Builders & Contractors Magazine Issue#141

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The most common risks and how to deal with them

The cost of construction

Annual costs keep growing

Weathertight concrete Code of Practice gets updated

Fostering gender diversity in the steel industry

THE BIG CLEAN UP AFTER CYCLONE GABRIELLE

The new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

Timber engineering showcase

The new five storey Clearwater Apartments in Christchurch –a showcase of the amazing things which can be achieved by modern timber engineering.

Not only was it 15% cheaper to construct than a comparable concrete building, but its carbon

emission reduction credentials are hugely impressive.

The wood continues to store the carbon which the trees sucked out of the atmosphere to grow.

It also means 1000 tonnes of CO2 weren’t emitted – which would have been the case if concrete was used.

www.woodourlowcarbonfuture.nz

CLEARWATER APARTMENTS

Christchurch

Welcome - publisher's note

In this issue of Builders & Contractors we investigate risk management in construction projects, looking at some of the most common risks and the best ways of dealing with them.

There are also pieces on invalid payment schedules and what you need to do to comply, the rising price of building as annual construction cost growth hits a record high, plus the new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners.

We also look at how the structural steel industry is fostering gender diversity, the newly updated weathertight concrete code of practice, and the big clean up after Cyclone Gabrielle.

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.

Contents

6: Invalid payment schedules and what you need to do to comply

8: Risk management in construction projects

10: The big clean up after Cyclone Gabrielle

12: The new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

13: NZ’s top infrastructure construction awards are open for entries

16: Annual construction cost growth hits a record high

18: New thermal performance requirements take effect

20: Fostering gender diversity in the structural steel industry

22: MATES in Construction - Taking care of the people in an industry

24: Unlocking the Bolt Importer Charter scheme

38: The Frame and Truss framework for building success

45: Concrete industry heads to Claudelands for 2023 conference

Page: 66

48: Weathertight concrete Code of Practice updated

55: Lifting the lid on careers in cranes

58: How SARNZ protects people and supports the industry

60: Forklift industry upgrades its good practice guidelines

68: Auckland’s clean up continues

72: Waikato business awards celebrate success, resilience and positivity

74: Wellington - creating a city with a difference

76: The Lake Dunstan water supply project

80: Ensuring legal protection for subbies

82: Learning modules to help better understand H1 requirements

88: The eight principles of future-proof building

92: Designing and building homes for the future

96: The mission to reduce waste

102: The impact of asbestos – an industry report

104: Staying sharp and fighting fatigue

114: Access to finance for the flood affected Editor

Office Auckland Office 38 Lowe Street Addington Christchurch 8011 Phone: (03) 961 5050 Email: admin@academygroup.co.nz Web: www.academygroup.co.nz

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

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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

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

Please contact us to discuss:

Editorial: Jonathon Taylor Phone: (03) 961 5098 editor@academygroup.co.nz

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Production: Jarred Shakespeare Phone: (03) 961 5088 jarred@academygroup.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8140

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Invalid payment schedules

What you need to do to comply

Everybody in the construction sector has heard of the adage “pay now, argue later”.

This is enshrined in the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) and there are strict regulations on what makes a valid payment claim (under section 20), and a valid payment schedule (under section 21).

The consequence of failing to issue a valid payment schedule on time is that the principal (or head-contractor) becomes liable for the claimed amount, and if not paid, gives rise to suspension rights, (section 24A) or other rights, such as statutory demand or summary judgment.

A recent case shocked some people when the High Court ruled that Fletcher’s payment schedule was invalid as it did not “substantially comply” with the statutory requirements of section 21(3) of the CCA (Fletcher Construction Company Ltd v Spotless Facility Services (NZ) Ltd [2020] NZHC 1942).

What must one do to comply?

Section 21(2) of the CCA states that a payment schedule must “be in writing, identify the payment claim to which it relates, and state a scheduled amount.”

The crux of most disputes centre around section 21(3) which states that when a payer tries to deduct payments, they must indicate:

“(a) the manner in which the payer calculated the scheduled amount; and

(b) the payer’s reason or reasons for the difference between the scheduled amount and the claimed amount; and

(c) in a case where the difference is because the payer is withholding payment on any basis, the payer’s reason or reasons for withholding payment.”

The requirements sound simple and straight forward but it often gets disputed.

Common mistakes include when a payer deducts round figures without giving a proper explanation or a breakdown of the calculations, when an amount is withheld “for assessment”, or when say only 85 percent of carpentry works are certified without further explanation or information as to where this 85 percent came from.

Often one page payment schedules with round figures will simply not be sufficient as this will not be enough to reasonably justify or explain the deductions made.

If you are the payer, you are best to go for a conservative approach and give all information, documents and calculations as to how you came up with the final scheduled amount.

In the 2020 Fletchers case, the High Court stated that the purpose of the payment schedules was to give the payer “full and equivocal notice” of all differences or disputes so the payee could properly assess the deductions.

The case referenced the commonly accepted case law and principle that the default position is that a payer must pay the contractor to ensure that the blood line of the construction sector is protected, unless there is compliance with section 21 of the CCA.

So, it is important to understand that payment schedules are seen as an exception, and not the starting point.

By Marcus Beveridge and Tina Hwang

Fletchers tried to deduct substantial costs relating to delays, liquidated damages, and contra charges.

While the court took a pragmatic approach and said common sense and contextual review would prevail, and further ruled that they would not be looking for a “line-by-line” explanation or side calculations, there was a requirement and expectation to provide information as to how the scheduled amount for each item in a payment schedule was calculated.

Reasoning for a different calculation would be required and simply noting that an item was “under assessment” or “under review” would not justify a deduction.

This is because a payer must have a clear reason for declining or deducting payments and “under assessment” (which is often used in the industry to “hold the fort”), would not be justified.

Justice van Bohemen further stated that a “substantial compliance” test would apply indicating that the court would be prepared to overlook minor errors, to assess whether a payment schedule would fairly allow the

payee to understand and calculate why a deduction or withholding of payment had been made.

Unfortunately for Fletchers, they could not overcome the “substantial compliance” test and their payment schedules were found to be invalid, which would have grave consequences.

So, statute and case law has taught us the important lesson of getting payment schedules right.

If you are unsure, it would be well worth getting the document checked by a lawyer, which could save you significantly later.

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

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

The consequence of failing to issue a valid payment schedule on time is that the principal (or headcontractor) becomes liable for the claimed amount, and if not paid, gives rise to suspension rights, (section 24A) or other rights such as statutory demand or summary judgment.

Risk management in construction projects

Like anything in life, a construction project involves risk, and if you don’t manage that risk then there is a far greater chance that it will turn to custard.

In fact, by their very nature, construction projects tend to be at the upper end of the risk spectrum, not far behind warfare, free solo climbing and betting all your worldly assets on the underdog in a horse race. Humans have a natural tendency to manage risk, some far more effectively than others. So, you could leave risk management to the people involved in the project in the expectation that they will all behave rationally.

Unfortunately life isn’t like that. In fact, the most common human risk management strategy by far, is to do nothing and hope that nothing will go wrong.

And so we have a number of established mechanisms for managing risk in construction projects. The most effective of those is central government regulation and local government oversight.

The Building Act, the Building Code, and various related pieces of legislation set minimum standards for construction and penalties for non-compliance.

Building Consent Authorities are our specialist police force who supervise and enforce the observance of these minimum standards. And on top of that, the common law holds parties accountable if they are negligent.

Many of those parties are insured, so their insurers try to get them to minimise their exposure as well.

Faced with those potential penalties, asset owners and builders take logical steps to stay out of trouble. And so they hire qualified and experienced staff, and engage expert architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and the like, to avoid making serious mistakes.

But that in itself isn’t enough, because if serious mistakes do happen, no-one is going to voluntarily own up to them. That is why you need another level of risk management, and that is the building contract, which is written primarily by construction lawyers.

The purpose of that contract is to make it very clear who is responsible for what.

If you don’t put the effort into doing that at the outset, then when disputes arise, it is significantly more expensive and time-consuming to sort out the rules retrospectively.

One of the functions of the building contract is to manage risk, and there are a number of ways to dealing with it. Here are some of the most common risks, and the most common ways of dealing with them.

2. The project takes too long

First, require the head contractor to submit and regularly update a chronological programme of when milestones are to be achieved. Then specify dates for commencement and completion and strictly define the circumstances in which the contractor is entitled to extensions of time. Provide for liquidated damages to be paid for any unjustified delays. Contract for rights to require acceleration of the pace of work at a defined cost to the asset owner, and reserve rights to terminate the contract and bring in alternative contractors if progress is unsatisfactory.

3. The head contractor charges more than it is entitled to

Have all payment claims scrutinised by the engineer to the contract, and reject any unjustified components. Respond to Construction Contracts Act payment claims with valid Construction Contracts Act payment schedules within the required timeframe. And resolve any disputes concerning payment promptly and cost-effectively.

4. The head contractor becomes insolvent or otherwise incapable of performing its obligations

6. Force majeure events prevent the economic completion of the project

These are risks that typically aren’t attributable to the acts or omissions of either party, but rather to forces of nature or the intervention of some third party.

Recent examples are the Auckland floods (where nature intervened), and Covid-19 (where the government intervened). These types of events sometimes sabotage the project completely (for example the building site slides down a cliff, or building on it becomes unlawful) – in which case it is known as frustration.

But most commonly they just slow it up, and add cost. It may be that the head contractor is simply delayed unexpectedly, or it may be that the structure is damaged and has to be reinstated.

The building contract can deal with this in a number of ways. For a start, events beyond the reasonable control of the contractor usually justify an extension of time, so at least liquidated damages don’t kick in. And sometimes the contract contains a force majeure clause which has much the same effect.

1. The building or facility does not meet the required standards

The first safeguard is to have the building or facility designed in comprehensive detail by competent professionals.

Then have the project inspected periodically by those professionals, the engineer to the project, and the building consent authority. Knowing that defects are still going to emerge, contract for a lengthy defects notification period and a head contractor obligation to rectify notified defects promptly.

In case the contractor fails to do so, insist on a third-party bond at the beginning of the project that can be called upon if that happens.

As an added precaution, deduct retentions from progress payments and only release them on satisfactory rectification of the notified defects. Finally, obtain comprehensive warranties and guarantees that can be enforced up to 10 years after completion.

Obtain a third-party bond that can be called upon if the contractor defaults. Reserve rights to terminate the contract and bring in alternative contractors if progress is unsatisfactory.

And obtain continuity guarantees from subcontractors and building material suppliers so that they can be required to work for the asset owner directly.

5. The asset owner runs out of money

Obviously this is a risk that affects both parties, but it is the head contractor who will want safeguards inserted into the contract.

Those safeguards would be superfluous (and consequently unavailable) when the asset owner is a government agency or a well-established, financially sound private sector organisation.

However, it’s a different story when you are dealing with a shaky developer. In that case the contractor can insist on a thirdparty bond that can be called upon if the principal defaults.

Often the contract provides that the flow-on effects of events like this are to be treated as a variation, which means the contractor qualifies not only for time relief, but also compensation for all the extra costs that arise as a result. The COVID-19 pandemic was a good example of that.

Of course, events like this always cost someone – be it the asset owner or the contractor – and that is where insurance comes in.

Contract works insurance covers damage that isn’t attributable to the acts or omissions of either party. Damage that is attributable to the acts or omissions of the contractor (whether the “victim” is the asset or owner, or some third party such as a neighbour), is covered by professional indemnity or public liability insurance. It is also common for the contractor to be required to insure critical items of plant and equipment.

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.

Auckland commercial lawyer

Some of the most common risks and the most common ways of dealing with them

Humans have a natural tendency to manage risk, some far more effectively than others. So, you could leave risk management to the people involved in the project in the expectation that they will all behave rationally.

Meeting the needs of industry

“The use of Sitemate® temporary power distribution units and leads enabled electricity to be supplied safely to all points across the extensive Tauhara site allowing the works and construction to proceed.”

Peter says the close relationship established with the team at Sitemate, great communication and efficient delivery has resulted in his continued use of Sitemate products.

Due for completion toward the end of this year, Naylor Love are the main civil contractor for the project and commissioned 10 Sitemate® products.

Waikato & Bay of Plenty, Yard and Plant Manager Peter Clarkin says getting temporary power to the site was crucial with safety being paramount.

“We needed to source products that could provide safe and reliable temporary, portable power to enable the construction site to operate. The SM16s and SM17s are the means of supplying a safe source of electricity when operating in an outdoor environment at night and when exposed to weather conditions.

“Sitemate Business Development Manager, Richard Collins, first approached me about three years ago for another project. He called me and visited on site with samples. What appealed to me was the clear communication, quick, efficient turnaround and follow up.

“You call up, place the order and it’s there in a short timeframe. We’ve continued to purchase Sitemate products ever since because they’re reliable, the team is easy to deal with and it’s a quick turnaround. It was a stress free, problem free exercise.”

Testimonial provided by Peter Clarkin at Naylor Love.

When Naylor Love needed to source safe, reliable temporary power products for the construction of the Tauhara Geothermal Power Station they chose Sitemate Power Systems for their portable power requirements.

The big clean up - Cyclone Gabrielle

By Michaela Pointon

It is clear communities across the North Island are working together to combat the long road ahead of recovery from the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Deciding where to start with the clean up will be messy, tiring and emotionally exhausting.

Support packages

On February 21st, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced a $50 million interim support package for those businesses affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The support package will provide immediate relief for businesses.

“I want to be very clear; this is an interim package and more support will follow as we get a better picture of the scale, cost and needs in the wake of this disaster,” Hipkins says.

Robertson said businesses will have different needs [to citizens] and this initial funding was aimed at providing cashflow businesses could access quickly.

A cabinet will be established to take decisions regarding the recovery. Robertson will chair the cabinet and was appointed the new role of Cyclone Recovery Minister.

Flood and cyclone recovery are well underway with the new cabinet announced. Contractor companies in the area should prepare for plenty of work.

The recovery for individuals and families who have suffered major impact on their homes may be different.

Claiming insurance and cleaning up flood damaged property is tough work.

The most important insurance advice for anyone affected by the floods would be to take photos of everything.

Keep the evidence of your damaged property or goods to send to landlords and insurance companies.

From home and contents insurance to cars and businesses there will be many insurance claims in the coming weeks.

At the time of publishing, the extent of the costs in damage remains unknown.

Forestry slash investigation

An inquiry to investigate the forestry slash and land use after Cyclone Gabrielle was announced on February 23rd by Forestry Minister Stuart Nash and Environment Minister David Parker.

A Ministerial inquiry will be held looking into land use causing woody debris, including forestry slash and damage, particularly in the Gisborne and Wairoa areas.

They say the woody debris and sediment are particular issues for these communities following the storms.

“More than 10,000 people have petitioned for the land use to be better managed. This inquiry is responding to these very real concerns.”

The inquiry will investigate storm damage and its causes, current practices of the forestry industry and policy settings.

People in affected communities and the wider public will be invited to provide feedback to the panel.

Immigration Recovery Visa

Immigration Minister, Michael Wood, announced on February 24th there will be a new Recovery Visa created and implemented to support the cyclone and flooding rebuild.

A new Recovery Visa will provide additional specialist workers to support cyclone and flooding recovery.

These visa applications will be fast-tracked and application fees will be removed, making it free for those who come to New Zealand.

“The visa covers the mix of workers needed for clean-up and recovery, including construction workers.

“The Recovery Visa means overseas specialists needed to support the recovery efforts can come here immediately.”

He says in the short-term New Zealand is likely to need experts such as insurance assessors, infrastructure and utilities, engineers and technicians, heavy machine operators and debris removal workers to support the experts which we already have in Aotearoa.

Similar pathways were used for the response of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes.

“As we gain a greater understanding of the scope and specialist skills required for the recovery, we will look to introduce further initiatives to support access to additional offshore labour.”

Roles covered by the Recovery Visa include:

● Providing emergency response

● Immediate clean-up

● Assessing risk or loss

● Infrastructure, building and housing stabilisation or repairs

● Work that directly support the recovery e.g. producing relevant materials for road rebuild or transport drivers.

Looking ahead into the future it is clear it will take months, if not many years to clean up the mess as a result of the Auckland flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle.

We will rely on the building and construction industry more than ever for their knowledge and expertise in the rehabilitation of affected areas.

As we gain a greater understanding of the scope and specialist skills required for the recovery, we will look to introduce further initiatives to support access to additional offshore labour.

The new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

By Conor Topp-Annan, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

The code of ethics, which came into force on 25 October last year, sets behavioural standards for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), to give both the industry and the public clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and to hold them to account.

Why have a code of ethics?

The code of ethics ensures high standards are maintained in the industry, while giving the public more confidence that LBPs are undertaking building work in a safe, legal, and professional way.

It also provides people, such as homeowners, with an avenue to complain should an LBP breach the standards.

Most LBPs already work to the highest professional and ethical standards.

The code of ethics will hold those who do not meet these standards to account, by providing clear grounds for the Building Practitioners Board to take disciplinary action against LBPs who behave unprofessionally.

What does the code of ethics include?

The code of ethics is made up of nineteen standards, which sit under the following four key principles:

1. Work safely

● Take responsibility for health and safety

● Report unsafe behaviour by others on a building site

● Avoid harming the environment.

2. Act within the law

● Comply with the law

● Report breaches of the law.

3. Take responsibility for your actions

● Know what building work you are allowed to do

● Explain risks to your client

● Be accountable for building work carried out by you, or someone under your supervision

● Inform and educate your client

● Advise clients of any delays as soon as they become apparent

● Act in your client’s interests

● Generally, you should follow your client’s instructions unless the instructions are dangerous, are contrary to contracts or consents, or would mean you would not be acting within the law.

4. Behave professionally

● Behave professionally

● Act in good faith during dispute resolution

● Price work fairly and reasonably

● Declare and manage actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately

● Maintain confidentiality of client details, unless there is good reason for sharing information

● Acknowledge and respect the cultural norms and values of your clients and colleagues

● Conduct your business in a methodical and responsible manner.

Where can I find more information?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has developed information and education resources to help LBPs and the public learn more about the code of ethics. These are available on the LBP website and include a detailed guidance document and an interactive on-line learning module. The module takes 20-30 minutes to complete and can count towards an LBP’s skills maintenance activities (note LBPs must log-in to the module for it to count towards skills maintenance).

NZ’s top infrastructure construction awards open for entries

Entries are open for the annual Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, which have recognised the outstanding projects and maintenance initiatives of New Zealand’s civil construction industry since 1978.

The awards are recognised as the civil construction and infrastructure industry’s top honours. They include an extensive assessment process that sometimes sees the judges travel as far as the Chatham Islands to assess the quality of projects and outcomes.

