Builders & Contractors Magazine, Issue #139

ISSUE NO.139 - 2022 WWW.BUILDERSANDCONTRACTORS.CO.NZ

The importance of waste reduction Space, support and permission to fail

MATES in Construction and World Mental Health Day

Estimating how long the job will take How to avoid costs overruns

Infrastructure Strategy response a positive start

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCTIVITY

Waste not, want not

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Welcome

- publisher's note

In this issue of Builders & Contractors we look at the importance of maintaining operational productivity, which is a key factor in reducing construction costs. And in these inflationary days, we also peer into the art and craft of job pricing, because estimating how long a project will take is vital in reducing the risk of cost overruns.

We take a look at organisational structure and procedures, and how creating a culture of responsibility reaps rewards.

There are pieces on the importance of waste reduction, initial responses to the Infrastructure Strategy, and the significance of MATES in Construction recognising World Mental Health Day, plus lots more.

As always, we thank all our columnists for their expertise, along with the views, opinions and predictions of all those who contributed, to help you manage the risks your face each and every day.

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

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.

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.

Disclaimer

This publication is provided on the basis that AMark Publishing NZ Ltd is not responsible

these articles and that the firm is not hereby

in

Editor

Construction costs continue to rise, but peak growth may be nearing

Building and Construction Sector Trends Annual Report

CoreLogic NZ’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) for Q3 2022 showed further acceleration in the rate of indexed growth in national residential construction costs, with both the quarterly and annual measures surpassing the previous records set just last quarter.

The CCCI indicates the cost to build a ‘standard’ 200 sqm three-bedroom, twobathroom single storey brick and tile house in Aotearoa increased by 3.4 percent in Q3, exceeding the 2.6 percent rise recorded over the three months to June.

Annual growth reached 9.6 percent, almost two percentage points higher than in the year to June (7.7 percent).

CoreLogic chief property economist, Kelvin Davidson, says while there are signs of a slowdown for the residential construction industry, they are small and coming off a very high base.

“Overall dwelling consents are now declining year-on-year however, costs are still a problem,” he says.

“The latest Cordell Construction Cost Index clearly shows that it continues to get more expensive to build a ‘standard’ 200 sqm brick and tile, standalone house in New Zealand with both the quarterly and annual indexed growth measures exceeding the previous records set three months ago.”

Kelvin says in terms of underlying drivers, the Cordell costings team were continuing to see rising timber and metal prices, which were affecting framing and reinforcing.

This indexed model of construction costs allowed for standard build times, he says, acknowledging that completion timeframes had lengthened lately as some materials remain hard to procure.

He also noted the CCCI covers a brick house, so anything with timber cladding will have seen overall costs rise at an even faster pace.

“Looking ahead, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the rate of construction cost accelerate further, potentially to double-digits by the end of the year, before it starts to ease up into 2023.

“Certainly, one encouraging development in the past month or two has been the improvement in supply chain conditions, with plasterboard for example - now much easier to find.

“This easing in cost growth will be very important in the longer term so developers and households aren’t dissuaded from taking the new-build path ,which critically assists in boosting overall housing supply.”

CoreLogic researches, tracks and reports on materials and labour costs, which flows through its Cordell construction solutions to help businesses make more informed decisions, estimate rebuild and insurance quotes easily and, ultimately, appropriate risk effectively.

The CCCI report measures the rate of change of construction costs within the residential market for a typical, ‘standard’ three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick and tile single storey dwelling.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released the Building and Construction Sector Trends: Annual Report 2022, which provides an overview of the sector’s economic performance and the context within which the sector

Dr Alice Cleland, Research and Analysis manager at MBIE, says findings in the report show that the sector has remained strong despite ongoing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The building and construction sector is New Zealand’s fifth largest economic contributor, and while it was impacted during the pandemic, the sector has come out strong and is showing signs of recovery.

“The number of new homes consented reached record-levels and the total value of construction activity rose 12.4 percent over the last year,” Alice says.

“As one of the largest national employers, it is encouraging to see the sector becoming more diverse.

“There is an increase in the number of workers from Asian and Pasifika ethnicities, the number of workers with higher education is growing, and the number of female workers employed in the sector has nearly doubled in the last decade,” she says.

“Workers in the construction sector tend to be younger when compared against the national workforce.

“There is a steady pipeline of students training in construction with around 36,000 learners - three times as many as a decade ago; and of those, more than 33,000 are in construction apprenticeships.”

The report reviews the building and construction sector in New Zealand and looks at international trends and innovations that could be adopted to make the industry more environmentally friendly, a safer place to work, more cost efficient and resilient.

“Climate change is one of the key drivers shaping building trends, while digitalisation and decarbonisation are two key concepts behind new and emerging trends in building designs, technologies, and materials,” Alice says.

Trends in building design include zero- and low-carbon emission buildings, retrofitting existing buildings, medium density housing, and accessible buildings.

Trends in building technologies include the continuation of sector digitalization, and new methods for generating and storing clean energy for domestic buildings.

“The circular economy concept is being introduced in the new generation of construction materials that are being developed, such as the creation of construction materials from building and organic waste.”

“As the sector evolves, we need to be ahead of the change. This report provides a crucial look into where we have been, where we are, and where we could go in the future.”

is operating, alongside commentary on some of the challenges experienced in the last year.

indicates sector remains strong, increasingly diverse and innovative

Dayle ITM

With three North Island locations, we’re conveniently located to be your one-stop-shop for building supplies. With fifteen trucks on the road daily – delivering across Auckland, North Waikato and the Coromandel Peninsula, we’ll see you right!

Dayle ITM have been proudly familyowned and operated for over 45 years, and counting. We provide our customers with a personal, straight-forward approach to building supplies. Throughout our history, our core business objectives have remained the same: Being trusted as a one-stop-shop in the building industry, and an extension of our customers' business.

“We take huge pride in our team and this business, we have a loyal range of amazing clients, small and large. It really does feel like one huge family,” says managing director Martin Day.

No matter the size of your next build, we can help. By purchasing from one account across all three Dayle ITM locations, your job just got easier. Being part of the ITM co-operative also means we’re connected to over 90 stores across New Zealand –so we’re always there to get you what you need.

Going the extra mile? That’s us. We’re constantly investing and innovating in equipment to make sure we’re ahead

of the game. With three MiTek prenail frame and truss plants, we can speed up your project timeline. Our three plants are well-known in the industry for the highestquality products on offer.

Avondale

Founded in 1976 by Alan and Gloria Day, Dayle ITM Avondale started out fabricating Dayle Cottages, before moving to prenail frame and truss manufacturing. In 1997, Alan’s son Martin joined the business, and in 1998 Dayle Timber became part of the ITM co-operative. This gave Dayle ITM the platform for expansion to supply more building products and services directly to the trade. We haven’t looked back since.

East Tamaki

Already in the ITM fold first as Smith Timber, then as Tamaki ITM, our east Tamaki site joined the Dayle ITM family in May 2019. With an onsite MiTek prenail frame and truss manufacturing plant plus its central Auckland location, Dayle ITM East Tamaki is perfectly situated for projects in central, east and South Auckland, as well as Northern Waikato.

Kopu

Dayle ITM Kopu is your trade building partner on the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plains. With a brand-new store and a state-of-the-art MiTek prenail frame and truss manufacturing plant, our team is perfectly suited to produce accurate and efficient prenail frame and truss requirements for your next build.

Find us online at www.dayleitm.co.nz or call any of our three locations on 0800 DAYLE ITM (0800 32953 486)

Avondale: 713 Rosebank Road, Avondale. Monday – Friday: 7am-5pm.

East Tamaki: 21 Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki. Monday – Friday: 7am-5pm.

Kopu: 71 Kopu Road, Thames. Monday – Friday: 7am-5pm.

How to get an expert ruling very cheaply

By Geoff Hardy, an Auckland commercial lawyer

Getting a ruling on a legal dispute is normally quite expensive. If you elect to sue in court - or you get sued so you have no choice in the matter - the cost of it can make the whole exercise pointless unless there is a substantial amount of money at stake.

Fortunately, if you are a party to a building contract you can normally use the much cheaper and faster process known as adjudication under the Constructions Contracts Act, but even that normally costs upwards of $20,000, so it’s only worth it if you are trying to collect more than that.

If you are prepared to take your chances with a non-expert process and the amount at stake is no more than $30,000, then you can always use the extremely cheap, informal and relatively fast Disputes Tribunals (our small claims courts), where you argue your case yourself (without a lawyer) before a referee (who is not an expert in construction law), and you hope that the referee sees it your way.

However, if you want an expert ruling for an affordable cost, there are some very cheap ways of getting a ruling that you ought to consider.

One way to get a ruling on whether your work was up to scratch is, ironically, to have a complaint made against you (assuming you are a licensed building practitioner) to the Building Practitioners Board.

It is not something you would voluntarily subject yourself to (unless you really back yourself), but my point is that it’s not necessarily the end of the world if it does happen. That is because you will be judged by a panel of experts (lawyers, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, builders, etc.) who understand the industry just like you do.

If you have done nothing wrong, they will say so, and that decision goes on the public record so that you can use it in evidence if you are ever challenged later.

But there is an even better way to get an expert ruling on the standard of your workmanship (among other things) and that is to apply to the chief executive of

the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for what is known as a “determination”. This is a process that has been available ever since the 1991 Building Act (we are now operating under the 2004 version), so it goes back a long way, but it is not very well known or utilised. It can only be used by people or organisations that have an interest in the building work in question, including councils, property owners, LBPs, and in some cases neighbours.

Determinations have been used for a whole variety of purposes. Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of building materials have used them to demonstrate their products are code-compliant. Property owners who wanted to avoid applying for a building consent have used them to find out whether their project is exempt or not. There have even been a couple of determinations that have chastised councils for refusing to issue a code compliance certificate simply because the LBP has failed to submit a record of work – a practice that MBIE has confirmed is unjustified.

Determinations have been used in hundreds of leaky home cases as a prelude to holding the responsible parties to account. In the old days if you were a party to a leaky home dispute, and it was being dealt with in the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service (which is no longer accepting new cases, unfortunately) then instead of paying $10,000-$15,000 for a building surveyor’s report on where the leaks were coming from and what it would take to fix them, you paid only a few hundred dollars and the government paid the rest.

Admittedly the building surveyor’s report was an expert opinion rather than a ruling, but it carried a lot of weight. Now that that service is no longer available, you can still get something similar using the determination system, for much the same cost.

Although the government says that determinations are not for disputes about workmanship, you can in fact use them for that purpose, especially when someone is questioning whether your work complies with the building code or the building consent.

The MBIE can only refuse to accept your application if you don’t qualify to apply for it, or it has already been applied for, or your application is “not genuine or is vexatious or frivolous”. And the best news of all is it only costs $287.50 including GST if it involves a single house, an attached house, flats and apartment blocks of up to four units, or a

garage or shed, or $575.00 including GST if it is any other type of building.

There are two things you can apply for a determination for:

1. Whether or not particular work is or will be code-compliant

2. Whether or not the stance that the council has taken was right – in relation to such things as building consents, extensions of time, code compliance certificates, notices to fix, waivers or modifications of the building code, compliance schedules, certificates of acceptance, and exemptions from building consent requirements.

One way to get a ruling on whether your work was up to scratch is, ironically, to have a complaint made against you (assuming you are a licensed building practitioner) to the Building Practitioners Board.

So don’t believe it when they say “You can’t fight City Hall”. You sure can, using a determination. And the process is supposed to be relatively quick – MBIE is required to make the determination within three months, although exactly what happens if it misses that deadline isn’t clear, so it routinely gets ignored.

The great thing about determinations is that they are very thoroughly researched and professionally written – and they need to be, because they are like a judgment from a Court. They are legally binding, although you can appeal them to the District Court.

In most cases, determinations are not appealed, but they are not necessarily the end of the matter. Except in the case of Councils – whose decisions can be confirmed, reversed, or modified by the MBIE – a determination cannot directly force anyone to do anything or refrain from doing something.

Instead, what it does is provide a ruling on whether the relevant work or materials

are code-compliant. If they are not codecompliant, then the council could use the determination to insist on a design change, or a property owner could use it as evidence that the builder or designer has slipped up.

In the latter case, the owner would typically then follow up with a claim in the Disputes Tribunal, an application for an adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act, or Court proceedings.

In fact, the Building Act expressly says that if the issue in dispute is capable of being resolved by determination, then you are prohibited from commencing proceedings in the District or High Court unless and until you have obtained that determination. Presumably that is because it may well avoid the costly and time-consuming process of litigation.

However, like most rules, it is possible to get around this one. In fact, in one case (Minister of Education v. Higgs Construction Ltd) the construction company tried to get the court case thrown out because no determination had been obtained, but the associate judge was having none of it, pointing out that the determination would have only resolved one of the issues, not all of them.

If, once a determination has been obtained, one of the parties then follows up with a Disputes Tribunal claim, an adjudication, or court proceedings, then an interesting question arises as to whether the Tribunal, Adjudicator or Court is bound by what the MBIE determined.

This is known as “issue estoppel” and is designed to prevent the same issues being re-litigated with all the attendant cost and delays, when it has already been conclusively and authoritatively resolved.

The argument was run in the 2015 case of Weaver & Anderson v. HML Nominees Ltd. Although the High Court rejected the argument in that particular case, Justice Katz ruled that it was open to run the same argument in a more appropriate case.

Geoff Hardy has 47 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer and is a partner in the Auckland firm Martelli McKegg. He guarantees personal attention to new clients at competitive rates. His phone number is (09) 379 0700, fax (09) 309 4112, and e-mail

Geoff.Hardy@martellimckegg.co.nz. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

Sitemate powers up

Two years on from entering the temporary power market and Sitemate Power Systems’ business is growing rapidly. The Auckland based-company has expanded its comprehensive offering and continues to strengthen its foothold in the New Zealand market.

Product development manager Bruce Bailey says working closely with the industry has been key.

“From the outset we knew there was opportunity to design and develop products specifically suited for the Australasian market. We have worked very closely with people who use this equipment every day to provide a proprietary and innovative range that fulfils their requirements.”

The result is a product portfolio of Sitemate® power equipment and accessories that are easily portable, reliable, safe and robust. The range includes temporary power distribution units, portable main distribution switchboards, portable supply outlet assemblies, fixed mounted wall boxes, LED chain lighting and a large range

of accessories – all connected by industryleading heavy-duty power leads.

Bruce says demand has been boosted from expanding end-application use and satisfied customers.

“Our equipment is built to withstand the rugged environmental conditions in which it operates making it ideal for a wide range of applications including the construction, demolition, electrical and outdoor event sectors. We’re building steady relationships with our customers as once they start using our equipment they realise the benefits. Our solutions are user-friendly, low maintenance and reliably provide temporary power distribution safely.”

For temporary power on residential construction sites Bruce recommends the SM5 portable socket outlet assembly. The SM5 is the smallest portable power unit within the Sitemate® family and is easy to hand carry and get power to site quickly.

“It’s perfect for everyday use on smaller sites, is waterproof, lightweight and has excellent ground clearance to avoid surface water or contaminants. As with all of our portable power equipment the SM5 can also be fully interconnected with other temporary power products and is certified to Australian and NZ standards.”

Estimating how long the job will take

By Daniel Fitzpatrick, Business coach at Next Level Tradie

How often have you quoted a job but ended up losing on it because the hours blew out?

It happens to everyone once in a while… but get this wrong too often and you won’t be very profitable.

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

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

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

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

If only 17 percent can estimate time correctly, that means 83 percent are getting it wrong. Mistakes include:

• Failing to consider how long it’s taken us to complete similar tasks in the past (science calls this = planning fallacy)

• Assuming that we won’t run into any complications that will cause delays (science calls this = optimism bias).

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

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

In very real terms, that means less income for you and stressful cashflow. And that is all kinds of bad, especially for a family business. Plus, cashflow headaches are the #1 reason for going broke.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the main thing is, use a structure - so back-costing is easy and doesn’t take all day! Especially important if you run multiple jobs and have a large team.

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

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

Be sure to use a pricing formula so you have certainty that your price is fair. Not too low that you won’t make money. Not too high that you’ll be priced out (or if you are, you can walk away confident, knowing the margin was not enough – you don’t work for free).

Using a formula also means you price consistently regardless of whether you’re feeling optimistic, tired, are desperate for work for your team, or have too much on already.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book a time with me here to find out how I might be able to help you:

https://nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep

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

The importance of productivity

“Our estimate is that, if civil construction had matched building construction for productivity growth over the last 20 years, our infrastructure construction prices would be about 10 percent lower, workforce requirements would be about 11 percent lower, and we’d be building five percent more infrastructure than we do now.”

The researchers also compared New Zealand’s construction labour productivity growth to other OECD countries and found that New Zealand sits in the top half of the pack.

New Zealand’s productivity performance is not as strong as some Eastern European countries that are experiencing ‘catchup’ growth, but our productivity growth outpaces a number of countries that are considered high performers in construction, such as the US and Japan.

“An interesting finding from this research is that, internationally, construction productivity growth doesn’t appear to be affected by boom-and-bust cycles, such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

“We also found that economies of scale don’t play a strong role. If anything, larger countries experience slower productivity growth than smaller ones,” Peter says.

is essential for addressing the infrastructure challenges ahead of us.”

Other findings in economic performance of the NZ construction sector:

• The researchers looked at productivity trends in the New Zealand construction industry for the 1961-2021 period. Construction productivity grew rapidly between the early 1960s and mid-1970s, prior to stagnating between the late 1970s and late 2000s. Productivity levels dropped sharply during the recessions of the late 1970s and early 1990s, followed by slow recoveries to previous levels

• Since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis construction productivity has entered a period of sustained improvement

• In 2000, construction made up slightly less than five percent of New Zealand’s GDP (1.1 percent building construction; 1.2 percent heavy and civil construction; 2.5 percent construction services). By 2020, construction had grown to nearly eight percent of GDP, mostly driven by growth in building construction and construction services (2 percent building construction; 1.6 percent heavy and civil construction; 4 percent construction services)

The report Economic performance of New Zealand’s construction industry, found that between 2000 and 2020 labour productivity increased 23 percent in building construction, 25 percent in construction services, but only by five percent in heavy and civil engineering construction. This data compares to economy-wide labour productivity growth of 30 percent.

“Faster productivity growth can help bring down costs, improve quality and reduce

pressure on an already stretched workforce,” says Peter Nunns director of Economics, Te Waihanga.

“While the overall news is positive for the construction sector, low productivity growth in civil construction is concerning as it represents about 80 percent of the cost of building and maintaining New Zealand’s infrastructure networks. This is everything from power and water connections to transport and telecommunications,” Peter says.

“However, international comparisons do show that construction permit processes have an impact. Inefficient processes are correlated with slower construction productivity growth. This could reflect the fact that they make it more difficult to adopt new designs, technologies, and building methods.

“We have an opportunity to significantly lift infrastructure construction productivity. This

• During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), large construction firms’ profitability, solvency risk, and liquidity risk improved slightly. This highlights the resilience of the construction sector during this period and significant government financial support through measures like the COVID-19 wage subsidy. However, the sector remains vulnerable to ongoing cost pressures and demand risks.

Abby returned home in mid 2019 after living in Melbourne for 8 years; whilst in Melbourne, Abby managed a team of 18 in the superannuation insurance industry. She primarily dealt with life and trauma claims. Due to her experience as both a Case Manager and a Team Leader, she is well versed in the claims process and understands the importance of having the correct covers in place.

Space, support and permission to fail

How to create a culture of responsibility

By Rob Clarke CEO of Learning Architects

Regardless of whether you find the current climate motivating or exhausting, a challenge we all face at the moment is the importance of putting our precious time and energy into the things that are going to make the biggest difference - executing on the right tasks, at the right time, to help you achieve your goals.

In a business environment where things can literally change by the day, how do you keep your people focused and your business activity moving in the right direction?

It’s reasonably easy to put together a plan, but it’s much harder to execute that plan with razor sharp focus, especially when the ground keeps moving. So, how can you transform good ideas into meaningful actions?

The answer typically has three facets. The first is in knowing what needs to be done; to identify priorities you might need to revisit your business plan, have a discussion with your team or talk to other stakeholders to determine your best course of action, match the various tasks to the best person or people for the job, and then supporting them to get on with it and make it happen.

Taking responsibility or being accountable - which comes first?

Sometimes responsibility and accountability are viewed as the same thing. They are however slightly different in that taking responsibility is the willingness of an individual to complete what they’re being asked to do in the course of their work.

Being accountable is retrospective and relates to what has been done; it is the willingness of someone to reflect and accept responsibility for the outcomes or results of a project.

Why a shared sense of ownership matters

When we are trying to motivate people to carry out their work more effectively, they need to be able to have some influence, ownership and support for change where

necessary; particularly when situations and objectives can change week by week.

Accountability need not be a scary word

People often think of the word accountability in a negative sense, but it can be a positive depending on how it is applied and lived. By changing the narrative and considering it as a positive thing, then you may find that your team identifies creative ways to increase their accountability.

