Builders & Contractors Magazine Issue#145

BUILDING BETTER LIVES

The start-up empowering mental wellbeing

HERA clarifies low-carbon confusion Clearing the air

Reversing the boom-and-bust cycle

Concrete's 2050 roadmap to net zero carbon

NAWIC awards recognise valued contributions

Opening pathways to careers in construction

Mid-rise wood construction

Encouraging the use of New Zealand grown timber

ONLINE

Welcome

- Editor’s note

This issue of Builders & Contractors opens up talking to Rafael Caso from Live Well, Build Well – a mental health start-up inspiring residential construction workers to focus on their mental wellbeing.

We look at changes to retentions as the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2023 comes into force, and Philip Aldridge, chief executive, Waihanga Ara Rau, Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, highlights its key areas of focus for the next 18 months.

HERA sheds light on low-carbon steel confusion, we look at the concrete industry’s 2050 roadmap to net zero carbon, how BCITO Te Pūkenga and Ako Aotearoa are supporting neuro-diverse and dyslexic learners in the industry, and how mid-sized construction firms are standing strong under economic pressure.

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. Editor

Contents

6: Reversing the boom-and-bust cycle

8: What you need to know about the changes to retentions

10: The start-up company empowering mental wellbeing in the sector

12: Getting transparency on large infrastructure projects

14: Having conversations that make an impact

18: Building prosperity: the focus for Waihanga Ara Rau

22: Mid-sized construction firms show resilience under economic pressure

24: HERA clarifies low-carbon confusion

27: Metspray makes big jobs look easy

29: Concrete industry launches 2050 roadmap to net zero carbon

34: Highlighting risks when pumping concrete

44: Encouraging the use of New Zealand grown timber in the construction of mid-rise buildings using pre-fabrication

Page: 46

46: Timber solutions by Techlam

50: The Roofing Association celebrates industry excellence

54: Harkin Roofing wins RANZ Commercial Roof of the Year award

58: Aspect Roofing winds RANZ Residential Roof of the Year award

59: How Roofcraft Industries is inspiring the next roofing generation

64: SARNZ and the Working at Height Association align forces

66: Unifying elevated work platform safety standards

68: MATES in construction

76: A round up of NZ immigration issues

84: NAWIC Awards recognise valued contributions to an industry

86: Opening pathways to careers in construction

90: Ushering in a new era for temporary traffic management

92: Review terms finalised for Hawke’s Bay’s flood protection and drainage systems in response to Cyclone Gabrielle

100: Why renting equipment can make a lot of sense

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Reversing the boom-and-bust cycle Construction sector calls for change

A majority of builders believe the economy will deteriorate further over the next 12 months, with some order books already in critical diminishment, as the boomand-bust cycle continues.

According to Registered Master Builders’ annual State of the Sector survey, released in late August, 52 percent of the sector say they have a steady or strong pipeline of work on the horizon.

However, on the other side, this means 48 percent are seeing a decline, with 12 percent experiencing a critical diminishment of work. The survey also found 66 percent believe the crunch isn’t over for the country and that things are set to worsen.

Over 1,000 sector participants and homeowners (who had built in the past two years), responded to questions about their experience building, the economy, critical issues they were facing, and their outlook for the sector.

Master Builders chief executive, David Kelly, says it has been a difficult ride for the sector, so people are feeling wary.

“These boom-and-bust cycles are completely unsustainable and they impact our sector more than any other. For 50 years it’s been a case of ‘what goes up, must come down,’ and in that cycle we lose good experience, good people and good businesses.

“The resilience of our businesses has been tested for a long time and they’re having to work hard to find demand.

“While it’s heartening to see a portion are keeping a steady workflow, they’re having to adapt to the current climate by reducing overheads, focussing on sales, and marketing

and looking to new markets such as renovation work,” David says.

A key result from the survey reveals 88 percent of respondents believe the rising cost of construction remains the biggest issue facing the sector for the second consecutive year.

Second to that, 83 percent of the sector have flagged a new issue – finance, which is unsurprising given inflation and rising interest rates.

“Finance and customer demand go handin-hand. With inflation and interest as high as they are, people are thinking twice about whether now is the right time to be building a home.

“The consequence of this is that it acts as a bit of a handbrake for the residential construction sector.

“This is particularly a concern for those developments that include more affordable housing options.

“It’s a key part of the market where the sector needs support to build, or our country’s housing woes will get worse.

“The Government has provided mechanisms to support the sector the sector, and we would like to see these programmes extended as we work through the current economic cycle. This is a key issue outlined in our election manifesto,” he says.

Government regulation (65 percent) and council consenting (50 percent) were other issues highlighted by the sector in the survey. Interestingly, woes with the supply chain have fallen away dramatically in the last 12 months dropping from 95 percent to 34 percent.

“We know at one point; some key building materials became almost impossible to obtain. Thankfully, we are now starting to look over our shoulder at that issue.

“As for the Resource Management Act – it simply hasn’t worked for a long time. Our manifesto makes it abundantly clear that the proposed reforms will do nothing to reduce complexity.

“We need a system that allows us to focus on the areas of critical risk, for instance, where there is an impact on sensitive natural environments, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” David says.

The survey also reflects a desire from the commercial sector to see some efficiencies put in place around procurement.

As market conditions deteriorate, so too can contract negotiations. A third of respondents felt risk and liability provisions had got worse.

“Procurement is an area where Government can lead. They are already the sector’s largest client, but we want them to also be a smart

client. We need strong political leadership across ministers and officials to continue work currently underway,” David continues. When it comes to finding skilled labour, it’s a hot-button issue that’s been raised in State of the Sector findings since 2016.

Consistent with last year, just under twothirds of respondents are employing apprentices and nearly half of those respondents said the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost Scheme was a factor in their decision to do so.

“The sector’s uptake of the Apprenticeship Boost Scheme reinforces the need to make it permanent. The sector can’t afford to be a political football – we need policies to endure political cycles no matter which party, or parties are at the helm. We’ve made this explicit in our election manifesto for 2023,” David says.

Views on immigration have also improved. Last year, only nine percent could bring in the skilled workers they needed. This has now increased to 48 percent, with the remaining 52 percent saying the process remains too drawn out and costly.

“It’s not all doom and gloom – but there are plenty of hefty issues besetting the sector. With an election on the horizon – it’s a good time to be heard and a good time for change.”

The annual Constructive Forum is an industry led effort to enhance collaboration, build resilience, and ensure a vibrant and sustainable sector that delivers for New Zealand.

Its purpose is to bring the entire supply chain together, from Government, finance, land, design and build, and key enabling sectors such as research, training and regulation to work together to develop strategies that will help the sector collectively emerge more resilient.

These boom-and-bust cycles are completely unsustainable and they impact our sector more than any other. For 50 years it’s been a case of ‘what goes up, must come down,’ and in that cycle we lose good experience, good people and good businesses.

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Change to retentions

By Tina Hwang and Marcus Beveridge

The Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023 was passed in April, 2023 and will come into force on 5 October, 2023. It will apply to any commercial construction contracts entered on, or after 5 October, 2023 including any extensions or renewals of existing contracts.

The fact that extensions and renewals trigger the new retentions scheme will likely catch people out. Also, parties need to be careful as the NZS3910 contract was last updated in 2013 (with a revamp due in October 2023), so the commonly used standard terms do not cover the current retention scheme. Special conditions will be required.

Why the amendment?

Contractors and subcontractors continued to struggle with retentions. There was an inherent imbalance of powers and dealing with retentions continued being difficult. The existing retentions regime was not working and the fall of Ebert and Mainzeal, with insufficient retentions to cover their creditors, demonstrated this problem loud and clear.

Under the previous retention regime, principals and contractors were allowed to co-mingle retentions with working capital. There was nothing to stop contractors holding only $500k and telling each subcontractor A, B, C and D that the total $500k was covering each of their individual $500k retentions for the different projects. Retentions were not automatically “held on trust”.

The Ebert case confirmed there was no automatic creation of trust or duties once retentions payments were paid, making it more difficult to get retentions back. The amendment therefore strengthens the regime to build confidence. It also gives MBIE powers to investigate and prosecute.

What are the changes?

1. Trust: One key change is that now, retention monies are automatically deemed to be “held on trust” when paid. The new section 18C(4)(c) provides that all the rules of common law and equity relating to trusts apply to retentions.

The payee (Party A) automatically becomes a trustee, and the payer (Party B) automatically becomes a beneficiary of the trust with equitable rights to claim and request information from Party A.

If Party A goes into liquidation or receivership, the receiver or liquidator becomes trustee of the retention money so there is a continuing obligation.

2. Set up: You can no longer co-mingle retentions with working capital or other non-retention moneys. You can, however, co-mingle with other retentions for other parties.

You do not require separate bank accounts for each project or contractor and can instead have separate ledgers (within the trust account) for each party and each construction contract.

You can also use “complying instruments” (such as an insurance policy or a guarantee), but you can no longer use other “liquid assets” that can be converted to cash anymore (like accounts receivables, shares or working capital). However, the big change is that the funds must be held in a trust account for the sole purpose of retentions at a registered bank in New Zealand.

The banks need to be notified that the bank account will be used for retentions, to prevent them from taking a lien or set-off. There are also specific provisions allowing it to be held by a lawyer, public trust, trustee company, chartered accountant, etc.

3. Use of Retention Money: While the legislation’s purpose is said to be to provide retentions “as security for the performance of Party B’s obligations under the contract” (s18B), the Act only allows Party A to use it to remedy defects if the construction contract states it can (the default NZS3910 does not) and Party A has given Party B 10 working days’ notice.

4. Record Keeping: There is now a mandatory reporting requirement. Party A must keep proper accounting and other records of retentions held for Party B. Records must be available for inspection at all reasonable times without costs.

This is a key change as such rights were not previously available. Furthermore, the mandatory reporting requirements and information goes well beyond what is commonly provided in the industry. Party A must report at least every 3 months to Party B.

Crown entities have obligations under Part 7 of the Public Finance Act 1989 (this section deals with Trust). The accounts and record requirements under 18FC are stringent and onerous.

The records must identify the relevant bank account, each amount received, the construction contract it was received for, and the date the money was received, the total amount of retention money held by Party A for Party B (with details of each construction contract between the parties), specify the registered bank account used, and further contain a statement detailing the records held by Party A and Party B’s right to inspect.

5. Penalties: The Act now empowers MBIE to investigate and prosecute. Failures could result in a fine of up to $200,000. If Party A is a body corporate, each of its directors can be liable to a fine of up to $50,000. The Act now empowers Party B to chase Party A if they are in breach.

Further comments

Due to the onerous changes, parties are more likely to use bonds in lieu of retentions in the future. NZS3910:2013 includes an option and form for bonds.

However, NZS 3910:2013 does not include clauses stating that bonds or retentions can be used to remedy defects, yet the Act specifically requires this to be incorporated into the construction contract (and requirement to provide 10 working days’ notice) if the Principal/Contractor wants to use retentions to remedy works.

It is crucial that parties understand the changes to the onerous retention regime. Setting up new trust accounts and notifying the banks is a big step.

The record keeping obligations and need to update each contractor every 3 months is another burdensome obligation with costs. Parties need to add special clauses to accommodate the changes to retentions as the NZS3910:2013 has not been updated for 10 years.

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

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

It is crucial that parties understand the changes to the onerous retention regime. Setting up new trust accounts and notifying the banks is a big step.

Tina Hwang and Marcus Beveridge

Building better lives

The start-up empowering mental wellbeing

Live Well, Build Well is a mental health start-up that inspires residential construction workers to focus on their mental fitness. Behind it all is programme manager Rafael Caso, who champions a specific yet simple approach to wellbeing – storytelling.

Live Well, Build Well was founded by tradies, for tradies. The programme encourages those in trades to share their tips and stories to live healthier, fuller lives. Workshops, expert interviews, community newsletters, and online spaces to connect and educate all work to spread the message.

Programme manager Rafael Caso puts it down to the power of confidence and communication.

“People’s authentic stories are a powerful tool for change. A lot of the tradies I interview are quite reserved at first, but once you get them talking, they have a lot of great insights to share about how you manage workplace pressure. That’s the gold,” he says. Mental health can be a vague and daunting topic. Live Well, Build Well care about the specifics, focusing on the practical things people can do to perform well, especially under pressure.

The programme encourages people to think about their wellbeing like a bank account and make regular ‘investments’ in the things that boost their wellbeing so they have something to ‘draw on’ when times are tough.

“What’s unique about this programme is that it seeks to move the conversation on from problem definition – although we all need to vent at times – to practical solutions that work for busy builders and tradies. We don’t want to just create awareness; we want to turn awareness into action.”

Live Well, Build Well covers many areas of health and wellbeing. They regularly cover topics like managing every day workplace pressures, healthy thinking strategies and mindsets, breathing techniques, sleep, nutrition, body conditioning, using saunas and cold-water immersion to boost wellbeing, and the importance of rest and recovery time.

“Our offering is a bit like a buffet, here’s a range of solutions that can work for people, dig in and help yourself,” Rafael says.

The programme follows the same structure as Farmstrong, an esteemed programme that has offered nationwide wellbeing services to the farming and growing sectors since 2016.

“Last year, 17,000 farmers and growers attributed an increase in their wellbeing due to the programme. Farmstrong is backed by ACC and the Mental Health Foundation with the support of founding partner FMG.

“Live Well Build Well, Waihanga Ora follows the same model and strengths-based approach – that proactively investing in your wellbeing with small, practical habits builds wellbeing and resilience over time, reduces the chances of accident and injury and helps people cope better with the ups and downs of life and work.”

Stigma around mental health and wellbeing only works against both us and the issues. Live Well, Build Well breaks this stigma by giving tradies specific and tangible advice and support. Rafael says that the message doesn’t stop there though.

“The programme is relevant for anyone working in a busy, high-pressure, resultsdriven work environment – and residential construction definitely fits the bill.

“The approach also acknowledges that many of the industry’s challenges - supply chain issues, adverse weather, labour shortages, regulations, changing economic conditions and market fluctuations - are beyond anyone’s control.

Live Well, Build Well programme manager Rafael Caso (centre) has been busy packaging the science of wellbeing into builder-friendly content.

“The reality is that many of these pressures aren’t unique to this industry and that’s a helpful insight in itself. Farmers are very busy people too, who are often under the pump, but last year thousands of them still found the time and motivation to make their wellbeing more of a priority because they realise it helps them to perform better at work and enjoy the job more.”

Talking about mental health is nowhere near as taboo now as it was years ago. Not only have scientific developments helped legitimise the field, but now men in particular are more open to talking so vulnerably and emotionally.

These societal changes mean programmes like Live Well, Build Well can not only survive, but thrive today.

“These days men are much more open to discussing the pressures they face at work,” says Rafael. “Our role is to facilitate and encourage those conversations.”

“The science of wellbeing tells us that our brains are designed to work as prediction machines – so when we’re faced with so much change and uncertainty, it really ramps up the stress levels.

“This is a natural and understandable reaction and since the pressures aren’t going to disappear, we need to find tools and strategies to deal with them.

“The neuroscience tells us that we are all born with a certain amount of natural wellbeing, but as we go through life and get knock backs, our wellbeing levels deplete so we need to top them up.

“The idea is to make small deposits on a regular basis rather than waiting until our wellbeing is so low that we’ve got a crisis on our hands.”

Both Rafael and the research agree that mental fitness starts with simple, daily habits. Whether it’s staying in touch with mates, keeping active, taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, learning new things, or giving back to friends and community, there are many easy yet meaningful ways to improve one’s wellbeing.

Rafael encourages people to tick off something on their wellbeing checklist daily and to get ahead of common mental traps.

“You might tick them off by coaching kids sport or helping out on the school fundraiser or going hunting or fishing with mates or finishing off a daily work meeting by focusing on a couple things that have gone well that day.”

“We can also train our brains to avoid common thinking traps like catastrophising and to retain a sense of perspective and realistic optimism when the going gets tough.

“These strategies and mental skills are common in the world of sport because they are effective in high pressure situations. They can easily translate to a workplace too.”

Rafael says Live Well, Build Well has struck a real chord with tradies, and that making the most of social media has allowed him to extend the start-up’s outreach. While he agrees that social media can be a drain on our attention and wellbeing, programmes like Live Well, Build Well prove that it also has the potential to be a force for good.

“We just need to give people in our industry the confidence to start sharing and discussing these ideas. You’re creating a social movement, so social media is vital.

“If someone had told me a year ago my videos would be racking up a ton of views

on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn and I’d be talking with people like you, I’d have said they were dreaming.

I think our timing has been spot on. It’s not easy out there and people are open to these ideas. That puts a smile on my dial!

“Like any start-up, it’s been busy as. We’re just launching our website and getting our first newsletter out and we’ve run a series of workshops for tradies with Work Should Not Hurt around the country, with more planned.”

Rafael wants people to know that the programme doesn’t aim to dictate your lifestyle, only get people thinking about the science and realities of mental fitness.

“I think it’s really important to stress that we’re not telling anyone how to live their lives. We’re just sharing what the science

Need help and support?

Check out these resources:

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389).

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland.

Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737.

Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP).

Samaritans - 0800 726 666. Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584.

Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633.

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Supporting Families in Mental Illness0800 732 825.

thelowdown.co.nz – email team@ thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626.

What’s Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787).

Women’s Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE).

Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

says keeps people well and what tradies are already doing to keep well. It’s up to each person to find out what works for them.

“For example, the science of wellbeing says the antidote to stress and pressure is rest and leisure. How you achieve that is up to you, but what we’re saying is that if you don’t do anything, eventually that will take a toll on your performance at work and your life in general. So why go through that when there’s something you could do now to make tomorrow better?

“That’s why I was so keen to be involved in something proactive that passes on habits that make people more mentally and physically robust.”

www.facebook.com/LIVEWELLBUILDWELL livewellbuildwell@gmail.com

Getting transparency on large infrastructure projects

disclosure, which is pleasing to see,” Ross says. “However, it also shows significant opportunities to improve transparency across our major projects, including increasing the expectations for proactive disclosure.”

This is a key finding from new Massey University research commissioned by Te Waihanga - Transparency within large publicly funded infrastructure projects. The study looks at the accessibility of key documents for 27 large projects across central and local government.

These range in cost from $50m to more than $1b and have a collective value of over $70b. These do not just relate to current projects: they span a wide timeframe - for example, one project began construction in 2012 and 21 projects are still ongoing.

“New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to being open and transparent, and as a result ranks within the top three countries in Transparency International’s Corruptions Perceptions Index,” says Ross Copland, CEO of Te Waihanga, New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. “However, information about big investment decisions is not always available to the public.

“New Zealand does not currently have public accountability standards for proactive disclosure for large, public infrastructure projects, so we’re seeing inconsistent performance in how New Zealanders are being kept informed.

“The research showed that around half of all the Business Case and Assurance Case documents in these big, public projects were not accessible, and that reviews were not accessible for completed projects.”

Allowing New Zealanders to have oversight of what their government’s investing in is a core principle of the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy. While large, public infrastructure projects are subject to normal official information processes, web and plain language standards, they‘re not required to proactively publish key documents.

The study gave projects overall ratings out of nine for accessibility of their project documents. For key documents:

• 37 percent of projects scored nine out of nine, while 63 percent scored only three to five

• All these highest-scoring projects were run by an independent board, rather than by a government agency or council, and nearly all were worth over $500m.

However, having a board or a big budget didn’t always mean key documents were ‘accessible’. Because, of the study’s 17 lowscoring projects, 41 percent also had a board and 23 percent were worth over $500m.

“The research has shown how good some of these big projects are with proactive

Currently, around 16 percent of New Zealanders’ household budgets are spent on infrastructure services, according to recent Te Waihanga research. When project activities and decisions are transparent, New Zealanders are better able to hold government and delivery agencies to account.

So, what’s next?

Te Waihanga is considering the findings of this research and aims to publish recommendations on how to improve infrastructure investment and performance by the end of the year.

As part of this work, we’ll be engaging with a range of entities and agencies that have responsibilities for government processes around transparency and public infrastructure projects.

The research has shown how good some of these big projects are with proactive disclosure, which is pleasing to see. However, it also shows significant opportunities to improve transparency across our major projects, including increasing the expectations for proactive disclosure.

Q&A

When were these projects planned and funded?

The planning and construction phases of these projects span a wide time frame. One project began its construction in 2012, with planning prior to this, and 21 projects are still ongoing.

Did the research assess whether the information made available was accurate?

The study was independently conducted by Massey University acting as a “lay person” or ordinary citizen and only looked at the documentation that was made available to them. This meant that they couldn’t assess if the information given to them was accurate.

What is the requirement for projects or programmes to make information available to the public?

Official information legislation (the Official Information Act (OIA) 1982 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) 1987) allow the public to access information that supports transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. However, there does not appear to be any specific guidance that lets public sector infrastructure projects know what infrastructure documents they should look to make available.

How big is the sample and how confident can we be that the findings apply across all public infrastructure projects?

Twenty-seven projects (six historic and 21 active) were picked for the study. The projects were chosen by Massey University and Te Waihanga to provide a representative sample of active and historic projects. This included making sure that we included a mix of projects, for example central

government versus local government. In total, the 27 projects were valued at $70.5 billion. In comparison the current budgeted infrastructure pipeline is $76.9 billion.

What were the differences between projects run by a council or government agency and those run by independent governance boards?

While half the projects with an independent governance board had an exemplary ‘accessibility’ score, the other half had similar accessibility scores to projects run by government agencies/ministries or council.

Who is responsible for delivering Auckland Light Rail?

The report notes Auckland Light Rail as being delivered by Waka Kotahi. However, during the course of the study (October 2022) a new organisation - Auckland Light Rail Limitedwas established to deliver this project.

It’s not easy for the public to see how large, public infrastructure projects in New Zealand are performing, with key project documents often being not publicly available or hard to understand.

Infrastructure & construction sector workforce needs discussed

The Wellington Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) and over 50 representatives from across the infrastructure and construction sector met at WelTec | Te Pūkenga in Petone to discuss workforce development needs for the region and creating a regional partnership to progress priorities.

“With approximately 3,000 job openings expected in this sector from 2025 to 2028 there is an urgent need to assess current workforce supply,” said Glenn Barclay, cochair of the Wellington RSLG.

“To ensure we are ready for the future and can meet that demand, we need the region working together to find solutions.

“This meeting is the first step to creating a workforce group to take forward the key issues raised by the sector, agree priorities and how best to address them.”

Participants at the meeting included major employers, industry organisations, training providers, iwi, Waihanga Ara Rau (the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council), local government,

WellingtonNZ (the economic development agency for the region), Government representatives including from the Ministry for Social Development, Kainga Ora, MBIE, the Construction Sector Accord, and community groups such as Le Fale rom Porirua.

Mark Oldershaw, executive director Region 3 at Te Pūkenga, gave an update on the reform for vocational education, acknowledged current challenges in the vocational education and training sector in regard to construction, and raised ways to work better with industry and help with workforce needs.

Speaking at the event Mr Oldershaw said, “We are aware we need to encourage more

women to train for the sector, that we need better links with schools, and that we need to continue to partner with employers, iwi, and our Pacific community, and we are excited to work toward these better outcomes in partnership with all those represented in the construction and infrastructure industry.