CCNZ chief executive, Alan Pollard, says the awards recognised the people, projects and companies who made a positive difference in the lives of New Zealanders every day by constructing and maintaining infrastructure to supply clean water and connect communities.

Companies that have delivered outstanding civil construction and infrastructure initiatives of all sizes were encouraged to enter these prestigious awards, Mr Pollard said.

“I have seen amazing projects and maintenance works the length of the country, from disaster recovery to major highways and tunnels, to water treatment plants and pipeline networks, ports and airports.

“As an industry, we can rightly be proud of breadth and quality of the projects that have been undertaken.”

This year’s awards follow on from the 2022 awards, which featured entries for projects across six categories, chosen from 46 finalists. Winners ranged from the spectacular Specularite Gully (Hugo) Bridge constructed by Abseil Access, an amazing suspension cycle bridge delivered for just $200,000, to a tunnelling project that involved lifting the 14,000t historic Auckland Central Post Office as part of City Rail Link and won the category for projects with a value above $100m.

Hirepool has sponsored the awards since 2009 as CCNZ’s principal business partner.

General manager of sales and marketing, Gary Richardson, says it was an honour to support teams that worked to construct and maintain New Zealand’s infrastructure, who deserved recognition for putting in the hard yards to get the job done.

“I love seeing what this recognition means for the hardworking people who are out there building our roads, bridges and water systems,” Gary says.

“It’s really satisfying to be able to give hardworking civil construction professionals a

small part of the recognition they deserve for the work they put in building and maintaining New Zealand’s infrastructure.”

The 2023 awards will be presented at the Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards Dinner, which will be held on Friday, 1 September at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland as part of The Civil Contractors Conference - the national conference for civil construction in New Zealand.

Entries for the 2023 CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards can be made online at www.civilcontractors.co.nz until 23 June.

2023 Category 4 Award winners CB Civil working on Hamilton’s Peacocke Northern Transfer Mains.

Tunneling works under the Auckland Central Post Office for City Rail Link, winner of the Category 5 Award in 2023.

Wanganui Towing

vehicles from classic cars to caravans, crash and accident recoveries, and a wide range of plant and equipment.

Rowan Massey has been the owner and operator of Wanganui towing since May 2019, taking over from Tony and Carolyn Swain who established the business back in 2004.

They were originally based in a smaller location in Wilson Street, moving to 1 Liffiton Street in 2018 to a much larger and more suitable premises. Rowan began his career in towing and salvage at a young age of 17 with Wanganui towing, so he pretty much knows all there is to know about the industry.

Rowan is supported by a great team of suitably qualified Towing and salvage drivers and office staff, who are ready to help, whether you need a vehicle towed, a vehicle stored, roadside assistance or rescue anywhere across the Wanganui region and beyond.

We are key providers to the AA, NZ Police and Roadside Rescue (First Assist), as well as virtually every major insurance company. No one wishes for an accident or a car breakdown. Nevertheless, when it does happen, Wanganui Towing is available 24/7 to help whenever you need us. We offer a fast and reliable service, if you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or a tow, we will ensure that the whole process is smooth

and hassle-free. Both you and your vehicle will be well looked after.

Wanganui Towing has a full fleet of slide deck trucks capable of carting up to 5 and a half ton and transporting up to three cars at a time in the central North Island. Our specialised crane truck can be used for lifting heavy machinery, immobile vehicles or for serious crash recoveries. It also has an under lift allowing us to lift vehicles from the rear. Our ute is fully kitted out with everything you need - whether you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or have locked your keys inside the car.

We can handle breakdowns and recoveries of all vehicles in all situations and specialise in the towing and transport of all types of

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery, we put a lot of pride and care into making sure our trucks are clean and well–equipped with high-quality gear, this ensures vehicles are safe and secure whilst being towed and we are always ready to handle any situation you find yourself in, from flat batteries to postaccident towing and more!

Give us a call and let us take the hassle out of your misfortune!

Office: 06 241 7266

24 hours: 027 443 5449

E: info@wanganuitowing.co.nz

www.wanganuitowing.co.nz

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery.

Annual construction cost growth hits a record high The cost of construction

CoreLogic NZ’s Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI), which tracks the indexed growth of the country’s national residential building prices, recorded an increase of 1.7 percent in the final quarter of 2022, a significant deceleration from the record 3.4 percent increase in the three months to September.

However, the annual CCCI growth figure, which measures the cost to build a ‘standard’ 200 sqm three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-storey brick and tile house in Aotearoa, hit a new high of 10.4 percent, surpassing the previous record of 9.6 percent set in Q3.

CoreLogic chief property economist, Kelvin Davidson, says a surge in new builds, materials supply issues and labour shortages, alongside completion delays, had all contributed to the unprecedented increase to the cost of residential construction throughout 2022.

He says there had been suggestions demand would eventually ease, but evidence of a slowdown had only started to materialise in the final quarter of the year.

“For most of 2022, new dwelling consents have remained high, with smaller dwellings – especially townhouses – becoming an even higher share of the total (nationally 56 percent in the year to October, and 77 percent in Auckland),” Kelvin says.

“But the very latest data is finally hinting at the long-awaited slowdown, with last October’s dwelling consent figure itself down by 12 percent from the same month a year ago.”

Kelvin warned even as new dwelling approvals slowed, the ‘huge’ pipeline of consents that had already been granted would take time to be completed, providing builders and the industry with at least another six to 12 months of consistent work.

“Although the supply chain issues for building materials, such as plasterboard, have eased considerably, overall capacity pressures are still a concern,” he says.

“We can see the lingering strains clearly in the December quarter construction cost figures (1.7 percent rise), which were the lowest for the year, however the index is still running above the ‘normal’ increase of about one percent per quarter,” he says.

“The latest CCCI results are also higher than the rise of 0.9 percent in Q4 2021, meaning the annual rate of cost inflation has accelerated to 10.4 percent, the first double digit annual figure since the index was launched 10 years ago."

Annual inflation for construction costs is expected to hold at around 10 percent for the first quarter of 2023, before easing over the rest of the year as the red-hot residential building sector finally starts to slow.

“However, in a market where existing house values are dropping, it may well be difficult for builders to keep pushing up new-build prices to compensate for higher costs.

“If so, the net result of continued increases in construction costs, even if at a slower pace, would be further pressure on construction firms’ profit margins,” he says.

“Longer term, annual new dwelling consents are expected to ease from around 50,000 per year to the 30-35,000 range, which sounds like a significant slowdown, but remains higher than in previous years.

“This elevated level of construction is partly due to the need to replenish stock levels to meet New Zealand’s future population growth, but also reflects the myriad of demand incentives available for new-builds, such as exemptions from the loan-to-value

ratio rules and investors’ ability to claim mortgage interest deductibility.”

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’ threebedroom, two-bathroom brick and tile single storey dwelling.

For more information or to read the report, visit: www.corelogic.co.nz/reports/cordellconstruction-cost-index.

About CoreLogic

CoreLogic NZ is a leading, independent provider of property data and analytics. It helps people build better lives by providing rich, up-to-the-minute property insights that inform the very best property decisions. Formed in 2014 following the merger of two companies that had strong foundations in New Zealand’s property industry – Terralink Ltd and PropertyIQ NZ Ltd - we have the most comprehensive property database with coverage of 99% of the NZ property market

and more than 500 million decision points in our database.

About the CCCI

The Cordell Construction Cost Index is based on building models, representing a typical standard (three-bedroom, two-bathroom) domestic dwelling.

The models are for a standalone application, using materials, trade practices and applications that would be considered standard building practice. Bespoke or specialised style construction or materials are not presented in this index and may vary from the price indicators. Standard build times are allowed but does not take into account delays or associated costs due to longer times.

The changes in prices are measured daily through the use of detailed cost surveys, and are reported on a quarterly basis, with a view to ensuring the most current and comprehensive industry information is available.

The models have an approx. representation of 40 percent labour, five percent preliminary, five percent plant and 50 percent material.

A nascent drop off in the number of new housing consents could soon help to ease the pressure on New Zealand’s residential construction sector, which has dealt with rapidly rising costs for more than 12 months.

Premium care for your car

Premium Tyres & Auto offer a convenient, one-stop-shop, which director Don Fearon says is appreciated by their customers.

With two Christchurch branches, in Linwood and Bromley, they are conveniently located for ease of access.

“People can drive in, leave their car, get their warrant done, any repairs and servicing, then drive away. It’s very convenient to have it all at one place, and people really appreciate that, especially the tradies.

“It means that people don’t have to waste time going elsewhere for repairs etc., and then spend even more time returning for a recheck,” Don says.

The team at Premium Tyres & Auto provide a full service for all makes and models of cars, four-wheel drives, vans and light trucks.

They also carry an extensive range of new and used tyres for cars, vans, light trucks and fourwheel drives and provide a free fitting and balancing service on all the tyres they sell. Don says their extensive range means they can fit most vehicles but if they don’t have it in stock they’ll quickly source it.

He says another aspect of the service appreciated by their clients is they offer quality products at competitive prices with no hidden costs.

Premium Tyres & Autos services include:

• WOF and WOF repairs

• Full vehicle servicing

• Full range of new and used tyres

• Wheel balancing and alignment

• Fitting mag wheels

• Puncture repairs

• Brakes

• CV joints

• Shock absorbers and suspension repairs

• Batteries.

Premium Tyres & Auto has all the latest vehicle diagnostic technology in their fullyequipped workshop, and fully trained and qualified staff.

Don says along with having everything you would expect in a modern, well-equipped auto servicing shop, what makes Premium Tyres & Autos stand out is the effort they make to do their best for their customers.

Premium Tyres & Autos

222 Linwood Avenue Linwood (03) 3805020 027 766 7354

office.premiumtyres@xtra.co.nz www.premiumtyres.co.nz

Ask

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.

• We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10%

• We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge!

Securescaffold covers all NEW WorkSafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions.

New thermal performance requirements

Glass industry prepared for increased demand for higher performance ‘Low E’ glazing

Window and Glass Association of New Zealand chief executive, Brett Francis, says the industry is prepared for the coming increase in demand for ‘Low E’ glazing with new thermal performance requirements coming into effect.

Clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code, which regulates the energy efficiency of buildings, was updated in November 2021, and the first phase of implementation began in November last year.

This will see initial increases in thermal resistance or R value requirements for roofs, walls, floors and windows and doors in effect for any buildings submitted for consent from this date.

Further increases will follow on May 1 and again on on November 2, 2023.

“Any building consents lodged from 3 November, 2022, will need to satisfy the f irst phase of these new requirements,” Brett says.

“And while the increases in R value requirements for windows and doors will vary depending on a building’s type and location, for many, the initial increases will require a change in glazing solutions.”

Tools available to determine requirements

Brett says three key things are needed to determine the new requirements a building is subject to: the building type – being housing, other buildings up to 300m2 or

other buildings greater than 300m2, the site address of the building to determine which of six new climate zones it’s in, and when the consent application will be submitted.

“We’ve created a simple tool for housing requirements in the H1 Info Hub on the association’s website, and have Quick Reference Guides for all the building types available also.”

For housing, the first phase of implementation is a move to R0.37 for windows and doors in houses planned for all areas of the country between November 3, 2022 and April 31, 2023.

“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 – or Insulated Glass Units, in aluminium frames as we know them.”

These glazing units use Low E or low emissivity glass, which has a lower rate of heat-loss due to the use of extremely thin layers of silver and/or other low emissivity material on one side of the glass, which is then enclosed in double or triple glazing to protect the coating.

The use of inert gas like argon, rather than normal air, between the layers of glazing further improves the insulating properties of the units.

Thermally broken aluminium, uPVC and timber frames with double-glazed Low E IGUs will also meet or exceed the standard. “And of course, higher specification solutions are encouraged and will result in more thermally efficient homes.”

A doubling in thermal performance ahead

Two more phase-in periods will see further increases in requirements that will result in an overall near doubling of thermal performance for windows and doors in New Zealand homes, making them much more energy efficient.

In Zones 1 and 2, encompassing Auckland where 70 percent of the country’s residential construction occurs, there are no further changes for housing until 2 November 2023, when requirements lift to R0.46 and demand different window frame solutions. In cooler regions, that move comes earlier, in 1 May 2023, moving to R0.46 in Zones 3 and 4, and R0.50 in Zones 5 and 6.

“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.” A note on other buildings

Most of the changes in the commercial sector – including for the likes of hotels, schools, restaurants, retirement villages and more are implemented in this first phase.

For such buildings up to 300m2, Zones 1 and 2 move to R0.37, and will be the only segment to shift again on May 1 2023 to R0.46. Zones 3 and 4 will sit at R0.46 and Zones 5 and 6 at R0.50.

For buildings greater than 300m2, Zones 1 and 2 will move to R0.33, Zones 3 and 4 to R0.37 and Zones 5 and 6 split into R0.40 and R0.42 respectively.

Structural steel industry targets women with new initiative

Fostering gender diversity in the structural steel industry

More than 50 women gathered at the Hilton Auckland in February for the inaugural Women in Structural Steel event.

Hosted by industry body Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ), the event brought women together from different backgrounds, different industry roles and different stages in their careers to connect and learn from one another.

SCNZ general manager, Darren O’Riley, says SCNZ is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion.

“This initiative aims to encourage women into the industry by creating a welcoming and supportive environment, and showcasing the variety of opportunities within the sector. “Ultimately, we want to grow the number of women engaged throughout the industry, year on year.”

Last year, SCNZ services co-ordinator Michelle Gutierrez-Smith attended a Women in Leadership summit and was inspired by all of the women and the diversity in the room –age, experience, background and industry.

“I looked at the structural steel industry with fresh eyes,” Michelle says. “I want to see more women in our industry; I want to see more women in leadership roles in our industry; I don’t want them to be hindered because they are women. It was a catalyst for SCNZ to establish Women in Structural Steel.”

Attendees at the event heard from three speakers: D&H Steel Construction’s Kelly Jeffries and Grayson Engineering’s Bridget Young shared their inspiring stories of thriving in the traditionally male-dominated structural steel industry; and nutritionist Nikki Hart offered some invaluable insights into how to maintain a healthy relationship with food and drink in our busy, modern world.

SCNZ plans to build on the success of the first event and host regular Women in Structural Steel sessions in future.

From left are: Nikki Hart, Michelle Gutierrez-Smith, Kelly Jeffries and Bridget Young.

SCNZ services co-ordinator Michelle Gutierrez-Smith.

Smart and sustainable modular space solutions

the most recent Kidsfirst Kindergarten in East Rolleston, Christchurch. Originally built in 2015 as a Kidsfirst service in Franz Josef, the building was relocated and refurbished for the new site when operational changes occurred within their business.

The lifespan of a modular building is upwards of 20 years as existing modules can be continually reused following periodic refurbishments, further extending their life and flexibility, without compromising on quality or performance.

There is a need to reduce the amount of waste the building and construction industry generates through recycling, upcycling, and setting objectives and targets around waste minimisation.

Are modular buildings the answer?

Modular buildings can be modified and reconfigured to adapt to the changing requirements of customers and their stakeholders, with units easily moved or adapted as needs change allowing for a sustainable approach to temporary and permanent space requirements for infrastructure projects.

Portacom Building Solutions is the leading supplier of portable and modular buildings across New Zealand, offering a range of durable, high-quality and compliant buildings for short-term hire or long-term, permanent solutions.

An ongoing relationship between Portacom and Hann Construction Company has seen many projects come to fruition, including

The Portacom team completed several internal alterations at East Rolleston, and updates to electrical components and plumbing, resulting in a satisfied client and principal contractor. The facility is due to open in March and looks like a new build. At the end of their useful economic life, building modules can either be sold to further extend their lives or dismantled into components, with up to 96% of materials recyclable.

Furthermore, the total amount of waste generated from a factory-produced modular building is around half that of traditional construction. Lean manufacturing techniques, strict design specifications, and inventory and quality control to limit the amount of waste produced.

Portacom’s long-term goal is to retain the value of materials and resources indefinitely, with no residual waste at all. Learn more at portacom.co.nz

It is estimated by the Ministry for the Environment that we in Aotearoa generate 17.49 million tonnes of waste per year, of which an estimated 12.59 million tonnes are sent to landfill. 33% of landfill waste is a direct result of construction and demolition.

East Rolleston Kindergarten is due to open in March.

Taking care of the people in an industry

Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as suicide.

Mates in Construction has only been in existence since November 2019, but the industry response to the implementation of our suicide prevention programmes has been overwhelmingly positive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

have poor mental health due to depression or anxiety, but the stress that comes from life’s daily struggles is a reason that people consider taking their own life.

Other things that move people towards the tipping point are being unable to cope with bullying, alcohol, drugs, a poor lifestyle, societal factors including poverty or low education and financial pressures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was kindly provided by Mates in Construction.

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

NEED HELP AND SUPPORT?

Check out these resources:

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757

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

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

Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737

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

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Shakti Community Council0800 742 584

Shine (domestic violence)0508 744 633

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness0800 732 825 thelowdown.co.nz – email team@ thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

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

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

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

The four pillars of MATES in Construction

The MATES delivery model is not linear, it moves back and forth – each site has its own community ecosystem which exists within the greater industry environment. Therefore, what we do on one site will influence other sites.

The provision of training, case management and helpline services are elements of our model, but there is a complex interaction between all the different parts. The true value of MATES is not the sum of these elements, but how they exponentially build on each other.

Informing industry through research

By partnering with researchers in research on aspects of the construction industry that impact on mental health and suicide risk.

Raising awareness

That mental health and suicide is an industry issue that we can address together.

Creating resilient and stronger worksites

By training and supporting workers and managers to make a difference and improving mental health and preventing suicide.

This article was kindly provided by Mates in Construction.

Connecting to help

By providing case management support to workers who are struggling helping them to navigate the mental health support system.

Why partner with MATES?

Becoming a Partner of MATES in Construction enables you to be part of a programme tasked with reducing the number of people dying by suicide within our industry and creating a community within your workplace that is about MATES helping MATES. Our programme will provide your workers with the tools to enable them to identify the signs and have the tough conversations with their MATES when they notice that someone may not be travelling well.

Partnering with MATES gives your organisation the following opportunities:

• Make a difference in your company and industry as a collective

• Build wellbeing in your teams

• Engage and train your people so they can watch out for their MATES

• Promote your business as a responsible and engaged partner in your people’s lives

• Show that you care about your people – actively prioritising health, safety and mental wellbeing

• Become part of a growing family of likeminded organisations.

Unlocking the Bolt Importer Charter scheme

represents a mark of excellence for bolt importers in New Zealand,” Kevin says.

Steel & Tube is the first company in New Zealand to achieve the Bolt Importer Charter, having been independently audited to satisfy the requirements of the charter.

