Builders & Contractors Magazine, Autumn 2017

2017 Autumn Edition

THE GREEN REVOLUTION How environmentally friendly practices are making their mark

Safety in supplier yards Merchants reminded to assess and manage risks

SKILLS SHORTAGES

Staring down a shortfall

Drug testing A measured response to meth in the workplace

FTMA chairman keen to raise industry profile

Riding the wave Construction demand continues to climb

PLAYING IT SAFE

The costly business of falls from height

PPS Industries Limited

2 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 3

Contents Page: 25

Welcome

- publisher's note

6: Building Recruitment’s

Kevin Everett on the skills shortage epidemic

6: Tina Hwang and Marcus

Yes, our national building boom continues apace - but with this momentum comes change and keeping abreast of this change in such a diverse arena as the construction industry is a key component for anyone in the sector.

7: Jamie Tulloch from e3 Business

One area undergoing significant and rapid evolution is green building – that’s why our lead story in this, our autumn edition, is called ‘The green revolution’, as an ever increasing range of organisations are now interested in sustainable buildings.

15: Safety in supplier yards

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

Beveridge from Queen City Law outline the new contract retention regime

7: Marcus Bathan from Vertical

Horizonz talks about fulfilling the primary duty of care Accountants on why small business owners are awesome

10: The green revolution 17: Future proofing –

the benefits of using registered building surveyors

22: BuildLink – your trade supplier of choice

25: Karton Construction Systems 26: Frame and Truss

Manufacturers’ Association

31: Canterbury Frames & Trusses – small company delivers big quality

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

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

Published Quarterly/Nationwide Distribution

Readers: Construction/building industry

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

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

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

Page: 80

Contents

Evidence that New Zealand’s construction landscape is in rude health was highlighted late last year, when it was reported that 64 cranes dotted the Auckland skyline.

In this issue we look at how employers can respond to the risk of drug-use in the workplace, the skills shortage facing our construction sector, and how to ‘future proof’ structures.

Page: 52

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

33: Landscaping New Zealand 35: Water solutions – onsite wastewater treatment

37: Fire New Zealand conference gains size and stature

44: Playing it safe - the costly business of falls from height

47: The importance of fall arrest precautions

51: Auckland housing development to take off

52: Riding the wave – construction demand continues to climb

57: AWCI implements its new code of practice

60: Concrete industry gears up for Te Papa conference

62: Virgin Concrete lays its own foundations

65: Ward Group -

68: Building Officials Institute of New Zealand set to mark its half century

70: Master Plumbers – overseeing an industry’s success

73: National Association of Steel

Framed Housing - simplifying steel construction

74: Livingstone Building NZ 77: Kiwi construction sector facing skills shortfall

78: Drug testing - a measured response to meth in the workplace

80: Code compliance – the principles of best practice

97: Hiway Group

- geotechnical experts

98: Moore Construction 99: Sarich Design & Build 101: Gibson Construction

the deconstruction experts

66: JCL Asphalt paves the way to exciting growth

Cover image provided by Alexander Goh

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

Please contact our Sales Manager to discuss: Production: Angela Elley

120 Maces Road, Bromley Christchurch 8062 PO Box 19607, Woolston, Christchurch, 8241 Ph: (03) 376 5120 • Cell: 0288 500 4177 Email: angela@markat.co.nz

Sales Manager: Stewart Smith

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

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

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Shoreload & Propping

Experts in managing gravity

labour. Many of our clients and other subcontractors are advising that they are finding it extremely hard to find and keep skilled, qualified and experienced staff. NZ, and Auckland in par�cular, is in the middle of one of our strongest periods of construc�on ac�vity for many years and it’s fair to say that the market wasn't prepared for the demand for skilled resource.

Tim Smith, managing director of Shoreload & Propping, discusses the current state of the construc�on industry and what his team are doing to support it.

Another challenge is the pressure within the industry due to the very dynamic environment. Deadlines and �melines change a lot so you have to be pre� y nimble with how you deal with changes and shuffling your resources. We really try and focus on being there for our client when they need us and we think that is a real point of difference in the market today.

Can you start by telling us a bit about what Shoreload & Propping does?

We are in the business of providing temporary support solu�ons for the construc�on industry, focussing on both residen�al and commercial projects. These solu�ons are provided through the design, install and supply of both Shoreload and Acrow Propping systems.

For the uneducated, why should someone use Shoreloading and/or Acrow Propping?

Both solu�ons have the primary purpose of suppor�ng construc�on structures.

Shoreloading towers by nature are a much more stable pla�orm which possesses significant load capacity in a single structure. The key to this is the shoreload towers innate strength and ability to

distribute a load through 4 bearing points.

When towers are combined and linked through con�nuous bearers, then the shoreload structure provides a systems approach for beams, insitu structures, and other large or extremely heavy structures.

Acrow props, because they are small and rela�vely strong, are o�en used in confined spaces or when a single load point requires support. Again acrow props can be linked together through con�nuous bearers and bracing systems to provide a stable pla�orm for ribs, flatslab or other flooring solu�ons.

I no�ced your use of the term 'solu�on' a lot. Could you give an example of the type of solu�ons you create for clients?

Sure can. Our solu�on approach starts with the ini�al scope of the project and the

resul�ng design created based upon industry best prac�ce, manufacturers’ recommenda�ons and analysis of load characteris�cs. Our experience in designing solu�ons for our commercial and residen�al clients enables us to deliver the right outcome for the project.

But that's not where it finishes. Our solu�on approach includes strong consulta�on with our clients and site visits to fully understand the requirements and the environment. From there our teams take over to deliver an efficient outcome based on the specifica�ons and consulta�on.

What is a major challenge that you see for the industry?

One would be that in today's construc�on market there is a real shortage of skilled

What excites you most about the construc�on market at the moment?

This is an extremely exci�ng �me to be in this industry. The market is on a real roll and it seems to me that people are really enjoying the buzz and posi�ve environment that it creates. The people I interact with on site and within the office/QS teams are a great bunch of people who have embraced the opportunity created for them by the market growth.

I am also excited about what this posi�ve environment and growth can do for my business. We con�nue to focus on delivering high quality outcomes for our clients and on constantly improving our opera�ng model so that we are at the forefront of emerging improvements in the NZ health and safety regime.

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 5

Viewpoints

Skills shortages-not just a New Zealand problem

The new retention regime

By Kevin Everett (as advised by Andy King (LIA 200800912) of Network Migration Services in Henderson

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang of Queen City Law

With consents now as high as recorded in 2004 and the forecast for further growth, where do we go from here?

One of the most significant and notorious events in New Zealand’s recent construction history was the fall of Mainzeal.

We have residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure sectors all at extremely high levels of activity based on demand, with the recent natural disasters adding further pressure.

These issues have been spoken about to death so I won’t go over them again.

However, I am keen to talk about how we deal with the skills required to keep up with the demand and explain why New Zealand businesses need to be more open, more flexible, more proactive and certainly more structured in their HR processes.

Demand is greater than the current resource, and the New Zealand government is putting a spanner in the works for the Auckland market by driving skilled labour out as a direct result of the increase of points needed to gain residency from 140 to 160, and applicants being offered additional points if they move outside of Auckland.

This may be great for those companies outside of Auckland, but with the highest demands being in Auckland, where does that leave us?

The other issue Auckland is facing is affordability of houses. Many are just not able to survive which is placing pressure on employers to increase salaries. This is not sustainable long-term as all it does is drive prices of new builds higher.

As a result of the record-level house prices, people are selling up and moving to locations which offer better lifestyles, be mortgage free and have money in the bank. Why wouldn’t you if you could?

So where do we go from here and how as a business do you attract the much needed skills?

I thought I would look at what skill shortages are like around the world and what other countries are doing. Can we learn from them?

In the USA they are struggling to attract skilled labour as construction is on the increase. It is the same in the UK and Ireland where they forecast a 20 percent increase in construction work in 2017.

The UK and Ireland have been a great source to our market, but with their sectors showing growth and also suffering from a skills shortage, we are facing considerable competition for these people.

In other regions of Europe there is a massive skills shortage and not just in construction. In fact half to two thirds of employers of EU firms are finding it difficult finding skilled workers.

Kevin Everett is Managing Director of Building Recruitment which provides permanent and temporary staffing solutions for the building and construction industries.

just about the lack of skills. Unattractive job offers, poor job quality, precarious job contracts, and a lack of employer commitment to talent management are other key factors.

These are the main reasons for EU firms being unable to find skills, while others are genuinely finding it’s a skill shortage based on the increase in the markets.

It is time for New Zealand employers to look at their businesses and whether they are in one of these categories. If you are, then you need to review your policies immediately, as this is not going to help you attract new employees and may leave you exposed to losing staff too, especially if your competitors are offering better conditions.

Training is key. Recent research in 2014

by Cedefop (European Commission, 2014) found that firms that treat their human resources as an intangible asset are more likely to reap substantial benefits from training activities. By contrast, organisations that regard labour as a cost to the firm are likely to enjoy fewer benefits, or even a zero or negative return from their investment in training.

The research also found that the difficulties in recruitment faced by employers could be tackled better if firms adopt an alternative mix of human resource policies.

This strategy should rely on several factors including the offer of better and more stable jobs to skilled applicants and high quality apprentices; investment in strengthening talent from outside and inside the firm; hiring applicants on the basis of their potential; and having a superior design of learning intensive jobs and workplace practices.

Developing a greater reliance on sourcing relatively unexploited talent including female and older workers is another great strategy, which we will discuss in a subsequent column.

Firms who value their employees, invest in them and offer a stable work environment definitely have the edge when it comes to attracting and retaining great people.

What has been identified in this research which I feel needs to be considered here in New Zealand, is that the shortage is not 6 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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This collapse caused a catastrophic tidal wave that made Parliament change the sector’s regime on many construction aspects - including that of retentions.

While benchmarking New South Wales’ strict mandatory retention regulations, the government chose to compromise and implement a less strict approach.

In New Zealand, retentions were traditionally negotiable between the contracting parties.

Parties typically tied a portion of the contract price to be released upon certain dates (the main ones being Practical Completion or the end of the defects liability period, and in very rare circumstances the issuance of the CCC).

The contractor (or subcontractor) could also ask the developer (or head contractor) to hold cash retentions on trust for the contractor (or subcontractor). This was however very rarely done in practice.

Now, for any commercial contracts entered into after 31 March 2017, retentions must be held “on trust” in cash or liquid assets (that can be readily converted to cash).

However the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 specifically states that the retention money “does not need to be paid into a separate trust account” and “may be commingled with other moneys”.

While this will save compliance and administration costs, this has effectively watered down the system to the point that there appears to be no bullet in the gun as such.

The intention by Parliament was aimed to simply protect subcontractors from insolvent head contractors when the head contractors “go bust” together with the withheld retentions. However, there is serious doubt as to whether the new regime will provide actual and meaningful protection and the change will have other consequences.

Serious doubt New South Wales requires retentions for head contractors with a project value over $20M to have retentions set aside in a separate trust account.

This protects contractors as it triggers the equitable trust duties when the money is physically set aside for a specified purpose.

Unless the money is separately held on trust, there can be no proper trust or fiduciary obligation in law or equity.

Therefore the New Zealand approach of requiring developers (or head contractors) to hold funds “on trust”, but not actually requiring a separate bank account, will

Tina Hwang

mean the funds could be intermingled with other project funds.

In the event of the developer (or head contractor) becoming insolvent, the contractor (or subcontractor) cannot in fact be protected as the legitimate creditors of the developer (or head contractor) can claim these funds as theirs, because the funds have not been separately set aside on trust for the contractor (or subcontractor).

This seems to defeat the purpose of the retentions regime, as the contractor (or subcontractor) will be exposed in any real insolvency issues in an insolvency context.

So while the regulations clearly state that the retention money is not available for any other creditor other than the contractor (or subcontractor), any late release will attract interest and there are prohibition provisions that ban parties from contracting out of the Act, or make the release conditional upon anything else, or delay the release date, or require the contractor to pay any administration costs; the trust regime itself is exposed and unenforceable in law so there are serious issues to be tried here.

Other consequences It is common for the construction sector to withhold 5-10 percent retentions tied to the practical completion date or the defects liability period.

Under the new regime, both the developer and the contractor will be required to hold 5-10 percent “on trust” until this date.

This means that 10-20 percent of funds will be physically tied up until such point.

Where cash flow is the bloodline of the construction industry, this could be problematic.

The corollary is that project financing will be affected and contractors will be forced to increase their prices to account for this “set back”.

Alternatively, parties will increasingly use retention bonds instead of cash retentions which is already an option under the most commonly used NZS 3910:2013 pro forma contracts.

These are only some of the contentious clauses and should not be taken as legal advice. For actual legal advice or assistance, please contact Queen City Law, 09 970 8810.

Viewpoints

Why small business owners are awesome

The primary duty of care

By Marcus Bathan

By Jamie Tulloch

It has almost been a year since the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 was released.

You’ve heard this all before.

Small business is the biggest employer in the country.

Depending on your definition of “small business”, somewhere north of 80 percent of all employees work for a small business.

Since then Vertical Horizonz has noticed businesses working hard to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be compliant with the new legislation and to keep themselves, their employees and their businesses safe.

This being said, there is still confusion among industries about different aspects of the new Act. The following aims to help explain the primary duty of care and what is reasonably practicable: A Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of: • Workers in the PCBU • Workers whose work is influenced or directed by the PCBU • Other persons affected by the work being performed.

This requires PCBUs, so far as is reasonably practicable to: • Provide and maintain a work environment, plant and systems of work that are without risks to health and safety • Ensure the safe use, handling and storage of plant, structures and substances • Provide adequate facilities at work for the welfare of workers, including ensuring access to those facilities • Provide information, training, instruction or supervision necessary to protect workers and others from risks to their health and safety • Monitor the health of workers and the conditions at the workplace for the purpose of preventing illness or injury.

But what does reasonably practicable mean?

According to the HSW Act 2015 s.22, unless the context otherwise requires, reasonably practicable, in relation to a duty of a PCBU set out in subpart 2 of Part 2, means that which is, or was, at a particular time, reasonably able to be done in relation to ensuring health and safety, taking into account and weighing up all relevant matters, including: (a) the likelihood of the hazard or the risk concerned occurring (b) the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or risk (c) what the person concerned knows, or ought reasonably to know, about (i) the hazard or risk, and (ii) ways of eliminating or minimising the risk

Marcus Bathan is Training Manager for Vertical Horizonz who provides consultancy to businesses on Industrial and health and safety training practices. He has spent seven years in the British Army and five years working in the NZ construction industry.

(e) after assessing the extent of the risk and the available ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, the cost associated with available ways of eliminating or minimising the risk, including whether the cost is grossly disproportionate to the risk.

For you on the ground, reasonably practicable is about making the steps for eliminating and minimising risk appropriate to the risk at hand.

"

It is also not reasonably practicable to put full house scaffold up for a five minute job that only requires a ladder and harness, whereas full house scaffolding for reroofing a house is reasonably practicable.

"

For example; it is not reasonably practicable for a small two person construction business to be spending two million dollars on preventing falls from height, but it is reasonably practicable for that business to spend money on training, equipment and knowledge to ensure the team is following best practice guidelines to guarantee appropriate control measures are put in place to eliminate or minimise risks of falling from height.

It is also not reasonably practicable to put full house scaffold up for a five minute job that only requires a ladder and harness, whereas full house scaffolding for reroofing a house is reasonably practicable.

If you are a small business owner, pat yourself on your back. You are the employment backbone of this country.

Your entrepreneurial streak offers every employee the opportunity to enjoy a take home pay, week after week, month after month.

You are responsible for paying your employees’ mortgages, for putting their food on the table and for clothing and housing their kids.

I was recently talking with a business owner with 23 employees. He was a caring employer and from time to time he’d helped out employees who got into a spot of financial bother, often through their own carelessness.

During a few moments of musing he got out his calculator and did a rough add up of all the debts he estimated his employees carried.

Jamie Tulloch is managing director of e3 Business Accountants in Christchurch based Chartered Accountants specialising in family owned and owner manager businesses throughout New Zealand. Visit e3accountants.co.nz or phone 03 3792343

They take the risks. They use their family home to secure a business loan. They often put everything on the line to build a better life for their families and by doing so, take on the debts of hundreds of thousands of employees.

Well done you little business owner.

Well done.

Jamie Tulloch is the managing director of e3 Business Accountants in Christchurch – Chartered Accountants specialising in family owned and owner managed businesses throughout New Zealand. Call (03) 379 2343, or visit www.e3accountants.co.nz.

He knew quite a few employees’ personal situations, best guessed others, did some on-line research through Statistics New Zealand, the Reserve Bank, Treasury, and located a few other available chunks of household debt data.

About e3 Business Accountants

He came to the conclusion that the wages he was paying were servicing nearly $2.5 million of debt. So 23 individuals, all good people, were almost totally dependent on the fortunes of this one, single employer.

Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur, a mum and dad business with just a few employees or an established business with several generations of ownership and a large number of employees, E3 understands the unique needs of your family business.

He had never before looked at the responsibility he carried on behalf of his employees in quite this way before.

At first he wasn’t quite sure whether this knowledge would wear him down and impact on his entrepreneurial streak, or whether it would spur him on to build a better and stronger business.

My view is that this is the time of the year that all business owners deserve a pat on the back.

We are Christchurch-based chartered accountants (members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants) specialising in family owned and owner managed businesses throughout New Zealand.

We do everything a traditional accounting firm should do, and a lot more they don’t.

As business accountants we focus on your business growth and profits, not just balancing figures.

We offer practical, real world accounting, tax, business and marketing advice – in plain English.

PCBUs can and must do what is reasonably practicable to ensure health and safety for their workers and workers who are directed or influenced by the business and can do this by taking into account and weighing up all relevant situational matters.

(d) the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or minimise the risk www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 7

News

New Zealand construction boom has years left The New Zealand building boom is set to continue, according to leading industry analyst and economic forecaster, BIS Shrapnel.

Boosted by surging net migration, accommodative monetary policy and robust economic growth, residential construction is set to rise further over the medium term, even as growth in the non-residential sector tempers.

According to the latest Building and Construction in New Zealand 2017-2022 report, the total value of building authorised (including residential and non-residential), is expected to peak in the financial year ending March 2017 and will remain above $10 billion in the next two years before activity levels off.

rise above $10 billion at the end of the outlook period in 2021/22, back near the record high reached this year.

particular will see non-residential building activity in the Auckland region running at fairly high levels over the forecast period.

The dynamics of population growth is a major driver of construction activity and a key determinant of medium and long term trends. Reflecting this, exceptionally high net migration in recent years has been a major contributor to strong growth in dwelling building activity.

Building activity in other regions is also improving, backed by positive underlying economic fundamentals that have underpinned investment growth. It is worth noting that these fundamentals have been facilitated by the strong economic performance of the Auckland region, with the fastest growing smaller regions – Hamilton, Waikato and Tauranga – mostly located within close proximity.

The construction sector will also be supported by the promising outlook for the economy over the medium term. A healthy labour market and persistent accommodative monetary policy settings are expected to provide a boost to domestic consumption and business investment, while the strong tourism sector will continue to lend support.

Positive business and consumer sentiment on the back of continued strength in the domestic economy will drive demand for office, retail and industrial buildings in the coming years.

The slight decline in 2017/18 is expected to be the first year of negative growth in the overall sector for five years, while dwelling construction is forecast to continue growing until 2019/20, representing seven years of consecutive growth.

Building activity in the coming year and beyond is likely to still be led by Auckland.

Several factors that will contribute to the Auckland dwelling sector include strong population growth through migration inflows, housing stock deficiency and the implementation of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

However, new supply coming online in the near term is likely to result in slower growth in commercial property rentals, and higher vacancy rates that would bring the market back to equilibrium. Forecasted strong population growth is expected to generate greater demand for social and institutional, as well as retail and office buildings over the longer term.

Following a period of cyclical adjustment, construction activity is forecast to once again

Furthermore, remaining tight supply in the office, retail and industrial sectors in

The total value of non-residential building authorised is forecast to move into a

downturn over the outlook period, mainly because the majority of developments in the Canterbury rebuilding effort are now underway. As is the case in the dwelling sector though, fervent building in Auckland will provide a floor to building activity.

It is expected that civil engineering construction will expand moderately over most of the forecast period. Road related infrastructure spending will benefit from government initiatives, including funding for the National Land Transport Programme, while rail and communications related expenditure will be more modest.

Key points: • New Zealand construction activity forecast to remain strong after peaking this year • Solid dwelling building to continue in Auckland • High population growth to cause demand for housing to outstrip supply in the medium term • Non-residential building to simmer as Canterbury earthquake rebuild winds down

Funding to boost trades diversity announced As part of the solution to New Zealand’s underresourced construction sector, a new three year research project looking at how to get more women into trades has been launched.

Jointly commissioned by the Ministry for Women and Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, the project aims to increase the participation and success of women in the construction and engineering related trades where they are traditionally under-represented.

Ako Aotearoa director, Dr Stanley Frielick, says it is delighted to join with the Ministry

for Women in supporting a major project that will contribute to positive change for women participating in the trades. “The vital importance of this work is evident in the committed and collaborative team supporting the project.”

A group of organisations are involved in the research project led by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

“With $178 billion of work forecast for the next five years, the strong demand for skilled workers in the construction and engineering trades is unquestionable,” says BCITO chief executive Warwick Quinn. “Regrettably, so too is the low participation rate of women in those trades.

“Our traditional workforce pools are not large enough to meet the demand so we must be diverse in approach,” he says.

“We believe the timing is right for a project of this size and scope and that the commitment is there to leverage the demand to increase the participation and success of women.”

Warwick says collaboration is at the core of the project and the group’s greatest strength.

“Our belief is that by working together we can achieve a significant increase in the participation rates of women.”

Members of the group include four industry training organisations representing 86 industry sectors and 38 percent of all industry training including BCITO,

Competenz, Connexis, the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO); Auckland Māori Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT); the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT); The Southern Initiative Māori and Pasifika Trades Training; Kelston Girls’ College; and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

They are supported by 18 associated industry educational organisations, 19 secondary schools and a growing list of supporters.

The research will be conducted over the next three years through three interrelated focus areas - working with women in the trades and those involved in pre-trade training, engaging with trade employers, and working with data to establish benchmarks and measure change.

Call 0800 99 76278 or visit www.smart-trade.co.nz to find out more.

8 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Aquamax

Aquamax Hydrodemolition & Scabbling Specialists in Auckland and Wellington this enables the company to provide a true nationwide service

Aquamax has undergone significant expansion over the past three years to enable a wide range of offerings targeted at the construction industry.

Recently the company has been successful in winning and delivering two high profile projects, a large wharf repair in Auckland, in association with international concrete specialist BBR Contech, and hydroblasting work on the Moorhouse Ave and Durham St overbridges in Christchurch. These significant SCIRT projects being delivered by main contractors Downer and Fulton Hogan. Downer Project Engineer Phil Owen says, “Aquamax have produced very well in terms of outputs on site and have done so in a safe and reliable manner.”

The company has added five highpowered WOMA water-jetting pumps enabling substantial hydrodemolition projects to be undertaken. Recent successes have been the Devonport Training Jetty, Moorhouse and Durham overbridges, and some significant seismic repair work on a prominent Wellington tower block.

Concrete related services include: Hydrodemolition such as

rebar exposure Hydro–scabbling such as for Type B

construction joints Paint stripping of concrete

and blockwork Creating specialist finishes such as

stencilled images Hydrodemolition is being increasingly specified as it allows concrete to be removed without damaging the immediate structure or rebar. This is usually required when new structure is being tied into old.

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

Six metre rugby players etched into panels for the CRFU Headquarters

road line removal, paint and corrosion stripping, aircraft paint stripping and descaling of geothermal turbines.

The low-flow equipment generates minimal back-thrust on the gun, a key health and safety consideration, and has enabled blasting applications that are not safely performed with higher powered equipment.

Over the past two years Aquamax has embarked on a programme of expansion and investment in newer,

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

A key focus for CEO Hamish Coop has been lifting the game in terms of health and safety. “We operate strictly within the guidelines set down by the NZ Water Jetting Standard and ensure that blasters are properly equipped with the best available equipment and Kevlar PPE.”

A division was opened in Christchurch in 2013 with two pumps and a permanent team of three.

Along with the established divisions

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

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

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

A very effective process is stencilling an etched image onto panels. A dramatic example of this is a sixmetre-high mural of rugby players thatAquamax created at the Canterbury Rugby Football Union headquarters in Christchurch.

Aquamax has been around for nearly 20 years and has built a reputation based around low -low but ultra-high pressure (40,000 psi) water jetting.

Founded by kiwi owners in 1996, the company developed a compact and highly versatile water jetting package based around a small scale water jetting pump and a 25 kW Lister engine. Eight 10 tonne Izusu trucks were fitted out with these pumps and capacity for 1800 litres of water – enough for a day's blasting.

The company became one of the forerunners in using water jetting for www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 9

Green Building

The green revolution Chief executive of New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), Andrew Eagles, says when it comes to thinking about buildings and construction in modern cities there is one question he likes to ask – what would Aristotle say about our buildings?

And the answer is Aristotle would have a lot to be excited about.

“A wider range of organisations are now interested in sustainable buildings.

Green Star, the certification primarily for offices, commercial spaces and schools, is increasingly being requested for theatres, hotels, hospitals, communities, even a car showroom.

“Green is also going deeper, and is now used to measure and reduce the impact of buildings year on year. We’ve seen this through the increased uptake of NABERSNZ, the tool to rate and improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand offices.

Image provided courtesy of Alexander Goh

“Aristotle said, ‘quality is not an act, it’s a habit’. As well as knowing how to rock a toga, the Greek philosopher would’ve loved NABERSNZ.” NABERSNZ is an independent tool backed by the New Zealand government.

Andrew points out that after the second NABERSNZ rating, buildings achieve a seven percent saving on energy use; after eight assessments this rises to 29 percent.

He says figures like these will help secure and retain blue-chip tenants. “Besides, if you don’t measure a building’s performance, how can you improve and how can you shout about your successes?”

He further points out that energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, it’s good for the owners, and they quickly discover the cost savings of going green.

“Compared to wasteful buildings, energy efficient buildings gather eight percent higher basic rent, while costing two percent less in operating expenses. Fine-tuning your heating and ventilations also pays dividends; energy-efficient buildings tend to have around 15 percent lower capital expenditure over time.”

10 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

Green is also going deeper, and is now used to measure and reduce the impact of buildings year on year. We’ve seen this through the increased uptake of NABERSNZ, the tool to rate and improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand offices.

- NZGBC chief executive, Andrew Eagles

"

Andrew says green buildings are also better to work in, but when it comes to designing buildings, the idea of designing them for people often isn’t prioritised.

This is despite the benefits of more access to natural daylight, better indoor air quality and designs that promote physical activity.

He points out that research from the Harvard School of Public Health found workers in certified green buildings performed 25 percent better on cognitive-function tests than workers in non-certified ones.

“If you’re a tenant in a building or you’re going to build, this might be of interest; you and your company could be achieving far more. Ask the owners if they’ve considered certifying with Green Star or NABERSNZ.” He says in the building industry there is often a rush to complete projects and manage cost pressures, and in doing this quality can be compromised.

Yet a building that backs up its good looks with efficient operation is far more desirable in the long run.

He points out that government leases increasingly require NABERSNZ assessments, and this is helping to drive uptake of NABERSNZ. Aristotle may have lived more than two millennia ago, but the Greek philosopher would no doubt be proud that an increasing number of buildings are embracing his concept of making quality a habit when it comes to designing green buildings for the present and the future.

Green Building

Reducing construction waste could save millions

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) says reducing industrial construction waste is good for both tax payers and good for business.

The construction industry’s dumping adds nearly a million tonnes to Auckland’s annual landfill waste and around 250,000 tonnes in Christchurch.

It is estimated that 50 percent of all waste going to landfills comes from the construction and demolition industries; that means up to 1.7 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste sent to landfills every year.

Not only is this often a waste of good resources, but it is also filling up valuable landfill and contributing to serious environmental problems, such as air and water pollution.

Andrew Eagles says instead of filling up and creating more landfills, there’s an opportunity to educate and support the industry on waste.

“There’s also a chance to learn how to make money from waste, thus making more

"

How about we spend money helping the sector improve and save money rather than wasting it on more rubbish tips. I have not heard many voters request more tips in their area.

"

money for industry and in turn saving the tax payer money.”

“This is a really important issue right now for the quality of our life and also for reducing costs for future tax payers, as an additional rubbish tip can cost more than 40 million dollars,” Andrew says.

“Other countries have shown it is possible to hugely reduce waste to landfill.

“How about we spend money helping the sector improve and save money rather than wasting it on more rubbish tips. I have not heard many voters request more tips in their area.”

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

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 11

Green Building

Ecoglo photoluminescent emergency signs In December, the Ministry of Business, Innova�on and Employment (MBIE) released an update to NZBC Clause F8/AS1 which allows, with effect from 1 January 2017, the use of suitable LED ligh�ng as an acceptable means of charging for photoluminescent signs.

LED ligh�ng is now widely used and by making provision for the use of such ligh�ng as a charging source, MBIE has expedited the acceptance of photoluminescent technology as a significant contender where signage is required.

As an architect, builder or owner with responsibility for installing exit signage, it is important to consider all the op�ons carefully. Unfortunately, for some it is all too easy to simply opt for electrical signage without giving any thought to the photoluminescent alterna�ve. They may well be doing themselves or their clients a disservice. Forward-thinking designers have already recognised the manifold benefits to be reaped by choosing Ecoglo photoluminescent signs.

Most importantly, as safety is of prime concern, it is worth no�ng - photoluminescent signs don't fail.

Sustainability, however, is also a huge concern not only globally, but also at a local level as New Zealand's 'clean and green' image has been much ques�oned lately. Ecoglo photoluminescent exit signs are manufactured in New Zealand using

Ph +64 3 348 3781

12 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.ecoglo.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

predominantly recycled aluminium and are incredibly sustainable. No replacement parts means no ba� eries or lamps to be disposed of, and therefore no hazardous waste such as cadmium or mercury contribu�ng to New Zealand's landfill issues.

NZBC Clause B2 requires that the durability of such building elements as signs is 5 years, however, the warran�es provided by some manufacturers of electrical exit signs are shorter than five years, with a few offering only a meagre 1 year warranty. Compare this to Ecoglo signs which well exceed the requirement of NZBC Clause B2 with a minimum life expectancy of thirty years - a claim which is backed up by Ecoglo's 30 year warranty (for indoor signs).

Furthermore, the only maintenance required of Ecoglo signs is merely a periodic wipedown to ensure they remain clearly visible.

Being extremely durable, Ecoglo signs will easily last the life of a facility and when they need to be disposed of, can be readily recycled. Consider how many electrical signs and components may be discarded during this �me – the monetary and the environmental costs will be huge.