“Getting together today is a step in the right direction, and we will support the Wellington RSLG in forming a workforce group to implement a regional response to workforce challenges.”

The Wellington RSLG acknowledged support for the event from Hutt Chamber of Commerce, Hutt City Council, Construction Sector Accord, Waihanga Ara Rau, Te Pūkenga, Le Fale (the community jobs hub in Porirua) and other partners.

The RSLG’s role is to plan for the region’s workforce and to coordinate regionally for solutions. The RSLG set up this meeting as part of work to implement the Regional Workforce Plan, which includes bringing a sector workforce group for the construction and Infrastructure sector.

Mark Oldershaw addresses attendees at the Petone meeting.

Are you hitting the mark? Conversations that make an impact

Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects

With the buzz around Te Pae these days and increasingly visible signs of the new stadium on the horizon, it’s clear that Canterbury continues to be a vibrant, exciting place to live and work.

There’s a continued sense of optimism and excitement about future growth and innovation, and of course business is a key enabler of this for our communities.

A recent Canterbury Chamber of Commerce business survey (May 2023) shows that expectations of the strength of the Canterbury economy continue to improve and that many businesses are looking to employ staff or invest in their business over the coming 12 months. That’s pretty positive given we are in a global recession.

Ship ahoy! Check how you’re tracking. However, it’s not all plain sailing ahead, with the Chamber’s research citing that rising costs are affecting many businesses, particularly small to medium ones.

Whether these costs are caused by inflation, supply chain issues, changes in government policy with the upcoming election, a rise in the lease for your premises or difficulty in finding staff, there are a few challenges in the mix that may impact on your organisation’s ability to adapt and grow, or even sustain your current level of activity.

If your business relies on forward bookings, perhaps you face uncertainty around what to charge. Not only might the supply chain be a factor, but current interest rates may be impacting your ability to quote.

There might be other factors in your business that are slowing you down. For example, if you’re running a start-up or have recently acquired a new business, you may have gaps in your knowledge and experience.

Perhaps you’re spending more time working in the business than on the business, and you’re starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel - continually running, but getting nowhere.

If this sounds familiar, how can you simplify or diversify quickly, using what you’ve already got within your organisation. So what are the moving parts on your radar right now, and how can you prioritise them?

One of the most logical ways to make quick improvements is to use the resources you already have. The quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can,” by famous US tennis player and three times Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe seems quite apt. And one of the most effective ways to do this is to talk to those people doing the job.

Involve your team

Brainstorming and decision making together has a number of advantages. For example, those who are doing the work often know how it can be best performed, coming up with new processes or methods to make it more efficient or effective.

They may also be well positioned to identify gaps and contribute creative solutions. For example:

If you sell to a niche audience that may be prone to market volatility, ask your team if they’ve got any ideas for how/where you might diversify.

If your supply and demand tend to fluctuate. Even though they counterbalance each other sometimes, planning well ahead and anticipating these can help even out the peaks and troughs. Ask your team if they are seeing any cyclical or seasonal changes you are unaware of. Forewarned is forearmed. Look ahead by starting to think about ordering products and supplies earlier, or from different places than you might normally. Ask your team if they have any relevant contacts.

As well as being an avenue to potentially useful ideas, another benefit of including your team in ideation (which global research company Gallup highlights) is that when people feel their opinions count, it has the potential to drive engagement in other areas.

People who come up with an adaptation to an existing service or even a new one altogether will be more likely to believe in it and put extra effort into making it a success.

Where to start?

As you review challenges, encourage everyone to look at the problems through a different lens. For example, are all your services giving your clients what they need? Can some easy tweaks be made? Before making radical decisions look for the small tweaks that can make the greatest difference.

An effective easy to use tool to use as you discuss these issues together is the Effort vs Impact matrix. Simply:

1. Draw a large cross on the paper or whiteboard.

2. Label the line going from top to bottom “Impact” (from low to high).

3. Label the line going across from left to right “Effort” (from low to high). This will give you four quadrants in which to note relevant ideas, to give you an overview of possibilities you can generate and prioritise with your team.

Once you’ve identified what could improve, change or be developed, then you can look at what is needed to make this happen.

Regardless of what you choose to do, having a solid approach by involving your team in these discussions will help get them on board, give them a clear idea of what’s required, so they can help drive your business where it needs to go.

All aboard - full steam ahead!

Rob Clarke CEO of Learning Architects

The ring-o-matic vacuum excavator range Delivering quality and innovation as standard

The Ring-O-Matic range of vacuum excavation equipment is world renowned thanks to its exceptional build quality and continual focus on innovation.

Extensively relied on by contractors for general construction site clean-up and for potholing to locate underground utilities, Ring-O-Matics range of vacuum excavators ensure operators can quickly and safely undertake any task.

Utilising the cutting power of highpressure water along with a powerful vacuum the Ring-O-Matic range of truck mounted systems can remove almost any kind of surface without damaging existing infrastructures. Suitable applications can include potholing, pipe cleaning, trenching, pit cleaning (sumps and manhole cleaning), natural disaster and storm clean up, construction site cleanup, plus many other jobs.

At CEA NZ the team locally supplies hydro excavation equipment to suit a wide variety of projects, and with spoil tanks available from 4,000L up to 10,000L the machine is only limited by the job at hand. Delivered as a complete solution CEA can custom-fit your equipment to your preferred choice

of new cab chassis. Alternatively, if you already own an existing chassis or choose to supply your own, CEA can work with you to create a suitable solution.

“The flexibility to choose your own cab chassis is a great advantage’, said CEA NZ General Manager John Grant “allowing customers to either have a vacuum excavator fitted to their choice of truck or retrofit one to an existing fleet machine makes it extremely versatile. Understanding that customers can sometimes need machines in a hurry means we are also having turnkey units set up that are ready for immediate delivery”.

The larger vacuum excavator sold by CEA NZ features a 101HP CAT engine, with an 81HP version also available providing the required power, whatever the job. With 6,000 litres in spoils capacity and 1,896 litres in water capacity the vacuum excavator can also comfortably handle large tasks without requiring regular stoppages to refill or dispose of waste material.

John adds, “’The range has been designed to limit downtime on jobsites and tackle large tasks safely. With a 1700 to 2500 CFM pump blower displacement fitted the vacuum also emits enough force to get the job done quickly and effectively”.

A critical component to the range is the aftersales service and support. CEA NZ has an extensive range of Ring-O-Matic parts on hand and the expertise to ensure your machine is well looked after,

RING-OMATIC TRUCK MOUNTED VACUUM EXCAVATORS

minimising downtime and keeping you as productive as possible.

At CEA NZ providing innovative products with genuine value, combined with outstanding service to customers is critical. The Ring-O-Matic range offers value, versatility, and peace of mind when it comes to getting jobs done.

Like to know more? Contact the team at CEA NZ today P: 0800 435 269 www.cea.net.nz

Utilising the cutting power of high-pressure water along with a powerful vacuum, the Ring-O-Matic range of truck mounted vacuum excavators can remove almost any kind of surface without damaging existing infrastructures.

0800 435 269 cea.net.nz

and features tanks ranging from 1,000L to 7,500L. Packed with features and the best components in hydro excavation the versatility of the Ring-O-Matic range ensures you can have the best configuration possible for you specific application.

Ideal for a diverse range of tasks including;

• Utility locating

• Micro trenching

•

• Stormwater drain, pits and box cleanout

• General construction site cleanup

• Potholing

• Keyholing or utility microsurgery

• Sign and pole installation

• Environmental cleanup

Consequence of overloading the platform of a MEWP

What is platform overloading?

There is a requirement for all Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) supplied into NZ to specify maximum capacity limits. This is the safe working load (SWL) which is expressed in kilograms and includes the maximum number of people allowed in the platform. An overload is the intentional, or accidental, exceeding of these limits.

What is the risk of overloading?

All MEWPs are designed and tested to take the specified capacity limits while maintaining appropriate safety factors.

If a MEWP operator places more load on to the platform and tries to raise it or puts more than the rated load on the platform while at height, there is a risk that the structure will be put under forces it was not designed or tested

for. Structural failure in this condition could be sudden and unpredictable and could result in the collapse or overturn of the MEWP.

If an operator allows more people on to the platform than the specified limit recommended by the manufacturer, then the dynamic loads (including wind forces for example) could exceed those designed and tested for, resulting in instability and the risk of overturning.

Most MEWPs in the marketplace today have a safety system that monitors overload status and protects the operator from exceeding specified capacity limits, however machines built with older technology may not have this system installed. Know and understand your machine and follow their rated capacities.

If an elevated MEWP fitted with a loadsensing system is in an overloaded state, platform functions can sometimes be limited or prevented from operating. This can potentially leave platform occupants stranded at height until the material is removed.

Contributing factors to the risk of overload

• Not planning the job effectively.

• Not knowing the safe working load for the MEWP being used.

• Not understanding or underestimating the weight of materials and people that may be loaded on to the platform.

• Not paying attention to or effectively monitoring loads being placed on to the platform.

What can you do as an operator?

• Ensure the correct MEWP has been selected for the task to be carried out and that it is rated to safely lift the intended loads.

• Pay attention to the load being placed on the platform and make sure it is evenly distributed. If you are unsure of the weight of the load or suspect that the platform is overloaded, you must cease work until it has been verified that the total platform load is within the safe working load.

• Do not use the machine if you can’t identify the safe working load, this can be found on the manufacturers data plate, operator’s manual and SWL decals displayed on the machine.

• Ensure that the site has an effective rescue plan in place, and that is communicated, rehearsed, and understood.

The Silvercard™ Training program provides effective training on this topic and other safety principles to be a Competent MEWP Operator. See www.silvercard.co.nz to find a trainer near you.

MegaForm

MegaForm is a gamechanging sustainable building product designed by Philip Blair, a renowned builder with over 35 years’ of experience in the industry.

Megaform is more than just a product— it's a solution that transforms the way we construct homes, making them more sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performing.

MegaForm is a system for building and insulating homes, and it has an additional feature called MegaFound that focuses on insulated foundations that have become a part of their business with the new H1 changes that have come into play this year. Adaptability is what sets us apart, we cover all types of foundations, making us a versatile choice for builders.

But that's not all; MeagForm is designed around continuous insulation which keeps your home comfortable year-round while increasing energy efficiency and lowering your power bill. MegaForm is widely used in residential and commercial construction due to its high STC rating as well as its fire rating. They are proudly manufactured right here in New Zealand.

Megaform isn't just a product, it's a step towards a more sustainable future that encourages creativity. Building with Megaform isn't just about construction, it's about making a lasting, positive impact on the environment and on our everyday living, making homes healthier and warmer. It's a symbol of our commitment to a better, more sustainable tomorrow.

To learn more, go to www.megaformicf.co.nz. To talk to the amazing team you can call them on 021 276 6453 or email them at info@megaformicf.co.nz

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.

So, as a national company servicing New Zealanders in the construction industry, we are committed to the safety of your staff. And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and we guarantee to be on time – check out our Secureguarantee.

Building prosperity

The focus for Waihanga Ara Rau

By Philip Aldridge, chief executive, Waihanga Ara Rau, Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council

As we embark on a new chapter of progress and innovation, and as chief executive of Waihanga Ara Rau, the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, I want to highlight our key areas of focus for the next 18 months.

Our mission is to provide skills leadership on behalf of the industry and achieve the following outcomes:

1. Building strong relationships

We aim to establish quality relationships and productive partnerships with industry stakeholders, including Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs), Construction Accord, ConCove, industry associations, iwi, hapū, and education providers.

2. Industry engagement

We will work to ensure that the industry understands the role of Waihanga Ara Rau and how to leverage our organisation effectively.

3. Industry-informed qualifications

We strive to align our qualifications system products with industry needs, ensuring that our offerings meet the requirements of the construction and infrastructure sectors.

4. Consistency and quality

Our assurance practices and programmes are designed to support national consistency and maintain high-quality learning outcomes across the industry.

5. Māori Engagement

We seek to foster relationships with Māori communities to raise awareness of career opportunities and provide training at all levels within our industries.

We sincerely appreciate your support and valuable input in achieving these goals. We recognise the pressing challenges facing the construction and infrastructure sectors and acknowledge the ongoing skills shortages. The combination of record employment levels, labour shortages globally, declining birth rates, and an ageing population puts immense pressure on maintaining a skilled workforce pipeline. We must make our workplaces and communities attractive and welcoming, particularly to migrants who can contribute to addressing these shortages.

Adverse weather events also exacerbate the workload, adding significant repair and rebuilding expenses. In the wake of recent cyclones and floods, preliminary evaluations estimate costs of approximately $6.3 billion.

These challenges, coupled with project delays, capacity constraints, disrupted supply chains, material shortages, and rising costs, have created a frustrating environment for many construction businesses. The industry’s boom-bust cycle makes it vulnerable to cash flow issues, and the slowdown in residential construction activity further intensifies the pressure. To prepare the future workforce, we must not only attract people to the industry but also ensure they are supported, wellprepared, and work-ready before entering the workforce. Trade academies and work preparation courses play a crucial role in equipping newcomers with elementary skills and fostering interest in the industry. Moreover, we must raise aspirations and bridge the skills and diversity gaps. By challenging stereotypes and promoting the future world of work, we can help a wide range of people enter and succeed in the construction and infrastructure sector.

Philip Aldridge

Attracting students, young adults, and career changers to vocational education programmes and the industry requires a collective effort from industry stakeholders, education providers, government organisations, and Waihanga Ara Rau. Retaining skilled workers is equally important, and we are committed to helping the industry address this challenge. Creating supportive and inclusive work environments and investing in leadership development, cultural competency, well-being, safety, and career advancement opportunities are key strategies to enhance retention and job satisfaction.

As the custodian of 150 qualifications and almost 3,000 unit standards across 57 industries, we are focused on making qualifications and standards fit for purpose. Through industry collaboration, we have already improved over 1,200 standards and 40 qualifications in the first 18 months of our operation.

www.kinetic-electric.co.nz

Comprehensive Crane Services

Since their inception in 1970, Auckland Cranes has been building a solid reputation for safe and efficient complete lift and shift solutions. Beginning as a family crane hire business, Auckland Cranes has grown to become one of the largest crane hire companies in the area. They remain a family business at heart and combine that service culture with a high capacity, modern fleet.

Auckland Cranes provide mobile crane hire services to a wide range of industries and businesses from their two locationsAuckland and Hamilton. Clients can trust that the team is committed to deliver any lift, anywhere, anytime, no matter how complex or challenging.

The team responds quickly and is fully committed to delivering safe and certain lift outcomes. This is because of their commitment to understanding their clients complex lifting requirements and responding quickly and efficiently with an energetic, technically competent and safe team.

However, Auckland Cranes provides more than just crane hire. Auckland and Waikato Cranes provide complete package lifting and heavy haul transport engineering. Their approach is to think outside the box using innovative engineering to optimise their clients’ lifting solutions. From their dispatchers, engineers and operations leaders to their drivers, operators, riggers and dogmen, they know and respect cranes and what it means to deliver safe and professional crane hire and transport services.

Riggers and dogmen are responsible for rigging the loads and signalling the crane driver. They are vital to ensuring safety on site. Often machines such as printing presses,

lathes, brake presses and such cannot be lifted by a crane inside a building, but they do need to be safely installed or relocated. Auckland Cranes can provide the machinery along with qualified and experienced riggers and dogmen to work with clients on site.

The highly experienced in-house engineering team can manage any level of technical demands. Whether for a confined site area, avoiding above ground obstacles, complex shapes loads or complicated rigging arrangements, Auckland Cranes can carry out site inspections and analyse conditions in AutoCAD (2D) or Inventor (3D) to find the best lifting solution.

The company has a fleet of over 50 cranes which range from 2.5 tonnes to 450 tonnes. This includes mobile cranes, mini crawler cranes and self-erecting tower cranes. Auckland Cranes’ fleet is available for wet or dry hire, manned or unmanned hire and casual or term hire. Auckland Cranes also service all sized jobs from small residential and commercial lifts to major construction and infrastructure projects.

For complicated and oversized lifts, Auckland Cranes owns a wide range of adjustable spreader bars, lifting beams, material cages, kibbles and man boxes. All equipment is bench test certified, inspected and maintained to the relevant New Zealand

Auckland Cranes knows it is critical that high value assets are salvaged without causing more damage to the equipment or environment. Auckland Cranes has the right equipment, existing processing and extensive experience in handling these complex and highpressure situations.

Standards and Codes of Practice. If the correct item isn’t in their rigging store, Auckland Cranes has the in-house capability to design, detail, manufacture and certify the necessary item.

Auckland Cranes has extensive experience in heavy equipment salvage. When the worst happens and salvage is required, Auckland Cranes knows it is critical that high value assets are salvaged without causing more damage to the equipment or environment. Auckland Cranes has the right equipment, existing processing and extensive experience in handling these complex and high-pressure situations.

Auckland Cranes has a range of trucks fitted with truck-loading cranes for clients’ lifting and shifting needs. They are used to lift, move the load from A to B, and unload all in one. These are perfect if large machinery or equipment needs relocating or shifting from one location to another. Auckland Cranes’ units have moved everything from spas, pools, portable buildings, machinery and bulky equipment to name a few.

The company also offers self-erectors which are a perfect alternative to tower cranes. Ideal for low rise construction sites, Auckland Cranes self-erectors are a more compact solution requiring less room on the job site and have simple foundation requirements. They’re a well-suited option for clients who don’t have a lot of site room for a crane and who seek a lower cost tower crane alternative.

For the very best in comprehensive crane services, contact Auckland Cranes on 09 277 2227. Visit their website for more information at www.aucklandcranes.co.nz

JOIN THE TEAM

Take your career to new heights in the crane industry

Be part of the team:

Dogging

Rigging

Crane Driving

Truck Driving

Mechanics

Office Administration

Mid-sized construction firms show resilience under economic pressure

Additionally, 39 percent of those canvassed said they have missed out on some jobs due to higher-than-expected quotes, while more than a third (36 percent) have had to pass on higher costs to customers.

A survey of mid-sized construction firms reveals that these effects are weighing heavily on many in the sector, and with business leaders anticipating more headwinds over the coming months, attention is turning to investing in innovation to strengthen performance and drive growth.

According to MYOB’s Mid-market Construction Snapshot, a survey of 100 leaders and decision-makers of local (NZ) mid-sized construction firms, rising costs spurred by inflationary pressures are hampering profitability.

The business leaders surveyed reported seeing an average increase in the cost of construction materials and goods of 18.5 percent over the past year.

As a result of these rising prices, almost half (49 percent) of the decision-makers surveyed said their business has had to absorb some additional costs, while 42 percent have had to reduce their margins.

Looking ahead, many of the existing challenges are expected to continue. For those polled, the biggest challenges they are expecting to face over the next six months include:

• Increased cost of goods - 41%

• Shortage of skilled employees - 39%

• Disruption of supply/materials from overseas - 32%

• Increased cost of business overheads - 30%

• Inflation - 28%.

“There’s no denying local mid-sized businesses in the construction and trades sector are feeling the pinch of a challenging economic environment, with costs going up, ongoing supply issues and a real need for more skilled workers,” says Kim Clarke, general manager for Enterprise at MYOB.

“However, even in the face of these obstacles, our insights into the performance of these businesses reveal that many have remained remarkably resilient.

With top innovation investments, including upgrading their ERP software, improving project management processes and hiring in new expertise – we can see these local businesses are spending strategically to secure future growth and the firms taking this approach are going to propel forward the furthest when conditions improve.

“A strong contributing factor to this will be the fact that time and time again, mid-sized businesses are the ones investing to innovate.”

MYOB’s snapshot showed that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of the decisionmakers surveyed, said they had invested in innovation in the past 12 months.

“These businesses are hungry for growth and it’s clear many of the investments midsized construction leaders are making, are to ensure they’re match fit. They directly correlate to the industry changes and challenges they’ve got on the radar,” Kim says.

“With top innovation investments, including upgrading their ERP software, improving project management processes and hiring

in new expertise – we can see these local businesses are spending strategically to secure future growth and the firms taking this approach are going to propel forward the furthest when conditions improve.”

The ability to adapt to change will continue to influence success for local mid-sized construction firms, and 69 percent of those polled believe the industry will change significantly in the next five years.

The biggest changes this group expects will shape their industry in the next five years, includes:

• The rising cost of materials (61%)

• New design technologies (38%)

• More skilled workers (35%)

• Acquisitions of smaller firms and competitors by bigger businesses (35%)

• More automation of processes, like preframing or robotic machinery (32%).

“As they gear up for changes that could revolutionise both their businesses and their industry, many of New Zealand’s midmarket construction firms appear to be in a good place, with 64 percent expecting their revenue to increase over the coming months,” Kim says.

“On top of a solid performance over the past 12 months, investing in changes they know will futureproof their operations will also be giving cause for confidence in a tough market.

“These businesses are increasingly technologically driven, with more than half of those surveyed having digitised 50 percent or more of their business operations, and this readiness to embrace new technology - particularly for a sector where much of the work is manual - is key to maximising efficiency and productivity.

“Nearly half of those we surveyed have more sales and work in the pipeline than usual for the next few months, and a forward-looking approach to business is what will continue to see them ahead of the pack,” she adds.

In what comes as no great surprise, it’s been revealed that inflationary effects are impacting mid-sized construction operations.

Tailored business solutions

identifying the amount of time necessary to finish each activity and the dependencies of each activity on any others.

Into the Blue offers services including, branding and digital enhancement, capital planning, pricing and quoting, sales and marketing and much more!

These solutions are tailored to every size business, from start-up to established larger operations. They are experts at coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to give your business a competitive edge.

Into The Blue was established by John Raffaelli in early 1997 and since then have had the opportunity to work with owners and operators, small businesses including SMEs and medium and large businesses operating from multiple sites and countries.

John believes that communication is critical to unlocking the core issues and delivering value added outcomes and have the ability to converse with staff and directors from all levels and segments of any business.

In all cases with all companies small or large my method of discovery is founded on Critical Path Solutions (CPS). Simply put CPS is a project management technique that requires mapping out every key task that is necessary to complete a project. It includes

John has found many business owners that are ready to exit their business but are not sure how to go about it to get the best possible return. Developing an exit strategy is one of his strengths. John operates in Auckland, Northland and Waikato.

Into The Blue is registered with the Regional Business Partner Network (MBIE) to provide services with the Management Capability Development Fund.

For more information about Into The Blue contact Joh on 021 625 871 or visit their website www.intotheblue.co.nz.

Planning including Segmentation Reports

Cashflow Management

Identifying Your Point of Difference and Competitive Edge Exit Strategies

Into The Blue provides both long-term solutions to meet your business’ future requirements and short-term project-based solutions to solve your immediate issues.

They are experts at coming up with outof-the-box solutions to give your business a competitive edge.

Clearing the air

HERA clarifies low-carbon confusion

The low-carbon design process can confuse even the wisest construction minds. With sustainable practice in mind, HERA’s new zero carbon steel program and low-carbon framework offer cutting-edge design solutions. Senior structural sustainability engineer Amir Shah Mohamamdi explains.

When navigating the low carbon design process, there seems to be ambiguity and uncertainty about embodied carbon throughout the different stages of a building’s life. What factors contribute to this confusion?