Create a shared sense of ownership

Both responsibility and accountability are required for individuals and teams to function effectively and get the desired results. When people are unable to take responsibility and lack accountability, it can significantly jeopardise results.

But if this is lacking in some parts of your organisation, where do you start?

Responsibility is the cornerstone

Whether you are a large organisation with multiple teams, or a one-person operation collaborating with others, how do you help those you work with to take charge (within their remit) in a way that gets results and moves your business forward?

Here are some starting points for creating a culture of responsibility:

1. Make sure everyone knows what is expected of them - this provides surety in their role so they can confidently apply their skills and experience to the job at

hand. You can do this through coaching, ongoing discussions and regular check-ins.

2. Define what is important togetherdiscussing objectives and setting goals together can create a shared sense of ownership and the space for people to assume responsibility for achieving them. Regularly revisiting how these goals are tracking will help people recognise and appreciate progress.

3. Work to the strengths of your teamensuring you have the right people doing the right jobs is always a bonus. When you know what each of your team is best at, you can then position them to work to their strengths. When people can do their best work, they are more engaged and more productive and this leads to better results.

Rob Clarke CEO of Learning Architects

4. Give permission - finally, giving your team agency and permission for their job is critical. If you tell them that you trust them to get the job done, and you demonstrate this, then they are more likely to take ownership and responsibility. This will empower them to take charge, and be response-able!

Accountability and responsibility is a two-way street

Stephen Covey said, “You can’t hold someone accountable for results if you supervise their methods”. The ideal is that you set parameters, and then allow people to take responsibility for their methods and their results.

As a leader, it is your responsibility to create a supportive culture that allows people to feel safe and/or confident to step up. This could mean acknowledging where people have made a difference, rewarding successes, and using failures as opportunities for improvement by providing training where people might fall short.

For example:

• Keeping people in the loop, providing constructive feedback and updates on changing plans

• Give people space and opportunity to reflect on their results and then discuss what worked well and what they could potentially do differently next time

• Acting on what needs to change to make course corrections

• Sharing results and celebrating successes.

A useful starting point to increase accountability is to discuss it with your team.

Ask them what they would like to be accountable for, while sharing your expectations at the same time. Then work with them to figure out some practical ways you can support them.

Linking these discussions to your organisational goals will help people to see how their contributions make an impact.

By including every team member in the process of taking responsibility and being accountable, you will start to build and strengthen your organisation’s ability to make an impact, regardless of the changing circumstances so that you can all remain focused on, and take ownership of, what makes a difference.

In a business environment where things can literally change by the day, how do you keep your people focused and your business activity moving in the right direction?

Infrastructure Strategy response a positive start

Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive Alan Pollard, welcomed the government’s response to Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa – New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy 2022–2052, saying it was promising to see the government taking steps to overcome the country’s infrastructure deficit and support industry through change.

“The infrastructure strategy will inform our approach for the next 30 years. It gives industry and government vision and clarity.

The government’s response is promising and provides us with a positive place to start in working towards better outcomes for NZ communities.”

He says the government’s response to the 67 recommendations provided in the strategy also demonstrated the scale and scope of the challenges the country faced in terms of infrastructure construction and provision.

Industry welcomed many of the initiatives in the government’s response, such as support for increased construction waste minimisation, a clearer pipeline of work that enabled industry to invest in capability and capacity, support for emissions reduction, availability of technology,

equipment and resources, and supporting people to join the workforce. However, there were also risks, including a risk government would overlook successful work currently in progress within industry in favour of its own transformation plans, Alan says.

“While it’s positive to see the government take ownership of its lead role in delivering on the strategy, there is also a risk it will use it to support its own programmes, and overlook the many valuable solutions already in play within industry, rather than create genuine partnerships for change.”

He said key examples could be found in the successful Infrastructure Skills Centre pilot conducted in 2021 to provide an entry point for aspirational trade careers in civil infrastructure, and in the lack of mention or detail on the physical construction of horizontal infrastructure in many recent government reports.

Much of the response was also contingent on the success of ongoing reforms such as the Resource Management Act, education system and local government – all things that would require close interaction with the industry to achieve the strategy’s goals, he says.

challenges.

The government’s response is promising and provides us with a positive place to start in working towards better outcomes for NZ communities.

The importance of building relationships

Several recent studies undertaken by BRANZ suggest better builder / client communication and better client understanding of the build process could help to improve residential build quality.

Improving the quality of Kiwi houses is easier said than done. Our building system is complex, with many actors, interdependencies, and unknowns, like Covid-19 related materials shortages.

The BRANZ research looked at key knowledge gaps for new build clients. It found gaps around how the build process works, who does what during the build, key communication channels, and client rights and responsibilities during the build.

The research found that positive client experiences relied on builders managing expectations early on in the process –starting out on the right foot was key. This is particularly significant because negative experiences can seriously affect the health and wellbeing of both clients and builders.

This was most pronounced for builders, more than half of whom experienced moderate to significant symptoms of depression and anxiety as a result.

A big issue for new build clients is knowing enough about the building process to ask informed questions.

The research found that most clients desired a greater depth of information as the process progressed, and that builders could maintain the relationship by responding to this need.

The research found clients generally required clearer information regarding the build progress, and also that more information was needed in respect to their rights and responsibilities as a consumer.

Research into the perspective of builders, and separate research into the perspective of clients, during the build process recommended applying structure to the journey to help both groups.

This could reduce the likelihood of negative experiences putting strains on builders and their clients, and encourage proactive communication, which could help keep relations on a positive footing.

Recent, additional construction industry issues, such as Covid-19 related labour and materials shortages, mean it is more important than ever to proactively manage builder/client relations.

Health and Safety Professionals

Centre, which gives him the flexibility to test anywhere in the country.

Services include but are not limited to: safety systems design, hazard identification, accident or incident investigation, site safety audit/review/annual review, training your business, packages, quality assurances plans, scaffolding and machinery safe compliance audits for all industries.

The Nelson-based company is also a registered mobile testing centre for ConstructSafe.

Health and Safety Professionals owner Peter Fisher has operated the company for over ten years throughout New Zealand.

He has helped companies maintain their health and safety systems, looked into workplace accidents and provided solutions and outcomes for those involved.

He has always brought awareness to work safety requirements to ensure employees are safe when using machinery.

Peter is often busy with ConstructSafe testing and is a registered Mobile Test

Construction Health and Safety New Zealand – also known as CHASNZ – is a charitable trust established in 2018 to improve construction workers’ lives by highlighting the health and safety culture and performance standards across the construction industry in the country. CHASNZ owns and operates ConstructSafe to offer a framework for staff to educate them on their legal requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Peter offers consultancy to ensure he is helping you to achieve a healthy and safe workplace. He also provides advice on the procedure and products that contain asbestos. Many products carry asbestos, such as cladding, flooring, electrical installations, decks, protective coatings, and roofing materials like metal tiles.

Health and Safety Professionals Ltd is your most trusted company to ensure you know all about the health and safety requirements within the building and construction industry or need assistance with anything.

Unique construction industry degrees at SIT – enrol now!

It’s a great time to train for a career in the construction and building industry at the Southern Institute of Technology; catering for training from Level 3 pre-trade training for carpentry, joinery and allied trades, through to Level 7 Bachelors’ degrees and Graduate Diplomas, SIT courses combine classroom learning with practical work and employer-based work experience.

Three stand-out degrees at SIT Invercargill campus are available to study under the Zero Fees Scheme*(ZFS) in 2023:

The Bachelor of Architectural Technology is the only degree of its kind in NZ. The focus of this degree is not only architectural design, but is targeted specifically at identified industry needs – strong technical skills, construction knowledge and graduates who are agile and have a broad range of skills.

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology is a unique, industry-designed degree, where students gain a broad range of industry knowledge before focusing on their chosen discipline in year three, giving the graduate more skills available for an employer.

The Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) is also available under the ZFS at SIT’s Invercargill campus.

One of the stand-out features of these programmes is the local industry involvement in their initial design, and ongoing support for commercial engagement. This means that SIT students are exposed to industry placements and work experience, site visits, industry expertise and in many cases will work on local projects. Graduates benefit greatly from these relationships and the industry experience they offer.

Shyam Patel – Graduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)

Aucklander Shyam Patel trained and qualified as a qualified Chemical Engineer, completing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland. However, because roles in the chemical engineering field were hard to come by, Shyam worked as a non-qualified Quantity Surveyor for around three years. When the opportunity arose to work in the field he had trained for, Shyam jumped at the chance and moved to Invercargill, taking a job offer he received from Tiwai Point New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) as a Process Engineer.

After working at NZAS for nearly three years, Shyam found increasingly he was not suited to the job. “The role was a poor fit for me, as I did not enjoy the industrial work environment.

“With the construction industry experiencing massive growth I decided to look into re-entering this sector.” After making an enquiry at SIT, and based on his prior qualifications and previous work experience as a quantity surveyor, Shyam was advised to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Construction in Quantity Surveying - a programme unique to SIT.

“The major upside to the programme was it was only nine months long, and was free to New Zealand citizens.”

One of the stand-out features of these programmes is the local industry involvement in their initial design, and ongoing support for commercial engagement. This means that SIT students are exposed to industry placements and work experience, site visits, industry expertise and in many cases, will work on local projects.

The programme provided Shyam with “the insight into the intricacies of how the construction industry in New Zealand works, and the role expectations of a professional Quantity Surveyor”, he said.

By comparison to his university studies, SIT classes were much smaller, enabling the tutors to engage with students more directly. “In this sense,” he said, “SIT surpassed my expectations.”

He described his tutors as extremely personable and helpful, going the extra distance to answer queries and provide one-on-one tuition when requested.

“SIT introduced me to a more practical approach to problem-solving... I was accustomed to a more theory-based learning style.” This practical approach to real-world quantity surveying was the most valuable takeaway from SIT’s programme, said Shyam.

“The most enjoyable parts of student life was having the ability to be flexible and work to my own timetable.”

Upon finishing his course, Shyam returned to Auckland, where there was a job waiting for him; he currently works for a leading Tier 1 main building contractor.

“I surprised even myself with how much I actually enjoyed the programme, not to mention the passion and confidence which it instilled in me en route to reentering the workforce.”

Invercargill Campus

• Graduate Diploma in Construction

• Bachelor of Construction

• Bachelor of Architectural Technology

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical or Civil Engineering)

• New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology

• New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying)

• New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Civil Engineering)

• New Zealand Certificate in Engineering

• New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry

• New Zealand Certificate in Construction

• Trade Skills – Carpentry or Joinery and Allied Trades.

Christchurch and Queenstown Campuses

• New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trade Skills – Carpentry.

The time is now, enrol today! Enquiries are welcome.

0800 4 0 FEES (0800 403337)

www.sit.ac.nz/courses/Construction

*The SIT Zero Fees Scheme (ZFS) is subject to NZ government policies.

Te Pūkenga – a new era of learning for industry

Like strands of harakeke being woven together, our work-based training organisations, institutes of technology and polytechnics are joining together to become Te Pūkenga. Te Pūkenga will be Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest tertiary education provider.

This is part of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) which aims to create a strong, unified vocational education and training system that is fit for the future of work. Te Pūkenga is part of seven key changes within RoVE. RoVE was brought about due to the fast-changing future of skills, learning and work. A single, strong vocational education system will help improve well-being for all New Zealanders and support a growing economy that works for everyone.

The new system makes sure that ITPs (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) are working together instead of competing with each other. Although everything is still in a transition phase, current learning shouldn’t experience any changes to their qualifications, support services, fees or relationships with their organisations such as Studylink. Future students will see the benefits from Te Pūkenga as further changes are introduced throughout the course of the transition.

Transition began on the 1st of April, 2020 and the roadmap for the future of Te Pūkenga extends to 2023.

It will create better ways of learning for the industry, focused on where our workforce needs to be now and in the future. As one national network, Te Pūkenga will provide flexible, career-focused learning that fits around the learner’s life – on-the-job, on campus and online vocational training.

Our priorities focus on equity and ensuring participation, delivering customised learning approaches and using our scale and size to strengthen the quality and range of education delivery throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. We hope to provide exception learning experiences for Māori, recognise the diverse and unique needs of all learners, be responsive and empowering, as well as become a sustainable network of provision.

Working for everyone, Te Pūkenga will be the cornerstone of a cohesive, sustainable vocational education system that helps improve wellbeing for all New Zealanders, and supports a growing economy that works for everyone. It will help New Zealand move to a vocational education system that puts learners in the centre.

These changes allow future learners to access high-quality learning in the workplace as well as on campus. It will become easier to move between learning in the workplace, on campus and online. It’ll also be easier to transfer to another part of New Zealand to learn without affection the qualifications learners are training for.

Te Pūkenga aims to make sure diverse students are catered to. Disabled learners will have the support they need as we believe learning support or impairments shouldn’t be a barrier to building a better future. Utilising the changes that has come forth due to the reform of vocational education, we can prioritise learnings who weren’t served well by the previous system.

A group has been set up to make sure the changes reflect the Government’s commitment to the partnership between Māori and the Crown. This will give Māori community and employer views on tertiary education, including vocational education and training.

Closer to industry, Te Pūkenga will work closely with industry and business to understand their needs by directly aligning the training we provide with the needs of employers and their staff. It’s about helping our communities and workplaces grow and thrive together, and providing businesses with knowledge and skills that are relevant to their changing industries.

Fit for purpose, Te Pūkenga is supporting a modern, future-fit workforce for Aotearoa. Learners are encouraged to stay connected with their whanau, culture and communities as they work and learn. The same, only

better local campuses, courses, support and training teams will remain in place, but are now part of Te Pūkenga. So far, we have 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics and 9 industry training organisations.

This will create access to a wide diversity of subjects and locations, and flexible ways of learning – on-the-job, on campus and online. Helping our people, our communities and our workforces grow and thrive together. Te Pūkenga. Learn with purpose. Find out more at tepūkenga.ac.nz

Institutions currently part of Te Pūkenga:

• Ara Institute of Canterbury

• EIT (Eastern Institute of Technology)

• Manukau Institute of Technology

• NMIT (Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

• NorthTec

• Open Polytechnic

• Otago Polytechnic

• SIT (Southern Institute of Technology)

• Toi Ohomai

• TPP (Tai Poutini Polytechnic

• UCOL

• Unitec

• Whitireia WelTec

• Wintec

• WITT (Wester Institute of Technology).

Industry

training organisations currently part of Te Pūkenga:

• BCITO

• Careerforce

• Competenz

• Connexis

• HITO

• MITO

• Primary ITO

• ServiceIQ

• Skills.

Concrete NZ conference awards

Celebrating success and carbon reduction

The recent Concrete NZ Conference Awards saw an array of concrete industry participants celebrated for their customer service, technical expertise, health, safety and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, as well as efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

A highlight was Golden Bay taking home the Carbon Reduction Award for its Waste Endof-Life Tyres Project, Portland, Whangārei.

Golden Bay used 25,000 tonnes of tyres to replace 27 percent of coal in cement manufacturing during the first full financial year after commissioning.

Diverting over three million waste tyres from landfill in the first 15 months of operation has equated to a carbon reduction of 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

As well as carbon reduction, there is a significant decrease of waste to landfill, a lower risk of uncontrolled tyre stockpile fires, as well as a drop in international transportation emissions from the export of waste tyres.

In addition to the 27 percent substitution of coal for waste end-of-life tyres, Golden Bay also substitutes 20 percent with biofuel wood waste to achieve an overall alternative fuels substitution of around 50 percent.

Other award recipients included:

Extra Distance Award

Busck Prestressed Concrete for the America’s Cup 36 Hobson Wharf Extension, Auckland

The judges saluted Busck and their project partners’ capability and willingness to innovate and transport precast concrete via barge from Whangārei to Auckland, to ensure the extra mile was taken and delivery was made ahead of schedule.

Extra Distance Award

- Highly Commended

Higgins Concrete for KiwiRail’s Pile Upgrade in the Hutt Valley

The judges commended this innovative solution, which saw a concrete bowl placed on a rail-cart to help pour up to 2,000 cubic metres of concrete over 18-months for the steel pole foundations on the Petone to Upper Hutt line north of Wellington.

Technical Excellence Award

Allied Concrete for Te Ara a Toa (Bridge 20) on Transmission Gully, Wellington

The judges were extremely impressed with Allied Concrete’s exhaustive commitment to concrete mix design detail, the outcome from which is the showpiece concrete structure on one of the most significant new roads in New Zealand.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing Achievement Award

Firth Industries and Higgins Concrete for their Groov by Mentemia Partnership

The judges acknowledged the foresight of Higgins Concrete and Firth Industries in choosing to work with Mentemia, and in doing so helps health and safety evolve to include wellbeing, and normalise mental health care across industry.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Firth Industries “Name of the Game” Initiatives

The judges congratulated Firth Industries on the huge strides taken to meet the needs of its staff, suppliers and customers by making everyone feel more connected, and in turn have improved brand reputation while boosting productivity.

Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year

Megan Blance of Allied Concrete Concrete NZ and BCITO - Te Pūkenga were proud to acknowledge Megan as the first woman Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, and shine a light on her tremendous attitude, leaderships skills, enthusiasm for mentoring, and work ethic.

Photos kindly supplied by Concrete NZ.

Firth Industries' “Name of the Game” Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives.

Gian Raffainer of Golden Bay receives the Carbon Reduction Award from Concrete NZ Chair Dene Cook.

Lee Skinner of Allied Concrete receives a Gold Award from Maurie Hooper.

Sabina Sekerovic of Atlas Concrete receives a Gold Award from Maurie Hooper.

The Firth Industries team celebrate their success, including a Gold Plant Audit Scheme Award.

Terry Whiteman of Terry's Concrete receives his Gold Award from Maurie Hooper.

MAX® saving workers’ backs with new stand-up battery-powered rebar tier

MAX® is aiming to cut down on back strain for workers tying rebar on concrete slabs with a new stand-up battery-powered tying tool.

They have introduced the NEW MAX® RB401T-E Stand-up TwinTier™, the first tool of its kind that gives ironworkers the ability to tie rebar while standing upright.

Features of the

new MAX® RB401T-E

Stand Up Twintier™ Rebar Tier include:

• Reduced Back Strain – the RB401T-E is an ergonomic solution for backbreaking slab work

• Adjustable Handles – users can adjust the handles to 2 positions, to find the most comfortable fit for their height

• Trigger less Technology – an automatic contact mechanism allows the tool to instantly tie when pushed down over a rebar intersection

• Shorter Tie Height – a wire bending mechanism produces a shorter tie height. Less concrete is needed to fully cover a wire tie

• Tilt Sensor – the tilt-sensor prevents the tool from tying when angled upward

• Enclosed Design – greater protection against debris and moisture entering the tool.

The tool’s ergonomic construction, along with its contact mechanism, which requires no pulling of a trigger, lets workers automatically form a tie when pushing the tool down on a rebar intersection. The long nose attachment allows the tool to glide into rebar intersections with minimal effort from the operator.

The TwinTier's “wire bending mechanism” feeds a precise amount of wire to match the thickness of the rebar being tied and cut down on the use of unnecessary wire. This bending mechanism consistently feeds, pulls back, twists and releases the perfect sized tie for each application.

A low “battery power consumption” design allows the tool to produce 4000 ties per charge using a 14.4v , 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery, which recharges in just 65 minutes.

All of these features work together to reduce instances of back strain and the development of musculoskeletal injuries for ironworkers. This means the significant risk of developing back pain in the long term was reduced by 55% using the RB401T-E.

The RB401T-E can tie D10 x D10 up to D19 x D19 rebar combinations for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, road and bridge decks, industrial foundations, commercial floors and water tanks.

Like other tools in the TwinTier family, the RB401T-E’s special attributes include its faster tying speed, a reduction in wire consumption and a short wire tie.

The RB401T-E also uses the same battery and TwinTier™ tie wire as the RB441T and RB611T handheld TwinTiers.

Because the RB401T-E is such a unique and sophisticated tool in the marketplace, paired with the evolving TwinTier™ solution, contractors should find that their workforce is safeguarded from what has been a backbreaking industry.

The Battery-Powered

RB401T-E

Keeps You Standing

For more information visit the SIFCO website - www.sifco.co.nz

All of these features work together to reduce instances of back strain and the development of musculoskeletal injuries for ironworkers.

Experience paves the way…

Concrete Pumping Equipment NZ Ltd commenced business as a supplier to the New Zealand and South Pacific concrete pumping industry in 2003.

2023 will see CPENZ celebrate its 20th year in business, during that time we have delivered over 250 concrete pumping, spraying, placing and mixing machines into New Zealand’s construction industry.

In a small country like New Zealand, service, reputation, knowledge and integrity is key!

CPENZ is the agent for Putzmeister Concrete and Mortar Pumps, Sany Concrete Machinery, Aliva Shotcrete / Gunite Equipment, Baron Mixers and Conveyors.

We provide quality after sales, service and technical support and strive to keep our reputation as best in the business.