To further a� est to their sustainability, Ecoglo signs, in most cases, u�lise the exis�ng light in a building, whether daylight or electrical, and so generate li� le to no power usage.

Fail-safe, with no replacement parts, negligible maintenance, and minimal, if any, power usage, the opera�ng costs associated with Ecoglo signs are virtually non-\existent. If this is not enough to convince designers that Ecoglo photoluminescent signs should be considered, then perhaps the low capital costs might provide further assurance.

The cost to produce a photoluminescent sign is significantly less than that of an electrical sign, therefore large savings can be made simply by choosing photoluminescent signs. However, addi�onal savings are to be made when installing photoluminescent signs as they need no wiring, are versa�le and unobtrusive, and easy to install. An example of how much savings can be realised is evident in the case of a client with whom Ecoglo is currently working on a project. With over 800 signs required, a saving of more than $400,000 in capital costs is being made by op�ng for photoluminescent signs rather than electrical signs.

Ecoglo photoluminescent signs are manufactured in New Zealand using a patented process developed by Ecoglo almost 20 years ago. Ecoglo signs are reliable, sustainable, low maintenance, and cost-effec�ve.

For more informa�on contact Ecoglo on www.ecoglo.co.nz or email info@ecoglo.com.

Green Building

What shape will our future cities take?

What will our cities look like in the future?

We expect the key influencers to include climate change, technology advancements, energy efficiencies, development of urban communities and increasing use of rating tools.

NZ has entered a period of unprecedented urban construction where smart planning can create healthy, productive buildings as a powerful platform for the future.

Highlights of the summit include: International Keynote Speaker: Dr John Keung Learnings from Singapore: Changing the way we build International Keynote Speaker: Paul Rode Building cities of the future, partnerships and sustainability CEO Light Bulb Moments; The Instant That Changed Everything

To facilitate knowledge sharing and inspire innovative planning, the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) and the Property Council of New Zealand have brought together an exceptional group of local and international speakers for the 2017 Green Property Summit – Future Cities Post-2020.

A panel of industry-leading CEOs discuss their experiences in relation to sustainability becoming a part of their strategy for property portfolios. This provides insights into the moment that changed their perspectives on the importance of green buildings for the future.

Speakers will be discussing the latest initiatives, drivers, policies and opportunities for delivering green buildings, precincts and cities of the future.

Panellists include: • Peter Mence, chief executive, Argosy Property Limited • Matthew Cockram, principal and CEO (NZ), Cooper and Company

Future Cities Post-2020 offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from people operating at the cutting edge.

How to Transform the Future

The one-day event includes worldleading, inspirational content with market intelligence and practical guidance, showcasing local content, concepts that work and a chance to get up close and personal with industry peers and leaders.

A discussion on national and international impacts on city infrastructure, technology and sustainability, including insights from speakers with experience from the public transport, urban regeneration and environmental sectors.

Panellists include: • Davina Rooney, (AUS) general manager sustainability, Stockland Corporation Ltd • Katie Swenson, (US) vice president, national design initiatives, Enterprise Community Partners Ltd • Matthew Ensor, business director – advisory, Beca Lions’ Lair Session; Innovation Meets Investment An opportunity to share great ideas; whether it is a concept, service, innovation or just a plain sensible idea that promotes green building practices in the commercial property and construction sector, this is a chance to pitch to a panel of industry experts.

In the style of Dragons’ Den, contestants pitch their ideas to summit delegates and a panel.

Each contestant gets a five minute speaking slot. The panel can ask questions and summit delegates get the final vote.

Entrants are invited from all areas of the construction and property industry. An example would be a programme of energy efficiency across cities, game-changing product concept.

Master of Ceremonies – Rachel Smalley Rachel Smalley, a senior journalist and commentator, will present the line-up of speakers and keep this packed speaking schedule on track.

Complimentary Sustainable Architecture Tour Tuesday 28 March, 3-6pm Downtown Auckland has more than 30 Green Star rated buildings; a walking tour around a selection of sustainable buildings in the Auckland CBD will take in leading buildings and include expert commentary about their sustainable features.

Key buildings included in tour: • Bayleys House • Mason Brothers Building • John Lysaght Building.

Future Cities Dinner Wednesday 29 March, 6-11pm Treat yourself to a night at the theatre.

Not just any theatre, the ASB Waterfront Theatre, currently targeting a Green Star rating.

Attendees will have the unique experience of dining on the stage! Hear from Katie Swenson, US speaker, author, sustainable design expert; enjoy dinner and extended networking with other delegates and speakers.

Your conference ticket will not include the dinner, you will need to purchase this ticket separately. Tickets are limited so please register quickly.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 13

Green Building

For more information on the Bizline range visit www.bizline.co.nz.

www.bizline.nz 14 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

News

Acoustics and Vibrations

Safety in hardware supplier yards

Testing and Monitoring STC and IIC tests (sound transmission class

and impact isolation class) Construction Noise and Vibrations Monitoring Building Code Certi�cation – Acoustics

Timber and building hardware merchants are being reminded to assess and manage their risks following a recent case where a builder was injured by timber that fell from a high rack.

Incident A customer was injured – and one year after the incident was still unable to work – after a bundle of weatherboards weighing over 300 kg fell from height and struck him in the back when he was outside in a building supplies merchant’s timber yard.

Circumstances A forklift was being used to retrieve a pack of timber, stored three metres above the ground, from a cantilever racking system.

When the pack of timber was lifted by the forklift, a pack of weatherboards stored in the adjacent stack was dislodged and fell onto a customer.

The WorkSafe New Zealand investigation found that the weatherboards had been stacked incorrectly, overlapping the wood in the next bay by 10 cm, and that the weekly and monthly checks failed to identify this hazard. Some of the risks: • Stacking of timber at height • Exclusion zones around machinery • Uncontrolled public access to yards.

What you should do now The first task is conducting a risk assessment.

Where one already exists, WorkSafe recommends that it is regularly reviewed.

Potential improvements Look at the exclusion zone around heavy machinery operating in the yard.

Would customers be safe as in this case where a product weighing around 300 kg fell from the rack next to the one where the product is being lifted?

Residential Commercial

"

The first task is conducting a risk assessment. Where one already exists, WorkSafe recommends that it is regularly reviewed.

"

When heavy machinery is in operation you may consider implementing:

Institutional

CNVMP Construction Noise and Vibration

Management Plans

A safe zone A policy of asking customers to stay in their vehicles until loading or unloading is complete. Properly train staff around stacking and storing building materials.

Provide training and support your staff to communicate with customers on where they need to be when machinery is operating on site.

Many yards have no indication of where customers should, or shouldn’t park. Make it clear to customers where they should park their vehicles when they arrive at your yard.

This is not about removing all risk. It is about being sensible and doing what is reasonably practicable to keep your staff and customers safe while they are at your business.

When reviewing the risk assessment and deciding on the management actions, it is a good idea to involve your teams as a safe workplace is more easily achieved when everyone involved in the work communicates with each other to identify risks and how to manage them.

You should also regularly check that the systems and procedures that you have developed to manage the risks you identified are being followed.

Design

www.earcon.co.nz info@earcon.co.nz 09 443 6410 | 021 572518 Information provided courtesy of WorkSafe New Zealand. www.worksafe.govt.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 15

Green Building

Taking centre stage Green Property Summit 2017 - speakers International Keynote Speaker: Dr John Keung, CEO Building and Construction Authority; Singapore Dr John Keung is the chief executive officer of Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) since June 2006.

Dr Keung was named one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of the Year 2013 by Engineering News-Record, a US-based engineering magazine published by McGraw Hill, for his work guiding Singapore as a leader in sustainable design and construction. He also received the Chairman’s Award by the World Green Building Council in 2015.

Dr Keung is an adjunct professor in the Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore (NUS) and the School of Science and Technology, SIM University (UNISIM).

International Keynote Speaker: Paul Rode Building cities of the future, partnerships and sustainability Paul Rode is the senior vice president of engineering and energy at The Related Companies, managing the department responsible for engineering operations, existing building’s capital projects, and all utility purchasing on a portfolio consisting over 400 buildings of mixed asset types.

Prior to joining Related, Paul was the business development director for the building

efficiency division of Johnson Controls. Based in New York City where he developed and implemented energy savings retrofit projects, and deep energy retrofits that comprised strategies that included load reduction, energy efficiency, energy centred behavioural change, and on-site generation.

While at Johnson Controls, Paul was the project executive for the green retrofit of the Empire State Building.

Gordon Moller Onzm, Principal Moller Architects Gordon Moller, ONZM, is one of New Zealand’s most eminent architects. As the designer of some of Auckland’s iconic buildings; Sky City Tower complex, Viaduct Events Centre, ASB Waterfront theatre; Gordon is recognised as a model of professional excellence.

His work is characterised by a meticulous attention to the craft of building, a clear and decisive sense of purpose, and an enormous personal industry.

Gordon’s philosophy has been to search for a meaning in architecture expressive of the New Zealand natural and urban environment.

To do this his approach is to respect the environment in which the building or design is located and develop a design process with the client to create architecture with an evolving and responsive quality.

Matthew Cockram, Principal and CEO New Zealand, Cooper and Company

Resilient buildings What could make a building more resilient to climate change and environmental challenges during its life�me? There is more to this than making a structure earthquake-strong and weather-�ght.

Rain on the Plains A warming climate brings greater water-carrying capacity in the atmosphere: we can expect heavier winter snow on higher ground and more frequent rain or hail than experienced last century. Drains could be overloaded as 'fi�y year flood frequency' becomes perhaps 'ten year frequency' and detaining flood water will be needed to help roadside swales cope.

In the east of NZ, climate change may mean the year's rain falling in uneven bursts between periods of drought: rain water storage may become a part of resilience for buildings as well as farmers. Garden watering and toilet flushing are good uses for stored rainwater, reserving piped supplies for essen�al uses. Water storage is also really useful in civil emergency, such as a�er quakes.

What's that buzz?

Warmer temperatures and dwindling frost nights may allow mosquitoes to spread their habitat southwards, boos�ng demand for insect screens on windows. Longer growing seasons may favour home food produc�on, coupled with fashionable edible decora�ve gardens. The resilient home needs space for raised garden beds and healthy soil le� on site a�er construc�on: free from lead paint scrapings or construc�on debris.

Warming to the idea Sunshine is the free heat that a resilient design incorporates by increasing north-facing glazing and reducing it on the south, provided the structure has internal thermal mass to absorb heat by day and release it overnight, achieving temperature stability. External shading from mid16 | B&C - Autumn 2017

summer heat is important too. Insula�on needs to be extensive, and be placed outside the thermal mass of the floor or sunlit walls, for it to work.

Placing carpets on insulated concrete floors does not work: floors need to have a� rac�ve surfaces such as �les, to let the energy flow in and out.

Matthew practiced as a lawyer at Bell Gully in Auckland from 1984 to 2005, including 13 years as partner and four years as Chairman of the Board of Partners.

While managing partner at Bell Gully, Matthew advised Cooper and Company on the Britomart project, negotiating the development deed with Auckland City Council.

In 2005 he joined Cooper and Company as CEO New Zealand.

He is also a member of the New Zealand Initiative, the New Zealand Infrastructure Council, Committee for Auckland and the New Zealand Law Society. He holds an LLB from the University of Canterbury.

Peter Mence, Chief Executive, Argosy Property Limited An engineer by background, Peter has 35 years of experience in the property industry working with Progressive Enterprises, Challenge Properties, Richard Ellis and Green and McCahill.

Peter joined Armstrong Jones (NZ) in 1994 and was appointed general manager of Argosy (then known as ING Property Trust) in 2007.

Davina Rooney, General Manager Sustainability, Stockland Corporaton Ltd; Australia Davina’s role is to develop strategy and ensure sustainable practices and policies are adopted across Stockland. She is an engineer and has extensive experience in sustainability and building consulting.

Davina has been recognised by multiple industry awards including NAWIC NSW Sustainability 2016, PCA 2014 Future Leaders Award and Sydney University Engineering Young Alumni Award.

Katie Swenson, Vice President Design, Enterprise Community Partners, Inc; USA As an international leader in sustainable design for low-income communities, Katie oversees National Design Initiatives for Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., directing the Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute and the Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship.

Matthew Ensor, Business Director – Advisory, Beca Matt Ensor is Business Director for Advisory Services at Beca. His formal qualifications are in civil engineering, economics and sociology.

Matt advocates data-driven smart design to reduce people’s frustrations of living in cities and improve the efficiency of our energy use.

This includes his current focus on electric bicycles and electric vehicle initiatives.

MC - Rachel Smalley Rachel Smalley is host of NewstalkZB’s Early Edition and the highly regarded political programme, ‘The Nation’. She is the former anchor of Firstline, TV3’s hard news morning programme.

New Zealand Green Building Council www.nzgbc.org.nz

NZ Communi�es face challenges from sudden events such as natural disasters, and from gradual but significant changes such as resource shortages or climate change.

An ability to respond to both requires resilience: a mix of adapta�on, imagina�on and resourcefulness. How skilled are you at resilience? Have you given it much thought?

Photo-voltaic panels are most useful on buildings where most of the energy use is 9am to 5pm, such as schools, factories and offices; although fast developing ba� ery technology may soon make 24 hour power storage cost-effec�ve for households.

Decentralised power produc�on increases resilience by reducing reliance on large and distant generators, linked by the na�onal grid.

Future Living Skills A more resource-efficient, less pollu�ng future will call on new life skills from building users as well as designers and constructors. We may need to know something about local food produc�on, low-carbon transport, waste and water minimisa�on and community resilience. These topics feature alongside energy and eco-design in a community educa�on programme which is freely available in Christchurch and Waimakariri.

For details see www.sustainableliving.org.nz. On this website, under 'where are the courses?' you will find occasional tutor-led courses and workshops, if you are ready to seek contact with others sharing this interest.

There is also good advice on including sustainability awareness in new building and renova�ons at: www.ccc.govt.nz/environment/sustainability/ build-back-smarter www.futurechristchurch.co.nz/smartbuilding/build-back-smarter

The Sustainable Living Programme is a prac�cal, fun way of learning future living skills to become more resilient and to reduce your environmental impacts at home.

Online materials are free to residents of this district because the Waimakariri District Council subscribes to the Sustainable Living Programme: to access the learning guides and see more District–specific informa�on, register now at www.sustainableliving.org.nz

www.ecodesignadvisor.org.nz/factsheets Rhys Taylor is the Na�onal Coordinator of Sustainable Living Educa�on Trust. He lives in Canterbury.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Also look on our website www.waimakariri.govt.nz for more informa�on about sustainability, waste minimisa�on and civil defence preparedness.

Future Proofing

A critical piece of insurance for any structure Using the services of a member of the Institute of Building Surveyors to investigate and report on a property is an essential aspect of future proofing your home, says New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors president, Trevor Jones.

“Registered building surveyors are experienced in acting as independent and impartial experts that provide advice and reports for many different requirements,” he says.

A registered building surveyor can be experienced in the following work areas: Investigation and reporting During the last 10 years or so ‘leaky homes’ have received a great deal of publicity, says Trevor. “Our registered members have developed considerable expertise in the investigation and reporting on weather tightness related failures in domestic buildings.

“Investigating and reporting on less common building failures and commercial buildings, especially high rise, involves more specialised disciplines which a number of our registered members have experience in.”

Other forms of investigation and reporting a registered building surveyor may undertake include: • Building defect or building failure investigation and reporting. Inspection and premises condition reporting, prior to purchase, for disposal or for leasehold requirements • Interpretation and reporting on construction compliance issues • Condition inspections and reporting for short or long term maintenance planning requirements.

Pre purchase inspection reports Registered building surveyors can provide a prospective purchaser with knowledge about the current condition of a dwelling and what to expect in terms of significant defects, significant maintenance, and other factors, such as any gradual deterioration.

This reporting can be part of an overall due diligence assessment of any proposed purchase.

Trevor Jones President of NZ Institute of Builders and Surveyors

Remediation “If you are thinking of partly or fully recladding your house, either because you suspect, or know, there are problems with the existing cladding, or because the market has severely devalued your house merely because of the type of cladding, the registered members that are remediation specialists will be able to advise you on what is involved to complete a compliant repair,” Trevor says.

“Alternatively, if you have building defects that need repair and need firstly to understand the problem before a repair solution is found, a registered member can assess this and offer an appropriate repair recommendation and design the repair solution.”

Contract administration A registered building survey administers a construction contract, ensuring that an appropriate design, contract form and procurement is found. The building surveyor will then be able to assess whether demands for payment are appropriately dealt with, variations to the contract are handled efficiently, and the contract is satisfactorily completed.

"

Registered building surveyors are experienced in acting as independent and impartial experts that provide advice and reports for many different requirements.

"

Dilapidation (lease reinstatement) reports Many registered members provide schedules of condition of premises at lease commencement. However, when no such schedule is prepared there is still an obligation on a lessee, and landlord, at lease termination.

A dilapidation report schedule may be prepared by a registered member during the life of a lease, confirming the details of wants of required repairs/make good or maintenance that the tenant or landlord has under the terms of their lease.

®

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 17

Future Proofing Such specialist reports can advise a lessee or landlord of potential dilapidation liabilities and cost estimates; and/or aid in understanding or minimising financial exposure during a lease, when considering lease renewal or, more typically, at lease termination.

Schedule of condition reports These are prepared for either the tenant or landlord of commercial premises at the commencement of a lease to identify legal obligations and to record the condition of the property.

The purpose of the report is to record the condition to enable an understanding of the level of reinstatement considered necessary at the end of a lease, intended to protect parties from unwarranted reinstatement claims.

These reports can also be prepared prior to commencement of development works to adjoining structures, to document the condition of an adjacent or nearby property, which help to minimise neighbourly disputes around the possible effects of development or infrastructure works.

Building maintenance reports These can be long-term or planned maintenance reports assessing the present condition of the internal and external building fabric of a commercial or residential property, together with its infrastructure.

In addition, advice could be provided on the life expectancy of each element and reflecting on aged conditions, as relevant, to put together an annual or longer term maintenance plan and for a sinking fund to be confirmed. This is particularly relevant for bodies corporate working under the Unit Titles Act 2010.

Dispute resolution The Institute has members with significant experience as arbitrators, mediators and “expert witnesses” in construction disputes.

These three roles all require the member to be impartial and independent, in contrast to a lawyer who is generally engaged to be the client’s advocate.

New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors www.buildingsurveyors.co.nz

Contact the Residential Design Service Team: 0508 244 356 or email design@chhwoodproducts.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

This can include the creation or reviewing of construction documentation to avoid or identify potential design deficiencies and avoid ‘build-ability’ problems later.

Insurance assessment and reinstatement Registered building surveyors can assist insurance companies in providing impartial expert advice relating to property-related insurance claims to determine the likely causes of the damage due to either – insured events; lack of maintenance; defective construction; or poor workmanship.

In the event that a dispute occurs over damage, which becomes apparent during or after completion of works, then the report may be used as evidence to either support or to refute any claim.

18 | B&C - Autumn 2017

Building technology and construction This includes providing advice on the performance of building materials and systems, their selection, usage, assembly, anticipated life span, repair and the effects of natural elements.

For comprehensive technical literature or to view the full Futurebuild® range visit: www.chhfuturebuild.com

Go Scaffolding

B U I L D E R S PA C K Scaffold tower with fully adjustable levels 12m long, 0.8m wide and a reach height of 7m. Worksafe Compliant.

Metal walkboards not included.

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

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

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 19

NZ Home Heating Association Inc.

Homework essential before installing solid fuel heater poten�al for them to cause a house fire if not put in correctly. A lot of the new fires are really technical and require considerable exper�se to install.”

NZHHA has hundreds of registered installers New Zealand wide, who have completed the Associa�on's extensive two-year competency based training programme.

“Working with a registered wood burning appliance installer gives the customer peace of mind. The associa�on has supported the industry for more than 30 years and our members are professional, highly trained and very well versed in the safety aspects of the industry.”

Registered members of NZHHA are provided with weekly updates from the associa�on about any industry changes.

Gavin Edwards President NZHHA

Before the installa�on of a domes�c wood burning appliance it is cri�cal that checks are made to ensure the installer is registered and suitably qualified, says Gavin Edwards president of the New Zealand Home Hea�ng Associa�on (NZHHA).

“About 80 percent of incorrect installs in New Zealand are caused by unregistered people outside our membership base. Woodburners are among the most lethal appliances installed in a home, as there is the

Wood-burning appliance manufacturers are also members, allowing the associa�on to disseminate their latest updates straight out to the installers.

The New Zealand Home Hea�ng Associa�on was formed in 1985, by a group of wood hea�ng manufacturers and retailers who saw a need to improve the standards of product and workmanship within the industry.

Today its members comprise most of New Zealand's leading manufacturers, retailers and

installers of domes�c wood burning appliances.

“We have become the industry's mouthpiece and are affiliated with similar trade groups and organisa�ons around the world.”

Gavin says the best place to find professionals involved with the solid fuel hea�ng industry is on the NZHHA website.

“We have a “Find an Installer” sec�on, where people can look for a member rela�ng to any aspect of the industry, from manufacturers, retailers and installers, to distributors, designers, and tes�ng laboratories.”

When it comes to installers, there are two types of NZHHA members.

A Solid Fuel Appliance Installa�on Technician (SFAIT) has completed the necessary NZHHA courses and has proven experience in the installa�on of solid fuel burning appliances. They are also able to sign installa�ons off as completed, subject to council approval.

Restricted Installers are trainees under the Associa�on's guidelines.

They have a� ended the NZHHA Introductory Course and are ac�vely working in the industry, however cannot sign off installa�ons.

NZHHA has played a big part in wri�ng the standards for solid fuel hea�ng in New Zealand and Australia, as well as the

development and promo�on of clean air standards, and energy and resource conserva�on.

“We have a huge amount of industry exper�se to draw from, and are dedicated to providing professional services and advice to our members and their customers,” says Gavin.

Through the Building Officials Ins�tute of New Zealand (BOINZ), the NZHHA runs training programmes for building inspectors from district and city councils throughout New Zealand.

“It is cri�cal they know what to look for when they are inspec�ng solid fuel heaters.”

NZHHA is run by a voluntary execu�ve board that works hard to ensure high standards are maintained across the industry.

“As a totally voluntary organisa�on the associa�on carries out a significant workload advoca�ng for our members, keeping them up to scratch and up to date, or assis�ng the public and wider industry,” says Gavin.

The associa�on has four field officers, two in each island, who regularly audit all its members.

“Our field officers will arrange to meet members, view several of their installs and review the way they operate. We're serious about making sure their work is up to standard and also have a rigorous and quite severe

disciplinary process to follow if an installer is not doing the job properly. This is important when safety, and even people’s lives can be at stake.”

Gavin and a colleague on the execu�ve regularly travel across the Tasman to work with their Australian counterparts on the development of standards.

NZHHA has also worked closely with government, Environment Canterbury and the Ministry for the Environment on air quality standards.

“Our manufacturers have come a long way. Solid fuel heaters used to sit around 4.5 grams per kilogram emission to air, however our manufacturers have got that down to between 0.3 and 0.5 grams. This has made a huge difference to air quality, par�cularly in Christchurch.” ŠTÜ Û Ŵ Ẃ ŤĚŮ W Ù ȘH U V X Ħ New ultra-low emission wood Ẁ ŞŲ Ū ŤĚW ȘU Ŭ Ũ ŦÙ V “There are some exci�ng new products on the market that are the result of a significant investment in research and development by several of our manufacturers, along with a huge amount of tes�ng and re-tes�ng to ensure they meet the current standards. We expect these new low emission burners to con�nue to be embraced posi�vely by the market.”

Why choose a NZHHA Installation member?

What a NZHHA Installation Member can do for you

When you choose a NZHHA Installation Technician, you

An SFAIT Technician can assist in the best placement of

receive the services of a certi�ed Solid Fuel Appliance Technician (SFAIT).

An SFAIT Installer has been trained in accordance to the

New Zealand Building Code, AS/NZS 2918:2001 Domestic Solid Fuel Heating Appliances. Your �replace will be safe to use and perform at its full potential.

An SFAIT Installer has additional knowledge regarding

installation techniques to be both practical and safe for you and your family.

An SFAIT Installer will install your �replace using the most

current and latest standards in both safety and installation.

your �replace to maximise the performance, so it will heat your home to the most optimum level.

An SFAIT Technician can advise the correct way to

properly fuel and light your �replace. They can also advise how to protect the environment with correct use of fuel.

An SFAIT Installer will give you the assurance your

�replace will be done right and in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you have any concerns regarding an installation, you can

contact the NZHHA of�ce where there is a full investigation service.

CONTACT INFO If you require further information, either contact the Association at the contacts below, or one of the members.

We'll be pleased to help you.

PO Box 11 669, Manners Street National Secretary Wellington 6142 (04) 473 6011 Email info@homeheat.co.nz www.nzhha.co.nz A professional association keeping NZ warm since 1985 20 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Mainmark

Innovation in ground engineering is helping to preserve commercial assets For commercial contractors, addressing buildings and infrastructure affected by ground problems, such as subsidence, weakened soil or liquefac�on, can have costly and dangerous consequences.

Naturally unstable soils or ground can be caused by seismic ac�vity, floods, drought or nearby construc�on and can have a significant bearing on a structure's integrity.

Fixing weak ground is easier than many people think. Leading ground engineering company Mainmark, has introduced a range of proprietary solu�ons and techniques to fix ground related issues quickly, cleanly and efficiently. These are a viable alterna�ve to costly demoli�on or invasive underpinning works.

Mainmark's range of solu�ons includes Teretek®, a unique, proprietary two-in-one solu�on that delivers both ground improvement and re-levelling and comes with a 50-year product warranty. It increases ground bearing capacity, fills voids, and can mi�gate soil liquefac�on, all at a frac�on of the cost of tradi�onal underpinning and ground engineering methods, and with no detrimental effects on the environment. The expanding resin mix is injected through very small tubes into the ground where the ac�va�on components mix together to expand by chemical reac�on. Teretek's applica�on is monitored using laser-levels for pinpoint accuracy.

Mainmark's resin injec�on technologies have been used for projects across New Zealand. In 2016, resin was used to re-level a sunken forecourt at an opera�onal Gull service sta�on in Auckland. The site was experiencing significant ground subsidence and had voids of up to 100mm beneath the forecourt, indica�ng it had lost structural support and was at risk of collapse under the weight of deliveries from 50 tonne petrol tankers.

Structural resin was injected to fill the voids and re-support the exis�ng slab. Because the technique does not require any excava�on, works were completed in just three hours with minimal disrup�on to the business.

Mainmark also offers proprietary JOG Computer-Controlled Grou�ng, a proven and highly advanced alterna�ve to tradi�onal founda�on repair methods that returns large structures back to level quickly and costeffec�vely. JOG is a ground engineering technique that involves injec�ng grout into the ground, under computer control, to gently raise and re-level large buildings or structures back to their intended design level millimetre by millimetre, with no undue stress.

JOG was ini�ally developed in earthquakeprone Japan to address the effects of liquefac�on. It has since been used extensively in seismic regions, including in Christchurch, to correct and re-level whole buildings or large sec�ons of structures that have subsided.

Mainmark has extensive technical experience working in earthquake-prone regions and has developed new and proven earthquake remedia�on solu�ons, including a revolu�onary liquefac�on mi�ga�on process that is applied retrospec�vely to the ground beneath a structure.

The liquefac�on mi�ga�on technique was used to re-level and strengthen the ground beneath the Northwood Supa Centa in Christchurch.

The shopping centre had experienced serious liquefac�on-induced ground deforma�ons and differen�al se� lement following the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

Mainmark used a combina�on of JOG Computer Controlled Grou�ng and Teretek resin to deliver ground improvement beneath the exis�ng site. The work was carried out cleanly and efficiently, allowing retailers to con�nue to trade uninterrupted. The centre's remedia�on works have since achieved a 100 percent New Building Standard (NBS) result.

Other advanced solu�ons offered by Mainmark include Terefil®, an engineered light-weight

cemen��ous fill, and ENCAP6®, an an�-corrosion coa�ng that is ideal for revitalising, sealing, protec�ng and structurally reinforcing ageing concrete and steel assets. Mainmark also recently announced an exclusive partnership to distribute STRAAM in New Zealand, the world's first structural monitoring system that uses a Structural-Cardiograph (SCG) to monitor a building's dynamic signature or 'heartbeat'.

Mainmark's technologies and solu�ons can be scaled to suit small and large projects, including mul�-storey buildings, warehouses, industrial estates, roads, tunnels, railways and bridges.

As an award-winning company that has built its reputa�on on delivering industry-wide innova�on, Mainmark's world-class capabili�es have been recognised globally. In 2016, the company was awarded Interna�onal Project of the Year at the 2016 Ground Engineering Awards in London for its Christchurch Art Gallery re-levelling project.

For more informa�on visit www.mainmark.com or call 0800 873 835.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 21

The BuildLink Group

BuildLink – your trade supplier of choice Between them the various entities under the BuildLink Group umbrella provide the construction sector with a wide range of top quality building supplies, timber, paint and hardware, says BuildLink’s marketing manager, Yvonne Saunders.

There are currently around 54 owneroperated timber and hardware merchants nationwide who have attached their stores to the BuildLink brand to take

advantage of its buying power with a range of major distributors and brands.

“We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary providing consumers with a great range of products, excellent service, and competitive pricing, thanks to our group buying power.

“Our target market is very much the smaller and niche builders with gangs of one to five tradespeople who are keen to support local merchants.”

One of the fastest growing areas of the BuildLink business is Trowel Trades, which services everyone from brickies, blocklayers and plasterers, to tilers, painters and decorators.

"

Our target market is very much the smaller and niche builders with gangs of one to five tradespeople who are keen to support local merchants.

- BuildLink marketing manager, Yvonne Saunders

"

“This is a real niche area of the BuildLink portfolio, with around 10 Trowel Trades' stores across the country. We expect this part of the Group to lead growth in the coming year.”

Some of these stores operate as a standalone Trowel Trades' entity, or are incorporated as a Trowel Trades branch into an existing BuildLink store as part of a ‘store within a store’ business model.

“Trowel Trades is a one-stop-shop for any tradesperson using a trowel. The brand also gives local BuildLink supply merchants the opportunity to capture a completely different market without the risk of starting up another business.

“It doesn’t matter whether an owner operator runs a BuildLink or Trowel Trades' entity. They all have access to the same suppliers and clientele.”

The introduction of two new entities, PaintLink (targeting the paint market) and Land and Garden (landscaping supplies) are providing new ways for trades people to access specialist product, as well as opportunities for BuildLink merchants to grow and develop their businesses.

“Most of our members are owneroperators with different strengths and markets depending on their location. If they see the benefit in opening a whole new market through one of the BuildLink sub-brands,we can provide them with

28 Trugood Dr, East Tamaki Phone 0508 AKARANA sales@akaranatimbers.co.nz www.akaranatimbers.co.nz 22 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

The BuildLink Group

"

We have a range of ready-to-go kitsets, houses or farm buildings.