The embodied carbon of a building refers to the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions generated at each stage of its life cycle. This contains emissions tied to the materials and products used throughout production, manufacturing, transportation, construction, maintenance activities, and the end-of-life phase when the building is decommissioned. There’s prevailing confusion stemming from diverse definitions, varied measurement techniques, and regulatory differences. Sector feedback pinpoints that the primary

NEW ZEALANDS SEVERE COASTAL CORROSION ENVIRONMENT DESTROYS GALAVANIZED ROOFING IRON.

obstacle to performing embodied carbon assessments is the absence of a universally accepted methodology. MBIE has made significant progress in addressing this concern, but more work lies ahead in the coming years.

By instituting regulations and maintaining consistent guidelines, especially within the NZ framework, we can bring about much more clarity. It’s equally imperative for industry leaders to organise workshops, webinars, and craft educational resources to further disseminate standardised understanding on the subject.

How does HERA aim to clarify and simplify the low-carbon design process for construction through its new collaborative project with BRANZ?

HERA has recently embarked on a project titled “Circular design for a changing environment: a design framework to reduce construction waste, lifecycle embodied carbon, and to enhance the circular economy for construction materials, with a pilot for low-rise buildings.”

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MANY THOUSANDS OF SQUARE METERS OF GALVANIZED ROOFS ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY, HAVE HAD THE STRUCTURAL LIFE EXTENDED INDEFINITELY.

This has $150K support from the building research levy via BRANZ, contributing to a total project budget of $772K otherwise funded by HERA. This project will develop a design framework to support the circular economy. The projects emphasise the importance of designing for reuse, waste reduction, and improved service life.

The anticipated outcomes comprise a universal design guidance framework, specialised advice for low-rise steel constructions, and identifying knowledge gaps ripe for future research. The project involves collaboration with a wide range of experts from Aurecon, WSP, and a broad range of stakeholders from various material industries and diverse backgrounds.

And how does it relate to the MBIE framework development to assist design engineers in designing low-carbon buildings?

The development of HERA’s Framework and its accompanying specific guidance pilot aligns closely with MBIE’s Building for Climate Change programme. This synchronisation aims to equip the construction sector with the tools and knowledge to adeptly navigate the forthcoming changes introduced by MBIE. Furthermore, MBIE has demonstrated its commitment to addressing carbon emissions throughout a building’s entire lifecycle, specifically through its emphasis on realising

whole-of-life carbon reductions, known as Modules A to D or Cradle-to-Cradle design. Recognising the inherent challenges and time frames associated with embedding new standards into the Building Code, proactive engagement with MBIE’s Building System Performance team is essential. This collaborative approach is further fortified by the inclusion of a representative from MBIE on our industry advisory panel, ensuring transparency and shared insights.

Beyond what we’ve discussed, what other innovative research and projects is HERA currently working on? Are there additional insights or updates you’d like to highlight for our audience?

In terms of other cutting-edge research and developments, HERA is leading a range of research projects that are at the forefront of global research in these areas. One of our pioneering initiatives is the introduction of the first “material passport” in Australasia.

Steel Construction

This digital record offers comprehensive insights into the composition, origin, and recyclability of steel materials. Through this transparency, stakeholders can gain a clear understanding of a material’s environmental footprint and its reuse potential. This initiative not only supports the circular economy but also preserves the value of materials during deconstruction and helps stakeholders make informed, environmentally conscious decisions.

Furthermore, a crucial aspect of our work at HERA turns around the reuse of structural steel in design and construction. Our approach is direct: leverage existing steel for reconstruction instead of producing new structures from scratch.

This not only ensures efficient material use but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint by avoiding the energy-demanding processes tied to new steel production. This innovative strategy is part of our broader research initiative named Structures As Steel Banks (HERA-SASB).

As a testament to our innovative spirit, we were awarded a $10.3 million grant by MBIE in 2022 as part of the Construction 4.0 Endeavour project. With this backing, we aim to revolutionise traditional design methods within New Zealand’s construction realm. Our goal is to merge circular design principles with Industry 4.0 technologies.

We see vast potential in automation, digitisation, and connectivity, essential elements in conventional manufacturing. As modularisation gains traction in construction, the design solutions from this project are anticipated to deliver significant productivity

improvements. As part of this project, led by Dr Michail Karpenko and Dr Kaveh Andisheh, focuses on refining decision support for designers.

By establishing Circular design Protocols, for structural optimisation models, we intend to equip designers and fabricators with the tools to identify the best structural solutions in terms of safety, sustainability, Te Ao Māori values, fabrication feasibility, and economic efficiency.

In the context of the carbon offset program, can you provide any updates on HERA’s steel product offset calculator and the broader efforts within this initiative?

In 2022, through a fruitful collaboration with EKOS and Thinkstep, HERA proudly introduced the world’s premier steel product offset calculator. This online tool is tailored to calculate emissions tied to the majority of steel products in Aotearoa, positioning us at the carbon offsetting lead for the nation’s steel range.

Once these emissions are assessed, offsetting then becomes a simple task via Ekos; a company focused on nurturing and safeguarding indigenous woodlands. Ekos, in turn, issues a certificate for the associated project or product. To utilise this tool, users simply enter details like the purchase amount and transportation span. Although this initiative is undeniably progressive, it’s crucial to understand it as a transitional strategy. It’s a step towards more comprehensive goals while the sector continuously innovates towards refined decarbonisation techniques and the ultimate transition to fossil-free steel manufacturing.

On a side note, we recognise that our outreach has been limited so far, resulting in many engineers having limited knowledge or being unaware of this transformative program. We’re eager to address this gap and have already charted plans to amplify its reach, with webinars and workshops scheduled to commence shortly.

How is the steel industry innovating towards sustainability in New Zealand? Are there any initiatives or breakthroughs worth highlighting?

Throughout the past year, BlueScope Steel has made significant progress in promoting sustainability within New Zealand’s steel industry. Their electric arc furnace project at Glenbrook, supported by a remarkable NZ$300 million investment and the backing of the New Zealand Government, is a massive highlight. This project aims to cut New Zealand Steel’s greenhouse gas emissions by a notable 45 percent, equivalent to removing 300,000 cars per annum.

Moreover, BlueScope is highlighting the sustainable potential of steel through recycling. By harnessing renewable energy to recycle domestic scrap steel, they are working to make New Zealand more selfsufficient, thereby decreasing the need for exports. In 2021, HERA released a report on steel recycling in Aotearoa and this showed that 85 percent of construction steel is already being recycled at end of life.

Furthermore, since 2018, BlueScope Steel has achieved a commendable 8.3 percent reduction in its steelmaking emissions intensity. Significant accomplishments in 2023 can be credited to their energy and

resource-efficient projects at New Zealand Steel and Port Kembla Steelworks.

Throughout your career journey, you’ve witnessed many advancements in steel production. Reflecting on that, what are some moments or developments that have truly brought a smile to your face, and how do you envision the future of steel production in New Zealand, especially with the global shift towards sustainability?”

Throughout my career journey, I’ve been privileged to witness numerous breakthroughs in steel production. The innovative initiative by the Swedish steel manufacturer (SSAB), to develop hydrogenbased fossil-free steel is a stand-out.

A recent conversation with the Vice President of the Sustainability business at SSAB provided insights into their ambitious plans: they aim to commercially introduce fossilfree steel by 2026, starting with a production of 1.3 million tonnes and then doubling that to 2.7 million tons by 2030. This revelation amplified my belief that the dream of having an infinitely recyclable and simultaneously fossil-free structural material is moving closer to reality.

As Aotearoa is making developments with the electric arc furnace, our aspiration grows stronger: I hope that we’ll one day establish a hydrogen steel facility in Aotearoa. The prospect of Aotearoa producing fossil-free steel and integrating it into our construction landscape excites me and brings a smile to my face.

Visit: www.hera.org.nz

The standard bearers for industrial coatings

Metspray was originally established under the name of Metal Spray and Gritblast by Roy Sutherland in the early 1970s and was one of the leading pioneers for thermal metal spray technology in New Zealand.

During this time, the facility was a modest 900sqm, to accommodate a wheel abrader, a blast booth, and enough room to apply either thermal metal spray or liquid protective coatings.

In 2012, current owners Chris and Kim Schultz-Merrick acquired the company, rebranding it to Metspray. Since then, they have seen the company grow from nine employees to over 100, while the East Tamaki facility continued to expand with the addition of two more factories. They have continued the legacy left by Roy, producing the highest quality of workmanship in industrial coatings.

Metspray delivers quality surface preparation and protective coating services, providing long term benefits to assets in the commercial, infrastructure, civil, oil and gas, and electrical transmission industries.

Metspray’s applicators can apply a range of protective coatings, from thermal metal spray and intumescent, to specialist coatings, offering corrosion protection, abrasion or fire resistance to extend the service life of equipment operating in the harshest environments.

Steel specialists for all commercial, industrial and residential applications.

P: 09 294 6637

E: admin@atlanticengineering.co.nz

A: 37 Firth St, Drury, Auckland www.atlanticengineering.co.nz

“We have a dedicated AMPP CIP certified quality control team employing the latest QC technology, to assure compliance of the projects we deliver,” Chris says.

“The quality of our workmanship alongside the performance of the coatings we apply ensures robust protection of assets and maximises return on investment.

“Not long after we started our Metspray dedicated Site Team, we were approached by the main contractor for the Alexandra Park Apartments development. Issues had arisen with the protective coatings to the structural steel on Building A, performed by a previous applicator, and they approached us to remediate their work.

“This was a key growth project for Metspray, allowing us to demonstrate our capabilities in site-applied surface preparation and protective coatings,” explains Chris.

“With our Site Team and full mobile plant, Metspray provided removal and re-application of the coating system to bring it up to the current requirements.”

The team abrasive blasted all the steel, before reapplying the primer, intumescent and topcoats at the build site. “This project posed unique challenges for Metspray, which we were able to overcome by developing and implementing ground-breaking techniques and processes outside of normal coating industry practices, achieving excellent results.

“The Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal was one of the first projects where Metspray demonstrated their capabilities as an end-to-end service provider, delivering both factory-based and onsite abrasion and protective coating services, to meet the deliverables required by Auckland Transport.”

Cutting-edge processes were employed on multiple fronts, not only to ensure coating performance, but from a logistics standpoint. This was a critical infrastructure project that would be exposed to harsh environmental factors in situ – so contained, atmospheric control was essential during surface preparation and coating, to meet compliance.

This involved working in an expansive, custom-built doubleskinned shelter. Metspray developed the environmental controls and processes necessary within the shelter to maintain and exceed specifications.

Metspray abrasive blasted and coated six pontoons and three gangways for the Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal upgrade, including internal cavities, external surfaces, walkways and substructures, both for immersion and above sea level.

The steelwork was pre-blasted and a holding primer applied, to assist in the extended fabrication time. They were then transported to the client’s shelter where humidity, temperature and particulate count were maintained precisely.

Once coated and approved by third-party inspectors, the pontoons were lowered into the water by crane and floated from Whangarei to the Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal for installation.

The primary challenges for Metspray since Chris and Kim took over have been around growth. “When we took over Metspray in 2014, there were seven staff based at our factory, and our admin systems were all paper-based.

“We have grown to 108 staff (factory and site based) in 9 years, in a buoyant employment market where finding the appropriately skilled staff was incredibly challenging.

“We overcame this through inventive recruitment methods within New Zealand and have gone offshore for industry specialists. We have updated all our systems to the latest software and developed our own ERP/CRM software solution,” Chris says.

For the first four years, the scope of their work was mainly factory-based projects, comprised of smaller one-off and mid-range projects. They identified the benefits of being an end-to-end solutions provider so at the beginning of 2018, they implemented a site-based team, applying their core philosophies of quality and service delivery.

“The site market for our industry posed unique challenges compared to what we’d encountered in the factory

The quality of our workmanship alongside the performance of the coatings we apply ensures protection of assets and maximises return on investment.

environment. We had to adapt our wellestablished methodologies to suit everchanging application environments over multiple remote sites,” Chris says. They started with just one team of four and from these small beginnings their Site Team has grown into a thriving division of their business, now supporting 50 staff.

With this almost exponential rate of growth, staying ahead of processes and procedures has proved challenging, but also rewarding to see the business now structured into a robust and sustainable organisation, with Metspray positioned as an industryleader in delivering the highest quality of workmanship and customer satisfaction.

“We have some exciting projects coming up in both the aviation and marine industries, but we can’t talk much about those at the moment.

“Our work on the New Zealand International Convention Centre is both a key success and an exciting project we are working on into the future, with completion planned for March 2024.

“This is the largest structural protective and intumescent coatings project in the Southern Hemisphere in decades, and Metspray is delivering 90 percent of it, with our competitors responsible for the remaining 10 percent,” Chris says.

Since the beginning of 2021, their Site Team has been providing a custom, fit for purpose solution to reinstate all damaged coatings to the structural steel in the NZICC building. The project consists of over 120,000sqm of structural steel that is meticulously tracked and traced to ensure the building is brought into compliance.

History. Service. Innovation. Metspray

Each work front is encapsulated, with a ventilation plan to ensure existing coatings are removed and reinstated within specified environmental conditions. Metspray developed its own QA documentation system for this purpose, which is now available to all their clients.

Metspray 9 Neales Road East Tamaki, Auckland (09) 274 5488 customerservice@metspray.co.nz www.metspray.co.nz

NZ concrete industry launches 2050 roadmap to net zero carbon

Aotearoa New Zealand’s concrete industry has launched its roadmap to net zero carbon by 2050.

Concrete New Zealand (NZ) chief executive, Rob Gaimster, says the publication of the roadmap is a pivotal moment for the concrete industry and the country’s built environment.

“We must provide adaptive solutions that address and help ease the impacts of climate change in a country that is also at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes,” Rob says.

“As well as contributing to our nation’s resilience, the concrete industry is committed to being part of efforts to mitigate climate change.

“This roadmap represents a collective effort, combining the expertise, ingenuity, and commitment of the concrete industry and wider construction sector, to meeting our environmental responsibilities.

“It builds on global cement and concrete industry progress to achieve net zero carbon emissions which had been recognised by the United Nations.”

Barbara Nebel, chief executive of thinkstepanz, leading sustainability consultants responsible for developing the roadmap, applauds the concrete industry for its efforts.

“We have run a rigorous rule over the proposed strategies, so we could develop the roadmap as a realistic and achievable pathway forward,” Barbara says.

“In fact, the industry has already started its decarbonisation journey, with an 11 percent reduction in CO2 emissions achieved between 2005 and 2018, even though ready mixed concrete use increased significantly during that time.

“Based on this roadmap, New Zealand’s concrete industry can achieve a 44 percent decrease from 2020 levels by 2030, and ultimately net zero carbon by 2050.”

The roadmap was funded by Concrete NZ, MBIE’s (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) Building Innovation Partnership (administered through the University of Canterbury), and BRANZ through the Building Research Levy.

Strategies to help the industry reach its 2050 net zero carbon target include:

• Increasing the use of waste as alternative fuels and raw materials to make cement clinker

• Partial replacement of cement with low carbon recycled or natural materials

• Efficiencies in concrete production

• Further decarbonising New Zealand’s electricity grid and supply chains

• Design and construction optimisation

• Carbon uptake, which sees exposed concrete absorb CO2

• Capturing remaining CO2.

Fletcher Concrete chief executive, Nick Traber, believes the roadmap reflects the genuine direction of companies such as his.

“We are playing a key role in reducing emissions right from using alternative fuels and raw materials in cement manufacturing, to our low carbon supply chain and low carbon binder technology developed at Fletcher Building’s new research lab focused on sustainable concrete solutions.”

Chief executive officer of Holcim Australia and New Zealand, George Agriogiannis, feels that industry is walking the talk outlined

in the roadmap after having invested significantly in researching and producing new lower-carbon products.

“We have also constructed a new low-carbon cement replacement facility at the Ports of Auckland,” George says.

“At peak operation the site is expected to enable replacement of just under 100,000 tonnes of Ordinary Portland Cement, which will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Annually, this is the equivalent of removing approximately 78,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.”

Concrete NZ

Level 7 Panama House

22 Panama Street

Wellington (04) 499 8820 admin@concretenz.org.nz

www.concretenz.org.nz

From left: Nick Traber (Fletcher Building, Chief Executive Concrete), Barbara Nebel (thinkstep-anz, Chief Executive), Rob Gaimster (Concrete NZ, Chief Executive), Hon James Shaw (Minister for Climate Change), George Agriogiannis (Holcim Australia & New Zealand, Chief Executive) and Jennifer Taylor (Construction Sector Accord, Transformation Lead - Environment).

Reusable formwork a better way to build concrete structures

imported plywood from one-off timber shutters. A better option is to hire reusable formwork shutters, and pour your concrete in situ.

When the construction team has finished, the panels are returned to FormShore for cleaning and delivery to the next project. The AluFix formface can be reused up to 1500 times and is recycled at the end of its life. A new formface is then dropped into the frame. Reusable formwork not only saves money, but also helps with reducing the environmental impact of construction.

Hiring a quality formwork system improves productivity and saves you money. FormShore's well designed modular systems are light, fast and simple to use, freeing up skilled carpenters .

While there is a lot of good work going on to find less carbon intensive ways of producing concrete, there are also ways of installing concrete that can reduce its environmental impact. One of these ways is reusable formwork.

New Zealand builders have often relied on precast panels or built their own shutters from plywood and timber. Both methods have drawbacks in terms of time, cost and waste. Consider the additional transport and cranage associated with delivering and installing precast panels, and the wastage of treated timber and

The thing the New Zealand market has been missing is a lightweight, durable and reusable formwork system. In 2020 FormShore introduced AluFix. These panels are easy to install by hand and builders are saving money on labour, crane hire and materials by pouring their own concrete. FormShore supplies reusable formwork solutions for foundations, retaining walls, columns, beams and suspended slabs. Each job is delivered with construction drawings which ensure that the correct amount of bracing and support is also provided.

FormShore partners with two leading international suppliers to bring you the best available modular and conventional formwork systems. The formwork is modern, clean, lightweight and easy to use.

We will provide a full design and engineering service and our installation plans are clear and easy to follow. FormShore focuses on delivering craneindependent systems where practicable.

FormShore panels have been used on major commercial and infrastructure projects throughout the country. The overwhelming feedback is that the light weight and simple system with fewer components makes them a pleasure to use.

FormShore is also part of the NZS Group with a national network of scaffolding companies. We are happy to discuss the provision of formwork, propping and scaffolding as an integrated package with a single point of contact.

FormShore supplies a full range of formwork, panel propping and shoreloading equipment. Call the team on 0508 367 674. We have branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and will deliver equipment anywhere in the country.

As we all look for ways to build more sustainably, concrete has come under the microscope due to the high carbon cost associated with the production of cement. The reality is that every construction site requires concrete in one form or another because of its durability and strength.

FormShore's well designed modular systems are light, fast and simple to use, freeing up skilled carpenters.

New from MAX® – The RB611T TwinTier™ Rebar Tying Tool – Now with

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 new 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery will complete approximately 5,000 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). Its

5.0Ah Batteries

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.

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.

RB611T

6th Generation

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, 5000 ties per charge, with the MAX® 60 minute fast charger. The MAX® RB611T TwinTier™ Re-bar-tier is lightweight, with a compact body.

New 5.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries.

Made in Japan.

• Precast Concrete Products

• Building Foundations

• Road & Bridge Construction

• Floors & Walls

Battery operated re-bar-tying tool for: For a demo, contact sales@sifco.co.nz

• Retaining Walls

• Swimming Pool Walls

www.sifco.co.nz

Celebrating 20 Years of Pumping Prowess

Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd (CPENZ) is proud to celebrate its twentieth year as the leading provider of concrete pumping equipment and spare parts for New Zealand. It’s been quite a journey!

The business was formed in 2003 due to a shortage of spare parts and machinery unable to be sourced locally. In time, CPENZ transitioned from a concrete pumping service to an independent concrete pump and spare parts distributor. 20 years on and CPENZ have delivered over 250 concrete pumping related machines across New Zealand’s construction industry, including placing, spraying, conveying, and mixing machines.

Over the past 20 years CPENZ has built a strong network of relationships. Some of these key agencies and their machines include Putzmeister for concrete and mortar machinery, SANY concrete machinery, Aliva Shotcrete equipment, and Baron epoxy mixers and conveyors. CPENZ also works with other leading industry manufacturers such as Continental concrete hoses and Inotec plaster and grout machines.

New Zealand is a small country where reputation, knowledge, and integrity take precedent. Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd appreciate this. CPENZ pride themselves on providing the best sales, service, and support, striving to keep their name as the best in the business.

CPENZ employees collaborate to form a melting pot of expertise from several industries – concrete pumping, ready mix, automotive, hydraulic, sales – you name it. CPENZ’ family-based business philosophy has never wavered. The CPENZ team may be small, but it is strong, focused, and ready to tackle any challenge it may face.

Putzmeister sole agent for 20 years

Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd are proud to have represented Putzmeister in New Zealand for 20 years.

A member of the SANY Group, Putzmeister has long been the preferred choice for construction related concrete pumping equipment. CPENZ and Putzmeister work as a collective to develop, produce, sell, and serve customers. They provide high quality, reliable machines for pumping, distributing, and placing concrete and mortar. They also can prepare, temporarily store, process, and transport these materials, which only speaks to the quality of their services.

CPENZ carries an inventory of over 25,000 spare parts at any given time. CPENZ meet urgent deadlines by placing weekly shipments all across the globe. They offer genuine OEM spare parts and accessories that you know will deliver a long-lasting, high-quality performance. That means greater savings and less downtime in the long run.

Staying up-to-date with the latest in Putzmeister machinery, technology, and maintenance has its benefits.

From improved safety and machine lifespans to lower costs and inefficiencies, CPENZ sees and adds value to Putzmeister products.

CPENZ also make the most of their network of peers, instructors, and other companies, offering shared industry knowledge.

Point of difference

CPENZ has its finger on the pulse of technological innovation. They stay constantly updated per the latest and greatest research and development.

CPENZ strive to meet the ever-demanding requirements of the changing market by continually surveying, upgrading, and outsourcing the next best tech. CPENZ have the ability to customize their equipment to the exact needs of the customer. They provide effective, long-term, simple solutions to complex problems thanks to their hardy and versatile machines.

CPENZ are active and effective in their partnering with clients on projects, helping

them to deliver on their promises without fail. CPENZ have access to a vast range of expertise, pulling from their close-knit network of partners from around the world.

Looking into the future

Supported by SANY, Putzmeister have been successfully working to reduce carbon emissions within the international concrete industry. Putzmeister was the first manufacturer in the world to launch a zeroemission concrete pump with the iONTRON Hybrid – a game-changing innovation.

Now joining the list of electric vehicle options is the iONTRON E-Mixer, a readymix truck and mixer combination. The iONTRON E-Mixer is 100% electric and is ideal for inner city, urban deliveries. It’s the next generation of world-class machinery.

Thank you

Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd wishes to thank all of their loyal customers who have supported them since their conception. They offer a massive thanks to all those who have remained loyal to them and the brands that they represent.

CPENZ intends to remain focused by keeping their promises and delivering above and beyond their customers’ expectations. The future looks bright for CPENZ, and it's only getting better.

For more information, visit CPENZ’ website: cpenz.co.nz. Contact the team at 06 368 4044 or email them via their website. Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd operate 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday from 47 South Road, Levin.