Steel & Tube group product manager, Tait Mitchell, says it was never a race to be the first company.

“With the Bolt Importer Charter, this should put those concerns to bed.”

Steel & Tube’s achievement in gaining the increased compliance has made customers very happy as they know Steel & Tube has gone down the path of a trusted product and process.

Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) has played a massive part in ensuring companies are able to commit to these changes.

SCNZ technical director Kevin Cowie says the Bolt Importer Charter is the latest steel construction industry quality assurance programme.

“It complements the Steel Fabrication Certification programme launched in 2014 and the Structural Steel Distributor Charter launched in 2019.

“The Bolt Importer Charter ensures that fasteners and anchor bolts supplied to the local steel construction sector are sourced using good procurement practice and

“When the idea about the charter came out, we decided to go for it straight away as we already trusted the processes we had in place. Steel & Tube has always considered itself a leader in the industry,” Tait says.

Tait explains the BIC is important as it’s designed to promote and reward best practice in sourcing structural fasteners.

“It’s important to provide assurance to the market that the range you sell is fit for purpose and achieves the level of compliance the industry is looking for.

“There has been a perception for some in the market that Chinese-made structural fasteners aren’t up to scratch.

Tait says they’re in a market where increased testing and compliance are the norm. He says many businesses do not want the risk of buying non-compliant products, especially when structural fasteners represent so little of the overall cost of the project.

“However, a failure could result in a building collapse and lives lost.”

To achieve chartered status, Steel & Tube had to review all its internal policies and make changes if needed.

Then it hired an external auditor to assess its procedures to ensure compliance with the requirements of the BIC.

“Achieving the charter is a good image for the whole industry. It means the industry is providing high-quality product that is tested and trusted throughout New Zealand.”

D&H Steel Construction is benefiting from the BIC as it’s now receiving tested and trusted products consistently.

D&H Steel managing director, Wayne Carson, says the BIC is one more initiative the industry has been driving around compliance and the structural steel contractor has been crusading for the compliance message.

“It’s been three years in the making. Steel & Tube, to its credit, is at the forefront by adopting this. It gives us confidence we are receiving compliant bolts and it sends the message to clients that we are meeting standards and codes. It naturally means we will be purchasing more product through them,” Wayne says.

“This is another commitment to maintaining a higher benchmark. There are very specific standards that bolt manufactures and suppliers have to meet.

“They have to think about performance and expectations, and have random testing.

They need to have a programme with quality controls.

“The Bolt Importer Charter lays out the expectation that distributors do their due diligence on the manufacturing.”

Wayne says structural engineers and council building officials are looking for evidence that the bolts are meeting the standards and the BIC is another way they’re providing confidence and evidence. “Steel & Tube is leading by example,” he says.

To find out more about the Bolt Importer Charter and what it could mean for your company, visit the SCNZ website at: www.scnz.org

SCNZ

(09) 263 5635

info@scnz.org

www.scnz.org

STEEL SOLUTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION

Steel & Tube distributes and processes the largest range of steel solutions nationwide. As one of New Zealand’s certified Chartered Bolt Importer’s we ensure all our fasteners and anchor bolts are sourced using rigorous procurement practices. This combined with our structural Steel Distributor Charter will provide you the confidence you need when selecting your supplier. Ready for your next project. Talk to Steel & Tube today, for all your steel requirements.

0800 478 335 steelandtube.co.nz

The world of steel construction in New Zealand is constantly striving to improve and with the introduction of the Bolt Import Charter (BIC) scheme, it’s only getting better.

ACRS SCS Certification

Certified Sustainability from Source to Site

Choosing ‘the most sustainable’ construction steels can be a challenge, thanks to the variety of methods used to measure ‘sustainability’. That, and the fact that many products are either self-assessed or assessed against environmental management systems rather than product certification.

ACRS’ SCS (Sustainable Constructional Steels) Certification ensures that construction steels entering New Zealand and Australia from anywhere in the world meet the highest global environmental, social and ethical standards, using independent certification of ESG criteria and performance indicators - with the added benefit of traceability from source to site.

ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification and Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards

Sustainable Steel made easy

ACRS Sustainable Steel Certification Scheme recognised by GBCA under its Responsible Products Framework

ACRS (the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels), the leading independent, third-party steel certification authority of construction steels to Australian and New Zealand Standards, and CARES, the leading international constructional steel certification authority, have announced that their Sustainable Constructional Steels Certification Scheme (SCS) has been recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) under its Responsible Products Framework.

The Framework is used by the GBCA to recognise initiatives that a product or manufacturer can comply with for the purposes of contributing to a Green Star certification.

As part of the Framework, the SCS Scheme has been recognised as Best Practice across all four of the Framework’s credits. These cover building Structure; Envelope; Systems and Finishes.

With the SCS Scheme, steel producers and processors will be able to achieve Best Practice credits towards Green Star Building compliance. They will also be able to achieve compliance by using other schemes in combination with the SCS Scheme to achieve either ‘Good practice’ or ‘Best practice’ product criteria.

Commenting on the GBCA recognition of the SCS Scheme, Andrew Wheeler,

Executive Director of ACRS, said “We are delighted the SCS Scheme has received this recognition from the GBCA and to now be contributing towards the Green Star rating system. The SCS Scheme is an internationally recognised, best-in-class sustainability scheme with 13 years of experience in the steel industry.

“Working closely with our partners at GBCA and our certificate holders, we look forward to helping the Australian construction industry verify the steel being used as being produced using the most sustainable practices the industry is capable of achieving and to always look for ways to improve this as we head towards net zero by 2050.”

The sentiments were echoed by Lee Brankley, CEO of CARES, who added, “Steel is a safety critical component in all major structures and responsible clients

rightly seek the assurance that comes with confirmation the products they specify meet the highest standards in the sector.

“Knowing their products also meet stretching sustainability criteria set out by highly regarded bodies such as the GBCA, is a further positive endorsement of the choices these clients are making. CARES welcomes this as an additional sign of confidence in the standards set out in the SCS Scheme,” he added.

The SCS Scheme verifies construction steels entering Australia from anywhere in the world meet the highest global environmental, social and ethical standards, using independent certification of ESG criteria and performance indicators. The SCS Scheme allows designers, specifiers and end-users to determine with confidence the sustainability performance of the steel procured.

Australian and international steel producers are working hard to reduce their emissions. Indeed, according to the IEA (International Energy Agency), around seven percent of global CO2 emissions are currently generated by the steel industry. The SCS Scheme will help steel producers and processors measure, monitor, and improve the sustainability performance of their products and will strengthen industry efforts already underway to combat greenhouse gas emissions.

Provides a clear public benefit

The Scheme aligns to the UN-convened Sustainable Development Goals - ‘The Global Goals’ - and measures and monitors a comprehensive range of criteria through the global supply chain. Raw material and transport data, combined with independently verified production and life-cycle emissions data, support the development of products’ Carbon Footprint and Environmental Product Declarations. This enables accurate data, for example, the Global Warming Potential per tonne of product, to be easily accessed by designers and specifiers. On-product bar marking and digital product labelling also allows 100% traceability on all verified products from manufacture to site.

Supporting international trade and commerce

The Scheme already certifies 42 producers and suppliers in 12 countries. Products certified under the SCS Scheme are approved inputs for a range of additional international building and infrastructure rating systems, including the UK’s Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM); the US Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system; the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council's (CIC) Green Building Product Certification (GPC) scheme and the Singapore Green Building Council’s Green Building Product Certification (SGBP) Certification Scheme.

Benefits for firms seeking SCS certification

With the introduction of SCS certification, product conformity, traceability, and sustainability certification will all now be available through ACRS. Firms seeking both independent premium product and sustainability certification can now do so through one certification body. The independence and rigour that ACRS is renowned for in Australia and New Zealand will help achieve the desired quality, environmental and socially responsible outcomes across the construction industry.

For further information, please email ACRS at: info@steelcertification.com or visit the website: www.steelcertification.com

About the SCS certification scheme

The SCS Scheme covers the production of feedstock for further processing (e.g. billets, blooms slabs, wire rod), finished steel products (e.g. carbon steel bar/ coil, stainless steel bar/coil and structural steels), and fabricated materials (mesh, processed bar and welded fabrication).

The Scheme is compatible with ACRS’ traceability provisions in ACRS “Stage 1” (Manufactured Product) and “Stage 2” (Fabricated Product) certification plus the Traceability scheme for traders and distributors.

ACRS is the sole certification body in Australasia for delivery of the SCS Scheme, the internationally recognised scheme that is compatible with ACRS’ existing certification schemes and meets local market needs.

About ACRS

Founded in 2001, the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (ACRS) is Australasia’s leading, not-for-profit, independent steel certification authority.

ACRS provides the most technicallyrigorous, internationally-aligned, independent steel certification scheme to Australian and New Zealand Standards. It conducts audits and certificates over 100 suppliers from more than 24 countries for construction materials supplied to AS, NZS, EN and BS Standards, as well as a range of Government specifications.

ACRS certifies customer quality management systems and construction steel products to international quality standard ISO 9001: 2016 (or the identical ISO 9001:2015, or local equivalent); and Steelwork Fabrication and Erection Standard, AS/NZS 5131.

About CARES

Founded in 1983, CARES is the world’s leading independent provider of assured certification for the construction steels industry. CARES operates in over 50 countries, providing confidence in product performance and provenance to discerning public and private sector clients. The CARES digital ecosystem offers speed and transparency in ever-more complex international supply chains where safety, sustainability and product data quality are mission-critical.

Steel is a safety critical component in all major structures and responsible clients rightly seek the assurance that comes with confirmation the products they specify meet the highest standards in the sector.

Ready to rebuild in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay bridging company Eastbridge aims to play its part in getting the region back on its feet following Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Napier-based company is a specialist supplier of steel bridging and fabricated heavy steel.

General manager Jayden Mellsop says the scale of the damage in Hawke’s Bay is difficult to comprehend, even for those living in the main urban areas of the region.

“The destruction has been relatively localised in a few areas around the river valleys. But, almost everyone knows someone who has been seriously affected.”

Jayden is expecting a positive response from authorities to their offers of assistance in providing temporary and urgent bridging resources. He’s expecting as the focus moves onto restoring access, their expertise and skills will be utilised.

“Many of the destroyed bridges in the region were at least 60 years-old. So, there is now an opportunity, under these terrible circumstances, to rebuild crossings to the latest modern standards.”

The after-effects of Cyclone Gabrielle are being felt on multiple fronts by businesses in Hawke’s Bay.

Projects disrupted, staff personally affected by the devastation and the knock-on effects on transportation and access are forcing businesses to dig deep for what’s ahead.

The disaster impacted Hawke’s Bay on 14 February. Jayden says the breakdown in communication with staff in the affected areas was extremely worrying.

Now, though, the priority needs to shift to access.

“Without this, the restoration efforts for the affected agricultural and horticultural industries will be hamstrung.”

Eastbridge lost a week of production due to the power outage and they’re still working toward being fully operational.

Staff have been impacted, personally, and there’s also the logistical difficulties of getting projects back on track. They’re having to contend with things like driving restrictions and bottlenecks on the roads.

Jayden says the sheer scale of the damage, exacerbated by access issues and limited technical and other resources, mean things on the ground are moving slower than anticipated.

Flexibility is key

Eastbridge is a company that has developed flexibility in its steel fabrication facility to meet the market demands of the day.

Peacockes bridge, Waikato.

Designs incorporating larger steel components are more common now because of the capability of larger cranes being brought into the country.

“Our facilities and capabilities have had to grow over the last decade to keep up with the size of the structures being designed and built in New Zealand,“ Jayden says.

The majority of Eastbridge’s projects are steel bridging components made for councils, and central government bodies such as Waka Kotahi and Kiwirail.

Location, location, location

Jaden says the company’s geographical location is a major positive.

It’s just two kilometres from the Port of Napier for receiving raw materials and shipping its Eastbridge truss bridging systems throughout New Zealand, the South Pacific and parts of SouthEast Asia.

Under normal (pre cyclone) conditions the company’s central location means the completed bridges are freighted via road or rail to the major urban centres (Wellington, Waikato, Tauranga, Auckland).

Certification

Eastbridge are accredited to Construction Category 4 (CC4) of the Steel Fabrication Scheme (SFC) developed and administered by Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ). CC4 is the highest level of certification achievable.

Employment opportunities

Eastbridge are recruiting skilled fabricators, welders and CNC machine operators. A significant opportunity exists for an ambitious and driven team player to fill our Operations Manager role that has been vacant after a recent retirement. hr@eastbridge.co.nz

Peacockes bridge

The design of the Peacockes bridge over the Waikato River was possible because of the capability of the largest crawler crane in New Zealand. It could move steel girders weighing over 105 tonnes. There are 36 girders with a combined weight of 2,300 tonnes.

Custom bridge building

Custom bridge projects are typically fabricated to clients’ externally commissioned designs, however for select projects Eastbridge will undertake full design services.

When clients need more than just steel supply, decades of knowledge across all forms of steel will add value to the full bridging process - from conceptual designs to tensioning the last bolt.

Custom fabricating

Eastbridge excel at fabricating thick and heavy custom plate arrangements.

Anything with complex angles, full strength welding is up their alley and the team will often identify alternative cost-effective weld preparations to achieve equivalent design strength.

With their heavy overhead gantry capacity Eastbridge’s workshops are able to rotate and load out heavy assemblies with ease.

Eastbridge can get artistic. They will design, supply and install custom pieces of steelwork to suit architectural and cultural forms. Such as art walls, sculptures and special balustrading.

Other feature projects

Papakura to Drury motorway widening project –Auckland

Eastbridge are fabricating girders close to 50m long.

Napier Port Wharf Six

Temporary works structures for the wharf construction. Bridges for Fiji

Fabrication of nine bridges, including detailed design of the superstructure.

Ngā Hau Māngere -- Auckland

Old Mangere Bridge replacement.

Project BR03 Kauri Eco Viaduct – Manawatu

Fenton St pedestrian overbridge – Auckland

For the City Rail Link.

Beaumont Bridge – Otago

Relocatable truss bridge for Taylors Construction in Nelson for earthmoving activities.

Eastbridge

Würth’s automated process makes test certificate management and ordering stress free

12 Mersey St Pandora Napier 4110 (06) 835 7527

info@eastbridge.co.nz

www.eastbridge.co.nz

Peacockes bridge. Individual beam weighing 105 tonnes.

Beaumont Bridge – Otago

Old Mangere Bridge replacement, Ngā Hau Māngere, Auckland.

Trowel Trades Supa Centre Hamilton

Trowel

Centre

The Trowel Trades brand is a growing brand within New Zealand’s building supply industry with a chain of branches throughout the North and South Islands under franchise. Our customers know they can depend on us as a local business on your doorstep to help.

We have experienced owners across the franchises who search and source new innovative products internationally. This means Trowel Trades can keep our product offer as up to date as possible.

With strong relationships with our suppliers, we can offer you great products at good prices. Trowel Trades commitment is having big brands for the best value available to their customers.

Customers are experienced brick and blocklayers, concreters, landscapers, plasterers, tilers, roofers, all the way through to civil specialists and concrete repairs.

“We pride ourselves heavily on our range of product, but also the knowledge which is the backbone of the advice we can offer. From compounds, trowels, to wheelbarrows and machinery – we have it all.”

Being locally owned and managed, they say they can move very quickly to bring a ‘new’ product in for a client, rather than get hampered by the typical ‘head office policies’ other businesses are frustrated by.

“At the end of the day our view is that this frustration can then become the customers, and that is not how we do business. We pride ourselves on our loyal service to our customers.”

Owners of their stores know the industry and have background knowledge to source the correct products for every individual customer's needs. Their experience in the industry is just another reason to visit your local Trowel Trades store.

Whether your project is extensive and requires alot of tools, or instead a small at home DIY project, you can count on Trowel Trades to play a part in the success of getting the job done. Trowel Trades are well equipped for any of the tasks they encounter. Trowel Trades also has exceptionally quick delivery. They say, “You ring, we bring. We will, because we can”.

Trowel Trades continue to be the preferred one-stop shop when local tradespeople and handymen need materials to ensure a job is well done. They have a large selection at good quality and price.

So, take a trip in your truck to Trowel Trades to experience knowledgeable advice and have the confidence they have supplied you the right product for the job!

To find out more about the products and services Trowel Trades have on offer, make sure to visit their website: www.troweltrades.co.nz

Trades Supa

Hamilton has been in Hamilton for 14 years now. We are aspecialist trade store where we cater to the needs of anyone that uses a trowel. In effect, we are their ‘Homebase’ or ‘onestop-shop.

We pride ourselves heavily on our range of product, but also the knowledge which is the backbone of the advice we can offer.

We are a privately owned small business that is passionate about all things in the building industry that involve a trowel. We carry an extremely broad variety of tools, compounds, trims, additives, sealers, paint, repair systems and so much more!

can also back this up with expert knowledge and service, here at Trowel Trades nothing is a problem....

Hayman QS Ltd

Hayman QS Ltd is an independent quantity surveying company, who specialise in construction cost management.

This year it will be Hayman QS Ltd’s 10th year in business. The husband and wife team, Rebecca being the quantity surveyor and Neal with extensive on site experience, have a wide knowledge of the construction industry making them well placed to accommodate a variety of clients within the Taranaki and Central Districts Regions, across to Hawkes Bay. Rebecca is on the NZIQS regional branch committee representing Taranaki.

In the past, Rebecca has been employed as a “contractor’s QS”, working directly for smaller builders and larger contractors but since establishing an independent quantity surveying business, they are engaged as a “professional QS”, working directly for clients, lenders, architects and government departments. Undertaking both roles has provided Hayman QS with a unique skill set to bring to any project, large or small.

One of a quantity surveyor’s role’s is to read the drawings and specifications and work out how much a project will cost, how long it will take, and looks after your finances during the construction period. They act in the clients’ best interests and work as if the money was their own.

The best time to engage Hayman QS Ltd is at the concept stage of a project. They can provide estimates at various stages of design and construction. Cost aspects can

be identified early, which enables the client to have a complete understanding and allows decision making based on budget constraints if necessary.

Hayman QS Ltd’s Services include but are not limited to:

• Preliminary assessments of costs and elemental estimating – both done in the early stages of design

• Value engineering, cost comparisons and life cycle of materials

• Advice on contractual matters, the best type of contract and the finer points of difference

• Tender assessment and risk analysis and procurement advice

• Cost control and financial management of projects to practical / defects completion all in accordance with the Construction Contracts Act 2002

• Project estimates and cost to complete schedules to suit lender requirements

• For builders, from measuring quantities through to a full tender submission, as little or as much support as needed with pricing their projects

• Insurance assessments for sum insured values.