Otherwise customers can pick one of our standard plans, modify it, or design something unique from scratch.

- BuildLink marketing manager, Yvonne Saunders

"

all the tools, buying power, branding, and a marketing subsidy to help them increase their business,” Yvonne says.

In addition to its general timber and hardware sold through BuildLink, the group also offers a great range of homes, sleepouts and farm buildings under its BuildLink Building brand, available through BuildLink stores.

“We have a range of ready-to-go kitsets, houses or farm buildings. Otherwise customers can pick one of our standard plans, modify it, or design something unique from scratch.

“The customer’s local BuildLink store can even arrange consent drawings and documents, with a kit usually ready for delivery in under four weeks following the approval of plans.”

Yvonne says BuildLink Building has a significant presence at the National, Central Districts and Northern Fieldays, and has proved a great business opportunity for merchants, especially those with a rural focus.

“The kitset building business lessened the impact of the recent rural downturn for several of our members.”

Recognising the need to harness technology in the modern marketplace, BuildLink has recently increased its digital presence, providing its merchants with the opportunity to add an ecommerce option

to their independent websites to enable customers to place online orders with their local store.

“All product stocked by the store is online with the end consumer able to build a shopping cart and place an order that will be either be delivered to site, or packed ready for collection.

“We offer this product promotion platform to merchants at a hugely subsidised rate compared to what they would pay to set this service up independently. It also creates considerable efficiencies for the customer.”

Yvonne says if trades people are selfemployed or have up to six employees then Buildlink is their best choice for building supplies.

“Our stores can often match or offer even better pricing than the bulk stores. We offer Smart Trade rewards points, which allow you to earn faster than any other B2B rewards programme out there.

“You also get great personalised service, dealing with real people with real knowledge. “ To find your closest store visit: www.buildlink.co.nz/stores.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 23

The BuildLink Group

BuildLink buildings BuildLink has a great range of homes, sleepouts and farm buildings to suit everyone.

There are standard plans, which you can modify if you want, or design something totally unique from scratch. Either way the BuildLink system ensures you get exactly what you want.

And at BuildLink, you get the best of both worlds. Each store is locally owned and operated, so you’re dealing with the people who run the business. We can make decisions on the spot for you.

BuildLink is also part of a big buying group. That means they can buy at better prices, and pass those savings on to you.

Starting from under $10,000 there is a range of ready to go kitsets, or BuildLink can design a home, sleepout, garage or farm building to suit your needs. Your local BuildLink store will be happy to advise you on a specific package to meet your needs.

"

At BuildLink, we strive to deliver quality products at the best prices we can negotiate with our suppliers. We back this up with great service from local people that own and operate the business. All this adds up to a unique group of fiercely independent businesses working for their customers.

World Class, Quality PLASTIC ROOFING PRODUCTS Proud to support BuildLink Group

0800 267 345 www.ampelite.co.nz

"

Your BuildLink store can have your kit ready for delivery in less than four weeks from the time you approve the final plans.

Your BuildLink store will arrange consent drawings and documents for you to submit to your local council. Your kit can arrive in between one and four deliveries depending on kit size and your requirements.

Alternatively your BuildLink store can recommend a builder who will erect the kit, deal with the subtrades and add the finishing touches so you can move in with minimal effort. www.buildlink.co.nz

As the owner of the kitset you can employ a builder and oversee the complete construction of your home, i.e. obtain quotes and employ the labour (the builder), and/or sub-trades (plumber/drainlayer, electrician etc.) to complete the construction of your home.

Call 0800 99 76278 or visit www.smart-trade.co.nz to find out more.

24 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Karton Construction Systems

Strong growth for Timaru cladding and plaster specialists

By Jo Bailey

A buoyant South Canterbury construction market is keeping Timaru firm Karton Construction Systems on its toes, says managing director, Bruce Karton.

“It’s very busy with a lot of growth. Last year we completed work on 10 more new houses than we did the year before.”

Karton Construction Systems specialise in interior and exterior plaster coating systems, brick and block laying, and natural and artificial stonework.

The firm has held the Rockcote and PSL license in South Canterbury for many years.

“We also do a lot of Oamaru stone and natural schist work, and have the license to lay imitation schist made by Alpine Stone in the North Island, which looks just like natural stone. This product is becoming increasingly popular, as it can generate considerable savings per square metre for the homeowner.

The longstanding family firm was previously known as Karton Brick and Block. However Bruce changed the name last year to better reflect its broader service offering.

“The market seems to have embraced the new branding, but I’m not sure it has anything to do with the increase in work.

“There is just such strong growth in new residential builds in the area, with a lot of people moving here since the Canterbury earthquakes, and the decline in Australia driving a lot of people to New Zealand. This has created big demand in South Canterbury for the exceptional, quality workmanship and finish our guys produce.”

The firm has plenty of forward work for 2017, with 27 plastered houses ahead of it by mid January and more coming on stream all the time.

Karton Construction Systems covers a wide geographical area, servicing projects as far afield as Twizel, Tekapo, Fairlie and Ashburton.

“We’re busy right across the region with another big subdivision about to open up in Timaru. The growth in Tekapo is also pretty incredible. We’ve got three new

homes on the go there at the moment and more coming up.”

Karton Construction Systems sub-contracts to Jennian Homes for all its South Canterbury projects, and has a longstanding relationship with another large firm, Rickie Shore Building, along with other local builders such as Aorangi Homes, Lone Pine Building, Nolan Building and McRaeway Homes.

“We still get a few private clients dealing directly with us and have worked on numerous architectural homes, including Master Builder House of the Year winners.

“We’re currently completing plasterwork and stonework on a big two storied home, and before Christmas finished a couple of pretty big homes that were a bit different in terms of style.”

Architectural homes are a speciality of Karton Construction Systems

Bruce did his apprenticeship with the family firm that was started by his father Owen in about 1956. He bought the business from his father 25 years ago.

In such a buoyant market, Bruce says it is a challenge for the firm to source enough skilled, qualified tradespeople to meet its demands.

There are currently more plasterers than bricklayers on the company’s team of over 20 staff, but it is still doing plenty of block work and stonework too, he says.

“Good tradespeople are pretty hard to find, but it’s important we get the right people to maintain our reputation for quality.”

On the plastering side, Bruce says the team enjoys working with the suite of products from Rockcote, and the “great effects” that can be created with these systems.

“We’ve just started working with Otsumigaki, which is inspired by the lime and clay interior finishes used in traditional Japanese homes. It is a great product that creates an excellent finish.”

Two of the company’s apprentices came out of their time just before Christmas, with a new apprentice just taken on in the New Year to join the two remaining on staff.

“We’ve trained numerous people over the years and try to keep at least a couple of apprentices going all the time.”

Bruce says strong relationships with clients, suppliers and their own staff are part of the secret to the firm’s success.

“Old fashioned family values are very important to us. My wife Lynette is a director, our daughter Kelly runs the office full time and her husband Leon is our project manager.”

Karton Construction Systems 48 Rothwell Street Timaru

Another popular product with the firm’s clients is Marrakesh, a fine-grained lime plaster that can be used for both interior and exterior applications, even in areas of high humidity such as bathrooms and wet areas.

“It’s a real breakthrough product that can be tinted with mineral pigments to achieve a range of colours and patina effects.”

Karton Construction Systems also services commercial projects, and has a team providing exterior Rockcote plastering services to MacKenzie Lifestyle Village at Geraldine.

“We’ve completed around 60 houses there so far and have another 70 or so to go,” Bruce says.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 25

Frame & Truss Manufacturers' Association

New chairman keen to raise industry profile

By Jo Bailey

The Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association’s (FTMA) new chairman, Alan Westwood, is focused on raising the profile of the frame and truss sector and optimising the training and service offering the Association provides to its members.

“I’ve made it a priority to build the credibility of FTMA with government agencies, so the association is more widely recognised as a key leader in this critical part of the construction sector. It’s an area where we’ve sold ourselves a bit short in the past.”

Alan plans to invite organisations such as MBIE and BCITO to attend FTMA meetings every couple of months in a bid to build closer ties and open dialogue.

“I’d like to see FTMA’s credibility raised to where it should be as an industry expert.

Timber frames and trusses can be quite complex and are essentially the bones of the residential building industry. I’m not sure this is always widely understood or appreciated by the broader construction sector.”

Alan says taking the plans from architects and turning them into frame and trusses is a complex, detailed process requiring skilled individuals.

26 | B&C - Autumn 2017

This is where the FTMA’s focus on training is critical, to ensure its members’ have a high quality, skilled workforce who produce a product that complies with the manufacturing and quality standards set out by the association, he says.

“As an Association we’ve been actively involved in the development and delivery of NZQA approved qualifications since 2001 and continue to work closely with BCITO in the development of qualifications.

“We are currently looking at a new entry level training programme for employees on the factory floor, who could later upskill by completing the Level 3 and Level 4 courses on offer.”

Aside from the qualifications available through BCITO there is no other specialist training available to the frame and truss fabrication sector.

“Had FTMA not been involved in developing the existing training programmes and qualifications, they probably wouldn’t have been initiated. Our involvement has ensured information is technically correct and the assessment of skills meets required standards.”

Alan served on the FTMA committee before taking over the role of chairman from Robert Grimmer, who retired late last year.

Alan says the New Zealand Frame and Truss Detailing Level 4 course is one initiative that has helped to attract new detailers to the industry.

Since August 2015, Alan has been national operations manager at Carters, for whom he looks after all the frame and truss manufacturing plants nationwide.

“We had a critical shortage of detailers for a time, with some of this work being carried out off-shore. However this is now being resolved, with a good supply of new accredited detailers joining the workforce to enable the industry to meet the growing demand here in New Zealand.

“My role with Carters is quite advantageous, as I am already talking to a lot of builders on a regular basis with a customer focus. However when I’m in my role as chairman of FTMA my focus is very much on the wider industry whilst understanding the needs of the customers.”

“Key suppliers to the industry such as Pryda and Mitek can also take a lot of credit for the work they’ve done to bring on more qualified detailers, along with some of the big manufacturers who have run their own learning schools.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

He says a couple of initiatives introduced at Carters could benefit the wider industry when it comes to attracting young people to the industry and upskilling current employees.

Alan Westwood Chairman of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association

"

I’ve made it a priority to build the credibility of FTMA with government agencies, so the association is more widely recognized as a key leader in this critical part of the construction sector. It’s an area where we’ve sold ourselves a bit short in the past.

"

Frame & Truss Manufacturers' Association

“We have successfully trialed working with local schools and bringing students into the factory to give estimating and detailing a go. I believe there is a great opportunity for FTMA to develop similarly close links with schools throughout New Zealand, and potentially seek government funding for training.”

A successful numeracy and literacy programme run by Carters, and facilitated by private educators with government funding from TEC, could also be implemented by FTMA, he says.

“We plan to work with TEC to hopefully achieve funding to roll out a nationwide FTMA numeracy and literacy programme.

It is good to have the ability to try out these programmes with large fabricators such as Carters before rolling them out to smaller members.”

Alan says regular communication with its members around legislative changes is another key role of FTMA. “The vast majority of our members are small operators, with anywhere from five to 20 staff. They are not always in a position, or have the time to investigate and understand the implications of legislative changes which are often hugely complex and open to different interpretations.”

He says FTMA aims to make it easier for members by doing the investigating for them, and providing clear direction as to what any changes will mean for their businesses.

“The major review of NZ Standard 3604 during 2010/2011 is a great example of this, as it resulted in quite a few changes that

impacted on what our members do and how they do it, which we have been able to communicate to them.”

Health and safety is another critical issue for the industry, with FTMA strongly encouraging all its members to be health and safety compliant, and take all practicable steps to ensure they meet their obligations to keep their employees safe at work.

“We have been undertaking a review of the health and safety section in the FTMA Code of Practice and have prepared a Serious Harm Incidents Fact Sheet to help our members understand the changes and processes they need to follow,” he says.

Regular newsletters, the AGM and visits by a membership services officer two or three times a year, are other ways members are kept up to date.

“We sometimes hold some executive meetings outside Auckland, when we invite both members and non-members to discuss the latest industry news and challenges.”

In 2018 FTMA will celebrate 20 years since it was formed by a group of proactive frame and truss manufacturers to promote timber and raise the standards of the frame and truss industry in New Zealand.

“We represent the majority of the prefabricated timber framing industry in New Zealand, and are leading the way to ensure that prefabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses remain the preferred choice for building in New Zealand.”

Around 80 percent of frame and truss fabricators in New Zealand are represented by the FTMA

Today FTMA has around 70 members, and an executive of 12, who meet every two-and-ahalf months.

“We have a voluntary membership base with very good take-up, representing around 80 percent of the total number of fabricators in New Zealand,” says Alan.

In June 2015, FTMA ended its six-year association with the Wood Processsors and Manufacturers Association to become a standalone organisation, following the restructure of the WPMA.

With construction buoyant across the country, and a strong appetite for timber continuing unabated, Alan says members of FTMA are gearing up for another busy year.

“FTMA is well poised to continue to support our members, as we continue to raise the profile of the frame and truss sector, and introduce a range of new initiatives to ensure we have a high quality, highly skilled workforce.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 27

Frame & Truss Manufacturers' Association

About the FTMA The Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association of New Zealand is a non-profit, self-regulating and independently audited industry association.

FTMA is making New Zealand’s frame and truss industry the very best it can be:

What’s good about wood?

Timber has been a building material of choice for New Zealand homes since the arrival of the first European settlers, with many nineteenth century homes constructed in timber still in use and habitable today.

The timber industry is now a wellestablished industry sector with the manufacture off site of timber wall frames going back to around 1960, and roof trusses from around 1964.

Timber framed houses have been the norm since then, with probably 90 percent of standalone residential buildings constructed using timber framing.

The benefits of timber are widely known and with today’s focus on sustainability and high

performance eco-homes, the material is as popular as ever.

It is very easy to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code standards as timber buildings designed and constructed using NZS3604:2011 automatically comply.

By facilitating quality audit standards by using the following guidelines: • Code of Practice compliance

• By ensuring that prefabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses remain the preferred choice for building in NZ

• Manufacturer certification

• By ensuring a high standard of manufacturing is consistent across the industry

• Manufacturing practice guidelines

• By ensuring the correct timber and building standards are adhered to

Frames and trusses are the bones of the residential building industry

• By promoting, for it’s members, best manufacturing practices

• Industry training programmes

• Quality assurance programmes • Regular quality reviews • An independent audit system.

"

I’d like to see FTMA’s credibility raised to where it should be as an industry expert. Timber frames and trusses can be quite complex and are essentially the bones of the residential building industry. I’m not sure this is always widely understood or appreciated by the broader construction sector.

- Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association chairman, Alan Westwood

There is no equivalent for concrete block or steel, resulting in a much more complicated and time consuming design and consenting process with those materials.

FTMA has been promoting timber and raising the standards of the frame and truss industry since it was formed in 1998 by a group of proactive frame and truss fabricators.

Manufacturing frames and trusses is a complex, detailed process requiring skilled individuals

28 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

Frame & Truss Manufacturers' Association

Reasons to choose timber Timber is fast and flexible, the builder’s choice: • Timber allows flexibility of design and modifications, and tweaks to layout during the construction process become very easy to achieve • Builders are familiar with timber and like using it; they understand how to get the best out of it • Timber is our most sustainable raw material. It results in far less carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere than competing building products.

Your timber-framed home will be warm and comfortable: • Timber is a proven thermal insulator • Timber retains heat from the day and releases it at night.

"

We represent the majority of the prefabricated timber framing industry in New Zealand, and are leading the way to ensure that prefabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses remain the preferred choice for building in New Zealand.

- Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association chairman, Alan Westwood

"

Timber is a sustainable, naturally attractive product: Timber used appropriately, in accordance with building standards and regulations, will exceed the minimum 50-year service life for materials used for the structure of houses in New Zealand Timber is long-term durable

Timber is environmentally friendly Timber is a sustainably produced and naturally renewable material, with low energy consumption during production and is known to have a low carbon footprint

Timber treated with the appropriate level of preservative, and properly maintained, can last in service for 100 years or more

Timber absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere whilst other products emit CO2 into the atmosphere.

Growth for Prowood Motueka-based engineered structural �mber supplier, Prowood Limited, has embarked on a shakeup of its brands and how they go to market.

Off the back of the success of its online specifier tool 'Prolam Online', Prowood are working their way through all touch points to improve the user experience wherever possible.

Prowood has been a pioneer with its ability to provide customers with specifying informa�on to speed up the design and build process.

Their Prolam so�ware is used by 4480 architects and specifiers na�onwide to determine correct beam specifica�on in domes�c and commercial projects.

Recent improvements to 'Prolam Online' now provides specifiers with a range of

added features, including more specific parameters.

“Users can now allow for the extra-high wind zones recently added to the Building Code and cater to variances in roof weight, caused by product type, snow, thickness of ceiling plasterboard or addi�ons such as solar panels,” says Prowood managing director, John Woodman.

“For even more accuracy in beam specifica�on, Prolam so�ware now includes deflec�on and capacity ra�os. Users can shi� a point load to exactly where it will be on the beam and the programme will adjust the results to suit.”

Established in 2002, Prowood and its family of laminate �mber products (Prolam) enjoys an 80 percent market share, has recently started

With plans to boost produc�on, Prowood is aiming to dispatch orders within three days.

expor�ng to South East Asia and is developing this market further this year.

Woodman says with growing export markets and increased demand locally, the company would soon double its produc�on.

“We are building a new laminate press at the moment which will double our produc�on capabili�es and allow us to not only supply our local merchants and builders here, but also meet the demand from our burgeoning export markets in South East Asia,” he says.

-

“Our aim is to dispatch 90 percent of orders within three days - this will give us the shortest lead �me in New Zealand.”

Prowood has a 7,300sqm covered factory in Motueka and employs 35 people. www.prolamnz.com

Prowood has updated their online specifying tool with deflec�on and capacity ra�os.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 29

Frame & Truss Manufacturers' Association

Becoming a member FTMA membership is open to all companies involved in the frame and truss industry in New Zealand.

The FTMA currently represents a group of 72 Fabricator and 18 Industry Associate members who are leading the way forward in our timber framing industry.

FTMA continues to work tirelessly to ensure prefabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses remain the preferred choice for building in New Zealand.

Also, the FTMA stays in regular communication with members around legislative changes; the vast majority of members are small operators, with anywhere from five to 20 staff, and are not always in a position, or have the time to investigate and understand the implications of legislative changes on their businesses.

Plus the organisation’s access to government via its membership of BIF allows it to hear of changes to regulations at their earliest stages.

Benefits of membership ​Legislative changes are hugely complex and open to different interpretations. Regular communication with its members around these changes is one of the key roles of the Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association.

Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association www.ftma.co.nz

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Canterbury Frames & Trusses

Small company has big quality focus

By Jo Bailey

Being a smaller, family orientated business offering exceptional product and service has paid dividends for Canterbury Frames & Trusses.

The firm, established in 2011 and located in Rolleston’s Izone Business Park, has built a strong following from smaller, independent building firms, niche builders and local trade merchants.

Canterbury Frames & Trusses supplies precut and prenail timber frames, roof trusses, floor trusses, timber beams and posts, loose timber, LVL, IBeams and Formance™ structurally insulated panels.

Liz Melbourne, who owns the company with husband Mark, says quality workmanship is at the heart of everything the company does.

“We receive amazing support from our suppliers like Pryda who supply fixings and our main timber supplier Mitchell Brothers who delivers exceptional products for us to work with.

“Such a high quality of raw materials enables us to manufacture and supply a premium product that creates efficiencies for our builders on site.

“Everybody is out there in business to make a dollar and we do what we can to create savings for our builders.”

Another key to the success of Canterbury Frames & Trusses is Mark Melbourne’s considerable 30-year plus experience in the industry and retaining knowledge of his clients’ projects.

Mark Melbourne Founded Canterbury Frames & Trusses with his wife Liz

Canterbury Frame & Trusses’ handiwork on display in this substantial residential property

“What Mark contains inside his head is sometimes quite staggering. Nine times out of 10 he can help solve problems or answer questions without sitting in front of his computer.”

He is a qualified engineer by trade and is a Pryda Approved Fabricator with a comprehensive knowledge of the Pryda Build software system.

Canterbury Frames & Trusses provides quotations, design and detailing services for all the structural timber products manufactured by the firm and Mark is often called on to come up with tricky solutions for clients’ projects.

budget ballpark. Often he can show them ways to economise better in their build.”

Canterbury Frames & Trusses works on a full range of domestic builds, with rebuilds and some residential repairs making up the bulk of its portfolio post-earthquake.

In recent times the firm has started to take on more work outside the Canterbury region, particularly into the Tekapo and Twizel areas where there is considerable growth.

In the last year there has been a noticeable increase in the number of commercial projects the company has been involved in.

“One of the reasons for our growth outside Canterbury has been to provide extra capacity to smaller towns which are booming, or in the case of Kaikoura where there will be a lot of demand for rebuild work.

“There seems to be a number of church projects at the moment. They have waited a long time for their turn in the post earthquake repair queue.”

“These conditions can put pressure on local builders, and also local plants, which can’t always respond to the volumes of product required.”

“Clients can bring in their plans at the preconsent stage to get Mark and his team to have a look to make sure they are in their

High quality raw materials are used in all Canterbury Frames & Trusses projects

• Quotations • Design Services • Detailing • Council Producer Statements • Quality Product Manufacturing • Steel Quotations • Precut & Prenail Timber Frames • Roof & Floor Trusses • Loose Timber Supplies • Timber Beams & Posts, LVL & IBeams • Formance Panel Assembly

30 Westland Place, Izone Park, Rolleston, Christchurch P: (03) 347 1100 E: mark@cantruss.co.nz

www.cantruss.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 31

Canterbury Frames & Trusses

Unique Formance™ panels have been fabricated by Canterbury Frames & Trusses for the new South Hornby School

Included in the company’s 10 staff are two who have left and come back, with another former employee about to return.

“This tells me as an employer we’re doing the right thing.”

When many firms geared up rapidly after the Christchurch earthquakes, Mark and Liz were content to keep Canterbury Frames & Trusses firmly in the small company realm.

“We have seen a lot of firms in different sectors of the construction industry gear up too fast and come to grief.

“Mark likes to be hands on with every job that comes though the door and if we doubled in size he wouldn’t have that ability.”

It is this personal touch that sets the firm apart from its larger competitors.

“All our clients, whether they are homeowners, builders, or reps from the large trade firms, know that they can talk to Mark and he will know about their job. Maintaining this level of service is important to us.”

Canterbury Frames & Trusses is a member of the FTMA and continues to champion timber as a building material.

“The growing awareness around the environment and sustainability bodes well for timber. As a green, renewable resource, and with a proven history, timber remains the product of choice for many.

“We are proud to play our part in the market as the supplier of premium quality frames and trusses.”

Formance™ offers multiple benefits to builders The new South Hornby School is one of an increasing number of projects on which Canterbury Frames & Trusses is working alongside Method Building Systems to utilise the Formance™ structurally insulated panel system, says director Mark Melbourne.

“We have recently starting working with these high performance, thermally efficient composite panels, which can provide structural framing, insulation and exterior sheathing in a solid one-piece.”

Formance™ is being used throughout the entire new school, providing a striking building envelope for two large 780sqm learning cluster buildings, an administration block, hall and reading recovery unit, which incorporates massive 14m trusses.

“We are fabricating Formance™ panels into six metre walls, which are then transported to site and craned in place,” Mark says.

As well as durability, Formance™ also ticks the boxes when it comes to energy efficiency, sustainability, design freedom and build-ability.

The product consists of two layers of structural board with an insulating layer of polystyrene in between. Panels come in various standard thicknesses and

32 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

associated R values and can be used for floors, walls and roofs.

“You don’t have control of the outside environment, but with the right choices you can have control of the inside one.

“A new home, school or work place is a big investment. You want it to be the best possible building for the budget you have and to give the best performance, for the longest period of time.”

Formance™ has been popular in the commercial market for some time, but Mark says the company is starting to see it being utilised for more residential builds as well.

A CodeMark certification ensures compliance with the New Zealand Building Code, and Formance™ has been thoroughly tested for local conditions.

“With the walls already formed at our factory, builders save a lot of time on site, as they don’t have to worry about putting in insulation, or adding exterior plywood.

“These are some of the many characteristics that make Formance™ a great alternative to structural timber framing for some applications. We look forward to working with the team at Method Building Systems on more projects using this exciting insulated panel system.”

Canterbury Frames and Trusses www.cantruss.co.nz

Landscaping Industries Association of NZ

Representing landscaping professionals Landscaping New Zealand, the Landscape Industries Association of New Zealand, is the professional body representing people working in all aspects of the landscaping industry, including soft and hard landscaping, landscape design, landscape construction, landscape horticulture, grounds maintenance, and landscape contract management.

Association president Adam Pollard says joining a professional association has many advantages for people working in the industry.

“As a professional association we ensure high standards in the landscaping industry, provide training, and are great for networking with others in the industry.

Plus we run awards every second year where we can showcase what we can do as an industry.”

He says for clients there are also advantages to using the services of Landscaping New Zealand members. “Clients using a member of Landscaping New Zealand know they have been held up to a high professional standard, that they won’t let you down, and that we have a complaints procedure,” Adam says.

To ensure high standards, Landscaping New Zealand has an accreditation process for members. Companies or individuals applying for accredited membership need to have been in business for a minimum of two years.

They also have to demonstrate excellence in the areas of expertise in which they are applying for membership. Plus they need to demonstrate compliance in health and safety and that they have full insurance cover.

Companies and individuals also have the option of joining as general members. This is designed as a stepping stone towards accredited or affiliate membership. General membership has a two-year time limit, by which time it is anticipated the general member will be ready to apply for accreditation.

General membership is ideal for companies and individuals who are new to the country, and students and apprentices who have completed a recognised landscape qualification.

Special membership rates are available for students and apprentices who are also eligible to enter Landscaping New Zealand’s awards programme and the Young Landscaper of the Year competition.

Suppliers to the landscaping industry also have the opportunity to join Landscaping New Zealand as allied members. Adam says this provides a great opportunity for allied members to be listed on Landscaping New Zealand’s website, to attend branch meetings, to hold workshops for members, and to promote their products.

Affiliated groups and individuals, such as tutors at a recognised tertiary institution, and landscape technicians, tradespeople

"

Clients using a member of Landscaping New Zealand know they have been held up to a high professional standard, that they won’t let you down, and that we have a complaints procedure.

"

- Landscaping New Zealand president, Adam Pollard

and subcontractors, are also able to apply for an affiliate membership to Landscaping New Zealand.

Joining the association provides a raft of benefits for members. Firstly, they are able to list their accreditation, which means clients know that their workmanship is of a high professional standard and that they have the backing of the association.

Members can list as accredited members on Landscaping New Zealand’s website. They are eligible to participate in the association’s regular promotional activities.

Significant savings can be achieved for members through the n3 (formerly GSB Card), which offers savings on business purchases and fuel costs.

Biennial awards Landscaping New Zealand celebrates and awards excellence in the landscaping industry through its Biennial Awards programme.

This event highlights projects members have been involved in where the quality of work has been outstanding.

The association also encourages the next generation of landscaping professionals through its annual Young Landscaper of the Year competition.

Award categories include best design of the year, best construction of the year, best horticultural project of the year, best sustainable project of the year award, and best special feature of the year, in the categories of small residential projects, large residential projects, and commercial project.

Gold, silver and bronze awards are bestowed in each category, and then an overall winner is found.

The awards are held every second year, with the next awards in 2018.

Adam says there are many reasons why companies and individuals working in the landscaping industry should join Landscaping New Zealand.

Members can also list on the home renovation and design website Houzz NZ.

As a professional body it works hard to represent the interests of its members and to promote high standards within the industry.

Conferences To assist with the ongoing professional development of members, Landscape New Zealand runs an annual conference.

Landscaping Industries Association of New Zealand www.lianz.org.nz

0800 4 ALLIED | www.alliedconcrete.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 33

Water Solutions

A low cost, easy to install wastewater system addi�on, an AES bed can be retrofi� ed to an exis�ng sep�c tank which can avoid costly replacements when upgrading.

Low cost, low risk and a� rac�ve to future owners - there are many reasons why AES (Advanced EnviroSep�c) is the wastewater treatment op�on to consider for single dwellings, commercial installa�ons, sub-divisions and townships.

AES has been installed in over 400,000 sites worldwide over the past 20 years and has a well-tested and documented performance. In New Zealand, over 250 systems have been installed from Riverton to Tutukaka on sites varying from small holiday baches, residen�al dwellings, Department of Conserva�on sites, campgrounds, and marae.

AES is an easy to install 'back to the future' system which combines an oldfashioned sep�c tank with a modernised treatment/ disposal bed comprised of AES pipes laid in sand aggregate. No power, no alarms, no servicing and AES components are guaranteed to last for 20 years or more.

The advanced secondary treated effluent from an AES system easily meets NZ standards, minimising the risk of groundwater contamina�on and preven�ng the receiving soil from becoming clogged over �me. The treated effluent passively infiltrates into the underlying soil, or can be

Onuku Marae installa�on

198K L/d AES installa�on

collected and used in sub-surface irriga�on. The con�nuing good performance of the system is not dependant on homeowner interven�on or regular servicing which leaves consen�ng authori�es fewer risks to consider.

AES can be up-scaled or down-sized to suit the applica�on. AES systems allow large varia�ons in daily loading, and intermi� ent usage, and provide a quick start-up a�er periods of non-use – ideal for holiday homes and other intermi� ent waste flows. Subdivisions can choose between a larger de-centralised AES system that services several dwellings, or

individual AES systems.

AES components are lightweight and easy to handle and transport, and can be installed under driveways – useful where space is at a premium. In

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

For further informa�on please visit www.et.nz or call 03 970 7979.

Drainlayer’s holiday home in Marahau - before and a�er

03 970 7979 34 | B&C - Autumn 2017

Environment Technology is the na�onwide distributor of AES components, providing free training to designers and installers.

info@et.nz www.et.nz

Water Solutions

Testing the water

By Ray Hedgland

Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal is required for all households in areas without a reticulated wastewater system.

Builders and drainlayers are at the forefront of such developments. Septic tanks rarely provide sufficient treatment alone to protect the receiving environment and a dedicated onsite package treatment plant commonly forms a component of the overall onsite wastewater solution.

on whether they are a District Council (DC), a Unitary Authority (UA) or Regional Council (RC), with payments of $1,500, $3,000 and $5,000 respectively. Currently only six Regional Councils, and nine District Councils, and one Unitary Authority are funding partners.

The On-site Effluent Treatment Testing Facility has been operating in Rotorua since 2005/06 and is set up to enable testing of up to seven package treatment plants at one time.

Council funding partners receive detailed reports on the systems tested. This includes detailing equipment breakdowns and the need for attendance by operators.