We offer a superior level of support with experienced technicians locally & worldwide. Plus, a range of training programs tailored to our customers' needs.

New Zealand’s leading supplier of concrete pumping equipment & spare parts

Grout Pumps

Logbooks & Safety Sticker Kits

Highlighting risks when pumping concrete

Serious health and safety risks are prevalent with concrete pumping equipment failures, including the failure of delivery systems and components.

There have been multiple incidents across New Zealand and Australia where concrete pumping equipment has failed under pressure resulting in serious harm from the uncontrolled release of pressurised concrete.

How does it happen?

When blockages occur in the equipment, pumping pressure can exceed 85 bar. This can cause damage and failure of system components, resulting in the sudden and uncontrolled release of the pressure energy.

Blockages and failures in pumping equipment can occur due to a number of factors, such as:

• Issues with the equipment or pipeline system

• Inadaquate maintenance of equipment

• Problems with the concrete mix

• Operator error.

What can be learnt from the incidents?

The incidents highlight the dangers in using concrete pumping equipment.

PCBUs must ensure:

• That the pressure rating of the concrete pump does not exceed that of the pipeline and its components

• Equipment and components are compatible

• All equipment and components are used, inspected, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

• That each section of the delivery line is adequately supported or secured as required and that locking pins are used and suitably engaged on quick-release pipe clamps.

PCBUs must ensure that workers have received the necessary training and instruction to enable them to perform their work in a way that is safe and without risk to their health and safety. This includes training on recognising the signs of potential blockages and identifying pipe and pipeline component defects. A documented preventative maintenance and inspection regime is essential for the safe and efficient operation of concrete pumping equipment. Regular inspection and maintenance by competent persons should be undertaken to ensure that concrete pumping equipment is safe and without risks

 We have decades of experience in the fast paced concrete pumping industry.

 We have the ability to service the needs of small to medium clients and commercial customers with large pumping requirements.

 We are well placed to meet all your future Concrete Pumping needs.

to health and safety. This may include inspection and testing by an independent third party.

Components should also be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, or other identifying feature, and the maximum permissible operating pressure.

Where can you find information?

The concrete pumping health and safety guidelines provide practical advice about the safe operation and maintenance of concrete pumping equipment.

PCBUs that work together will likely share health and safety duties in relation to each other, these are known as overlapping duties

Content sourced from: www.worksafe.govt.nz

FTMA conference casts its eye to the industry’s future

The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) recently held their annual conference which FTMA member services executive, Peter Carruthers, says was very successful.

Over 200 delegates attended the conference. “Members greatly appreciated the opportunity to network and reconnect with other members after a few years of separation,” he says.

Peter says they had some excellent speakers such as Brad Olsen from Infometrics, Johann Bets from OffsiteNZ, and Amy Moorhouse and Katie Symons from MBIE, among others.

“Brad’s view is that despite the current downturn, the longer-term prospects for residential construction are still very strong and that the downturn such as it is should not be too severe or long lasting,” Peter says.

“Johann spoke about how frame and truss manufacturers might look to go further and add more value in terms of off-site construction. I believe Amy and Katie’s message is that further reforms of the building sector and the regulatory environment will continue to evolve but that MBIE is open to dialogue and consultation.”

The conference extensively discussed what the frame and truss factory can do to add more value. “The basic frame and truss set for normal residential development is a low margin business.

“The main advantage of gaining frame and truss supply is the leverage that it can provide to supply as much of the ‘balance of house’ material list – linings, flooring, windows and doors – the list is very large.

“However, more specifically, using the existing skills and infrastructure present with the frame and truss sector, can we be doing more?

Build strong fast and smart

“Examples may be complete building panels or volumetric modules, or fully built transportable dwellings. Some members are making or have made progress in this direction already but it is difficult.

“It is easy to go broke over-investing in new equipment and mis-reading the market needs. So we need to watch this space,” Peter explains.

“What are the real measurables in so-called ‘sustainability’ – can we hit a triple bottom line, better quality buildings, at lower total cost and with lower total environmental footprint.

“There are a very large number of factors that can go into such considerations so we want to be cautious about over-simplistic and greenwash statements.

“We see enough of that. However, at least a part of the solution to that puzzle is in more off-site construction in controlled factory environments so that less of the building process is subject to the vagaries of weather and physical problems on the actual building sites.

“A lot has to change in order for this to work correctly. For example, foundations and ground layouts have to be exact – and no ‘verify on site’. Dimensions, angles, off-sets et cetera of off-site constructed buildings have to be exact to the millimetre – no more ‘field adjustments’.

“A good presentation from one of the major mass wood building component suppliers showed that frame and truss definitely has a good role to play with other construction systems – wood based and non-wood.

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Fresh to New Zealand, it was important for us to offer TJEP users after-sales support. With Steel & Tube’s distribution network, you can order the TJEP range and consumables right across the country, and servicing can be arranged at many of them.

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“So, we need to be flexible and open to working with other technologies to deliver overall better building systems.”

Peter says one conference session that was received well according to member responses was a Knowledge Cafe where, for 90 minutes, attendees could freely circulate among different tables each hosted by a subject expert to discuss their individual business needs.

He says that often an owner / manager will be so preoccupied dealing with the day-today pressures of running a business that they don’t get to consider some of

the more holistic issues – directors’ liability, succession planning, HR planning and retaining good staff, how to develop resilience and adaptability in their businesses.

“Seeing new technology and offerings from the suppliers is very important.

“The productivity gains with automation and labour saving possible with the modern computer controlled equipment is very significant.

“In fact, it will be necessary for manufacturers to further invest in new technology as a strategy against labour and skill shortages,” Peter says.

Peter says the industry is looking ahead and knows they need to attract and retain younger and talented people.

“There are a lot of projections and forecasts but keeping a close eye on the market, listening to customers and dealing with the reality as it presents itself is what we need to do.”

Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association of New Zealand 021 912 977

Member.services@ftma.co.nz www.ftma.co.nz

Akarana Timbers has gained a reputation as one of NZ’s top manufacturers of timber Prenail frames and trusses. As members of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA), you can be assured we have the industry qualifications and audited practices to produce high-quality frames and trusses in NZ for your project.

We cover Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the South Island.

To contact us visit our website www.akaranatimbers.co.nz or call 0508 AKARANA

The productivity gains with automation and labour saving possible with the modern computer controlled equipment is very significant. In fact, it will be necessary for manufacturers to further invest in new technology as a strategy against labour and skill shortages.

Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association

2.440, 2.745 & 3.050m lengths

Automation

The job creator (not the job taker)

In recent years the backlash on automated systems for ‘taking our jobs’ has been indiscriminate and, in most cases, completely unfounded. Employers requiring positions like cashier and cleaner have come under fire by resorting to robotics driven processes to help pick up the slack in a worsening labour market. The ones pointing the fingers are, in every case, never the affected employees themselves. This is due to a simple fact: no one has ever wanted to be paid minimum wage to scrub floors.

One of the main concerns I face when working with operators and floor supervisors of frame and truss plants around Australia and New Zealand, is the concern around job security once automation solutions have been installed. Our support engineers have been yelled at, threatened and been a shoulder to cry on in a worrisome moment, all seemingly common reactions to the introduction of automated processes. It is challenging to consider that a non-feeling, expressionless machine could replace a person – but as yet, we’ve never seen any of Vekta’s machinery actually put someone out of a job. In fact, the opposite is more often the truth.

An automated machine such as Vekta’s Razer V5, becomes the backbone of a truss and frame plant. In turn, the operator becomes the key person in the fabrication process, and they thrive! Their understanding of the machinery and ability to control production often results in the operators moving from strength to strength within the business.

I’ve seen many examples where operators have grown to step into leading and management positions. By embracing the automation that they previously feared, they become an invaluable resource and build skills in many areas- who wouldn’t want that for their team?

Removing the labour market gap is not the sole reason truss and frame plants automate. The main purpose-growth.

Continuously adding pull saws does not eliminate the production bottleneck, not to mention the valuable floor space it can take up and the time spent training and retaining new operators and support staff. Instead, truss and frame plants are achieving growth by investing in market proven solutions-specifically the Vekta Razer V5 and Vekta’s material handling solutions. Vekta’s team provides local

support and with their experience and expertise, giving operators and valuable staff a chance to up-skill and in turn add more worth to the business. The secondary purpose of automation-make life easier and safer. A bold statement, but yes, it can be done. Lifting timber and pushing carts are dangerous and labour intensive, so why do it when you could have a push button and control the process. With the Vekta StackPro Truss and Frame, and Delivery Systems the need for staff to lift timber and push carts is eliminated. By taking on automation processes you don’t devalue your labour or your employees, you actually build its worth. Your team is upskilled, productivity and efficiency are increased, injuries and waste are reduced. The final result is a more profitable business.

By taking ownership of this process, field staff are transforming their skill set from sawyer to operator, trainer, problem solver, scheduler… the list goes on. The only way you can miss this opportunity for growth is to let it pass you by. By thumbing your nose at robotics and automation you are proclaiming you are okay with the current status quo, you are happy to stay stagnant in your role and don’t wish any convenience or relief the modern age can offer you. Automation is not ‘taking jobs’, it is empowering people to own their role, own their position in the business and in turn, the business can grow and succeed.

Vekta’s values revolve around a customer centric model with continual innovation based on real feedback and the needs of the industry. They understand not

every piece of machinery is a good fit for every plant and are focused on the correct solution for you. Vekta is not only known throughout the world for its industry leading machinery and solutions, but also for its first-class support system. Specialised support engineers across the globe (Australia, New Zealand, USA) are there to support you and your systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to talk to Vekta about how we can help grow your business, maintain your equipment or offer consultation and training to your employees, get in touch with them today through their website: www.vekta.com.au

IS IT TIME TO AUTOMATE

VEKTA HAS THE FRAMING SOLUTIONS YOU NEED

l High Strength to Weight Ratio

l Consistency in Performance

l Dimensionally Stable

l Sustainably Managed Timber

Mid-rise wood construction

the use of New Zealand grown timber in the construction of mid-rise buildings using pre-fabrication

The New Zealand Government

The Mid-Rise Wood Construction partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries and Red Stag supports that initiative.

The partnership aims to encourage the use of New Zealand produced engineered masstimber materials - cross-laminated timber panels, glulam beams and posts, laminated veneer lumber and prefabrication - as an alternative to steel and concrete in the construction of mid-rise buildings.

The lowest carbon design option is to build sustainable, social and environmental structures with wood.

Design funding is now available for qualifying, yet-to-be-constructed buildings as part of the Mid-Rise Wood Construction partnership. Funding of $100,000 - $300,000 per project is available depending on complexity and scale.

Red Stag Investments Ltd, a company with its roots in forestry, wood processing, prefabrication and property development, has partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to deliver the $6.75 million Mid-Rise Wood Construction programme. The programme anticipates delivering economic benefits with a net present value of $155 million by 2023 and $330 million by 2036.

The programme was reset in 2020, extending its duration by 6 months and increasing the budget by $1.75 million to improve its impact.

The programme’s benefits

In addition to direct economic benefits, the programme will help deliver important industrial, social, and environmental benefits of using mass timber through its potential to:

• Substantially increase the demand for wood products in buildings in New Zealand with flow-on benefits to the forestry and processing sector

• Significantly speed up construction through off-site pre-fabrication to help meet New Zealand’s acute need for more accommodation

• Lower construction workplace injuries, construction building waste, disruption to traffic, noise and carbon dioxide emissions

• Generate regional jobs and investment in mass-timber manufacturing and pre-fabrication.

• Offer market appeal that can lift a building’s value through aesthetic, health, and other benefits.

International research and experience show that mass timber has good fire

resistance and structural integrity. It has a high strength to weight ratio, which yields high seismic performance.

The challenge

Although New Zealand has an abundant forest resource, wood is rarely used in commercial and institutional scale construction.

The use of wood has only been growing at an estimated one percent per annum in New Zealand. We are lagging in the use of mass timber in construction compared with countries like Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, the United States, Norway and the United Kingdom.

There’s potential to accelerate the construction industry’s use of wood to capture a range of benefits but we need education and innovation to do it. That is the Mid-Rise Wood Construction programme’s goal.

The solution

The Mid-Rise Wood Construction programme has three interconnected parts to help industry meet the challenge.

1. Using reference buildings

Red Stag is using a range of buildings as reference sites to help design and construction professionals build their knowledge.

The first is a luxury apartment building at Clearwater near Christchurch, which is nearing completion. Red Stag is targeting other types of buildings as well.

The programme shares some costs of redesigning early-stage building projects in mass timber so that performance can be compared with designing and building using conventional steel and concrete. It aims to encourage the use of mass timber.

2. Promoting knowledge

The programme prepares case studies of reference builds including design information, technical details, embodied carbon emission assessments, costs and lessons learned.

This information is made freely available. The programme also arranges site visits to showcase the buildings to New Zealand architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, constructors, manufacturers, council, consent authorities, and developers.

3. Growing expertise

The programme aims to help grow the pool of New Zealand professionals experienced in mid-rise wood design and construction by extending the knowledge of the broader industry.

This is being achieved through open days, seminars, conferences, and the Mid-Rise Wood Construction website.

• Programme duration: 2018 to 2023 (4 and a half years)

• PGP funding: $3.30 million

• Industry funding: $3.45 million

• Commercial partner: Red Stag Investments Ltd

• Estimated potential economic benefit to NZ: $155 million a year by 2023 and $330 million a year by 2036

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ website has more information on the Mid-Rise Wood Construction partnership, including quarterly progress updates.

For more information, visit: www.mpi. govt.nz/funding-rural-support/primarygrowth-partnerships-pgps/current-pgpprogrammes/mid-rise-wood-construction

has an international commitment to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Encouraging

Marshall Innovations wood construction screws are long tried, tested and used worldwide. These are available in different quality classes and dimensions, offering the best possible fastening solutions. The additional different thread types and screw tips offer the best solution for any application.

German engineered connectors and brackets are manufactured for use in a wide range of applications. Our Eurotec engineering team can assist with any enquiries. Contact for assistance.

Timber solutions by Techlam

Techlam came to be in 1992 via a vision from founding director Andrew Hamilton to provide the New Zealand timber market with premium timber products.

Managing director Brett Hamilton says their focus has always been on the bespoke and detailed curve, and prefabricated products. “The skillset within our team makes our products and services unique,” he says.

“Right from the beginning, the Techlam process offers more than just solutions. It builds communities and brings people together through sustainable and healthy timber structures.”

Techlam has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the market and, in the past year, has been working on a sustainable

manufacturing upgrade to enable the company to utilize more of the feedstock they source from their suppliers.

“By 2024, we will start seeing the results of that, so that’s exciting for both our team and clients,” Brett says.

The company is committed to protecting human health, natural resources and the environment.

They want their products to be good for the environment, making as little impact as possible.

That’s why they took part in an Environmental Product Declaration to help clients gain insight into the lifecycle of products and the extent of their sustainability.

This industry EPD was compiled from data from participating members of the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand.

STRONGHOLD ENJOY BEING A KEY SUPPLIER OF FASTENERS FOR TECHLAM PROJECTS.

The industries we serve:

•Construction

• Roofing Fasteners (Colorsteel - Colours)

• Manufacturers - Lean inventory reorder system available.

It covers cradle-to-gate and end of life options for kiln-dried sawn timber, kiln-dried surfaced timber, finger-jointed timber, glue laminated timber and cross laminated timber. All products are made from sustainably managed New Zealand radiata pine.

Techlam continually assesses the environmental impact of their activities and products and drive the business to reduce their impact via the establishment of appropriate controls and measures. Their wastage programme ensures all byproducts and adhesives are disposed without impact on the environment and any off-cut timber is disposed of carefully.

The company holds certification for FSC, this partnership among business, the public sector and civil society provides a unique tool for dealing with the global issues surrounding forestry.

“There are some awesome projects around New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific we have worked on that have been very successful,” Brett says.

“A collaborative approach from the beginning is what makes these projects run smoothly; where the Techlam team can share their experiences and really provide valuable input from the outset.”

Like many companies, Techlam has had their fair share of challenges in the last few years. Brett says they’ve seen struggles in all parts of the industry, from Covid lockdowns to feedstock shortages.

“But they have made the team stronger. It’s been great to see them work together to tackle these challenges head on. One of our core values is to thrive on challenges, and our team have definitely allowed that to happen,” he says.

Techlam focuses on providing excellent and honest services to their clients. Brett says premium glulam products are just a given. He says it’s the expertise and experience they can provide along with the product that makes it.

From straight laminated timber solutions for conventional and traditional buildings through to shaped, complex members to enhance architecturally designed contemporary structures - Techlam cover it all.

“We love to see timber being used more and more, and being able to provide input into these structures is what we do best.” Techlam is proud to say everything is produced in New Zealand.

They’re available locally, environmentally sustainable, strong and dimensionally stable, flexible in shapes and sizes, have excellent strength-to-weight ratio (two times that of steel), durable and low maintenance, superior fire and earthquake performance and are an aesthetically attractive building material.

With a great range of products, Techlam can cover all your glulam needs, from standard beams and posts to large scale prefabricated products. Contact the team to find out more.

Techlam

35-39 Tiro Tiro Road Levin 0800 832 452 sales@techlam.co.nz www.techlam.nz

RANZ celebrates excellence in its industry

The

Roofing Association of New Zealand recently held their annual conference featuring the very best of roofing achievements.

Held in late August, the conference dinner in Nelson hosted around 340 delegates, much to the delight of the Roofing Association.

Roofing Association of New Zealand marketing manager, Stephanie Fill, says the highlight of the night was awarding the RANZ Roofing Excellence award to Sean Harris from CS Roofing Southland.

“It’s a biennial award that is our most prestigious accolade and is a legacy award of the late Stuart Thomson, a RANZ Life Member and industry trailblazer in roofing education,” says Stephanie.

“It celebrates not only outstanding achievement in roofing skill but also in leadership and character.”

RANZ awarded the Residential Roof of the Year award to Aspect Roofing for their work in Opito Bay.

Aspect Roofing says they faced significant hurdles with the project including the pitch of the roof, the remote location and hold ups with materials. However, despite these challenges, the two-man team completed the project to an extremely high standard.

“This roof comes second to only the backdrop in terms of visual appeal, yet, in many ways, compliments it with contrasting straight lines and symmetry.

“This has been achieved through attention to detail and a well-considered set-out. It’s worth noting that this is all soft metals, not steel, and so presented challenges around the pitch and the elements,” the RANZ judges said during the conference.

The commercial roof of the year was awarded to Harkin Roofing for the Gib Factory in Tauriko.

This was a big project including 70,000 linear metres of DD630.

Harkin Roofing says they were in charge of installing the roof, cladding, gutters, downpipes and flashings. They say some of the challenges they had to manage were the plant tower which was over 20 metres above floor level.

They also had to clad behind structural stairways which meant limited access while using multiple large access machines.

The judges said the vast scale of the roof is not the primary standout of the entry.

“The complex logistics, environmental considerations and overall job management are a level above. This entry highlights that excellence in our craft involves much more than a great looking roof.”

Other awards presented at the dinner were the Young Roofer Excellence award given to Liam Williams, the Trainee of the Year award given to Darian Giles, and the Training Company of the Year award given to Edwards and Hardy, among others.

Stephanie says the dinner was delicious and the networking and ambience was warm and uplifting. She says another highlight was filling out the hotel lobby and pre-dinner drinks and canape area as well as checking out the end of the Live Roofing Battles in the courtyard.

The Live Roofing Battles ended with Harvinder Singh from Superior Waterproofing 2000 taking out Membrane Roofer of the Year. The runner up was Brendan O’Brien from JDS Roofing.

Meanwhile, Nathan Leslie from Top Notch Roofing Otago won the Metal Roofing of the Year. The runner up was Ben Clisby from Protech Roofing.

About RANZ

The Roofing Association of New Zealand has been working tirelessly since 1994 to advocate for its members and develop an industry which incorporates communication, regulation, training and much more into its high skill environment. The RANZ mission is: “Delivering a high-performing roofing industry that protects New Zealand’s most important assets”.

RANZ membership comprises over 350 businesses plus branches nationwide operating in the residential and commercial/ industrial roofing market, who employ over 2,750 roofing installers or applicators. They represent the majority of specialist professional roofing companies located nationwide involved in the supply and installation of all roof systems and services available on the New Zealand market.

One of RANZ’s most notable achievements was the development and introduction of apprenticeship training and formal roofing industry qualifications registered on the NZQA framework.

RANZ is actively engaged in overseeing the direction of industry training through the roofing industry training providers who are responsible for the registration and management of training and NZ National Certificate in Roofing qualifications. RANZ members are required to actively support training to ensure a better skilled and qualified roofing industry.

RANZ also drove the push to have proper working-at-height controls, with support from the Scaffolding, Access and Rigging Association (SARNZ) and WorkSafe.

The Best Practice Guidelines for Working on Roofs published by WorkSafe was released in 2012. Industry is a far safer place than it was in the past. Roofing projects - especially residential ones - that do not have scaffold/ edge protection are now very rare indeed.

Roofing Association of New Zealand

13 Lovell Court

North Harbour Industrial Estate Rosedale, Auckland (09) 415 0278

info@ranz.co.nz

www.ranz.co.nz

Hilary Barry speaking at the RANZ conference.

It’s a biennial award that is our most prestigious accolade and is a legacy award of the late Stuart Thomson, a RANZ Life Member and industry trailblazer in roofing education.

AT YOUR PLACE OR OURS.

A B O U T U S

N a t i o n w i d e T r a i n i n g

1 0 0 + C o u r s e s

N Z Q A A c c r e d i t e d

2 5 + Y e a r s i n t h e

I n d u s t r y

O U R C O U R S E S

W o r k p l a c e H e a l t h & S a f e t y

R i s k A s s e s s m e n t ( a l s o a v a i l a b l e v i a

e - l e a r n i n g )

H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y R e p r e s e n t a t i v e

W o r k i n g a t H e i g h t s ( B a s i c & A d v a n c e d )

H e i g h t S a f e t y & P P E I n s p e c t i o n

A n d M o r e . . .

INTAKS NZ

Whether you are a commercial or residential business, INTAKS NZ’s lightweight scaffolding and edge protection is designed to work for you.

The scaffolding and edge protection systems help improve building productivity dramatically, a win for tradies. Both systems are thoughtfully designed to ensure installation and dismantling is a breeze, which is a win for our clients.

General Manager of INTAKS , Joel Warren says, “One of our main focuses is on people who want to start a scaffolding and edge protection business.

“We have customers who have been with us since the very early years, who we continue to support the whole way along”.

Our model is based on providing support and advice to business entrepreneurs wanting to start in the scaffolding and edge protection market.

“Everyone knows straight away when they see our system installed, either in our training facility or on a building site that INTAKS is easily the best system on the market but what most people don’t realise is that we believe our biggest strength is our support and training, which is unparalleled in New Zealand.”

Joel says, “The industry is huge with work out there for all levels in the market and

with our support and training we can help both experienced scaffolding businesses and new clients who have never had any experience in the industry.

“There is also a gap in the edge protection market where people still need to better understand regulations and guidance for what to look out for. There is movement in the industry to get this information out there which will then help stop uncompliant systems from being used and creates massive opportunities for our clients in this niche.