Neal and Rebecca of Hayman QS are happy to help assist their clients, consultants, the local construction sector, with their independent construction cost services. Whatever your construction project or your budget, they can provide a variety of services to suit your requirements or advise you on the best direction forward.

You can find Hayman QS Ltd at: www.haymanqs.co.nz

Rebecca: rebecca@haymanqs.co.nz, 027 471 3421

Neal: neal@haymanqs.co.nz, 027 918 5461

Facebook: Hayman QS

Metal roofing – a vibrant and developing industry

It has had five name changes since its inception in 1966 but its mission remains unchanged.

The New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association continues to support those in the industry and to foster product and systems development.

Representing companies that produce rollform steel and other metals for roofing and cladding purposes, the NZMRM works closely with related bodies.

These include: the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ), the Building Officials Institute of NZ (BOINZ), the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ) and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The association conducts research promoting the use of metal roofing and cladding, and has developed a specially-designed test rig in Huntly for members to test new products.

Membership of the NZMRM means those involved in the metal roofing industry can be kept up-to-date on the latest news in products and innovations.

The NZMRM works consistently to have the most updated standards – the latest Code of Practice version 3.0 can be downloaded from the NZMRM website www.metalroofing.org.nz/codeonline.

In praise of metal roofs

Modern metal roofs have so much to offer in sustainability, versatility and good looks.

The benefits start at the beginning of the materials’ journey to the building site. Transportation costs are lower compared to other materials, such as concrete and tiles.

Specify ColorCote and sleep easy.

NZMRM Conference 2023

This year’s conference will be in Adelaide 20-24th September 2023. Members will be emailed an invitation.

Because it’s lighter, less fuel is used, reducing costs and also carbon emissions.

Sustainability is a top priority in construction in the 21st century. Steel and other roofing metals such as aluminium, copper and zinc are attractive materials because they can be recycled multiple times.

This constant recycling means that steel, especially, is not ending up in landfill like other waste or demolition building materials. The recovery rate of steel from buildings is estimated at 85 percent. A recent report on commercial construction waste found that more than 90 percent of steel is recycled.

But even better, ColorCote’s product recommendations & warranties are unique to the climatic and geographical conditions of the building. ZinaCore™ for most moderate locations & conditions, MagnaFlow™ for roofs close to the coastline, and AlumiGard™ for very severe marine environments.

Get the right roof for the job, and everyone will sleep easy.

ColorCote - proud member of the NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association. www.colorcote.co.nz or call 0800 279 979

ColorCote roofing and cladding products meet the exacting standards required to fulfil codes of compliance, warranty and durability.

Aotereoa’s

leading roofing supplier for over 50 years.

Our reputation for having the edge is built on decades of experience, quality materials and innovation – for Dimond® Roofing, time has been nothing but a loyal friend. As a leading supplier to the construction industry, we’re proud to be a part of the Fletcher Steel group and celebrating 100 years.

Dimond® Roofing. Get the Edge.

dimond.co.nz

Metal roofing provides exceptional durability, but it does require a small amount of ongoing maintenance to meet its durability requirements and fulfill the products’ warranty. Regular maintenance will enhance the long-term appearance and performance of the product over time.

Testing

The NZMRM lab in Huntly is where metal roofing and cladding manufacturers put their products to the test. Each test is set up to mimic the wind pressure conditions that a roof will be exposed to and there are two test concepts.

The first is to calculate the pressure at a particular location on a structure and then test it at a chosen wind pressure configuration.

The other is to test the chosen configuration at increasing spans to find out the point that the product or system fails. Obviously, tests are more complicated than that. Other variables can come into the picture, like snow load or the testing of specific areas of a structure.

The rig in a nutshell…

The rig at Huntly is modified when needed to meet the requirements of the development of new products and requirements of the roofing and cladding industry.

The latest version of the rig is a “blow-off box” – a steel box 15m long by 2.1m wide and 330mm deep. The sides are

made of solid steel “C-beams”. The box has one end closed off and a moveable dam at the other end.

The air pressure is generated by a rotary fan driven by a motor. The computerised test system allows wind speed to be altered, controlled and recorded.

To find out more about the Huntly testing rig check out articles in Scope magazine: www.metalroofing.org.nz/scope.

Make sure your roof is properly installed

Installers need to check that they are using the most up-to-date version of the Installation Guide before starting construction.

It explains the correct way to install various products, complying with the building code and satisfying manufacturers’ warranties.

The Guide covers pre-installation, product selection, measuring, ordering, transportation, and the processes to be followed on-site – including safety tips.

The Installation Guide is updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation and standards or improvements in technology and available materials.

The Installation Guide is available to members on the NZMRM website.

For membership enquiries phone the NZMRM (09) 367 0913.

Scope

The NZMRM’s magazine Scope is an excellent resource for those with interests in the roofing industry and is available at no charge.

It contains articles on the latest technical innovations and methods and features on design and architectural roofing highlights in New Zealand construction.

For any contributions or queries about Scope e-mail: publishing@swift.nz.

Find a roofing business that is a member of NZMRM near you visit: www.metalroofing.org.nz/members-list

New Zealand Metal Roofing Manufacturers Association

Garth Wyllie - Executive Officer Private Bag 92-066 Auckland 1142 (09) 367 0913

www.metalroofing.org.nz

Arcline Architecture Alterton Park Home

Synergetic Graduation of a Simple Form

The Bach that John Kirwan Built

Umbrella Group Abby’s got you covered

Having an Insurance Adviser can really help with ensuring you are covered correctly and having a “go to” person when a claim arises. It’s important to have a relationship with an Adviser because you know they have your best interests at heart and will support you through reviewing different cover options and assisting you through processes, like setting up policies and lodging claims.

Abby Esler has been an Insurance Adviser for a little over 3 years but has a long history with insurance and a clear love for her job.

After working as a Claims Case Manager and then a Team Leader in Superannuation Insurance for a large super fund in Melbourne for 8 years, Abby has a wealth of knowledge from the claims perspective and knows the importance of having the right covers in place when things go wrong.

However, the call for home was strong and Abby had the opportunity to work with her father who has been working as an Insurance Adviser for over 40 years. Growing up with her dad meant she has heard about insurance all her life and saw the industry

as a not only a great career choice but also because it meant she got to work with people, helping them when they were in need. When her father decided to retire, Abby took on the responsibility and privilege of looking after her father’s business and clients who are based from Auckland down to Christchurch and everywhere in between. Abby is one of three Directors of Umbrella Group which has their main office based in Masterton and another office in Greytown. With the recent natural disasters occurring, both abroad and in New Zealand, the importance of having yourself, your assets and your livelihood protected is well illustrated.

Abby is fully qualified to assist clients in a range of insurances from home, car and contents policies, to a variety of business insurances and commercial covers and also for Life, Trauma, Income Protection and Health insurance. Umbrella Group has access to a wide range of insurance providers so the best product that suits client’s needs is easily found. Abby is passionate about people having the right covers in place to ensure that when bad things happen, her clients will be looked after, and money is one less thing to worry about.

If you are wanting to review your current insurance covers or discuss taking out insurance cover, give Abby a call.

Deciphering insurance, policy documents, what you’re covered for and how to navigate a claim can be an overwhelming task and experience.

A framework for building

Established in the early 2000s, the Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association (FTMA) represents the great majority of frame and truss manufacturers in the country.

FTMA Member Services executive, Peter Carruthers, says the association came about when people encountered issues such as non-compliance and poor quality.

“A number of the manufacturers thought they better get together and sort it out,” Peter says and hence the FTMA was formed with a code of conduct.

“We promote good standards of business operation and conduct, and we look for certain minimum operational standards or qualities.

“For example, we look at health and safety policies and evidence of a working system. We’re not expecting world class systems, but we’re looking to see if a company has policies in place and is monitoring its own performance.”

They also look for evidence of customer complaint handling and resolving any issues that arise.

Peter says this is indicative of an operation that is well run to meet customer needs and looks after staff.

“It’s fairly standard. Many other industry associations would do that,” says Peter.

If

then

then

FTMA also wants to work with their members to help them understand new building codes and updates.

“We’ve been quite active in that area,” explains Peter. “We were heavily involved in the discussion around the changes to H1 and building energy efficiency.

“While it’s not making a huge impact on us at this stage, we need to understand it and advise our members”

They have also been involved with the government embarking on the building code for Building for Climate Change, which sets out to minimise greenhouse emissions that are generated in the building process.

Peter says there’s a lot of waste generated from the building process.

“Frame and truss manufacturing is very efficient, but a lot of the waste may be from packaging materials.

“All the timber comes with plastic wrap for rain protection and all this wrap ends up places. So, the question is; what can be done to better manage it?”

Knowledge of issues and discussions within other industry participants means cross-sector communication is easier.

Peter says it’s easy to become isolated within your own industry and mistakes can then be made in ignorance.

“Points of contact might not need to be frequent, but with communication between the various sectors, hopefully over time we can iron out bugs, so at the

NP Frame LVL 8 & LVL 11 Joists and Rafters Straight & True Stable Durable

end of the day everyone is happier and there’s less call backs and stuff ups,” he says.

Peter says that with the massive post Covid construction boom there was a lot of strain on the supply chains, labour availability and skills services.

“Everyone struggled. It’s been a demanding time and one thing our members have understood is the importance of developing strong workplace culture.

“Having employees not just coming along because they need a job but because they’re engaged and committed to the business is vital.”

He says that when tough times come and employees are asked to cover absences and

work extra hours, it is important that they can rely on the solidarity of their teams.

“It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination; there has been lots of disruption.

“But it brought into focus that members need to have that resilience in their operations and employees so they can better survive.”

Like many construction and building industries, FTMA is promoting and working closely with training organisations.

The FTMA has a close working relationship with the Building & Construction Training Organisation to promote training and upskilling the workforce in members operations.

• High precision tolerances.

• Wide sectional widths available; including 190x45, 240x45, 290x45 & 300x45.

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

www.nelsonpine.co.nz

• No solvents or heavy metals.

• Better productivity.

• Refer to our website for span tables: www.nelsonpine.co.nz.

• Substitutable in place of SG8 timber.

• 100% renewable plantation forestry.

• Ideal for high snow loads.

laminated veneer lumber engineered for performance

Peter explains that a number of FTMA representatives are on the group that sets the curriculum for apprenticeships which, in turn, ensures apprentices have relevant and up to date training.

“I would give a lot of credit to the government and what they’ve done in facilitating training such as the fees free scheme,” says Peter.

“There’s no cost to do the apprenticeships at the moment. In addition, through the MSD, there has been a boost payment where the employer received a support payment per apprentice.”

Peter explains that this boost payment has provided a lot of help and enabled many members across the line when considering apprentices.

He says this is because putting an employee into an apprenticeship has costs and takes valuable time away from working when teaching someone on the job.

“The number of people going through apprenticeships has increased strongly. It’s better but we want to see more,” he says.

Given the last few years, Peter says many members in the frame and truss industry (as well as many other construction-based industries) are feeling vulnerable due to the staff and skill shortage.

“Companies are thinking about ways to reduce exposure to labour by investing more in equipment and automation so reducing the human hands needed,” he explains.

“It’s doing away with jobs but that is what people have to do to be competitive.

“They’re continuously looking at improving quality and reducing time, and thinking about what more can be done off site.”

Frame and truss is already an offsite manufacturing process, but companies are taking further steps to see what else they can do.

“They’re asking themselves; can they add more details or services to the basic frame and truss?

“It’s important but difficult because there’s investment required. It’s more complex, there’s more compliance issues and additional skills are needed,” Peter says.

To aid in the procurement of skills, the FTMA is trying to help where they can and provide access to information.

Peter says a lot of drive is coming from the FTMA members and they’re all trying to make the industry better for themselves and their customers.

He says it can be hard to have discussions like this because people have been so busy in the last year or so.

“With the pressure coming off a bit now, we might find more time. We have a conference coming up in July and people interested in this industry should come along,” says Peter.

“We really want to get that cross-industry talk going.”

The FTMA conference is to be held from the 25th to the 27th of July this year after being postponed several times.

It enables industry professionals to network across the entire frame and truss supply chain, learn about the most important issues and opportunities facing fabricators, as well as including an expo showcasing solutions for businesses.

FRAME & TRUSS

With 9 manufacturing plants across the country, you can trust CARTERS Frame and Truss to support your build.

Backed by state of the art manufacturing equipment, your build is sure to stand the test of time.

All CARTERS Frames and Trusses are manufactured in accordance with the NZS3604:2011 Timber Framed Buildings and to consented plans and specifications.

FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) accredited manufacturing plants.

Sustainable, renewable and proudly made with New Zealand Pine for New Zealanders.

Let’s partner together. Talk to us today about your next job.

0800 CARTERS | www.carters.co.nz

Protrade Group Limited

Protrade Group

Limited delivers top quality, cost effective, efficient and reliable services to the Hawke's Bay region. They provide professional safety solutions for residential and industrial needs.

All their scaffolding is fully compliant and certified and the team is equipped with competent people, as well as highly trained and experienced technicians who are knowledgeable of the guidelines to ensure safety in all areas. Protrade’s trademark is all about being smart and working safely.

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.

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 also offers edge protection which is used to prevent workers, objects or materials

from falling off roofs. Edge protection may be temporary, for example during the course of construction.

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 their 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.

Protrade have worked on a huge variety of jobs from installing scaffolding for the Havelock North swimming pool and shrink wrapping the Havelock North High School to building scaffolding for a roof and gutter replacement at Meeanee Hall and creating safety measures for a new build home.

Protrade

607 Orchard Road

Camberley

Hastings 0800 11 22 39 sales@protrade.net.nz protrade.net.nz

Services such as scaffolding include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The experienced team’s scaffolding solutions are tailored to improve workplace safety and efficiency.

Code compliance has never been easier for you to reach!

When is Threshold drainage required?

Level threshold drains are installed along the façade of a building adjacent to entrance doors, allowing for an even floor level inside and outside the building. Installed with a continuous 12mm gap from the cladding, their purpose is to protect the building from runoff during storms and surface water that flows horizontally towards the building and needs to be captured to prevent water from transgressing the entrance threshold.

E2 Building Code

• Clause 7.3.2.1 of the E2 Building Code lists the requirements for an acceptable solution for level threshold drainage:

• A channel that is 150mm deep, 200mm wide.

• Maximum channel length of 3.7m.

• 1:200 minimum fall to outlet.

The grating that sits over the channel must:

• Be able to be fully removed for maintenance.

• Be supported independently of the door frame.

• Have a continuous gap of 12mm. Our OnePour and Cantilever solutions cover all of these requirements resulting in fully compliant systems. According to the functionality of our ACO products the best practice would be to make sure nothing

obstructs the clear flow inside the channel such as legs sitting in the channel base. A blocked channel can even cause water to back up into the cladding.

What system for which environment?

Generally, the two system are both used for level entry thresholds, balconies, outdoor decks and entertaining areas, for example.

Whereas the Cantilever ThresholdDrain is fully supported by the cantilever arm, the OnePour ThresholdDrain is a bolted bracket system using the landscaping concrete for its support. Cantilever ThresholdDrain is ideal for tile and paved exteriors and can be scheduled so the landscaping contractor is not interfering with the installation of the drain. OnePour ThresholdDrain is perfect for concrete floor finishes. Both products do not require a rubber spacer or leg for structural integrity. Are there alternatives?

If site conditions allow, a precast grated channel or slot drain can be installed against the building as a level threshold alternative solution, complying with the E1 Building Code. Each alternative solution needs to be addressed on a project-by-project basis. After providing detail and evidence of an E2 alternative being fit for purpose at design stage and checked by the designer it can then be submitted to council for consent. As most councils require manufacturer’s calculations to demonstrate the performance of the system, ACO provides you with:

• Free hydraulic design services.

• Product details at all stages of the project. Each council has different requirements, be sure to check with your ACO contact before choosing a drain to make sure it meets your local requirements.

E2 Code Compliance & Alternative Solutions

E2 compliant Threshold drainage

According to the functionality of our ACO products the best practice would be to make sure nothing obstructs the clear flow inside the channel such as legs sitting in the channel base. A blocked channel can even cause water to back up into the cladding.

ACO Cantilever ThresholdDrain

ACO Cantilever ThresholdDrain

• System fully supported by the cantilever arm.

• Ideal for tile and paved exteriors.

• Can be scheduled so the landscaping contractor is not interfering with the installation of the drain.

• OnePour is a bolted bracket system using the landscaping concrete for its support.

• Perfect for concrete floor finishes.

Both products do not require a rubber spacer or leg for structural integrity.

E1 compliant Threshold drainage

ACO KlassikDrain - grated channel

• E1 alternative solution.

• Often quicker & easier to install.

• Outlets can be spaced up to 80m.

Product selections include ACO KlassikDrain or Brickslot, and PowerDrain for heavy duty traffic applications.

We’ve got you covered with the most relevant facts of the E2 Building Code and our selection of code compliant threshold drainage products.

Concrete industry heading to Claudelands for 2023 conference

The concrete industry will gather at Claudelands Events Centre from 28-30 September for the annual Concrete New Zealand conference, which promises to be a calendar highlight with an engaging technical programme, entertaining social activities and fantastic networking opportunities.

Leveraging record numbers from the 2022 conference, this year’s event will again offer a stimulating forum for attendees to stay up-to-date with industry developments, as well as a chance to share their concrete knowledge by presenting a project or research-centred paper.

The technical programme includes a combination of international and local speakers covering a range of topics relating to concrete construction, design and materials.

The inclusion of a sustainability-focused panel discussion and “lightning talks” from early career professionals, adds an extra dimension to the conference’s technical offering.

The always entertaining social programme will provide enjoyable networking activities as well as casual and formal dinners, the latter including the revamped Conference Awards, which acknowledge outstanding individuals from across the concrete industry.

This year also sees the return of the concrete canoe competition, with teams from the universities of Auckland and Canterbury, battling it out on Hamilton Lake in a test of design skill and muscle power.

So, get ready to cheer on your favourite floating cementitious waka.

A major influence in the decision to return to the modern and spacious Claudelands Events Centre in 2023 is its suitability for trade exhibits.

The vast area directly outside is ideal for showcasing heavy equipment/vehicles and conducting live demonstrations.

Attendees will inevitably be impressed with the immaculately presented displays, preened and polished to perfection.

Call for Papers

The ‘call for papers’ is open until 4 April, 2023 for anyone considering submitting a technical paper abstract for the conference. A template is available on the conference website.

Authors are asked to submit the following (in Word format) to the conference organiser:

• A one-page synopsis of their proposed paper; and

• a short paragraph detailing career history and a written commitment to personally attend and present the paper at the conference, if the paper is accepted.