Since 2008/09 it has become the National Testing Facility (OSET-NTP) managed by Water New Zealand. The testing facility tests treatment plant performance and compliance with the AS/NZ standard for BOD and TSS over a nine month period and provides performance certificates for a range of parameters, including nutrients, bacteria and power consumption (Table 1).

The facility also provides a period of greater than normal design flow to assess how the systems cope with fluctuating loads.

It is a self-funded facility supported by grants from territorial local authorities and testing fees from manufacturers.

Councils pay varying amounts depending

It therefore allows them to compare results with all other systems tested and gives them the opportunity to set local rules over maintenance frequency for various systems, and to decide which systems are stable and suitable to meet the requirements of their district/region.

It is significant to note that each year over the last three years one plant has failed the AS/NZS performance requirements for BOD & TSS. Builders and drainlayers need to know this, and a copy of the systems tested and their performance can be found on the Water New Zealand website.

The test results and performance certificates provided by the test facility are very important to builders, drainlayers,

OSET-NTP Test Facilit

on-site wastewater investigators/designers and council regulators assessing consent applications/building permits.

The results let homeowners who want assurance that the plant selected for them will operate continuously without concern and will provide high quality effluent at acceptable operating costs.

To date 45 plants have been tested, seven plants are under test this year, and there is strong interest already for next year.

About 20 percent of the New Zealand population (or 900,000 people) are serviced by on-site wastewater

infrastructure. Many are old and will require replacement /upgrade.

With New Zealand’s increasing population there is considerable pressure for growth beyond serviced areas involving new onsite wastewater systems. The demand for good and appropriate on-site wastewater treatment systems is increasing.

The OSET-NTP is an important national facility providing essential information to builders and contractors that needs to be protected.

Water New Zealand

It might look good… but is it good for the environment?

Professor Jenny Webster-Brown Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, Christchurch.

Streams and rivers in urban environments are contaminated by many of the materials we use on the outside of buildings. The zinc galvanising used on many metal surfaces to prevent oxida�on and corrosion releases dissolved zinc into stormwaters during heavy rainfalls. Similarly, copper roofs and spou�ng release dissolved copper into stormwaters. These stormwaters are directed into the local urban streams and rivers, carrying their load of urban contaminants with them, where they can kill organisms such as insect nymphs and fish living in these waterways. Rainfall coming

off a copper roof, for example, usually contains copper levels which are over 1000 �mes greater than the recommended limit for copper in a healthy freshwater ecosystem. Copper can have a devasta�ng effect on stream life, as it is an ac�ve biocide. Metals such as copper, lead and zinc can also build up in the sediments of a waterway over �me, crea�ng a las�ng impact on the waterway. There are of course many other environmental contaminants (metals and organic chemicals) which can also leach out of specific cladding and roofing materials.

“Green building” design focusses on using only those building materials which have a low environmental impact throughout their lifecycle; from extrac�on or mining, through manufacturing and use on buildings, to recycling or disposal. While this is an ideal, significant environmental gains can be made with standard building designs by simply swapping out contaminant-genera�ng materials for aesthe�cally or prac�cally similar, but more environmentally-benign, construc�on materials: changing copper roofs for copper-coloured colour steel for

example, or copper spou�ng to coppercoloured plas�c spou�ng.

The Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management is a joint university research and teaching centre, designed to support improved, more sustainable management of freshwater resources in New Zealand. We aim to integrate our knowledge of the processes that damage water systems with an understanding of the human and economic impera�ves that cause those processes to occur, to find solu�ons for a future that embodies sustainable water use.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 35

Fire Protection

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www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Fire Protection

FireNZ conference gains size and stature " The Fire New Zealand Conference and Exhibition has grown over the past three years. And while already the leading fire-related industry event in the country, it has now had to grow to accommodate the increase in visitor number and tradeshow exhibitors.

This has seen it move from a two-day event to a full three-day event and exhibitor space and grow from 40 stands to more than 60.

This year Fire New Zealand will be back at the ASB Greenlane showgrounds on the 11th – 13th of October.

“Moving to a three day event has given the delegates and exhibitors a great opportunity to fine tune their experience and pick and mix those things and topics that are on offer, ranging from high calibre international speakers to site visits, workshop sessions and every major product supplier in the industry,” says Scott Lawson, executive director of the Fire Protection Association of New Zealand.

“We are currently working on the theme for the conference and we are already talking to a number of influential international guest speakers. It is early days but this is already lining up to be even bigger than 2016,” Scott says.

He says the value of the conference from a networking point of view has grown from the target market of just

It’s the one time of the year when all of the key fire service solution providers, product suppliers, engineers and delegates are in the same place at the same time so it makes sense to be there.

- Fire Protection Association of New Zealand, executive director, Scott Lawson

Scott Lawson

"

those in the fire industry, to a wide and sweeping audience of local body councils, government departments, building owners, facilities managers, building contractors, construction companies and service providers.

“It’s the one time of the year when all of the key fire service solution providers, product suppliers, engineers and delegates are in the same place at the same time so it makes sense to be there.”

The tradeshow component has become so popular with suppliers and delegates alike, as many suppliers use the forum to demonstrate new products and leading innovations to the fire industry, Scott says.

Fire Protection Association of New Zealand, executive director

“Every year we are having to add more floor space and booths to accommodate the growing number of exhibitors. The quality of the stands and displays has also really been increasing every year and a sense of rivalry between exhibitors sees the displays and stands increasing in quality year on year.”

He says this year they are working on a number of new innovations that will see FireNZ go to a whole new level. “So keep an eye out for updates in the coming weeks and register your interest if you wish to become and exhibitor this year.”

Fire New Zealand Conference and Exhibition 2017 - ASB Greenlane showgrounds on the 11th – 13th of October Fire Protection Association of New Zealand www.fireprotection.org.nz

WORLD LEADER OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS

Ampac provides world leading innovative fire detection and alarm system solutions for commercial and industrial applications An extensive range of �re detection and alarms system control panels, together with a broad array of �eld devices and optional Add-ons, allows a tailored solution to be formulated for each application Operating with integrity coupled with a clear focus and commitment, Ampac provides superior customer service at every level.

Unit 4/101 Diana Drive, Glenfield, Auckland T: +64 9 443 8072 F: +64 9 443 8073 E: info.nz@ampac.net 33 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch T: +64 3 974 1350 F: +64 3 974 1351 www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 37

Working at Heights

e. info@edge-protecton.co.nz

www.edge-protection.co.nz

38 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Working at Heights

Stepping up when working at height Working at height is risky, but it should not be dangerous.

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

The duty to manage the risks onsite is not new, nor is the high rate of injury from people slipping and falling from height.

In the construction sector 1,343 people were injured in 2015, each with an average of 24 days off work.

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

The introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) last April put a renewed focus on health and safety for many businesses. The challenge for the construction industry around working from heights is translating this into a sustained cultural change that results in fewer injuries and helps your bottom line.

The Act also introduced the concept of overlapping duties. This puts a duty on all parties involved on a site to work together to manage health and safety.

This boils down to having conversations with all players involved onsite and deciding which business should take the lead in manging the identified risks.

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

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

The approach to managing risk is simple: Six years ago we launched a programme with the aim of reducing injuries from working at height. One of the key recommendations was that scaffolding should be used wherever possible, even on residential builds.

Today it is common to see scaffolding on sites and industry has largely embraced this shift in working, with many taking advantage of the onsite efficiencies that come with using scaffolding.

Of course, there are a lot of myths out there.

Everyone’s heard them – you can’t use stepladders or you have to use a scaffold or a harness if you’re working a foot off the

ground. Often people will say, “WorkSafe’s new regulations” or something similar.

But the truth is that there are no new hard and fast rules and regulations. In fact, HSWA was deliberately designed to be flexible.

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

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

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

There’s a big difference between one worker replacing a few weatherboards in a couple of hours and building a new dwelling from the foundations up.

The cultural change has been rapid. It is great to see that it is no longer acceptable for a builder to walk the top plate without safety systems in place. That sort of cowboy behaviour is seen as unprofessional.

We are not here to wrap you in cotton wool, but we are looking to industry to drive innovation. We know of one builder who designed saw-horses with a work platform, guardrails and adjustable feet for uneven surfaces after he was challenged to think about his use of old fashioned saw horses.

As the regulator WorkSafe can’t endorse any products but there is no doubt these local innovations have helped make worksites safer.

Kiwi building sites are safer than they were five or 10 years ago. But our data shows that

Working through a ceiling grid?

The MKII Warthog is the only platform ladder in NZ with an extendable handrail!

Simply sit the ladder in position, move a tile aside, and extend the handrail up.

How simple.

How safe.

NEW!

the number of injuries on sites from ladders and other falls remains quite high.

Some 1,343 people were injured from falls from heights in 2015, with 1324 injured in 2014.

These injuries are not your stubbed toe, they are serious and include lacerations or broken bones and all have required medical treatment. Ten people have had over a year off work in 2015 alone, many of whom will never return to the construction industry.

While industry has got behind improving the way that working from height is carried out, a fresh look at the risks is required if we are to reduce theinjuries further.

Freephone 0508 88 5656 www.totalsitesupplies.co.nz

www.worksafe.govt.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 39

Working at Heights

Monkey Toe – the height of safety

A large pla�orm being installed at Cashel Square

When it comes to height safety, Monkey Toe Group are specialists in their field. Whether it is the height a rail needs to be, minimum distance a walk-off pla�orm must extend, or whether a ladder requires a cage, they can provide access solu�ons that will ensure full safety compliance.

For over 10 years they have been helping project managers, architects and engineers with access solu�ons that will keep staff safe.

of raised walkways with handrails to allow quick access without cumbersome safety lines. Roof membrane protec�on was also installed to prevent leaks and reduce RF exposure.

"We have provided a safer, more accessible access method for our staff by using the Monkey Toe access solu�on," says Chris Hentschel of Airways New Zealand.

Upgrading Nestle's Marton factory was another key project for Monkey Toe.

Monkey Toe's New Zealand made products include skeletal and mesh plant pla�orms, roof boardwalk and walkway systems, condenser mounts and supports, guardrail and handrail systems, safety barriers, and glass balustrades.

"One of Nestle's key focuses is to ensure all of its employees are covered by a cer�fied safety and health management system. They also aim towards zero work injuries which includes safe access to the roofs of their buildings."

Their solu�ons include walkways and handrail systems which for many situa�ons are preferable to a safety line system.

Monkey Toe provided a range of solu�ons including a wallmounted parapet, walkways, s�les, duct supports and stairs.

"Providing handrails to walkways and pla� orms immediately creates a safe environment. This means no special induc�ons are required, no safety equipment is needed and access is immediate. Instead of arres�ng a fall, handrails prevent one from happening."

"When we visited one of the Nestle sites, the recep�onist told us she felt a bit naughty going up on the roof as it had previously been out of bounds."

A permanent handrail solu�on from Monkey Toe also saves costs and down�me, as clients don't need to invest in height safety training and refresher courses each year to enable their staff to access the roof.

"We recently visited a site where close to 50 staff had to be trained on safety lines before they could access the roof. As well as being costly, it was difficult for the company to schedule �me to undertake the training."

As well as the general improvement in safety through fall preven�on, another benefit of handrails is the ability for people to 'go it alone' on the roof (as safety lines require working in pairs in case of a fall) without the need to gearup in special safetywear. This is par�cularly advantageous for tradesmen carrying tools and equipment.

Monkey Toe has improved the safety of many high-profile industrial and commercial sites across New Zealand and offshore.

A couple of recent projects include the Andy Herd Building for Airways New Zealand at their Christchurch facility where the need to regularly check equipment on the roof had been a challenge.

"Their staff had to be trained in height safety including regular refreshers, which was a challenge on a 24 hour shi� roster. Airways needed safe and simple access that staff could use in any condi�ons, at any �me," says Jeff.

Monkey Toe designed, manufactured and installed a series 40 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Burwood Hospital stairs and walkway

Established in 2006, Monkey Toe Group is a family owned and operated company, with its directors having more than 30 years' experience in the construc�on and engineering industries.

The company's head office is in Taranaki, with branches in Auckland and Christchurch, allowing it to service a wide range of commercial and industrial clients na�onwide.

A handrail and walkway system on the Dowse Museum

"Our products are made of marine grade aluminium, which weigh a frac�on of steel but is just as strong. This is par�cularly beneficial when it comes to plant pla�orms, as t h e y s ave a l o t o f we i g ht b e i n g l o a d e d o nto roof structures."

With changes to the Health and Safety Act now in force, the importance of having safe access to places like roofs for servicing has become more prominent.

'The recent amendments to the Health And Safety Act and the need for �mely, hassle-free PSl sign-off have brought the need for our specialist exper�se, sharply into focus.

Many of the requirements have tolerances of just millimetres and no detail can be over-looked."

Roof edge protec�on on the Price Coopers Waterhouse Building

Jeff says Monkey Toe regularly provides advice around design and compliance of height safety systems to a range of professionals such as architects and engineers.

“It is not always their area of specialty, but by seeking our expert advice on the most appropriate systems for their projects, we can help to make the process as smooth as possible, as well as keeping people safe which is our ul�mate aim."

www.monkeytoe.co.nz 0800 658 637

Working at Heights

The simple solution to working at heights With a busy construc�on industry na�onwide and high demands on the alloca�on of scaffolding and edge protec�on, as well as the labour to install it, the awardwinning modular INTAKS system improves safety on site, while also reducing costs and improving efficiencies.

Started in 1997 as an idea by a kiwi bloke in his shed, INTAKS has evolved into a lightweight, mul�-configurable system, supported by a range of interconnec�ng components and boas�ng a growing range of combina�ons to provide solu�ons for working at height on residen�al and commercial sites.

Veteran of the New Zealand scaffolding and building industries, Lew Cleveland designed and developed INTAKS in response to the challenges and

shortcomings of tradi�onal scaffold systems and increasingly rigorous health and safety legisla�on.

INTAKS system takes far less �me, truck tonnage and manpower to put up, pack down and transport.

The recipient of mul�ple health and safety and design awards, INTAKS has become a highly recognised and sought a�er scaffolding and edge protec�on system.

INTAKS components are designed to be faster and simpler to install. For example, INTAKS Spring Clips quickly lock directly onto the handrail tube for a safer, completely tool-less handrail installa�on that's 15 �mes faster than the tradi�onal method.

INTAKS saves �me, money and manpower onsite in a number of significant ways.

The INTAKS scaffolding and roof edge protec�on system provides more than 20 different mul�-func�onal configura�ons, with a range of interconnec�ng components.

These components can be used in many ways, adap�ng to virtually any job or terrain, and minimising the amount of equipment required on site.

Being approximately 20 percent the weight of steel scaffolding, the aluminum

Want an edge protection system that has more solutions?

INTAKS' innova�ve design allows for ground space and lower walls to be kept clear, enabling mul�ple trades to work simultaneously.

Site progress is uninterrupted and �ghter build schedules can be achieved, significantly expedi�ng build progress faster builds, less team down�me, more jobs.

INTAKS NZ general manager, Joel Warren says INTAKS offers industry-leading levels of safety and compliance for builders and installers alike.

“INTAKS offers a mul�tude of features for enhanced safety, including reduced trip hazards, tool-less installa�on of many components, and the ability to install planks and handrails on the level above without leaving the safety of the exis�ng level,” he says.

“Every component is manufactured in New Zealand to the highest quality standards and rigorously tested and cer�fied to NZ/AU safety standards.”

INTAKS has been cer�fied as complying with AS/NZ 1576.1, AS/NZ 1576.3, AS/NZS 4994.1.2009 Temporary Roof Edge Protec�on, and AS 6001 Working Pla�orms for Housing Construc�on.

INTAKS is an adaptable scaffolding and roof edge protec�on solu�on which is mee�ng the demands of New Zealand's construc�on industry today, and into the future.

INTAKS (07) 577 6469 | 0275 600 247

Parapet/Floor Clamps Floor Mounted

Tilt Slab

Face Fixed

Wall Fixed

I Beam

On Roof

Roof Edge Only

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 41

Working at Heights

FREEPHONE 0800 000 448 sales@safesmartaccess.co.nz www.safesmartaccess.co.nz

42 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Working at Heights

Safesmart Access reaches new heights With strong growth both in scale and capability since its incep�on almost 20 years ago, Safesmart Access has become the pre-eminent supplier of scaffolding and specialist height access equipment within New Zealand.

Opera�ng from its Northland design and manufacturing facility, products are developed in-house to meet market demands and either manufactured onsite under ISO9001 standards, or imported to Safesmart Access' design and criteria.

Central to Safesmart Access' ethos is innova�on, with safety and efficiency being the end-goal.

Safesmart Access' Proscaf brand of ringlock scaffolding has long been popular with scaffolders because of its ease of use. The clever, yet simple, modular system of scaffolding and edge protec�on gives maximum versa�lity with high performance, using minimal parts and effort.

Craneable stairs for challenging

installa�on situa�ons

The bolt-free Proscaf ringlock rose� es provide eight connec�ons on each level – four at fixed and four at variable angles, making the system versa�le for simple and complex sites alike. Without the need for bolts, Proscaf can be single-handedly assembled three �mes faster than tradi�onal tube and clip systems, saving �me and money for the user.

Pedestrian ramps for public ameni�es.

In many of these instances Proscaf was combined with other Safesmart Access products to produce the ul�mate solu�on required.

A range of self-levelling aluminium stairs with handrails allows fast, easy and safe access between floors and decks, or while working in trenches. The durable unit, available in a range of sizes, adjusts within a range of up to 1.4M for the largest 18step unit, with stair treads self-levelling to suit the height.

The recent launch of a full range of aluminium Proscaf components to mirror the original steel offering has been a logical progression for Safesmart Access that has had good early uptake.

At half the weight of its steel equivalent, aluminium Proscaf doubles the volume to weight ra�o of the gear, saving �me, energy and logis�c costs.

“Our exis�ng Proscaf customers have been quick to see the savings they could make by adding some aluminium components to their gear,” says Safesmart Access team leader, Daniel Wearmouth.

Proscaf steel and aluminium components are compa�ble, so can both be used within a single installa�on. O�en the steel provides the robust base, and lightweight aluminium creates efficiencies at higher levels.

Past projects include many thousands of installa�ons on tradi�onal construc�on projects, and Proscaf has also been used successfully in situa�ons presen�ng unique challenges, such as: Temporary stairs in a busy metro

shopping mall Access for maintenance of C130

Hercules and other fixed wing and rotary aircra� Stairs, bridges and towers for site access

– open and encapsulated

The flexibility of use of these stairs makes them a very cost-effec�ve piece of access equipment, which folds completely flat for storage and transporta�on.

A range of mobile pla�orms used for maintaining aircra�, trucks, trains and heavy machinery, feature full guard railing and self-locking swing gates for safe and fast access to work spaces.

Where addi�onal reach is required, can�lever pla�orm designs allow access right into and against the work area without the need for dangerous reaching from the pla�orm. Height adjustable pla�orms with incremental adjustments of 300mm can be operated with a hand winch to allow efficient access to mul�ple heights using the one unit.

Safesmart Access' in-house design team is o�en called on to create custom solu�ons to otherwise costly and troublesome access challenges. In addi�on to demand from the tradi�onal construc�on industry, the company works with companies in avia�on, marine, mining, agriculture, transport, defence, ports and airports.

Firstly, the height access challenge is evaluated, which can include a free visit to the site anywhere in New Zealand.

Discussions with the customer iden�fy the project objec�ves, and Safesmart Access engineers and designers formulate the solu�on. Drawings and quotes are produced for approval before manufacture and delivery to the site proceeds.

Safesmart Access' formula for producing safe and efficient access to height through innova�ve solu�ons has now been replicated worldwide. Safesmart Access has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, London, Los Angeles, Cleveland, New York and Saskatchewan.

Height access products, designed and manufactured in Northland, fill around six 40-foot containers leaving the Safesmart Access yard every month for safely accessing height throughout these des�na�ons.

Safesmart Access is indeed reaching new heights.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 43

Working at Heights

The costly business of falls from height

By Kathryn Heiler

Every year hundreds of New Zealand workers are seriously injured due to falls from height at work, some of them fatally.

The cost of these falls from height is estimated to be $24 million a year in ACC claims – and that doesn’t even touch the human cost of losing a loved one, a valued worker and a member of the community.

As the construction work in the Canterbury rebuild quickly moves ahead, it is crucial we do not lose sight of the importance of keeping our workers safe and healthy – and protect them from the hazards of working at heights. Unless everyone commits to making the rebuild safe, we risk lost lives and injured workers.

Case in point In the short period between January and the end of March this year, Canterbury saw five serious injuries caused by falls from height.

In all cases, the falls were from ladders or scaffold at heights of less than three metres, and resulted in broken bones or loss of consciousness.

In cases where the employer has not fulfilled their responsibility by ensuring the worker’s safety while at work, they are liable to be prosecuted under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. What we’re doing Falls from height continue to be responsible for an unacceptable number of serious injuries reported to WorkSafe. More than

half of these come from falls of less than three metres – most commonly off ladders or from single storey roofs.

In the Canterbury rebuild alone there have been a number of serious harm incidents associated with falls from height reported to WorkSafe and continued vigilance is essential to ensure that the health and safety performance in the rebuild improves.

Based on the estimated number of workers involved in the rebuild effort through to 2018, and the Canterbury construction industry’s health and safety record to date, if we don’t continue to make health and safety a priority we could see one to two construction related fatalities in each year of the rebuild.

This is unacceptable. Rebuilding Canterbury safely is a top priority for WorkSafe and the Government. That’s why we are working closely with industry, government departments, employers and workers representatives.

WorkSafe’s Preventing Falls from Height campaign has three parts:

Awareness raising – engaging the sector about the hazards associated withworking at height

legal obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act and the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations, 1995.

Education - providing safety information about what safe working at heights looks like

Targeted visits and enforcement

Targeted enforcement – visiting worksites where there is a risk of corners being cut.

WorkSafe NZ produced the Best Practice Guidelines for Working at Height in New Zealand in 2012. The guidelines are a critical element of the programme, as they give all involved with working at height clear direction on how to manage their work in a way that will bring down the death and injury toll.

The guidelines outline how people organising, planning and doing work at height can keep themselves and others safe.

By achieving that, the guidelines also help those involved in the process meet their

44 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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WorkSafe’s health and safety capacity is growing, with an increasing number of inspectors actively visiting the industry and looking for workplaces that may be cutting corners or where improvements are needed.

With falls from height such a major contributor to the number of serious harm and fatalities reported in the construction sector, it is crucial that the industry fully understands the hazards involved and their responsibilities to help keep workers safe. We must work together to make sure all our workers return home healthy and safe every night.

Kathryn Heiler is the Canterbury Rebuild Health and Safety programme director

Health and Safety

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 45

Safety Nets & Fall Arrest Solutions

Humpty's Fallbreaker is saving lives, injuries and building costs for New Zealand builders.

This premier product for fall protec�on is quickly installed and offers numerous benefits. The polyethylene sheet keeps frames dry, allows builders to keep working underneath on days when they would otherwise be rained off – or if it is sunny gives them UV protec�on.

T h e c u s t o m m a d e p l a s �c s h e e t manufactured to fit your house plan acts as a shock absorber - it absorbs the impact of the fall because the fabric stretches enough to minimise injury. Compare falling on to a trampoline, to a concrete floor.

The Fallbreaker is a polyethylene membrane which stretches over the framing of a house at ceiling height. It overlaps the building frames around the perimeter by 300mm, and is nailed on top of the external frames and beneath the truss packer.

Engineer's tes�ng shows this fabric will withstand 165kg falling onto it from 1.5 m.

However, independent tes�ng has shown it will take a fall from up to 5m, the building framing will be damaged from the impact but the fabric remains intact.

The fabric has also met engineering

requirements to be re-used as a waterproof membrane under the concrete slab of the next house the builder is working on – thus there are no waste issues.

recycling into rubbish bags, kayaks, drums and rubbish bags.

It is quick and easy to install, and fast to remove when complete. The discarded fabric has numerous other uses including trailer covers, sandpit covers, windbreaks etc. It is also recyclable. It is accepted for

The fallbreaker saves in labour because it makes standing up trusses so much faster and easier (one builder es�mated he saved $2800 in labour on a house because of having the Humpty in place).

A provisional patent has been secured for the product.

Tes�monial We have been installing and using Humpty’s fall protec�on with Genera�on Homes for approximately a year and a half.

During this �me we have also been using safety ne� ng with other building companies.

It is definitely my preference to use Humpty’s for the following reasons: No need to rely on another sub trade for install and removal With properly installed drains you can guarantee that your frames remain dry I feel a lot safer working above Humpty’s as it has less give.

I would and have recommended this product to other builders.

Regards Guy Abraham, GNC Builders. 0274988114

ORDER NOW: Available from your preferred building merchant or buy direct – just email your �oor plan to sales@humptys.co.nz .

It is easy to work out the price – just multiply your �oor area by $4.95 + GST. Please order at least 10 days before required on site.

IT'S SO EASY TO USE: Your fall protection will arrive rolled like a tarpaulin. It is 300mm larger than your plan to allow for installation.

Just unfold the Humpty across the top plate, stretching it to �t and staple to hold. Fix in place when you nail your truss packer on. Put in a few drain holes and use the sandbags provided to weight it down.

100% Tested and Certi�ed™ Quick and Easy to Install Waterproof Made in NZ Delivery Nationwide

SAVE YOUR PEOPLE AND YOUR TOOLS Customised to Your Floor Plan Premium Safety for NZ Builders

www.humptys.co.nz Laboratory Tested to AS/NZ 4389

46 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Safety Nets & Fall Arrest Solutions

The importance of fall arrest precautions The importance of training and hazard management while working at height has been highlighted via a Timaru District Court sentencing late last year.

Timaru company Rickie Shore Building Limited was fined $34,000 and ordered to pay reparations of $16,000 after pleading guilty to one charge under sections 6 and 50(1)(a) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

On 22 October 2015, the victim was installing a flooring system on the second storey of a house in Timaru. The system is a composite steel flooring system made of lightweight, pre-formed steel sheets.

While drilling timber fascia boards to a steel beam, the steel sheets, which the victim was using as a work platform, moved and the victim fell 2.9m onto the concrete floor.

He was knocked unconscious, sustained fractures, and suffers fatigue and headaches as a result of his head injury.

A WorkSafe investigation found that Rickie Shore Building had failed to complete adequate planning and hazard assessment in relation to the victim’s work, which would have included assessing whether the sheets made a safe work platform and making sure that the sheets were installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The victim was unfamiliar with the installation process and had received no training on how to do so. No one had checked that the victim installed the sheets correctly.

WorkSafe’s Construction Programme manager, Marcus Nalter said working from height is a well-known risk in the

construction industry and it must be managed appropriately at all times.

“Rickie Shore Building should have ensured that the fitting of the flooring system was being done correctly and appropriate controls were in place to prevent a fall from height, such as providing a safe working platform.

“People working in high risk industries such as construction should be able to trust that the employer has their workers’ safety at the front of their mind.

In this instance, Rickie Shore Building’s inattention to safety has resulted in injury and ongoing health impacts for the victim.”

gaprie Ltd WE HAVE YOUR SAFETY COVERED

Safety nets save lives and prevent injuries Safety nets provide a complete safety solu�on for all the construc�on trades. If your business is building, roofing, cladding or steel erec�on, you'll know just how important it is to protect your employees working at height from falls, and those working below from falling debris and tools.

gaprie Ltd

Our safety nets have high energy absorp�on and are manufactured to an interna�onally-recognised standard [BSEN 1263..1 2014], which is the only recognised standard of fall arrest safety nets.

MENTION THIS ADVERT AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE TIE ROPE TO THE VALUE OF $225.00 WITH YOUR FIRST ORDER OF SAFETY NETS OVER 1000m2.

Contact us today for all Safety net sales and Training.

We carry a large array of sizes in stock.

gaprie Ltd 0800 723 3638 | 0800 SAFENET | jennie@gaprie.co.nz www.gaprie.co.nz

Gaprie Ltd was originally set up for the safety net industry. We developed into a safety net supply and training organisa�on due to the lack of quality, experienced-based training within the construc�on industry.

Gaprie Ltd now supply safety net solu�ons to various industries, building/construc�on being one of them.

Warehouse pallet racking safety nets being another.

Gaprie Ltd import and stock fall arrest safety nets. Along with the required accessories (ropes, and brackets). We run Safety Net Riggers courses na�onwide to ensure you are adequately trained to install these nets on site.

Gaprie's training arm of the business has been growing steadily from 2010 but only trains with trainers experienced in the relevant fields. This, we have found, is extremely beneficial to our customer base, as they get first-hand knowledge; trainers who have actually been in the

industry for a number of years eg Gary Priestley who has been a roofer and crane operator for 30 years.

Gaprie training solu�ons cover New Zealand na�onwide with the following courses, all with NZQA qualifica�ons.

EWP

– (Elevated Work Pla�orms) – All 5 types

Crane – – – –

Truck Mounted Mobile Overhead Slinging and Rigging/Dogman

Forkli� – both OSH and F Endorsement Safety Net Courses – Safety net riggers – Safety net inspectors – Safety net repair We also arrange first aid, Height Safety, Wheels, Tracks, Rollers.

Gaprie is developing into a one stop training organisa�on for any of your training requirements.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 47

Safety Nets & Fall Arrest Solutions Safe use of safety nets A fall from a height is likely to result in a serious injury. By installing safety nets below a high-level work area, there is less likelihood that the person will be injured if they fall.

Regardless of the time spent on a roof, the risk of falling is high. Any fall is likely to result in a serious injury. Safety nets installed below a high-level work area reduce the distance that a worker can fall. They absorb the impact of the fall and provide a ‘soft landing’ to reduce the likelihood of a person being injured.

work from being harmed. People who have responsibilities under the law include:

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

Employers, who must ensure a safe working environment and facilities for safety and health; and ensure that any plant used by employees is designed, made, arranged and maintained so that it is safe (HSE Act s.6)

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

Self-employed people, who must ensure that no action or inaction causes any harm to themselves or any other person (HSE Act s.17)

Key points Safety nets installed below a high level work area reduce the distance a person can fall Safety nets are designed to deflect and absorb the energy of a fall so they reduce the likelihood of a person being injured

Contact us on sales@kiwisafe.co.nz to arrange a free Quote or an installation www.kiwisafe.co.nz

Safe, Simple Effective, Affordable Chippy Catcher may be a play on words, but when it comes down to it, it's a life saver. Designed by builders with builder's safety in mind, Chippy Catcher is the ul�mate in fall through protec�on.

Easily fixed to the top of any residen�al wall frame, Chippy Catcher is spread across the top plates, pulled �ght and stapled down. The truss packer/capping plate is then fixed into posi�on and the building progress can then proceed as normal meaning tradi�onal building methods and �ming are unimpeded. Chippy Catcher just fits right in with the way you always built things, but now you are safe doing it.