INTAKS works closely with both new and established customers to support to support their businesses regarding the INAKS scaffolding and edge protection training. Our commitment to this is demonstrated with our amazing indoor training facility and full time Training Manager, Gary Tavey.

Gary says he is available to travel and work in with their customers' needs or have them come to our training facility in Tauranga where training can be given in a safe and controlled environment.

“We want our customers to know we are always there for them.

“The training is very adaptable, and Gary will be there to support new customers in their journey,” Joel says.

INTAKS' professional expertise and innovative ideas means your business will run smoothly, while also having the team there to support you.

If you are a new business and want to reach out, make sure to visit their website at intaks.co.nz or give them a call on 0800 468 257 for more information.

22 Porutu Place Tauriko Tauranga 3110 0800 468 257 info@intaks.co.nz Intaks.co.nz

Everyone knows straight away when they see our system installed, either in our training facility or on a building site that INTAKS is the easily the best system on the market but what most people don’t realise is that we believe our biggest strength is our support and training, which is unparalleled in New Zealand.

TACKLE YOUR PROJECT WITH THE WINNING TEAM

RoofingSmiths® are the team to back. Independently owned and operated, when it comes to Dimond® Roofing’s range of premium roofing and cladding solutions, RoofingSmiths® are the expert installers of choice. ROOFINGSMITHS.CO.NZ

Photography credit: Dennis Radermacher

Harkin Roofing wins RANZ Commercial Roof of the Year award

Located in Tauranga, brother and sister Brad and Deborah Harkin took over the family business called Harkin Roofing which was previously owned by their parents.

In July 2021, the Harkin Roofing team had the privilege of starting the gib factory project in Tauriko in Tauranga. The entire project took a total of two years finishing in July 2023, with 20 workers helping to complete the job.

100 million dollars worth of machinery for the gib factory was installed during the time of the project, as the whole build was driven around installing the Gyptech system. This meant that the building works were done in a challenging order, as the team had to lay one roof and then switch over to a different area across the site due to that area being the next priority.

The roof of the main structure of the gib factory spanned 70,000 linear metres composed of DD630 material.

For this building Harkin Roofing was put in charge of installing the roof, cladding, gutters, downpipes and flashing.

The DD630 was manufactured on site, and at times they ran it straight on to the roof using

a container that was held up at roof height by crane.

The Gypsum storage facility featured a 32 degree roof spanning 12,500 linear metres, constructed by using DD630 materials. Within this structure there are hundreds of mechanical and service pipe penetrations through the roof and walls. Most of them are large in diameter which require custommade welded upstand flashings as well as large back trays to the ridge.

Installing the roof on this building was proven difficult for some workers due to being under the intense summer heat. Weather conditions also played a crucial role. With excessive wind potentially stopping the building progress, even the slightest dampness made the surface too slippery to work on.

However, the team showcased their hard work, by diligently working day in and day out to complete the roofing.

The roofing of the plant tower posed numerous obstacles that were in high demand of the workers' attention, mainly due to its elevation of 20 metres above the floor.

The team had to clad areas behind the structural staircases, therefore it restricted access to the workers while using multiple sizable access machines. A scaffold system was crucial to reach the upper back of the plant tower over the roof.

Harkin Roofing also installed 150 millimetres of thick Kingspan insulation Coolstore panels from the first level of the plant tower up until the fifth level.

The insulation was installed to close off the inside of the plant tower from the rest of the warehouse. This needed to be put in place after the Gyptech roofing and piping was installed.

As it was such a large site there were over one hundred workers on site at times and all contractors had to operate in different exclusion zones. This made the site feel like a maze with all the different contractors in operation.

The battle of Covid restrictions was also a big challenge as there were vaccine mandates and a lockdown. Effective communication and extensive planning ensured the secure and timely completion of the project, however.

Two years after starting the project and battling through many obstacles, Harkin Roofing entered the Roofing Awards held by the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) and won the Commercial Roof of the Year 2023 with this massive project.

Project in progress.

Gib Factory project finished.

Workers on the roof.

Congratulations to Harkin Roofing on their recent win for Commercial Roof of the Year at the RANZ Roofing Awards 2023!

Sharp Tudhope Lawyers have in business in Tauranga for 127 years and have been working alongside Harkin Roofing for over 40 years, since its inception in 1979. Over that time, Harkin Roofing has grown from a “one-man band” to the successful, family run business that it is today, employing over 50 staff and contributing to the development of the Tauranga region.

Sharp Tudhope Lawyers congratulate Deborah, Brad, Rex and the team at Harkin Roofing on their success – we are so proud to be alongside for the ride!

The apex of innovation.

Dimond® Roofing. Work Smarter dimond.co.nz

Researchers test ‘cool roofs’ in climate hot spots

As the world warms up, scientists are rigorously testing ‘cool roofs’, as a passive cooling system that could reduce the harms associated with heat stress.

Led by Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, the trial involves painting an affordable, non-toxic solution on roofs that reflects some of the sun’s hottest rays, reducing the temperature inside.The trial will take place in Niue, Mexico, India and Burkina Faso, countries that are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health impacts.

“We've selected four sites that are representative of climate hotspots around the world and put together a really great

team of scientists, industry and institutional collaborators to conduct this research,” says co-lead researcher Dr Aditi Bunker from the University of Auckland’s Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health, and Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University.Heat exposure is associated with adverse health outcomes from dehydration and heat stroke to cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, as well as mental health.

“There’s plenty of evidence showing excess heat exposure affects health adversely, but we don’t know how we can adapt,” Dr Bunker says.

“So, we want to show, using the most rigorous scientific methods possible, how energy-saving

interventions such as cool roofs play out and how they affect health.”

Cool roof use could not only improve wellbeing, but boost productivity and lower carbon emissions. “By conducting this study, we can provide governments, donors and policymakers with information on exactly what benefits they can expect to see with cool roof use,” Dr Bunker says.The University of Auckland team will work most closely with Niue. “The climate crisis will lead to increased air temperatures in Niue, plus sea level rise, with major impacts on people’s lives and livelihoods, including their health and wellbeing, sleep patterns and productivity,” says Associate Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa.

“This study will help us understand the impact of reducing heat in people’s homes on their health and wellbeing,” he says.Researchers plan to start by talking to community leaders about the acceptability of cool roof technology and how best to roll it out. “We want to employ local staff to implement cool roofs

and empower the local population to take ownership and drive this project,” Dr Bunker says.

The aim is for equal numbers of houses to be randomised to receive either cool or conventional roof coatings. Smart devices will be issued to residents to measure their sleep, heart rate and activity. Surveys will capture objective and subjective outcomes. “We'll be able to see how cool roof use affects health parameters and also look at environmental outcomes – how do cool roofs reduce energy use and carbon emissions? Then, we'll be looking at economic outcomes and cost-effectiveness too,” Dr Bunker says.

The trial has just received a critical boost with the announcement of a share of £17.5 million (NZ$36.6m) from the charity, Wellcome. The funding will be distributed among nine projects globally, all testing adaptations with the potential to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Aspect Roofing wins RANZ Residential Roof of the Year award

By June Pfister

Aspect

Aspect Roofing has a cultivated strong relationship with builders, development companies, and top roofing suppliers.

But the crew at Aspect are incredibly lucky and grateful that they are a tight knit highly talented team of professional staff, many of whom have been with the business since the beginning.

Now their business has over 20 crews, seven project managers, and a large team of pricing and admin staff.

This speaks volumes about the positive working environment at Aspect, and the whole team strives to share that with their clients.

One project that Aspect Roofing is proud of, is their RANZ Residential Roof of the Year 2023 award project.

Aspect Roofing were really fortunate on this project to have an amazing client along with them for the ride, Paul Sayers of Sayers Construction.

Aspect Roofing specialise in all sorts

long run roofing, from classic corrugate to modern architectural tray.

Aspect Roofing aims to provide an exceptional level of customer service on all projects from start to finish and a big part of that is ensuring their workmanship is at its highest quality, with no detail spared.

The team won the award at the Roofing Awards this year in 2023, with their Skippers Road project which is located in Optio Bay and was run by project manager Sam Knowles.

Given the industry climate at the time, the remote location and the materials they were working with, there really was no room for error on the project.

The team effort by ColorCote and Flashing, Folding and Capping (FFC) to ensure Aspect’s installer, Joe Miller from MetalPro Roofing & Cladding, had a smooth run was truly remarkable.

The finished product on Skippers Road proves that the skills of the installers have an unwavering attention to the finer detail. The extraordinary project on Skippers Road in Optio Bay is a real jewel within the business, Aspect Roofing are incredibly proud of the work they have done and are thrilled to receive this award as recognition of the effort they put into crafting such a stunning roof.

The project started right in the thick of Covid, and post lockdown meant there were supply shortages within the entire industry. At that time, it was difficult for any business to access even the most common colours and coatings for roofing, as well as aluminium running out New Zealand wide. For this award-winning project the crew working, required a little over 900 metres of ColorCote Alumigard in Storm Blue, which is something that is already a rare product. With supply shortages, widespread delays on products and businesses battling through covid restrictions, it really was a tough time for the entire industry.

Aspect Roofing

190 Marua Road Mt Wellington Auckland 0800 958 620 info@aspectroofing.co.nz www.aspectroofing.co.nz

Optio Bay project

Aspect Roofing has a cultivated strong relationship with builders, development companies, and top roofing suppliers.

Inspiring the next roofing generation

Based in the deep south, Marshall Industries Invercargill and Roofcraft Industries Gore are pioneers in roofing, manufacturing, sheet metal and light engineering.

Established in Invercargill in 1936 by Owen Marshall, the family-owned company has spent over eight decades serving the local Southland community in all of their roofing and sheet metal needs.

Founding father Owen Marshall was a skilled pioneer of the roofing industry. Owen produced some of the first long run roofing steel in New Zealand, manufactured on a machine that he built from scratch. It was fittingly named Pioneer Steel.

It was this innovative attitude of Owen’s that set the company in good stead for a solid future within the roofing industry, one that sees Marshall Industries Invercargill and Roofcraft Industries Gore thriving today.

One of the integral components to the company’s success and longevity is a focus on training apprentices, says Roofcraft Industries manager Jason Harvey.

The company have training apprentices within many of their installation teams, both on site and in the factory.

Many of the company’s apprentices come straight out of school. Many come through the Gateway programme which gives senior students access to structured workplace learning through hands-on vocational pathways.

“This means liaising with local high schools on a regular basis to identify potential candidates,” says Jason. “We currently have

nine roofing apprentices and one sheet metal apprentice across the two branches, with more to be signed up soon.”

The company’s commitment to nurturing talent often sees its apprentices go on to become foremen or subcontractors. In fact, one former apprentice, George Wishart, is now Marshall Industries’ operations manager, with another going on to become branch manager at Roofcraft Industries. Jason says that “Being a small company, it is not uncommon for the employees to learn a multitude of skills outside their chosen trade.

“This can be everything from light building work to site measuring and quoting to truck driving.”

A testament to the quality and depth of the training provided, the company recently enjoyed success at the Roofing Association New Zealand (RANZ) Conference Awards.

One of the company’s third year apprentices took home the New Zealand Trainee of the Year award, speaking to this unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation.

“This was great recognition for our small family-owned company that has always prided itself on bringing through the next generation of roofers, sheet metal workers and engineers,” says Jason.

Roofcraft

23 Ashton Street Gore (03) 208 5561 www.marshalls.co.nz

Comprehensive fire protection systems

As one of the largest fire protection companies in New Zealand, South Pacific Fire Protection Group (SPFP) delivers the best value solutions for every customer’s needs.

The company is a New Zealand owned and operated National Group. SPFP managing director, Rod Marvin, says the company designs, builds and maintains fire protection systems throughout the country.

SPFP has the largest team of in-house fire system designers and Rod says their business model is to have experienced operations and service managers based locally to run their operations. “We have a central team of designers, estimators, accounts and administration supporting our local operations,” he says.

Over the last few years, SPFP has extended its scope of services to all fire protection services, including design and installation of fire sprinklers and alarms systems, as well as testing, maintenance and building warrant of fitness.

Rod says one of the key successes SPFP has experienced is geographic expansions throughout New Zealand and the growth of service operations.

“We also won the Deloitte Fast50 Growth Award in 2018,” he says. SPFP is looking forward to further expansions of their service operations and undertaking installation of fire protection systems on some of New Zealand’s largest construction projects.

SPFP is employee owned and Rod is a major shareholder. This means everyone within the company is dedicated to the vision of being the go-to team for fire protection across the country.

The company has a large range of services spanning across the design and build sector to the testing and maintenance sector.

SPFP management and staff are committed to providing their customers with products and services from a quality-based philosophy whereby the company competes nationally, completing consistently high-quality installations on time and at the agreed price.

SPFP continues to employ the best and most cost-effective methods and technology in its endeavours to remain at

the forefront of those engaged in the designs, installation, maintenance and repair of fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems for industrial, commercial and domestic customers. They employ competent staff and subcontractors whilst maintaining and improving their skills and performance. They provide training opportunities and encourage employees to take an intelligent interest in the running of the company so they understand the imperatives of quality assurance in the fire protection industry with the very real risk of loss of life and property should quality procedures slip.

The company’s objective there is that all staff should be aware of the need for the greatest vigilance when working on fire protection systems and should be totally committed

to the quality philosophy so as to reduce the risk of system failure and/or loss of life.

To achieve this, SPFP has a strict observance of good trade practice at all times, maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and preserve their quality management system, making sure it always complies with ISO 9001 and with the requirements of their customers as transmitted to them in writing or word of mouth, while always looking at ways to continually improve the effectiveness of their quality management system.

The service team manages a large portfolio of buildings across New Zealand. The range of service depends on the fire systems installed in those buildings and includes service, testing and certification of fire pumps, detectors, alarms, sprinklers, fire lights and fire doors.

SPFP provides an Independently Qualified Person (IQP) sign off and 12A certificates that ensures the fire system portion of the building warrant of fitness is completed for the building owners’ legal compliance requirements. Additional services provided by SPFP include trial evacuation supervision, evacuation scheme creations and consent applications as required. The service team also provides a 24/7 callout response in the event that any customer’s fire system activates.

With locations in Auckland, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill, you can visit SPFP at any time you need their expert services. The company easily covers all disciplines of fire prevention and detection. For the very best in fire protection, from design and build to testing and maintenance, get in touch with the friendly team today.

South Pacific Fire Protection Group

3A Olive Road

Penrose, Auckland 0800 434 883

enquires@southpacificfire.co.nz

www.southpacificfire.co.nz

A fire system South Pacific Fire Group completed for New World Wanaka.

SARNZ announces MoU with the Working at Height Association (WAHA)

SARNZ has entered into collaboration with the Working at Height Association (WAHA), the national body representing the working at height industry in New Zealand.

SARNZ and WAHA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that solidifies their commitment to enhancing workplace safety and empowering workers to make informed decisions while working at heights.

The partnership aims to support various activities and education opportunities that promote safety in the industry.

WAHA CEO Scott Barber said, “The opportunity to collaborate with professional organisations ensures that the WAHA mission is relevant to those affected by working at height and that our activities align with the broader objectives of education and empowerment.

“Ultimately we are here to ensure people go home safely to their families at the end of the day, and working with respected and established bodies like SARNZ helps us both connect with those stakeholders around safety, and make the scaffolding and rigging community a safer one in which to work.”

One of the key aspects of this collaboration is the exchange of expertise between WAHA and SARNZ.

The two orgainsations will work closely together in the professional development of the industry and provide guidance to each other in designing content and technical materials that impact key stakeholders.

By combining their knowledge and resources, they can create effective training programs, seminars, workshops, and other initiatives that address the specific needs of the industry.

As part of this agreement, SARNZ and WAHA will engage in joint activities such as needs assessment advisory undertakings, qualifications development, and professional leadership development.

These endeavors will enable them to shape the industry’s future, ensuring that safety remains a top priority and

that the organisations’ members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their work safely and efficiently.

SARNZ CEO Tina Wieczorek says, “This Memorandum of Understanding with WAHA marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of safety within the scaffolding and rigging industry.

“By joining forces with WAHA, we are strengthening our collective ability to enhance safety practices and provide our

members with invaluable education and support. Together, we will work towards our shared goals of keeping our industry safe and improving resilience.”

Both SARNZ and WAHA are not-for-profit professional bodies with a long-standing commitment to promoting safety in the workplace and elevating competency levels. SARNZ is dedicated to improving the industry – focusing on health and safety, fit-for-purpose regulations, and raising quality and adherence to best practice.

Ensuring best practice for working at heights

SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand) has been supporting businesses in scaffolding, access, and rigging since 1994.

The organisation directs, educates and leads members in best practice for working at heights. Every residential, commercial or even industrial project needs scaffolding for other industries like builders and roofers to be able to do their part.

You need scaffold that is safe, with a company behind it that knows and follows best practice for quality and safety.

SARNZ works closely with agencies like WorkSafe, MBIE, and CHASNZ to ensure that the voices of our industry are heard, and that regulations are practical and fit for purpose. Members receive regular communication and updates, events and meet-ups to ensure that they are familiar with best practice and changes in the industry.

With recent changes to training in the scaffolding and rigging industry, SARNZ has been instrumental in coordinating with industry leaders about the transition and what it means for apprentices.

SARNZ has worked diligently to provide better guidance around the use and disposal of shrinkwrap, joined forces with CHASNZ to reduce sprains and strains in the industry, promotes the industry to encourage more women in trades, and works to highlight the importance of understanding and acknowledging mental health in the industry.

Hiring a SARNZ member means hiring someone that has the support and network of an association committed to quality and safety in the industry.

Choosing a SARNZ member is a smart choice because they have the organisation’s support for a range of business concerns, industry concerns, and connections to a range of services that minimises risks during projects.

Members have access to discounts on insurance and technology solutions through our partners, adding another

level of security to your project. Companies that join as members of SARNZ are committed to demonstrating the values that we uphold – quality and safety every time. You know you’re getting a trusted service when you hire a SARNZ member, backed by an association with over 20 years’ experience. Make a SARNZ member your first choice with your next project.

Ensuring scaffolding makes the grade

Scaffolding is an essential component of most construction projects. Not only does it provide support to workers and their tools while on the job, it also makes it easier for personnel to access areas of a structure that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

As important and as widely used as scaffolds are, scaffolding risks exist on any construction site. This is especially true if important safety steps are neglected. Scaffold risk is a reality in the workplace.

National organisation Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) has worked since its formation in 1994 to advocate for higher standards for safety and quality within the access industry.

Today SARNZ represents more than 200 practitioners working in the manufacturing, distribution and installation of access and rigging (approximately one-third of the market).

Safety equipment for you

Scaffold Marlborough is a Blenheim based scaffolding company Established in 2005 by Lyndon Robinson. Consisting of a team of qualified and experienced scaffolder, it has been servicing the scaffolding needs of its clients in the Marlborough Region, Including Kaikoura, Picton, and the Marlborough Sounds ever since.

Recently Lyndon handed over ownership of SML to his two brothers, Phil, and Nick Robinson. The Robinson family and their group of companies, have a long history of providing building and construction services to clients throughout the top of the South Island and beyond. Now with the full support of the Robinson Construction Group behind it, Scaffold Marlborough look to be able to provide high quality scaffold services to the Marlborough region and beyond for years to come.

Scaffold Marlborough primarily use the Layher scaffolding system, along with tube and clip, and specialised Intaks roof edge protection systems. The Layher system has a verified heavy-duty loading, which meets relevant European and Australian/ New Zealand standards, are WorkCover registered and ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 certified. Because of the quality, design service and support that comes with the Lahyer system, SML have the confidence in their equipment to be able to provide for the needs of almost any client or project.

Scaffold Marlborough takes worker and end user health and safety very seriously. SML have always taken pride in training their staff. Even though they are a smaller company, they have multiple qualified scaffolders on the team and continue to train new apprentices each year. They ensure all staff have height safety training, along with First Aid, EWP, and confined space certification. Ensuring their team is highly trained and competent ensures they can provide for anything their clients require and do so expertly and efficiently.

SML have worked to achieve several prequalifications including achieving a

100 percent score with Sitewise. They also work closely with National organisations such as Downer, Heb, Kiwirail and Fulton Hogan and work to meet their high H&S requirements. Most recently they have been working towards becoming registered with Totika.

Scaffolds are becoming more complex as building regulations and scaffold requirements change with them. SML prides itself in ensuring that the scaffolds they deliver are fit for purpose, as well as beyond minimum safety standards. With enclosed scaffolds, public access scaffolds and heavy-duty scaffolds becoming more common, SML verify their designs with a Chartered Engineer to ensure that they will perform as intended.

Rob Hellstrom manages the day to day running of Scaffold Marlborough and having been with the company for more than ten years, has vast knowledge and experience of the local building industry. Scaffold Marlborough works closely with many local trade companies, fitting scaffolding to suit their requirements. Scaffold Marlborough also provide scaffolds for a wide range of commercial, construction and infrastructure projects. This includes working in the vibrant Marlborough wine industry, providing temporary access for vintage and harvests as well as scaffolds in and around wineries. If you're after anything scaffolding, call Rob and the team at Scaffold Marlborough today on 03 578 2329.

Unifying safety standards

Construction industry bosses are becoming increasingly frustrated over government delays in finalising health and safety regulations covering staff who work in their sectors.

The complaints centre around the Plant, Structures and Hazardous Work regulations, part of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Scaffolding Access and Rigging Association chief executive officer, Tina Wieczorek, says the existing regulations are years out of date.

This creates significant risks to anyone working in the crane, scaffolding, roofing and elevated work platform sectors, as well as many others.

She says the new regulations, designed to reduce work-related harm, were first drafted in mid-2019 but still haven’t been finalised. Nor can government say with certainty when they will be gazetted, she says.

“Meanwhile we have thousands of construction staff in cranes, up scaffolding, on roofs and and using elevating work platforms every day, all working in potentially risky environments and who deserve the most up to date regulations to ensure their safety.”

Tina’s concerns are backed by the Roofing Association, Hire Industry Association,

Cranes Association, Forklift Industry Association and the Elevating Work Platform Association.

They all agree the new regulations need to be consulted on urgently and gazetted as soon as possible to avoid any further undue risk to workers.

“But we’ve been told nothing’s likely to happen until at least March next year,” Tina says. “Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, we don’t have an accident in the meantime that the new regs would have prevented.”

They say industry is largely in agreement about how the new regulations should be designed, so there’s not much of a sticking point there.

Once gazetted, the new regulations will update the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to ensure it is better aligned with current industry practice.

“It might seem odd for an industry group to call for regulations to be introduced quickly, but we are concerned for the safety of our staff.”

The EWPA’s role in improving safety

The Elevated Work Platform Association (EWPA) is constantly driving initiatives to improve safety and compliance for owners, operators and those who carry out inspections of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs).

As part of this, the association created a Registered Inspector Programme that ensures MEWPs are inspected at the highest standards, providing assurances to all owners and users that the machines are safe to use.

This is geared toward making the industry have a career pathway and a continuing education programme for inspection personnel.

This would make training more relevant and specific to MEWPs and Registered Inspectors compliance and documentation more structured, consistent and regularly audited. This ensures an Inspector is a

competent person to carry out inspections.

