Commercial Driver Training company.

Our friendly training provider, Beau has a wealth of experience working with industry specialists. Beau is accredited to deliver the following workplace training programs: • MITO Workplace assessor (NZ Road Transport Industry Training, NZQA Registered)

We provide a small transport service consisting of bulk, heavy haulage and civil plant hire backed by its own mechanical service.

• Competenz OSH accredited Forklift Assessor

We understand the importance of meeting scheduled deliveries therefore offer a timely transport service to meet customer demands as required, supply and train drivers in the environment to the expected standards required by the customer.

• Heavy Vehicle Licenses and Endorsements: Classes 2,3,4,5 F-Forklift and TWR-Tracks, Wheels and Roller

GDF

Beau Maru – Owner Operator / Director, has many years of experience in the industry and is supported by experienced drivers and operators:

GDF Ltd provides underground and overhead power line maintenance and services to network owners and private companies.

Our operations manager, Paul Douglas, has over 33 years of experience in the electricity industry, with 14 years in contracting.

His experience encompasses distribution & transmission, asset condition assessment, project, and contract management.

Workplace Safety Solutions Workplace Safety Solutions Ltd provides commercial driver licensing and driver training to the transport industry.

We have established ourselves in the marketplace as a leading provider of structured commercial driver training services based on Australian, New Zealand and ISO International Standards.

• Land Transport NZ Registered Provider for driver license endorsements

• National Certificate Goods Service, Log Truck Driver, plus many more.

• 20 years as a NZTA, MITO approved training provider • 7 years logistics safety and training operations consultant, off-shore mining, oil and gas exploration projects in, USA, PNG, Malaysia, Fiji, Laos and Thailand • 23 years combined in livestock, bulk, log, general freight, transport and forest roading contracting on the East Coast, North Island.

Our Health & Safety Compliance for all companies is of an extremely high standard.

All employees complete a pre-employment full workplace medical (this is not the LTA licensing medical) and applicants must meet a high standard of pre - post-employment

GDF Ltd, one of the vehicle fleet, and at work

inductions, medical, drug and alcohol testing, to qualify for a position, including ongoing random drug testing once employed, as part of our Health & Safety Policy.

• Management ensure that its employees are meeting all Health & Safety in line with statutory and individual company and customer’s compliance • Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard, repairs and maintenance costs are budgeted to ensure that there is no short cutting to maintenance • We are committed to ensuring that our transport operation is functioning to the highest level and are proud to say we have an NZTA (5) Star rating since the forming of the company

Beau Maru, Business owner

• Vehicle and driver presentation are of the utmost importance to us and our customers • All vehicles are fitted with E road GPS monitoring Systems. Accountability of driving behavior and productivity is monitored through this.

• All our companies are intertwined and able to utilise each other’s services – thus providing a unique business concept, which we are very proud of.

GDF Ltd, one of the vehicle fleet, and at work 102 | B&C - Issue #126

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Workplace Safety Solutions Ltd, training

APL vehicles

Safety Nets

The best in safety nets Safety Nets NZ is a preferred safety-netting specialist for supplying all your safetynetting requirements.

Workplace falls are one of the most common causes of injury within the New Zealand construction industry and the easiest thing you can do to mitigate that risk is to choose a trustworthy provider of safety net equipment.

From large commercial and industrial sites to residential home builds, Safety Nets NZ’s fall protection systems are suitable for a range of circumstances to meet your every heightsafety concern.

Supported by a nationwide network of installers, the company is able to offer its solutions to businesses nationwide.

It has over 600,000sqm of nets available for use in different regions, which is the equivalent to more than 4,000 house-lots of nets.

As an industry leader the company has been instrumental in developing and improving industry standards. This includes assisting in the writing the Code of Practice, and together with a team from the Massey University School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, developing a facility to test its safety nets and engineer the only fully independently certified and compliant safety net fall protection system for use on residential construction projects in New Zealand.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) states that all PCBUs have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. The act requires all PCBUs to ensure that any system that they are using is without health and safety risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

There is a “duty to test” placed on all PCBUs to ensure and verify that they are certain that the systems, materials, and more that they use are fit for purpose, and capable of performing as expected, without risk to health and safety of the workforce.