The easy to install system comes complete with full comprehensive instruc�ons and is designed to be installed by the builders on site, saving the �me and hassle of wai�ng for third party installers. The extremely durable kni� ed polyethylene fabric will not rip or tear and carries a 7-year UV ra�ng.

Due to the semi permeable nature of the

fabric, water will not pool, and wind can pass right through!

Once all risk of falling has passed, Chippy Catcher is simply cut out, and the larger pieces are ready to be used on your next project. This extremely cost-effec�ve system is the only product on the market which can be reused. Cost saving of up to 50% have been realised using this method.

Developer Craig Lipscombe, a builder himself, was sick and �red of other systems on the market that required cer�fied installers to fit, who would then not turn up when they were meant to or the uneconomical use of the mobile scaffold system to build off.

A�er much research, product development, tes�ng and employment of new staff, Craig, a simple builder at heart, says “Chippy Catcher now can offer builders na�onwide peace of mind; they too can now be safe when working above wall height”.

Doing nothing is no longer an op�on when it comes to fall through safety. You must have some form of fall through protec�on on site to avoid being closed down and to avoid he�y fines for non compliance.

“Builders just love the stuff, finally they have something that's safe, simple, effec�ve and affordable,” says Craig “Give us a try; we know once you have used Chippy Catcher, you won't want to use anything else”.

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There must be enough clear space below the net so that as the net deflects, the person who has fallen does not strike an obstacle or the ground Safety nets allow people to work at height without restricting their movement.

Legal requirements The Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSE Act) 1992, requires that all practicable steps must be taken to prevent a person at

Principals, who must ‘take all practicable steps’ to ensure that no one is harmed while the work is being done (HSE Act s.18) Anyone who hires, leases or loans plant or equipment to be used in a workplace must ensure that the plant or equipment is designed, made and maintained so that it is safe for its intended use (HSE Act s.18A).

This means where it is possible for someone to fall from a height while working, all practicable steps must be taken to prevent them from being injured, regardless of whether they are working at height for a short or long time.

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

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 49

Steel

Phone 0800 PAC STEEL | paciificsteel.co.nz

Key features Allows greater �exibility for designer/engineers Reduce steel wastage as lap and hook bars replaced by couplers and terminators Superior cyclic performance compared to lap joint as coupler performs as a continuous bar Use of couplers signi�cantly saves time thus reducing labour cost for �xing and installation IMBMS couplers knuckle design for easy use with any gripping tool Improves concrete �ow in critical zones Parallel rolled thread means only �ve turns for faster �xing Can roll thread G300E and G500E deformed and plain from 12mm to 40mm Locally tested and compliant to NZS 3101 clause 8.7.5.2 and meets seismic and slip requirements of ISO 15835:2009

www.imbms.co.nz 50 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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News

Auckland housing development to take off Panuku Development Auckland has confirmed Avanda Group as the housing developer for Stage Two of the Airfields precinct at Hobsonville Point.

About Avanda Group Avanda Group is dedicated to building quality, sustainable and affordable modern homes for New Zealanders. Made up of experienced experts in the New Zealand property development and construction sectors, the Avanda team is proud to partner with local councils, top architects and consultants and other stakeholders to combat the current housing shortage.

The Airfields precinct is a 20 hectare Council-owned site, which was formerly part of the Hobsonville Airforce Base.

Avanda and its building partners will develop more than 500 homes in Stage Two, of which a minimum of 10 per cent will be affordable housing. Housing will be delivered within an agreed timeframe.

Panuku chief executive, Roger MacDonald says Avanda was chosen after a competitive tender process was undertaken, with strong interest received from six potential developers.

“Avanda is a significant new entrant in the property development market and they showed commitment to developing all of Stage Two, rather than just individual parcels that were offered to the market.”

Avanda has commenced detailed design to obtain the necessary resource consents for infrastructure works so that housing can be developed.

“We look forward to working with Avanda as they bring our master plan for hundreds more quality homes in

About Panuku Panuku Development Auckland is a Council Controlled Organisation.

The second stage development area of the Airfields precinct at Hobsonville Point

Airfields at Hobsonville Point to fruition to help ease Auckland’s housing shortage,” says Mr MacDonald.

Avanda project manager Winson Tan says Avanda is delighted to be working with Panuku to realise the potential of the Airfields precinct and proud to be building quality, sustainable and affordable modern homes for New Zealanders.

“Airfields is situated in a vibrant community with a rich history and superb local

amenities. The housing shortage is well acknowledged and we are pleased to have the opportunity to help meet this challenge in delivering a range of high quality housing options in this rapidly expanding and soughtafter community.”

The sale of Stage Two builds on the success of Stage One, which will deliver 102 standalone and terrace homes, with building scheduled to begin in the next few months.

It was established in September 2015 as a result of the merger of two CCOs – Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Council Property Ltd. The broad approach by Panuku towards achieving development outcomes is captured by three categories; transform, unlock and support. Development of the Airfields precinct is part of the Unlock Hobsonville project, where Panuku unlocks the development potential for others.

Image showing Stage Two development area

Actibush huge range of Hardened Steel Bushes & Pins For more than a decade Ac�-Bush Ltd has been making bushes and pins for machinery operators. They have always supplied to larger players like mining companies, crane operators and civil construc�on companies, but now, largely through word-of-mouth, smaller enterprises are ordering from Ac�-Bush's extensive range.

Because the range is made and stocked in New Zealand, operators can order any standard bush size for almost any make of machinery, and be confident that the product will be in their hand the next day. Ac�-Bush General Manager Steve Neville says this is par�cularly a� rac�ve to people like contractors and farmers with their own bulldozers and diggers, as they're o�en under pressure and need to fit the work in whenever �me and weather allow.

“When pins and bushes wear out, owners of smaller machinery need replacement parts. They know that through us they will get same day service, and they will be able to change the part themselves rather than having to go to an engineering shop.”

As well as pins and bushes, Ac�-Bush also carries stock of pin seals, shims and tags.

Their 190+ bush sizes are machined to strict tolerances and heat treated for hardness, and every unit is quality checked. It is common for Ac�-Bush pins and bushes to last two or three �mes longer than imported equivalents, reducing maintenance costs and down�me. “If anything they're too good,” Steve says.

“They don't wear out fast enough so people don't need to buy replacements.”

Originally Ac�-Bush product sold only in Auckland, but now it's sold throughout New Zealand and into the Pacific region.

Steve says while Ac�-Bush grew out of necessity, the company is proud of the product they are manufacturing, and their ability to do so at a compe��ve price.

“We're very proud of being a New Zealand company, making a high quality product in New Zealand and employing New Zealanders.”

Simple 24/7 ordering via the Ac�-Bush website has reduced turnaround �me even further. Custom-made bushes and pins can also be ordered through the website, with every one-off product made to the same high standards of technical accuracy and reliability, and delivered with the same high level of personal care and service.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 51

Crane Association of NZ

Riding the wave

BY Rod Auton CEO of the Crane Association of New Zealand

Strong population growth continues to boost housing demand and, along with robust household spending, is driving non-residential construction demand.

Because of the different skill sets required for each type of crane, a person can’t just walk in off the street and operate a crane.

Even to sit the crane qualification, an operator must have prior experience rigging and/or operating a crane as there is a competency assessment as part of the qualification.

Cuts in interest rates and strong population growth are also flowing through to housing demand.

This is an industry where an operator starts as a yard boy and, through a combination of on-the-job training and formal training, learns the trade from the bottom up.

The National Construction Pipeline Report 2016 forecasts building and construction activity in New Zealand, and one of the key findings of that report forecast the national construction value to peak in 2017 $6.2b higher than in 2015, at $37b.

This peak coincides with residential growth and accounts for more than half of the construction growth by value nationally.

Non-residential building is expected to peak higher than 2015 at $8.8b in 2018.

Other construction includes all construction that is not a building, including infrastructure projects, mining and power projects (wind, thermal and hydro), and accounts for about a quarter of all construction by value in 2016. Growth of 2.5 percent per year is forecast through to 2021.

Cranes are good indicators for economic growth and the skyline reflects the evidence of the construction boom.

With a 13 percent growth in building work put in place across the country in 2016, there has been a 19 percent increase in the total number of tower cranes in New Zealand since December 2015. For example, in December 2015 in Auckland there were 33 tower cranes and in December 2016, that had grown to 64 cranes.

ashburtoncranes2015@gmail.com

As always in a booming economy there is a need for more cranes and manufacturers of cranes had substantial growth in sales in 2016 compared to 2015. There is also a solid second-hand market of quality cranes coming out of Australia, taking advantage of the Australian economic downturn.

For every type of crane, there must be an operator and 2016 highlighted the need for qualified, experienced and competent operators.

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The Australian downturn has also been responsible for the return of many New Zealanders returning home and looking for positions in the crane industry. Many companies are benefiting from this influx of experienced crane operators.

Conference 2017 This year the Annual Crane Conference is being held at the Novotel Hotel in Rotorua from the 19th to 21st July 2017.

This year’s programme focuses on technical elements of the crane industry and includes presentations on projects carried out by the members in 2016. The keynote speakers are Ngahihi o-te-raBidois and Billy Graham.

Highlights will include the trade show, networking sessions each evening, the awards dinner, the crane display and a fall protection demonstration.

Topical presentations will be given on diverse subjects, such as working around windfarms, crane inspections, and the Christchurch earthquake response.

There will be two open forum panels, the first a regulatory panel consisting of CVIU, WorkSafe and NZTA. The second consisting of the crane manufacturers, Liebherr, Terex, Grove, TRT, and Tadano.

The Crane Conference has been gathering momentum over the last three years with record turnouts for the trade show and delegates, and the Crane Association of New Zealand invites anyone in the construction and crane industry to join them.

For more information visit: www.cranes.org.nz/conference-andevents.html

Crane Association of NZ

About the Crane Association of New Zealand The Crane Association of New Zealand (Inc.) was established in 1975 by crane owners to represent their interests. Today crane owners of all types are members as are many suppliers to the industry.

The Association places a great deal of importance on training and safety and has succeeded in raising the standards of operation and efficiency across the face of the crane industry.

By supporting its members in these and other operational objectives the New Zealand crane industry has become an international benchmark of success in these areas.

• Represent and act for the industry vis-a-vis organs of government, public and private organisations and activities of which concern the crane industry • Procure and disseminate information that may be helpful to members • Promote, oppose, or press for, the amendment or repeal of any legislative enactments, by-laws or other rules or regulations affecting the interests of members • Represent the Industry in any training programme aimed at increased safety and efficiency in crane operation and to this end, cooperate with other persons and bodies as far as lawfully possible and expedient.

The association is the voice of the crane industry and recognised by the New Zealand Government and the general public alike as the official representative on all matters relating to the safety and operation of cranes.

Government and other connections The association has strong and cordial links with key statutory and other bodies.

In December 2006, the Power Crane Association of New Zealand became the Crane Association of New Zealand (Inc.).

• Ministry Of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

The new name was prompted by a detailed examination of the association’s changing role and how it had evolved beyond just representing the power cranes that it began with in 1975.

The changed name describes all the classes of cranes are now covered by the association and is more in line with the definition of a crane under legislation.

The main objectives are: • Provide an organisation through which members may coordinate their efforts solving problems of common concern to the industry • Take appropriate action to raise standards of efficiency within the industry, thus enhancing its national prestige and status

• Tertiary Education Commission - industry training

• WorkSafe New Zealand • New Zealand Transport Agency • Ministry of Transport - transport policy • NZ Qualifications Authority - recognition of industry qualifications • NZ Police - law enforcement

gaprie Ltd WE HAVE YOUR SAFETY COVERED EXPERIENCED TRAINERS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE !!

Gaprie Ltd run training courses with trainers experienced in the relevant fields. This we have found, is extremely beneficial to our customer base. As they get first-hand knowledge. Trainers who have actually been in the industry for a number of years eg: Gary Priestley been a roofer and crane operator for 30 years.

Gaprie's training arm of the business has been growing steadily from 2010. Gaprie training solu�ons cover New Zealand na�onwide, a choice of our training facili�es or at your premises. All courses are with NZQA qualifica�ons.

Crane - Truck Mounted - Mobile - Overhead - Slinging and Rigging / Dogman

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• NZ Heavy Haulage Association • Civil Construction.

International relationships include: • Crane Industry Council of Australia • Specialised Carriers & Rigging Association (USA).

The Crane Association of New Zealand (Inc.) www.cranes.org.nz

Book a course with us before May 2017, men�on this advert, you will receive a 15% discount

gaprie Ltd 0800 723 3638 | 0800 SAFENET | jenny@gaprie.co.nz www.gaprie.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Crane Association of NZ

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Crane Association of NZ

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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AWCI

INSTALLING CEILINGS IN CONFINED SPACES According to most dic�onaries a corridor is a gallery or passage connec�ng parts of a building. In other words it could be called an artery which 'feeds' a building not only by providing access for its inhabitants but also providing a semipermanent route along which much of the services required for that building can be channelled. Services such as air condi�oning duc�ng, electrical and data cabling, fire sprinkler pipework etc.

Problem is in most cases nobody wants to see all of that clu� er above their head. It has to be hidden behind a ceiling of some type. Usually that can be a problem because all that important equipment doesn't leave much room to suspend the framework necessary to install either a flat set

plasterboard soffit or a decora�ve acous�c �led ceiling.

What's not always known, is that our Rondo KEY-LOCK® Concealed Ceiling System, provides flexibility in spanning across corridors without having to construct a primary framework suspended from the structure above, which might prove problema�c given the many obstruc�ons.

Rondo 129 Furring Channel spaced every 450mm across a 1200mm wide corridor and screwed off at each end to Rondo 140 wall track, secured to the opposing walls, will support one layer of either 10 or 13mm plasterboard, and with the depth of the furring channel only being a nominal 30mm, there is li� le chance you will have problems with clearance of the services.

HAVE A WIDER CORRIDOR? Should the corridor be wider, Rondo 155, 48mm wide, Furring Channel can single span from nearly 1500mm for 16mm plasterboard

and up to 1750mm for 10 & 13mm plasterboard with no problem at all, remembering to use Rondo 140 wall track to secure the Furring Channel.

Using 129 Furring Channel

STILL NOT ENOUGH? Then why not u�lise Rondo Steel Stud and Track. Our smallest 51 x 0.50mm stud can span over 1800mm for a 10mm plasterboard lining. For a layer of 16mm it will span just over 1700mm all spaced 600mm apart.

Simply fix the matching track along the opposing walls and screw the studs into place, just like a wall frame on its side.

Closing up the stud spacings, boxing studs and using a thicker gauge or a

bigger stud will provide many different permuta�ons to achieve your requirements.

The span tables in the Rondo Professional Manual will open up a plethora of alterna�ves. But remember the above advice will not necessarily suit construc�on of a fire rated ceiling. In such instances you should consult your plasterboard manufacturer for a suitable system, or send a technical enquiry to our friendly, knowledgeable Technical Representa�ve for assistance.

Using 155 Furring Channel

Auckland 09 636 5110 Christchurch 03 421 7840

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Using Steel Stud & Track

AWCI

AWCI plays key role in development of industry standards

By Jo Bailey

The successful development made by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) to its new Code of Practice for Suspended Ceilings, has led to it receiving funding from BRANZ and MBIE to research seismic design and installation of internal partitions and walls.

Once complete, findings from this research will help to develop a new Code of Practice for Internal Partitions and Walls, delivering practical industry outcomes for the installation of these critical building components and ensuring the safety of people living and working in commercial buildings.

“It’s great BRANZ and MBIE recognised the value of our work and agreed to co-fund the research on this new initiative,” says Richard Arkinstall, executive officer of AWCI. “A working group was formed to scope the project to ascertain what research needed to be completed, and what the industry needs in order to deliver better buildings,” Richard says.

With the project, timelines and content now framed up, he expects testing work and some content writing for the new code of practice to get underway in March.

“The association is pleased to be able to assist with making the building process a lot safer. Our constant involvement with various government bodies and other associations throughout New Zealand and Australia has also raised our profile as a major player in the building industry.”

Richard says it is an exciting time for the association to be leading the development of the new Code of Practice for Internal Partitions and Walls, given the rate at which new internal wall systems, technologies and materials are developing.

“There is now such a variety of products and materials available to our members from timber to aluminium and steel, and a host of different glazing options. Our members need to understand how to work with each material and deliver a good quality result for their clients. There is a lot of complexity to work through.”

Richard says both codes are critical for the built environment, given the internal contents of a building such as suspended ceilings, walls and partitions are often

"

There is now such a variety of products and materials available to our members from timber to aluminium and steel, and a host of different glazing options.

- AWCI executive officer, Richard Arkinstall

"

severely impacted when there is a serious disaster such as an earthquake.

“Significant damage was caused to the non-structural elements crashing through ceilings in many buildings following the Canterbury, Seddon and recent Kaikoura earthquakes.

“The BNZ building in Wellington is one example; that was closed for several months after the Seddon event due to damage caused by ceilings, partitions, HVAC and sprinkler equipment collapsing. These sorts of incidents can have a devastating impact on tenants and building owners.”

AWCI launched the Code of Practice for Suspended Ceilings late last year which addressed recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission regarding better collaboration and earlier engagement between designers, builders, consent officials, and building services to ensure the best possible project outcomes.

“We are still rolling out awareness and education seminars on this COP which have been very well received. By the time we launch the new Code of Practice for Internal Partitions and Walls, we will have a really good hub of knowledge for the entire industry, not just our members, but also key clients, architects, designers, consent authorities, and installers.”

‘Go Big or Go Home’ theme well received Richard says the theme of ‘Go Big or Go Home’ was well received by delegates who attended the AWCINZ Conference 2016.

“We had very positive feedback from the contractors, exhibitors and sponsors, particularly on the quality of the programme, speakers and information delivered to attendees,” he says.

The event featured 13 keynote speakers, an apprentice work-skills challenge, trade displays, gala dinner, and presentation of the Awards of Excellence.

“There were a great number of entries for the Awards of Excellence competition, demonstrating the very high standards of work completed by members.”

The Residential Award was won by Auckland firm, Troake Group, for a project at Milford; while the Commercial Interior and also People’s Choice Award went to Ceilings Unlimited of Tauranga, for its Trust Power project.

Another highlight of the Conference was the annual Gib Workskills competition, which showcases the skills of the industry’s up and coming apprentices.

“Members nationwide were asked to nominate their best and brightest young apprentices to bring to the conference.

While the general programme was going on over two or three days, the apprentices were put into teams and tasked with building a beach hut. During the competition they had to demonstrate a wide range of skills such as framing, plasterboard fixing and plastering.”

The apprentices were assessed throughout the event as they vied for the first or second placing that would see them travel to Australia to compete in the Australasian Workskills Competition at the 71st AWCIANZ Conference in Darwin.

Rikki Dewes (Atlas Plasterers) and Benjamim Ross (Steve Jefferies Plasterers) came out on top and represented New Zealand and their respective employers with ‘skill, quality and maturity’ in Australia, Richard says.

“Rikki did incredibly well to win the Best Apprentice section of the Australian competition too, so New Zealand now has the honour of having the best apprentice in Australasia.”

COCHRANE & ASSOCIATES LTD DRYWALL CONTRACTORS Canterbury Drywall contractors - supply, �x and stop

CLUB GIB® INSTALLER

Phone: 03 377 6237 www.cochrane.net.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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AWCI

USG Boral - proven choice for plasterboard linings With the recent 50/50 joint venture between USG and Boral, USG Boral (NZ) now offer the NZ building industry a proven choice for plasterboard linings to provide full, warranted USG Boral interior systems. The innova�ve Sheetrock® lightweight plasterboard along with a full range of technical boards are now available throughout NZ. With our fully BRANZ Appraised Bracing Systems and the innova�ve Par�wall® intertenancy wall system for terraced housing, USG Boral offer op�ons to build more efficiently including; Sheetrock & technical plasterboards Fiberock Cove & cornice

Locally, USG has been manufacturing ba� en and suspended ceilings along with Beads steel stud wall systems in NZ for 47 years.

Ba� en & grid USG Sheetrock® plasterboard compounds Commercial acous�c ceilings and tapes have been used extensively in both residen�al and commercial projects Innova�on has been the founda�on since USG (United States Gypsum) was formed throughout NZ since the mid-90's. in 1902 and created plasterboard as we One of the more recent innova�ons know it today. Commencing produc�on introduced in 2014, a first in New in 1917, with the Sheetrock® brand, USG Zealand, is our Par�wall® intertenancy is the market leader in North America. fire and acous�c wall separa�on system.

The same approach to innova�on has With an increasing high demand for high con�nued right through to today's density housing solu�ons, this has products and systems.

Finishing compounds

provided the market with a faster, lighter weight, more cost-effec�ve solu�on to tradi�onal masonry or aerated concrete systems. Also, compared to tradi�onal twin stud construc�on, the system has a big plus in permi� ng services to be incorporated within the wall system without affec�ng the fire or acous�c proper�es, permi� ng simple construc�on for back to back u�li�es like kitchens and bathrooms.

USG Boral is a corporate member and proud to be a major sponsor of the Associa�on of Wall and Ceiling Industries.

For more informa�on; NZ Technical Support 0800 USGBORAL www.usgboral.com

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Real life proof the system performed, protec�ng the units each side of the arson ac�vated fire.

AWCI

Association going from strength to strength The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) will celebrate its 25 year anniversary in 2017, and is enjoying strong growth, with an increasing number of members, including from sectors outside its standard membership base, Richard Arkinstall says.

“Engineering firms are one of the fastest growing areas of our membership, as they realise that in the areas of seismic restraint, bracing systems and other integral parts of a building’s internal structure, it is advantageous for them to work closely with our members.

“We are also focused on helping our members to have a better understanding of the building process so they can assist an architect or engineer at an earlier stage of a project to help reduce time and costs.”

Quality is a big focus, as the interior components completed by its members are often the most visible parts of a building and integral to the quality of life of the people living or working them, he says.

“We have a big focus on ensuring our members are qualified or appropriated trained to produce better buildings and better quality work.”

Richard says tilers are the other industry group to embrace AWCI membership at a rapid rate.

AWCI has established a process to identify those tradespeople without a qualification but who do very good work and want to be recognised for this through membership of the association.

“Tilers don’t have a national association of their own, so are coming to AWCI given the synergies that exist between interior systems and fitouts. We are pleased to be able to offer both groups the benefits of membership of the association.”

“We would rather have everyone inside the camp and work with them to become trade qualified and get up to speed. By engaging and supporting as many people involved in the sector as we can, we’ll see standards continue to lift industry wide.”

The traditional membership of AWCI includes a large grouping of contractors, tradespeople, manufacturers and suppliers relating to interior systems and fitouts in the commercial and residential sectors.

Between them, the Association’s executive team has a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion for the industry.

In 2017 they have taken up the mandate to revitalise the old regional meeting format to

Longstanding AWCI member Kevin Sceats was awarded a life membership in 2016. He is one of only two people to have life memberships of the both New Zealand and Australian Associations

promote information sharing, networking and business growth to local members and potential new members.

“We are bringing in good keynote speakers to provide members with a range of great information on everything from new products and technologies, to strategies that could help them run their businesses better.”

When AWCI was founded in 1992, its focus was on existing groups of suspended ceilings, plasterboard and fibrous plaster.

In 2002 its membership was extended to provide for a range of trade-qualified people working in interiors.

Services provided by the association include representing the interests of its members, keeping members up to date with industry developments and trade-related matters, developing and directing industry training, and providing customer service support, including dispute resolution.

Providing advice to members’ around their obligations under new legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and Construction Contracts Act is another significant task carried out by AWCI. “We have introduced a help desk members can call if they have any technical, payment, contract construction or employment issues.

Our team will either help them directly or put them onto the right people at no charge.

“In terms of health and safety, we have sent a lot of forms out to members, and spent a great deal of time giving the right information and advice on business processes they can put in place, not only to comply with the law, but also to ensure they have best practice in place within their organisations.”

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries www.awci.org.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Concrete Industry Conference

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

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

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

“It’s very central with easy access to hotels. The conference rooms are bright and modern with great facilities and big screens, as well as a fantastic area for trade displays.”

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

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

Alistair Fussell

James Mackechnie

SCNZ consultant and former manager

Organising committee chairman

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

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

Deadlines • Receipt of synopsis - 3 April, 2017 • Preliminary acceptance of papers - 18 April, 2017 • Receipt of papers - 7 August, 2017 Because all aspects of concrete construction and associated technologies will be covered, papers are being sought on research, design trends, marketing opportunities, recent developments, construction, materials, methodologies and new issues for cement and concrete.

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

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

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Makita

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Virgin Concrete

Laying their own foundations

By Jo Bailey

Dick Fisher didn’t know a thing about concrete when he saw an opportunity to start a ready mixed concrete operation called Virgin Concrete in Kamo, just north of Whangarei in late 2008.

But that didn’t stop the entrepreneurial businessman, who already owned a successful heavy engineering and galvanizing firm in the region, says his daughter Suzy Fisher, now managing director of Virgin Concrete.

“Dad hadn’t been able to establish a reliable source of concrete locally, so he bought a bowl on the back of a truck and decided to make his own.

“Before long we decided some land the family owned next to Dad’s engineering firm Avon Industries was the ideal site to locate a concrete plant, so we ordered five new Isuzu trucks and brought in a CON-E-CO batching plant from the USA.” Starting a business in a completely new sector wasn’t the only challenge facing Dick in the early days.

He wanted to call the firm Virgin Concrete, in a nod to the family’s lack of experience in the industry, but faced seemingly insurmountable odds, given Sir Richard Branson had already registered the name Virgin for thousands of business categories worldwide.

Suzy has been involved with Virgin Concrete since day one, moving across from the other family business Avon Industries, which specialises in galvanizing steel, welding, blasting and painting.

“I’ve never been to work in a skirt, put it that way.” She says she has taken to the concrete business ‘big time’ despite having no knowledge in the beginning.

Suzy manages the day-to-day operation of the business including programming and dispatching, and says she won’t ask her staff to do anything she can’t do herself, apart from driving trucks as she doesn’t have her HT licence.

“I thought this is going to be easy, you just put concrete in a truck and away you go, but

“Dad said I had to know everything that happens here and how to do it, so I started

However, after 18 months of ‘backwards and forwards’ with Branson’s team in the UK and the threat of huge legal fees, Dick did manage to come out on top against the global corporate giant.

“Dad was really tenacious and refused to back down. In the end they resolved the issue without lawyers, which saved a penny.

He did really well.”

Soon after it was established, the company gained its NZRMCA Plant Audit Certificate which has set the high standard of concrete quality and customer service it continues to deliver.

The growth of the company has been rapid, with it quickly moving to 13 trucks, and now 18, following the addition of five new trucks early this year.

NORTHLAND CONCRETE PUMPING PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TEAM AT VIRGIN CONCRETE

Northland Concrete Pumping Ltd Mobile 021 475 077 62 | B&C - Autumn 2017

I’ve learned so much about the complexities of the industry from the awesome team I have around me.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

"

We haven’t reached capacity yet at our current plant. However having a second plant as a back up will give us the ability to keep producing in the event of a breakdown

"

at the bottom and worked my way up with the help of a lot of good people. Our engineers at Beacon Technical Services, Brett and Wendy Beatson, are among the many who have provided me with great support.”

Suzy’s ‘right hand man’ and office manager David Carr, says having Suzy at the helm is a big advantage.

“As a smaller independent firm our customers can talk to Suzy with any concerns without having to go through middle management. They enjoy being able to communicate with the person at the top who can make appropriate decisions or give answers straight away,” David says.

Virgin Concrete

These days, sister company Avon Industries is owned by Suzy’s brother, Richard, who is currently rebuilding a CON-E-CO batch plant purchased from Counties Ready Mix, on land next to Virgin Concrete’s existing plant, which will eventually be used as a second plant by the concrete firm.

on other plants for supply. Having the second plant will give us this security and allow us to tick all the boxes of what our opposition can offer,” Suzy says.

“We haven’t reached capacity yet at our current plant. However having a second plant as a back up will give us the ability to keep producing in the event of a breakdown.

“Richard is busy with his galvanizing plant, but hopefully the refurbished concrete plant is not too far away from being finished.”

“This hasn’t happened to date, but as an independent firm without a nationwide network, we don’t have the ability to call

The groundwork has been completed for the second plant and refurbishment work is ongoing, she adds.

Suzy says Dick Fisher is still involved in the companies he founded and visits most days.

“He’s got so much knowledge that he takes it for granted, but we do what we can to try and get it out of him.”

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Virgin Concrete

Luxury lodge a unique project for Virgin Concrete Virgin Concrete has been a major supplier to New Zealand’s most expensive new residential development, Helena Bay Lodge, which has just been named best new luxury hotel in the world.

The firm has supplied around 6,500 cubic metres of concrete for the lodge.

“We’ve supplied 99.9 percent of concrete for the job, everything except the swimming pool,” Virgin Concrete's managing director, Suzy Fisher says.

Virgin Concrete spent an incredible five years working on the complex, large-scale project, which is located around 50 minutes from the firm’s concrete plant at Kamo.

“When you consider each truck holds just five cubic metres of concrete there were a lot of rides. We used to joke our trucks knew their own way out there. It was a fantastic project to be involved with.”

Since it was established in 2008, Virgin Concrete has grown steadily and is well established in the Whangarei and Northland regions.

“The housing situation up here is amazing.

There is so much work in the residential sector we have to work pretty hard to keep up with it.”

The company produces ready mixed concrete for a wide range of applications such as driveways, footpaths and curbing, floors and yards for commercial and rural applications, and supply pod flooring components; and are specialists in coloured concrete, exposed aggregate and designer concrete.

Virgin Concrete services large group home building firms such as GJ Gardner, with the ‘DIY guys’ also providing significant business.

“These specialist products can be used to stunning effect for driveways, footpaths and patios,” she says.

The firm also supplies steel mesh, chairs and tie wire; and has an on-site shop selling a wide range of concrete tools.

The Global Financial Crisis had a negative impact on the housing market in the Northland/Whangarei region. However, it has ‘gone from one extreme to the other’ and is now incredibly buoyant, Suzy says.

“We do a smaller amount of commercial and farming work and have a few other special projects.

“Robinson Asphalt Ltd is one of our most loyal customers and has a highly skilled and experienced team of staff, whose various strengths combine to enable them to offer a diverse range of services, and be a one stop shop for property development from start to finish.

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“All maintenance is set up through a GPS tracking system which delivers information on the time, distance and hours of the trucks, and alerts our team when servicing is due.

The Navman GPS system, used by the firm since 2012, has also enabled it to deliver enhanced service to its customers, as it can alert them to the location of their concrete at any time.

Sustainability is another focus of the Virgin Concrete. It has a mobile crusher and digger used for processing dumped concrete and crushing it to sell for hard fill.

Another new project the firm has been involved with over the last 12 months is producing coloured concrete blocks of various sizes for Stone Strong Infrastructure Systems of Auckland, which have been used for retaining walls on the upgrade of State Highway Number One at Kensington in Whangarei.