• A six to 10-page paper is required from authors of accepted papers. Papers will be published in the conference proceedings, online and in hardcopy.

Deadlines

• Abstract submission deadline - 4 April 2023

• Authors notified of preliminary acceptance - 2 May 2023

• Technical paper submission deadline19 July 2023.

All aspects of concrete construction and associated technologies are within scope, with the range of related topics covering - research, design trends, marketing opportunities, recent developments, construction, materials, methodologies, and new issues for cement and concrete.

Those abstracts accepted for the 2023 Concrete NZ conference are also eligible for the Sandy Cormack Award for best paper and presentation, with the winner taking home $1,000 and a framed certificate.

In short, the number of exhibitors continues to grow every year, as the event is an excellent way to establish new contacts and leads.

Golden Bay, Holcim NZ, Sika, and Pacific Steel are again on board as patrons, with both sponsorship spots and exhibitor spaces being snapped up fast.

The compelling combination of technical and social programmes that the annual Concrete NZ conference is renowned for will again draw in passionate attendees from all parts of the wider concrete industry, so visit the conference website for all the required information at: www.concreteconference.org.nz

Photos kindly supplied by Concrete NZ

This year’s event will again offer a stimulating forum for attendees to stay up-to-date with industry developments, as well as a chance to share their concrete knowledge by presenting a project or research-centred paper.

’

Concrete Production Guide

our built-environment and as a metaphor for permanence and strength.

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FATWEB |

All aspects of concrete production from plant and equipment, concrete mix design and batching, through to equipment calibration, ordering, dispatch, and testing are covered in the latest Concrete NZ publication - Concrete Production Guide for New Zealand.

Often referred to as the single most widely used material in the world, or the second most used substance on the planet after water, at first glance concrete appears relatively simple to understand.

It has three basic constituents - cement, water, and aggregate, and although admixtures, additives (e.g., fibres) and colour pigments etc. can be introduced to the mix to modify fresh and hardened properties, we all recognise concrete as an uncomplicated building material, essential to

However simple in appearance, concrete is a complex, constantly evolving material, produced to exacting standards by operators with appropriate facilities, experienced staff, and quality assurance programs.

In addition to the science and technology behind concrete mix design, the Guide covers plant equipment (including calibration), batching, ordering, dispatch and testing procedures.

A section on concrete focussed New Zealand Standards, such as NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production and NZS 3109 Concrete Construction is included.

Relevant health & safety, environmental, construction and transport legislation is also summarised to ensure the Guide is written specifically for New Zealand.

If you are interested in developing a broader understanding of how the world’s most used construction material is produced in New Zealand, Concrete NZ has published the essential resource for building professionals and students.

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.

Weathertight concrete Code of Practice updated

Concrete NZ has published a revised 2022 version of the CP01 Code of Practice for Weathertight

Concrete and Concrete Masonry Construction to help establish new standard practices.

Concrete NZ chief executive Rob Gaimster notes that the update of the 2014 version was prompted by a need to improve the thermal performance of residential concrete buildings and account for new construction systems.

Insulation shown in the code’s details has been enhanced and thermal images of the details themselves included - enabling a better understanding of the risk of condensation at the internal surface areas and junctions.

“It has been eight years since the CP 01 Code of Practice for Weathertight Concrete and Concrete Masonry Construction was last updated,” Rob says.

“The majority of the edits have been revisions of the detailed drawings to allow for improved thermal performance.

“The addition of acceptable surface temperature factors will help architects and designers determine a detail’s climate zone suitability, while new Appendix A describes

the methodology that was used to develop the detail and provides further thermal performance information.”

The code’s updated details also reflect new weathertightness systems that have become more prevalent in New Zealand over the past decade, such as double glazing and thicker thermal insulation.

Sustainable Engineering Ltd director and contributor to the 2014 and 2022 versions, Jason Quinn, believes the update demonstrates admirable leadership from Concrete NZ, establishing new standard practices in advance of New Zealand Building Code minima.

“An important new focus in the CP01:2022 is thermal performance, and we calculated the thermal bridging and surface temperature factors (mould index) for the various details,” Jason says.

“These calculations help architects and designers to understand the risk of mould growth and underpin comprehensive changes to the detailed drawings of this document.

“When we build better, everybody benefits.”

The updated code has been prepared for use by practitioners with the appropriate qualifications, experience and professional judgement as a way to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code Clause E2 External Moisture.

Practitioners using this code should ensure design solutions meet all the performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

The 2022 version should be assessed as an alternative solution. The current 2014 version remains the cited version in Acceptable Solution E2/AS3 and should be assessed as an acceptable solution for New Zealand Building Code Clause E2 External Moisture.

The new CP01:2022 - Code of Practice for Weathertight Concrete and Concrete Masonry Construction, can be downloaded for free from the website: www.concretenz.org.nz

Concrete NZ

Level 7 Panama House 22 Panama Street Wellington (04) 499 8820

admin@concretenz.org.nz www.concretenz.org.nz

Photos kindly supplied by Concrete NZ.

Point Chevalier house designed by Ponting Fitzgerald Architects.

Canterbury Kerb and Concrete

Alan Judd is owner of Canterbury Kerb and Concrete (CKC), a thriving familyowned business. The origins of the company go back to 1965, when Alan’s father established a successful kerbing operation.

Based in Christchurch, CKC travels the South Island providing quality products and services to their many customers. They primarily work for corporate clients offering complete concrete packages for commercial projects and subdivisions. The company provides kerbing, paving, and all concrete finishes including infill using colour and stencilling, as well as full excavation services.

Recent projects for CKC include the Faringdon Subdivision in Rolleston, Stages III and IV of the Ravenswood Subdivision, the Strowan Fields Subdivision in Ashburton, and the Alma Road Development which is a temporary housing village in Westport built for people displaced by the floods.

CKC have many subdivisions under their belt including Stages I and II at Ravenswood.

Stage II alone featured 7300m2 of concrete footpaths and 5100m of kerbing. Halswell Downs has been another success, along with Prebbleton Park, Prévelles and Prestons to name a few.

The company is very versatile, and no job is too big or too challenging. The list of large projects they have been involved with is impressive. Recently CKC poured 3500m2 of concrete pathways through the heart of the old Lancaster Park using a new, environmentally friendly concrete product called EcoCrete.

Other large projects have included Haeata Community Campus with 4500m2 of coloured concrete poured, 1800m of kerbing laid and featuring an intricate swale drain system. The company also poured 1450m2 of coloured concrete, with a sandblasted Māori design, at the iconic Whale Pool playground in New Brighton.

A highlight for CKC has been the completion of several new McDonalds restaurants in Canterbury, and the building of the Northlink retail hub in Christchurch. All the kerbing

and hardscaping concrete was completed under a very tight schedule with clients Rooney Earthmoving.

With exposed aggregate, coloured concrete and paving becoming more popular for new subdivisions and commercial projects, CKC’s quality workmanship produces functional areas that are also extremely eye-catching. The continuing success of the company starts at the top with Alan Judd as the Managing Director relying on a well-oiled and experienced team of Operations Managers and Team Leaders. Alan is thrilled with the addition of Kevin Keen to his management team who brings with him years of experience in the civil construction industry. CKC has an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly team of 18. The company has a modern fleet, with a large investment in specialised machinery including several concrete trucks. More machinery is planned for the near future.

The substantial amount of repeat business that CKC receives bears testament to their quality, service, management and versatility.

Three smashing generations in demolition

Jurgens Demolition is a third-generation family-run demolition company catering to all sizes of projects, nationwide.

They specialise in large industrial demolition and also undertake projects of all sizes including internal and partial demolition and residential.

Established by Theodore Jurgens in 1962, they are now one of New Zealand’s longestrunning demolition companies and recently placed runner up in the New Zealand Demolition & Asbestos Association Awards Projects over $1M

Industrial projects

For more than 60 years Jurgens have undertaken large scale industrial buildings, such as freezing works and live industrial installations, including petrochemical plants, large steel buildings, bridges and multi-story commercial buildings.

“We recognise that no two jobs are the same and we treat each job as a unique situation with every aspect of the demolition process carefully considered,” says company director Cameron Jurgens.

He says their work is always undertaken with minimal disruption to neighbouring properties and business activities.

“And all of our staff are Site Safe Certified. We want to be sure that everyone knows what is required in order to keep our team and clients safe from potential harm.”

He’s proud that the family and long serving employees have more than a combined 150 years of industry experience between them.

Demolition with confidence

Jurgens Demolition carries Public Liability Insurance cover of $20m.

Cameron Jurgens says “The demolition industry presents potential hazards so we have protocols in place that promote a safe work environment.

“This has earned us an outstanding safety reputation over the years,” Cameron says.

Featured projects

Based in Whanganui, Jurgens Demolition has an outstanding reputation for their work around the country. See some of their work here: www.jurgensdemolition.co.nz/projects.

Whirokino Bridge

Removal of redundant state highway bridge over the Manawatu River

Bridge deck was stripped of seal and concrete deck structure was cut and craned off in sections. Steel spans were gas cut and craned off then piles had to be removed and cut off underwater at the mudline.

Jurgens purchased a specialist wire saw and contracted a dive company to assist with the underwater sawing work

“This job required our project manager, site supervisor and crane specialist to liaise with the principal’s crane contractor, our dive contractor, and our team to execute removal in the difficult environment of a river in the tidal zone.”

Queensgate Shopping Centre Parking Building

Cut and crane of earthquake damaged carpark at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt.

Cut and crane using 350ton Mobile Crane, adjacent to live shopping centre in 25ton lifts. Substantial engineered propping and form work used.

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

The iconic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in Christchurch, also known as the Basilica, was an extremely difficult, highprofile project.

Jurgens Demolition worked closely with the principal contractor, Naylor Love Construction, to protect the historical and emotional significance of the site and its belongings.

The dome’s timber structure was painstakingly removed by traditional cut

and crane method with the use of two large cranes by Naylor Love.

Jurgens provided two high reach excavators to deconstruct the stone and concrete structure. During this phase of the project items such as the organ, stained glass windows and highly detailed stone work were reclaimed as requested by the client.

The best specialised equipment

Jurgens Demolition has the latest specialised demolition machinery in New Zealand.

They have a range of equipment that enables them to undertake all facets of demolition and deconstruction works, using the most cost effective and efficient methods possible.

The range of equipment includes:

Seventeen demolition spec excavators ranging from 1.5 to 90 tonnes.

Specialist demolition attachments for all excavators including Labounty hydraulic rotating steel shears, hydraulic multiprocessors, concrete pulverisers, demolition grapples and rock breakers.

Tracked mobile concrete crusher, capable of processing demolition concrete to any GAP size for reuse as base course aggregate. Skid steer loaders ranging from two to four tonnes with heavy duty demolition grapple buckets and an industry first remote controlled tracked “Bobcat” for working in high-risk situations.

Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt.

Whirokino Bridge

Vision Complete Earthworks Ltd

Vision Complete Earthworks Ltd is committed to providing high quality and professional services to the civil construction industry throughout the Waikato and surrounding region. We continually endeavour to improve project outcomes.

VCE is a family owned business established in 2007 in New Zealand. Our strong growth has been a result of consistently delivering quality work both on time and on budgets to a high standard. Over the years we have developed and implemented systems that keep our staff the public and the environment safe. Environmental protection on our worksites are a intrecal part of VCE mandate and continual improvement is a must for all businesses.

Today we continue to exceed expectations on our site work and have grown to meet other needs in the construction industry, including waste water and storm water main construction services in NZ, roading and subdivisions, excavation earth moving, and much more.

Our goal is to work with our clients to realise their project requirements in terms of quality and time restraints. We have a long term commitment to satisfy our clients’ requirements in a dynamic and challenging industry.

Our objective is to deliver results that meet or exceed our customer requirements and expectations.

Our dedication to quality will ensure the continued success of our Company and our clients companies.

We have recognised the importance of equipping our employees with the appropriate training necessary to competently perform their work and to ensure each team member fully understands their responsibilities in meeting customer requirements.

Our total workforce is full aware of their responsibilities under the Health and safety Act and our expectations of them in performing their work. All plant and vehicle comply and are subject to a strict maintenance servicing schedule and risk assessment.

Consultation with personnel, inductions, adequate training inspections together and careful monitoring are integral to ensuring our works are done in a safe and efficient manner.

We not only have the knowledge and expertise required, but we offer a comprehensive amount of resources that help us take on projects in residential and commercial areas. From house pads and driveways to large commercial developments.

Building site preparation is incredibly important and should not be taken lightly nor should it be prepared partially to reduce project costs. We offer a custom approach to all earthmoving services, so our clients will be 100% confident that they know they have the correct team to complete their dream.

Services

• Subdivisions

• Site prepping

• Preparation of drive ways and entrances

• House demolition

• Water, sewer and storm line construction

• Asbestos removal

Our dedication to quality will ensure the continued success of our Company and our clients companies.

Hyundai Halbro Forklifts Ltd

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

The focus now is to continue developing the product to exceed that of its counterparts in the automotive and construction sector. HMH have invested heavily in R&D, to the point they now lead the way in terms of safety, innovation and performance.

Following consistent sales for over a decade, HMH introduced their new nine serial forklift products in 2015, ranging from one ton battery electrics through to 25 tonne large diesel trucks. It was evident Hyundai were lifting the bar, looking to stand out from the crowd and lead the industry forward.

Hyundai forklifts have many technological advances straight from the factory including speed limiting, digital load indicator, and auto fork levelling alongside never before seen safety features including reversing cameras and an automatic electronic parking brake. The Hyundai product is built to handle any situation from a flat warehouse floor distribution centre through to rough terrain timber mills and the harsh environment of fertiliser plants.

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

At Halbro Forklifts Ltd we pride ourselves on delivering the best possible customer experience, with industry leading response times, ensuring your equipment is operating to its full potential, minimising downtime and maximising your business performance. We work with you from day one to understand your business requirements and provide a total materials handling solution.

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

Halbro Forklifts Ltd 0508 Hyundai (0508 498 6324) www.hyundaiforklifts.co.nz sales@hyundaiforklifts.co.nz

WORLD CLASS LEADING FORKLIFT BRAND

Hyundai Material Handling are a world class leading forklift brand with exceptional features, safety and innovation. With almost 50 years industry knowledge and 5 branches nationwide, Halbro Forklifts Ltd can provide a total material handling solution to maximise your business performance.

>> LPG/PETROL FORKLIFTS

>> DIESEL FORKLIFTS

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AUCKLAND

28 KERWYN AVE

EAST TAMAKI

CHRISTCHURCH

167 WATERLOO ROAD

HORNBY

PALMERSTON NORTH

785 MAIN STREET

ROSLYN

TAURANGA

UNIT 1, 3 RAKIRAKI WAY

TAURIKO

NORTHLAND

UNIT 8, 16 BAFFIN STREET

OPUA

Southern Towers is new to the tower crane industry but managing director Graham Millar has worked the length of the country erecting and operating cranes for over 25 years and has a sound knowledge of what tower crane will suit your project the best.

Phone: 027 486 2460

Address: Queenstown, Otago, NZ • www.southerntowers.co.nz

Lifting the lid on careers in cranes

The Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) is the hub of information and assistance for the crane industry.

Crane Association New Zealand CEO, Sarah Toase, says the role of the association is to support member companies to run thriving businesses.

She says this means the association identifies barriers and issues companies may be facing and undertaking advocacy projects to remove or smooth out those barriers so it’s easier to do business.

One of these barriers facing the industry at the moment is labour shortage.

Sarah says they’re looking into wide spread training improvements and has various projects underway to further address labour shortage issues.

“Last year, we started to hear about the labour shortage as we emerged from Covid as we relied a lot on overseas labour to supplement the crane industry.

“The industry would use this overseas labour to get them through dips and rises but, since Covid, this wasn’t much of an option,” Sarah explains.

“We started to hear about it then but it was an issue pre-Covid.

“It comes down to an underinvestment in promoting the industry which CANZ is trying to address through a new project called the Operator Pipeline. The key message is to promote cranes as a career.”

CANZ developed their “Do You Even Lift?” campaign which they’re really excited about. They’ve set up an exhibition stand that can be borrowed by members so they go out to schools or tradie breakfasts and such with pamphlets about what it’s like to work in the industry.

“People don’t view cranes as a career and we want to show there’s variety and progression in the industry.

“People who start out as operators can work towards being supervisors, managers and even crane company owners, thy sky is the limit,” Sarah says.

The association also supports members or regions to navigate current and key issues; for example, the state of emergency in regards to the severe weather in Auckland.

“Auckland Transport put a complete ban on overweight and over dimension vehicles.

“That ban meant no crane company could operate and we had people calling us asking what to do,” she says.

She explains that through collaboration with other industry bodies the association worked with Auckland Transport to smooth things out.

Without this intervention, Sarah explains, the ban could have temporarily shut down the crane industry in Auckland.

“Through working together, we were able to navigate a way for members to apply for exemptions to the ban.

“Everyone benefits from that, especially since cranes are essential for the serious clean-up that is needed in Auckland.

“Our role is to lobby for this kind of positive outcome for the industry and be the collective voice of our members.”

Sarah says that’s the kind of work they do and that’s why members remain so loyal to CANZ.

“We give them the space to focus on their business and the association can navigate key issues on their behalf.

“We are there to make their lives easier, to use our voice to lobby and advocate on their behalf and to look for opportunities so the association can be of use,” she says.

CANZ is committed to finding and creating new tools and standards that really make the industry a great place to work.

Sarah says they want to support businesses within the industry to thrive and therefor help grow the whole community.

To supplement this, CANZ has created an app called MyCANZ which is a hub of resources for the industry.

“The reason we’ve done that is because we wanted to put all the resources we have into one place so it’s more accessible to a mobile device.

“It means that the association interacts with companies from management level right through to the operator in the crane.

“This allows the member’s whole business to take advantage of the benefits being offered by the association.”

The benefits of membership

• Up to date information on changes or additions to legislation, regulations and to Approved Codes of Practice

• Advocacy on behalf of members and the wider industry

• Input into consultation on national, regional and local policy matters

• Inclusion in the online industry directory

• Negotiated member group purchasing

• Networking opportunities with industry members

• Annual Conference

• An online company profile accessible for updating by the member

• Contractor Magazine

• News Brief – the Association online newsletter

• Advice on crane and business issues

• Mediation on behalf of members

• Free monthly Contractors magazine and quarterly dispatches newsletter.