CPENZ currently employs 10 people bringing together a collaboration of expertise from the Concrete Pumping, Ready-mix, Automotive, Hydraulic, and Sales industries. We have a familybased business philosophy, we are all in this together and we like to think if we look after our staff they will look after our customers.

Key supplier for Quality Concrete / Mortar Equipment

We have proudly represented Putzmeister in New Zealand for nearly 20 years, which has been the preferred choice for construction related concrete pumping equipment.

Recently we acquired the SANY agency where we are able to offer our customers an economical, globally proven range of robust Concrete pumping equipment. Collectively we develop, produce, sell, and serve our customers with high quality, highly reliable machines for pumping, distributing, mixing and placing concrete, mortar as well as for preparing, temporarily storing, processing, and transporting these materials. We strive

to serve our customers by being close to their business and this continues to be our mission looking too the future.

From large concrete boom pumps to small grout / mortar machines, mixers and onsite conveyors CPENZ has a vast array of machinery suitable for most applications.

CPENZ carries at any one time an inventory of over 25,000 spare parts and places weekly shipments all over the world in order to meet urgent spare part requirements. We offer longer lasting, better performing parts and accessories, which means greater savings and less downtime.

What sets us apart

Innovative technologies that are constantly updated as per the latest research and development, along with ever demanding market requirements. We have the ability to customise equipment to the exact needs of our customers and provide effective, long term and simple solutions to complex problems through our hardy and versatile machines. We effectively and actively are able to partner with clients on projects and help them deliver on their promises. We have access to a vast range of experience from our close-knit network of partners in each nook and corner of the world.

The future Electric Technology

Putzmeister has already launched the first zero-emissions truck-mounted concrete pump.

They also feature a significantly reduced noise level, with impressive efficiency leading to greater profitability. Environmental protection has become a

decisive factor when tendering and awarding construction contracts. In urban areas worldwide, regulations are becoming particularly strict – both for CO2 emissions and the noise level of construction machinery.

The solution of integrating a plug-in hybrid in the hydraulic pump train is not just environmentally friendly, but also saves fuel, space and weight – and it is so innovative that Putzmeister already has a patent pending for it.

The iONTRON from Putzmeister is now available for machines in the 20 to 40-metre class.

Joining our innovative range is the all new iONTRON eMixer.

Putzmeister is paving the way for environmentally friendly concrete transport offering low-decibel machines which are less intrusive on residential / commercial sites.

The iONTRON eMixer is not only a win for the environment, but also a direct hit from an economic point of view due to the rising prices for fossil fuels.

CPENZ’s continued growth is a testament to the knowledge, experience, support, and quality of the products and services we offer our customers.

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

The one-stop-shop for concrete

Founded by Graham Payne, this family owned and award-winning business specialises in decorative concrete as well as finding solutions for all your concreting needs.

Counties Ready Mix general manager, William Moreland, says he came to the company around five years ago from Higgins Group.

“When I arrived, I came to a really good, professional team who knew their industry,” he says. “Since then, we’ve grown the business and have been building our customer base.”

William says that, in response to the growth of the company, they’ve completed a redevelopment of the whole yard.

“Over the last three years, we’ve made improvements to the yard to future proof our business, with a state-of-the-art aggregate yard we capture rainwater and reuse it in production, leading the way in sustainability.

“We’ve really worked on improving the safety of everything as well as doubled the size of what we had,” he says.

“We’ve built and extended our slump bay, new lunchroom & bathroom facilities,

batching/dispatch office, pump shed, lab facilities and a whole new aggregate yard.”

Power cuts are not an issue with Counties Ready Mix thanks to their newly purchased generator guaranteeing uninterrupted concrete supply. The experienced team work in both the residential and commercial sector, offering their skills, advice and expertise.

Counties Ready Mix offers coloured concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, polished concrete and Hygrocrete (a decorative permeable concrete). William says they really pride themselves in their showroom.

“The showroom has made it easy for clients to come in and view products, know what it looks like and how it feels,” he says.

The showroom boasts over 160 samples of all finishes and it’s a must see if you’re about to embark on a concrete project. They also stock a range of tools for any concreting jobbig or small.

Counties Ready Mix currently has a fleet of 30 mixers. This allows the team to deliver over 120m3 per round.

They only use 100 percent New Zealand produced cements in their concrete and source the materials from quality suppliers such as Golden Bay Cement and Sika admixtures.

They also offer BigBlocks® – interlocking concrete blocks made from 100% recycled concrete that might have otherwise ended up in local landfill.

They are 100 percent recycled and this helps with the company’s commitment to having a minimal eco-footprint.

BigBlocks® come in three sizes; small, standard and large. They allow for complete interlocking of any wall two blocks or higher. The interlocking nature of the blocks allow fast installation. It’s not just excellent concreting solutions that Counties Ready Mix provide – they’re also staunch backers of their community.

William says they love to support their community. “We love helping our area in any way we can. We get involved with things like local school events like ‘Taking a Kid to School’ and ‘Calf Club Day’ fundraisers. Recently we upgraded the Drury War Memorial too.”

Counties Ready Mix is an award-winning company having won the New Zealand Ready Mix Associations National Supreme Award in 2012.

They’ve also won the New Zealand Ready Mix Associations Certificate of Excellence in 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018.

We’ve really worked on improving the safety of everything as well as doubled the size of what we had.

Areas of Service

• Auckland

• Franklin

• North Waikato.

Notable Projects

• Auranga and Park Estate, Paerata rise subdivisions (current)

• Double Tree Hotel Karaka by HiltonWatts & Hughes

• Watts & Hughes Manurewa Retirement Village and other projects

• Glenbrook Steel Mill- Summerville Bros

• Green Gorilla - Eagle & Franich

• SH1 Motorway widening – Spiral Drillers

• Drury South

• And much, much more!

Thus, you can be sure the team will give you the very best in concreting solutions. The team pride themselves on listening to the needs of their customers and delivering results for success.

A commitment to providing reliable, high-quality products and service to their customers every time.

Counties Ready Mix

MATES in Construction for World Mental Health Day

The MATES programme became operational in New Zealand in late 2019 and was introduced to reduce the high levels of suicide among construction workers.

The research-based programme does this by raising awareness, building strength on construction sites, and connecting people to appropriate support.

This October, MATES recognised World Mental Health Day (WMHD) by releasing its latest industry well-being results and discussing these on our first episode of Hey Bro – a podcast about mental health, wellbeing, and suicide in the construction industry.

Our industry is vibrant, exciting, and integral to the New Zealand economy, but it can also be a challenging industry to work in with long hours, transient working conditions, and masculine stoic beliefs, which can impact our people’s mental health and well-being.

The current context, which includes rising inflation and cost of living, is exacerbating these pressures.

Advanced full performance rebar splice

Griptec® is a full performance (tension / compression / cyclic / fatigue) rebar splicing system designed to comply with the world’s most stringent project specifications.

Designed for the connection of concrete reinforcing bars of diameter

12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm and 40mm.

For more information visit fletcherreinforcing.co.nz/dextra-griptec

For all enquiries dextra@freo.co.nz

MATES in Construction is seeing the impacts of this in our mahi on the ground and has sought to gather information about the mental health and well-being of our industry to effectively tailor services to the needs of the community.

This year, MATES has released the findings of the Industry Wellbeing Survey on World Mental Health Day to shine a light on the ongoing challenges that our industry is facing.

The results from this year’s Wellbeing Survey show that despite the end of lockdowns and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our industry is still in crisis.

Respondents are reporting similar or higher levels of anxiety and suicidal ideation compared to last year and lower levels of resilience when it comes to managing stress.

While it is positive that we have not seen a significant increase in the well-being issues experienced by those working in our industry, since the arrival of the Omicron variant, the results do demonstrate that we have significant work to do.

This is to support our most important asset – our people – to ensure that their mental health is adequately supported while they are at work.

• In 2021, 43 percent of respondents reported that their mental health had been worse than usual and in 2022, this increased to 47 percent

• There was an increase in the percentage of respondents who advised that the last 12 months had been the most difficult time of their life from 38 percent in 2021 to 41 percent in 2022

• The percentage of respondents who reported seriously thinking about ending their own life in the four months increased from 4.5 percent in 2021 to 5.5 percent in 2022

• Two out of every ten respondents reported feeling dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their work-life over the last four months

• The top five areas of concern for respondents were: (1) Physical Health, (2) Sleep, (3) Time for Self-Care, (4) Relationships, and (5) Worries about job loss.

Participants who have met MATES on their sites reported that they would find it easy to talk to someone if they were feeling down or depressed, more often than those who had not had MATES on site.

This means that along with putting measures in place to protect employees’ mental health and well-being, employers can also give their employees the tools they need to feel they can reach out and ask for support if they need it.

You can read the full report here: https:// mates.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ MATES-Wellbeing-data-analysis-Final-Oct.pdf

The results from this year’s Wellbeing Survey show that despite the end of lockdowns and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our industry is still in crisis.

MATES in Construction

G.J. Gardner Homes is proud and excited to be a foundation partner of MATES in Construction. Over 7,000 people will benefit from the programme designed to support workplace mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention, established through this partnership between G.J. Gardner Homes and MATES in Construction.

G.J. Gardner Homes is New Zealand’s largest home builder, completing around 1,500 homes every year, and employing over 7,000 workers either directly or as subcontractors and trades people. Since 1997, the team has built over 20,000 homes in the country, so it’s a very reliable company.

G.J. Gardner Homes has been around since 1983 and was founded by Greg Gardner who enjoyed building homes designed to satisfy his client’s needs and wants fast and efficiently, and has since been well known for his hard efforts.

The MATES in Construction programme is conducted onsite and is about encouraging construction workers and staff to look after each other, seek, offer, and accept help when it is needed.

“As a business and organisation, we care about our people, that they are safe in their work environment, that they return to family and loved ones at the end of each working day, and that they are in a stable state to return to work the following day.

“Some people find it difficult to have a conversation or share what is troubling them, which is why this new partnership with MATES in Construction is so important. It means that all of our offices and build sites will have the necessary

support and on-the-job training to raise awareness, mental health issues in the workplace,” G.J. Gardner Homes managing director Ellie Porteous says.

Last year 654 people died because of suicide, with our Māori and Pasifika populations over-represented in the numbers, a demographic heavily represented across the construction industry.

MATES in Construction CEO Victoria McArthur says, expanding the programme to GJ’s will see more support for workers who are at high risk. In addition, small construction business owners and their workers are particularly susceptible to the factors that contribute to the overrepresentation of construction workers in New Zealand’s suicide toll, particularly lack of understanding of the issue of suicide and associated stigma, employment, financial

insecurity, and workplaces that are not supportive of seeking help.Working with GJ’s, we will be able to reach into these communities through their sub-contractors and suppliers to create a more supportive construction community.

“Construction workers have the highest suicide rate of any industry – we are losing roughly one person a week on average. Part of this is that people in our industry tend to be men for whom talking about this stuff might not come naturally. MATES in Construction is about putting onsite programmes in place, led by people who have worked in the industry and who come from the tools. It’s about building capacity through a supportive culture where we look after our mates, we keep an eye on each other and where people know they can speak up if they need extra help.”

The MATES programme focuses on opening communication channels, changing on-site culture and improving knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide. It’s about helping people become supportive and understanding of others and encouraging positive well-being and mental health. The outcome of the MATES programme is to ensure people feel okay in the workplace, but also in their everyday lives.

MATES connects workers through on-site training and provides those who need help with professional support. MATES field officers are trained in suicide prevention skills and have experience working with others within the building and construction industry, which means they’re very easy to talk to, know how to communicate well with others, and lend a helping hand.

start discussions with someone who may be struggling on-site or even in their community. Volunteers can also be trained as connectors (trained to help keep someone in crisis safe, while at the same time connecting them to professional help), with some also receiving ASIST advanced intervention training.

MATES programme builds and strengthens communities in the workplace and across the industry –helping our people to be supportive and provide an environment that encourages positive wellbeing.

It starts with a one-hour general awareness induction for all workers on a site, providing the skills to help workers

Need some help?

Call MATES in Construction on 0800 111 315.

For more information about G.J. Gardner, check out the company, their show homes, designs, listings, gallery, process, inspiration, and more on their website: www.gjgardner.co.nz.

Contact the team today by making an online enquiry, enquiring via the online chat box, or calling 0800 42 45 46.

The team looks forward to hearing your enquiry.

The MATES in Construction team with Grant, Ellie and Olly from our GJ’s team.

The

The MATES programme focuses on opening communication channels, changing on-site culture and improving knowledge of what can be done to prevent suicide. It’s about helping people become supportive and understanding of others and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This World Mental Health Day, MATES has also launched the very first episode of our new podcast, ‘Hey Bro’.

‘Hey Bro’ will be hosted by MATES in Construction field officer James Sendall and behind-the-scenes creative guru James Lee. Together the two James’ will be tackling some tough but important topics and opening up their space for safe kōrero around mental health, wellbeing, and suicide in the New Zealand construction industry.

Each week there will be a new theme and guest speakers from the industry and beyond will share their experiences and knowledge.

The first episode of ‘Hey Bro’ is available on Spotify now, so tune in on your commute to work for this month’s theme: “World Mental Health and Wellbeing Day”.

If you or someone you know in the industry is struggling or needs help, call 0800 111 315.

Images kindly supplied by MATES in Construction New Zealand.

Alan Hoskin

Whanganui District Council Building control officer

have recently been through the

in

Curin Contractors Ltd

Established in 1996, Curin Contractors Ltd started with just one tip-truck and trailer unit servicing local farmers and the rural community. The business is based in Cambridge and has expanded substantially over the years, now employing 35 plus staff to provide a wide range of civil, earthworks and trucking services for residential, farming and commercial clients across Hamilton, the Waikato and the Central North Island.

From farm works to farm conversions, small projects for new home builds to new sub-divisions, retaining walls to concrete bridge construction, demolition and land clearing to large-scale civil construction, entranceway and driveway construction and maintenance, trucking and transporting a variety of loads, Curin Contractors Ltd offers a depth of knowledge and years of experience.

Having completed a wide variety of projects over the years means the business has in-depth knowledge and innovative solutions for every new project they take on, as well as a great team that are trained and competent to carry out any tasks assigned.

Curin Contractors Ltd run a modern variety of fleet to suit the job at hand including a range of excavators from 1.7t to 23t with specialist attachments, two bobcats, two rollers and two bulldozers. Their cartage fleet of 15 trucks includes 6-wheelers, truck and trailer units, tippers and two

transporters that can cart up to 34t on a widener with the appropriate permits. They also have a full-time mechanic to keep the fleet well-maintained and reliable to get the job done.

Curin Contractors Ltd are an approved council appointed contractor and work closely with the council for civil and earthwork compliance and specifications. Health and safety of staff and the public along with environmental controls while carrying out projects are an important part of the companies practice and procedure.

The team are happy to discuss your needs over the phone or via email and can meet you onsite if required to chat about your civil construction, earthworks and trucking requirements and provide a no-obligation quote for your consideration.

(07) 827 1869 office@curincontractors.co.nz www.curincontractors.co.nz.

Lifting the construction sector’s performance

HERA, the heavy engineering research association, has been successful in the 2022 round of the prestigious Endeavour Fund, which supports important scientific research projects seeking to address some of our biggest challenges.

HERA has been awarded a grant of close to $10.3 million to support a four-year research project focused on transforming the construction sector in Aotearoa New Zealand using Construction 4.0 approaches.

Fundamentally, it will improve productivity for the construction sector more broadly, with key outcomes including better economic performance, building and infrastructure affordability, and a larger workforce which is more skilled, innovative, and digitally literate.

HERA CEO Troy Coyle says, “Our research team is both excited and thankful that the Science Board, assessors and the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation appreciate the significant contribution this project will make to the sector and New Zealand economy.

“This programme not only addresses key challenges identified by our members and wider industry, but will be world-leading in creating data-driven decision-making for the future of construction.

“Currently there is a profound limitation in the way we perform construction in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Complex decisions are being made based on simple data inputs and in linear silos with little inter-connection or data-derived decision support,” Troy says.

“This project will improve design to construction (and beyond) by bringing together industry and a team of global experts rigorously vetted, who will use complexity science to build upon developing nascent global Construction 4.0 knowledge.

“We also recognise the Science Board’s focus on Vision Mātauranga as it is something that aligns strongly to our own commitment in this space.

“We see this as an opportunity to bring a more holistic approach to the key components of the program of Industry 4.0, sustainability and mātauranga Māori.

“Our linkages internationally, to industry, and to existing research programmes will ensure project outcomes avoid redundancy and are international best practice.

“Informed by experts in Mātauranga Māori and its interface with engineering, and by specialists in sustainability and resilience in the built environment, it makes this research unique globally and aligned to social outcomes and intergenerational wellbeing.

“A core research theme will focus on technology transfer in traditional industries and policy development and implementation, to ensure that the project outcomes are readily adoptable.”

The Construction 4.0 framework and guidelines developed in the HERA project

will focus on a series of nationwide sectordriven benefits:

• Better economic performance

• Improved productivity in the construction sector

• Building resilience and performance within environmental limits

• Building and infrastructure affordability

• Interfaces with indigenous knowledge –mātauranga Māori

• Management of complexity and reduction of uncertainty

• Enhancement of information exchange and communication between project stakeholders to increase productivity and quality of output.

HERA CEO Troy Coyle

Surface Finishing Specialists

Part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, the Endeavour Fund, plays a unique role in the science system.

It is the nation’s largest contestable funding system to select excellent research proposals that will provide the highest potential impacts across a range of economic, environmental and societal objectives to transform the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this funding round, the Science Board allocated $236.5 million to 71 projects.

Among the 112 research programme proposals assessed, 45 were assessed for impact, and HERA’s proposal was one of 20 to be approved for investment.

About HERA

Securing tomorrow’s industry by innovating today, HERA drives thought leadership for our industry in research and innovation.

Everything we do is to ensure we’re a New Zealand that supports our metals-based industry.

We want our members to be employers of choice, and to be optimising cost effectiveness through productivity and efficiency.

Providing support so they follow global best practice, are evaluating and adopting new technologies for commercial success and are recognised for their outstanding commitment to quality.

Future-proofing our industry mean’s making sure our members’ metal solutions are recognised as the best choice because they’re easy to use, are low risk and are the most sustainable, competitive, safest, and innovative option for Kiwis.

HERA is led by CEO Dr Troy Coyle, who brings 20 years’ experience in innovation management covering the private sector, not-for-profits, government and academia across a range of industries including materials science, medical radiation physics, biotechnology, sustainable building products, renewable energy and steel.

She is a scientist with a PhD from the University of New South Wales with training in journalism and communications.

The multi-disciplinary expert research team for this programme includes:

Data Connectivity Standardisation

Professor Xun Xu, Head of Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems, University of Auckland, supported by Holger Heinzel, Fabrication 4.0 expert, and Dr. Yuqian Lu, industrial IoT and AI expert.

RP1. Circular Design

Dr Michail Karpenko, GM of Fabrication 4.0, supported by a team including Professor Pingsha Dong, University of Michigan (USA).

RP2. Smart Construction

Dr Alice Chang-Richards, Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland, supported by Dr Yang Zou, construction informatics and digitisation expert, and Dr. Yuqian Lu, expert in construction process automation.

RP3. Monitoring 4.0

Professor Babak Moaveni, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University (USA); and Dr. Kaveh Andisheh GM of Structural Systems, HERA, supported by Dr. Saeed Eftekhar-Azam, Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire (USA).

RT1. Mātauranga Māori

A/Prof Fleur Palmer, Associate Professor of Architecture and Future Environments at Auckland University of Technology, Co-Head Huri te Ao Hoahoanga. Supported by Dr. Mahonri Owen and Dr. Kris Roy at University of Waikato. RT2.

Construction 4.0 Technology Transfer Prof Kenneth Husted, the University of Auckland, supported by Dr Yat Ming Ooi, and Prof Jeroen van der Heijden, Chair in Regulatory Practice, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington.

RT3. Building a Sustainable FutureProfessor Sarah McLaren, Director of NZ Life Cycle Management Centre, supported by Dr David Dowdell, Principal Scientist, BRANZ.

RT4. Computing Technologies for Construction 4.0

Professor Robert Amor, University of Auckland.

Heavy

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

Fifty years of steel success

By Timmi Aplin-Barret

D&H Steel managing director, Wayne Carson, says celebrating 50 years is quite an achievement. “We’re proud of this milestone and we’re looking forward to the next 50.”

To celebrate its success, D&H Steel is hosting two different functions.

The team prides itself on being one of New Zealand’s most preferred structural steel contractors.

The mantra within the company is to proactively take control of the project as early as possible, identify problem areas, propose solutions and drive the project through to a successful completion.

The project management process is focussed on the holistic project outcome, calling upon the expertise and experience of the team that enables D&H Steel to consistently deliver projects on programme.

This approach has ensured that D&H Steel has maintained a strong and reputable presence within the steel construction industry, earning it multiple industry awards and national recognition.

Wayne says the first event will host a large group of clients comprising key partners and stakeholders. It will be a cocktail evening at the Park Hyatt Auckland, which was one of the team’s projects.