MEWPs are commonplace on construction sites in New Zealand, there are thought to be 10,000 to 12,000 machines nationwide, ranging from what’s commonly known as cherry-pickers, to scissor platforms and booms that reach up to 55 meters.

They’re seen on just about any job site that requires staff to work at height.

This includes construction workers, electricians, painters, signwriters, window cleaners, and many other occupations. An MEWP is an excellent control method for hazards when working a height.

Operator training

MEWPs come under the umbrella of Worksafe’s Good Practice Guidelines (BPG), Mobile Elevating Work Platforms 2014.

The BPG requires any worker who operates an MEWP of any type to be properly trained in its operation.

One means of showing competency is holding the relevant NZQA unit standard for the type of MEWP being operated.

Silvercard™ Competent Operator MEWP

Card is an easy identifier of suitably trained operators.

If there’s an incident or accident, causing injury to people or damage to property, insurance potentially won’t pay out for repairs or replacement of a machine if whoever was operating it wasn’t adequately trained.

In a workplace, this could also lead to being investigated and even prosecuted for Health and Safety breaches.

Operator error is a common factor for accidents with MEWPs. Poor machine selection for the job, poor site conditions, using a machine outside of its parameters, can also contribute to incidents, so effective and proper training reduces the risk significantly.

Maintenance and inspection

The EWPA also aims to raise awareness about the required competencies of EWP inspectors. EWPs require inspections and maintenance at set intervals.

All EWPs require a six-monthly safety inspection which is similar to a motor vehicle warrant of fitness, and all require what industry refers to as a “major rebuild” when EWPs reach an age of 10 years old.

The EWPA Registered Inspector Programme is a national initiative where potential inspectors are formally assessed, verified and moderated to ensure they have the level of experience and expertise needed to undertake six month and/or major inspections of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP).

All inspections must be carried out as per manufacturer’s instructions and the NZ/ Australian standard AS2550.10.

The New Zealand EWP Best Practice Guidelines state that only a “competent person” can carry out six month and/or major inspections.

The EWPA Registered Inspector Programme is the best method to educate and improve compliance and consistency of elevated work platforms maintenance within New Zealand, thus ensuring inspectors are up to “competent person” standards.

The cost of major inspections is significant for EWP owners, so it is essential that maintenance is undertaken correctly and consistently across New Zealand.

The Registered Inspector Programme advises inspectors to follow the EWP Best Practice Guidelines and relevant industry standards. The programme gives EWP owners and operators a greater certainty of equipment compliance and safety.

The Registered Inspectors Programme has a range of criteria, and it is the role of the EWPA to moderate those people or businesses that are doing these inspections. www.ewpa.org.nz

Made NZ

36 Bruce Road, Levin 5510, New Zealand

www.snorkellifts.co.nz

With over 40 years of operation in the Horowhenua, we can build and supply your new machines at factory direct prices. We also back them up with in country support, available replacement parts, and country wide service agents. Customisation of your new NZ built machine to your fleet and business requirements is also available.

With access to our overseas Snorkel suppliers, we can also supply a wide range of Electric scissors, knuckle booms, mast lifts, telescopic boom lifts and telehandlers.

Snorkel New Zealand specialises in the manufacture of Elevated Work platforms and is proud to do so right here in New Zealand.

MATES in Construction

Taking care of ourselves and each other

In the short time Mates in Construction has been in existence, since November 2019, the construction industry’s response to the implementation of its suicide prevention programmes has been overwhelmingly positive.

New Zealand is very good at postvention and looking at what happens after a suicide. We all gather together to support whānau and the people who have been affected by the suicide, but what we aren’t so good at going back to the beginning and determining what would have helped prevent suicide in the first place.

MATES is a suicide prevention programme and addresses a worker’s struggles early and connects them to help.

The ‘tough guy’ culture in the construction industry is part of the problem and leads people to hide their thoughts when they are struggling because of the stigma associated with poor mental wellness and asking for help.

Everyone has heard the phrase ‘take a concrete pill and toughen up.’ That attitude is not only prevalent in our industry; it’s a societal issue that we have had for a very long time and leads to the saying ‘real men don’t talk’.

Ninety-nine percent of the people that we lose to suicide in the construction sector are men who are stoic in their behaviour and recognised as being the guys who do the hard yards.

The tough-guy image of workers in our industry is preventing many people who require help opening up to workmates, family or professionals.

Poor mental health or mental illness is not always a predisposition to someone taking their life. Fifty-two per cent of those who we lose to suicide had no known history of mental illness.

What we do know is suicide can be caused by being unable to cope with whatever is going on in your life at that time. People may

have poor mental health due to depression or anxiety, but the stress that comes from life’s daily struggles is a reason that people consider taking their own life. Other things that move people towards the tipping point are being unable to cope with bullying, alcohol, drugs, a poor lifestyle, societal factors including poverty or low education and financial pressures.

One of the most positive moves in recent years is a massive improvement in suicide awareness. We see better messaging about talking to someone when you are struggling or helping your mates if they are struggling. This behaviour is essential and fits well with the Mates in Construction industry programmes.

Need help and support? Check out these resources:

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389).

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland.

Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737.

Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP).

Samaritans - 0800 726 666.

Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584.

Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633.

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

Supporting Families in Mental Illness0800 732 825. thelowdown.co.nz – email team@ thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626. What’s Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787).

Women’s Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE).

Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

Steve Wyllie Mike Goatley Wade Goatley Wayne McFarlene

Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, during the week of 4th – 10th September, MATES in Construction will be raising awareness of the importance of talking about mental health and suicide prevention across our industry. Why is it so important for you to be involved in this campaign?

The construction industry has the highest rate of suicide when compared to all other industries in New Zealand.

The construction industry loses one person every week on average to suicide in construction, that’s more than 52 lives a year, which is the equivalent of 10 per cent of New Zealand’s total suicide rate.

We are six times more likely to lose somebody in our industry to suicide than we are to a workplace accident.

However, there is one further step that is needed to make the prevention model work, and that is how do you access support services at an early stage.

When we go onto a worksite, we run a General Awareness Training programme for all workers. We talk about suicide, the effect that it’s having on the industry, and then look at the things that may be contributing to a change in worker’s behaviour.

Then we move on to one of the essential parts of our training. Once behavioural changes have been identified that may point toward a mate is struggling or having thoughts around suicide, we need to know what to do next.

MATES talks about how to navigate that path and gives them the tools to understand how to get there.

We are a heavily male dominated industry and 98 percent of those that we lose to suicide in our industry are our men.

Flying the MATES Flag shows your support and raises awareness of suicide prevention in the industry. It is a display to the broader community that the construction industry is actively involved in the prevention of suicide. Organise an event to happen during the week of Fly the Flag 4th – 10th of September. Have a BBQ on site or toolbox talk. Spread the word that it’s OK to talk about mental health and wellbeing and share your stories.

Share your Fly the Flag even on social media by tagging @ matesinconstructionnewzealand and using the hashtag #FlyTheFlag2023

MATES is building capacity on-site with a whole-of-community approach. We make sure everyone has the skills and tools in their toolbelt to help a mate or seek help themselves.

Partnering up in the name of prevention

The Ministry of Education has partnered with MATES in Construction to help reduce the high construction worker suicide rates and improve the mental health of construction workers in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Scott Evans, Leader (Hautū) Infrastructure and Digital, says the construction industry is losing nearly one person every week to suicide.

In the industry wellbeing survey conducted by MATES in Construction in 2022, 43

Doing more for safety.

percent of the respondents say their mental health worsened during the Covid pandemic. Scott says this is an alarming concern that needs to be addressed.

“As one of the agencies that work closely with the construction sector, it is crucial for us to help do something about this important issue. We work alongside them every day as they help us build safe and fit for purpose learning spaces for our rangatahi, so we are in a strategic position to proactively extend the help and support they need.”

The Ministry signed a two-year partnership with MATES in Construction to implement a programme that can help provide a work environment that supports and encourages positive wellbeing for our construction partners.

MATES in Construction will enlist field officers who can visit school construction sites to build the programme into the workplace.

They will lead general mental health and wellbeing education sessions for the workers on site. They’ll also train and guide volunteers who are keen to help promote a mentally healthier workplace and offer relevant support.

The programme was initially implemented in school construction sites in Wellington and Auckland, with plans to roll it out across the country.

Scott says it aims to make the profession in construction safer for future generations.

“We know that there are many young people out there who are keen to pursue work in construction. This initiative helps make sure that we are setting up a safe work environment for them to thrive.”

MATES in Construction New Zealand chief executive officer, Victoria McArthur, says the programme is a significant leadership move from the Ministry of Education.

At Mike Greer Homes safety is more than just ticking boxes. For us it’s about building a culture of safety excellence through a commitment to ongoing engagement, support and training.

We’ve partnered with Mates in Construction to upkeep the general awareness and importance of checking up on each other, as well as on-site training for suicide prevention.

It’s just one way we invest in the safety, care and wellbeing of our greatest asset – our people.

Our expertise is your benefit

CJ Industries Limited has been in business for over 40 years.

During that time the business has grown substantially now having five divisions, including Construction, Aggregates, Concrete, Transport and Sealing. They also undertake Earthworks, Demolition and have their own workshop to service their extensive equipment inventory and vehicle fleet.

CJ Industries specialises in a wide range of work and are fully resourced to manage civil projects from start to finish including subdivisions, roading, concrete supply, construction, water reticulation, sealing including the transport and supply of aggregates.

With their head office based in Motueka and a branch in Richmond, CJ Industries services customers from the Nelson Tasman region including Murchison and the Westcoast. They have spent the last 40 years building up skills and resources to service all types of civil work in the industrial, agricultural, horticultural and residential sectors in the region.

They are committed to providing their customers with professional advice, quality products and an efficient, cost effective contracting service to suit their individual

needs and time frame. This expertise is created by using skilled staff, advanced construction machinery and constantly implementing improvements based on highly regarded feedback from our valuable customers.

CJ Industries vision and purpose is to be a positive and sustainable civil construction company. Being in, connecting with and caring for the people and communities they surround ethically and with integrity whilst being culturally and environmentally responsible. It is what they strive to achieve each day through the work CJ Industries does.

Key benefits are:

• Local resources, established capability and contract revenue stays within the region

• Competent project delivery, from start to completion

• Open, collaborative and transparent approach to doing business

• Directly relevant experience

• Committed investment in quality and well maintained plant and equipment.

At CJ Industries, they care about their employees and work with them to make sure they can give them the best work environment and employer support possible. Previous General Manager, Richard Aitken said.

"Sadly, employees are not always keen to speak up about their wellbeing and frequently aren’t armed with the tools to positively engage in conversations to talk about personal issues. If you can't discuss an issue whether it be burnout, sadness, depression and even fatigue then it can often develop further.

"At CJ Industries we are not immune from this, and we have over 100 staff sometimes working in tough conditions, adverse weather, long hot days, traffic and noise. We also experience many factors at work and in personal life that can let you feel down.

"Working with ‘Mates in Construction’ we have taken the view, we don’t just employ 100 staff but we have 100 families and experiences that contribute to our staff feeling like they are empowered to deal with issues or reach out to someone who looks like they are struggling, giving them a new sense of engagement."

Call CJ Industries today on 0508 728 377 or visit them online at www.cjindustries.co.nz.

CJ Industries vision and purpose is to be a positive and sustainable civil construction company.

As the leading provider of independent project management and strategic advisory services to New Zealand’s property and construction industry, we support our mates.

Shape Organise Deliver

Whanganui District Council’s building inspectors have recently been through the Mates in Construction Connector training programme

This means anyone on a building site who is struggling with mental health issues can reach out to one of Whanganui District Council’s building inspectors to be put in touch with services that can help.

Whanganui District Council building control officer, Alan Hoskin, says “There’s a big list of mental health professionals out there – we’re not there to take on that role.

“For us, it’s about noticing if someone’s not acting as they should, having a conversation and making sure they get connected to the services they need. In this job we get to know a lot of tradies so we’re in a good position to help if someone comes up with a concern about another person or doesn’t seem right themselves.”

Alan Hoskin

Whanganui District Council Building control officer

Since its inception, MATES in New Zealand has:

• Inducted more than 34,000 workers into the General Awareness Training programme

• Delivered the programme onto 687 sites.

• Supported 576 case management clients by connecting them into the right supports

• Trained 1727 people as Connectors.

• Gained the support of 152 industry organisations.

“The MATES programme is a community development model delivered in a workplace setting. It will bring together the whole site, enabling everyone to support their mates and know how to connect into help when needed.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming the Ministry of Education as a foundation partner, and we’re looking forward to working alongside them across their programme of works.”

What MATES does

The MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry – helping our people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing. The impact of this community-based approach then goes beyond the workplace and into our everyday lives.

MATES engage with workers through on-site training and providing those identified as at risk with case management support that connects them to suitable

professional support. MATES Field Officers are trained in suicide intervention skills and have experience with the Building and Construction Industry. This allows them to engage easily with the workers on site.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF MATES IN

CONSTRUCTION

The MATES delivery model is not linear, it moves back and forth – each site has its own community ecosystem which exists within the greater industry environment. Therefore, what we do on one site will influence other sites.

The provision of training, case management and helpline services are elements of our model, but there is a complex interaction between all the different parts. The true value of MATES is not the sum of these elements, but how they exponentially build on each other.

Informing industry through research

By partnering with researchers in research on aspects of the construction industry that impact on mental health and suicide risk.

Raising awareness

That mental health and suicide is an industry issue that we can address together.

Creating resilient and stronger worksites

By training and supporting workers and managers to make a difference and improving mental health and preventing suicide.

Connecting to help

By providing case management support to workers who are struggling helping them to navigate the mental health support system.

Why partner with MATES?

Becoming a Partner of MATES in Construction enables you to be part of a programme tasked with reducing the number of people dying by suicide within our industry and creating a community within your workplace that is about MATES helping MATES. Our programme will provide your workers with the tools to enable them to identify the signs and have the tough conversations with their MATES when they notice that someone may not be travelling well.

Partnering with MATES gives your organisation the following opportunities:

• Make a difference in your company and industry as a collective

• Build wellbeing in your teams

• Engage and train your people so they can watch out for their MATES

• Promote your business as a responsible and engaged partner in your people’s lives

• Show that you care about your people – actively prioritising health, safety and mental wellbeing

• Become part of a growing family of likeminded organisations.

A round up of NZ immigration issues

By June Ranson

part-time work e.g. cleaners, caregivers and lower skilled jobs.

This is hurting small businesses that cannot get New Zealanders to do the work, so the options for the business owners are to work long hours with the prospect of burn-out or closing the business.

to New Zealand and the family are stressed –not a good welcome to New Zealand!

Identifying problems

Anyone arriving from overseas to a foreign country needs assistance in various degrees. It is extremely stressful to undertake a relocation and with young children even more so. Where was this help?

The old argument that these migrants take accommodation and place a burden on the infrastructure.

It is a great pity that the Government does not recognise the important contributions of temporary foreign workers to the New Zealand economy, who bring skills needed for New Zealand businesses and fill the gaps within New Zealand’s labour market.

I make these comments as we are putting unnecessary obstacles in the way.

New Zealand companies want to hire top talent swiftly, with the right skill set and these are some of the issues:

1. Partners to the principal applicant not getting an open work visa due to insufficient qualifications. The Partner cannot apply in their own right so will exist in New Zealand as a visitor for the same period as their principal applicant partner.

This was a change in policy. These partners are the ones that would have handled the

2. The introduction of the job check that was always included as part of the Immigration application. Unless twice the medium wage is offered for the job which then does not need advertising for the position, this is an extra cost of $610 additional to the visa that the business pays for. Things do not make sense when we see in the news media articles on specific skill shortages and we can see this! This really is another revenue gathering process for the Government.

Accredited Employer Worker Visas (AEWV), with new systems being created for the processing of applications,we are not seeing positive impacts on processing times. The processing of applications – accompanying family is processed under the old system.

For migrants wanting to travel as families, there are huge processing delays, so the family is split up. The principal applicant is processed with an AEWV in approximately 13 days, but the family which includes partner and children, their visas take approximately 43 days – 30 days difference.

Keeping the family together is so important at this stressful time. So, we have the employer anxious to get their new employee, placing pressure on the migrant for getting

Whilst New Zealand is trying to work towards mending our worldwide reputation damaged over the last few years, by the encouragement of visitors for tourism, reuniting families, etc. our inadequate online system used for processing Visitor visas and NZ Electronic Travel Authority visas are creating bad publicity.

People are being granted the online visa granted through the new automated system.

When so many people are being refused entry - 664 foreign nationals between 1 August last year and June this year - were denied entry onboarding their plane to New Zealand or on arrival in New Zealand, we must ask: is the system inadequate or are the case officers not doing their job correctly?

These proposed visitors arrive at the border or go to board the plane and find they are turned away, money wasted, and New Zealand’s reputation diminishes further.

Are we being kind to our new migrant arrivals?

The current sad case of Lauren Dickason does bring into question the support the family was given on arrival in New Zealand.

From the information that has been shared, nowhere does it mention the full handholding relocation support on the ground in New Zealand.

The impact on a family can be huge and in this case devastating.

This should have been provided as part of the employer’s relocation package for the family. New migrant arrivals go through understanding day-to-day needs as they adjust to their new environment, internal shock, a reaction to themselves as they continue to adjust behaviour.

Relocation is a major transition that includes leaving friends and a lifestyle that had been home, that is why a strong programme must be in place to support these people and not just a “she’ll be right” attitude.

June Ranson is the Immediate Past Board Chair and Political Chair of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment Inc.

As the 2023 General Election gets closer, the issue of New Zealand Immigration is always in the background with people saying why are migrants allowed in, with little thought to the benefits these people bring to the country.

Building tomorrow's teams today

New Zealand's construction industry has significantly contributed to infrastructure development, economic growth, and community advancement. However, a critical challenge, exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19, looms large – a shortage of skilled workers.

While recruiting foreign workers is not a novel concept, the current post-pandemic scenario, marked by global labour shortages, underscores the urgency for businesses to make well-considered decisions in this pivotal domain.

In this article, we delve into the strategic pathways that New Zealand's construction enterprises can adopt to address labour shortages while upholding compliance with immigration and employment regulations. As the industry navigates these uncharted waters, implementing effective strategies becomes imperative to ensure a steady and proficient workforce supply, thereby safeguarding the momentum of the nation's infrastructure growth.

Navigating Immigration New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa Pathways

In July 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) introduced the new Accredited Employer Policy, replacing six existing work visa categories. Under this scheme, businesses in New Zealand seeking to recruit migrant

workers require prior approval before visa applications can proceed. Here's an overview of the process:

Stage 1 – Employer Accreditation: The application involves an INZ assessment to verify regulatory adherence, financial stability, and participation in migrant worker settlement support. Different accreditation types are available based on business models and workforce numbers.

Stage 2 – Job Check: This phase evaluates employer attempts to recruit New Zealand citizens and residents through a Labour Market Test. Employers must demonstrate unavailability of local citizens or resident visa holders for the required roles. Despite identified role shortages by Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), an INZ-mandated Job Check is still required.

Stage 3 – Accredited Employer Work Visa Application: Employers approved in the Job Check stage can support migrant work visa applications. INZ evaluates the individual's

Himang, a Licensed Immigration Adviser (License# 202100464) commenced his immigration career at the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) as an Immigration Officer in 2014.

Throughout his tenure in public service, Himang excelled in diverse roles that enriched his understanding of immigration regulations and procedures. His remarkable expertise led him to mentor new recruits at the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) and oversee Learning and Development for three ICC branches. This dedication earned him the Innovation Award from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, forging valuable connections across the organisation. His commitment also propelled him to a People Leader role, where he skilfully managed a team of service advisors.

0277666661

himang@counselone.co.nz

www.counselone.co.nz

health, character, and suitability based on education and work experience.

Our Advice and Tips

While INZ's system isn't flawless, strategic planning can yield success. Here are key tips:

• Start Early: Plan ahead for documentation, pplications, and unforeseen delays

• Long-Term Workforce Planning: Develop plans to address short-term and long-term labour needs

• Effective Job Listings: Craft clear listings that detail responsibilities, skills, and benefits

• Targeting Candidates: Identify suitable overseas candidates based on nationality, experience, and location

• Pre-Assessing Applicants: Evaluate documents and suitability to save time and make informed decisions

• Settlement Support: Assist workers with settlement to ease their migration experience

• Stay Informed: Keep up with frequent immigration changes.

Collaborate with Counsel One Immigration Services NZ

Navigating New Zealand's immigration landscape requires a profound understanding of regulations. At Counsel One Immigration Services NZ, we offer tailored solutions to simplify the process. Partnering with us allows businesses to leverage expertise, expedite immigration, and focus on core operations.

For immigration assistance, contact Himang Bhardwaj at 027 766 6661 or himang@counselone.co.nz. Learn more at www.counselone.co.nz.

Himang Bhardwaj, Managing Director, Counsel One Ltd Ex-Warranted Immigration officer.

ATHENA LAW Immigration Law Service

Progress on immigration settings welcomed

The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the announcement from Immigration Minister, Hon Michael Wood that changes are coming to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

“For years we have been calling for immigration settings which are open, simple, and predictable. The changes announced today show the Government is starting to listen” says chief executive, Leeann Watson. The announcement, which commits to changes being implemented in early October, mean there will be no limit on the number of highly skilled workers allowed into the country, a new six-point system which replaces the existing 180-point system, and an extension of the Accredited Employer Work Visa to five years.

WORK VISAS

though this was up from just four percent of businesses last quarter.

“While it is clear that the updated SMC and AEWV will make some progress on settings which have been ineffectual for some time now, there are still some areas for improvement we hope to see picked up sooner rather than later,” Leeann says.

Have

“It is important that businesses have access to staff who may not necessarily qualify for a pathway to residence. The extension allowing a five-year stay will provide businesses more certainty when employing migrants and reduce the costs associated with staff training and regular staff turnover.

“Along with the new six-point system being simpler - we hope that the reduction from 180 points will also improve processing times by ImmigrationNZ.

“We will need to see the full policy document to ensure changes in eligibility criteria will actually unlock opportunities for businesses to plug gaps in their workforce.

“For example, at the moment the criteria for the new six-point system allow for ‘occupational registration, recognised qualifications, or income’ but not experience - which is in many cases exactly what businesses are looking for.

The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey continues to indicate that labour market constraints are a major barrier to productivity and growth, and only 13 percent of business expected to see improvement in immigration settings,

“The requirements for employers under the AEWV can make it nearly impossible to work with, particularly for smaller businesses who are more resource constrained.

“We will continue to advocate for further simplification of the scheme by abolishing labour market tests and wage rules, and making it easier for migrants to move between accredited employers.

“There are also remaining issues with the Green List, which outlines the roles that allow for straight to residence and work to residence visas, and businesses including our manufacturing and hi-tech sectors continue to call for ImmigrationNZ to introduce new pathways for occupations not on the list.”

The extension allowing a five-year stay will provide businesses more certainty when employing migrants and reduce the costs associated with staff training and regular staff turnover.

Providing expert knowledge and advice

Royds Property and Immigration Lawyers is a hard-working company that forms strong and long-term relationships with clients.

The company is a niche law firm based in Nelson and is well known in the area, with a well-established national client base.

Royds Legal provides services in commercial leasing, property development, residential and commercial property transactions, and immigration law.