“We also process any surplus concrete into blocks that can be used for applications such as retaining walls, silage bins and feed pads. We brought in moulds from overseas that allow us to make three different sizes of blocks ranging from 600mm x 600 mm to 1500mm x 600mm.”

“We stand by our product, and if there is a problem we look into it and fix it. We don’t just brush it off.

Proud to support Virgin Concrete

The company’s modern, high-tech fleet is maintained and serviced at its own workshop by an in-house service team, which creates efficiencies and ‘keeps it local’.

“They have been with us for six years, and as a little, independent company up against the big guys this sort of loyalty is really important to us.”

Suzy says it is the service and personal touch offered by Virgin Concrete, along with its quality product that sets it apart in the marketplace.

Ph: 09 425 8456 (Warkworth) 09 438 6915 (Whangarei)

the key to maintaining strong relationships with our customers.”

“Communication is another key aspect of the business. If we say we’re going to deliver concrete by a certain time, we stick to the deadline, and on the rare occasion there is a problem or breakdown, we let the customer know straight away.

“Doing the right thing has been fundamental to our success, with good communication

With plenty of forward work ahead in 2017, Suzy is proud of the progress made by the company during its eight years in business, and although still a relatively young firm, it could no longer be considered ‘virgins’ in the ready mixed concrete sector.

“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts of our fantastic team who have been instrumental in getting the company to where it is today.

“We will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do, and maintain our strong values as a family-owned company serving the local community.”

Virgin Concrete www.virginconcrete.co.nz

Ward Group

The deconstruction experts The massive demolition project on the corner Queen Street and Customs Street, in Auckland’s CBD, to make way for the new Commercial Bay project was undertaken by demolition and recycling company Ward Group.

Commercial Bay project by the numbers Retail • 3 levels of retail which includes HSBC Building & Zurich House • 18,000sqm of NLA • Around 100 retail stores • Retail frontages to Queen St, Albert St, Quay St & Customs St

Fletcher Construction won the contract for the $850 million Commercial Bay office/ shopping/dining precinct, to be built for Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd.

Office • 30 levels of office above sky lobby • Sky lobby positioned above retail • Floor plates range from 1,324sqm to 1,375sqm • 39,000sqm of NLA • Mid level plant located on levels 22-23

The demolition project was one of Ward Group’s biggest projects so far, and they were working on it at the same time as they were demolishing buildings to make way for the new convention centre opposite the Sky Tower.

They managed to complete the demolition before Christmas, with only the foundations and the slabs left to remove.

Ward Group director Peter Ward jokes that this wasn’t a bad achievement for a project that started with notes made on a paper napkin.

He says the project went as smoothly as you can expect for a demolition job, which always has an element of the unexpected.

“We found more asbestos than we had anticipated, but it went well, and it’s always good when a job goes well.”

Although demolition is increasingly machine-orientated, with much less manual labour and more machine work, the job still required a large team of workers, with 18 to 24 guys working on the project.

It involved 14,957 hours of demolition, and 9,520 tonnes of material was removed from the site.

Recycling and repurposing material was a major focus for the project and Peter says they reached their targets, with 84 percent of the materials removed being recycled.

He says people watching the buildings as they were coming down would have seen almost every bit of steel and concrete being picked out and recycled.

As in every project, safety had to be a major consideration. In this project site safety was complicated by being in the centre of Auckland city, with two tenanted buildings immediately adjacent to the site.

Plus there was the added complication of people coming off ferries and trains and walking past the site, many of whom would stop to take photographs and observe the progress.

Peter says while the size and location of the site added challenges, safety was always foremost in all planning. “It doesn’t matter what scale we are working at; we just want to get through it on time without anyone getting hurt. That’s always the overriding goal.”

Working right in the heart of the CBD also meant that dust mitigation had to be a major factor.

The site was surrounded by buildings that were made up of glass windows, and the owners would not be happy if they were covered in dust.

Ward Group used dust cannons on the Britomart side, and high amounts of water on the Albert Street site.

The demolition makes way for a development which will include a new 39 level office skyscraper integrated with a revamped 70-shop shopping centre, including international and domestic fashion outlets, plus a number of restaurants, cafes and bars.

It will sit alongside Precinct Properties’ other developments; 188 Quay Street, AMP Centre, 1 Queen Street and Zurich House.

Partnerships pay off The Commercial Bay demolition project was a major undertaking for demolition company Ward Group.

Peter Ward says while this was one of their biggest projects to date, it was made easier by working with their clients, Fletcher Construction and Precinct Properties Ltd. “Working with those two firms was a breath of fresh air,” he says. “They have good old-

fashioned values and I can’t speak highly enough of them.”

He says anyone working in the demolition industry knows that the projects can be tough and the potential for problems to arise can be enormous. When there’s mutual respect between the demolition company and the client it can only help the project run more smoothly.

Car parks • 278 basement car parking spaces • 3 levels of car parking with direct access to the new PwC Tower , Zurich House and • HSBC Building CRL • 2 tunnels positioned at basement levels 2 & 3

“Often the client stays removed from the project and only get involved when things go wrong, then they’re all over you like a rash,” Peter says.

“On this project, when it came to difficult issues, such as the asbestos on this job, and things got really tough, it was good working with clients who treated the demolition company with respect even when things got stressful.”

He says throughout the project the clients took an interest. “They came to meetings, spoke to the staff on site, even had barbecues for the guys. They really do deserve respect.”

He says he doesn’t want to exaggerate and say everything on the site was plain sailing, it never is in the demolition industry, but when you’re working with a client who works in partnership with the demolition company it can only make the process work better for everyone involved.

“It’s something that needs to be said, because in this industry you often don’t hear stories like this, but at every stage Precinct and Fletchers handled themselves with manners and decorum and you don’t often get a client like that.”

Ward Group www.ward-demolition.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 65

JCL Asphalt

Paving the way to exciting growth The growth of its new Southern Lakes branch has more than exceeded the expectations of Christchurch surfacing specialist JCL Asphalt Ltd, says director James Craw.

“It’s taken off really well. We started the branch in March last year with a couple of guys with the aim of getting into driveways and other smaller jobs.

“However the demand for our work on larger projects has seen us take on eight permanent guys already and we are looking for more staff. We’ve been sending crews from Christchurch down to support them when required.”

Subdivisions and roading work in Wanaka and the surrounding areas, and driveways in Queenstown, are among the projects completed by the new Cromwell-based branch to date.

“We’ve spent a bit of time meeting with local contractors and have built some good partnerships with some of the bigger firms.”

James says the high quality of JCL Asphalt’s workmanship and proven health and safety systems and processes have helped it to attract the new business.

“Over the last 12 to 18 months we have been focused on the motto, ‘raising the standard’ to ensure we are maintaining the highest standards of responsibility, professionalism and quality throughout the organisation.

“We surveyed our entire workforce, have a strategy team in place and hold regular staff meetings to ensure everyone is included. We have transferred this culture to our Southern Lakes branch and believe it has assisted our rapid growth in this market.”

The company is now using ‘raising the standard’ as part of its branding, with a logo featuring this wording on all its vehicles, plant and machinery.

Chip sealing is proving the biggest market for JCL Asphalt in the southern regions however it continues to complete asphalt work too.

An efficient methodology introduced by the firm to lay base course metal which goes down in preparation for kerbing is proving popular with its southern clients, James says.

“We have modified one of our smaller asphalt paving machines to lay the base course metal. This is a really fast and efficient way to prep a site and produces a finish that would be impossible to replicate with diggers and guys on shovels. We also hope to use this technique in Canterbury to complete cycleway projects.”

Back in Christchurch JCL Asphalt sub-contracts to many of the leading contractors and is busy with a wide range of

"

Over the last 12 to 18 months we have been focused on the motto, ‘raising the standard’ to ensure we are maintaining the highest standards of responsibility, professionalism and quality throughout the organisation.

- JCL Asphalt director, James Craw

"

work, including footpaths, residential driveways, commercial carparks, roading, and laying tennis courts.

The firm also has its own fully equipped construction crews who do the excavation, formation and base work for projects as required.

James says one of his specialist teams is about to return to work for one of the company’s more high profile Canterbury clients, Australian IT billionaire David Dicker, for whom it has

already sealed a private three-kilometre racetrack on his remote North Canterbury property utilising its full-sized Vogele 1603-3 asphalt paver.

“Unfortunately the track was damaged in the recent earthquakes, so we’ll be reparing it at the same time as completing the Stage 3 extension works to the track that will incorporate around 2,000 tonnes of asphalt. It continues to be a unique and satisfying project.”

JCL Asphalt is one of the post-earthquake success stories in the city, growing rapidly from 12 to more than 60 staff since the disaster.

This hasn’t been without its challenges, but James says some restructuring and ensuring the “right people are in the right places” has paid dividends.

“We’ve worked really hard on our culture, which is the key to the delivery of quality projects. This means we sometimes turn people down for roles who other companies might take on. But we’re prepared to wait for the right people in order to protect the integrity of the business and ensure a great result for our clients.”

Driveways • Tennis Courts Car Parks • Subdivisions

0800 JCL NOW 66 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

www.jclasphalt.co.nz

JCL Asphalt

"

We’ve worked really hard on our culture, which is the key to the delivery of quality projects. This means we sometimes turn people down for roles who other companies might take on. But we’re prepared to wait for the right people in order to protect the integrity of the business and ensure a great result for our clients.

- JCL Asphalt director, James Craw

James says the quest for improvement continues under the firm’s 2017 motto ‘working smarter not harder’.

“We’re currently looking closely at our back office side of things and implementing technology where we can to move away from a paper based office system to more online reporting. We expect this to significantly increase efficiencies.”

It has been almost 13 years since James founded JCL Asphalt and he is happy with its continued growth.

“We have a consistent workload in Christchurch and are experiencing exciting growth in the Southern Lakes region, which we expect to continue for some time.”

Strong safety culture As a member of Site Safe NZ JCL takes take pride in its health and safety culture; to control hazards and reduce injuries.

"

JCL takes overall responsibility for the management of site operations, including the development and management of a safety plan for health and safety on site.

Commercial asphalt services JCL Asphalt offer a range of commercial services ranging from car parks, road surfacing and footpaths. We are courteous and respect your property and time. You’ll experience a professional approach that will make you happy with your investment.

Residential asphalt services JCL Asphalt offers a range of residential asphalting services ranging from driveways and footpaths to tennis courts. First impressions count, and the company’s asphalting work is carried out to the highest standards.

JCL Asphalt w ww.jclasphalt.co.nz

Bairds Collison Centre are proud to supply JCL Asphalt with their Fleet Refubishments 619 Halswell Jct Rd, Hornby 8042 Phone:03-349 5495

Lance De Villiers Sales & Service

027 315 1496

HEAVY DIESEL SERVICING Cromwell • Alexandra • Queenstown • Arrowtown • Wanaka

• Earthmoving • Handling • Diesel engines • Trucks • Hydraulic hose & fittings • Undercarriage parts

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 67

Building Officials Institute of NZ

Swinging sixties the theme for BOINZ 50th celebrations

By Jo Bailey

Kerry Walsh BOINZ President Kerry Walsh says Past Presidents and prominent members have been instrumental in bringing the 50th anniversary exhibition and timeline to life

The Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ) is turning 50, and to celebrate is planning an exciting programme under the ‘Past, Present and Future’ banner for its upcoming conference.

The event, with a 1960s theme, is to be held at the Langham Hotel in Auckland, and will kick off with a welcome and networking session on Sunday 7 May, hosted by past

The Gala Dinner is always a popular event at the BOINZ Annual Conference

"

We hope it will help them to appreciate the background of the organisation they are part of and the importance of having representation and someone fighting their corner.

- BOINZ president, Kerry Walsh

presidents of the institute, says BOINZ president Kerry Walsh.

“As well as taking a trip down memory lane with past presidents, delegates will be able to view a large exhibition we are putting together in the trade area.

“This will include a lot of memorabilia from the last 50 years gathered from the three Institutes that make up BOINZ, and a huge timeline poster which will detail the history of building surveying from the first records in Babylonian times.”

Kerry says there are lots of things to learn from the exhibition, which will offer all delegates, and particularly younger members of BOINZ, a greater insight into the institute and its history.

“We hope it will help them to appreciate the background of the organisation they

Proud to support

"

are part of and the importance of having representation and someone fighting their corner.”

Kerry says the national office and a 50th celebration's events committee have put a lot of work into gathering the memorabilia and information for the timeline, with a lot of help coming from the past presidents and other prominent members.

“They have been so generous in sharing their memories, knowledge and personal items. Some had even saved journals from the 1960s and 70s which have been a fantastic source of information.”

The remainder of the conference will be loosely based on the overarching theme, with Monday’s events focused on the ‘past’, Tuesday on the ‘present’, and Wednesday the ‘future’.

Pryda a trusted name across New Zealand, has been at the forefront of the construction industry in New Zealand for over 50 years. Our speciality being timber prefabrication and traditional truss and frame supported by a huge diversity of timber connectors, structural brackets, design and manufacturing systems.

By using the very latest in modern technology, we are able to provide our customers with results they can depend on and a system package that meets their complete building needs. The package is bundled with access to manufacturing equipment that is locally sourced as well as from trusted suppliers around the world. Each total system package is also backed by top level customer service and technical assistance.

www.miteknz.co.nz 68 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

For any queries please call 0800 88 22 44 or go to www.pryda.co.nz

Building Officials Institute of NZ

“We don’t want to be too focused on the past. However it is important to learn the lessons from it as we look to the future of the built environment and the current skills shortage.

“Maintaining high quality and standards in the industry, while enticing younger people into it and making sure they have the skills and experience to do the job is a main focus of BOINZ, as well as helping our members to work smarter to ensure they don’t burn out.”

Raising the status and advancing the interests of professional building surveyors is another main aim of the institute.

The membership of BOINZ is mostly made up of accredited building surveyors and inspectors in private and local government spheres, with the majority in councils and building control authorities at all levels, whether they are carrying out site inspections or are senior building control officers.

Pre-purchase property inspectors are also under the BOINZ umbrella, Kerry says.

“This area is unregulated at the moment, which is not really fair to the general public, as technically anyone can perform a pre-purchase inspection, but to do one successfully you really need to know what you’re doing and what you’re looking for.

“We are working hard to address this by putting people through an intensive accreditation course to raise the standards.”

BOINZ also has corporate members who might have an idea, product or innovation that the people granting building consents need to know about and understand.

“There are lots of different people under our wing.”

The origins of the institute go back to the New Zealand Institute of Buildings Inspectors Inc, which was formed in 1967 in Christchurch.

In 1997, NZIBI became BOINZ, and soon after, amalgamated with the Institute of New Zealand Plumbing and Drainage Inc, and then the New Zealand Institute of Clerk of Works.

Today, the institute’s work is providing effective industry leadership and advocacy, quality training and education programmes, working closely with government agencies on the development of new industry standards, ensuring members’ compliance with legislation, keeping them up to date with relevant products and services, and providing opportunities for networking and the development of industry partnerships.

“When it comes to the development of new standards, we offer contributions and often put people forward for technical committees,” Kerry says.

BOINZ keeps in regular contact with its members through a range of initiatives, including monthly e-newsletters, e-news bulletins, which share special or urgent news, and its Straight Up magazine which may include everything from general industry stories, to member profiles, and legislative news.

Memorabilia from the NZ Institute of Clerks of Works, one of the three founding Institutes of BOINZ will be on display at the 50th anniversary exhibition

“We recently carried out our annual members’ survey, which is another valuable way for us to get feedback.”

Regular branch training and networking events are also run by the institute.

Kerry says BOINZ has a big focus on its upcoming 50th anniversary conference, and it’s not too late for businesses interested in taking a trade stand or becoming a sponsor to make contact.

“We will also be accepting nominations for our Excellence Awards until close to the event, which is a great way to recognise and acknowledge those who have stood out and make a difference within the building control sector.

“We have already had a lot of entries and it is quite inspirational to read about the achievements and dedication of our members, and to share the joy with the winners when they are announced at the gala dinner.”

A host of memorabilia including old journals from the 1960s and 70s will be on display at BOINZ 50th anniversary conference

For more information, or to register for the 50th Annual Conference and Expo, visit boinz.org.nz.

Building Officials Institute of New Zealand www.boinz.org.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 69

Master Plumbers

Overseeing an industry’s success

Master Plumbers has been protecting, developing and promoting the interests of the plumbing trade for more than a century.

Master Plumbers CEO, Greg Wallace says its success and longevity as an organisation is due to offering a wide range of benefits to members and being such a well-respected brand in the marketplace.

“Members know that we have the resources and experience to protect and help grow their business. The public know that when they use a member of Master Plumbers, that they are using a tradesman whose plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying business is quality assured and backed by the Master Plumbers.”

MasterLink recruits, manages and places apprentices with plumbing firms, and is owned by Master Plumbers

Members of the organisation display the well-recognised Master Plumbers’ brand, and Greg says that gives them instant recognition as reliable, professional and qualified to do the work.

All members of Master Plumbers are covered by the organisation’s quality assurance programme, which means they reach the highest standard of compliance.

Series 2

To ensure ongoing high levels of professionalism, Master Plumbers has a timetable of training courses to help members and their teams develop their trade and business skills.

Two Stage Level Threshold Drainage System

The organisation also offers a wide range of business resources, from employment agreements to building contract templates. The magazine NZ Plumber, which covers all issues relating to the trade, is delivered to members six times a year, and is also available digitally.

Master Plumbers Insurance offers public liability cover, so members can access coverage for all their vans and tools of the trade.

Members can also take advantage of the reward system that gives savings in many areas, including fuel, mobile phones, equipment hire and safety gear.

The Accrete Design Level Threshold Drainage System is fast becoming the product of choice when choosing a level threshold system.

Why? Because:

it's easy to Install (less labour time means less cost)

it captures stormwater and cladding water

it's manufactured from 316 Stainless Steel

top and bottom grates are easily removed for cleaning and maintaining the bottom edge of cladding

it's custom made to suit any speci�cation

lead times are quick from manufacturing to delivery.

For further information contact Kirstie Brown:

P: 027 586 9945 E: kirstie@accrete.co.nz For more benefits and features visit:

www.accrete.co.nz

"

Members know that we have the resources and experience to protect and help grow their business.

- Master Plumbers CEO, Greg Wallace

"

Health and safety Health and safety is an important part of any trade. To assist in ensuring the highest standard of health and safety for its members, Master Plumbers has developed a health and safety mobile app. Braden Hammond, a member of the association, can’t speak highly enough of this app.

“I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking at upskilling the way they do health and safety in their business, as it really has superseded written forms.

As soon as you have finished inputting the data, it is uploaded and saved ready for further input or references at a later date,” Braden says.

The app contains digital health and safety forms that can be completed online and easily sent to primary contacts, making it easier and more efficient to keep up to date with health and safety requirements.

Master Plumbers was a finalist at the 2016 Site Safe Construction Health and Safety Awards for the app in the Unitec Safety Innovation Award to Small to Medium Businesses.

Master Plumbers also has a health and safety manual available in print and pdf format.

The association also has tertiary level ACC accreditation for its Workplace Safety Management Practices. It runs face-to-face nationwide training courses, and has developed a series of health and safety videos. Members also get discounts on both Site Safe membership and first aid training courses.

70 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Master Plumbers Industry advocacy Master Plumbers also advocates for members in all areas, including representing members and the industry through submissions and discussions with government ministers, and ensuring the interests of the industry get accurate and full coverage in the media.

A recent example of this is the call for a return to government funding for employers that take on apprentices. With construction booming in New Zealand, there is a dire shortage of plumbers to meet demand, and the only solution is to train more apprentices, Greg says.

Code of conduct Members of Master Plumbers adhere to a code of practice which serves to promote positive trade and business practices by outlining examples of minimum standards observed by members at all time.

The code of practice ensures a high level of professional conduct and presentation at all times.

Master Plumbers wants to see government funding for firms that give apprentices on-job training

and take advantage of the large number of value-add benefits available.

Greg says this not only maintains high standards for members within the organisation, but also gives a guarantee to the public.

There’s no better way to discover the benefits than by attending this year’s New Zealand Plumbing Conference, to be held Monday 10 April to Wednesday 12 April in Nelson at the Rutherford Hotel.

They know that when they are dealing with a member of Master Plumbers they are using the services of a tradesperson who always works to the highest standard, is courteous and professional.

The conference will include sessions on latest technological developments and opportunities for business growth. It is also an excellent chance to network with others in the industry.

2017 NZ Plumbing Conference

To book, go to www.nzplumbingconference.org.nz

A large number of the plumbers working in New Zealand are members of Master Plumbers and the organisation encourages plumbers who are not members to join

Master Plumbers www.masterplumbers.org.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 71

NASH

Integrated modular solutions Construc�on Components is a rela�vely new company but its success has been phenomenal.

They manufacture bathroom pods for re�rement villages, hospitality and mul�ple apartment or housing units as one part of their business. Light gauge structural steel framing systems is the other.

Sapone - the brand name for bathroom pods A bathroom pod is a bathroom manufactured within a factory to a specific design which is repeated many �mes. They have a significant advantage over the tradi�onal build and repe��on makes them economical.

Advantages include the factory quality being extremely high, there is no site maintenance or snagging required (usually this costs about $500per bathroom on tradi�onal mul�ple bathroom builds), a 20 to 30 percent �me saving can be made on the overall construc�on of the project, and there is a great deal less site management of the various trades - which is reflected in P and G site management and health and safety.

This also allows early release of funds for any following developments.

products that have contributed to its success.

Light gauge structural steel

Firstly, the pods are built so that the floor is only 20 mm thick. A patent pending system is used that makes the thinner floor extremely strong and waterproof.

Having such a thin floor allows these bathrooms to be installed without the usual set down that the thicker floors, from other pod manufacturers both here and over,seas require.

Secondly, there is no plasterboard at all in the bathrooms. Single sheets of composite board are CNC routed allowing for all penetra�ons and rebates. This has the benefit of always obtaining a level 5 finish internally if painted.

Alterna�vely, if �led, its undertaken in factory condi�ons with good ligh�ng and without tradesmen having to work over each other.

Light gauge structural steel is an innova�on from North America, where the steel system is used in lieu of �mber and heavy steel, through specific design to reduce cost and weight in the building.

Of course, reducing the mass with this system also reduces the force that affects a building during a seismic event (force = mass x accelera�on).

The plumbing system used is Ke Kelit from Austria, which is aluminium sheathed plas�c pipe connected with proprietary double O ring fi� ngs. The double O ring system allows the pipe to rotate so that it is never under any tension at the joint.

This way there is never a latent stress on the plumbing installa�on wai�ng to defect in years to come.

Points of difference

Each bathroom can be fi� ed out to any specifica�on the client requires, making this a very fast and versa�le system, while s�ll achieving the highest of standards.

Construc�on Components has a few very significant points of difference with its

An example of the light gauge structural steel system is the Willowlea Re�rement Village in Christchurch.

re�rement villages and apartment buildings. The steel manufacturing is producing framing for auditorium flooring systems, re�rement complexes and

This three story building’s structural frame is constructed almost en�rely of our light gauge steel (LGS) system and Sapone bathroom pod system. The LGS system also carries the concrete inter-floors, which is engineered specifically for this and while the cost saving is commercially sensi�ve it is very significant.

apartments.

Diversity of applica�ons

prospec�ve clients or their consultants

Currently the company is producing bathrooms for a number of hotels,

The company offers quota�ons and advice on these systems and factory tours that allows first hand observa�on on the benefits and prac�cality of the systems.

They would be pleased to hear from any wishing to explore the many quality and economic benefits of the products.

For further informa�on please contact chris@cclnz.co.nz 03 929 0207

www.sapone.co.nz www.eziport.co.nz www.precisionsteel.co.nz Ph 03 929 0207 1200 Main North Road, Kainga, Christchurch PO Box 256, Kaiapoi 7644 72 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

NASH

Simplifying steel construction NASH, the National Association of Steel Framed Housing, recently launched new documents for designers and builders to make it even easier to work withsteel frames.

The alternative solutions provides simple, easy to follow, practical design and erection information for designers, builders and consent authorities to help familiarise them with lightweight steel framing. They can be purchased through the NASH website.

This initiative is all part of NASH’s commitment to the industry and its members, says general manager Gordon Barratt.

He says it is just one of many recent initiatives undertaken by Nash to promote the advantages of using light structural framing systems for residential and similar constructions.

A nationwide roadshow held throughout the country in March enabled members of the construction industry to easily see the advantages of building with steel framing.

It also provided the opportunity to launch the new Gib bracing system to use with steel framing.

“The Gib bracing systems is another tool which makes it even easier for builders and designers to work with steel framing,” Gordon says.

NASH supports the building trades in a wide range of areas. It provides trades education and training around New Zealand, including training through the Building Officials Institute (BOINZ) for building inspectors.

Gordon says NASH promotes the use of steel framing for the simple reason that it enables the building of healthier, better quality homes for New Zealanders.

Advantages of steel framed housing Steel doesn’t support mould growth or rot and it won’t accommodate termites or other insects.

Its stability gives it the potential to reduce cracks in cladding and linings. It doesn’t

"

Working with steelframing is fast and easy.

Most steel-framing fabricators will also supply and erect the framing, but erecting the steel frame is a straightforward process.

contain additional preservatives and won’t give off gasses or emit volatile organic compounds.

"

Along with being a healthier building choice it also has long-lasting advantages from a structural point of view.

Steel is exceptionally strong. It is noncombustible and has been shown to have excellent earthquake resistance. Good weather-tightness principles at the design stage will ensure that the steel framing will last for generations.

Steel framing requires no additional preservative chemicals and because it is pre-manufactured there is minimal wastage, reducing the impact on the environment. Steel is also 100 percent recyclable.

The roll forming technology behind steel framing gives a high degree of dimensional accuracy, enabling consistently straight walls, square corners and an overall superior finish. Plus the stability of steel means no contraction or expansion with

moisture changes, so frames won’t warp, twist, sag or shrink.

Working with steel-framing is fast and easy.

Most steel-framing fabricators will also supply and erect the framing, but erecting the steel frame is a straightforward process.

Fabricators will usually supply frames pre-assembled. The frames come with service holes pre-punched and with plastic grommets to make it easy for sub-trades to work with. The steel-frames do not absorb moisture so there is no delay waiting for frames to dry.

National Association of Steel Framed Housing www.nashnz.org.nz

Steel framing is a straight and stable product that delivers a perfect finish.

Steel won’t warp or twist because it doesn’t absorb moisture. This means less maintenance problems like cracked lining and sticking doors.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 73

Livingstone Building NZ

New base reflects bold approach to a positive future Livingstone Building NZ’s New Plymouth branch has moved to newly renovated office space on 447 Devon Street East, Strandon.

The yard will be the new home for their New Plymouth team and New Plymouth co-regional manager, Blake Morgan says the new premises are advantageous for both clients and staff.

“To be at the forefront of the construction industry, we need to have the space to continue to grow with the Taranaki region, and position ourselves long term.

“We were fortunate to find a space so close to our current office. We wanted to limit the impact that relocation could have on our clients and employees.

“I don’t think we could have found a better location for our team. Our new location will enhance operational efficiencies, will help us continue to grow and evolve to keep pace with our clients' needs.”

The New Plymouth team, from left: Blake Morgan (co-regional manager), Steven Norman (project manager), Charl Jacobs (quantity surveyor) and Ray Cooper (co-regional manager)

He says the move is a new stepping stone in the company’s development.

Livingstone Building NZ was founded in 1947 and has created on a solid foundation of excellence in the local Waikato, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions, and on a national scale.

Known for their construction and project management across New Zealand, Livingstone opened their pioneer branch in the New Plymouth in 2013.

The company’s rich history began when the Cavanagh Brothers joined forces to start a building company in Te Awamutu.

Throughout the years, under the directorship of David and Mike Livingstone and Peter Clarke, the company has built a reputation of excellence.

"

To be at the forefront of the construction industry, we need to have the space to continue to grow with the Taranaki region, and position ourselves long term.

- New Plymouth co-regional manager, Blake Morgan

"

“It is our commitment to excellence that has been the foundation of the long-standing relationships that we have established with so many of our clients,” Blake says.

Proud to assist Livingstone Construction in achieving Construction and Building 'excellence' in the Taranaki region.

464 Devon St West, New Plymouth Ph: +64 (0)6 751 4915 Email: of�ce@castiron.co.nz 74 | B&C - Autumn 2017

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Cast Iron Services - specialists in providing for all of your Electrical/Plumbing/Drainage/Gas/Painting requirements

Livingstone Building NZ

“It is the footing on which we have grown into the successful national construction company we are today.”

He says Livingstone is looking to the future, with many exciting projects on the horizon working alongside of Bunnings Warehouse, Metlifecare and many schools within the region.

Blake says through a dedication to working in the clients’ best interests and creating construction solutions, Livingstone has been able to fill a void in the construction industry, and bring much needed manpower to the region, with their staff pool growing to 45.

Livingstone Building NZ

He says everyone in the team, from apprentices through to directors, understands and is committed to focusing on the clients’ requirements and doing what it takes to consistently deliver top quality projects.

70 Maui Street Te Rapa Hamilton T (07) 849 0082 E info@lbl.co.nz

“This means that long before the first nail goes in, our team have started forming the client’s vision into a successful, functional, and breath-taking project.”

408 Rickit Road Te Awamutu T (07) 871 4082 E info@lbl.co.nz

The company builds award-winning construction projects in the commercial, industrial, residential and rural markets.

In addition to commercial construction, Livingstone also operates a maintenance team, which services both the residential and commercial markets.

Award winning projects The award-winning Ebbett Audi and Ebbett Volkswagen dealership is an excellent example of the contribution that Livingstone Building continues to make to the evolving Hamilton landscape.

The company also won awards for the Avantidrome Home of Cycling facility in the Waikato Region. In 2015 the Avantidrome was the Special Award Winner at the Commercial Project Awards; a Gold Award Winner in the Tourism and Leisure Category

Commercial Project Award and was the National Category Winner in the Tourism and Leisure Commercial Project Awards.

Alongside of this, the Avantidrome was awarded ‘Best Team’ at the We Are Waikato Awards and an award of Excellence at the Property Council, Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards.

Livingstone worked alongside multi-award wining architect Andrew Patterson on the luxury Kinloch Lodge on Lake Taupo, creating a modern day version of the Kinloch region’s namesake Scottish castle. Kinloch Lodge will be centre stage at the 2017 industry awards.

Giltrap Agrizone was another remarkable project completed by Livingstone Building.

It included a workshop spanning 1,000 sqm and six gantry cranes, along with over 1,100 sqm of office, retail and storage space.

Blake says the success of this project can be attributed to Livingstone Building and Giltrap

Farm Machinery’s company morals being very similar. “We both believe that building trust and relationships with great service means repeat business.”