The second function will host a much larger group of around 500 staff and partners, both past and present, as well as some key associates. Resident Builder and TV personality Peter Wolfkamp will MC the gala dinner function.

D&H will launch its 50-year celebratory book at the events.

The book tells the history of the business, which grew from humble beginnings in the back blocks of Glen Eden.

More importantly, says Wayne, it is about the people who have contributed to its survival and success during that time.

So it is fitting that the company’s story is told through its people – the book has been created almost entirely from the memories of those who have been involved with the company over the years.

Throughout 2022 D&H has been gathering stories from staff, past and present. Wayne says D&H’s longest-serving member of staff is still part of the team.

“He has been with us for 45 years. We also have two and three generations of family in the company,” he says.

“We’ve been capturing their stories and experiences from their time with D&H and including them in the book. There are some colourful stories from the past 50 years.”

Wayne says the next 50 years will revolve around the growth of the industry and engaging with changing technologies.

“The use of steel in construction is increasing and the demand for steel with it,” he explains.

“We’ve established a strong position in the market and we’re focussed on maintaining that. Partnerships are key. We will continue to develop strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders.”

The steel fabrication industry is changing with advances in technology and D&H Steel is aware it needs to keep pace with the times.

“As a business, we’ve been focussed on keeping ahead of the market and have been early adopters of technology and systems,” says Wayne.

“New technology is very much on our radar. The use of robotics and advances in manufacturing techniques is something we’re keeping an eye on.

“We are embracing the Industry 4.0 pathway, which is about making smarter decisions in real time based on available data. It’s advancing quickly.”

History. Service. Innovation.

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The future of D&H Steel Construction is set to continue for another 50 years if their past growth is anything to go on.

“Our industry and our company has grown from being a hands-on and dirty trade to a sophisticated and professional operation with a high level of expertise and knowledge.

“It’s a simple reflection of what the last 50 years has been about,” says Wayne.

The D&H Way

The ‘D&H Way’ is an attitude that sets the company apart and continues to develop from its experience.

It encompasses the team’s holistic ‘best for project’ approach, its focus on client relationships, its goal to exceed expectations, and its drive for ‘performance when performance counts’.

The true essence of the D&H Way lies with its people and its ‘team of teams’. This ethos manifests itself across the business, with each team adding its own value to the ‘D&H Way’.

D&H Steel proactively manages the entire steel fabrication process. It begins with design, value engineering, budgeting and tendering. Then, the team moves onto construction planning and detailing.

Once that’s completed to a high standard, it moves into fabrication and corrosion protection, followed by site erection.

Underpinning everything are its quality assurance and health and safety processes. Its attitude, knowledge, experience and processes are what make D&H Steel the industry leader.

D&H Steel Construction

42 Mihini Road

Henderson, Auckland (09) 839 7250

tenders@dhsteel.co.nz www.dhsteel.co.nz

With more than 50 years’ experience in the construction sector we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

So, as a national company servicing New Zealanders in the construction industry, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

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

All Steel Services came out on top at the recent 2022 Steel Construction New Zealand Awards.

The awards, delayed due to Covid, saw All Steel Services take out the Standalone Residential section with Gawor Beach House in the Coromandel.

All Steel Services manager, Brendan McLean, says the project was a dream home build. “It was really cool to be able to work on that project,” he says.

Brendan says the awards were a really good night. “We were pretty stoked to receive the top residential award.”

“It’s all architecturally exposed steel, which is one of the hardest jobs to do,” says Brendan.

“All of the columns involved cutting one massive beam in half and welding it to another beam in a crucifix shape.”

The project also incorporated an 8m cantilevered lounge hanging over the dining and kitchen area.

Brendan says they put in apex portals that framed the view of the Matarangi Harbour and the Coromandel Ranges.

SCNZ judges said that structural steel contributed to a striking house with few solid walls, allowing great views of the ocean.

“Considerable thought was given to detailing the connections with elements such as cruciform columns to achieve the required aesthetic,” they said.

Twenty tonnes of steel were involved in the project with an approximate value of the

structural steelwork sitting at $210,000.

SCNZ says the 185km had some of the windiest roads in the country added complexity to the job.

All the steel had to be transported to the site and was conveyed in one load. It took the build team just three days for the entire main structure to be erected.

SCNZ notes that the entire project was detailed, fabricated and welded using only solar power.

All Steel Services have been around since 1989 and are a family owned and operated company.

“I was a welder for All Steel about 20 years ago and then went off and did my own thing for a while. I came back about seven years ago to run the place. It’s grown massively from there,” he says.

Since 2016 when Brendan came back, All Steel Services has pretty much doubled in size each year. They have around 20 full time employees.

“We’re doing a lot of larger projects these days,” says Brendan. “We’ve been working with Ockham and Safari on some of the largest residential projects in Auckland and Wellington.”

“I’d call them bespoke projects,” he says. “It takes a lot of skill to do these projects and a lot of bigger companies don’t have the skill or time to put the details into the jobs.

“You know, anything that is finished, exposed steel, you have to watch every weld. You can’t hide anything.”

All Steel Services take pride in their work, using structural steel to provide solutions and offer artistry.

When your architectural or heritage project demands detail, when your roofing or rainwater project requires consistency, when your commercial or residential build calls for efficiency, you turn to All Steel Services.

All

Steel Services

| |

The experienced heavy fabrication experts

Founded in 1958 by David Culham, Culham Engineering specialises in heavy fabrication and construction.

And the team at Culham Engineering are old hands at it when it comes to heavy fabrication and construction – they’ve been in the business for almost 65 years.

Managing director Rob Kirwan joined the company in late 1980 as a boilermaker welder apprentice progressing to general manager in 2006. In 2015 Rob brought shares in the company and became managing director.

In 2021, he and his other business partner took complete ownership of the company.

During his tenure, Culham Engineering has grown substantially, becoming one of the largest employers in Northland and one of the largest heavy engineering firms in New Zealand.

Rob says that the company has always been passionate about training people.

“We’ve trained over 700 apprentices since our inception.

“Currently, we run up to 40 apprentices per year in many areas of engineering, from heavy fabrication and mechanical fitters, blasting and coatings to riggers, crane drivers and other forms of transport.

“We’ve constantly invested in our people,” Rob says.

“There’s a lot of talk about how people need to train more apprentices, but we have been doing it for the last 64 years.

“It has been challenging at times when there’s been a lack of work, but we have always committed to having four or five on the go in the lean times.”

The company does revolve around its people, as Rob explains.

“You can have all the equipment in the world, but at the end of the day, our business has been built around having good solutionfocused clever people.

“It’s been tough times juggling the challenges that we face on a global stage as it does affect what we do. However, we have excellent relationships, and we are grateful for that.”

Business is going well for Culham Engineering. They are fortunate to be

associated with some great clients doing cool projects.

The business is built around many aspects and is vertically integrated, not concentrating on just one area.

They have created substantial capacity across the board. Culham Engineering is one of a few companies in New Zealand that can take on almost any type of heavy fabrication. They work in infrastructure, structural steel, mechanical maintenance, piping and pressure vessels, shutdown planning, scheduling and execution, storage tanks, petrochemical, pulp and paper, geothermal, and all aspects of marine shipbuilding and repair, industrial blasting and coatings, craneage and transport.

The company have worked on some unique and exciting projects both within the Whangarei region and nationwide, right down to Bluff.

• Bowen Campus redevelopment, Wellington

• New Zealand international convention center rebuild (FCC)

• Whangarei Hospital maternity unit

• Tyre derived fuel system project at Golden Bay Cement

• Mt Maunganui terminal expansion project

• Waikato River Peacocke Bridge Piers

• The new Whangarei Boys High School

• Contact Energy Tauhara project.

And much, much more!

All of these are complemented by an outstanding project management team that fully understands what’s “best for the project”.

The business is all about being solution focused. They have a proven track record of being schedule-driven and giving exceptional quality, with a focus on wellbeing, health and safety.

They have ongoing work throughout New Zealand, mainly focusing on the North Island. Some of the more significant projects currently on the go are the Sky City rebuild, the Central Interceptor project, and the decommissioning of Refinery NZ, along with quite a bit of work down the central North Island and projects in Wellington.

“We are fortunate to have a solid order book with more to come,” he says. “We are so grateful for our people and our clients’ support.”

Culham Engineering 15-17 Hewlett Street Whangarei (09) 438 7145 sales@culham.co.nz www.culham.co.nz

Celebrating

The Grinter’s Funeral Home team - back row L to R: David Espin, Jim Goddin, Helen Carter. Front row: Jan Howie

Enabling greater use of building with timber

“This advisory service, called the Timber Design Centre, is a milestone for increasing the use of timber in the design and construction of building projects, particularly in non-residential structures such as offices, hotels and multi-storey apartments.”

The Centre is an initiative between Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and a consortium comprising Scion (Crown Research Institute), the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, New Zealand Timber Design Society and BRANZ.

“Through this collaboration, the Centre will provide information on timber design guidance, research and development, and specialist technical advice to increase and speed up the use of timber in buildings.

“A great example of what is possible to be achieved through designing in wood is the world-leading Scion headquarters in Rotorua,” Jason says.

He says the initiative builds on international experience and learnings and will drive the

shift to using timber to its full technical potential in New Zealand, particularly in midto-high rise buildings.

“The Centre will also provide an independent forum for fostering connections across the forestry and construction sectors and can develop local expertise, knowledge, techniques, and skills on all aspects of using engineered timber in our buildings.

“By overcoming barriers to using timber in design and construction, New Zealand has the opportunity to replace steel and concrete with wood, lower carbon emissions, and support our country’s drive to greater environmental sustainability.

“The Centre is also a pathway to increase long-term demand for New Zealand wood products and support greater investment in domestic wood processing.”

Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service is funding the Centre as part of the Government’s Fit for a Better World roadmap.

The Centre is one of several key initiatives underway this year to help transform the forest and wood processing sector.

“By providing an innovative and inspiring source of the latest expert advice and information, the Timber Design Centre will inspire building owners and property developers to commission wooden buildings,” he says.

“This is an exciting step to supporting design professionals to specify timber in building designs and enabling builders and contractors to build high quality wooden buildings which not only support our economic potential, but will also deliver strong environmental outcomes for the future.”

The Timber Design Centre is currently virtual, so head to timberdesigncentre.co.nz to find out more and get involved.

Jason Wilson, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service deputy director general

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• Full penetration acceptable solution approved H1.2 glueline treatment using Azotek.

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An agreement to create an industry advisory service for building designers will promote and facilitate greater use of timber in New Zealand buildings, says Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service deputy director general, Jason Wilson.

By providing an innovative and inspiring source of the latest expert advice and information, the Timber Design Centre will inspire building owners and property developers to commission wooden buildings.

Seismic strength

In New Zealand wood has long been favoured over brick for residential buildings because of its ability to flex under stress.

Experiments carried out by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) show timber is the best construction material for coping with New Zealand’s seismic conditions.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Education to determine how much force its school buildings could withstand in an earthquake, the tests showed timber framed buildings can cope with stresses three times that of the Canterbury earthquakes and remain standing.

Ninety percent of the ministry’s 37,500 school buildings are timber framed and the outstanding performance of timber in these tests saved the ministry hundreds of millions of dollars in earthquake strengthening costs.

Physical factors

A number of other factors make timber a superior product for use in construction, including thermal insulation and electrical insulating properties.

The New Zealand Building Code requires houses to comply with thermal insulation standards.

Timber framed construction methods have superior thermal insulating qualities to competing products because of its lower thermal bridging properties. Timber also has a

lower temperature gradient profile, therefore reducing the condensation issues associated with steel.

Modern preservatives provide timber with protection against the effects of moisture and insect attack balanced with minimal use of chemicals and unlike steel, timber does not rust.

Timber is also a natural electrical insulator, particularly when dry as is the norm in modern house framing. If steel comes in accidental contact with a live source of electricity can pose a serious risk to life.

Timber framed construction methods also have superior thermal insulating qualities to competing products because of its lower thermal bridging properties. With a lower temperature gradient profile, it also reduces the condensation issues which are associated with steel.

Although timber burns, its contribution to total fire load in a burning house is very small compared to the load from flammable building contents such as furnishings.

Timber remains dimensionally stable and retains structural strength until the cross section has been considerably reduced, whereas steel will suffer rapid temperature rise and loss of strength when exposed to fire.

Another key benefit is ease of access to plumbing, electrical and communication services a raised timber floor provides.

Timber is construction’s material mainstay, playing a strong role in building since the 1800s, based on its natural qualities of strength, durability and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

According to the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF), the thousand-year tradition has retained its popularity in recognition of cost advantages, access to services and seismic performance amongst many other benefits.

Mangonui Waterfront, Northland

XLam

Improving construction efficiency and reducing the amount of time spent on site has important benefits for builders, developers and asset owners including;

• Improved construction efficiency, reducing time on site and capital and funding costs

• Higher revenue from greater turnover with the same labour resources

• Introducing a degree of prefabrication by using CLT enables off-site manufacturing which mitigates the impact of weather and protects construction schedules

XLam is the leading supplier of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) in the New Zealand market.

Reflecting on the popularity of mass timber, the growth of XLam, Jordan Robinson, from the XLam New Zealandbased Business Development team, said; “The strong interest in mass timber is being driven by a push for greater sustainability in construction, as well as interest in building products and methodologies that improve safety and efficiency - XLam CLT ticks all these boxes.”

XLam has strong credentials from a sustainability perspective and contributes to greener buildings. XLam CLT feedstock is sourced from renewable timber plantations. The chain of custody is PEFC certified, meaning that XLam CLT has been sourced from sustainable, responsible wood (PEFC) certified resources. In addition, building with timber provides the benefit of carbon sequestration. When a tree is harvested, the carbon it has sequestered during its natural lifecycle is retained within its cellular structure. This effectively locks up the carbon it has stored.

“The New Zealand market has really embraced CLT,” said Jordan. “Over the past 10 years, XLam has seen strong growth year-on-year and especially over the past 24 months and, based on our pipeline of contracts and forward commitments, we expect this strong growth to continue.”

Looking at the range of projects that XLam has supplied, the applications for CLT are exciting, inspiring, and practical. XLam CLT is used in full mass timber construction, as well as in hybrid structures (steel & concrete), in buildings across the residential, commercial, civil, and industrial sectors. Using CLT with steel and concrete enables engineers and architects to utilise the specific benefits of each material to maximise the design outcome.

As well as being sustainable, XLam CLT is an efficient building material. Lightweight and strong, using XLam CLT can enable savings to be made on other structural elements such as foundations and moment resisting frames, allows for applications such as vertical extensions on existing buildings, and enables greater quantities of material on softer ground.

ROI is also improved through enhanced construction efficiency where the use of off-site prefabricated CLT panels can provide important practical benefits as well as improved financial performance that is linked with achieving faster construction.

• Reduction in time on site providing direct operational cost savings

• Earlier handover improving customer satisfaction and project yield

• Enhanced operating, financing, and profitability ratios that improve project ROI.

XLam has been proud to supply CLT for some iconic buildings across New Zealand however that is only one part of the story.

XLam CLT is also the unsung hero in many volume and value oriented builds. These projects include social housing and large commercial buildings where XLam CLT has been specified for prefabricated elements such as walls, floorplates and airstairs.

Jordan highlighted that where project stakeholders are keen to use CLT, it is important to make this decision early in the project design stages. “XLam has detailed technical manuals and we are happy to provide technical information and guidance during the concept and preliminary design stage so that clients can extract maximum benefit from using mass timber,” said Jordan.

In the current market, where material shortages are top of mind, XLam CLT supply is guaranteed by the vertically integrated feedstock XLam receives from their sister company Hyne Timber. This means that there has been no disruption in XLam CLT supply.

For more information about XLam and CLT please visit www.xlam.co.nz

The market for CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) in New Zealand continues to grow strongly with asset owners, developers, contractors, builders, architects, and engineers all keen to embrace the benefits of Mass Timber.

Looking at the range of projects that XLam has supplied, the applications for CLT are exciting, inspiring, and practical. XLam CLT is used in full mass timber construction, as well as in hybrid structures (CLT used with steel & concrete), in buildings across the residential, commercial, civil and industrial sectors.

Auckland City Mission, Auckland NZ (Photograph: Alex Wallace)

Timber solutions by Techlam

By Michaela Pointon

Techlam is New Zealand’s premium structural glued laminated timber manufacturer. At Techlam, there is a glulam product to suit any project.

Their offering covers straight laminated timber solutions for conventional builds, through to complex shapes, which elevate any modern architecturally designed space.

Managing director of Techlam, Brett Hamilton, says the business is already providing environmentally friendly solutions but the demand for timber used in buildings is becoming even more popular.

“Inside the engineered timber market, there is a lot of appetite and demand for the use of timber, especially with the government introducing the Building for Climate Change legislation.”

Techlam is celebrating its 30th anniversary of business this year. Despite achieving longevity and being a successful business, Brett says the increased demand for carbonreduced builds has supported the business to grow, as well as helping the environment.

The business recently received two awards at the Electra Business and Innovation Awards. The Construction and Trades Award and the Innovation Award.

These awards show the business’s success with sustainability and innovation throughout the building industry.

Brett says they have been working with MBIE for funding towards their new 3.5-milliondollar expansion project.

“We have quite a big project running at the moment which includes upgrading some of our equipment which gives us additional capacity.

“We are also working on reducing our waste streams by utilising lower grade of fibre and adding more value to our products, which ultimately means taking less waste to landfill.

“This includes putting in an additional CNC processing line, the first of its kind in NZ,” he says.

He says the business is continuing to work on manufacturing processes to become even more environmentally efficient by reducing waste.

They work with clients to ensure they are getting the most out of their products to ensure waste is minimised.

Techlam has projects scheduled well into 2023. However, Brett says if you are considering working on a new project with Techlam the best time is to get in early.

“We find huge benefits in working with clients early into the project. This means we can provide our expertise and design partners from the start to give you the best possible outcome.”

Techlam’s sustainable wood products support and enhance all structures and

spaces throughout Australasia, the Pacific, and globally. Techlam is sought-after and guaranteed to enhance your next project. Whether you are looking into building your next home or want to work with Techlam on a bigger commercial build, make sure to get in contact with the team early on, to discuss how you can work together.

To find out more about Techlam and the services they provide make sure to check out their website at: www.techlam.nz.

30 years of sustainable timber manufacturing

Techlam 35-39 Tiro Tiro Road Levin 0800 Techlam (832 452) info@techlam.co.nz www.techlam.nz

form of advertising you can measure, then increase or decrease, so you can manage your workflow accordingly!

You’ve probably heard people talk about digital marketing, Google AdWords, online traffic, SEO and social media. Then on top of all that, you need to have a lead generating web presence with good traffic etc.

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Right now there are people looking for a business just like yours. However, if you don’t have AdWords, there’s a very good chance they’ve just clicked one of your competitors’ websites.

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0800 FATWEB | www.fatweb.co.nz

A clearer view of new thermal performance standards for windows

As of November 3rd this year, new thermal performance standards are in effect across New Zealand. Window & Glass Association technical manager Rob Campion shares what this means for buildings heading into design and consenting.

If you are currently planning a building project – and especially if you are submitting for consent on or after November 3rd 2022, it must meet new standards for thermal performance.

For windows and doors, this means changes to glass and eventually frame solutions, to satisfy a near doubling in overall thermal performance requirements by November 2nd 2023.

An overview

As a quick recap – this revision of Clause H1 brings in a new set of regulations governing the thermal performance of our building envelopes.

It impacts all the primary building elements; roofs, walls, floors and especially windows and doors, which have long been an insulation weak point.

There are two main impacts on glazed elements.

First is the move from basing performance on a single standardised window, to looking at the weighted average R value (or thermal resistance) of a building lot of joinery. This provides a more holistic view of the contribution to the thermal envelope.

Second is the minimum R value requirements for windows and doors have increased, to as much as R0.50 for some buildings in our coldest climates.

The new requirements

To get a handle on what requirements your building is subject to, you need three things: the building type (housing, other buildings up to 300sqm or other buildings greater than 300sqm), the site address of the building to determine which of six new Climate Zones it’s in, and when you intend to apply for consent.

The Association has created a simple tool for finding Housing, and created Quick Reference Guides available for all the building types, on our website.

Housing

On November 3rd this year, the requirement for housing in all zones moved to R0.37.

This means minimum compliance can be achieved through a change in glazing, and specifically through the use of high performance double glazed Low E IGUs (Insulated Glass Units), in aluminium frames as we know them.

In zones one and two, encompassing Auckland where 70 percent of our residential

construction occurs, there are no further changes until November 2nd 2023, when requirements lift to R0.46 and demand different window frame solutions.

In cooler regions, that move comes earlier, on May 1st 2023, moving to R0.46 in Zones three and four, and R0.50 in Zones five and six.

At these levels, the cold aluminium frames that are a mainstay in so many New Zealand homes will become a thing of this past. Instead, compliance will require doubleglazed Low E IGUs combined with thermally broken aluminium, uPVC or timber frames.