By using the systems developed by Safety Nets NZ, which have been independently

tested and certified by the team at Massey University, the company’s clients can rest assured that they have discharged their duties in regards to their obligations of the Act. The company has continued to develop the stable of services that it offers to include a bespoke protection system for use with the removal/replacement of existing roof sheeting on large warehouses.

The combination of safety net, debris net and plastic sheeting forms a “sandwich” that is proving very popular with clients who are looking to replace aged roofs on their properties.

The system has successfully been established on numerous projects throughout the country with minimal disruption to existing factory processes, meaning that our clients’ business processes have been able to continue of unaffected as their roof has been replaced.

The system has subsequently been further developed to deal with the removal of asbestos contaminated roofing materials.

It is the aim of Safety Nets NZ to offer the most professional, practical and efficient safety net installation solution in the country, with delivery of the highest possible level of customer service being its main focus.

• 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 focused fall arrest solutions.

North Island 0800 NETSNZ (638 769) • South Island 0800 NETS4U (638 748) • WWW.SAFETYNETSNZ.CO.NZ

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 103

Online Contractors

Diversifying construction services Online Contractors Ltd has been expanding their services since an additional shareholder was added in 2016.

developers that they work for, growing a team that works well together and having some younger guys coming through in the company that are now well respected, experienced team members.

While Online Stabilisers has only been a part of Online Contractors for about two years there have been some challenges that the company had faced, including getting the companies name out there by doing things differently to increase client productivity and establishing a new business within an already fairly dominated industry, Dan says.

The Hamilton based company, first established

by Online Contractors managing director Todd Bawden has diversified its offerings, now also specialising in stabilising services.

Co-director Dan Hopper prompted the move four years ago, alongside shareholder Todd when he joined the company.

Both Dan and Todd were wanting to utilise their many years of stabilisation experience, from their previous roles and they developed Online Stabilisers as an extra division of Online Contractors.

“It’s grown from pretty much one digger – to a fleet of about 11 and went from having three employees to about 35 over a 15-year period.”

Online Contractors has been proudly providing a wide range of civil construction services for over 15 years around the greater Waikato area.

“We have a large fleet of modern machinery that allows for jobs of all sizes to be managed smoothly by our experienced team.

“If you have a project, we have the team and the skills.”

With a long-term goal to be the top player in the stabilising industry, COVID-19 had been hindering things, as well as the ongoing adverse weather.

Despite the name change, the company’s philosophy remains the same, a business that prides itself on delivering high-quality products for its stakeholders.

Online Contractors provides bulk earthworks, drainage, service installation, pavement construction and concrete construction landscaping, while Online Stabilisers offers lime and cement pavement modification and lime and cement fill modification services.

Over the years the company has been working on some big projects, including Greenhill Park and Rototuna in Hamilton.

550 sections. We’ve also been working on a lot of projects in Rototuna for another group of developers.”

"Greenhill Park is definitely the biggest subdivision I have worked on in my career so far and it’s by no means an easy site, there’s some historical complicated material types which does make it challenging, but highly rewarding, Dan says.

Some of Dan’s memorable achievements have been changing the landscape in Greenhill Park and Rototuna with the

“Even though we are running a fairly small team, we do get through a lot of work and because Todd and I are also quite hands-on we’re in amongst everyone, so we’ve got a good grasp of what’s going on.

“Which means that if we need to make changes, for example wet weather, we can act quickly to keep things moving forward and to keep the projects on target,” Dan says.

“We’ve been the head contractor for the last five years at Greenhill Park in Hamilton and to date we’ve developed approximately

CCTV INSPECTIONS DRAIN CLEANING HYDRO-EXCAVATION SLUDGE REMOVAL

Online Contractors PO Box 21187 Rototuna Hamilton 3256 admin@onlinecontractors.co.nz www.onlinecontractors.co.nz

Bowers Brothers Concrete has earned its position of leadership in the industry for over 90 years, through product superiority, technical expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction and service.