Crane Association of New Zealand PO Box 12013

Wellington 6144 (04) 473 3558

info@cranes.org.nz

www.cranes.org.nz

Telescopic boom crawler crane first for New Zealand

The very first HSC 650TLX hydraulic telescopic boom crawler crane to land in New Zealand has already proven its worth on a tricky but picturesque site at Diamond Harbour near Christchurch, where wharf repairs and the construction of an adjacent floating pontoon and ramp are being carried out by multi award-winning local firm, Hunter Civil.

Operations manager, Julian Fairmaid, says the 650TLX’s ease of set up, manoeuvrability, and exceptional lifting performance have made it the ideal machine for the firm’s temporary and permanent piling works at the site, where it has also been used to drive temporary sheet piles for a piling gate and four new 762mm diameter, 20m long steel casings for anchoring the new pontoon. “The telescopic boom really suits hanging a vibrating pile driver and drop hammer off it, which was the main reason we went for that particular model. The crane was easy to move around and set up on a 500T selfpropelled barge with all the plant, material and equipment we needed for the job. It got through the work faultlessly, and really suited the application. Our guys are rapt with it.”

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Cranes (HSC) released its first hydraulic

telescopic boom crawler crane back in 2017, but Hunter Civil’s new HSC 650TLX is the first one ever sold in New Zealand. “We’ve already had a Japanese guru from HSC visit us to see the crane, given it is a first for them in New Zealand,” says Julian.

The 650TLX is equipped with a four-section 10m telescopic boom (extending to 30m) with a lightweight, high-strength and highrigidity structure, mounted on a proven crawler crane body, resulting in unsurpassed operating ease, and huge benefits when it comes to transportability. Compared to lattice booms, telescopic booms have fewer components to worry about during transportation. The crane can be assembled in the tightest of spaces, and the assembly and disassembly time is much faster overall, benefits which have already been noticed by the Hunter Civil team, says Julian. “The crane is so mobile and easy to set up, which is pretty crucial for us. We can drive it around on a transporter, get it to site, and within 45 minutes, can have the counterweights on and the crane ready for action.”

Hunter Civil has also used the crane to install a large pre-fabricated wet well for a big waste water pump station at Kirwee, and it is currently set up at the firm’s own yard, where it is assisting with the lifting of the completed pre-cast concrete pontoon units for the Diamond Harbour project.

The 650TLX is already proving to be an adaptable and reliable workhorse with its Isuzu GHK1 210kw (285HP), four-cycle, water-cooled, direct injection, turbo-charged diesel engine, 70.9 tonne operating weight, and powerful hydraulic system which

includes three hydraulic power outlets for running augers and vibro equipment. All these features are well suited to a range of applications on construction sites with tough, diverse working conditions. These include everything from large scale lifting, vertical construction, and bridge building, to pile driving, and demolition and foundation works that involve pulling out old piles or vibration hammer operations. The crane has an ‘Excavation Mode’ suitable for foundation construction work such as drill augers and drilling pylon holes.

The 650TLX’s boom foot is positioned at the rear for excellent weight balance and practical lifting performance, even on worksites with limited height (or low headroom). Powerful 7t rated line pull winches with 22.4mm diameter rope, have been used at the front and rear. An optional third winch is also available for work requiring entire casing drivers to be lifted.

Along with a highly functional, comfortable seat, the cab has a large screen display with an interactive interface, which provides excellent visibility of the worksite, and a range of information available to the operator at a glance. Safety features include an overload warning alarm, handrails and a catwalk installed as standard, a swing restriction unit, boom auto slowdown, and height restriction setting to prevent hook overhoist. Remote sensing allow’s monitoring of the crane’s operating condition, fuel consumption, movement and location. “The crane is ticking every box with our operators in terms of comfort and safety,” says Julian.

All the machines on our fleet above 10 tonne are Hitachi. We had never used the HSC brand before, but know Hitachi is a good product and have a great relationship with CablePrice which keeps us coming back. Although it is early days, the HSC 650TLX

Hunter Civil operates mainly throughout the South Island, but has also worked on a handful of projects in the North Island. The firm cleaned up at the 2022 Canterbury/ Westland Contractors of the Year Awards, winning four categories, including the Contractor of the Year Supreme Award. It has a longstanding relationship with CablePrice, says Julian. “All the machines on our fleet above 10 tonne are Hitachi. We had never used the HSC brand before, but know Hitachi is a good product and have a great relationship with CablePrice which keeps us coming back. Although it is early days, the HSC 650TLX is doing a fantastic job for us.”

is doing a fantastic job for us.

Inspired by Innovation

The “650TLX” represents the optimum telescopic crawler crane that comes from extensive experience with cranes, down to every little aspect and detail.

The “650TLX” is equipped with a lightweight, rigid 4-section telescopic boom mounted on a proven crawler crane body. The result is unsurpassed operating ease and control suited to a broad range of worksites, while delivering the level of eco-friendly performance, transportability and safety that is essential for today. The enhanced telescopic crawler crane “650TLX” is designed with sophisticated styling and unrivaled job flexibility. Unprecedented handling and performance are here to inject innovation into your business

How SARNZ protects people and supports the industry

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 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.

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

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

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

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

Benefits of SARNZ membership

• SARNZ office as a single point of contact

• Yearly membership certificates

• Platform newsletter, distributed quarterly

• Input into industry training through SARNZ involvement with Tai Poutini Polytechnic

• Able to provide input into setting industry standards

• Publisher and distributor of Best Practice Guidelines in Scaffolding

• SARNZ has representation on the Australia/New Zealand standards group

• Unified voice promoting and speaking on behalf of the industry

• Networking with other members throughout the country.

SARNZ membership services

• CSC member benefit card

• FnF fuel scheme

• Group insurance scheme

– statutory liabilities defence and penalties insurance and employer liability insurance

• An improved perception of the professional nature of your company by the public through being a member of the national trade association Scaffolding, Access and Rigging NZ.

Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand, Inc PO Box 30758

Lower Hutt (04) 589 8081 admin@sarnz.org.nz www.sarnz.co.nz

P: 09 213 7267

E:

Forklift industry upgrades its good practice guidelines

By Michaela Pointon

The New Zealand Forklift Industry Association’s (NZFIA) newly published Forklift Good Practice Guideline are designed to bring the industry into the 21st century.

A new set of modern, fit-for-purpose forklift operating guidelines has been developed to replace the current outdated and inadequate industry guidelines.

The Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) provides information and guidance to those involved in operations which involve forklifts.

The NZFIA is aligned with the Elevating Work Platform Association of New Zealand.

NZFIA and EWPA CEO Rodney Grant says, “Often ‘Best’ is used with guidelines however, this sets a very high threshold, which is sometimes unobtainable or unmeasurable”.

This was important for the association to consider when understanding some of the current regulations have been the same for many years.

“The existing regulations were published in 1995 and are now unfit for purpose, given modern operating conditions, training techniques and equipment.

REAL TRAINING THAT SAVES LIVES.

“That’s why we took the initiative to develop the new guidelines which we are confident will help improve our safety and professionalism in the industry.”

He says since the original regulations were made, there have been many cutting-edge technological advancements in the industry, such as the development of safety systems to alert operators of potential dangers.

“The inherent design and principles of a forklift haven’t changed in some decades, but industries use them has,” says Rodney.

It is important there is development within the industry and a good training programme for forklift operators to ensure the machines are operated in a safe and efficient manner.

There are many hazards and risks when operating forklifts. Understanding these and having control is important.

Rodney mentions, in particular, there has been an increase of pedestrians being harmed whilst machines are in use, compared to when the original legislation was written. He says this is one example of why the new updated regulations have been implemented.

The GPG is available for anyone to view on the NZFIA website. Members have access to reputable taring providers and resources and

a webstore to help with forklift safety on the NZFIA website.

Members can become part of the association where members are regularly kept up to date with safety, training, supply chain and educational information.

The NZFIA has listened to the industry and put work into developing a more ‘fit for purpose’ guideline.

The association will hold ownership to allow the industry to easily update and improve guidance in line with regulations, product innovation, learning and operating techniques and safety standards.

To find out more about NZFIA, visit their website: nzfia.org.nz.

To find out more about the EWPA, visit their website: www.ewpa.org.nz

TRAIN WITH US!

Vertical Horizonz NZ offers a comprehensive Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) course designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate these machines safely and efficiently.

This course covers all aspects of MEWP operation, including pre-use inspections, safety procedures, and hands-on training.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion and be prepared to tackle any job site with confidence.

*VHNZ offers refresher training for MEWP courses. It is within the Industry's Best Practice Guidelines to refresh your knowledge and skills every

PO Box 8109 Cherrywood Tauranga, 3145 (07) 575 2563

info@nzfia.org.nz

www.nzfia.org.nz

years.

New Zealand Forklift Industry Association

The 2023 Elevated Work Platform Association Trade Day was unfortunately cancelled due to Auckland weather events this year.

The inherent design and principles of a forklift haven’t changed in some decades, but industries use them has.

- NZFIA and EWPA CEO Rodney Grant

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 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.

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 and responsive 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, repainting, 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

• 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 highquality solutions whilst having close relationships with its customers.

• Rental and safety inspections with Weekly Saftey Site visits

• 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.

Services also include high-quality scaffold solutions with safe working products on time and within your budget.

We use high quality Proscaff Scaffold and Tube and Clip Scaffold to ensure the safest working conditions for your contractors so you can get your job done safely and efficiently, on time and within your budget.

The heavy lifters

By Natasha Parrant

Auckland Cranes is a familyowned and operated crane and transport business that’s been around since 1970.

It’s located in the Auckland and the Waikato regions and continues to grow and expand - with family members still very much involved.

Auckland Cranes has a crane fleet ranging from 2.5t to 450t, also offering trailers, Hiab trucks, tower cranes, and various other equipment for hire. It’s part of the Smithbridge Group – a multigenerational family business known for its construction services and equipment hire in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Region.

Smithbridge Group is looking at celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, which is no small feat.

Smithbridge Group originated from Rangiora, New Zealand as that’s where the Smith family was based at the time.

Albert Smith inherited his father’s business, John C Smith Contractors, and started to grow the business, moving locations to Australia, Guam and the Pacific Region.

He’s currently the group managing director of Smithbridge Group and enjoys visiting each business and location to grow and expand operations.

“We are a huge organisation and we’re growing every day; we’ve got over 800 employees internationally, "Auckland Cranes general manager Shane Fraser says.

“You’re dealing with a large company but you’ve still got the core family values,” Shane says.

Auckland Cranes has a very loyal, longserving team.

“Our longest-standing employee has just hit his 50-year work anniversary this year, so there’s a lot of brand loyalty and employees like to stay.

"There are opportunities for employees to grow within the company. We’ve seen this with the Universal Cranes maintenance manager, who started working for the company in New Zealand and then moved to Australia, so there are lots of opportunities to grow."

Family values are also a huge part of the business and it’s an exciting time as the team is transitioning to the third generation.

Albert’s children are working in the business and it’s exciting to see the fresh perspective they all bring to the business.

“It really does feel like one big family.”

Transitioning from second to third generation means there’s lots of growth and new ideas injected into the company. The team will be growing the fleets and bringing in new team members.

Smithbridge Group is proud of its strong Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Auckland Cranes are known for their community service and fundraising initiatives.

Last year they held a charity barbecue for prostate cancer raising $1,120, and donated $5,000 to the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust. They also donated their time and a truck to the Saving Hope Foundation and to New Zealand Police Managers’ Guild Trust.

“We’ll be continuing to keep the feel of the small family business as we grow into a bigger company!”

Auckland Cranes 12 Langley Road Wiri Auckland (09) 277 2227

cranes@aucklandcranes.co.nz aucklandcranes.co.nz

Images kindly supplied by Auckland Cranes.

But if you want your company to grow, you need to hire the right people.

You need people that are not only right for the now but can also help you move the business towards bigger and better things in the future.

This is especially so for smaller businesses and startups because they have fewer employees and a limited income with which to work.

For these companies every single dollar they spend on finding and hiring an employee can affect their longer term success, meaning it’s vital that they avoid making major mistakes while hiring.

But the trouble is that running a small business is hard work and there often simply isn’t the time to commit to a thorough hiring process; and as result, corners get cut.

The good news is that your competitors are probably making these mistakes whilst hiring as well. This means there’s an opportunity for you to seize; to waste less time and money by hiring right so you can get back to running your company.

Mistake 1 - Not having an interview plan

The single biggest hiring mistake small business owners make is winging it or not having an interview plan. At best they’ll have a few questions written down on a piece of paper, but little else.

You need to treat an interview like a deductive science. You’ve sorted through all the resumes and selected the best individuals to be interviewed – but now you need a better way of evaluating their suitability for the role than just having a chat and going with your gut.

You achieve this by having an interview plan.

First – decide what questions are the most important, and ask them to each candidate.

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

This doesn’t have to be an iron-clad, exactly repeatable process – but it does need to have some consistency to it so you can accurately assess candidates’ answers in relation to each other.

If you just wing each interview, the direction, tone and outcome of each conversation can vary wildly, making it more difficult to compare candidates to each other. The outcome of this can be that, despite spending all that time interviewing people, to a certain extent, you’re still none the wiser.

Then, the chances are, when it comes to deciding who to hire, you’re going to go with your gut, as you won’t reliably be able to compare one answer to another because you didn’t ask each candidate a few standard questions you can compare them by.

So, a little planning can go a long way towards helping you make an informed and considered choice of who to hire, as opposed to just sitting down with each individuals, having a completely random chat, and then hoping you get it right.

Mistake 2 - Overvaluing experience

It is risky to bet too heavily on how much experience a person has, when there are so many factors that determine whether someone will be successful in the role and a good fit for your organisation.

An applicant’s skills, knowledge, aptitude and personality all factor into the equation. Because experience is a tangible and measurable component, it is very easy to overvalue it above less easily measurable factors such as intelligence, drive, and other components of raw talent.

Experience accumulates with time in the role and skills can be learned and acquired. Your next great employee might be someone with limited experience, but who has fantastic aptitude and flexibility.

Placing too much stock on a heavy list of qualifications in your job description, or only considering applicants with x amount of experience and not considering other factors, means you might be turning a blindeye to someone better suited to the role and your company’s culture.

However, this is a double-edged sword and there is a flip side.

If you’re looking to hire someone without any experience in the hope of finding someone cheaper – you might be buying into a false economy.

Ignoring a candidate with what you consider to be necessary experience in the hope of saving a few thousand dollars a year by hiring an unproven person, might not actually save you anything, due to the amount of on-the-job training and potentially decreased productivity the less experienced employee will deliver.

So, as with all aspects of running your business, you need to find a balance.

But it definitely pays to consider more than just the experience a candidate comes with. You want someone with the potential to grow into the perfect for your company.

Mistake 3 - Assuming the hiring process ends once they’re hired

This is a common mistake many small business owners make.

An employee’s productivity is comprised of 50 percent ability [the reasons you hired them], and 50 percent of what happens once they’re in the workplace.

So conducting a good interview, offering that promising person the job and them saying ‘yes’ is only half the task.

Employees need to be properly induced and introduced to your company, well trained and supported.

It doesn’t matter how impressed you are with someone’s potential – poor training, insufficient access to resources, and little feedback will add up to poor job satisfaction and this will impact their performance.

So recruitment doesn’t stop at the ‘welcome aboard’ handshake – you need to make sure they are introduced, trained and supported every step of the way.

Hiring new employees is not an easy process. You’ve got to wade through a mountain of applications, weed out the few you’re interested in and then interview all the candidates – all while still running your company.

Cleaning up after the floods

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

After being hammered by heavy rainfall which brought on catastrophic flooding, Auckland is picking up the pieces.

On the 27th of January, 2023, the rain began, hitting regions in the upper North Island with Auckland being the most heavily affected. Severe flash flooding heralded weeks of road closures, slips, muck and damage. NIWA says an entire summers worth of rain fell on Auckland within one day.

This flooding event is now considered one of the worst floods in Auckland’s modern history.

Waste Solutions senior waste planning specialist, Mark Roberts, says the clean-up following this event has been going well.

He says while Auckland is used to dealing with localised flooding, it wasn’t as prepared for this.

“The council is pretty good at dealing with localised flooding and our contractors swing into action really quickly.

“This flooding was everywhere so it’s elongated the response. The response has been steady and systematic like usual but more elongated,” he says.

Mark says there’s been a mammoth effort put in from everyone involved.

From his co-workers and council teams to contractors, Civil Defence and the Defence Force, everyone has been working together.

He says it’s amazing in the way in which the defence force and Auckland contractors have worked hand in hand.

“The defence force has been amazing. The Army, Navy and Airforce have all been working their socks off,” says Mark. “So the response has been good and the clean-up is going well.”

It’s not over yet though – there’s still plenty to get done. Mark says they also had a massive rush in the few days before Cyclone Gabrielle hit in early February.

“We were trying to get stuff off the streets before the wind picked it all up.”

Now, Auckland is focussing on trying to get back to business as usual.

“We don’t want our regular services to start slipping so while we are still feeling the effects of the flooding, we’re making sure things like curb side collections are regular,” Mark explains.

“The services that people see week to week are still going. The organics collections have seen some disturbances but people can

expect to see it back to normal in a week or two.”

Another thing being seen is waves of waste appearing every week or so.

This means people like Mark need to visit all areas of the city multiple times to make sure they’re safe and clear.

Mark says they’ll be feeling the aftermath of the flooding for a while. He says another thing to consider is that pressure on skip bins will increase shortly as people get stuck into clean-up.

I think we will be seeing some building sites looking closer at how they deal with waste on site now so they can reduce their waste and make the skip really worth it.

- Waste Solutions senior waste planning specialist, Mark Roberts

Wood & Associates Taxation Limited

Hayden Wood is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of New Zealand-based tax experience. He spent 18 years at Inland Revenue conducting Investigations and Leading Compliance teams, including significant Disputes and Litigation activity.

Over the last two years, Hayden has been on the other side of the fence, helping customers from one man bands to well known companies navigate their way through the tax minefield.

With this background in tax compliance, Hayden is well placed to help you with any tax issue with his ‘No Nonsense Tax Advice’ approach.

Hayden is particularly well versed in the everchanging Brightline property taxation rules, and the more recent changes to rental losses ring-fencing and interest limitation rules which are affecting the property sector.

We can take the hassle out of your Accounting and tax compliance by:

• Providing up-front no nonsense tax advice

• Preparing financial statements and tax returns

• Dealing with any Inland Revenue audit queries

• Hammering out debt repayment plans

• Cashflow forecasts using percent of completed methods etc for bank loans etc.

Hayden endeavours to add value as a trusted advisor by working work with clients regularly throughout the year to stay up to date with your activities, ensuring everything is working like a well oiled machine rather than solely having an annual accounts only conversation.

Hayden also has a wide and active network of associated professionals that we can refer you to for managing and protecting long term wealth assets.