Communal, commercial, industrial and other buildings

As of November 3rd, for such buildings up to 300sqm, Zones one and two have moved to R0.37 and will be the only segment to shift again on May 1st 2023 to R0.46. Zones three and four now sit at R0.46, and Zones five and six at R0.50.

For buildings greater than 300m2 Zones one and two are now at R0.33, Zones three and four are at R0.37, and Zones five and six split into R0.40 and R0.42 respectively.

Looking ahead

The window and glass industry supports the Government’s initiative to create warmer, healthier, more energy-efficient buildings, and the changes to H1.

And while change is never without impact and challenges, the industry is ready.

For those working in the commercial sector it’s important to note that most of the changes for ‘other buildings’ – including the likes of hotels, schools, restaurants, retirement villages and more, are already fully implemented. Window & Glass Association New Zealand PO Box 44237 Point Chevalier Auckland 1246 (09) 815 3550 www.wganz.org.nz

New Zealand’s glass suppliers have already reassessed their product offerings and secured supply to accommodate the shift to Low E glass.

And aluminium suppliers have systems for thermally broken frames, while uPVC suppliers and timber window manufacturers are also adjusting and increasing their capacity.

You can find more resources and regular updates to our H1 Info Hub online at: www.wganz.org.nz.

The Fifth edition of H1 introduces six Climate Zones, which correlate to specific R value require ments for different building types and timeframes.

Timeline graph provided by Window and Glass Association New Zealand.

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Traffic Management Waikato

Providing excellence in traffic management

is required by CoPTTM (Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management) to providing the best service to everyone involved.

CoPTTM is the NZTA’s standard reference for all temporary traffic management on state highways and local roads. It includes levels of temporary traffic management, signs and forms used, and a series of sample traffic management plans. This ensures that road users are being kept safe during temporary traffic management.

Our team are highly qualified and experience STMS (Site Traffic Management Specialist) personnel. STMS is a qualification for people working in the TTM (Temporary Traffic Management) who have the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency TMO (Traffic Management Operative) warrant. They’re highly qualified people who will be supervising the setup, change and removal of a worksite to a predetermined plan.

We work hard to provide a safe working environment for you while ensuring minimal disruption to you and traffic.

Traffic Management Waikato understand that traffic delays of any kind can impact on the public's perceptions of your company and endeavour to go over and above what

Once sites are set, our proactive staff will optimize and assist site vehicles, public vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic Management Waikato’s sites are audited to ensure that we comply with the law and providing best practices.

Traffic Management Waikato offer traffic management from basic shoulder closures to complex, multiple Stop/Go plans on L1 roads.

• Temporary Road Closures and Road Shoulder Closures

• Traffic Management Plans

• Traffic Controllers (Stop/Go)

• Roading Health & Safety

• Temporary Road Signs, Cones, Barriers

• STMS Personnel

• CoPTTM Compliance

Traffic Management Waikato have an outstanding safety record. Our sites are audited both internally and externally to ensure that we are complying to the letter of the law and providing best practices. Our internal systems are continually being improved, not just on site, allowing swifter, faster emergency response and improving management and operations. All our trucks have dash cameras and our best practice involves filming every site we work on; each job is then reviewed for any process improvements or staff training by our fulltime auditor and trainer.

Our clients range from councils to business users, roading contractors to construction companies, power companies to road markers and arborists to tree felling companies.

For an obligation free initial meeting to discuss your traffic management needs, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Traffic Management Waikato.

1 Karaka Street

Nawton, Hamilton 027 777 0674

office@tmw.nz or bookings@tmw.nz www.tmw.nz

Working on behalf of an entire industry

For over 100 years, Master Plumbers has been dedicated to working for its members.

As a not-for-profit membership association, Master Plumbers actively advocates for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

Master Plumbers and Masterlink CEO, Greg Wallace, says the organisation is there to represent members on issues that impact them or public health and safety.

He says the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that, “we need to ensure we are providing people with safe drinking water, safe stormwater and safe wastewater”.

Greg highlights four priority advocacy projects underway at Master Plumbers, identified through their annual membership survey.

“The first issue is the shortage of qualified tradespeople,” he says, estimating that the industry is around 30 percent short of the plumbers it needs to provide all those vital services.

The second issue is supply shortages. “The reality is that the shortage of Gib, steel and some timber products has delayed projects across New Zealand,” he says. “The industry is trying to deal with this supply shortage and is struggling to keep up.”

The third issue is around apprentice training. New Zealand’s shortage of tradespeople is largely due to the fact that, for decades, not enough businesses have trained apprentices.

It is a significant commitment for plumbing businesses to take on apprentices and give

them on-job training, and Master Plumbers has advocated for employer support for many years.

It welcomed the government’s introduction of Apprenticeship Boost funding in response to COVID-19 and wants to see it continue for many years to come. This initiative has substantially increased the number of new apprentices in training.

Greg is also CEO of Masterlink, a mentored apprenticeship organization owned by Master Plumbers.

“We employ over 300 apprentices. Masterlink provides a solution for small to medium businesses needing support to take on apprentices. It’s a good model for that kind of company, but our industry needs to do more.”

While happy with the growth in apprentice numbers, he says the current training system is not keeping up with the skilled workforce New Zealand needs, now and in the future.

Apprentice training is in a transition period due to the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE), an ongoing shortage of tutors at polytechs, and Covid affecting scheduled block courses.

“The impact of this on off-job training is that some apprentices are struggling to get qualified,” he says.

Finally, the building consent process has become a real issue with record numbers of consents.

“We’re frustrated that inspection and consenting times have been pushed out as long as 30 to 60 days. The reality is that councils are struggling to keep up.”

To help solve this issue, Greg says he’d like to see councils utilising digital technology, which would enable remote inspections.

“We want the construction industry not to be restrained by delays in the compliance process,” he says.

Another way Master Plumbers is working to make sure industry voices are heard is through the New Zealand Plumbing Conference.

The gasfitting industry is going through a transitional period with alternative carbon neutral fuel gasses such as hydrogen and biomethane on the table. The industry is keen to develop new and improved technology and ideas so they can help meet New Zealand’s climate change targets.

This year’s event is being held in Rotorua from 15-17 June and tickets are already sold out.

Greg says they’re expecting more than 350 people to attend. “We’re excited we can connect with our members and business partners in person again and we’ve got a great selection of guest speakers.”

With a plethora of panel discussions, technical sessions and presentations from industry professionals, it looks set to be an impressive event.

“A lot of people are excited to get back to normal.”

Master Plumbers

0800 502 102 info@masterplumbers.org.nz www.masterplumbers.org.nz

Masterlink 0800 502 102 admin@masterlink.co.nz

Becoming a member of Master Plumbers has a lot of perks including the Master Plumbers brand, health and safety resources, human resources support, tailored insurance, discounts, quality assurance and more. Enquire online about becoming a member today!

Greg Wallace Master Plumbers and Masterlink CEO

Oakleys Plumbing Supplies

The global pandemic has changed the face of the home market, instigating great opportunities in design and construction.

Delivery times and access to products may be affected but the desire for the comforts of home and the ability to innovate far outweigh the negatives.

In the past year many international Kiwis have returned home and New Zealand Kiwis adjusted to life without travel.

The result is a building boom in the domestic renovation and building market, with flow on effects into the commercial and industrial construction as more jobs were created and places of business created.

Plumbing supplies market leader, Oakleys Plumbing Supplies, reports the demand for quality plumbing systems has never been higher.

The variety of systems available in today’s market ensures all plumbers and tradespeople have access to the system that best suits the home’s setting and special features.

Commercial buildings present a unique set of requirements, however Oakleys have the plumbing systems best able to meet these specific requirements, including specialist knowledge in the specification of medical institutions, educational facilities and food handling operations.

Oakleys has trade supply partnerships with reputable companies from around New Zealand and internationally.

In the domestic construction market there is a clear emphasis on beautifying the most functional spaces of the home: bathrooms. They are a place of relaxation and escape, a haven to pamper oneself and revitalise and are being paid increased attention during design phases.

Oakleys Plumbing Supplies showroom consultants report that current customers are not shy about achieving the best results they can, with the demand for top-quality bathroomware higher than ever.

People are not only building for function, there is an aspect of comfort and pride in their projects, too.

Oakleys’ commitment to both New Zealand manufacturers and the best of the European suppliers, ensures customers are never without choice of product.

Popular amongst homeowners at the moment are tapware in living metals which patina with age, and concrete basins and baths with their raw beauty and anchoring affect.

German designed thermostatically controlled shower systems are in demand, so you never have to worry about consistency in water temperature again, as are intelligent toilets which incorporate bidet systems and therefore an environment of increased hygiene.

Oakleys

Oakleys has a talented team of consultants amongst its four stores, who not only have encyclopaedic knowledge of bathroomware products, but also offer design services, spatial planning advice, colour consultancies for builders and homeowners.

As a result of increased demand in the bathroom industry, the Oakleys Group is in the midst of a showroom rejuvenation programme.

Both the Nelson and Cromwell stores have their state-of-the-art showrooms open with Dunedin’s renovation currently in design and Christchurch’s to follow.

Designed by award-winning designer Davinia Sutton, the showrooms introduce a standard rarely seen in New Zealand showrooms before.

Davinia has created a raft of concept bathrooms showcasing the company’s amazing product lines and teamed them with impressive lighting, and beautiful tile, wallpaper and paint choices to showcase exactly what is achievable in today’s bathroom design world.

The showrooms feature kitchen and laundry products, extensive tapware collections, and working displays where you can test products before you buy.

What’s more they specialise in more than just bathrooms, with home heating being another string to their bow.

The company are agents for Rinnai indoor gas fires, Rinnai heat pumps and ducting systems, and Escea indoor and outdoor gas fires.

When Henry Oakley and John Morgan Taylor founded Taylor & Oakley Plumbers Iron and Tinplate Workers, Gasfitters and Bellhangers, Christchurch was a newly established city and their products were the preferred fittings by reputable plumbers.

Workmanship and service was given the utmost attention. So much so that the company won awards for its work, including a gold medal at the 1906 NZ International Exhibition for its pumice concrete washtubs.

The company was people orientated with regular picnics for the staff and their families, and a company rugby team, which was competitive in corporate games, received regular column inches in the local newspaper.

In 1919 Taylor and Oakley parted ways, with Oakley & Sons remaining in Tuam Street. The company was described as a plumbers' merchant, sheet metal workers, tinsmiths, and manufacturers of hollow-ware, spouting, downpipes, canisters, pumice boilers and concrete tubs.

Now 145 years later, the company proudly maintains its locally owned and operated status with the owner of each branch found on the shop floor every day.

This dedication to locals helping locals is at the forefront of the exceptional Oakleys’ service.

Oakleys’ dedication to design, workmanship and service has been evident since the company was established in 1875.

has a talented team of consultants amongst its four stores, who not only have encyclopaedic knowledge of bathroomware products, but also offer design services, spatial planning advice, colour consultancies for builders and homeowners.

Setting the standard for waterproofing

The Waterproofing Membrane Association Inc (WMAI) has been developing a suite of code of practice documents in conjunction with MBIE for the purpose of developing acceptable solutions for the NZBC and to raise the standard for New Zealand builds.

WMAI chairperson, Chris Withers, says this is because people want first class buildings which call for high standards in waterproofing and moisture control.

“Part of this is to have the information and training available for installers, architects and designers,” Chris says.

The association says that currently, the most commonly utilized external waterproof membranes can only be considered as an alternative solution in building consent applications unless they are Butyl rubber or EPDM membranes.

These membrane types are included as acceptable solutions in E2 External Moisture. for E3 Internal Moisture.

MBIE recently cited the Internal Wet Area Membrane (IWAM) Code of Practice (chapters 1-4) as an ‘Acceptable Solution’, E3/AS2 which should be used by designers, architects and the waterproofing industry as the go-to for information for any project that requires an internal waterproof membrane system.

Chris says the association was formed nearly 20 years ago by the majority group of suppliers in the New Zealand market who could foresee the issues that were to plague the membrane industry in the aftermath of the New Zealand leaky homes crisis, and their mission was to find solutions to the issues that beset the building industry at the time.

He says part of developing these codes is also supporting the education of these standards and helping train the industry.

“This education includes people in the city councils. They will have to be aware of these new practices when undertaking inspections. “They’ll have to satisfy these requirements,” Chris says.

It’s not just a small group of people who need to be in the know - if the state of new builds is to improve, it’s an industry wide issue.

The main documents the association has been working on and have completed are the Code of Practice for Internal Wet Area Membranes (IWAM) and the Code of Practice for Reinforced Modified Bitumen Membrane Systems (RMBM) for Roofs and Decks, and currently the draft version of the Below Grade Tanking (BGT) code of practice.

The IWAM, which details selection, design and installation requirements for Internal Wet Area Membranes, has been cited by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment as E3/AS2, which is in effect now and must be used to demonstrate compliance to the New Zealand Building Code E3 Internal Moisture.

Chris says the acceptable solution for internal wet areas E3/AS2 is relevant now for all architects and designers who’ll need to get familiar with the new information.

He says they need to begin incorporating these changes into their designs when creating bathrooms and wet areas.

In the near future, it looks like heating and ventilation will also be addressed.

Chris says the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment has been talking with the Waterproofing Membrane Association and is looking to fix gaps in the building code.

This may look like a “warm roof” code of practice in the near future.

Creating these new codes and regulations isn’t a simple task though. First of all, members submit potential ideas which are then reviewed along with relevant literature and the current Building Code.

A draft is written, then reviewed by members and edited as needed. Public consultation comes next, followed by further editing, consideration of industry stakeholders and a final review by the association members. Finally, it’s signed off and available for download and print.

The future of residential builds in New Zealand looks set to get healthier as the association continues to work with the government and industry professionals to create codes and practices that will serve everyone.

Chris says the association is here to listen to industry stakeholders’ concerns and ideas and represent them.

Waterproofing Membrane Association Inc

Chair: Chris Withers 0272 845 327 chairman@wmai.org.nz

Technical Adviser: Brian Greenall 027 442 5762 techadviser@wmai.org.nz www.wmai.org.nz

Extreme

Extreme Car Hire is located in Hamilton New Zealand and services neighbouring cities.

Our goal is to pimp out your ride for your next big event. Whether you need a ride for your wedding, birthday, music video, business promotional material or to feature in a magazine, we have you sorted.

We have the perfect car no matter the occasion! Bridal Beast will get you to the wedding in the most unique and outrageous style. No rambling old vintage cars here – imagine as you arrive to the deep thumping rumble of the V8, the ground shakes, supercharger whines, paint and chrome gleam and jaws drop, this is no ordinary wedding... you and your guests will remember this day forever.

We offer at present four incredible Beasts for your special occasion. Hire one or all, these unique vehicles are available for weddings, balls, birthday parties, photo shoots, TV & film work, music videos and promotions.

At Extreme Car Hire we really have a true passion for cars and know how much a killer set of wheels can set you apart from the crowd. Embrace your unique style and have your car set the mood.

Hire

Owner Robbie Allen is the driving force behind the business and the brand initiative of Extreme Car Hire. Motivated by his thriving passion for cars, Robbie has become a go-to man in the industry for all your transportation needs. Robbie believes there is no such idea as a ‘can’t’ and will do anything to get the best result for his clients.

He also owns a car wash business and a linehaul fleet distribution company, proving him to be a very successful business owner, with a clear devotion to his work.

Let us help you be the superstar at your next event. Contact us today, we’d love to hear from you.

0274 972 717 extremecarhire@ratpak.co.nz

At Extreme Car Hire we really have a true passion for cars and know how much a killer set of wheels can set you apart from the crowd.

Air passenger travel recovery spells good news for cargo

Delegates at the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation (CBAFF) annual conference in Queenstown heard from experts from across the passenger and air cargo sector about how steadily increasing passenger travel will support cargo freight.

Air New Zealand global sales manager, Alexander Larsen, outlined the “Inextricable link between tourism and cargo freight.

“About 80 percent of New Zealand’s import and export air freight is done in the belly of passenger aircraft,” Alexander says.

“We are not a freight-led market because traditionally, we have been a very attractive tourist destination. When tourism is buoyant, it leads to better outcomes of market access and breadth of market. More capacity coming into the market, generally speaking, improves the total cost of market access.

“When tourism is good, generally speaking, freight is good but, of course, we have had complications in the last couple of years, to say the least.

“We are now seeing the other side of that and are moving away from the cargo-only operating model we have been in for a couple of years.”

He says passenger markets are returning at different rates. Asian routes are proving slower to recover but Air New Zealand is seeing good improvement in the TransTasman market, with the possibility of returning to pre-pandemic capacity by March 2023. It is also hoped that North American routes will return to pre-Covid levels by March.

“We still have a number of international wide body services every week travelling with nobody up top. Of six services a week

to Shanghai, two have passengers, four are empty up top and full down below.

“It will take some time to get to the point where we have bums on every seat and it will be a great day when we do.”

He also outlined plans for Air New Zealand to move its Auckland cargo terminal and develop a new modern facility.

While the new location has not yet been determined, the move is expected to take

place between 2025 and 2031, providing significant volume and efficiency benefits, with capacity to serve the airline to beyond 2050.

JATA regional manager Operational Safety and Security (Cargo) Asia Pacific, David Wee, also had positive messages around the recovery of passenger travel demandsharing that, overall, it was now at around 75 percent of 2019 levels.

He says there was a slight drop at present, attributed to factors such as inflation and geopolitical issues, particularly the Ukraine war, but the expectation is the air travel industry will recover to pre-Covid levels by 2024 - with significant cargo freight benefits.

“That will mean a fair belly hold injection into the network. We do expect Asia Pacific to be slower than the rest of the region but that should also be back to normal by 2025.”

David also outlined IATA’s current priorities, including air cargo sustainability, end-to-end air cargo digitalisation, safe carriage of cargo and mail and a call for governments to step up enforcement of safety regulation for the transport of lithium batteries.

Kevin Jackson from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority, set out recent developments in the civil aviation sector, including a recent audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and an inspection by US transport security.

“ICAO found some things we are doing in New Zealand are very successful but they found some things that could be significantly

improved and they will be issuing a series of findings about what we can do better.”

Kevin says issues under scrutiny included how ‘known customer’ is run and also the quality of tamper evidence of cargo and underlined the critical importance of regulated air cargo agents (RACA), and cargo terminal operators (CTO), ensuring tight security and rigorous controls in this area.

He says the US inspection had proved very positive, with the team very happy with the way cargo is being managed in New Zealand.

“In theory, that should smooth people’s transport to America. A regulated air cargo agent or CTO will still have to do what the airlines flying to the US tell you to do and nothing will change at the moment but, in the future, it might mean that things get a little bit easier.”

162 Mokoia Road Auckland 0626

(09) 419 0042 www.cbaff.org.nz

Air passenger travel is steadily returning to pre-pandemic levels, with associated benefits for importers and exporters.

Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation

Are you looking for a solution to help you overcome your pain points.

Like many other transport operators, who have joined the iCOS users group.

• Whom were buried under paper,

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EVOLUTION OF iCOS GROUP

iCOS Group of Companies have been trading for the last 30 years in the recession of 89, we built iCOS an (Integrated Cargo Operating System). In the recession of 2008 / 2009 we built iCOS LIVE (Internet Cargo Operating System) their current system.

Just prior to going into the first Covid lock-down iCOS commenced building their new platforms. iCOS GLOBAL, NEXT Generation iCOS (Interoperable Cargo Operating Solution) a significant upgrade from iCOS LIVE.

With iCOS Connect, you can look forward to Public APIs that our customers can consume, as well as new integrations and any other collaborations that come to hand to join our ecosystem to make our new iCOS your main platform.

Both products have been built on Microsoft Azure to enhance scalability & speed. Along with a new ETL process for EDI’s electronic data interchange, which will be faster, more responsive, with informative monitoring data flows.

iCOS

DRIVER APP VERSION

3

Our latest version of the driver app, will be a combination of iCOS GO and Driver APP 2

You can think of this as us taking all our knowledge and experience in the Transport industry and asking the question ‘what could iCOS do for our customers in 2022 and beyond’?

All these products have been built in conjunction with our raving fans – Our customers!

We listen and we deliver.

Thank you for your time in carefully considering iCOS GROUP as your business partner.

business.

WRNZ – the recolouring specialists

WRNZ Professional Remedial Solutions specialises in repairing damaged powder coating, painted surfaces, wood, and metal.

It is the leading professional remedial solutions company for repairing and recolouring commercial (construction companies), residential and architectural builds.

WRNZ was established in 2012 and is well known in the Auckland region for its remedial work, which includes dent and scratch repairs to powder-coated surfaces, recolouring, doors, and full exterior panel works.

The team also helps its residential clients by recolouring their clients’ homes’ aluminium joinery such as aluminium windows, doors, metal fencing, and garage doors. The team of experts can spray various surfaces. Services also include wood repairs and stains, tile repairs, consultations, and custom paint matches.