The team’s goal is to communicate effectively, listen, lend a helping hand, and provide expert knowledge and advice to clients.

A law firm can seem intimidating and there is a lot of stress that comes with ensuring you’re following all the required regulations, but the friendly team makes it easier for clients to understand what’s going on by using easy-to-understand terms and breaking down everything from the get-go.

The team always aims to complete legal work efficiently and on time, every time, without affecting its quality. They want to ensure clients are satisfied with the outcome and do everything they can to accommodate their client’s needs and desires.

The company is a small team of four people. The team works extremely hard and

communicates well with clients. They know how to work closely with clients to achieve the best outcomes.

Its property work includes subdivision and commercial property development. Royds Legal completes various forms of small and large scale subdivisions throughout New Zealand.

Chris Royds has excellent property development knowledge, and also has over 25 years’ experience as an immigration lawyer.

Royds Legal has considerable experience in commercial property development, completing many successful projects ranging from smaller tenancies to nationwide tenants in various retail, industrial, office and large format retail developments.

The team predominantly acts for landlords and developers in commercial leasing situations, including rent review arbitrations and lease disputes.

If anyone has any enquiries about immigration, Royds Lawyers are your go-to experts.

The team can help you with all of your Immigration New Zealand applications such as Accredited Employer Work Visa applications and residence options (family, partnershipbased, skilled migrant, and investor categories.

The team can also help with all of your property and immigration enquiries by calling 03 539 0122 or contacting Chris directly at 03 928 0731, 027 498 3976, or via email: chris@royds.co.nz

Alternatively, head to the office on the first floor at the corner of Hardy Street and Church Street in Nelson.

They want to ensure clients are satisfied with the outcome and do everything they can to accommodate their client’s needs and desires.

People Plus

Construction is in People Plus Director, Jenny Currie’s blood, having grown up surrounded by her family’s construction business and then working nine years in the construction sector in Australia.

Whilst overseas, Jenny identified a need to provide honest, simple and fit for purpose advice to NZ employers, and People Plus was born in August 2019!

Construction specialisation has continued to be a running theme with two others in the People Plus team also having family ties to the industry – it’s given them an understanding of the opportunities and challenges for construction businesses in the current climate, and they’ve been able to utilise their HR expertise to tailor tools and practices to suit.

People Plus help New Zealand businesses with all things people related. They provide a holistic service that supports all stages of the employee lifecycle. Offerings include end to end immigration and recruitment support and advice on processes such as onboarding and induction, employee engagement and development, reward / recognition, performance and behaviour management. They also help businesses to tackle the niggly issues such as personal grievances and restructures. With the job market being favourable to employees, smart businesses

are investing more in providing a great place to work, to maximise engagement and retention of staff and reduce the incidence of issues such as poor culture and engagement, high rates of absence, workplace accidents etc. The team at People Plus can assist employers to be proactive with training and team building, remuneration, employee engagement strategies and HR communications.

Aside from experienced and qualified HR and recruitment expertise, they have licensed Immigration Advisors and a Licenced Private Investigator allowing them to provide immigration advice and undertake workplace investigations (these are legal requirements to undertake this type of work). The team are also accredited in a range of assessment

models and coaching tools for team and personal development.

The immigration market has been a key area of growth for People Plus following the pandemic and also the cyclone. It’s been a critical service in terms of addressing labour shortages and they have built strong connections with the international market to recruit qualified trades personnel. People Plus have recently had rapid success with the Immigration Recovery Visa, which provides two-to-three-day turnarounds for visa applications to bring in workers to assist with the rebuilding of homes and infrastructure in the Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay region.

People Plus are passionate about sharing our knowledge with construction businesses around the country. They’d love to hear from organisations that want to build high functioning, happy and diverse workforces – or those that just need a hand to navigate those employment curveballs that can cause ripples if they’re not dealt with properly.

For more information, visit www.peopleplus.co.nz or call 06 868 3544. Alternatively, you can email the People Plus team at admin@peopleplus.co.nz

across

range of industries, we are here to take care of

We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with construction businesses around the country.

Workers like Uber drivers and couriers have successfully argued they were employees and not contractors.

The line is not always clear, and construction companies have been caught out in the past.

In Barry v C I Builders Ltd, an unqualified builder worked for a building company for about three years. Even though both parties intended Mr Barry to be an independent contractor, and he was GST registered and issued invoices for his time, he was categorised as an employee due to the “real nature” of the relationship.

He had to work each day and was given his tasks, tools, and materials in the same way as other employees. His hours left him no energy or time to work for other businesses. His pay was based on hours worked, not projects completed. He could not make a profit or build a business he could sell. The

Employment Court said an external observer would not have differentiated him from the building company or its other employees. Misdescribing the relationship like this can cause significant problems.

Workers like Mr Barry can claim employee entitlements such as sick leave and holiday pay, and tax issues will likely arise. They can also raise personal grievances and challenge dismissals so contractual termination rights don’t apply.

It’s therefore critical that the relationship is characterised correctly from the beginning. If you have any questions about the nature of a working relationship or require a written agreement, the Corcoran French employment team can help.

Corcoran French have been offering Canterbury businesses and residents legal

advice for over 125 years and are here to help. Their team of 75 are your law firm for life, committed to delivering effective solutions and peace of mind.

Employment law is continually changing. The Corcoran French team offer both employers and employees access to their invaluable resources of experience, integrity and depth of knowledge.

They represent a wide range of clients in various industries, including the construction field. For help with any

Immigration

•

Payment claims and payment schedules

• Construction disputes, including adjudication, arbitration and Court proceedings

Debt collection including issuing or defending statutory demands and liquidation proceedings

contracts and claims such as wrongful dismissals and personal grievances as well as many other services, look no further than Corcoran French.

(03) 379 4660 or visit www.cflaw.co.nz

for more information.

The Corcoran French employment and construction law teams have the skill and experience to see you through all stages of the employment & construction processes.

•

Your success is our success

Migration is playing an important part in New Zealand’s economic development. Today our construction and building industry is witnessing an all-time high demand for workers. Due to the shortage of labor force, kiwi businesses are turning their heads overseas. New and updated immigration policies now aim to address increased worker demand.

With the introduction of a new six-point system to qualify under SMC, migrants in trade roles such as plumbers, drain layers, gas fitters, civil engineering technicians and skilled occupations such as surveyors, project managers, and industrial engineers now have an easier pathway to residence through the new skilled migrant category.

Moving to New Zealand and pursuing a career in building and construction has never been more feasible. New Zealand is an ideal destination to attract overseas workers, offering great work-life balance and a safe living environment with ample job opportunities. Migrants can access topnotch healthcare and an excellent education system. Multicultural, inclusive, spacious, and clean green New Zealand continues to entice overseas workers.

It is an undeniable fact that New Zealand businesses need migrant talent to remain competitive globally. Through many years of assisting the migrant workforce, we understand the significance of connection and acknowledge the contributions of these diverse communities from across the globe. These communities enrich New Zealand's economy and strengthen it's cultural fabric.

In 2022 New Zealand’s construction market was valued at a staggering $55.8 billion and it is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years. However, attracting skilled workers, securing their working rights

and settling them in New Zealand can be challenging. That’s where the experienced team at Sharma Law comes in. Sharma Law understands how daunting the visa process can be. Led by a highly experienced immigration specialist, Rahul Sharma, Sharma Law is your key resource for all your migration needs. With over 18 years in Law practice, Rahul has honed his skills in research, policy and law, practice management, organization, delegation, and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders. As a dedicated director of Sharma Law for over 13 years, Rahul and his team take pride in providing tactful and professional service, especially in the ever-evolving and complex field of immigration law.

Based in Hamilton and having a global reach they have been offering expert and affordable immigration services. Regardless of your story, Sharma Law can guide you to success. They know the immigration process in-depth and will assist using their knowledge and expertise to help overcome any challenges. Their success stories speak for themselves. From straightforward visa applications to complex deportation and IPT appeal cases, they have a proven track record of achieving favourable results for their clients. Their clients vouch for quality, ethics, client care, and relentless persuasion in preparing and presenting their cases.

For more information or to book a consult, visit www.sharmalaw.co.nz, call 078552663, or write to admin@sharmalaw.co.nz.

“With utmost attention to detail and coupled with meticulous perseverance in handling any immigration case, we have been able to help clients achieve their immigration goals throughout with a success rate of over 95 percent,"

- Rahul Sharma, Director, Sharma Law.

Moving to New Zealand and pursuing a career in building and construction has never been more feasible.

NAWIC Awards recognise valued contributions to an industry

By June Pfister

National Association

NAWIC encourages women to pursue, establish and sustain successful careers in the construction industry.

The NAWIC vision is to be the leading voice for women in the construction industry. The number of women in the industry has grown exponentially in recent years and women are hard at work in just about every construction job.

This growth has prompted the establishment and success of NAWIC in New Zealand, as it has been active in Wellington since 1996. Since then NAWIC has Chapters in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Canterbury, as well as three satellite chapters in Queenstown Lakes, Otago and Wairarapa.

NAWIC annually holds the highly awaited NAWIC Awards. This year’s grand stage was set at Te Pae, Christchurch Convention Centre for a celebration of excellence in the construction industry.

The event saw an impressive surge in entries, drawing a record crowd to partake in the festivities. Amidst the cheers and applause, finalists basked in a well-deserved spotlight. The pre-awards buzz was electric as 66 pounamu were blessed and awarded to the esteemed finalists in an exclusive ceremony.

Adding to the glamour was the 2022 Undergraduate Excellence in Construction Award winner for NAWIC NSW, Miranda

Swift, who honoured the event with her presence and shared her inspiring journey.

NAWIC President, Rebecca Hodges voiced her immense pride in the achievements of entrants, finalists, and winners alike.

“It’s hard to fully convey how proud I am. Proud of our entrants, finalists, winners and recipients.”

She acknowledged the dedicated NAWIC team, mostly composed of volunteers, who orchestrated an impeccable and inspiring event.

She commended the growth of the awards over the years and recognized the courage it took to stand on stage and co-present to a sizable audience. Sponsors were duly appreciated, with a special mention to Naylor Love, the evening’s partner, for their support. She expressed hope that the winners’ stories would serve as an inspiration for the entire industry.

“I hope you were all inspired by our incredible winners and recipients to help make our industry a better place for all,” she says.

In its ninth year, the NAWIC Awards of Excellence celebrated a diverse group of exceptional finalists. A remarkable 238 entries flooded in, a testament to the industry’s vitality.

The challenge was monumental for the 46 judges and moderators tasked with selecting the winners and recipients from this stellar pool.

Judges echoed their admiration for the impactful role NAWIC plays, providing a professional voice to women in construction. The high number of entries signified a positive shift in the industry’s attitude. One of the event’s judges, Bob Hall says, “I think NAWIC is an influencer in the industry and the job you do supporting women and giving them a professional voice is awesome”.

Jose David was also a judge and was honoured to be part of the panel, “Wow, what an experience and privilege it has been to be involved in the judging – and a responsibility. I really hope some of these women enter again as most of them have the potential to win!”

Gratitude was extended to nominees for embracing the challenge and nominators for acknowledging the outstanding contributions of their peers.

The awards night radiated with celebratory speeches and uplifting moments, offering a platform to honour the accomplished winners, those highly commended, and special merit recipients.

The NAWIC Awards team’s dedication and the support of NAWIC Chapter committee members were vital to the event’s success, fostering an environment that empowers women in the industry.

As the evening concluded, the resonance of achievement and inspiration lingered. The event showcased the industry’s progress and the potential that the NAWIC Awards hold in transforming the landscape. NAWIC Awards Director, Stacey Mendonca says, “The success of the evening was due to the NAWIC Awards team and supported by NAWIC Chapter committee members from around the motu all willing to work together to encourage other women”.

NAWIC holds regular events that are held in person and online with a variety of topics. They have a focus on both technical and professional development, to inform and up-skill women in construction and to promote networking and information sharing for the betterment of the construction industry as a whole.

National Association of Women in Construction NZ (NAWIC) info@nawic.org.nz www.nawic.org.nz

The

of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations who provide services to the construction industry.

NAWIC Awards 2023 – the 66 finalists.

NAWIC 2023 Awards.

NAWIC Awards 2023 – the 11 category winners.

Civil engineering students tackle

New Zealand’s housing and three waters needs

Civil

Opening pathways to careers in construction

BCITO Te Pukenga partners with Ako Aotearoa to support neuro-diverse and dyslexic learners in the building and construction industry

BCITO Te Pūkenga and Ako Aotearoa are joining forces to support neurodiverse learners in the building and construction sector to complete their apprenticeships.

According to recent statistics, at least 10 percent of New Zealanders, approximately 750,000 individuals, struggle with dyslexia, while an additional five percent have related neurodiverse conditions.

BCITO acting director Greg Durkin says, “We want Kiwis who struggle with dyslexia, or other neuro-diverse conditions to know they’re not alone. We also want them to know that their condition doesn’t have to be a barrier to taking part in their apprenticeship – there is support out there.”

BCITO led an eight-year programme in workforce development for the construction sector, which identified additional support was needed for those with learning impairments and disabilities, including neurodiverse learners and employees.

By establishing a supportive environment for neurodiverse learners and employers throughout Aotearoa, BCITO hopes to encourage a more diverse and inclusive building and construction workforce.

“Neurodiversity should be celebrated. It means thinking about things differently, which is fantastic as it brings new and unique perspectives to design, processes, and more,” Greg says.

“By celebrating neurodiversity within the industry, BCITO hopes to transform perceptions in the sector.

“Partnering with Ako Aotearoa, our aim is to help educate and inform employers about the benefits of working with neurodiverse people, as well as providing learners with the tools needed to succeed,” he says.

Specialising in research and providing support for underserved and neurodiverse learners, Ako Aotearoa is changing the culture of the tertiary education sector to better support learners with dyslexia and other forms of neurodiversity.

Ako Aotearoa’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy advisor, Dr. Damon Whitten, who works closely with BCITO, believes being neurodiverse is a bit like having a superpower, and those who know the right tips and tricks go on to have great success.

Neurodiversity should be celebrated. It means thinking about things differently, which is fantastic as it brings new and unique perspectives to design, processes, and more.

“If you can support them over their first year of their apprenticeship, they will go on to achieve amazing things and become some of the best people in the industry,” Damon says.

To help employers support dyslexic learners BCITO has created its own online resource page for employers.

This includes tips for educating their team about dyslexia and how they can help affected staff flourish. BCITO spoke with some apprentices and employers affected by dyslexia and other forms of neurodiversity to hear about their own experiences.

Whanganui-based apprentice and mother, Naomi McLennan from Swish Decorating, discussed how at first, she was quite nervous about letting people know because in the past it meant that they treat you differently.

“BCITO and my boss [Clint Sewell], have helped me a lot to succeed and grow as an individual as well as learning,” Naomi says.

Frank Lawrence, owner of Fernlea Cabinetry and Joinery in Hamilton, has dyslexia. Starting out in 1991, his company has grown from a home workshop to much larger premises in Te Rapa, employing over 30 staff.

He says a lot of young people that come in are very conscious of their dyslexia. “I just tell them straight off – if I can do it, don’t let it hold you back. There are ways and means of making it work,” Frank says.

BCITO hopes that together with Ako Aotearoa, they will strive to maximise the potential of neurodiverse and dyslexic learners in the building and construction sector.

The ākonga (learners) have been designing housing subdivisions on real-life sections which have completely self-sustainable water capture and reticulation systems, making them more resilient and self-reliant in weather or other natural events.

The subdivision proposals have been done for sites in Newlands and Khandallah in Wellington, on Waiheke Island in Auckland, and in Central Otago.

The subdivision projects involve research on legislative requirements, environmental considerations, geotechnical information, must incorporate project and construction deadlines, detailed technical drawings and very importantly - design processes for the harvesting of rainwater for drinking water, and storm and wastewater management.

“These projects are problem solving some of New Zealand’s biggest civil engineering challenges and the student gets significant real world experience in bringing these solutions to life,” says Mary-Claire Proctor, Head of School Innovation, Design and Technology at Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga.

“Students are focusing on three water systems design, the implications of climate change, and the current and future water issues New Zealand is facing.

“It is critical that the students completing their engineering qualifications can solve these problems, because New Zealand is experiencing frequent flash floods, a shortage of freshwater and an increase in wastewater, and there is an acute shortage of civil engineering technicians in the field to address these issues and facilitate our country’s adaptability to the implications of climate change.

“As we know, water is a lifeline for humans and the need for drinking water will soon increase due to the growth of the population. It is critical that our graduates can explore and implement new ways and means to relieve pressure on our freshwater bodies.

“The hands-on experience that students get at Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga makes them very employable after study,” says Mary-Claire.

“It has been very valuable for me to have developed my practical skills as part of my study,” says Mominur Rahman, a student in his second year of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering.

“Getting experience of the regulatory system, undertaking feasibility and risk management studies, assessing health and safety, as well as using professional engineering applications and programmes, will all make it much easier for me to get work once I have completed the diploma because it mirrors what actually happens in the workplace.

“I look forward to using my skills to help New Zealand build safe, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.”

engineering students at Whitireia and WelTec | Te Pūkenga have taken on some of New Zealand’s toughest infrastructure issues around housing and three waters with their recent practical project assignments.

Diverse and dedicated talent ready to work

Māori and Pasifika Trades

Auckland is a group of training, community and industry organisations working together to get more Māori and Pasifika to succeed in the trades.

MPTT offers a scholarship programme that funds a year of pre-trades, ongoing coaching and $1000 for starter tools to new apprentices. Employers find that MPTT trainees are keen to learn and have the personal and worksite skills to add value from the start.

Since MPTT started in 2015, they have helped more than 3,213 trainees learn a trade, many of them going on to thrive in apprenticeships and become fully qualified. The practical skills they learn are life-changing for them, their whānau and Kiwi communities.

Set to start strong

MPTT Navigators offer one-on-one mentoring and encouragement to trainees throughout their pre-trades and into employment. This support helps apprentices do their best work at no cost to employers.

Makahn Warren-Chapman, one of MPTT's Navigators, says, "I’m here to ensure that they’re ready to leave their studies workready and they can start their careers.”

“A major goal of MPTT is to nurture more Māori and Pasifika into leadership positions, and this means setting them up well from the beginning.”

Employers gain further benefit from the Navigators, who are keen to hear and respond to their specific needs. They know the trainees well so they can find the right match, and take away the burden of them setting up their lives to thrive in their new roles. Furthermore, they can help employers understand and make the most of the latest government funding incentives including the Apprenticeship Boost programme.

Ready to add value

MPTT’s Work Readiness Programme helps trainees tick all the boxes as reliable team players with the right attitude. They also come equipped with all necessary health and safety certifications, and addedvalue credentials specific to their trade. Importantly, they appreciate the value of punctuality – drivers’ licences are prioritised so they can be on time.

Graduates are eager to soak up wisdom and techniques from experienced hands. They’ve made a long term commitment to master their trade and are ready to persevere through an apprenticeship and become fully qualified.

D&H Steel first sought a relationship with MPTT six years ago as a partner for its growth plans.

Dean Pouwhare, D&H Steel Operations Manager and Director, acknowledges the role MPTT has played in their journey.

“Bringing in new talent through MPTT is helping to futureproof the structural steel industry and build its diversity. And trainees get to work alongside highly skilled people with long experience to share.

NEED

Employing people from varied backgrounds means employers benefit from their different perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

Be part of a brighter future

Welcoming more Māori and Pasifika into trades is one of the best opportunities we have to build a skilled and productive workforce in our industries and nation.

Māori and Pasifika Trades is helping to fill the skills gap. We’re equipping eager new tradies with the right attitude and knowledge to add value from the start.

MPTT trainees come with a kaupapa and network of ongoing support that can enrich your team.

Keen to know more? Our industry navigators are ready to hear exactly what you need and match you with a trainee now.

Bringing in new talent through MPTT is helping to futureproof the structural steel industry and build its diversity.

Removed by Rosie

Rosie's Removals is a Wairarapa based moving company, whether that is residential or commercial related. They offer their services around the Wellington region and nationwide.

Rosies Removals offer a professional packing service at great removal costs. When you have to move, do it with the professional team at Rosie's. They have a great range of services, but regardless of which service you choose, you can be sure that it will be done with the utmost care. It's all part of their packing service throughout the Lower North Island and nationwide.

Whether you want the team to pack everything in your home or just selected items, Rosie's Removals will save you much time and effort. They can pack everything in your home, carefully wrapping your

glassware, and packing your TV, and when you arrive at your new house, they will come and unpack it all for you.

Rosie's Removals can also store your furniture, from a day, week, or a year. If you are taking the scenic route to your new home, they can store it until you arrive. Perhaps your new home isn't as spacious as your old home? Their secure storage solutions ensure that your furniture stays safe until you are ready to use it again.

If you are worried about the insurance side of moving, the team at Rosie's Removals

encourage all customers to arrange their own transit cover for their move, otherwise all goods will be carried at 'owner’s risk'.

The team is happy to help with residential and commercial moves whether it's big or small! From the time the team arrives on site, they will move quickly to ensure they meet their customers' satisfaction.

Commercial removal jobs require the utmost in organisation and timing, ensuring minimal disruption and loss of time for your business. Their experienced team will move your items to a new location or into storage facilities nationwide with minimal downtime. They will tailor their removal services to meet your business or project's needs. Their removers are able to handle large scale commercial

moves such as office moves and factory moves, or simply the transportation of large items. nationwide.

Once you have vacated your house or commercial building the next step is to scrub the place down, and Rosie's Removals are more than happy to give a hand with cleaning the place for the next person. Just ask the team for more information and what they can offer!

If you're moving soon and you need help with moving, contact the team at Rosie's Removals today on 06 370 1258 or email them at office@rosiesremovals.co.nz.

Or for more information visit their website at www.rosiesremovals.co.nz.

Ushering in a new era for temporary traffic management

A new era of how road work sites are managed has arrived with the release of the New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management, which sets out how road work sites should be managed, replacing the Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management.

Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive, Alan Pollard, says the changes from the new guidance meant road work

sites would be managed based on assessed risks, rather than the previous compliancebased approach.

“The way we manage traffic around road work sites is changing to be based on managing specific risks for each site.

“The new approach has the potential to be more efficient and cost effective, at the same time as keeping road workers and road users safe,” Alan says.

Vanessa Browne, national manager of Programme and Standards for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, says the new guidance aimed to drive a culture change to improve safety for road workers and road users to work towards our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand’s roads.

“People continue to die and be seriously injured at TTM sites and this needs to change. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 43 fatal crashes and 287 serious injury crashes at worksites.

“This is compelling evidence that a new approach is needed to temporary traffic management across New Zealand.”

Alan says there was a strong case for change, and the new guide followed on from WorkSafe guidance for road and roadside workers issued late last year, which set out how to manage health risks, safety risks,

and practices when setting up and operating traffic control around road work sites. The existing Code of Practice is intended to be gradually phased out of contracts, with transition to the new Guide anticipated to be largely completed by July 2024.

Alan says Waka Kotahi NZTA had listened to industry throughout the past years in triggering these systemic changes, reconciling more than 1,200 submissions of feedback as part of a Code of Practice review in the leadup to the creation of the new Guide and acknowledging the role industry must play in taking responsibility for safer outcomes.