Wood & Associates Taxation Limited are Auckland based and are happy to meet you at your site, likewise we are equally comfortable to use email and digital options (Zoom, Teams, etc) to communicate and help you out.

Get in touch with us now for a free no obligation 30 minute consultation.

DNI Electrical

DNI Electrical is all about inspections, compliance, and contracting.

The company is your go-to for commercial electrical, electrical inspections, electrical compliance, electrical contracting, and residential electrical. The company is your go-to provider for commercial, services all over Auckland.

The friendly team is highly skilled and experienced, communicates well, and has great workmanship skills too. No job is ever too big or small, so feel free to get in contact about getting help with your project today.

Free quotes and previous client testimonials are available on the website: www.dnielectrical.co.nz

The DNI Electrical team provides costeffective solutions for you through their down-to-earth, customer-focused attitude. They’re supportive and willing to help you out with anything. The team asks questions, listens to your answers, makes a plan, and then makes it work!

Another amazing quality DNI Electrical has is the team delivers on time (all the time) and within a budget. When you work with the team, you’re guaranteed transparency

from the start. They will deliver their work to the best of their ability on time and for a certain price.

You can also expect to have expert quality service, as these qualified electricians have years of experience in residential and commercial landscapes. They are Master Electrician accredited, SmartVent accredited installers, and are Site Safe members, so you can feel rest assured DNI Electrical will carry out work to a high standard in the safest way possible for those involved.

Altogether there are 25 years of industry experience and expertise, a $20,000 Master Electricians’ workmanship guarantee, and 8,236 coffees drunk.

These qualities are the basis for the team in terms of providing excellent costeffective outcomes for you through their collaborative, practical way.

Interested in getting in touch?

Contact the team today by calling 0800 473 929 or 021 473 929 , emailing info@dnielectrical.co.nz , or filling out an enquiry online.

It’s also important to quickly dispose of waste.

For more information on how to dispose of waste, visit: www.aucklandemergencymanagment.org.nz For further updates on curb side collections, waste management and general flood relief, visit: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

This means there will be less to go around, especially on building sites. The Auckland council has already deployed many extra skips to get refuse off the streets. There have been lots of fold up skips deployed but people may still struggle to get hold of a skip.

“I think we will be seeing some building sites looking closer at how they deal with waste on site now so they can reduce their waste and make the skip really worth it,” Mark says. “They’re going to want to make sure the stuff that goes into the skip really needs to go in there.”

Mark predicts council community recycling centres will see more builders and contractors using their services.

“They take things like reusable off cuts and scraps so builders should remember that,” he says.

He also says he thinks the building and contracting industry will adapt quickly to the pressure on the skips and general waste management will increase.

“It’ll be a bit of an eyeopener to some contractors but it aligns with programmes

many councils are putting together anyway,” says Mark.

“There’s also plenty of resources out there for the industry to go to for tips, tricks, information, inspirations, studies and contacts to help minimise site waste.”

One such site is www.buildingoutwaste. co.nz, which is an initiative from the Auckland council.

Mark says resources like this are becoming more readily available. Building Out Waste has a wealth of information for builders and contractors to take advantage of. It contains news, tips, contacts and much more to assist with the move towards a more sustainable way of building and contracting. Meanwhile, around the city, the clean-up continues.

Auckland Emergency Management is urging people to take care while cleaning. It says it’s important to remove flood damaged items quickly as they can pose a serious health risk.

It advises people to wear rubber gloves, sturdy footwear and long tops and trousers as well as a facemask.

There’s also plenty of resources out there for the industry to go to for tips, tricks, information, inspirations, studies and contacts to help minimise site waste.

- Waste Solutions senior waste planning specialist, Mark Roberts

Business awards celebrate success, resilience and positivity

A veritable who’s who of Waikato celebrated the winners of the annual Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, supported by Foster Construction Group, at a glittering gala dinner at a sold out Claudelands Arena.

Profile Group was the crowned the overall champion, taking out the Foster Construction Group 2022 Supreme Award, along with the Business Growth and Service Excellence awards.

Chamber chief executive Don Good said Profile Group represents a family of powerhouse businesses that form New Zealand’s only integrated supply chain for aluminium window and door solutions.

“Profile Group is on a journey to redesign how they do business, how they manufacture even more efficiently, how they reimagine and repurpose waste streams, regenerate the natural world around us and enable their people to realise their full potential across all facets of the businesses.

“Their success is driven by an excellence of service ethos. Their structures, processes, and more importantly – people – set the standard for service excellence both nationally and internationally.”

The judges said Profile Group are world class role models around future vision, long-term strategy, innovation and product design, operational execution, ongoing commitment and an ethos of genuine care for the people, community, Aotearoa and the environment.

MilktechNZ’s Gustavo Garza was named CEO of the Year. MilktechNZ is a leader in designing electronic milking cup removers with future-proof technology and accessories for herringbone and rotary cow sheds.

MilktechNZ also took out the Innovation Award.

Judges said about Gustavo that his entrepreneurial spirit, his energy and passion for the business that he has created, and the way that he spoke of the team who have joined him on his journey, was inspiring.

“Gustavo sets aspirational goals for his business and sets high standards for himself and his team, including around values and behaviours.

“He shows a warmth and care toward his team that is genuine, and a satisfaction in progressing and enabling others that is humbling.”

Aware Group’s Jo Mickleson was named Emerging Leader of the Year.

Aware Group is a globally recognised leader in emerging technologies. It provides a range of innovative solutions and services that focus on artificial intelligence, big data and 'Internet of Things'.

Judges said about Jo that her focus on keeping people at the core of all decisions and actions is one of the primary leadership traits that her team greatly respect.

“Jo has gone above and beyond in building the capabilities of the senior leadership team with steady improvements being implemented that have developed empathy, business acumen and broader leadership skillset in the team.”

Don Good said the quality of the four Emerging Leader finalists was exceptionally high with Jo Mickelson competing against managing director / founder of (AGP) Architectural Glass Products David Bunting, Young New Zealander of the Year and Nau Mai Rā founder Ezra Hirawani, and Chiefs Rugby general manager commercial Kate Rawnsley.

Don said it was great to be back to the full complement of 600 people at Claudelands.

“The calibre of entries this year shows the resilience and positivity of Waikato businesses as they emerge from the impacts of Covid.

“It was wonderful to have finalists and winners from all over the Waikato. And while international headwinds remain strong, the Waikato is in a good place with strong foundations.

“The region is booming. You can see wherever you go that the Waikato is establishing itself as New Zealand’s economic powerhouse behind Auckland.

“Benefiting from its proximity to Auckland, its strong farming foundation, its booming tech industry, strong construction sector, superb educational entities, its highly efficient and well located logistics industry and the major work being undertaken in sustainability are making the region a stunning and positive place to live, work and play.”

The award winners

• Business Growth Award (sponsored by Deloitte): Profile Group – AGP.

• CEO of the Year Award (sponsored by University of Waikato): Gustavo Garza –MilktechNZ.

• Community Contribution – Commercial (sponsored by SkyPoint Technologies): Discover Waitomo.

• Community Contribution – NonCommercial (sponsored by Montana Food and Events): Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust.

• Emerging Leader of the Year Award (sponsored by Mitre10 Mega): Jo Mickleson – Aware Group.

• For Purpose Award (sponsored by Trust Waikato): HMS Trust.

• Innovation Award (sponsored by Company-X): MilktechNZ.

• Marketing Award (sponsored by Chow:Hill Architects): Shift72.

• Micro Business (sponsored by Sleepyhead): The Chopping Block Limited.

• People & Culture (sponsored by Hamilton Airport): EAS.

• Service Excellence (sponsored by Tompkins Wake): Profile Group.

• Sustainability (sponsored by Wintec Te Pūkenga): MyNoke.

• Supreme winner (sponsored by Foster Construction Group): Profile Group.

Applications for the 2023 Waikato Chamber of Commerce Business Awards will open in April.

For more information, visit: www. waikatochamber.co.nz/business-awards.

Providing responsive crane hire services to diverse clients in the region, Waikato Cranes has become the go-to crane hire provider for manufacturing, building and farming clients.

Creating a city with a difference

By Michaela Pointon

Wellington is the capital of Aotearoa and recognised for its culture and environmentally conscious way of living. The city is rich in public art, live entertainment, heritage sites, unique food eateries, libraries and as the home of governance.

Particularly in the building sector, the city is working hard to ensure there is an eco-friendly focus on developing sustainable infrastructure, as well as continuing to keep heritage buildings in quality condition.

Absolutely Positively Wellington City Council says, “We’re committed to making Wellington a sustainable eco-city”. They say they’re committed to consistently creating opportunities for low carbon transport, sustainable homes and buildings.

Historic heritage

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) defines historic heritage as “Natural or physical resources that help us to understand or appreciate New Zealand’s history and cultures.

“Heritage sites may have archaeological, architectural, cultural, historic, scientific or technological qualities.”

It is common to see heritage homes in Wellington where you can experience a slice of history by walking past these homes or often having the opportunity to live inside one.

The heritage homes spread across the city create a unique sense of history in Wellington. Old St Paul’s is a place where the beauty of a heritage wooden cathedral can be admired by all.

Old Government Buildings let visitors experience New Zealand in its heyday with the largest and most grand wooden buildings in the country.

Other heritage sites include the Turnbull House - a purpose-built home and library, as well as the 1929 Chevening Flats or the Pencarrow Lighthouse. Make sure to check out the heritage buildings when you visit Wellington.

Arts and culture

Wellington has public art, creative spaces, projects and opportunities see live music or entertainment any day of the week. The city is creative and collaborative, generous with culture throughout, celebrating live music, arts, drama, artwork, street art and many sculpture walks along the waterfront.

Aho Tini 2023 is the Arts, culture and creativity strategy in Wellington which combines the review of the 2011 Arts and Culture Strategy. The strategy aims to give a new direction for the cultural wellbeing for the city.

Aho Tini says this initiative will enable Wellingtonians and visitors to explore and experiment with their own creativity.

“The rich cultural traditions and identity of our capital city inspires our exciting and innovative arts, culture and creativity.”

One hundred percent Pure New Zealand says, “You’ll also find pieces by jewellers, ceramicists, sculptors, photographers and glassworkers as you browse local stores.

“Keep an eye out for artist’s studios and gallery spaces for a chance to meet the artists or see them at work.”

From live gigs, performing arts, literature, museums and art galleries for even the most experienced and well-established creatives to explore. Wellington culture will leave any creative feeling satisfied.

Attractions

Explore the city by foot, bike, or ferry and experience the green hills and glistening harbour. Wellington is a little city with a big impact.

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand

It’s not a visit to Wellington without a ride in the iconic cable car and a trip to Te Papa to be immersed in the national museum of New Zealand.

Te Papa is a landmark building in the heart of Wellington rich with New Zealand’s history. Spend a day exploring the national museum of the country learning about the history of Aotearoa.

Tour the Beehive

The national parliament building of Aotearoa. Stop by to experience a free tour of the parliament building and see where the action and law changing happens for the country.

Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Zealandia is a world renowned eco sanctuary,

a predator-free environmental sanctuary the first of its kind. Explore the lush forest home to over 40 rare species of native wildlife. You can explore the sanctuary in your own space or be led by a guide.

If you are spending a weekend in Wellington, make sure to visit all the attractions throughout the beautiful city.

There are many food eateries to enjoy and take a walk along the waterfront on a sunny day. Wellington offers something for everyone to experience during their visit!

The Zero Together initiative

Zero Together is a Wellington sustainable food project to help encourage reducing food waste within households.

The initiative promotes how small changes such as reducing food waste can be positive for the environment.

“Collective action on climate change is important, but we can make a difference in our daily lives too.

Zero Together is a Wellington City Council project supporting residents to understand and reduce their climate impact.”

Wellington has pledged to become a net zero carbon city by 2050. “Zero carbon is achievable but an ambitious goal and time is short,” says Wellington City Council.

They suggest it can be hard knowing where to start with making practical changes in your everyday life to make the biggest impact.

Household behaviour can contribute to 71 percent of the country’s carbon emissions and the Zero Together initiative is one way Wellington is taking action on making an environmental difference.

Caduceus Systems

and tradespeople, building owners, and project managers.

Caduceus helps you by considering all your technology needs with a range of software solutions. They are Autodesk partners specialising in Architecture, Engineering and Construction software implementation including the best training and support services from experts with over 20 years of experience, priority CAD and BIM support, CAD and BIM customisation, standards and management, BIM content creation and CAD detail creation services.

One of the services provided is business technology, advice, and support to ensure you have the best IT system at work.

What’s offered first is strategy planning and advising leading to provision and implementation of hardware and software, servers and networks, including maintenance and ongoing support.

They are Microsoft 365 experts as well as providers of New Zealand-based cloud solutions for email, data storage and backup.

Another service provided is design technology where Caduceus experts also specialise in training for CAD and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The team helps those involved in building design, construction, and management with technology. They work closely with architects and engineers, contractors

The team of experts teaches you CAD and BIM to suit your specific requirements.

The training which is offered includes scheduled courses, custom training, ongoing support, CAD and BIM support, distance-learning, and learning resources.

For more information, head to the Caduceus website for a better understanding of what each service involves, meet the team involved, and to check out the blog as well via the link: www.caduceus.co.nz.

If you’re interested get in touch by calling during office hours (Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm) on (04) 802 4345 or email hello@caduceus.co.nz

Alternatively, head to the office on Level 3, 154 Featherston Street in Wellington.

Caduceus Systems are a team of exceptional experts keeping your IT systems working at peak performance and your staff focused with fast and efficient “technology for your business landscape.”

The rich cultural traditions and identity of our capital city inspires our exciting and innovative arts, culture and creativity.

Lake Dunstan water supply project

The Lake Dustan Water Supply project is falling into place.

It is $16.1 million to upgrade the water supplies in Alexandra and Clyde, as the Central Otago District Council (CODC) wish to improve their community’s health and well-being, according to their website. The project will include increasing the size of Clyde’s bore field and working on the construction of a membrane treatment plant and water storage tanks.

The upgrade will benefit the community because it will decrease the amount of lime in Alexandra’s water.

In terms of the membrane treatment plant, the treatment offers more benefits, such as adding chlorination.

The improved treatment project will ensure the council continues to give safe drinking water to the Otago community and allow them to responsibly follow the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards.

Throughout October, the changes to the ground with the upgrade emphasies the history of changes in the area to improve the community.

The site can be busy at times with up to six crew members working together to get ready for the commissioning date in April this year.

Three drills on the edge of Lake Dustan will provide the treatment plant that is feeding Alexandra and Clyde.

The installation of a new drill and the upgrade of a second will bring Otago’s bore field in check with the latest water safety rules.

The current drill feeding Clyde will be redeveloped once the treatment plant is commissioned in April 2023.

The upgraded drills will then pump water to the raw water tank up to 160 litres per second.

CODC’s expenditure in the upgrade of their bore field means they will give safe, healthy, and clean water to the community.

The distinctive design of the removable roof on the bore field building has done well. The images show the switchboard installation in September last year.

Designing the building this way meant the council could continue with the build, meanwhile, wait for the switchboard to be constructed.

The building allowed the roof to be removed for the switchboard installation.

Reliant Solutions worked on the construction of the raw water tank on-site at the end of August last year.

The pre-treatment tank at 350 metres cubed in size allows the control of movement through the membrane treatment plant.

The construction of the treatment plant building is going well as of August last year.

The internal slab was finished in late August with the construction of the control room, chemical bund, staff amenities, loading bay, and analyser room finished within the last month.

The switchboard, which weighs two tonnes (the equivalent of 20 baby elephants) was installed in mid-September last year.

As the council predicts the district will grow by 2028, they will need to upgrade the number of membranes in the area. Therefore, they will have additional plinths. Building the project efficiently and effectively means the council has continued the construction with the installation of generators at both the treatment plant and the bore field.

The generators will work within two minutes of a power disruption, meaning there will be a dependable water supply, despite any circumstances.

The roof, walls, and roller doors have been constructed with insulation to ensure the council keeps the materials and people warm in winter and cool in summer.

To do this, the team used modern air-cooled scroll chiller parts to create top-notch energy efficiency and sustainable elements. The pipework and faucets have been installed between the treatment plant and the water tank. People have been wandering

With over twenty years’ experience in residential and commercial tiling, we guarantee your job will be completed to the highest industry standards.

The Lake Dunstan water supply project in the South Island, New Zealand.

around the site to be there in case there are any emergencies.

If people travel between Clyde and Cromwell, they will notice a green tank coming from the council’s construction site.

The treated water tank has been constructed on-site since last September last year. The water tank carries 750 metres cubed of water and caters to Clyde and Alexandra.

The tank is about 20 metres higher than the Alexandra Northern reservoir, so it can fill the

tank with 100 percent gravity without any pumping involved, which is very effective.

The council said having a second treated tank on the same site has been approved, as the council plans for a growing district.

To read more about the project check the council’s website: www.codc.govt.nz/ your-council/project-updates/infrastructureprojects

Council (CODC).

PHONE: 03 218 7936 - 03 214 0267

MOBILE: 027 403 3773

EMAIL: darryl@kensingtonconsulting.co.nz

Photos kindly supplied by Central Otago District

The progress of the preserving wall along the south-western side of the treatment plant.

The treatment plant building in the process of being built.

Grime Off Now in Tauranga

A growing number of Tauranga businesses have experienced the building wash maintenance services offered by Grime Off Now.

Grime Off Now are your go-to specialists in building and house washing. The team is passionate about washing and providing quality services, they’ll ensure the presentation of their client’s property looks immaculate while protecting their property and ensuring the process is simple for their clients.

From post build hand over washing to full hot water sanitisation of warehouse complexes, Grime Off Now have solutions to provide the best result.

In response to the increasing popularity of darker cladding colour choices Grime Off Now utilises a filtered water system to lessen the chance of water spotting.

Grime Off Now offer services to ensure warranty conditions are met over a wide range of claddings including cedar. Cladding manufacturers will want to see evidence of a regular wash maintenance programme if a warranty claim is ever made against a product.

With increasing regulation and demand for more diligence in this area Grime Off Now invest a lot of time in health and safety training, processes and reviews. Across the team they hold certificates in Hazard

Services include but are not limited to:

Residential

• House washing (cladding, eaves, windows)

• Gutters

• Roof cleaning

• Moss cleaning

• Unwashed areas

• Driveways and pathways

• Hydro Pure: ultra pure filtered water.

Commercial

• Gutters

• Unwashed areas

• Fume extractors and vents on roofs and walls

• Hydro Pure: ultra pure filtered water.

Insect control

• Insect and bug control for spiders, flies, cockroaches, and ants

Water blasting

• Concrete paths/pavers

• Exterior walls

• Decks and more!