Five Stags Restaurant in Leamington is a good example of Livingstone Building’s work in the hospitality industry. The restaurant has a unique and rustic feel, capturing the essence of a true rural pub and restaurant.

Livingstone Building completed Johnston Ebbett in Wellington, which has a modern and sleek design incorporating rustic and industrial features from the existing building.

Elements such as exposed brick now house contemporary fixtures and aluminium, surfaces and the overall look achieved fits the context of the building entirely.

“This unique build highlights Livingstone’s attention to detail when it comes to meeting client requirements,” Blake says.

Unit 1, 36 Greenpark Road Penrose Auckland T (07) 849 0082 E info@lbl.co.nz Unit 19, 38 Ashley Place Papamoa Bay of Plenty T (07) 575 3388 E info@lbl.co.nz 447 Devon Street East Strandon New Plymouth T (06) 769 5896 E info@lbl.co.nz www.livingstonebuilding.co.nz

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 75

Education / Upskilling

Southern Institute of Technology Construction Courses SIT's Construc�on courses and Trades programmes are second to none. With a focus on ensuring our graduates are equipped with skills the industry is looking for, our courses combine classroom learning with prac�cal work and employer-based work experience.

The Construc�on workshop is part of a new million dollar Trades Facility at the SIT Invercargill campus, allowing students to work in an up-to-theminute environment with leading edge equipment. Construc�on programmes at our Queenstown and Christchurch campuses are similarly well-equipped, and construc�on pre-trade classes actually build a three bedroom transportable house, which is great work experience leading into a building appren�ceship.

Boost your chances of ge� ng an appren�ceship, the best jobs and promo�ons with our part-�me and full�me construc�on and trades courses.

Build yourself a smarter future!

Or if you're already in the construc�on industry and wanted branch out your skills, SIT offers Diplomas in Architectural Technologies and Quan�ty surveying.

As an Architectural Technology student you'll learn the principles of building design through drawing, computer aided design and modelling, as well as working as part of a design and construc�on team turning concepts into reality. Students gain skills such as establishing a design brief, presen�ng

preliminary designs, developing building concepts and preparing working drawings. They also develop skills in areas applicable to the wider construc�on industry, including health and safety plans, quality assurance and construc�on methodologies.

Quan�ty Surveying students graduate able to cost projects and es�mate materials, communicate with clients and collaborate with engineers, architects and other members of a

design and construc�on team. You'll also have a thorough understanding of building technology, the construc�on process and legal requirements.

SIT has a specialised design suite with 30 sta�ons running AutoCAD, Inventor, ArchiCAD and a number of manual drawing sta�ons. There are many site visits throughout the programme and the opportunity to par�cipate in realworld projects.

SIT's distance learning department (SIT2LRN) also offers its range of Occupa�onal Health and safety qualifica�ons from Diploma's and degree's to graduate diplomas and cer�ficates.

With all this covered under the ZERO Fees Scheme SIT really is the place to start your career in the construc�on industry.

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

www.sit.ac.nz 76 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Education / Upskilling

Kiwi construction sector facing skills shortfall Building consent data released recently by Statistics New Zealand shows building consents are at their highest level since 2004.

However, the industry needs to readdress the way it looks at skills training if it is to meet future demand, says Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) chief executive, Warwick Quinn.

To the year ending December 2016, 29,970 new homes gained building consents. This is the highest number since 2004 but still well below the high of 1973 when about 40,000 new homes were consented.

Almost all regions showed good growth particularly Manawatu/Whanganui (49%), Northland (43%), Hawke’s Bay (32%), Nelson (34%) and Otago (29%). Auckland fell just short of the 10,000 mark with 9,930 consents which was a 7% increase on 2015. The only regions to have negative growth were Southland (-1%) and West Coast (-17%).

Warwick says he expects this upward trend to continue in 2017. He says this rate of construction is at New Zealand’s longrunning normal rate of 6.5 builds per 1,000 people and a response to the record

low rate of construction during the global financial crisis (GFC).

In 2011 the build rate fell as low as 3.1 builds per 1,000. Warwick says the number of homes that weren’t built during the GFC is double the number that weren’t built during all other recessions combined and New Zealand is still playing catch-up.

While the turnaround is welcomed, Warwick says 30,000 consents per annum is the new normal based on our population, but that level does not replace the shortfall developed during the GFC. He says New Zealand built about 45,000 fewer homes over the past 10 years compared to the previous 10, yet the population grew by about 480,000.

“It is no surprise to anyone that Auckland is the worst affected with about 4-5 years of backlog based on historical build rates.

Other regions have significant backlogs as well including Bay of Plenty (3.7 years), Northland (2.7 years) and Tasman/ Marlborough (2.5 years).”

"

While 10,000 apprentices is a new milestone for us, it is also our new normal and must be increased if we are to successfully fill the skills gap in construction.

Warwick Quinn

"

- BCITO chief executive, Warwick Quinn

and must be increased if we are to successfully fill the skills gap in construction,” Warwick says.

“We tend to get a surge in apprentice numbers each year from about March and it will be interesting to see if that continues in 2017.

Warwick says that while BCITO has a record 10,000 apprentices in training more are needed to meet building demand.

“Most of our growth comes from those firms that traditionally have apprentices, but in order to get the increase in apprentice numbers that we need, we also need to increase the number of employers who train.

“While 10,000 apprentices is a new milestone for us, it is also our new normal

“In order to do that we need to ensure training programmes align

BCITO chief executive

more closely with their business and meet employees' expectations.”

BCITO has been working closely with the Tertiary Education Commission and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in order to progress this.

At the end of 2016 BCITO got the go ahead to pilot an alternative skills model that is aimed at increasing the number of firms that train and attract more people into the trades.

Warwick says there has never been a better time to get into construction with a strong forward work projection and great job security.

Employer Development Grants support ongoing training BCITO supports employers to provide training and employment in the building and construction industry in many different ways.

How many grants are available?

When should applications be made?

Fifteen grants are available nationwide in 2017. Individual employers or employing companies can only be awarded one grant each per calendar year.

Applications can be made at any time.

However, once 15 grants have been awarded in a calendar year, further applicants will need to reapply the following year.

If you’re currently training a BCITO apprentice, you’re eligible to apply for a grant so that BCITO can assist you to upskill yourself, or another senior member of your team, and help your business be successful long term.

Each grant covers the cost of a course or seminar chosen by the employer, up to a maximum of $3000 excluding GST.

BCITO has 15 Employer Development Grants up to a maximum of $3,000 each (excl GST) available for employers in 2017.

Applications open on 10 February 2017 and can be made at any time, but once the 15 grants have been allocated, there’s no more available until 2018.

How much are the grants worth?

Who is eligible to apply?

Any employer of a current BCITO trainee may apply. This also includes supervisors and managers of an employing company.

Employers must have a current apprentice at the time of application and at the time the grant is claimed.

What can the grants be used for?

What are BCITO Employer Development Grants?

• Employers can select any training or development assistance which best suits their personal or business development needs. Some examples include:

The BCITO wishes to give employers within the building industry access to study programmes which will help them to develop and grow their business.

• BCITO higher level qualifications such as New Zealand Certificate in Construction - Supervisor or Diploma in Construction Management

As such, funding in the form of grants is now being offered to employers of current BCITO trainees. BCITO believes this support will help employers to run successful longterm businesses, better placing them to provide ongoing investment in training and employment within NZ’s building industry.

• Consultation with a business advisor

You can check the number of grants still available at any time before applying by calling 0800 4 BCITO or checking BCITO.org.nz.

What do past recipients say about this opportunity?

“We used the Grant towards training our five factory supervisors. We got Hebron Business Game Changers on board, and the programme is progressing well. As we grow our team, we need more support on how to handle staff and meet deadlines in this busy building boom.”

- John Hancock, Design Windows Central Otago Ltd

• Short courses or seminars on small business management, estimating or contract management

“In 2016 the BCITO Employer Development Grant helped me complete the remaining credits for the National Diploma in Quantity Surveying. I find my contract administration skills becoming more and more important with every job we do, and this training has helped immensely. I recommend anyone in a supervisory position or running a business apply for this grant.”

• Higher level business-related qualifications.

- George Pringle, G D Pringle Builders Ltd, Cambridge

"

Using a business mentor service has helped me triple my turnover and business size during the past three to four years and BCITO helped me out with this expense last year. If you’re a tradesman with no real business background, the BCITO Employer Development Grant is of great assistance if you want to take a step in the right direction and improve your business skills and systems.

- Craig Coogan, Craig Coogan Builder Ltd, Whangarei

"

To apply, visit bcito.org.nz/edgrants to download and complete the application form.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation www.bcito.org.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 77

Drug Testing

A measured response to meth in the workplace Ross Bell NZ Drug Foundation executive director

“It’s an epidemic!” scream the headlines. News articles over the past six months have claimed ‘P’ is easier to get than weed, “rampant” in the West Coast workforce. Meth use in Christchurch is often blamed on the influx of construction workers.

They are right to be concerned, says NZ Drug Foundation executive director, Ross Bell. “In fact, it’s their legal obligation to protect the safety of their workers and the public.”

Employers are understandably worried about their responsibilities, and may feel the need to take a hard line approach to drug use, especially when it comes to meth.

Random drug testing could play a role in this, but be warned, Ross says. Drug testing can be invasive, and doesn’t always get the results you are after.

First, we would recommend taking a deep breath.

Don’t let unconfirmed stories scare you into taking the wrong approach.

The statistics are confusing, especially when read alongside media reports. The government claims that overall numbers of people using meth are dropping: According to Ministry of Health figures, meth usage has dropped to one percent, down from 2.2 percent in 2009.

But the reports keep coming, from Northland, Waikato, the West Coast and other regions. Police and drug workers tell a very different story.

The reality is probably both: While it may be true that overall meth use has dropped over recent years, anecdotal evidence suggests high concentrations in certain areas – across geographic and socioeconomic locations, and probably certain workplaces.

There are no reliable figures, and while health professionals, drug workers and the government argue numbers, employers are left unsure of their responsibilities. The recent Health and Safety regulations have put a lot more responsibility on managing workplace risk, and if someone is using meth at work, then that workplace could be unsafe.

So how should employers respond to the risk of drug-use in the workplace?

Firstly, you should already have an effective policy which addresses drug and alcohol issues in a supportive way, while complying with health and safety responsibilities.

“In the vast majority of workplaces, drug tests are not the promised simple silver bullet. In fact, they may well do more harm than good. Businesses who make uninformed decisions on workplace drug testing risk breaching their workers’ rights, or even incurring court sanctions.”

And consider what your response will be in the event of a positive test result. There is a lot of international research which indicates that deterrent approaches are not effective in changing behaviour.

Know when to ask if someone is ok. Drug use is often a symptom of underlying issues, and people do recover from addiction. You don’t have to fire your employee – a better approach might be a warning system, and offering help with recovery.

“One of the best tools for fostering a safer workplace is to let employees know you are open to helping them if they have a problem,” Ross says.

Modern, evidence-based thinking tells us that a supportive approach is more effective in dealing with problematic drug use. Impairment can be more effectively monitored by employers through good personnel management, being aware of signs and symptoms, and introducing a safety culture around recognising and reporting risks.

Would you like to be better informed about alcohol and other drugs in the workplace?

How can employers adopt a proactive and preventative approach?

Would you like tools to build your employer confidence in this area?

Odyssey House Christchurch provides a range of training op�ons and consulta�on for businesses and organisa�ons suppor�ng a preven�on and educa�on model for staff wellbeing.

Our services include; Manager and team leader support Educa�on and training session tailored to your requirements Accurate up to date informa�on on harm reduc�on and preven�on.

EMAIL: mht@odysseychch.org.nz

www.facebook.com/MethHelpTeam 78 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Why use Odyssey House?

As a provider of treatment services since 1985 we offer credible, accurate informa�on and training as well as access to services and referrals where required.

From youth to over 65s, residen�al to community services Odyssey House aims to build stronger communi�es by working with individuals, families and groups to reduce the long term effects of alcohol and drug addic�on.

To discuss your requirements and for a free ini�al mee�ng, including a training and support assessment.

Contact Anna Christophorou. Opera�ons Manager Anna.c@odysseychch.org.nz Cell : 03 358 2690 Mobile: 021 216 3675

Drug Testing

The cold hard facts about Clan Meth Labs.

The warning signs It’s important to understand that signs and symptoms of meth use don’t always indicate a problem with the drug. Most people only try meth once or twice, without becoming regular users. However, knowing the signs can alert employers or supervisors to a potential problem.

For example, a worker high on methamphetamine can initially be very productive, focused and efficient. But this phase of productivity is unlikely to continue. Researchers have found that an inability to ignore distraction or to focus on a task is another possible indication of methamphetamine use.

Coming down from the high can cause feelings of anxiety, sometimes extreme irritability and paranoia. Other physical and emotional/behavioural signs and symptoms include a decrease in appetite, unexplained weight loss, insomnia, dilated pupils, hand tremors, dry mouth, excessive talking, and in some cases, hallucinations.

Workplace drug testing in New Zealand In 2004, Air New Zealand won a controversial Employment Court case which allowed them to test their staff due to the safety-critical nature of the work.

But the Air New Zealand case did not signal a free-for-all. Random drug testing is only legal in safety-sensitive areas of high-risk businesses, where someone could be badly hurt if something goes wrong.

In addition, large scale research around employee behaviour in a range of industries found random drug testing is not effective at increasing workplace safety. Although it can lead employees to reduce their substance use outside of work hours, there is no evidence to show that use of workplace drug testing leads to decreased impairment at work.

Just keep in mind that while drug testing may tell you if a worker used meth over the weekend, it can’t tell you they are fit to do their job (such as operate heavy machinery) on any particular day. There is currently no good scientific ‘test’ to detect this kind of impairment.

Testing for meth use When it comes to methamphetamine, urine testing is the most common method.

Amphetamines, like speed and some prescribed medications, are usually detectable in urine for 1-3 days after use, while methamphetamines, which include the drug we call ‘P’, stay in the system slightly longer, 3-5 days. That means a weekend binge could be clear of the system

by Monday morning.

And beware: If your employee has taken over-the-counter drugs like pseudoephedrine, or some nasal sprays or asthma medications, they could find themselves explaining a false positive.

Also, detection periods and rates can vary, depending a number of factors like amount and frequency of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, drug tolerance, and urine pH of each individual.

The short detection period could provide scope for seasoned users to cheat the system. If someone is aware of the limitations and knows when the testing is happening, they could substitute another substance that’s undetectable or plan their use around detection times.

What that means is - you’re more likely to catch out one-off or occasional recreational users than long-term users who could be experiencing problems with addiction.

For these people, detection could be a critical step on the road to recovery – but do you really want to subject the rest of your employees to the indignity of peeing in a cup, in order to weed out that one person who may have a genuine problem?

Article provided courtesy of the NZ Drug Foundation.

NZ Drug Foundation www.drugfoundation.org.nz

• Unlike Cannabis, Cocaine and Heroin which are all derived from natural products, Methamphetamine is a chemical based product that causes users to become chemically dependent. Therefore the body needs Methamphetamine to survive.

Once hooked, it is extremely difficult to stop.

• Methamphetamine can be manufactured anywhere using house hold products and over the counter chemicals. “cooks” can be in and out in a few hours leaving thousands of dollars worth of damage. No house or property is safe.

• It’s not normally the owners of the

• Regular smoking of methamphetamine can contaminate a house.

dwelling that contaminate a property, it’s their relatives, tenants or friends. Most of the owners have no idea of these people’s actions.

The DTC will give you honest reliable advice.

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Even if you think your work is safety-critical, we would suggest you get legal advice before going ahead and implementing random drug tests.

The website includes specific advice about drug testing policy, and guidelines around protecting your employees’ human rights and privacy.

Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories or Clan Meth Labs are a growing problem in New Zealand.

ING ST

Despite this, blanket drug testing policies are common. Aside from the questions around efficacy, testing can be problematic, because employees may not realise when an employer is breaching their rights.

If you’re not sure how to go about implementing a drug testing strategy into your employment agreement, there is a really great tool available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website, which takes you step by step through the process.

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

PA N

Y

“It’s true. You’re not responsible for what your employees do in their private lives; nor do you have to tolerate repeated bad behaviour,” says Ross. “However, helping an employee who really wants to change into rehabilitation may be better for your workplace environment.”

If you do decide to go down that road, it’s important that you make sure staff are aware of their rights, and that your policy and methods are completely transparent.

You should outline your drug testing policy in your employees’ agreements, and make sure it’s made clear in any letter of offer.

THE D

The Drug Foundation recommends developing a positive health and safety strategy around smoking, nutrition, exercise and stress. If you make it clear that you have your employees’ best interests at heart, instead of using scare tactics to bring them into line, they are more likely to buy into your strategy.

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 79

Code Compliance

Best practice principles We often hear the term “best practice” used in the workplace, but do we know what does it really mean?

The definition of “best practice” is as follows: “Best practice is a method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because it produces results that are superior to those achieved by other means, or because it has become a standard way of doing things, e.g., a standard way of complying with legal or ethical requirements.”

In simple terms this means finding and using the best ways of doing a task that have been accepted within the industry that you work in as the standard that should be reached.

How do we go about finding the best way of doing a task?

We can look at the other successful companies in our business sector and see how they are doing the task, or we can look for any commonly accepted standard operating procedures or regulatory standards that are in use in our business sector which are used to achieve business objectives.

Best practices are a large part of accreditation standards such as ISO 9000 and ISO 14001.

Applying the appropriate best practice standards to your business will enable you to work to objective criteria to achieve quality outcomes.

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Code Compliance It is important that safety in design is presented as integral to the design at the earliest stages of discussion with other stakeholders so that any extra resources are identified and budgeted for in terms of cost and time.

2. Safety leadership

• Include safety requirements in all construction documents.

• Ensure adequate trained and certified staff is employed as required by the project being undertaken.

This criticism is to some degree backed up by the regulatory requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to take “all steps so far as is reasonably practicable”.

The main reason for this is that best practice will differ depending on the individual task being undertaken and according to the environment in which it is being undertaken.

In New Zealand industry the rate of injury and death is unacceptably high, and significant improvement needs to be made.

The fact is that in spite of considerable effort by, and even successes in, some sections of industry, the performance overall is far short of best practice.

So what are the Principles of Best Practice and how should we implement them?

Safety in design means the integration of control measures early in the design process to eliminate or, if this is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risks to health and safety throughout the life of the structure/task being designed.

The designer must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant, substance, structure or task is designed to be without risks to the health and safety of persons uses it, handles it, stores, constructs it, manufacturers it, undertakes it or who may be exposed or affected by the plant, substance, structure or task.

Staff providing inputs to the design must be technically qualified in their area of expertise, and have an understanding of the safety legislation, codes and standards which apply to their design.

• Record safety information relevant to all operations.

4. Engagement

• Appoint a health and safety leadership team.

1. Safety in design

• Communicate safety risk information to all relevant stakeholders.

• Establish a system for all stakeholders to report hazards.

• Develop a health and safety management system.

There are some criticisms of the term “best practice.” There are claims that the work necessary to decide what is, and to practice, the “best” is rarely done.

• Record residual safety risk information in the risk register.

• Use only suitably qualified subcontractors as required by contract specifications.

• Demonstrate management commitment to safety by including safety as one of the important KPI’s for all management positions.

• Carry out management led site inspections.

• Ensure regular toolbox meetings and health and safety committee meetings are held and any recommendations are put in action ASAP. • Recognise and reward good safety leadership.

• Ensure all staff are trained to carry out their respective tasks and hold any required current certifications to carry out those tasks.

• Communicate safety commitment to all stakeholders via posted copies of current dated copy of company health and safety policy signed by the managing director of the company.

• Communicate safety risk information to all stakeholders.

• Ensure there is an adequate process for notifying all stakeholders of any changes to the health and safety system documentation and any relevant changes to standard operating procedures.

• Provide regular safety performance feedback to all personnel on site.

5. Continuous improvement • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety.

• Set up a risk register.

• Undertake regular measurement of project safety performance using leading indicators and lagging indicators.

• Record risk information.

• Regularly analyse safety performance data.

• Implement systematic risk management processes.

• Capture and record lessons learned to improve procedures for future work.

3. Identifying and managing risk

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 81

Code Compliance

6. Monitoring and compliance • Conduct regular site inspections.

• Ensure there is a system in place to verify that all recommended remedial actions identified in any inspection report have been carried out and signed off by the person responsible.

• Implement senior management-led ‘safety walks’.

• Promote safety management practices within subcontractors.

• Implement safety mentoring system for subcontractors if required 7. Documentation Develop a system to ensure that all documents are current and copies are available for all stakeholders that may need access to them.

Documents that should be held available to all stakeholders on site include a health and safety management system that includes but is not limited to: • Hazard register • Risk register • Accident register • Standard operating procedures • Site safety rules • Emergency procedures • Emergency contact list • List of qualified first aiders on site and H&S reps • Location of first aid boxes, fire extinguishers and emergency equipment • Traffic management plan if required • There should also be a regular review process to ensure that all documentation is current.

"

Applying the appropriate best practice standards to your business will enable you to work to objective criteria to achieve quality outcomes.

Summary Although “best practice” may give definite criteria, formula or prescription, the implementation of “best practice” will always require the adaptation of the principles dependent on the circumstances of the task being undertaken, and the environment in which it is being undertaken.

There is no perfect one size fits all formula for “best practice” as each business has different requirements and different

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"

environments in which they operate, and therefore will require at least some unique practices depending on these factors.

By analysing past performances in our own operations, looking at other similar type of businesses operations, and checking regulatory requirements, we can identify the best practices that will give compliance with regulatory requirements to take all steps so far as is reasonably practicable, and then incorporate these into our business plan.

Code Compliance

Contract changes are on the way

By Sam Buchan and Anton Trixl

The Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 has made several changes regarding the treatment of retention money in construction contracts and subcontracts. These changes are enforceable from 31 March 2017, regardless of the date that the contract was entered into.

These changes only apply to commercial contracts where a retention scheme has been agreed to. These changes will not affect construction contracts where one of the parties is a residential occupier of the premises that are the subject of the contract, nor contracts that have bonds instead of retentions.

figure is expected to be significantly lower in New Zealand.

These changes will only apply to construction contracts where the amount of retention money is more than ‘minimal’ and what is minimal is to be prescribed by the Regulations. In New South Wales what is minimal is set at $20,000,000, but this

Reason for change

No timeframe for the establishment of the Regulations has been announced, but you will need to be ready to comply with the new rules from 31 March 2017, regardless.

Therefore, it is important to liaise closely with your lawyer.

These amendments are intended to protect retention payments and ensure that contractors and subcontractors obtain their retention money upon the completion of the contract.

Sam Buchan Solicitor at Anderson Loyd

Anton Trixl Solicitor at Anderson Loyd

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 83

Code Compliance

Relevant changes Holding the money in trust All retention money must be held on trust by the payer as trustee, for the benefit of the contractor or subcontractor, after 31 March 2017.

Retention money may be held in the form of cash or other liquid assets that are readily converted into cash.

Retention money held in a trust account may be commingled with other moneys, including retention moneys for other projects or the general account. A trust over retention money ends when one of three situations arises: • The money is paid to the contractor or subcontractor; or • The contractor or subcontractor, in writing, agrees to give up any claim to the money; or • The money ceases to be payable to the contractor or subcontractor under the contract or otherwiseby operation by law (e.g. all the retention money has been used to fund the remedy of defects).

Accounting records The payer must properly record all dealings and transactions that occur in relation to the retention money held in trust, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All records must be readily and properly auditable and made available for inspection by the contractor or subcontractor at all times and without charge. Regulations may prescribe further requirements for accounting records.

Use of retention money while in trust: Retention money may only be used for remedying defects in the performance of the contractor or subcontractor’s obligations under the contract. This money may not be used for working capital nor may it be touched by any creditor of the payer.

The payer may invest the retention money in accordance with the Trustee Act 1956 in relation to investment of trust funds.

Under the Trustee Act 1956 a trustee must: • Act honestly and in good faith

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• Act for the benefit of the beneficiaries (the contractors or subcontractors) and not for their own benefit

We advise any payer intending to invest such funds to seek appropriate professional advice.

• Manage the trust with care and skill.

When the retention money must be paid:

Significant penalties will apply for trustees who breach these duties.

Retention money must be paid to the contractor or subcontractor by the date on which the contractor or subcontractor has fulfilled its contractual obligations. If the retention money is not paid on this date it will begin to incur interest until the date on which it is paid. The rate of the interest payable may be agreed under the contract, if no rate is agreed, the rate prescribed in the Regulations will apply.

The payer may retain any interest or other investment gains, earned on or before the date on which it is payable under the contract, but they will be liable for any losses. Payers considering investing retention money must ensure this is done so prudently, so as not to incur liability.

Code Compliance

Potential consequences The various changes to the treatment of retentions intended to provide protection for commercial contractors and subcontractors give rise to a number of potential issues.

The obligations may impact on the payer’s cash flow as they will not be able to use retentions to fund other projects or obligations.

Where the issue of insolvency arises, it is unlikely the retention money will have been set aside. This regime may not provide the intended additional certainty for a contractor or subcontractor to recover their retention money in the event of an insolvency.

In addition to this, the extent of the payers’ obligations as trustees remain unclear without further information,

but this information is likely to be provided in the Regulations.

The alternative is to issue a bond, which may be a cheaper and more effective means of security for both parties. The Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 is intended to improve the process of payments between parties to commercial construction contracts. It will be interesting to see if the new regime streamlines the process, or slows it further.

Future steps When entering a commercial construction contract, the payer should consider the implications of the new regime.

A payer holding retention money should consider implementing training, internal

terms of reference and governance to ensure compliance with the new requirements, in particular, relating to accounting separately for the retention money at each payment claim.

We recommend the payer also consider implementing periodic checks to ensure that accounts are maintained in accordance with the new regime.

If you require any assistance regarding your rights and responsibilities under this new amendment, please contact Anderson Lloyd. Our construction law team prides itself on obtaining the best results for you and your business.

Conclusion While these amendments signify a positive step towards the protection of contractors and subcontractors, the changes are significant and place stricter requirements on payers. It is crucial payers ensure compliance not only with the new regime, but also with the Trustee Act 1956.

Article provided courtesy of Sam Buchan and co-contributor Anton Trixl, solicitors at Anderson Lloyd. www.al.nz

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 85

Code Compliance

Dodgy dealings

Why and how to report such behaviour If you are concerned that a building product (which may include a building method) might not comply with the building code, you should notify MBIE. You can also find out about warnings and bans, including the step-by-step process and any bans already in place.

If a building or any building work fails to comply with the building code due to a building product, or is likely to fail, MBIE’s chief executive can issue a warning about, or ban the use of that building product.

MBIE’s role and responsibilities in relation to building products includes: • Monitoring the market • Providing education and guidance to product manufacturers and suppliers and others in the industry • Investigating complaints where necessary • Dealing with products (including building methods) that don’t comply with the performance requirements of the building code.

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Code Compliance If you have any concerns about a building product and its compliance with the building code, we encourage you to get in touch with MBIE. You need to provide the following information so MBIE can investigate your concerns fully: • The name of the building product or a description of the building method • Where the product was purchased from or who it was manufactured or supplied by, if this is known • Any compliance information you have for the product provided by the manufacturer or supplier; such as test reports, assessments or calculations, claims of compliance with the building code, the products scope of use as defined by the manufacturer, technical information, etc • The reasons why you believe the product does not comply with the building code, and what code clauses it doesn’t comply with

• Any evidence of failure (such as photographs, or locations where it was used) • Any other information you think supports an investigation.

Send your complaint to products@mbie. govt.nz or freephone0800 24 22 43.

Important things to note All information MBIE receives is public information. If requested, under the Official Information Act 1982, MBIE may have to release details about your complaint to other individuals or organisations.

There might be grounds under that Act to withhold information you have provided (such as privacy concerns or commercial sensitivity). Indicate in your email or correspondence if there is any information you would want withheld. If MBIE decides to withhold any information, the person requesting the information can ask the Ombudsman to review the decision.

The complaints process MBIE will generally follow the process below for complaints received about building products.

1: Determining the nature of the complaint MBIE will carry out an initial assessment of the information you have provided to determine whether the complaint is likely to be a building code compliance issue that we can deal with using the tools MBIE has under the building act.

MBIE may decide at this stage to take no further action if it believes your concerns are not substantiated, are minor, or do not fall within MBIE’s jurisdiction.

2: Refer to appropriate agency If MBIE cannot deal with the complaint under the building act, it may refer the complaint onto another agency or suggest that you do so.

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This may include the Commerce Commission who is responsible for dealing with misleading advertising and false or unsubstantiated claims made about a product by the manufacturer or supplier.

Please note that sometimes a complaint can be dealt with by both the Commerce Commission and MBIE if it relates to misrepresentation as well as potential noncompliance with the building code.

Often the failure of a building product is the result of incorrect or negligent installation rather than an issue with the product itself.

Complaints that relate to the conduct of the builder or tradesperson should be referred to the relevant licensing body (such as the LBP Board) if they hold a licence in their trade. You may also be able to take legal proceedings against a builder through the court system if they have breached the contract they have with you or the implied warranties in the building act.

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Code Compliance

"

It is considered an offence under section 27 of the building act to breach a ban. Any person who breaches a ban is liable on conviction to a fine of up to $200,000.

"

3: Further analysis by MBIE If, after its initial assessment, MBIE believes there may be an issue with the product and its compliance with the building code, it will conduct a more in depth analysis of the product.

A more in-depth analysis may involve any or all of the following: • Seeking further information from you • Talking to the product manufacturer or supplier about the complaint • Carrying out a review of the technical information for that product.

At this stage MBIE will decide whether to proceed with a warning and ban investigation or whether another avenue may be a more suitable option for dealing with any potential non-compliance.

Other options may include issuing guidance to the public, the building industry or both, or providing more education to those involved in manufacturing, supplying, specifying or installing the building product.

88 | B&C - Autumn 2017

MBIE may also decide to close out a complaint compliance with the building code to at this stage if it has no evidence that it does determine whether the product is safe, and not comply with the Building Code. if not whether a warning or a ban needs to be declared on the use of the product.

4: Warning and ban investigation The timeframe for this investigation varies A warning and ban investigation by MBIE is and is likely to depend on a range of factors an in-depth investigation of a product and including the complexity of the product, the evidence provided by the manufacturer the consequences of its failure, and the or supplier about that product and its

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amount of evidence MBIE has received about any non-compliance.

Generally MBIE needs a substantial amount of evidence that proves a product is likely to result in a building, or building work, being non-compliant with the building code before its chief executive can consider issuing a warning or a ban.

Code Compliance

A ban on a building product completely prevents the use of the product (this could be in some or all situations).

A warning still permits the product to be used, but places caution on its use and may suggest some best practice guidance to follow if you do decide to use the product.

The investigation process is likely to involve site visits, interviews, expert assessments (such as an opinion or calculations from an engineer) as well as any other method MBIE considers necessary to assess the products compliance.