104 | B&C - Issue #126

“When it’s fine, we are really busy but when it’s not we’re probably working four days of the week because of the rain,” Dan says.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Contact us to discuss your needs 0800 207 374 or www.bowersbrothers.co.nz

Green Fern Digital

Green Fern Digital What are the three things builders and contractors’ websites need in 2021?

introduce greater functionality. Three key functions that any website in the building industry should include are:

The importance of creating and maintaining a strong online presence was really brought home to businesses in 2020, as lockdown meant many operations that did not have a website were simply unable to trade.

Appealing visual design elements incorporating video content–customers can be quickly turned off by an outdated or unattractive website. Visuals are often the first thing to catch the visitor’s attention, so it is a good idea to make them visually appealing and include video ands drone footage is great for larger projects.

Although most businesses, including in the building space, do now have both a website and online presence through social media, many of these operations are not taking advantage of the full functionality that these web resources provide. That means they’re losing out on business and wasting time and money on inefficient processes that can be automated through IT.

Systems that customers are expected to use; e.g. when making bookings or getting quotes, should be transparent and easy to use. A

"

The importance of creating and maintaining a strong online presence was really brought home to businesses in 2020, as lockdown meant many operations that did not have a website were simply unable to trade.

"

Websites are more than just online brochures Too many businesses see websites as online brochures that communicate one-way to a broad audience. This was the case historically, and since many businesses don’t update their websites much once they are set up, these operations continue to miss out on the enhanced functionality that modern websites and internet tools offer.

James Rowlands founder of Green Fern Digital.

After 15 years working both at home and internationally in highly technical development roles, James started Green Fern Digital to offer services like website development and IT solutions.

Green Fern focuses on providing NZ SMBs with the technology solutions they need to solve their business problems and grow their operations.

user-friendly interface can help with this, as can integration across your site.

Content customisation to appeal to a range of customer–modern websites use cues from customers to direct them to the most appropriate content, which can be customised to suit their particular needs.

Three website functions every building business needs

Take the opportunity now to introduce this functionality to your business website to ensure you are prepared for the increased demand from customers on the internet in 2021.

It’s always good for a business to get their website reviewed, particularly when it was built some time ago, to see if you can get more bang for your buck by upgrading to

Grow your business online with a website that excites and inspires Whatever your goals – whether it be to make sales, drive traffic or convert leads, we will work with you to achieve this. We’ll create a website that puts your users first and we’ll guide you on the best features and create user-focused designs with smooth navigation to make sure your website converts and runs to its full potential.

We are a team of professional web designers, developers, copywriters and marketing specialists combining our knowledge and expertise to create bespoke designs, and provide development solutions tailored to your business’s needs and requirements.

WEBSITE DESIGN:

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT:

Interested in discussing a project with us?

Taking your users on a journey by giving them the best website experience.

Building beautiful websites for optimum user experience.

Contact us today and tell us about your website goal and we’ll work with you to grow it.

We design websites that are engaging and appealing while user friendly and functional to keep your users captivated and immersed resulting in a greater brand experience.

We build engaging and functional websites to make businesses fully accessible, using the very best open source platforms to provide security and cutting-edge technology. Our builds include user friendly CMS systems, enterprise level ecommerce solutions, and social media integration, so you can get the most out of your website.

Call James: 09 218 6300 Email James: james@greenferndigital.co.nz greenferndigital.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Issue #126 - B&C | 105

Information Technology

How to get more business from your website How many businesses have websites they are really pleased with but actually don’t bring in any business?

Understanding your customer

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when designing their new website is to not take into consideration the experience of the user to their site.

If you have an existing website, the Google Analytics (a great free marketing tool that you must have) data will provide you with all the information that you need about your website traffic and what users are doing or not doing on your website.

It is not about being appealing to the business owner, but appealing to your potential customer.

From time to time, we all have frustrating experiences trying to find our way around a website, or to get something to work on a website the way we expect it to work.

More often than not we, as the user, have probably given up trying to get to grips with the site and found another site that serves our needs much better.