The team is friendly, communicates well with their clients and is always there to lend a helping hand. They deal with problem-solving all the time and always have a positive attitude when completing their jobs. Their projects are completed onsite and in situ, which means no more costly and timely replacement worries.

WRNZ used to be known as Window Recolouring as the team always fixed these types of issues, but while the WRNZ director Devan Vitali had been spraypainting expensive aluminium super yachts at boatyards, he met someone through spray-painting boats, who sparked the idea in Devan’s head to work with aluminium windows. Devan then decided to start his professional recolouring aluminium journey, which led to WRNZ.

Devan loves working on developing and utilising his skills and knowledge from working on aluminium boats to working on aluminium window joinery. He also loves meeting new people and ensuring the team continues to showcase a high standard from beginning to finish. They do this to satisfy their clients’ needs and wants, which they’re able to do ever since Devan’s experience of working to the best of his ability in the luxury yacht industry.

The key to Devan’s success is WRNZ’s value proposition - instead of replacing the windows and clients having to get another company to make and manufacture new ones, the business offers to fix the damage instead, making things easier for everyone.

Devan is very proud of the business’s accomplishments as the team is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this December.

“The stats are against us” as most small businesses in the country are struggling and only a small percentage of businesses survive for this long,” he says.

Therefore, not many businesses have the opportunity to run for ten years straight. Memorable accomplishments WRNZ will never forget working on so far are:

1. PwC Tower at Commercial Bay

2. Alexandra Park Apartments

3. Park Hyatt (hotel in Auckland)

4. The Pacifica (a 57-story residential skyscraper) is New Zealand’s tallest residential building located in Auckland’s CBD.

They worked on repairing aluminium joinery on-site without replacing anything. Have a

look at the website for more information about their recent projects.

Challenges Devan has noticed is staff retention, as there is no accredited apprenticeship for this type of work because it is very “niche”, he says.

Usually, there are about 15-20 people working in the team at a time. They’re all experienced, knowledgeable and hardworking mobile spray painters who also work on special architecturally designed, one-off unique designs like stairs, artwork and monuments.

WRNZ is very successful as it has over 800 clients, worked on well over 2,500 projects and done countless repairs. WRNZ is also a proud Window and Glass Association New Zealand member contributing to the surface repairs and resurfacing department.

What makes WRNZ different from its competitors is the company’s culture – the team “goes the extra mile” as they are professional, have a great reputation and build and maintain great relationships, Devan says.

What Devan enjoys most about his job is “learning on the fly” and “pioneering gets

me going” – especially when working on a project that is “a world’s first”, Devan says with pride.

For instance, working on a three-and-a-half thousand square metre building in Auckland, which no one’s done before, Devan says. The project took place on Monday the 17th of October and the team helped with the paint job, educating the client about their methodology, providing a strong value proposition of “repair, rather than replace”, quantities of paint, major health and safety policies, environmental policies, and much more.

In terms of future goals, Devan wants to expand his business in other territories around New Zealand and Australia. So, watch this space! The team is confident, has trustworthy products and uses the latest technology to get their job done on time, every time.

Group photo with (front) WRNZ director Devan Vitali and the team at the back (from left to right) senior project manager Murray Ellis, spray-painter Ariful Islam, spray-painter Sohan Rahman, general manager Ben Ravenhall, spray-painter Ali Idris, and spray-painter Asad Khondoker.

A WRNZ team member providing recolouring aluminium joinery solutions.

The importance of waste reduction

Some two years ago, an ecolabel was launched with big ambitions – to help tackle construction and demolition waste in New Zealand.

Why an ecolabel? Its creator, Environmental Choice New Zealand (ECNZ), sets the highest standards for environmental preferability in New Zealand.

If you see a product, such as a cleaning product – or even toilet paper – with the ECNZ logo, you can be assured the manufacturer has done everything it could do to create better environmental outcomes, from material sourcing through to end-of-life solutions.

ECNZ decided it was time we collectively understood what best practice means when it comes to dealing with construction and demolition waste.

Over a period of 12 months, ECNZ consulted with experts in the field and developed a thorough specification that is available online for free public viewing.

ECNZ general manager, Francesca Lipscombe, says the ecolabel is right for organisations that care about sustainability, want to do it well, and want to be recognised for their efforts – especially by their customers.

“Having external validation gives businesses an advantage, especially in a sector that is increasingly under the microscope by government, councils and the public,” says Francesca.

The resulting specification, Construction & Demolition Waste Services (EC-59 C&D Waste), outlines in detail how to effectively and efficiently deal with construction and demolition waste.

For example, it requires separating waste on-site and achieving at least 70 percent diversion from landfill.

It means looking for ways to eliminate, reuse or recycle materials like concrete, steel, polystyrene, and plastic componentry.

It also means making sure employees understand what effective waste management is.

• The great news for architects, builders, and developers is that the ECNZ ecolabel for construction and demolition waste supports Green Star accreditation.

• Buildings applying for a Green Star rating need to demonstrate that they comply with a number of credits.

• “If you are working on a building project where the waste contractor or waste generator has an ECNZ licence, Green Star’s mandatory minimum reporting requirement for construction and demolition waste is automatically met. In addition, projects using ECNZ licensed waste contractors also qualify for one point under Green Star’s 70 percent diversion from landfill credit.”

Waste not, want not

The construction and demolition sector can make up about 50 percent of New Zealand’s waste according to BRANZ.

Originally, the waste disposal levy was introduced via the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 in order to raise revenue towards efforts to minimise waste however, the levy only applied to municipal landfills.

The government has increased and expanded the waste disposal levy to include construction and demolition fill and managed or controlled fill facilities.

WasteMINZ CEO, Janine Brinsdon says, “The increased cost of disposal will eventually have an economic impact. It will also generate $276m per annum by 2024 –

a significant increase from $30 million per annum in 2020. This revenue will be reinvested into waste minimisation projects, including investment in C&D waste projects.

“However, it could also have unintended consequences. We could see an increase in waste being dumped in non-controlled locations, to avoid the levy.”

Although a possibility, considering waste disposal should be budgeted in construction projects. Hopefully those within the industry can jump on board with the efforts being made to divert and minimise waste as the benefits are hard to pass up.

Janine points out that retaining the value of construction materials through diversion and reuse will support local economies, reduce the need for imports while also saving on the cost of waste disposal.

“If the sector doesn’t embrace reduction in the levels of waste being sent for disposal, rather than reused or repurposed, then the financial impact to the sector will be at a level where it will add additional pressure on margins and costs.

“Increased focus on waste minimisation at design and more effective material

separation management, either onsite or aggregated, will help mitigate this risk.”

Furthermore, BRANZ suggests that much of what is considered ‘construction waste’ could easily be diverted from landfills simply by sorting the waste.

Other economic costs BRANZ highlights includes the operation and maintenance of landfills and the cost of transporting waste to landfills.

For those interested in teaming up with WasteMINZ and joining its new Recycling & Resource Recovery group, more information on membership can be found at: www.wasteminz.org.

If the sector doesn’t embrace reduction in the levels of waste being sent for disposal, rather than reused or repurposed, then the financial impact to the sector will be at a level where it will add additional pressure on margins and costs.

Finding solutions to the plastic problem

Unitec’s Environmental Solutions Research Centre is transforming plastic waste disposal in the construction industry

Since its formation, Unitec’s Environmental Solutions Research Centre (ESRC) has been at the forefront of research in New Zealand, seeking solutions for the issues of waste and pollution, especially in the construction industry.

The centre’s work has made significant inroads into the way plastics are reduced and recycled, and in September, as part of a joint project team, was one of four recipients from the $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund.

Working with Aliaxis New Zealand companies, Marley and RX Plastics, and Waste Management New Zealand the project members will work together is to amplify the message of recycling throughout the construction industry, as well as find practical solutions to minimise plastic waste going to landfill from the construction and demolition industry.

ESRC’s role in the project involves studying how to identify and quantify the plastic waste produced from residential, commercial and infrastructure construction sites, generated from various stages of construction in Auckland.

The Plastics Innovation Fund (PIF) will contribute $4.46m to the initiative (35.66% of the overall project investment). This project is one of the first recipients of this groundbreaking new fund and includes:

• Investing in new plastic recycling facilities across New Zealand which will sort, wash and shred PVC and HDPE plastic from construction and demolition, commercial and industrial sources

• Establishing a network of metropolitan and regional PVC and HDPE collection services in partnership with Waste Management New Zealand

• Research by Unitec ESRC and BRANZ into practical solutions to minimise plastic construction waste and help to raise awareness of plastic recycling.

The collected plastic will then be used at Aliaxis New Zealand’s sites to manufacture the next generation of PVC and HDPE piping systems used in building, infrastructure and agriculture projects across NZ, completing the loop and reducing our plastic resin importation.

The project supports all five desired outcomes for the PIF – minimising plastic waste, supporting circular solutions, protecting the environment from harm, supporting the reduction of imported plastic and improving the behaviour of people and businesses.

The first Aliaxis/Marley facilities are expected to be operational by 2023 with all sites completed by 2027.

This project builds on earlier research by the ESRC team to quantify and qualify waste generated during C&D activities and then identify options to reduce, reuse or recycle.

“One of our main areas of focus is how to reuse plastics. If we stop looking at it as waste, but rather as a resource that can be reused or recycled, then that opens up more opportunities,” says ESRC director Dr Terri-Ann Berry.

One of the building blocks for the centre’s research was an initiative that started as a student project in the School of Civil Engineering in 2017. Students from the School undertook audits of construction waste on building sites to ascertain how much was being discarded and what could be reused.

The audit was vital, as Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste accounts for a high proportion of the waste that goes into landfill in developed countries and most landfill waste in developing countries.

The proportion of landfilled construction waste (by weight) compared with total amount of waste varies between 13 and 61% depending on the country, with an average proportion of around 30%.

Some C&D waste also has environmental implications when disposed into landfill, such as the release of inorganic pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

During the audit, the waste was separated into timber, concrete and masonry, plasterboard, metals, and plastics and packaging. Untreated timber and concrete and masonry waste were collected by the public or reused on-site, while plasterboard was sent to be recycled, metals sold as scrap material and plastics and packaging returned to the supplier

Most treated timber was sent to landfill, and some was reused for small projects (such as on farms). Photos of waste were posted online on the Free Stuff and TradeMe sharing websites, where the public could arrange to pick up the materials for no charge.

This study showed that useful materials could be recovered and reused by sorting through waste. One of the problematic areas was the amount of discarded plastic that couldn’t be recycled.

For example, construction timber is typically delivered to building sites in packs up to six meters long and covered in a plastic wrap to protect from the weather while stored on site. The plastic wrap is discarded into the general waste bin and taken to landfill as there is no reuse stream available.

The Unitec research group applied to Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund for a further study, then worked with construction firm Naylor Love and Mitre 10 MEGA to trial an initiative. On talking to the suppliers, the Unitec research team discovered that the wrapping was primarily designed to protect against sun damage rather than rain and could therefore be replaced with more sustainable materials.

This led to Naylor Love and Mitre 10 developing purpose-made timber pack covers to replace the single-use plastic. The covers are heavy duty and can be used many times, while protecting the timber from knocks and weather both in transit and on site.

This is just one demonstration of how waste can be turned into valuable resources with just a little bit of know-how and a lot of commitment.

ESRC are developing solutions for the construction industry at present but are also moving into others sectors, like medical and retail, so contact ESRC@unitec.ac.nz if you would like to hear more or if you have ideas to share.

Roofing Association 2022 awards

Association CEO, Graham Moor, says the event went really well and their members turned out high-quality work.

“It was really difficult for the judges to find the winners,” Graham says.

“The encouraging thing was the calibre of work that our rangatahi were turning out,” he says. “The entries for the young roofer and trainee of the year bodes well for the industry.”

Jorden Rasmussen from Roofing Hub Wanaka won the RANZ Young Roofer Excellence Award and Joel Donehue from Roofing Hub Wanaka won the RANZ Roofing Trainee of the Year Award.

Graham says that the high quality of work in the entries is a reflection of everyday winning attitudes. “It shows,” he says.

“The people who enjoy the trade get a lot out of it.”

The number of people attending the awards and conferences that RANZ have held has also been encouraging.

“We’ve had two conferences now since Covid and the numbers have been really high.

“One we had in Wellington last year was the second biggest we’ve ever had. People are still jaded from Covid and are really keen to connect,” Graham explains.

He says the key for the industry is the way they manage their people and themselves.

“Everyone has been really busy and it all takes a toll,” he says. He’s also interested to see how the following year plays out.

“I’ve yet to meet an economist who hit the mark on what they thought we’d get and what we actually got.”

Graham predicts the residential market will slow down, but numbers will come back to what businesses can service, rather than the crazily busy times people have been dealing with post Covid. “Commercially, it’ll be pretty solid, I think.”

He says he’d like to see the market visit the current tender process.

“This ‘lowest price wins everything’, I just shake my head. It doesn’t give good outcomes.

“Companies aren’t making good money that they can reinvest in things like training, sustainability and innovation. Companies can’t be dancing to the bottom.”

“We need to be invested in our businesses even more and improve things for our people,” Graham says.

“There are lots of changes coming. You can’t just walk past sustainability anymore. You need to think about what that means, what it looks like.

“To me, one of the target areas should be the amount of waste we generate on a build site.

“We need to be turning back to our suppliers, thinking about what we’re being sent and how it can be recycled.

“Another challenge for sustainability is the infrastructure to make it happen.”

Graham says there will be challenging times within the industry. RANZ is giving their members lots of advice around knowing their numbers.

“Given variable pricing from suppliers, be careful fixing your prices” he warns. “And, don’t join the race to the bottom because it’ll burn you eventually.”

Companies should use the Construction Contracts Act. Graham says it sets a very clear process around payments, how they should be handled and what happens to retentions.

“The good operators are going well because they’ve got good processes and, most importantly, good relationships with their suppliers, customers and staff.”

Conferences and awards

The 2023 RANZ annual conference dates and venues will be announced soon with the awards ceremony being held on the Thursday conference dinner.

This will all be held sometime in June/July. Entries for the 2023 awards will open early next year. Nominations for the roofing excellence award will open late 2022.

2022 RANZ award winners:

• RANZ Residential Roof of the Year 2022: Kōtuitui Terraces Manukau, Webb’s Brick & Roof Tiles Ltd

• RANZ Commercial Roof of the Year 2022: Te Pae Christchurch, Graham Hill Roofing

• RANZ Young Roofer Excellence Award 2022: Jorden Rasmussen, Roofing Hub, Wanaka

• RANZ Trainee of the Year 2022: Joel Donehue, Roofing Hub, Wanaka

• RANZ Training Company of the Year 2022: Makuch Roofing, Cambridge.

Roofing Association of New Zealand

13 Lovell Court

North Harbour Industrial Estate Rosedale, Auckland 09 415 0278

info@ranz.co.nz www.ranz.co.nz

The Roofing Association of New Zealand recently held their 2022 awards with companies from across the country competing to take out top spots.

RANZ Training Company of the Year 2022: Makuch Roofing, Cambridge.

Inspired designs. Sustainable partnerships.

Dimond® Roofing is proud to partner with the Kea Conservation Trust, helping to protect our Kea while supporting our environment and communities. Our commitment to leading environmental principles provides you with a ‘best in class’ and sustainable roofing solution.

Dimond® Roofing. Get the Edge.

dimond.co.nz/kea

Protrade Group Limited

Protrade Group Limited is New Zealand’s leading company in scaffolding, edge protection, and safety nets. The team delivers high-quality, fast and efficient, and trustworthy safety services in Hawke’s Bay, the East Coast and lower North Island. Their trademark is all about being smart and working safely as this is very vital.

Services such as scaffolding include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The experienced team’s scaffolding solutions are tailored to improve workplace safety and efficiency. The company has been supplying scaffolding solutions in Hawke’s Bay since 2000.

Edge protection services include roof maintenance. Edge protection is used to stop workers, objects, and materials from falling. For example, edge protection could be temporarily used during the construction process.

Safety net services include fall protection for a safer environment. Fall protection safety nets are used as a backup plan for workers on the ground and workers at heights. The nets can catch objects like; tools, materials, and workers from falling. The nets are made from high tensile, multifilament polypropylene and are knotless. This design means the nets are flatter in a catenary, which helps reduce the risk of fall distance and also reduces the loads on both the fallen and the structure. The safety nets are a great option - it's even better to know it’s also the cheapest option, as well as the fastest and most efficient option to install than other alternative products out there. The nets offer various benefits such as the ability to be able to work in all sorts of areas, both above and below, as the fall protection system works simultaneously.

Protrade is a well-established local company well-known in the region for being able to deliver top quality, costeffective, and exceptional services by a trusted and well-experienced team. Health and safety are the team’s top priority for their customers, so the team will go out of their way to help.

Protrade will always be committed to the health and safety policy in partnership with its employees and put time and money into staff training, to ensure the company keeps right up to date with the necessary qualifications required for the industry.

The company also has many health and safety certificates and an extensive Public Liability Insurance policy along with the below qualifications for your peace of mind. Protrade has many health and safety certificates such as the Public Liability Insurance of 10 million dollars.

Protrade are always willing to go the extra mile and work overtime and weekends to achieve to ensure their clients businesses to, can flow consistently during busy times.

Their team works together effectively and their strong communication means all parties involved are informed at all times. To top it off Protrade are consistent competitive and fair in pricing.

Whether you are starting your own home build and need scaffolding, edge protection or safety nets, or you’re an experienced builder and needing to make quick and efficient changes to a property, Protrade can help.

Protrade also has a construction machinery hire division for those larger projects, with the very versatile Heavy-Duty Manitou telehandler suitable for those larger sites requiring a machine that can be used as a conventional forklift along with accessories including a 25m lifting winch capable of 7000kg and man cage. The All-terrain 4WD forklifts come into there own on those rough construction sites with their high ground clearance

Protrade also specialises in shrink-wrapping, shelters, protections screens, temporary fences, and Hiab hire. Scaffolding covers a number of solutions, from new builds to house repairs, painting, plastering, structure reinforcements for multi-level buildings, bridges and much more.

No project is too big or too small for Protrade to help with. The team is experienced in all types of builds. They will be happy to give the advice and support to guide you in the right direction for what you need for your project.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for work as a tradie, there is always opportunity for work at Protrade. The company is always open to hiring new employees and more information to apply for work can be found online.

Contact the friendly team to find out more information about the service they can provide you.

Protrade 607 Orchard Road Camberley Hastings 0800 11 22 39 sales@protrade.net.nz protrade.net.nz

Testimonial

"When it comes to customer service , Protrade Group is second to none”

Our company specializes in new commercial and residential roofing and the roof install is a time critical part of every build.

Since we have engaged the services of Protrade Scaffolding ltd we have experienced nothing but the best .

Their Team is always on time - Helpful and achieve the deadlines our customers set - They are always willing to go the extra mile and work overtime and weekends to achieve what our company needs to flow consistently during the busy times.

The way their team works together and the communication they share to keep our team informed is a huge credit to them - We can contact their sales or operations team- or their guys on the ground and everyone is on the same page with the same plan. Something that is very rare in the industry these days.

To top it off They are always Consistent competitive and Fair in there pricing.

Claffey -Director Character Roofing Ltd

Peter

Roofing Association of New Zealand

Roofing Association of New Zealand

New roofing awards arrivals win big

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

Graham Hill Roofing has taken out a top spot at the 2022 Roofing Association New Zealand awards.

The team won the New Zealand Commercial Roof of the Year 2022 with the roofing project for the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

Graham Hill Roofing business development manager, Glenn Milroy, says they were pretty excited about the win.

“It’s credit to the whole team,” he says. “It recognises all the work they put in.”

It wasn’t an easy build; Te Pae is comprised of 15 different roof areas. Roofing Association New Zealand says there are several bespoke roof systems – some up to 11 layers.

“The Te Pae Convention Centre is one of New Zealand’s most significant landmark projects to date,” the organisation says.

Glenn says they were involved for about 12 months prior to starting the actual build.

“We were working on the design. Then, we were there for approximately three years until its completion,” he says.

The sheer size and complexity of the build required a great deal of skill, something that the Graham Hill Roofing team provided.

“This build wasn’t just another commercial roof,” Glenn explains. “It has numerous shapes and angles as well as being a highprofile job for Christchurch. “I think it’s pretty unique in the shape and configuration of it.”

Glenn says the complexities of the build contributed to the long time-frame for the job. Covid-19 was also thrown into the mix, something the judges for the awards noted in their comments.

“I’m extremely proud of everything our team has put into that project that enabled us to win the award. Without the great team we have, it would be impossible,” he says.

“I take my hat off to the whole team. Te Pae will be a meeting place of great revere for years to come.”

The complexity and size of the job garnered incredibly complimentary comments from the judges panel at the awards.

“The skill level required would typically be associated with residential roofers working on a high-spec architecturally designed houses,” says Roofing Association New Zealand executive, Mark Bishop.

This is the first time Graham Hill Roofing has been nominated for an award and now they’ve got a taste of success, they’re looking to get into the awards again next year.

Glenn says the awards are a great way to showcase what their business is capable of.