“Road workers are used to working in the road corridor and are well-placed to understand and manage the direct risks. This is a fundamental shift to the way we think about traffic management, so it’s not going to happen overnight. But companies are used to managing road work sites, so this change comes down to how we interpret new requirements in a practical sense.”

Despite the case for change, Alan says these were significant updates and would take some time to embed, with the shift in thinking and practice requiring time and effort from civil construction companies.

He says collaboration with clients in both the private and public sectors would be needed going forward, and CCNZ would be supporting members in addressing any transitional challenges with good technical guidance and advice, alongside a new Industry Steering Group stood up in March 2023 to support the implementation of the Guide, which had its first meeting on April 18.

The New Zealand Guide to Temporary Traffic Management is available at https: www.nzta. govt.nz/roads-and-rail/new-zealand-guideto-temporary-traffic-management.

Wanganui Towing

roadside assistance or rescue anywhere across the Wanganui region and beyond.

They were originally based in a smaller location in Wilson Street, moving to 1 Liffiton Street in 2018 to a much larger and more suitable premises. Rowan began his career in towing and salvage at a young age of 17 with Wanganui towing so pretty much knows all there is to know about the industry.

Rowan is supported by a great team of suitably qualified towing and salvage drivers and office staff who are at the ready to help, whether you need a vehicle towed, a vehicle stored, or

We are key providers to the AA, NZ Police and Roadside Rescue (First Assist) as well as virtually every major Insurance Company. No one wishes for an accident or a car breakdown. Nevertheless, when it does happen, Wanganui Towing are available 24/7 to help whenever you need us and offer a fast and reliable service, if you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or a tow and ensures that the whole process is smooth and hasslefree. Both you and your vehicle will be well looked after.

Wanganui Towing have a full fleet of slide deck trucks capable of carting up to five and a half ton and transporting up to three cars at a time in the central North Island. Our specialised crane truck can be used for lifting heavy machinery, immobile vehicles or for serious crash recoveries, It also has an under lift

allowing us to lift vehicles from the rear. Our ute is fully kitted out with everything we need whether you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or have locked your keys inside the car.

We can handle breakdowns and recoveries of all vehicles in all situations and specialise in the towing and transport of all types of vehicles from classic cars to caravans, crash and accident recoveries, and a wide range of plant and equipment.

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery, we put a lot of pride and care into making sure our trucks are clean and well–equipped with high-quality gear, this ensures vehicles are safe and secure whilst being towed and we are always ready to handle any situation you find yourself in, from flat batteries to post-accident towing and more!

Give us a call and let us take the hassle out of your misfortune!

Office: 06 241 7266

24 hours: 027 443 5449

E: info@wanganuitowing.co.nz

www.wanganuitowing.co.nz

Rowan Massey has been the owner and operator of Wanganui towing since May 2019, taking over from Tony and Carolyn Swain who established the business back in 2004.

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery.

After the flood

Review terms finalised

for Hawke’s Bay’s flood protection and drainage systems in response to Cyclone Gabrielle

The terms of reference for a review into the performance of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood scheme assets and river management programmes have been finalised and accepted by the Council. This signals the start of the review.

Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby says, “We’re fully committed to this thorough review of our flood infrastructure. While our team will be providing full disclosure to support the process, they’ll also remain at arm’s length throughout to ensure all resulting outcomes and conclusions are independent.”

The terms of reference state the purpose of the review is to:

• Understand the circumstances and contributing factors that led to flooding in the Hawke’s Bay region during Cyclone Gabrielle

• Report on the performance of the Regional Council’s flood scheme assets and river management programmes during Cyclone Gabrielle

• Review decision making regarding catchments where flood scheme assets and river management programmes exist and whether these remain viable.

While the Regional Council has initiated the review, it has commissioned an independent three-person panel to conduct it thoroughly.

The panel will be chaired by Dr Phil Mitchell, an Auckland-based partner and co-founder of Mitchell Daysh, a nation-wide specialist environmental and planning consultancy.

The other two panel members are Kyle Christensen, an independent consultant from Wellington with over 20 years’ experience in river and stormwater engineering, and Bernadette Roka Arapere, a barrister with

Kōkiri Chambers, Whanganui, who specialises in public law litigation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori legal issues, and whenua and governance matters.

During the review process, the panel will be actively seeking engagement with members of the community affected by the cyclone, as well as iwi and stakeholders with an interest in the flood event from Cyclone Gabrielle. At that time there will be an opportunity for people to provide information, input and feedback into the process.

The scope of the review is to look at the performance of all Regional Council-owned flood protection, drainage schemes, river management programmes and associated assets as well as to consider and recommend a range of long-term, holistic options that have regard to increasing risks related to climate change.

Chair Ormsby has welcomed the review saying, “Given the vast damage and devastation impacted communities experienced from Cyclone Gabrielle, this review is incredibly important to us.

“We’re looking forward to the findings and recommendations and Regional Council hopes to be able to build them into its longterm planning to ensure our rohe has greater resilience against similar future events. We also hope that learnings can also be taken and applied to other regions where applicable.”

Excluded from the review are any roles or responsibilities that lay with district or city councils, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HBCDEM) responses or anything occurring once the region had moved into the recovery phase of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The final report is expected to be received by the Regional Council and subsequently released to the public in early 2024.

A second review of the HBCDEM Group operational response to Cyclone Gabrielle is also planned to commence this year, the timing of which has yet to be confirmed.

Drainage and weather-proofing works for sports pavilion

Drainage and weatherproofing works on the Hanmer Springs Sports Pavilion have been approved to address the building’s flooding issues.

The Hanmer Springs Community Board has approved the drainage works at a cost of 6,264.50 dollars.

The ground floor of the pavilion floods during heavy rain events and Hanmer Gym, which is located in the building, has experienced four flooding events over the past year.

Hurunui District Council chief operations manager, Dan Harris, says the drainage solution and weather proofing works are expected to prevent further flooding events.

The Board also voted that investigations into a new sport pavilion building get underway “as soon as possible” after it was found that the combined Lottery Grant of 288,791.00 dollars and Council budget of 412,040.00 dollars was not sufficient to upgrade and earthquake strengthen the current Pavilion to meet the needs of the community.

Dan says this would be disappointing for the Hanmer community, but it was important to get the build right, to ensure it was a fit for purpose facility for now and into the future.

Cost estimations for the physical work and earthquake strengthening on the current pavilion had come in at 1,007,324.21 dollars, excluding GST. This did not include design, building consent, resource consent and construction monitoring costs, or professional fees, said Harris.

Hanmer Springs Community Board deputy chair, Alice Stielow, says it was always sad when a building that had been part of the community for a long time, and had been built largely by the community, was reaching the end of its time limit.

The Lottery Grant funding of 288,791.00 dollars is to be returned and it was noted that this would not have a negative effect on future applications for funding. The drainage and weather-proofing works would keep the building fit for purpose until a new facility was built, Dan says.

ACO Infrastructure KerbDrain

After Cyclone Gabrielle the Principal Transportation Engineer from Napier City Council told us that our system at Havlock Road “worked perfectly” and that “the locals are very happy”.

ACO KerbDrain for efficient Stormwater Management.

There are a couple of characteristics that make ACO KerbDrain the best choice for Stormwater Management for when the sun’s not shining:

• High robustness and durability due to high quality polymer concrete.

• Unique design allows for effective collection of surface water.

• High hydraulic capacity, means it can handle large volumes of stormwater runoff during extreme weather events.

• Easy maintenance with a removable grate that allows for easy access to the drainage channel, ensuring that it continues to function effectively.

ACO. we care for water ACO New Zealand | 0800 448 080 | www.askaco.nz

Heat it up!

Pete Pumps was established in 2017 by Pete Cameron; him and his team are located in Nelson and able to help with all your heat pump needs.

Pete is proud of the service he offers and the quality of the products the team installs for both commercial and residential.

Pete Pumps specialise in Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pumps in the Nelson and Tasman region. They work with only the most trusted names in the heat pump and air conditioning industry servicing, both the domestic and commercial market.

They can install some of the leading products in durability and efficiency, which makes them better for the environment. The more efficient your heat pump is, the less it will cost you to run, and the less it will impact the environment.

Their products use environmentally conscious refrigerants which have a significantly lower impact on the environment than those used previously.

Pete Pumps will come and visit your home to discuss your requirements and calculate the space that needs to be heated and cooled correctly. This allows the team to suggest options that will work will work effectively. Whether you are looking to heat one room, multiple rooms or install a central heating (and cooling) system, they can help you achieve year round comfort.

There are energy efficient products available for every building type. Controlling which areas or rooms in your building are heated or cooled is easy, and Pete Pumps can even integrate hot water, ventilation and control solutions. As with the domestic products they sell, modern refrigerants are vastly more environmentally friendly than their predecessors. This means you can use

air conditioning all year round in the knowledge that only the most efficient and environmentally friendly components are used.

Pete Pumps can offer full product range in:

• Split System Heat Pumps

• Multi Split Heat Pumps

• Ducted Heat Pumps

• Air Purifiers

• Altherma Hydronic Heating

• High Wall Mounted

• Floor Console

• Ceiling Mounted

• Central Heating

• Multi-Room

• Controllers and Apps.

By visiting you and discussing your exact requirements, Pete Pumps ensures that the most efficient heating or cooling system is installed into your home or business. If you install the correct size for the space you will maintain both optimum comfort, and optimum economy.

The team at Pete Pumps are happy to help with your next heat pump installation and can answer any questions and give you the best advice. Pete Pumps will give you 100 percent customer service with their exceptional experience in the industry. Talk to the team today about a free assessment and quote.

Contact Pete and his team at Pete Pumps on 027 333 5152 or email them at petepumpsltd@gmail.com. Visit their website at www.petepumps.co.nz.

Buildings by KiwiSpan

When it comes to quality buildings, KiwiSpan set the standard. Their attention to detail, premium product and experienced team have made them leaders in the New Zealand steel shed industry.

KiwiSpan Wairarapa is owned and operated by locals Rowan Thornton and Tonya Harrison, together with their hard-working team they service Norsewood in the North to Ngawi in the South; and everywhere in between.

From residential garages, lifestyle sheds and workshops, light commercial or industrial buildings through to the popular ‘shedhouse’, KiwiSpan Wairarapa can do it!

There are so many things that separate KiwiSpan from the rest. Although they pride themselves on their quality materials and innovative system, they're best known for their customer service and can-do attitude.

To help keep things easy, KiwiSpan Wairarapa offer a variety of services, supporting you through the design process based on your exact needs and specifications, taking care of any Council consent applications, right through to construction of your KiwiSpan building to completion, helping make the build as hassle-free as possible.

Or perhaps you have construction experience and considering a DIY option?

All of KiwiSpan buildings are available to buy as a kitset.

When it comes to the structure the steel is the most important part of your shed, as it should be designed tough. KiwiSpan uses up to 3.0mm gauge steel for the structural elements in their sheds, and a minimum 0.4mm gauge cladding with extra wide and thicker 0.55mm gauge flashings, which is heavier than most competitors. Why? It gives you a peace of mind knowing your shed materials have been chosen to withstand Wairarapa's everchanging conditions.

Unlike others, KiwiSpan uses grunty bolts alongside heavy gauge tek screws to help keep your shed together. Their New Zealand designed and engineered brackets utilise these industrial bolts, offering a stronger connection. As a result, your building will have higherquality fastenings and a much tidier look.

KiwiSpan proudly delivers more usable space inside your shed. They can build a true clear span of up to 18m without obtrusive knee or apex braces (and up to an impressive 30m using this bracing). So you can enjoy wider clear spans, top-tobottom storage space, and extra room for manoeuvring vehicles.

Backed by 50-years' durability and a five years workmanship guarantee, they really are the Kiwi choice!

No question is too silly and there’s no idea they won’t consider. They're here to make sure your building comes to life, so dream big and call the team at KiwiSpan today or visit them online.

Delivering guidance, expertise and experience

By June Pfister

initiatives that promote economic growth while upholding sustainability and inclusivity.

Education and knowledge-sharing remain integral to the Chamber’s efforts. Regular workshops and seminars cover a diverse range of topics, spanning from contemporary marketing strategies to sustainable business practices. These offerings empower businesses to remain competitive and adaptable within a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

At its core, the Chamber aims to provide a unified platform where businesses can collaborate and flourish. Emerging from its humble origins, it has grown into a dynamic hub of activity.

Its primary goal is to stimulate economic growth, offer resources tailored to businesses of all sizes, and create an environment conducive to innovation and prosperity.

The Chamber acts as a central resource for businesses seeking guidance and support. From startups to established enterprises, it offers an array of services including networking events, workshops, and seminars.

These platforms not only facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas but also enable businesses to establish meaningful connections within the local ecosystem.

Advocacy plays a pivotal role in the Chamber’s mission. By amplifying the collective voice of its members, the organisation has the power to influence policies that directly impact the business community.

Collaborating with local government bodies, the Chamber addresses challenges, presents solutions, and champions

The Chamber takes pride in its commitment to community engagement. Recognising that a flourishing business environment goes hand in hand with a prosperous local community, the organisation undertakes various initiatives to give back.

Collaborative efforts with local nonprofits, initiatives to support education, and involvement in community development projects all underscore the Chamber’s dedication to comprehensive growth.

As technology continues to reshape business practices, the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce remains adaptable. The organisation leverages technology to provide members with enhanced networking opportunities, digital resources, and online tools that streamline various business processes.

Membership in the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce offers numerous advantages. From increased visibility and credibility within the community to access to a network of like-minded professionals, members find themselves wellequipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities presented by the competitive business landscape.

The Chamber stands as a dynamic and influential entity within the region. By nurturing economic growth, fostering collaboration, and advocating for the interests

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to propelling local businesses forward and fostering a thriving community. They are a nonprofit organisation, serving as a central force in empowering businesses, facilitating connections, and advocating for overall progress.

Marlborough – We Love it Here campaign.

of its members, the Chamber contributes significantly to both the business landscape and the overall well-being of the community.

As the organisation continues to evolve and adapt, its impact on the region’s prosperity is poised to remain profound and enduring.

The Marlborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Excellence Awards is an opportunity to celebrate the part various businesses play in the region’s past, present, and future.

Whether a business has been in operation for 12 months or 12 years, this is the time to reflect on success, where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re going.

This year the annual awards will be held on Friday the 17th of November 2023 at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim. These awards are a chance for businesses to celebrate and recognise

everyone’s hard work throughout the past year. It’s a time for everyone to get together, to reflect and reminisce about all the great things that have been achieved.

The awards evening is a great opportunity to network with fellow businesses in the community, get dressed up, and celebrate local success.

The Chamber has been a proud host of this event for more than 20 years. It’s part of their commitment to connect and champion local businesses, by giving business owners quality opportunities for professional development and events through which to build those important personal relationships, strengthening the business community.

Pete Coldwell, chief executive of the Chamber.

Marlborough.

Why renting equipment makes sense

Furthermore, not only does ownership mean more money upfront but more time and administration organising the necessary upkeep.

is ownership really?

Full ownership translates to full responsibility for the maintenance, compliance and replacement of tools and machinery. Sure, there are often warranties available but warranties expire or become void.

Assets like vehicles and machinery can be claimed as expenses when it’s time to do taxes. Depending on the initial cost of the asset, it might be subject to depreciation. Items that typically need to be depreciated can include items like office gear and work vehicles.

Depreciation loss can be claimed as a deduction each tax year. In 2020, the Government raised the threshold for depreciation from $500 to $5,000 and allowed businesses to claim the full cost of equipment less than $5,000.

This applied to low-value assets purchased in 2020 so businesses would continue to invest in themselves during the pandemic.

However, this temporary fix only lasted until 16 March 2021. From 17 March onwards the threshold was set at $1,000.

Nonetheless, ownership isn’t the only option when it comes to getting your hands on the equipment you need to get the job done.

There are a number of companies in New Zealand that can hire out equipment ranging from hand-held tools all the way to excavators and dump trucks.

Reasons to hire equipment

Many construction companies are used to hiring sanitation equipment, temporary fencing, security cameras and event gear for their projects, but why not the equipment that’s actually getting the job done?

There is a lot to consider when starting on a new business venture or project. Hire Industry New Zealand (HIANZ) lists some of the benefits of hiring equipment rather than purchasing which include:

• Access the latest and best equipment

Very few of us can afford to keep up with the latest technology. However, hiring equipment gives you access to the latest technology and the best manufacturers without the commitment and price tag that comes with ownership while also ensuring reliability and efficiency.

• Keep costs at bay

When the job is done, you can return the hired equipment without worrying about repairs, maintenance, storage or depreciation of the equipment. Unlike purchasing equipment, hiring equipment is fully tax deductible.

• Save time and space

Ownership requires regular updates, maintenance, and time that hiring doesn’t. Hire equipment companies take care of the equipment’s upkeep so you can use your time and energy elsewhere.

Like time and money, space is also a limitation to consider when owning equipment. Hiring means equipment is only stored for as long as it is required for the job.

• Make the most of equipment

Purchased equipment often sits unused for long periods of time. Hiring makes the most use of equipment by allowing the equipment to be used as much as possible, by as many people as possible; therefore, making the most use of valuable resources needed to make the equipment.

• Ensure Safety

HIANZ members are required to adhere to best practice and industry standards which means your hiring equipment is up to the highest standard of safety and compliance.

To protect equipment users, hired equipment should be accompanied with written operating instructions, support manuals, warning decals and labels. Also, end users can be instructed in the safe use of the equipment before hiring.

• Have someone in your corner

When you own something and it breaks down, you’re essentially left on your own to pick up the pieces. When hiring you have the support of the hiring company to get you up and going again.

Even if you could afford everything required to own tools and equipment, do you really want to deal with the hassle of it all?

When you weigh up the pros and cons, you might just find yourself reaching for the phone and calling your local hiring company for your next big project.

We have many success stories where people have thought marketing is a waste of money, but have finally found something that gives them a transparent Return on Investment.

If you would like to be our next success story, please email: enquiries@fatweb.co.nz

We have offices throughout New Zealand and can discuss your needs over the phone or by Skype.

Don’t let another year go by without truly discovering what digital marketing can do for your business.

With years’ of experience and having delivered outstanding results, we have some of the best digital experts in the business.

We are so confident, that if you aren’t 100% happy after the first month, you won’t pay a cent for the management fee. And if you mention this ad, set-up is free – a service other companies charge up to $3,000 for.

form of advertising you can measure, then increase or decrease, so you can manage your workflow accordingly!

You’ve probably heard people talk about digital marketing, Google AdWords, online traffic, SEO and social media. Then on top of all that, you need to have a lead generating web presence with good traffic etc.

This can sound complicated – but it doesn’t have to if you talk to the right people.

Let’s start with the basics

Right now there are people looking for a business just like yours. However, if you don’t have AdWords, there’s a very good chance they’ve just clicked one of your competitors’ websites.

Most businesses would benefit from Google AdWords. It’s simple to set up, it’s fast, you set the monthly budget, and you can see the results immediately.

Included is a complimentary call tracking service to measure daily results, plus you get a monthly report that’s explained in as much detail as you like.

FREE call tracking, which means you can actually hear recordings of the phone calls coming into your business to see if your staff are doing things correctly or if they need more training. This tool can make a massive difference to the FAT on your bottom line.

Available to the first 25 people who book a consultation.

With 15 years’ experience - we know what we’re doing.

- 38 Lowe St, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Level 3/5 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Call 0800 FATWEB, or email enquiries@fatweb.co.nz to book a FREE consultation.

0800 FATWEB | www.fatweb.co.nz

There are many costs to owning a business including the tools and machinery you use every day. Yet how affordable

Haul it. Hoist It. Move it. Raise it. Shift it. Lift it.

the heart of everything Waikato Cranes do. Their number one priority is delivering safe lifting solutions resulting in zero harm. Every lift that they complete takes into consideration the safety of your team and theirs, as well as the wider public, to every job is done safely.

Cranes believe that all workplace incidents are preventable. Their in-house maintenance team ensure a well maintained and safe fleet. Most importantly, they go above and beyond compliance to ensure an all-inclusive, positive safety culture.

Waikato Cranes are your go-to crane experts. With over 40 years of experience, they service the wider Waikato region with committed expertise and passion for what they do. Also servicing the Coromandel Peninsula, the team at Waikato Cranes provide responsive crane hire services to diverse clients across the region.

Alongside their Auckland counterparts Waikato Cranes provide complete package lifting and heavy haul transport engineering. They maintain a fresh approach to their craft with their innovative engineering practices that work to optimise their clients’ lifting solutions.

Auckland and Waikato Cranes work in partnership to deliver mobile crane hire services to a wide range of industries and businesses from their three locations across Auckland and the Waikato region – North Shore, Manukau and Hamilton. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the Auckland and Waikato region.

From their dispatchers, engineers, and operations leaders to their drivers, operators, riggers and dogmen, they know and respect cranes and what it means to deliver safe and professional crane hire and transport services.

Next to their sister company Waikato Cranes are the largest mobile crane fleet operator in Auckland and Waikato regions. They have plenty of capacity in personnel and equipment to give you peace of mind; you can trust that the team will turn up as expected and safely carry out your job.

Waikato Cranes’ machinery always arrives on site with current certifications and fully functioning safety devices. Their licensed and experienced operators and communications systems interact with their home office to assist with immediate problem solving, executing projects efficiently and expertly.

Waikato Cranes offer an elite specialist transport service. Having been in business since 1970, you can trust that they have the experience and know-how to help you complete your job safely and with confidence. They are qualified and committed to ensuring your project is completed through following best practice procedures, and using modern and wellfunctioning equipment.

The company has a fleet of over 50 cranes which range from 2.5 tonnes to 450 tonnes. This includes mobile cranes, mini crawler cranes and self-erecting tower cranes.

Waikato Cranes are proud of their longstanding reputation for exceptional service, and wide client base of local, national government and overseas organisations. It is a standard of excellence that has also been recognised through the Crane Association of NZ awards throughout the years.

For machinery installation or any oversized loads, the expansive range of cranes in the company’s fleet have you sorted. Waikato and Auckland Cranes are renowned for doing the lifts that no one else can do. Their impressive history of service includes the MV Rena salvage operation to lifting and relocating the existing St Paul’s Collegiate School cricket pavilion.

Safety sits at the heart of everything Waikato Cranes do. Their number one priority is delivering safe lifting solutions resulting in zero harm. Every lift that they complete takes into consideration the safety of your team and theirs, as well as the wider public, to every job is done safely.

Through the systematic identification, elimination and control of hazards, Waikato

The Stop, Think, Observe and Plan approach is a behavioural-based safety programme that facilitates a culture of hazard identification, elimination and control of an individual’s work as well as that of their co-workers. By using the DuPont STOP programme the company encourage their team to engage in ongoing authentic conversations about health, safety and environment. Any lift, anywhere, any time. Their clients call for a fast, response and cast-iron commitment to delivering safe and certain lift outcomes. This is because of their unmatched commitment to understanding clients’ complex lifting requirements, and responding quickly and efficiently with an energetic, technically competent and safe team.

Waikato Cranes has become the go-to crane hire provider for manufacturing, building and farming clients. Contact Waikato Cranes at 07 849 3846 or 027 333 6883. Flick them an email at cranes@waikatocranes.co.nz. Their depot is at 86 Sunshine Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton.

Safety sits at