So you must bare in mind with your own website that the better the experience the user has, the more likely they are to do business with you.

Search engines such as Google love sites that provide a great first impression and user experience. Yes, they can tell, you know!

All in all, it really is a win-win situation for you as the business owner, the user (your potential customer) and the search engines if your website is the best in class.

How do you achieve this? Here are a few ideas:

How can you provide the best possible experience for the user if you don’t actually know much about them in the first place?

How long they are spending on each page, which part of your online shopping process they are giving up at, whether they are clicking on your ‘contact us’ button.

The amount of information provided is endless, so use this data to its full potential when analysing your user behaviour as this will help you improve your website.

Content

Navigation

Don’t get all fancy schmancy

Your online content must be well written, relevant to your business and industry, be engaging, nicely spaced out with headers, sub-headers and bullet points, and have no spelling or grammar mistakes.

Your website is not about your designer showcasing their creative talent. The best websites are those that are clean and uncluttered with engaging images and content and strong calls-to-action (e.g. contact, book, subscribe, download).

Make it easy for users to find their way around your website. Menus should be easy to find on your website and each page clearly labelled so users can see at a glance where to go for the information they need.

Make sure that there is no duplicate content on your website between pages, or even between your website and another. Google really doesn’t like to see that and can penalise your website.

Not everyone enters your website via the Home page, so the menu should be clearly visible on every single page – and don’t forget to have a Home button on your menu.

Of course, your website must positively showcase your brand online and must be attractive – who wants to spend time on an ugly looking site? If you know your demographic well you can design just for them.

You should also think about how you can add new content to your website as new content is very important, as it helps influence search engine positions. A good way to add fresh content is by way of a blog that forms part of your website.

A successful website these days is all about getting the basics right. A simple, attractive design with well written, relevant and nicely laid out content and easy to find menus will go a long way towards satisfying your user and hopefully your potential customer.

Building Information Management all the technology... all the support

• Hazard & Asbestos Management • Contract Management Software • Workstations • Laptops • Tablets • Security • Backup • Cloud Services

Technology for your business landscape Caduceus ensures businesses, especially those involved in architecture, engineering and construction, get the absolute best out of today’s technology.

Whether you are just starting out or well into your business journey, taking stock of where you are and where you want to be is the best way to make sure you’re maximising the huge potential of technology.

Caduceus does this through two key focuses: aligning clients with the appropriate technology for their needs, and equipping them with the knowledge to get the most out of this technology.

04 802 4345 / info@caduceus.co.nz www.caduceus.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Caduceus provides specialist Information Technology products and services including but not limited to:

IT Services: • Consultation, Advice & Strategy • Hardware & Software Provision & Implementation • Servers, Networks & Cloud • Maintenance, Support & Training.

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“Once you have the right equipment and software you need to make the most of your investment, it doesn’t matter how clever the programs are, if you or your staff aren’t up to speed on how to get the best out of them, you’re wasting valuable time and money.

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Focus on Dunedin

Reducing Dunedin’s carbon footprint The results of the latest Dunedin Energy Study have highlighted the need for urgent, community-wide action to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, says Mayor of Dunedin, Aaron Hawkins.

Felix says that in comparison to 2015/16, when the annual study began, energy use has become less efficient; energy consumption per capita has increased an average of 3.25 percent per year, and energy consumption per unit of GDP has increased nearly two percent per year.

to take a partnership approach to city-wide emissions reduction.

During this period, the proportion of use of non-renewable fuels in Dunedin’s energy supply has increased from 63 percent to 67 percent.

Stephenson says the report’s findings are not all bad. Bright spots include an upward trend for solar generation, with photovoltaic units increasing by 17 percent (to 384 installations) over 2018/19. Electric vehicle registrations have steadily increased every year since 2015, to a total of 799 by the end of the 2019 calendar year.

Diesel use is the biggest factor behind this, increasing 12 percent between 2017/18 and 2018/19 alone. LPG use has also doubled since 2015/16. Overall, energy-related carbon emissions have increased at an average rate of nearly four percent per year.