“It shows the strength of our team. It’s also a great way to get our work out into the public eye,” he says.

Looking forward, Graham Hill Roofing is hoping to secure the new Christchurch Te Kaha Stadium.

The $683 million project will have the capacity to seat 30,000 for sporting events

and will be able to hold at least 36,000 people for large music events.

It’s set to be Christchurch’s state of the art multi-use arena and will feature a roof so it can host events all year round.

“That would be a really good job and our largest job to date if we’re successful,” Glenn says.

About Graham Hill Roofing

The company has been operating for over 40 years and have built a reputation for carrying out quality, well managed roofing projects.

They’re one of New Zealand’s largest suppliers and installers of metal roofing in the commercial market.

Locally owned and operated, the team has many years of experience in the commercial roofing industry.

I’m extremely proud of everything our team has put into that project that enabled us to win the award. Without the great team we have, it would be impossible.

They can advise on material usage and budgeting for major projects. They’ll ensure all projects are professionally supervised and completed to the very highest of standards.

With over 5,000 completed projects, their results speak for themselves.

Waterloo Business Park

7 Doric Way, Islington Christchurch (03) 343 1030 admin@ghroofing.co.nz www.ghroofing.co.nz

Completed projects:

• Christchurch Hoyts ENTX cinema

• Lincoln Library and Service Centre

• Mitre 10 Mega Papanui

• Core Education Tātai Aho Rau

• All-Souls Church

• Challenge

• Fulton Hogan

• Go Rentals

• Raewood Fresh

• Shirley Boys and Avonside Girls High School

• West Melton Community Centre

• Forsyth Barr St.

Graham Hill Roofing

Roofing Association CEO Graham Moor.

Why it makes sense to choose a SARNZ member

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

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

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

We work with agencies like WorkSafe, MBIE, and CHASNZ to ensure that the voices of our industry are heard, and that regulations are practical and fit for purpose.

Members receive from SARNZ regular communication and updates, events and meet-ups to ensure that they are familiar with best practice and changes in the industry.

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

We’ve worked with the industry to provide better guidance around the use and disposal of shrinkwrap, joined forces with CHASNZ to reduce sprains and strains in the industry,

promoting the industry to encourage more women in trades, and work to highlight the importance of understanding and acknowledging mental health in the industry.

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

We partner with other great organisations to bring our members the best options for supporting their staff and businesses, enabling them to thrive where they work best – on your project site.

Our members are a smart choice because they have our support for a range of business concerns, industry concerns, and connections to a range of services that minimises risks during projects.

Members have access to discounts on insurance and technology solutions through our partners, adding another level of security to your project.

Companies that join as members of SARNZ are committed to demonstrating the values that we uphold – quality and safety every time.

You know you’re getting a trusted service when you hire a SARNZ member, backed by an association with over 20 years’ experience.

Make a SARNZ member your first choice with your next project.

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

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

Safe and simple height access solutions

Founded in 2010, Summit Scaffolding has rapidly expanded to service the Auckland, Hamilton and Waikato regions, in large part due to its welldeserved reputation of a comprehensive response to any job, no matter how big or small.

Summit covers all aspects of scaffolding – from civil and commercial to industrial and residential – but is well-known for its extensive work in the commercial sector, as well as its sizeable residential division.

Summit Scaffolding company directors, John Scott and Bruce Pickerill say, “Our key business achievement is keeping all of our clients happy.

That’s no matter what size they are – the biggest construction company in the country or Mr and Mrs Smith doing up their house in the suburbs. To us, what matters is their satisfaction.

“Our target customer base is everyone who requires safe scaffolding. We don’t cherry pick. Anybody that requires a safe scaffold solution is our target customer base.”

Summit Scaffolding uses a hands-on approach to get a feel for your project so the team can easily customise and accommodate you for whatever your project needs.

This starts with visiting the site to assess your project, which then goes forward with plan and design solutions, offering time frames and costs that will get the job done correctly and safely. From there, the team gets to work.

“We go over and above practice guidelines of the industry. And also, all of our management come from a scaffolding background.

“Our managers have worked all over the world, and our basic knowledge would be unsurpassed in New Zealand,” John says.

The management of Summit Scaffolding has an average of 28 years’ experience. John started off in the scaffolding industry at 16, studying civil engineering at college in the United Kingdom.

He worked for 18 years in the UK on all aspects of scaffolding – including commercial, residential and marine scaffolding – mainly around London.

Bruce started his scaffolding career in Sydney before moving back to New Zealand, taking up management and franchisee roles with Pacific Scaffolding in Auckland.

They both moved onto Summit Scaffolding in 2010, organising and pushing Summit Scaffolding where it is today.

On top of scaffolding services across all sectors, Summit Scaffolding also has equipment available for hire and for sale through Kwikserv, an internationally renowned supplier of top-quality scaffold. It also provides propping and shore loading services.

A culture of safety and upward mobility One main reason for Summit Scaffolding’s rise in the construction sphere is because it has incorporated intensive and ongoing staff training regimes to stay ahead of the times.

Summit Scaffolding is a business taking the lead in this regard, going above and beyond standard certifications.

As the bare minimum, every single one of Summit’s installers holds an up-to-date Site Safe card. On top of that, all supervisors hold Site Safe Gold Cards – this, combined with other international qualifications and experience, ensures your site and workers are the safest they can possibly be.

Summit operates within the SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand) framework. It goes without saying the company adheres strictly to all good scaffolding practices, health & safety and employment regulations required by the Government.

A key to Summit maintaining, as the website puts it, a “professional, polite and loyal” workforce, is in no small part due to a company culture of ongoing training, development and safety practices.

“We pride ourselves on building up a good skill base with a diverse group of employees. Being able to employ people and give them the career path, give them something to aim for. That can all be achieved within Summit.

“We always try to promote from within. We try to give our guys a place where they can realise their ambitions with us,” John says.

While looking ahead towards the future, the answer was simple for John and Bruce –Summit Scaffolding would continue carrying on expansion and upholding the rigorous safety practices that made the company a frontrunner in the industry.

Summit Scaffolding

38 Birmingham Road East Tamaki Auckland 0508 SUMMIT info@scaffolding.org.nz www.summitscaffolding.co.nz

Scaffolding and edge protection specialists

Absolute Scaffolding is New Zealand’s leading scaffolding company, giving you the best local and edge protection services in the North and South Island.

The company provides fast, responsive and friendly customer service in the country.

Services also include high-quality scaffold solutions with safe working products on time and within your budget.

Absolute Scaffolding offers a wide range of solutions to suit everyone’s needs.

For instance, commercial and residential scaffolding, edge protection, and mobile access towers.

The company provides:

• Commercial scaffolding solutions to properties and structures internally and externally through (water treatment plants, motorways plyons, bridges, factories, cantilever, and suspended scaffolding).

• Residential scaffolding to suit your requirements whether it’s a new build, modification, paint job, re-roof, or repair (ranging from house extensions/alterations, multi or single storey new builds, gutter replacements/re-roofing, re-painting, skylight installations, and minor dwellings/farm sheds).

• A detailed consultation either onsite or via a detailed plan

• A quote outlining what will be covered and Terms & Conditions

• Erection as the company is under the NZ OSH and the standards of ‘The Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in NZ’ handbook by Absolute Scaffolding’s SARNZ COC qualified staff

• Rental and safety inspections with Weekly Saftey Site visits

• Dismantlement as the site is closed when the scaffold is dismantled and the site is cleaned.

Absolute Scaffolding creates a safer working environment by providing high-quality solutions whilst having close relationships with its customers.

The team of experts offers professional scaffolding solutions with high-quality systems, excellent communication, and affordable prices.

Core values the team strive to do well in include:

• Safety (the number one priority is to work onsite without any incidents or injuries – the team are members of Site Safe NZ and Hazardco)

• Integrity (it’s about building a trustworthy relationship with clients by communicating well and efficiently from start to end)

• Quality (The Tube and Clip, Proscaff System, and Mobile Tower Access Scaffold are very high-quality solutions).

At Absolute Sccafoling, the team hopes to satisfy the needs of construction companies, builders, painters, roofers, and homeowners throughout New Zealand.

The team is always up for a challenge, so no project is ever too big or small.

Let the team provide you with a ‘Safe Qualified Scaffold’ solution so you can get on with your job knowing you have the best support.

Contact today for a free quote!

Contact the North Island team via 021 356 429 or 021 237 0480, or head to Sanderson Road, Warkworth, Auckland.

Contact the South Island team on 027 344 0978 or 027 637 0882, or head to 52 High Street, Parkside, Timaru.

Otherwise, email: manager@absolutescaffoldingltd.co.nz or admin@absolutescaffoldingltd.co.nz.

For more information, check the website: www.absolutescaffolding.nz.

Passive heating and cooling

We all know how expensive it is to run our heating and air conditioning systems, so it’s in our best interest to take advantage of the sun’s energy, and wind, to minimise energy use in our homes – this is called passive heating and cooling.

Passive heating means to collect and store heat from the sun’s energy and release it into your home so that it remains warm day and night.

It not only benefits those who live in your home but it is also an environmentally friendly option and reduces heating costs

Electric heaters do not release greenhouse gases, however any thermal generation of electricity to supply them does.

However, in saying this, other forms of heating, including woodburners and gas heaters, also release greenhouse gases.

Passive design considers the location and orientation of a building, layout, window design and insulation, thermal mass, shading and ventilation.

All of these elements work together to achieve comfortable temperatures and improve indoor air quality.

Passive design is best incorporated straight from the very beginning of a new build, although it can be integrated into an existing home however, it would be difficult to achieve the full benefits.

Good design and effective insulation equals healthier and comfortable living conditions for the whole family.

Full passive heating and cooling is usually only possible in specially designed homes due to the combination of insulation, orientation, shading, window size and

placement, thermal mass, and cross-flow ventilation required.

Many New Zealand homes can reduce the amount of active heating and cooling that is required through insulation (including improving the thermal performance of windows), external shading, and secure ventilation strategies (such as window stays and locks).

A building consent is required before retrofitting external walls of houses with insulation. Check with your local council.

Insulation options

Our home is our fortress and it’s only because winter forces the majority of us to stay indoors, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The heart of family activity, a warm home is winter bliss at its best.

According to the State of the Home Survey, commissioned by HRV, insulation was rated “very important” by 84 percent of those surveyed when choosing a house.

This shows that many of us are choosing insulation over more luxurious things such as spa pool or manicured garden.

Electric heaters do not release greenhouse gases, however any thermal generation of electricity to supply them does.

If your home is uninsulated all of that wonderful heat is leaking out through the roof, walls, windows, doors and floor.

Below is a list of insulation options you may need to consider when turning your cold fortress into a warm and comfortable abode. Each one suits different parts of the house.

Fibreglass and mineral wool

Made from materials such as rock slag, recycled glass, quartz sand, soda ash, limestone and boron which are melted and spun into fibres. Ideal for new builds,

retrofitting to existing homes, ceiling, wall and under-floor insulation.

Wool

Wool-based insulation can only be labelled as ‘wool’ if it contains more than 95 percent natural wool. Some types of wool insulation are made using wool, preservatives, polyester or resin. Ideal for new builds, retrofitting into existing homes, ceilings walls and under-floor insulation.

Polyester

Is a synthetic material and is ideal for new builds, retrofitting into existing homes, ceilings, walls and under-floor. Often contains recycled content such as plastic bottles.

Polystyrene

A highly processed synthetic material. It is used as stable, rigid foam which can be formed or cut. Ideal for ceilings, walls and under-floor insulation in new homes. Mainly used for under-floor when retrofitting existing homes. Often contains recycled polystyrene.

Paper-based or cellulosic (wood-based) insulation

Is made from paper or paper board and is 100 percent recycled. Ideal for existing houses which are difficult to access and where it is too difficult to install blanket insulation, particularly ceilings

Injected foam

Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) is the most commonly used type of injected wall insulation. It is pumped or injected into existing walls as foam which then dries. Ideal for retrofitting into wall cavities.

Every insulation option has an R-value – the name used to measure insulation performance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the product is at preventing heat loss or gain.

Information sourced from: www.smarterhomes.org.nz.

The best in safety nets

Safety Nets NZ is a preferred safety-netting specialist for supplying all your safety-netting requirements.

Workplace falls are one of the most common causes of injury within the New Zealand construction industry and the easiest thing you can do to mitigate that risk is to choose a trustworthy provider of safety net equipment.

From large commercial and industrial sites to residential home builds, Safety Nets NZ’s fall protection systems are suitable for a range of circumstances to meet your every heightsafety concern.

Supported by a nationwide network of installers, the company is able to offer its solutions to businesses nationwide.

It has over 600,000sqm of nets available for use in different regions, which is the equivalent to more than 4,000 house-lots of nets.

As an industry leader, the company has been instrumental in developing and improving industry standards. This includes assisting in the writing the Code of Practice and, together with a team from the Massey University School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, developing a facility to test its safety nets and engineer the only fully independently certified and compliant safety net fall protection system for use on residential construction projects in New Zealand.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) states that all PCBUs have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. The act requires all PCBUs to ensure that any system that they are using is without health and safety risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

There is a “duty to test” placed on all PCBUs to ensure and verify that they are certain that the systems, materials, and more that they use are fit for purpose, and capable of performing as expected, without risk to health and safety of the workforce.

By using the systems developed by Safety Nets NZ, which have been independently

tested and certified by the team at Massey University, the company’s clients can rest assured that they have discharged their duties in regards to their obligations of the Act.

The company has continued to develop the stable of services that it offers to include a bespoke protection system for use with the removal/replacement of existing roof sheeting on large warehouses.

The combination of safety net, debris net and plastic sheeting forms a “sandwich” that is proving very popular with clients who are looking to replace aged roofs on their properties.

The system has successfully been established on numerous projects throughout the country with minimal disruption to existing factory processes, meaning that our clients’ business processes have been able to continue of unaffected as their roof has been replaced.

The system has subsequently been further developed to deal with the removal of asbestos contaminated roofing materials.

It is the aim of Safety Nets NZ to offer the most professional, practical and efficient safety net installation solution in the country, with delivery of the highest possible level of customer service being its main focus.

• Safety industry pioneer Safety Nets NZ has developed a fall through protection system that has been independently tested and certified by Massey University

• By using our system you have the comfort of knowing that as PCBU, you have taken all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the system you are using is fit for purpose and capable of performing as expected without risk to the health and safety of your workforce.

• Are you re-roofing an industrial property? If so ask us about our bespoke debris and asbestos containment, fall protection system which enables your work processes to continue uninterrupted whilst the roof is replaced.

• Our nationwide network of local installers are dedicated to providing exceptional, customer focussed fall arrest solutions.

Is your workplace earthquake ready?

Is your business H&S compliant?

Many businesses remain unaware of their health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety Reform legislation - and this is putting them at risk.

The new law, which came into effect in the first half of 2015, increased employers’ responsibilities to have safe work practices and to be sure that employees know how to work safely.

According to the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission, the collapse of the CTV building caused more fatalities than any other building during the February earthquakes.

The tragedy is a prominent reminder of the importance of building compliance in workplace safety.

Under Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), PCBUs and the owners of workplace buildings must identify and manage risks in the place of work so far as is reasonably practicable.

This requirement to manage risk includes risks related to the building.

The structural integrity of your building to withstand an earthquake is covered by requirements including those outlined in the Building Act.

The Building Act defines what an earthquake-prone building is, and any related enforcement action will come from your council.

If a building is found to be earthquake-prone, this doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t be occupied.

The Building Act provides a period of several years for strengthening or demolition work to be undertaken.

While the risk of harm to people in or around an earthquake-prone building is greater than an equivalent new building, this doesn’t typically require short-term action.

WorkSafe expects that you will fulfil your duties under the Building Act when you’re addressing the seismic risk.

If you’re a tenant and you have a concern about a building part which you cannot deal with, you will need to involve the building owner.

If you’re a building owner and a problem has been raised by your tenant about a building part, then you will need to do what is reasonably practicable to manage the risk.

It’s expected that work-related risks are proactively managed, particularly for buildings that a council has defined as earthquake-prone.

If building owners and occupants can’t agree on the risks and what should be done about them, they need to work through the dispute resolution steps in their occupancy agreements.

Should a failure to manage these matters expose people to an immediate and severe risk to their health and safety or result in people being harmed, WorkSafe may intervene.

Preparing for an earthquake

PCBUs occupying a building need to ensure that the people working in or near the building know what to do in the event of an earthquake, whatever the seismic rating of the building.

You can practice earthquake drills, prepare survival kits and keep up to date contact information. Your council and civil defence can help you prepare your workplace to survive an earthquake emergency.

Objects within workplaces such as bookcases, fridges or other heavy furniture remain the responsibility of tenants and occupants.

Anchoring such objects to sturdy building elements to ensure they cannot move or fall on people during an earthquake is a common way of addressing these risks.

Failure to identify and properly manage these types of risks is a breach of HSWA.

PCBUs and tenants should also work with your building owner to ensure that any critical systems in the building will function during an emergency.

The Christchurch City Council lays out a fourstep process building owners should take after an earthquake.

The first step includes an initial assessment from the building owner. If there are any doubts around the integrity of the building, the second step involves a chartered engineer’s inspection of the building.

Step three is an inspection of the building’s services and systems. If everything is in working order, then the last step is the most anticipated which is simply the safe occupancy of the building.

Building owners should understand and support occupants’ emergency plans and procedures.

Also, building owners should ensure the building’s emergency systems are capable of effectively supporting those plans and procedures where appropriate.

Preparing a workplace to deal with an earthquake is not a new or additional requirement. PCBUs need to prepare for emergencies.

Building owners and occupants need to work together to ensure emergency plans work and people are safe during emergencies.

This means that directors, owners and managers, who are duty holders with influence and control over the business, need to know about all of their business’s operational risks and hazards and how they are being managed.

They are also expected to make sure that the organisation’s safety manage ment is effective and meets the Health and Safety Reform law’s requirements.

The onus is also on duty holders to lead the organisation’s safety perfor mance by making sure the changes are implemented and organisational practices are keeping employees, con tractors and visitors safe.

If you haven’t reviewed your health and safety protocols, here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify all of the business’s risks and hazards.

2. Understand the business’s health and safety obligations, and its strengths and gaps.

3. Businesses could develop this knowledge by speaking with rele vant industry or business associa tions, or through external reviews of how well their health and safety system is working.

4. Develop a plan for making the health and safety changes, and keeping change manageable by starting with the business’s greatest health and safety risks first.

5. Involve employees and ask them what they understand of the firm’s current health and safety system’s policies and procedures.

Protecting your staff and your reputation at Christmas

Every year I get a call about a Christmas party. It starts with a well-meaning and well-deserved celebration, the addition of alcohol, and perhaps even other substances behind closed doors. Then things get out of control.

The call ends with discussions about workplace safety and compliance, and if it’s really bad, a talk about how the company’s reputation is at risk or that it’s now facing legal proceedings and a member of their team, criminal proceedings.

An employer is obligated to ensure that anyone who turns up to a Christmas work function, regardless of where it is held, is a) not subject to abuse, harassment or assault of any kind and b) gets home safely. Equally, employees should realise that they are still subject to workplace safety rules, including standards and expectations of behaviour.

However, Christmas parties are a necessary way to close out the year, have some fun, and show care and support for hardworking team members, contractors and the wider business team. So, what can a business do or consider when planning this year’s gathering?

Over the past few years there has been a growing trend for Kiwi employers to host

more family friendly social events, as well as a trend to limit or eliminate alcohol all together. There are two reasons for this –the regulatory pressure on the employer for improved risk management and societal change that involves other cultures and younger generations of workers.

I found a 2017 University of Otago study which explored workplace attitudes towards alcohol consumption, the availability of alcohol at work-related functions, and the positive and negative consequences of having alcohol at workrelated social events.

I wasn’t surprised that the survey showed 160 employees (20 percent of those surveyed) said the festive spirit died when people over-indulged in alcohol, and 50 employers (25 percent of those surveyed) reported dealing with inappropriate behaviour because of this.

The ‘normal’ bad behaviours included general drunken rowdiness degenerating into offensive language, breaking things,

vomiting, smoking in non-smoking areas and drink-driving. Other behaviour that had potential for harm included doing wheelies around the work yard, pushing someone into a swimming pool, and passing out in bathrooms.

Even more concerning are the extreme incidents that included verbal and physical abuse, as well as sexual harassment and assault, which in many cases led to legal proceedings and often the dismissal of employees.

The takeaway for businesses is this. If you know alcohol and potentially other substances may be an issue, consider an alcohol-free party, perhaps an ‘experience’ instead of a traditional party. If alcohol can be managed, consider ways to tip the party more towards fun than a traditional Kiwi piss up. Let’s make the festive season a safe and enjoyable one for all.

About TDDA

TDDA has ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both Australia and New Zealand (see NATA and IANZ websites for further detail). TDDA is a leader in drug and alcohol testing with more than 64 locations throughout Australasia. Visit www.tdda.com.