5: Consulting on warning or ban Prior to issuing a warning or ban on the use of a building product, MBIE, as required by the building act, will publicly consult on its proposal to issue the warning or ban.

The public will be given at least 10 working days to make submissions on the statement of proposal.

If MBIE considers that the warning or ban needs to be declared urgently it may issue it prior to running the consultation process. In this case it will consult on the warning or ban within six months of issuing it and depending on the outcome of the consultation it will amend or revoke the ban if necessary.

6: Issuing a warning or ban under the building act Following the consultation process MBIE will review all submissions received and take these into account when making its final decision. The warning or ban will be published on its website and will remain in place until amended or revoked.

"

If you have any concerns about a building product and its compliance with the building code, we encourage you to get in touch with MBIE.

B M S

"

Penalties for breaching a ban It is considered an offence under section 27 of the building act to breach a ban. Any person who breaches a ban is liable on conviction to a fine of up to $200,000.

Territorial Authorities are primarily responsible for enforcing the ban but in some instances the Ministry may take prosecutions under section 11 of the building act.

Information provided courtesy of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. For more information see www.building.govt.nz.

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Code Compliance

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Builder and designer rights and obligations These are general rights and obligations, with the full requirements set out in the Building Act 2004 and its regulations, as well as other building legislation e.g. construction contracts act.

Set up the project to protect both parties Before agreeing to building or design work, a contractor must provide potential residential clients who ask for it, or whose project will cost $30,000 or more (including GST), with:

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• A contractor can be fined for not supplying a homeowner with these documents.

A contractor can be convicted and fined up to $20,000 if they knowingly provide false or misleading information or leave information out of the disclosure statement.

The construction contracts act sets out other contractual obligations.

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Contracts provide clarity Once you have agreed to do building work you should agree the terms in a contract with the building owner. A contractor must provide a written contract for a residential project that will cost $30,000 or more including GST. The contract should include all of the requirements specified in the building act regulations and listed in the standard checklist. Seek legal advice before signing any contract.

However, if a contractor simply splits the work into separate contracts of less than $30,000 they may be attempting to avoid their obligation. A written contract protects both parties.

A contractor can be fined for not having a written contract if one is required.

Default clauses kick in if a contract is lacking You will automatically have to meet default clauses specified in the building act if you are working on a residential building project that will cost $30,000 or more, including GST, and you either don’t have a written contract with the homeowner, or don’t include the minimum content required in the contract.

Pricing the job When pricing a job, the price should be the total cost of all the building work (including supplies, fixtures, fittings and GST). This is regardless of whether a subcontractor is doing all or part of the work.

You can only exclude the cost of the subcontractors’ work if they enter into a separate contract with the client.

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The default clauses won’t override an existing clause but cover many aspects of a building project and all the minimum contract requirements.

Code Compliance

Examples of the default clauses include: • The building contractor undertakes to obtain all necessary approvals, including building consents, before commencing the building work • The building contractor must provide the code compliance certificates to the client before the building contractor submits its final payment claim under the contract.

Establishing your legal obligations The building act and its regulations set out the rules for building work. All building work in New Zealand must meet the requirements of the building code, even if it doesn’t require a building consent.

Other laws can affect the project, including council bylaws, the resource management act and laws specifying that qualified professionals must do restricted building work and certain plumbing, gas and electrical work.

While the homeowner is responsible for ensuring the work meets the relevant requirements, the contractor usually has the relevant knowledge and needs to help the homeowner meet their obligations.

Information about ‘who will do what’ should be included in any contract, as it is part of the minimum contract requirements in the building act regulations.

For example; the contractor might take on the role of obtaining the building consent, even though it is the homeowner’s responsibility. Nobody can contract out of this obligation, but someone else can do it on the homeowner’s behalf.

This might include making sure: • Council inspections occur as set out in the building consent • Restricted building work or any other specialised work is carried out by a person with the appropriate qualification (and the homeowner is given relevant documentation) • Any ‘notice to fix’ is acted on and the work re-inspected The council is notified about: • Who will do any restricted building work (provide the name(s) of the licensed building practitioners who will do or supervise the work) • Any changes to the consented plans as you progress • A planned change of use for the building

"

The contract should include all of the requirements specified in the building act regulations and listed in the standard checklist.

Seek legal advice before signing any contract.

"

• An extension of life for a building with a specified life • A planned subdivision of a property with an existing building • Any alterations, even if they don’t require a building consent (alterations can trigger upgrade requirements, such as smoke detectors or insulation).

• All council fees are paid • An application is made for a code compliance certificate.

When work requires a licensed professional Understandably, some parts of the build require people with specific skills or qualifications.

A licensed building practitioner (LBP) must do any work essential to structure or weather tightness, this is known as restricted building work. The council needs to know who any LBPs are, preferably as part of a building consent application.

An LBP is licensed as competent in a particular area of building or design and participates in ongoing skills maintenance to retain their licence or licenses (they can hold more than one).

They might be a designer, carpenter, brick and block layer, roofer, external plasterer or a site and foundation specialist.

An LBP must also provide the homeowner with documentation about the work they have done or supervised, in the form of a Record of Work or a Certificate of Work.

The homeowner will need it to get the work signed-off by the council at the end of the build.

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 91

Code Compliance Some building professionals are able to do or supervise some restricted building work because of their qualification. For example, architects, engineers, electrical workers, plumbers, gasfitters and drain layers.

Owner-builders do not need to be or use an LBP for restricted building work on their own home or holiday home.

However they will need to apply to the council for exemption as well as applying for a building consent.

Other work requires licensed professionals but isn’t restricted building work. For example, most gas or electrical work. They should give you an energy work certificate to show the work is safe and complete. You will also need this certificate if the work is part of a building project you are applying for the council to sign-off (for work that requires a building consent).

Keep documentation, including the approved plans and specifications and any certificates, on site (in a safe place).

At the end of the project Once the building work is completed, and regardless of the price of the work, you must give clients the following information, documents or both: - A copy of any current insurance policy you hold for the building work completed under the contract (not including policies that expire before the work is completed) - A copy of any guarantees or warranties for materials or services used in the building work, including: - Information about how to make a claim - If the guarantee or warranty is transferable - If it must be signed and returned to the issuer - Information about the processes and materials to be used to maintain the building work, particularly if maintenance: - Is required to meet the requirements of the Building Code - Could affect any guarantee or warranty.

You could source product maintenance information from the manufacturer or supplier, or online (for example, BRANZ maintenance schedule). This is an additional requirement over and above any maintenance information supporting a consent application.

It’s okay to provide information as you go, but it might be easier to keep track if you save it up and hand it over as a package when the project is finished. That way, you also know exactly what you’ve provided.

You could be fined if you don’t provide this information.

Be aware of ongoing consumer protections If there is a problem during the build or once it is complete there are several measures in place that affect builders, designers and tradespeople.

If you are the main contractor: • You are required by law to fix any defective building work notified within 12 months of the building being completed.

You could walk your client through the project after each milestone to show them progress and check the quality of the work. It should be much easier, and more time and cost effective, to repair any defective work or products as you go. If you wait until the end of the project they may be

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hidden by other building elements or you may have not have time for repairs before you move to your next project • You need to ensure clients visiting the site are not harmed by hazards in the workplace you control (check health and safety on site) • You will need to organise the repair of anything faulty related to the build. You are also responsible for the work done by your subcontractors, so make sure you keep an eye on the quality of their work • Any defective product must be remedied. It is your responsibility to arrange a replacement of any product you supplied.

12 month defect period There is an initial defect repair period of 12 months, starting from the date the building work is complete.

If your client tells you in writing about any defective work before the 12 months are up, you must put it right within a reasonable timeframe from receiving notification.

If you dispute the defect, you need to prove that it is not your fault, your subcontractor’s or due to the products you’ve used.

Once the 12 month defect period ends Contractors have a responsibility to remedy defective work after the 12 month defect repair period ends, for up to 10 years. This ongoing protection is due to implied warranties in the Building Act. If you dispute a defect you are notified about after the 12-month repair period has lapsed, it is up to the homeowner to prove there is a defect.

Contractors also have responsibilities if there are problems related to: • Payments or disputes - refer to the construction contracts act • Service; including any trade work, design work or inspection services - refer to the consumer guarantees act • Being misled about products or services - refer to the fair trading act.

Information provided courtesy of www.building.govt.nz

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Code Compliance

Gaining a code compliance certificate A code compliance certificate is the last milestone to complete consented building work.

You must apply for it as soon as the build is completed. You or your agent should provide construction documentation to the Council as the build progresses to help speed up the process.

What is a code compliance certificate?

A code compliance certificate gives you and future owners an assurance that the building work was done to the appropriate standards, making it safe, healthy and durable.

Lack of a code compliance certificate may prevent a bank from releasing a final builder payment or increase the cost of insurance cover. If you don’t get one then you may also have trouble selling your house.

This certificate is issued by the council under Section 95 of the Building Act 2004, confirming that the council is satisfied that the building work undertaken complies with the approved building consent.

Submitting your construction documentation early Local councils encourage you (or your agent) to provide the construction documentation as listed on the Building Consent Construction Documentation and Advice Notes document provided with your building consent after an inspection has been “passed” - it will assist with the timely processing of your application for code compliance certificate.

Applying for your code compliance certificate The owner may request a code compliance certificate as soon as the build is completed.

All construction documentation should be submitted at this time, if not previously submitted.

Please refer to the Building Consent Construction Documentation and Advice Notes provided with your building consent at the time of issue.

You can download the application for a code compliance certificate (Form 6 B-011) or you can also pick up an application form from any Council service desk

Fees and charges

• The work is not complete

Fees vary for applications depending on the type of project.

• The council does not have adequate evidence that the work complies with the building code (this may include required documentation not being supplied).

Where the cost to make a code compliance certificate decision exceeds the fee paid at the point of granting the consent, then additional time may be charged at the relevant officer charge out rate.

How long before I get my certificate?

The statutory timeframe of 20 working days for processing your application begins once the application has been received and accepted.

If the application is incomplete you will be notified with a request for information.

The statutory clock will stop. Once the full information is provided the clock will be started again.

Please note that any outstanding fees must be paid before the code compliance certificate is issued. This includes payment of any applicable development contributions.

Refusal of code compliance certificate The council may refuse to issue a code compliance certificate if: • The council does not have adequate evidence that the work complies with your building consent

If you haven’t applied for a code compliance certificate within two years of being granted building consent, the council may contact you to find out how you are progressing. They may also decide to inspect the building work.

The council also reserves the right to reinspect building work where the period between the passed final inspection and application for a code compliance certificate gives rise for concern in respect to the passage of time, durability, scope and nature of building work.

Compliance schedule for specified systems Other than detached residential buildings, you may require a compliance schedule and annual warrant of fitness if the building has certain specified systems (safety and essential systems).

A draft compliance schedule will have been issued with the building consent.

A compliance schedule details the inspection, maintenance, and reporting requirements for the specified systems in a building as defined by the applicant and

is issued at the same time as the code compliance certificate, along with a compliance schedule statement.

Opening to the public Unless a certificate for public use has been issued, members of the public cannot use or occupy public premises which have not had a code compliance certificate issued.

Any breach could result in enforcement action by the council.

Selling without the code compliance certificate If you are building, or arranging to have built, a household unit for the purpose of selling it, you must get a code compliance certificate before completing the sale, or before allowing a purchaser to take possession of the household unit.

The only exception is if the on-seller and purchaser sign an agreement to waive this requirement.

There is a standard form for this agreement which advises of any potential extra costs being passed on to the buyer.

For more information visit: www.ccc.govt.nz/consents-andlicences/building-consents/finalapprovals/codecompliance

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 93

Code Compliance

Avoid these common application oversights A quality application will take less time to process.

For building consents, the council aims to accept applications within 24 hours of receipt. This means the processing of your application can begin as soon as possible.

In order to achieve this, the council requires a completed application form, set of plans, specifications and supporting documents — all of a high standard.

On average, around eight percent of applications received are not accepted. To help reduce this, they’ve identified some common reasons that it occurs: • No geo-tech report • Lack of proof of ownership

• Records the information, facilities and equipment available to employees and contractors • Determines the information and equipment that a contractor is required to provide.

The BCA identifies the information, facilities and equipment that:

• No memorandum of design • Truss and bracing calculations not provided.

If it’s identified that one of these is missing — and if time allows i.e. still within 24 hours from receiving the application — the vetting officer will call the customer to request it.

If the customer can’t supply the information or cannot be contacted, the application will not be accepted, resulting in a charge for time spent on the application. A new application is then required, including all documentation.

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The building consent authority (BCA):

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• Are a shared resource across the BCA and describes how the resources are accessed, such as through a booking request system • Will be provided to individual employees and contractors performing particular building control functions.

The BCA: • Identifies superseded information and archives that material • Ensures superseded information is updated with the relevant new information • Maintains required facilities and equipment • Calibrates measuring equipment • Replaces facilities and equipment where required.

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Code Compliance

Making changes to your plans If you want to change your plans before or during construction, you need to let your council know. They can tell you what you need to do, and whether you need to amend or vary your building consent.

The approved building consent is the foundation document of most building work. If you want to change it, you need to follow the correct process. That way, your consent documentation will be an accurate reflection of what has actually been built, and your project can legally be signed off as complete. The building consent demonstrates how the building meets the building code, both now and for any future building users or owners.

You need to get the right approvals before making changes to avoid potentially serious consequences. Otherwise your building might be deemed unsafe and unhealthy and non-complaint with the building code.

At the end of the build the council might not issue a code compliance certificate.

"

You need to get the right approvals before making changes to avoid potentially serious consequences.

Otherwise your building might be deemed unsafe and unhealthy and non-complaint with the building code.

"

This might cause problems when you want to sell. The council can also require you to fix the non-compliant work, and even pay a penalty.

There is now greater clarity around considering and approving amendments to building consents, including distinguishing between ‘minor’ and ‘major’ variations to consented building work.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recommends, if you’re a designer, builder or council member, that you read their guidance on minor variations to understand it in more detail.

You may also find their guidance on amendments and product substitution helpful. The guidance on amendments was

written just prior to 2009 changes to the legislation and you should talk to your council if you need clarification.

Councils need to assess all proposed changes to previously consented building work, regardless of the size. They will then decide the best way to approve the change. Whatever is finally agreed needs to be consistent with the approved building consent documentation and recorded in it.

Information courtesy of www.building.govt.nz

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Autumn 2017 - B&C | 95

Code Compliance

Guidance on non-structural building elements Advice to the building industry on restraining ceilings, ducting and other non-structural elements will improve the safety and resilience of commercial buildings during earthquakes, Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith says.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) today released two practice advisories to the building sector on non-structural elements and secondary structural elements in commercial buildings.

“Structural failures in buildings pose the greatest risk to people’s lives but elements such as ceiling panels and ducting can injure people and cause death. These failures are a major component of the post-earthquake repair cost and can significantly disrupt businesses and their staff while repairs take place.

“We are seeing too many examples of ceiling panels, ducting and features such as hanging sculptures failing in the Christchurch, Seddon and now Kaikoura earthquakes.

"

There is a heightened risk of aftershocks in central New Zealand and it would be timely for people to make sure items such as filing cabinets are adequately restrained.

"

“Often these features are added after the building has had its Code Compliance Certificate issued, without sufficient thought to the risks they pose in a seismic event. Particular care needs to be taken with those additions which are sufficiently large to cause an injury or death.

“The guidance is a clear reminder to architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and councils of their responsibilities under the Building Act, that they must make sure the risk of collapse of non-structural elements is low.

“The various players need to take a well-planned approach to make sure the design is co-ordinated and building elements are appropriately restrained.”

The guidance on secondary structural elements, such as precast panels and stairs, emphasises design requirements to ensure those elements perform in an earthquake. MBIE

regularly issues and updates guidance on best practice in building design and construction.

“There is a heightened risk of aftershocks in central New Zealand and it would be timely for people to make sure items such as filing cabinets are adequately restrained.

“Too many people were injured in commercial buildings by falling cabinets, storage racks and computer screens during the Christchurch earthquakes. Just as people should be making sure large items of furniture or televisions at home are secured, employers should take care to restrain office furniture,” Dr Smith says.

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Hiway Group

Geotechnical experts Kaikoura’s magnitude 7.8 earthquake on 13 November, 2016 created over 400 slips onto the roading and rail infrastructure, blocking State Highway One, inland roads and the main south trunk line.

It was an unparalleled event, which not only caused, and continues to cause, massive disruption to traffic, but the nature of the earthquake made conditions extremely unstable for geotechnical engineers to carry out inspections.

Peter Metcalfe, chief operations manager at Hiway Group, says the unprecedented nature of the earthquake meant New Zealand contracting firms were stretched to undertake the massive task of remediating the area.

He says while most New Zealand contractors usually have limited design and build capability to work on slips, Hiway Group now has access to 30 specialist geotechnical designers and over 104 crews dedicated to slip stabilisation and mitigation.

This access to increased specialisation and resources has been possible through the development of a collaborative Joint Venture with GeoStabilization International. The JV being aptly named Hiway GeoStabilization Ltd (HGS).

While the Hiway Group is the largest stabilisation company in New Zealand, specialising in road stabilisation, slip and slope reinforcement, slope stabilisation, anchoring, nailing for slip immobilisation, and mass stabilisation, the combination of resources and expertise with GeoStabilization International (GSI) brings new technologies, working processes and expertise to cope with the Kaikoura situation.

Well known and respected engineering geologist, Mat Avery also recently joined HGS to take up the role of project development engineer.

This is a key role within HGS and Mat looks forward to working with clients, solving geotechnical problems, and being part of the Hiway Group and GSI team.

In the immediate aftermath of the Kaikoura earthquake the method used by the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) to clear the roads and stabilise the rock faces was heli-sluicing using helicopters with monsoon buckets.

This method involves helicopter sluicing rock slide debris down the hillside, so they can be removed at the bottom and carted away. Rope access descaling crews have also been deployed to descale and make safe the rock landslides. As Peter points out this is an extremely slow and expensive operation.

An alternative safer, more efficient and cost-effective method of clearing and stabilising hillsides has been brought into New Zealand from GSI in Canada.

HGS is currently in discussions to demonstrate this mechanical scaling equipment. This will be the first time such technology has been used in New Zealand.

Peter says Hiway partnership with Geohazard International it is a real boon for New Zealand as the US company has extensive experience with rockfall mitigation stretching back 30 years, and has worked in emergency situations throughout the United States and in Canada.

The company specialises in emergency landslide repairs, rockfall mitigation and grouting using design/build and design/ build/warranty contracting.

Among the technology made available through this partnership is the Super Scaler, the Soil Nail Launcher, SuperNails, along with purpose-built access drill rigs.

The Soil Nail Launcher was originally developed by the British military as a weapon launch system, but has been adapted for more peaceful purposes by GeoStabilization International.

It is a compressed air cannon that can accelerate a 38mm diameter, 6.5m long steel or fibreglass tube to 400kph in single shot. A number of slip sites have been remediated throughout New Zealand and far North Queensland using the soil nail launcher.

Most of HGS’s combined fleet capabilities can travel into difficult to access areas and can be mobilized using helicopters, cranes or highreach lift equipment.

Peter says Hiway Group’s partnership with GeoStabilization International brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the emergency landslide repair and stabilisation of the rock faces affected by the Kaikoura earthquake.

As we have all learnt in recent years, earthquakes are a sad reality in New Zealand and such international sharing of expertise can only make New Zealand geo-engineers better placed to cope with any future earthquake events.

Hiway Group Ltd www.hiways.co.nz

To stabilise landslides, the SuperNailer is a high performance rotary percussion drill mounted to a 20 tonne excavator.

Highbrook Drive 0800 4 CARTERS www.carterstyres.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

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Moore Construction

Family-run company finds the right formula Moore Construction is an integral part of the Christchurch piling and earthmoving sector.

Moore Construction equipment • Excavators 5-22 tonne • Heavy vehicles, including tractor units and transport trailers

The company started more than 30 years ago as Chris Moore Building Contractors, serving the South Island’s West Coast, and diversified into pile driving and earthworks 10 years ago.

• Loaders, rollers, compaction equipment • Hammer driven pile rig • Pneumatic driven pile rig

It’s still a family firm, with Chris’s son Nathan Moore heading the company, Nathan’s sister Sam taking care of the administration side, and his brother Campbell a site foreman and involved in day-to-day operations.

• Excavator mounted augers • Piling headers • Drop hammers • Vibrating heads

The company has the equipment and piling capabilities for timber and concrete piling, including pneumatic and hammer driven piles, steel and screw piling, and is fully-equipped for large and small earthmoving projects.

• Drilling gear.

The company employs waste, consumable and fleet management procedures and systems towards being as environmentally responsible as possible.

Moore Construction has completed pile driving projects throughout New Zealand and earthworks throughout the Canterbury area.

Following the 2011 earthquake, Moore Construction invested in additional machinery and equipment to respond to he demands created by the devastation.

He says while Moore Construction is committed to delivery of projects on time and on budget, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and subcontractors is always a top priority.

The company also found that the demand for screw pile installation grew substantially, to the extent where this has become an increasing part of the company’s workload.

The company is a Site Safe accredited member and every staff member holds a Site Safe civil passport and site-based first aid as a minimum requirement.

While residential and commercial piling work has kept them busy in post-earthquake Christchurch, they have also undertaken large projects outside of Canterbury.

One particularly impressive project was the use of a fleet of machines to put down over 3,500m of screw piles to help lift the Northern Corrections Facility in Kaikohe that had sunk.

The Hitachi excavators and some of Auger’s Torque’s latest screw pile heads were used, allowing this very time-sensitive job to be completed on time and on budget.

Having successfully completed this complex job, the team went on to a large Christchurch housing estate, which had been demolished after the earthquake. Moore Construction was tasked with the installation of the foundations for a new Pines Beach Community Hall in Kaiapoi.

Years of experience in this specialised field of construction and having the right equipment meant the company was able to cope when the going got tough, installing the timber piles in the dense sand layers. They used their XHT225 Auger Torque.

It wasn’t a conventional application of this machinery, but the rethink meant that instead of leaving the screw pile in the ground, it was used to pre-drill down to 7m with a 330mm diameter. The pile was then reversed and pulled out before another one of the Hitachi excavators drove timber piles down to their required depth.

Among the recent projects undertaken by the company in Christchurch is installing screw piles for a high-end residential apartment building on Colombo Street, where they’ve installed 350ml tubes down to 12 metres.

Earthworks also remains a crucial part of the work undertaken by Moore Construction; from cartage, trenching of foundations, bulk earthmoving, car parks, to rural earthworks and gravel rafts.

They are fully equipped to undertake earthworks for commercial and residential building and working in close proximity to other buildings.

Recently they were involved with the Hann Construction project at the Halswell Residential College, where five new buildings were being constructed.

Nathan says on every job, Moore Construction has site specific environmental polices compiled for each project.

These polices reference issues to be addressed, document day-to-day operating procedures and systems and ensure work is completed in accordance with those procedures.

Along with having the equipment to undertake a diverse range of piling and earthwork projects, Nathan says the company is armed with a fully equipped manufacturing workshop and capable maintenance staff, in conjunction with a servicing and replacement programme.

“This means Moore Construction can ensure project completion without risk of time delaying breakdowns or reliance on hired equipment.”

He says Moore Construction is constantly expanding resources and remains committed to growth, to remaining a forward-thinking company and maintaining its impressive track record of completed work on time and on budget.

Moore Construction www.mooreconstruction.co.nz

MOORE CONSTRUCTION ARE EQUIPPED FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS INCLUDING PILING, EARTHWORKS & CIVIL CONSTRUCTION.

WWW.MOORECONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ 98 | B&C - Autumn 2017

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Sarich Design & Build

Paying attention to customer service pays off Sarich Design and Build Ltd is a wellestablished building company, building new homes and doing complex renovations and extensions on existing houses throughout the Tauranga, Mt Manganui, Papamoa and surrounding areas.

Owner and qualified carpenter, Bevan Sarich says while there are many reasons why people choose to build with Sarich Design & Build, including the quality workmanship, reliability and high level of customer service, it is the personal touch that clients really appreciate.

"

We are aware that this type of building can often be intrusive and inconvenient as often it is done when you are still living in the property. We make certain we maintain a high standard of courtesy with minimal noise and mess, and work around your needs.

- Sarich Design & Build owner, Bevan Sarich

"

Sarich Design & Build is an owner/operator company, it is his name on the business so it is his reputation that is at stake with every house they build or renovate.

The company works closely with the home owner and provides clear itemised quotes of all work. “Our clients know what is or isn’t included so there are no surprises,” Bevan says.

They also project manage the build work. Clients know they only have to deal with one person, rather than an array of tradespeople.

They offer competitive pricing and can offer fixed priced contracts for new builds.

“We want to leave you satisfied with the building experience and end result,” he says.

Sarich Design and Build builds homes of all sizes and styles, from more modest dwellings up to high end houses. They also work with commercial clients providing fitouts.

They can work from existing plans but have design partners who can prepare plans for the home owners.

Alterations, additions and adding basements to existing homes are other major areas of work undertaken by Sarich Design & Build. They work hard to ensure all changes to the house are done sympathetically and to meet the client’s taste and needs. Plus they endeavour to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Sarich Design & Build www.sarichdesignandbuild.co.nz

“We are aware that this type of building can often be intrusive and inconvenient as often it is done when you are still living in the property,” Bevan says. “We make certain we maintain a high standard of courtesy with minimal noise and mess, and work around your needs.”

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Remedial work they have undertaken varies from simple reclads, to complex work requiring structural assessment by a registered surveyor prior to the commencement of work.

Sarich Design & Build are members of New Zealand Certified Builders, Licensed Building Practitioner, Site Safe member, and Halo, which provides 10 year residential guarantee insurance.

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Gibson Construction

X Span agency adds to Gibson Construction’s portfolio

By Jo Bailey

The Gibson Construction Taupo branch of rural, residential and commercial building specialists has become the new agent for X Span steel portal kit-set buildings for the region.

Director Blair Atkinson says the agency is a “great addition” to the leading Te Awamutu company’s portfolio.

“Like us, X Span is an independent, family-owned Kiwi business. We are particularly impressed with the innovative online shed creator software X Span has developed, that offers numerous design options and creative engineering flexibility to enable people to customdesign their own buildings.”

X Span buildings also feature K5S®, New Zealand’s first and only BRANZ Tested and Appraised steel portal shed bracket system, which provides a high level of strength and integrity.

A 50 year guarantee is also offered on the product’s structural Galvsteel® members.

Blair says the X Span system is suitable for a wide range of buildings, such as storage sheds, workshops, domestic sheds, garages, heritage barns, farm sheds, cow houses, covers, and arenas, in addition to commercial and industrial buildings.

“These steel buildings are particularly well suited to the rural sector, which is what Gibson Construction was founded on almost 20 years ago, and continues to be a key market for us.”

Gibson Construction opened its Taupo branch in 2015, which has recently shifted to new premises to accommodate its rapid growth.

The firm’s main branch in Te Awamutu (which doesn’t have the X Span agency), had already moved to a bigger yard, workshop and offices in November last year in line with similar growth across its three divisions.

Gibson Construction is well recognised for its work in the rural sector, and was known as Gibson Rural when it was founded by Pat Gibson in 1998.

“Pat is a legend around these parts, and continues to be a major factor behind the growth of the company,” Blair says.

Although Pat sold the firm to Blair, and his business partner and fellow director Brent Bird (both of whom had completed apprenticeships with the firm and had already become equity partners), retirement didn’t really suit Pat, so he has since returned to the company as CEO and quality control manager.

“Our clients can be assured their project is being overseen by the best.”

As the ‘builders for farmers’ Gibson Construction continues to undertake a wide range of rural projects, including the construction of rotary, herringbone and robotic milking sheds for cows, sheep and goats, feed pads, silage bunkers, effluent management solutions and ancillary buildings.

“We have become a dominant player in cowshed construction in the Waikato, with a reputation for quality workmanship and state-of-the-art building and system design.

“Our modern looking cowsheds are designed for optimum herd performance and are constructed to handle the high production demands of modern farming,” Blair says.

The firm currently has ongoing work with Landcorp in Taupo and with Ata Rangi Pastoral in Whakamaru, and is building several rotary cowsheds for private farmers.

“We can build pretty much whatever farmers want, even a farm house through our residential division. We have good resources, including earthworks contractors on board who allow us to cover most bases.”

Over the last few years Gibson Construction has extended its portfolio into the housing and commercial markets, working on small, medium and large-scale building projects, which led to the formation of its three

"

We have become a dominant player in cowshed construction in the Waikato, with a reputation for quality workmanship and state-ofthe-art building and system design.

- Gibson Construction, Taupo branch director, Blair Atkinson

"

divisions, Rural, Housing and Commercial, under theGibson Construction umbrella.

“We have since grown a robust presence in the residential and commercial building markets, and have been involved with a number of new builds, renovations and extensions.

We work closely with our clients to ensure we are offering solutions to meet their needs.”

The company has a proven track record of building homes valued from $250,000 to well over $1 million, and as specialists in design and build, can manage the entire project for their clients.

“The housing marketing in the Waikato is really buoyant and we are currently working on a number of new builds. Over the years we’ve put together an extensive portfolio of new builds, renovations and extensions to existing homes.”

Gibson Construction also offers housing packages that can be adapted to meeting individual requirements and budgets.

“We are extremely flexible and also happy to work from our customers’ own plans.”

Gibson Construction www.gibsonconstruction.co.nz

Blair says the firm is also experienced in a range of commercial projects including new buildings, office fit-outs, and educational facilities.

“We’re doing quite a lot of work for Manuka Health, including new buildings in Te Awamutu and Carterton, and are building more than 30 entry level houses at the Nga Rau Tatangi Maori Housing development in Hamilton.”

The firm also has a reasonable amount of Ministry of Education work underway at several schools in the region.

The firm’s rapid growth over the last few years was recognised in 2015, when Gibson Construction were the winners of the Central North Island Deloitte Fast 50, Fastest Growing Services business.

“We were proud to receive this honour and to receive an overall placing of 30th in New Zealand when the final rankings and growth percentages of the National Fast 50 index were announced.”

As it has grown, Gibson Construction has introduced a quantity surveying division and engaged a dedicated HR and health and safety manager.

“Whatever our clients’ project is, our focus is to provide them with a seamless, stress free experience, and to deliver a high quality product built on time and to budget.”

GUTTERMAN – SUPER SPOUTING SERVICES Gutterman NZ LTD is a family owned business supplying the wider Waikato region with experts in continuous guttering and spouting services for over ten years.

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Gutterman fully guarantee there super spouting service.

All products and work hold a three year warranty.

Contact Hamish today to arrange a time to discuss your needs.

P: 07 843 6327 M: 0274 488 837 E: gutterman@xtra.co.nz www.gutterman.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Autumn 2017 - B&C | 101

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