Mayor Hawkins says the results were concerning, but not surprising given the DCC’s recently released Dunedin emissions profile revealed the city’s greenhouse gas emissions have grown four percent since 2015, largely driven by transport emissions.

The Dunedin City Council-funded study – undertaken by the University of Otago’s Centre for Sustainability – analysed the city’s energy consumption in the year to 30 June 2019.

“The city’s energy use is tracking mostly in the wrong direction – diesel consumption and carbon emissions are up, while renewable energy use and energy efficiency is down,” she says.

The centre director, associate professor Janet Stephenson, says that despite some bright spots such as more solar generation and electric vehicle registrations, the latest research identified some worrying energy use trends.

Report co-author and Otago PhD candidate, Felix Cook says data on all the electricity and fuel use – including coal, wood, LPG, diesel and petrol – showed Dunedin used 13.7 Petajoules of energy for 2018/19, up 2.3 per cent on the previous year.

“It is critical that the city’s major employers, institutions and stakeholders work together on this most urgent issue,” Mayor Hawkins says.

Encouragingly, coal use has been trending down since the first Energy Study, and decreased by 21 percent on the previous year. This large drop may be due to the closure of the Cadbury factory and the conversion of one of the four coal fired boilers at the Dunedin Energy Centre to biomass.

“The Energy Study again highlights the scale of the mountain we face to achieve the city’s goal of being net zero carbon by 2030.

Janet says another promising sign is the consistent use of locally sourced biomass used to produce energy.

“Our upcoming 10-year plan is an opportunity to carefully consider which initiatives we might need to progress or speed up to have a significant impact on reducing emissions. Clearly, reducing transport emissions needs to be a key point of focus, but there’s also a role for the DCC to better understand the specific drivers of these increased transport emissions.

“Most people wouldn’t be aware of how much our local forests contribute to our energy supplies. In the past year 12 percent of the city’s energy came from local biomass (mainly firewood and wood chips).

Unfortunately, this has hardly changed over the years studied, but it has huge potential – wood chips could replace coal for heating, and we could have a local supply of wood pellets for pellet burners, which are becoming increasingly popular,” she says.

“It is also clear that the Council won’t be able to achieve the net carbon zero goal on its own. Council recently agreed in principle to establishing a Zero Carbon 2030 Alliance

Information sourced from www.dunedin.govt.nz.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 107

REINZ

Modernising our rental laws

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

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.

We believe a better approach would be to provide for higher exemplary damages to penalise landlords who abuse no-cause terminations.

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.

Under the proposals, tenants will have up until 28 days before the end of a fixedterm 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.

The other proposal causing concern amongst industry professionals is the proposal to automatically convert fixedterm tenancies to periodic tenancies.

Broadly speaking the proposals will bring about a number of positive changes for those renting.

This change could significantly affect areas that have strong student populations such as Christchurch, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin.

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.

However, as with any legislation, there are some aspects to the proposed changes to the Bill which have caused some concern.

The most significant and controversial proposal is the recommendation to end the no-cause 90-day notice.

Under the proposal, students could let their tenancy rollover to a periodic contract throughout the Christmas period.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Submissions on the Bill were due on March 25 and the Government then began working through the select committee process.

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.

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.

Century 21 Rural & Residential Real Estate Rural & Residential Real Estate (2018) Ltd trades as Century 21 Huntly and is part of the worldwide Century 21 group of companies, yet we consider ourselves to be boutique agency, offering rural and residential services together with property management.

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The Waikato real estate market has been really healthy. In fact, Waikato median house prices continue to enjoy good growth.

For Huntly, like many of New Zealand’s smaller towns that are in commuter proximity to much larger cities, the future only looks bright.

As well as having Auckland just an hour or so up the motorway, Hamilton is only about 30 minutes down the road.

Since we brought the business in 2016 we have been establishing a reputation of providing first class, stress-free service, whilst not dampening the excitement that real estate has to offer.

The entire North Waikato is our area, so call us for a ‘no obligation’ property appraisal.

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Issue #126 - B&C | 109

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