If you know alcohol and potentially other substances may be an issue, consider an alcohol-free party, perhaps an ‘experience’ instead of a traditional party. If alcohol can be managed, consider ways to tip the party more towards fun than a traditional Kiwi piss up.

Bayleys Real Estate launches new building consultancy service

Bayleys is to establish a new consultancy division which will provide a comprehensive range of building surveying related services to clients.

Bayleys Building Consultancy Services will be headed by David Guy who will bring five Auckland-based staff with him. He has more than a quarter of a century’s experience as a chartered building surveyor, specialising in technical due diligence, and has led teams advising on the acquisition of landmark commercial and industrial property throughout the UK, Europe, Australasia and the Pacific Islands.

Guy relocated to New Zealand in 2011 and in 2014, developed and delivered New Zealand’s first accredited building surveying paper which now forms part of the University of Auckland’s Bachelor of Property degree. He was most recently managing director of Colliers International’s building consultancy division.

Bayleys national commercial and industrial director, Ryan Johnson, says Bayleys Building Consultancy Services will provide a full package of technical and professional services associated with all the practical aspects of acquiring, developing, leasing and maintaining property across a building’s life cycle.

“David Guy is highly regarded within the industry and will lead a team of very experienced surveyors and building consultants focused on assessing the condition, performance, risks and potential of properties which is crucial to maximising the value of investment assets.”

Johnson says the main role of the new division will be to provide technical due diligence services, usually prior to acquisition or sale.

This includes advice on buildings’ structure and services, reviewing and

summarising statutory consents, lease and consultancy reports such as geotechnical or environmental studies and identifying likely future capital and operational expenditure as well as appropriate insurance cover.

Other services provided will include premises condition reports for tenants and/ or landlords at the start and end of leases; development monitoring to determine how projects are tracking to time and budget targets; and contract administration for smaller projects to minimise cost and optimise value.

Bayleys managing director, Mike Bayley, says the establishment of the division is part of a continuing focus by Bayleys on scaling up the breadth and depth of its property offerings to enable an enhanced range of services to be provided to clients.

“We have established a range of strategic shareholding relationships with leading operators in sectors of the property market that complement and add value to our core commercial, residential and rural agency services, and the partnership with David Guy and his team is the latest example of this.”

Other examples are joint venture relationships with Vega Mortgages to assist with property financing; Australian-based MaxCap Group, which provides development funding for large-scale projects; Platform Consulting Group, which offers building design services to tenants and landlords, and Auckland Body Corporate that services owners and developers of multi-unit strata title properties.

“In addition, wholly owned subsidiary Bayleys Property Services, which provides property and facilities management, valuation and consultancy services, has grown to be a very big part of our business with approximately $5 billion worth of property under management.”

Mike Bayley says Bayleys Building Consultancy Services will be investing significantly in both technology and

personnel to enable its services to be expanded nationally, with two additional building surveyor appointments in Wellington and one in Christchurch planned within the next six months.

The division would also be working closely with the building consultancy team of Knight Frank, Bayleys’ international affiliate which has over 50 chartered building surveyors and project managers in the UK, to identify emerging global trends and technologies in the industry.

Guy has undertaken work for a wide range of large corporate clients including major supermarket operators, Fonterra and Fletcher Building. However, he says Bayleys Building Consultancy Services will be looking to also work closely with smaller landlords and owner-occupiers to help them protect and improve the value of their property assets.

“A lot of New Zealand’s building stock is owned by private individuals and family trusts. Unlike larger institutions and corporates, they don’t typically have property teams to consider the risks, potential and maintenance of their assets.”

Guy has seen some dramatic changes in how buildings are managed and assessed in his nearly 30 years in the industry, particularly around the impact of technology. Drones with high-definition cameras have become an essential tool in assessing areas of buildings that would have otherwise been difficult or dangerous to reach. Other technical tools include 360-degree cameras and cloud services such as SharePoint which allows clients ongoing instant access to the status of their assets.

David Guy says issues such as seismic performance, weather tightness and more recently fire protection have made more commercial property owners, including smaller scale investors, recognise the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of their assets.

“Building surveyors do sometimes get labelled as the ‘bad news guys’,” Guy says. “However, we do appraise the positive aspects of buildings as well. An important part of our work is identifying ways to improve and realise opportunities to add value.”

“They can now view their whole portfolio online, with all of the reporting and data we have gathered on their assets,” Guy says. “That’s been a big change in how we do business over the years, that just makes things easier for everyone.

“Given the impact of climate change and sustainability on the property sector, an increasingly important part of the work we do will be providing environmentally sustainable solutions that reduce building waste and energy consumption and also minimise costs for clients.

“There are already established measurement tools like the Green Star and Nabers ratings in the commercial sector and Homestar ratings for residential property and we are likely to see more of these in future.”

Given the impact of climate change and sustainability on the property sector, an increasingly important part of the work we do will be providing environmentally sustainable solutions that reduce building waste and energy consumption and also minimise costs for clients.

Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2022

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

Registered Master Landscapers have recently held two major awards events.

These awards showcase the culmination of members success in two major events each year.

Registered Master Landscapers CEO, Janine Scott, says the events shine a light on the landscaping industry.

“The events are the Landscapes of Distinction Awards and the Young Landscaper of the Year Competition,” she says.

“They celebrate outstanding achievements in their fields and highlight the skills of our members and their staff.”

“The past few years have been an incredibly busy and rewarding time for many landscapers.

“The proof of this is in the incredibly high number of entries we received into our awards programme, an increase of 40 entries since 2021.

“The landscape industry is going from strength to strength, with so much young talent entering the industry and some extraordinary projects being undertaken by businesses throughout New Zealand,” says Janine.

“We were delighted to celebrate with our members at our gala awards ceremony on Saturday night in Auckland. Well done to all.”

Janine says that plans already underway for next year. “By all indications, it will be another year of outstanding entries,” she says.

The Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2022 Supreme Winner was Green Therapy Limited for their entry of “Bobs Cove Retreat”.

Bobs Cove Retreat is located in Wakatipu and is touted as a place to reconnect with nature.

The clients wanted Green Therapy Limited to support native habitats as well as local community groups.

Essential environmental practices included strategies such as planting natives grown from eco sourced seeds and the utilisation of

This project also gained the team “Best Horticultural Project of the Year” and “Best Revegetation Project of the Year”.

Janine says the Landscapes of Distinction Award is a celebration of the quality trade, craftsmanship and expertise of the best landscapers in New Zealand.

“Award

Janine says.

She says the quality of the entries and the diversity they provide has been truly outstanding.

“This year, we received over 130 entries which is our largest number of entries ever,” says Janine.

Specialists in sourcing and

reclaimed hardwood timbers and beams

native mulch sourced from wind felled trees along the adjacent road.

winning projects represent the top echelon of landscaping design, construction, horticulture and maintenance in the country,”

Bobs Cove Retreat: Best Horticultural Project of the Year, Best Revegetation Project of the Year

She says it’s a reflection on the importance that the recognition of these awards gives their members. “It’s just so vital for our members to see their hard work recognised.”

The Young Landscaper of the Year Competition is designed to offer opportunities for young, motivated landscapers.

“The Young Landscaper of the Year award offers a platform for entrants from around the country to compete against peers, learn new skills, and increase their profile within the industry,” explains Janine.

The winner of the Young Landscaper of the Year was Guillaume Chabbert. He also gained an outstanding achievement award for career development.

Janine says that competition is essential to the landscaping sector.

Like many sectors, Registered Master Landscapers has been impacted by staff shortages and supply chain issues. Janine says.

“It has been challenging,” says Janine. “We have got through by adapting to change and embracing new opportunities.”

She says they’re also competing with other industries to attract apprentices. In order to do so, they offer programs to support training from primary ITO as well as career development opportunities like the Young Landscaper of the Year.

This is why Registered Master Landscapers is welcoming recent news from within government sectors that the Apprenticeship Boost Initiative has been extended to the end of 2023.

This Apprenticeship Boost Initiative provides financial support to members of

Registered Master Landscapers who are taking on apprentices.

“Initiatives like this and the Young Landscaper of the Year competition are essential to attracting and supporting young people entering our industry,” says Janine. “They help develop our future industry leaders.”

About Registered Master Landscapers

Since 1985, Registered Master Landscapers (RML) has been supporting members in the landscaping community.

Known as the national organisation for landscaping professionals who are serious about quality trade practices, the organisation branches across all the regions in New Zealand.

In order to assure their members are of the highest quality, Registered Master Landscapers actively recruits members based on an assessment of their standard of work.

The organisation promotes professionalism and quality within the ever-growing industry.

Registered Master Landscapers provides advocacy for the best interests of their members and the landscaping profession.

They are committed to the education and advancement of professional standards within the landscaping industry.

Servicing both the residential and commercial sectors in New Zealand, the organisation provides a range of services from physical labour to education.

Registered Master Landscapers

PO Box 5523 Auckland 1141 (05) 0844 4345 business@masterlandscapers.org.nz www.masterlandscapers.org.nz

They can offer design, construction, horticultural and landscape maintenance services.

This ensures that Registered Master Landscapers covers a wide range of landscaping needs and can offer expertise in every area of the job.

MAKING HARD JOBS EASY

FIXED HEIGHT LINE

HARDLINE

Te Raekura Redcliffs School: Best Design Project of the Year

Morgan + Pollard

Established in 1969, Morgan + Pollard has over 50 years of landscaping experience. We are a family-owned and operated business based in Christchurch.

At Morgan + Pollard, we pride ourselves on having a dedicated team who are experienced in creating attractive, sitespecific outdoor spaces. We constantly strive for the highest levels of quality, recently winning a Premier Award for the ‘Best Construction Project of the Year’ at the Registered Master Landscapers, Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2022.

Working throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and greater New Zealand, Morgan + Pollard are a multidisciplinary team of talented people that specialise in designing, building and maintaining landscapes. We deliver our projects efficiently, communicating with our clients and contractors to ensure optimum results.

At Morgan + Pollard, we offer the following services:

Landscape architecture:

• Residential and commercial design

• On-site consultation

• Master planning

• Ecological restoration

• Planting plans

• Construction detailing

• Resource consent.

Landscape construction:

• On-site consultation

• Soft and hard landscaping

• Irrigation

• Lighting

• Hyrdolawn

• Ready lawn

• Planting plans

• Construction documentation

• Contract administration

• Project management

• Aftercare and maintenance.

Ground maintenance:

• Includes sports field management

• On-site consultation

• Residential

• Commercial

• Irrigation

• Lawns

• Gardens

• Tree pruning

• Pools and water features.

Ready tree:

• Trees and shrubs

• Garden products

• Mature trees

• New Zealand native

• Fruit trees

• Expert advice.

Head to www.morganpollard.co.nz for more information on our services and projects.

Hobsonville Real Estate

If you’re a property developer or a in construction, we want to hear from you!

Geoff Polglase has been in the real estate business since 2012 and brings integrity, innovation, tenacity, dependability and empathy from 25 years in the air force. He understands development within the commercial sector more than most.

“Most real estate agents don’t understand development because they haven’t done it,” he says. “I understand development to all value levels.” Geoff recently sold 100 houses for Ngai Tahu and the New Zealand Superfund and their joint venture. Development sales are different, you need to be open!

Thanks to Geoff’s partner, Rachel, gaining her real estate licence, the company’s capacity has doubled and can take on many more projects. Geoff understands that selling or buying property isn’t the same for everyone.

“It can be a longer, harder process for some,” he says. “In the Air Force, I was known as someone that gets stuff done

and if that works for you and you want a quick sale, that’s great. Otherwise, rest assured we can simply keep in touch until you’re ready.”

Rachel and Geoff love Hobsonville and Geoff moved there in 1989 with the Air Force. It didn’t take him long to realise that the town and surrounding area had something special. “Hobsonville is changing every day, whether it be the infrastructure, a new business opening or new houses going up,” he says. This brings new challenges but Geoff says the community spirit in the area is second to none. He’s proud to be part of it and call Hobsonville his home.

East Timor was an eye opener for Geoff with the Air Force brought home the importance of having a place to call home. He saw people’s homes, full of their treasures and memories razed to the ground. “Families just left with what they had got dressed in that morning,” he says.

Understanding that property, whether it be houses, land, farms or even commercial

property give people stability and reassurance is clear now to Geoff. “Real estate, that place to call home gives us financial stability, personal stability and family stability,” he explains. “I have owned, rented, developed, subdivided, renovated, sold, purchased and listed property. I now live and breathe real estate.”

Geoff works hard to encompass all facets of real estate from the self-improvement, the buzz, the changing market but, ultimately, helping people achieve their

dreams. Not to mention, helping others out of predicaments, helping families find their forever homes and helping young people onto the ladder.

To start your real estate journey today, contact Geoff.

Hobsonville Real Estate 027 487 4663 www.geoffpollypolglase.co.nz

The future of Dunedin housing

By Michaela Pointon

According to the Dunedin City Council, during the previous five years Dunedin has seen a significant population increase of around 1,500 per year.

Compared to previous years, this population growth has meant housing development in Dunedin has reached capacity. As a result, the city’s district council are putting plans and measures in place to ensure Dunedin is well-equipped for possible future increases.

Dunedin District Council says their main goal of the Dunedin District Plan is to sustainably manage the natural resources of the region, to ensure they meet needs of current and future generations.

This includes supporting projects such as: Warm Dunedin, Eco Design, Healthy Homes, Cosy Homes, and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

Overall, the city must ensure housing and infrastructure provides advancements in all aspects of the community including social, economic and cultural wellbeing.

The council says they are focusing on building and improving housing stock for warmer and healthier homes in Dunedin.

They suggest demographic factors create a need for specific housing types to be built for the community.

For example, there is a concentrated demand for unit style housing, alongside terraced housing and apartment style complexes.

With the need for one and two-person households, as well as empty nesters or

be built.

Demand for new homes as well as building consents, to keep up with this fast-

retired couples, the council recognises smaller and more energy efficient homes are needing to

paced growing city, is noted by Dunedin City Council.

Overall, the population growth for Dunedin is positive and will continue to bring more revenue and culture to the city.

Wanaka’s lakefront development takes shape

For many years, Wānaka has been labelled as Queenstown’s smaller, and sleepier, neighbour.

Of course, visitor numbers have always been high over the Christmas-New Year period and again in July and August for the ski season.

However, in the last five years the resorttown’s potential has well and truly been realised by buyers and investors alike, with the Queenstown Lakes District council projecting the Wanaka ward population to see an 80 percent increase over the next 30 years.

Rumour has it, even international ride-share company Uber has plans to come to Wānaka. While this will be fantastic for the local economy, such development doesn’t come without its own set of growing pains.

To meet the demands of a burgeoning visitor and general population, in 2015 the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) commissioned Reset Urban Design to prepare a development plan for the Wānaka Lakefront.

And indeed, as of June 2022, Wānaka’s community is closer to enjoying a greatly improved space on the lakefront, as Stage Two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan continues full steam ahead.

Stage Two will see a shared pathway on the lakefront running from McDougall Street to Dungarvon Street, 110 new car parking spaces and four accessible spaces added along the lake side of Ardmore Street, opposite Pembroke Park.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) general manager Community Services,

Thunes Cloete, commented that he was excited to see the progress being made and looked forward to Stage Two being complete and open to locals and visitors.

“So far, a lot of work has gone into organising the site for future construction works, and crews have nearly completed the base of the shared pathway,” he says.

“They’ve also prepared over 1,200 metres of Ardmore Street adjacent to the lake for new drainage, kerb, and future car parking spaces, which was heavily supported in feedback on the Concept Plan we released for Stage Two.”

A series of new historic tiles will be displayed alongside the shared pathway, and Te Huruhuru’s Map – a recreation of the first map of the area which guided early explorers, will be incorporated into the pathway.

Wānaka Community Board Chair, Barry Bruce, was happy with the headway being made, and said it was great to see the different elements of Stage Two taking shape before the arrival of winter.

“Contractors on site are now moving into some minor sealing work, laying gravel to form the base for the new parking spaces, then they’ll install stormwater infrastructure and lay new asphalt on Ardmore Street,” said Mr Bruce.

A temporary closure to the section of Ardmore Street between McDougall Street and Dungarvon Street remains in place, and Mr Bruce added that the progress made on Stage Two wouldn’t have been possible without it.

Construction on Stage Two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan is anticipated to be complete by the end of September 2022.

Getting a loan rubber stamped

When making a loan application, never make an assumption about how much the bank officer understands.

What does a lender look for?

When you ask to borrow money a lender will always look for two things:

1. Security – something they can sell if you default on the loan.

2. Serviceability - an ability to pay the loan instalments (your income, less expenses).

Security can be a combination of physical assets and guarantees (by you or someone else), or financial securities (a term deposit).

But beware - business balance sheets usually value assets at cost, not market value. As a result, company shares and business assets can be undervalued. You need to communicate the market value of the security you are offering.

Serviceability can be tricky, particularly for business owners. Often your financial reports are prepared for tax purposes, and/or you may have income from multiple sources. It can be difficult for a busy bank officer to untangle the information and gain a proper understanding of your income.

Also, historical reports may not reflect current trading and future prospects, and certainly not the impact a new investment may have on future income and cash flow.

This is where you need someone who can understand and explain your business history, current activities and future prospects in a manner a bank will understand.

Should I borrow?

Some debt is good, and some is not advisable. With debt comes risk. It is useful to remember that when you borrow, you are really spending tomorrow’s income today. That is because the loan, or at the very least the interest, is going to be paid from future income. If you are committing tomorrow’s income, you should have a good reason for doing so.

Good uses of debt include: Eliminating a resource constraint (machinery, larger building, more land, to secure supply of a raw material); Improving efficiency; Buying a competitor or complimentary business; Taking advantage of a profitable opportunity; Providing a suitable environment for your family, and reorganisation to improve cash-flow or eliminate uncertainty (eg: paying tax debt).

How can I maximise my chance of success?

Employ an adviser who can understand your business, your financial information, and your needs. Present information to the target lender that explains in plain English: purpose, serviceability and the true value of your security.

Banks are certainly all about money and are very good at managing money. But understanding your financial reports? No, that’s a very different skill set.

Choosing the right flooring or wall tiles for your home can be a confusing exercise for the uninitiated. What tile goes in what room? What are the best tiles for outdoors? There’s a myriad of options out there.

Tiles are perfect for creating innovative and inspired bathrooms, kitchens and both indoor and outdoor living areas for both residential and commercial projects. Here are some of the options for you to consider.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are strong and durable and come in an extensive range of colours, sizes and style. They are Ideal for the kitchen,

Finding the right tile

indoor and outdoor flooring and high traffic areas.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are ideal for walls and slightly lower traffic areas, making them ideal in bathrooms and kitchen splash-backs.

Glass mosaic tiles

Handcrafted glass mosaic tiles are real head turners with an evocative and startling range of colours, shapes, sizes and finishes. They can deliver style and individuality to your home, creating unique and exiting personal (and commercial) living spaces.

Natural stone

When it comes to choosing tiles and claddings, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. Natural stone tiles and cladding comes in a variety of colours, sizes and finishes including filled or unfilled, honed, flamed, polished and natural split finishes.

The most popular types of natural stone are:

Basalt - a volcanic stone featuring exceptional hardness and durability. Granite - the hardest common building stone making it exceptionally durable, colourfast and stain and scratch resistant.

Limestone - a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite’s (shells of marine animals, some up to 140 million years old from the Jurassic period).

Marble - a metamorphasised rock formed from limestone featuring stunning veins.

Sandstone - a sedimentary rock formed as the result of water, ice and wind patterns composed of compacted sand with minerals determining its colour.

Travertine - a form of limestone deposits precipitated from spring water or hot springs featuring a distinctive grained effect and Swiss cheese surface unless filled.

Where tiles work best

Tiles look great on furniture pieces such as bowls and vases, but they also suit an array of interiors, from kitchen splash backs, bathroom walls and floors, feature walls in a living area, as well as exterior decoration.

Advantages:

• Varying sizes and shades

• Durable

• Doesn’t fade

• Ideal for outdoor/indoor use

• Low maintenance

• Easy to clean

• Fireproof

• Waterproof

• Non allergy product.

Disadvantages:

• Possible colour variations in batches

• Cold to walk on

• Can be costly

• May be slippery when wet.

For a different way to decorate, you can find tiles which emulate wallpaper and comes in varying textures, shapes, patterns and reflective prints to add volume to your home.

Transform your space which is unique to you with a range of different materials such as ceramic, glass, metal, stone, classic marble, granite, slate and more.

You can turn your space into a holiday-like mode with Moroccan tiles with historical charm, retro style with geometric designs, make a statement with monochrome black and white tiles, add a touch of glamour with printed tiles, or go for a clinical look with simple white brick tiles.

There’s a fabulous range of mosaic, contemporary patchwork and modern designer tiles with an aesthetic appeal. From small mosaics to large rectangles, you can create a striking look which adds value and individuality.

Some people may think that smaller bathrooms aren’t worth decorating due to its size, but by using mosaics or medium sized tiles in a white or pale colour with a reflective finish will create the illusion of space.

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