Identification, Working at Heights, Work Authority, Permit to Work, First Aid and Elevated Work Platforms.

Working at Height is a specialised service offered by the team at Grime Off Now.

This includes roofs, gutters, solar panels and sky lights. They have the ability to reach three stories high with their long reach pressure extension poles or four stories with carbon fibre wash poles. In many instances washing can be completed from the ground without the need for an elevated work platform. Feel free to request a free quote before the team gets to work! The team is there to

provide a range of options before doing anything. Also ask about their Grime Ultimate scheduled maintenance plans for the best value.

If you have any wash maintenance needs that requires an experienced team phone 027 499 4237 or email admin@grimeoff.co.nz

Legal protection for subbies

Out-of-pocket electrical sub-contractors can be more confident they’ll be properly paid if another building company collapses, after a major test case around the Construction Contracts Act.

This follows the agreement to pay all the monies owing to sub-contractors affected by the Armstrong Downes Commercial 2012 Limited collapse.

Sub-contractors affected by that collapse will now get the full $2.89 million held for them in retention payments, as specified by the Act.

Master Electricians chief executive officer, Bernie McLaughlin, says “This was not guaranteed initially because the treatment of GST on retentions is a grey area”.

Master Electricians has been working with the government on behalf of the electrical contracting sector, suggesting ways the Construction Contracts Act can better reflect the changing nature of the construction industry.

Recent amendments to the Construction Contracts Act are going through Parliament.

“The amendments do much to resolve many of the issues sub-contractors faced and we applaud the Government for tackling them,” Bernie says.

But, he says, the confusion over the treatment of GST payments, and the uncertainty of how retention funds should be held still needs to be properly addressed.

Master Electricians worked with Master Plumbers and law firm Ford Sumner to lead the fight for all the sub-contractors with outstanding retentions affected by the Armstrong Downes Commercial collapse. The company went into liquidation in May 2022 owing $30.4m to 203 unsecured creditors, and $670,599 to eight secured creditors.

Ford Sumner partner, Jaesen Sumner, says the case has been an excellent testing ground for the sector, particularly for sub-contractors on whose behalf retentions are held.

“Retention funds are not company property and do not form part of the liquidation,” Jaesen says.

“But we’re delighted all the parties could work through these matters and eventually recognise the subcontractors’ position and, moreover, get to a space where retentions were paid in full.”

The amendments ensure the Construction Contracts Act provides:

• Protection of retention money withheld under construction contracts

• A fair, balanced and appropriate payment regime

• Access to fast and cost-effective dispute resolution

• Cost-effective and timely enforcement of rights and obligations.

2023 Master Electricians Conference

The Master Electricians conference returns in 2023 after a four-year hiatus. It will take place from 24-27 August at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland.

Retention Funds guide by

Jaesen Sumner

Retention money is withheld by a party to a construction contract (usually the head contractor) from an amount payable to another party (usually the sub-contractor), as security to ensure that sub-contractor completes their contractual obligations and fixes any defects with their work during the defect liability period.

The head contractor should hold the retention money on trust for the benefit of the sub-contractor.

Retention money does not need to be paid into a separate account and may be mixed with other funds.

This often creates issues if a head contractor becomes insolvent and is placed into liquidation.

The funds have usually ended up in the head contractors working capital account and been spent.

The Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill is designed to reduce the likelihood of this happening and help protect payees by strengthening the retention money regime in the Construction Contracts Act 2002.

It is hoped this Bill will pass into law later this year.

The proposed amendments in the Bill would require retention money to be: held in trust separately by a head contractor for a subcontractor; and paid into a separate New Zealand bank account as soon as the funds become retention money.

In addition, the Act will require ongoing disclosure to the subcontractor at the time the retentions are held and every three months.

The Act does not specify whether retention funds are inclusive or exclusive of GST, leaving it open to the parties to determine this themselves.

Accordingly, if the payee is GST registered, it is important the relevant construction contract clearly states that any retention funds must include GST and that this requirement is adhered to.

We recommend that while the Act has not yet been implemented, sub-contractors should insist that retentions are held in a separate account (not a working capital account) and that regular disclosure is provided on the retention account to ensure the sub-contractors funds are not withdrawn or moved during the project.

Master Electricians

PO Box 12 434 Thorndon Wellington 0800 50 66 88 admin@masterelectricians.org.nz www.masterelectricians.org.nz

JLE are electrical and mechanical specialists delivering infrastructure and construction projects, industrial process, power generation, dairy, food & beverage, mining, petrochemical, water & wastewater services throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Ford Sumner partner, Jaesen Sumner.

The trusted choice in the industrial and infrastructure sectors, delivering electrical and mechanical solutions through collaboration with our Aotearoa and international partners.

Master Electricians Excellence Awards 2022 - A Night To Remember

Buzz Electrics celebrated a great deal of success at the Master Electricians Excellence Awards in Auckland and were also able to celebrate a very special proposal, live at the event.

The Master Electricians Excellence Awards, in association with ETCO (The Electrical Training Experts), is a biennial competition and awards ceremony that aims to identify and recognise excellence within the electrical contracting industry. The formal awards evening celebrates these achievements and profiles businesses that hold themselves to the highest standard of excellence. One business in particular that saw a great amount of success at this awards evening was Buzz Electrics, who took home not one but four awards. These awards were given to businesses that have proved and showcased how they have navigated important values including innovation, leadership and sustainability within the current climate. Below is a list of awards the Buzz Electrics team took home:

• Silver Project Award - Under $1 Million.

• Buzz Electrics for Dags To Riches - Project Award (under $1 million) - Silver for Cavalier Bremworth, Awatoto, Hawkes Bay.

• Gold Project Award - $1 - $5 Million

Buzz Electrics took the Excellence Award for a Project ($1 to $5 million) for their work on Villa Maria’s new winery build in Hawkes Bay. Villa Maria Wines chose Buzz Electrics over other contractors to be their preferred contractor for the new winery build due to them having a capable industrial team, automation team and communication division. Although the project timeline was very short and the build was held up at some points, all trades pulled together, achieving the set target. They created an automated electrical systems package that would cover the whole site operation from product delivery, services control and winery monitoring, through to the finished wine product. This is still an ongoing project, with every target set to date, being achieved successfully.

Although this award was exciting, there was another memorable event that happened for Buzz Barham and his now fiancé, Maria Hooper. After him receiving the Gold Award, he decided to make it even more memorable by proposing to Maria up on stage. Congratulations to both of you!

Judges Special Recognition Award

Carl Williams from Buzz Electrics took home the Judges Special Recognition Award for his technical skill on the Dags to Riches 'Confin1’ project.

Industry Champion Award.

General Manager Buzz Barham took home the Industry Champion Award. Buzz is respected by all his peers within the industry, and he also makes sure his own team is well

looked after, even opening his own home to employees over the years. He is a valued contributor to the industry and the Master Electricians brand, encouraging participation from his team in the Apprentice of the Year awards and the Excellence awards. This year’s success in the awards illustrates how successful he has been in instilling and encouraging the skills of his team. What a night to remember.

Learning modules to help better understand H1 requirements

Learning modules are available to help people better understand new roof, window, wall, and underfloor insulation requirements on the Building Performance learning centre website.

In November 2021 MBIE announced the biggest energy efficiency changes to the Building Code in over a decade which aim to reduce energy needed for heating residential homes by approximately 40 percent.

These changes were formalised in the updated versions of Acceptable Solutions H1/AS1 and AS2 and Verification Methods H1/VM1, VM2 and VM3 which were published on the Building Performance website on 4 August 2022.

To help people understand the updated requirements, the Building Performance team created two new learning modules covering insulation, energy efficiency and climate zones.

Module 1 is aimed at homeowners and the general public. It helps you understand why insulation is important in buildings to increase energy efficiency and the benefits of installing better insulation.

It explains how to identify the climate zones that different parts of the country fall into and the background to the new requirements for houses that will apply from May next year.

Module 2 teaches you about the different compliance pathways for the Building Code’s energy efficiency requirements, including how to choose the appropriate Acceptable Solution or Verification Method for your building.

It covers how to choose the compliance pathway for housing and other building uses. Further modules provide a more in-depth look at the three different compliance pathways (the Schedule method, Calculation method and Modelling method) and when these can be used.

They also provide a series of questions based on an example building that will walk the user through the H1 compliance documents for housing and small buildings, and large buildings, before explaining how to use the different methods to comply with H1 Energy Efficiency.

A wide range of learning modules for the building sector

The Building Performance Learning Centre has a wide range of free learning modules designed to help people from all over the sector improve their knowledge across different building-related topics. The range of learning modules includes:

• A primer to New Zealand’s building regulatory system, looking at the Building Act, building performance requirements and consenting

• The “identify, assess, decide, apply” process for earthquake-prone buildings, as well as a module specifically for owners of earthquake prone buildings

• Geotechnical engineering, including modules on liquefaction, rockfall and earthquake resistant foundation design

• Managing Building in an Emergency, including modules on legal responsibilities, readiness, risk reduction and area designations

• Understand how to apply Building Code Acceptable Solution C/AS2

• Guidance for dam owners to understand the 2022 dam safety regulations

• The Licenced Building Practitioner code of ethics.

Find more building system learning modules at: learning.building.govt.nz.

To help people understand the updated requirements, the Building Performance team created two new learning modules covering insulation, energy efficiency and climate zones.

EXPOL’s New Generation solutions guarantee floor and slab compliance

From 1 May 2023 new building work in homes must meet the new wall, floor and roof insulation performance requirements. EXPOL’s Technical Sales Manager, Wayne Watson explains that the business was eager to introduce a comprehensive range of solutions well in advance of this date.

“We’ve invested significantly to ensure EXPOL has specific solutions that cater for every part of New Zealand. Each product has been developed and tested to perform to the new Code requirements,” he says.

Engineered solutions, independently tested to meet H1

With specifiers looking for solutions that meet the 2023 Code’s Clause H1 requirements, EXPOL has launched a new range of engineered floor and slab insulation products.

“Meeting the energy efficiency provisions of the updated Code will be a key focus for specifiers and trade in 2023. Our new range provides guaranteed performance for floors and slab insulation, giving peace-of-mind that the build will be compliant,” says Wayne. Wayne adds that one of EXPOL’s strengths is the lengths it goes to, to deliver on its promise of Guaranteed Performance.

“For example, instead of a single product development team, we have experienced technical experts based in both the North and South Islands. That means the people developing our range know first-hand what it’s like to live and work in the climates they’re designing for,” he says. A must with the introduction of new climate zones.

EXPOL wanted to rethink its products in line with the new legislation rather than simply ask consumers to multiply the amount of insulation product used. A solution which offers challenges for specifiers and immediately multiples the material costs. Taking an innovation approach now will allow EXPOL to continue to offer the quality and reliability that they are known for.

Making the specification process simple In addition to its updated range, EXPOL has also launched an online calculator that simplifies the process of specifying floor and slab insulation.

“The online calculator, which is available on the EXPOL website, is a game changer for specifiers and builders,” says Wayne.

“We’ve taken the hard work out of it. After entering the required R value, simply add your slab area and perimeter, and the areato-perimeter ratio, then you can submit the details to our technical team. We’ll provide a solution with an R value that will suit your region” he says.

Committed to sustainability

EXPOL has invested hundreds of thousands to develop new production facilities that enable the company to recycle polystyrene waste into new products. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint and deliver dryer, warmer, healthier and environmentally friendly spaces.

“As a manufacturer, we’re keenly aware of reducing our impact on the planet. That’s why we’ve taken the major step of adding recycling plant to each of our seven factories around Aotearoa,” says Wayne.

“Along with our in-house recycling capability, we’ve made sustainability a core focus of our product development efforts. As a result, many EXPOL products are now made of either partially or fully recycled polystyrene,” he says.

EXPOL have gone out of their way to support changes to the building code which will deliver warmer, drier and healthier homes that cost significantly less to heat and will also generate carbon savings through this energy efficiency.

Guaranteed to deliver

Proudly Kiwi owned and operated, EXPOL is a family business with a 40-year history of consistent performance. Strong relationships with key trade merchants, along with nationwide manufacturing facilities and a dedicated fleet of delivery vehicles means that EXPOL is well-placed to ensure continuous supply.

“We know that certainty means everything to our customers, so we work hard to maintain production levels that meet market demand – even during challenging periods like the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 we were able to deliver as soon as the construction industry needed us,” says Wayne.

EXPOL products are manufactured to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality construction materials – every time.

Interested in learning more about EXPOL’s New Generation floor and slab insulation solutions? Visit expol.co.nz

With substantial changes to the Building Code coming into force in 2023, EXPOL’s research and development team has been hard at work to ensure the building industry will have access to compliant insulation solutions from day one.

We’ve invested significantly to ensure EXPOL has specific solutions that cater for every part of New Zealand. Each product has been developed and tested to perform to the new Code requirements.

EXPOL FLOOR AND SLAB INSULATION SOLUTIONS.

For over 40 years EXPOL have been at the leading edge of delivering Lightweight Polystyrene Construction Solutions.

With the introduction of the Building Code changes in 2023 our technical and engineering team have designed and developed a selection of New Generation floor and slab insulation solutions. These meet the code and address the specific needs of the varying projects and environments throughout New Zealand.

We’ve taken the hard work out of it.

Check out the EXPOL Concrete Foundation Insulation Calculator which shows you the EXPOL solutions that meet the new code for your project.

Your customers can enjoy a warmer winter with East Coast Plumbing and Gas

Smart home heating solutions make all the difference to Hawke’s Bay’s homeowners

East Coast Plumbing and Gas are Hawke’s Bay’s supplier of Rinnai hot water, gas fires, heat pumps and central heating solutions. If your customers want a warmer home this winter; we can help you make it happen. Our range of gas fires and central heating solutions ensure your customers can choose the right option for their budget, style, and home.

Choosing the right heating solution for your customer starts with a free heating consultation at our showroom. Customers can explore styles and models of gas fire and central heating first-hand. By sharing house plans and ideas we can narrow down the options and tailor a heating solution to the exact needs of your customer.

Gas fires are a good solution for heating individual rooms or smaller homes. They offer the beauty of living flame without the mess and hard work that comes from wood fires. Gas offers both efficiency and control. You can switch a gas fire on and off as you need it and choose the best temperature for your space without the risk of overheating.

East Coast Plumbing and Gas supply and install the latest range and models of indoor and outdoor gas fires from Rinnai and Rais.

We offer a wide range of styles of radiators so customers can pick one that matches their interior design.

Our whole home heating solutions allow customers to choose a tailor-made central heating solution that suits the layout of their home, their interior design and their budget. We offer three types of central

heating - ducted heat pumps, hot water central heating and warm air central heating systems. The variety of products we offer allows us to help your customer find the best, most efficient solution for their home.

East Coast Plumbing and Gas both supply and install heating systems, allowing us to provide a total cost that includes installation and ensures no unwanted surprises. If your customer is working to a budget this can make it easier to plan the total cost of any building work or renovation - so you can manage your other costs effectively.

We pride ourselves on doing it right the first time so you can rely on a high quality installation and our recommendation of the best product to suit your customer’s needs. East Coast Plumbing and Gas are registered and licenced with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) at Certifying Level and we are also a member of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc. All of our work is guaranteed to the highest standards.

Find out more by visiting our website at eastcoastplumbingandgas.co.nz or calling us direct on 06 211 6462.

Rinnai offers the beauty of living flame with gas fires that have contemporary or classic styles - creating a feature in your home.

The eight Smart Principles of Future-Proof Building

By Michaela Pointon

Ensuring your home is weather proofed from natural disasters, as much as possible, means safety for family and pets, less clean-ups and minimal insurance claims.

There are many simple home improvements you can do to increase weather tightness.

These include; looking for signs of leaking early on during light rain, ensuring drains and rain pipes are cleared for water to run through and establishing an essential emergency item kit.

Building inspections including valuing the weather tightness of your property before purchasing can be detrimental to the longevity of your home.

As well as inspecting older homes, future proofing new homes for families and loved ones is just as important.

Property Check New Zealand are qualified specialists in pre-purchase house inspections including weathertightness.

The comprehensive weather tightness report will meet bank requirements and you can trust the team will give you sound knowledge.

The Real Estate Authority (REA) New Zealand - Te Mana Papawhenua, explain a leaky building is considered where moisture gets between the exterior cladding of the house and the inside walls.

“The walls can potentially rot and dangerous mould can grow and cause structural problems for the building, [as well as] health problems for those who live there,” says REA. Buildings which have a high risk of leaking were mostly built between the late 1980s and the mid-2000s using plaster-style monolithic cladding systems.

Signs your property may have issues with weather tightness include:

● Cracks and splits in the cladding or joints

● Moisture staining or visible damage

● Musty smells

● Efflorescence - white chalky substance at junctions or cracks

● Mould, moss or colour degradation

● Blistering or fading paintwork, bubbling or peeling wallpaper.

If you think there are signs of water leaks in your home, get in touch with your property manager or landlord.

Contacting the vendor of the property means action should be taken to resolve the issue.

“If the vendor explains they have had weather tightness issues in the past but have made repairs, ask to see the evidence of work carried out and a building inspection report,” says REA.

Not only is weather tightness an important factor of building a new home, making sure you consider quality energy smart

home installations will mean your home will last longer.

The world is going greener and establishing a home for green living is important.

Future-Proof Building New Zealand says, “If you are thinking about building, renovating or improving your home, make smart choices by understanding the eight Smart Principles of Future-Proof Building”.

The eight Smart Principles of Future-Proof Building are:

Energy Smart

“Rising energy prices seem inevitable. Making smart choices now will save your wallet, reduce your carbon footprint and protect our precious energy sources.”

They say the use of smart technology in the home, coupled with well-designed water and space heating systems is important.

“Choosing well designed appliances and lighting will save you money and help save the planet too.”

Health and Safety

Your home is a place where everyone should feel safe and secure. “Many common issues can be improved or avoided by incorporating Future-Proof design products, services and solutions into your home.”

Life Cycle

“Selecting products with a longer lifespan will be more cost effective in the longterm.” This means maintenance costs will be reduced over time.

Quality

Pay particular attention to the quality warranties and product performance of appliances. Read reviews online and protect your biggest investment which is your home. Choosing trusted brands and partners which have stood the test of time is a good place to start.

Smart and Secure

“Home technology is getting smarter, simpler and more secure. Choose new technologies that will make your home more efficient to run and intuitive to live in.”

Sound Control

“Noise can be minimised by using the right products for ceilings, windows and soft furnishings.”

Spatial Design

Property selections are becoming increasingly smaller. Ensuring you utilise the space and property means the resale value of your home will increase as well as supporting your lifestyle.

Sustainability

“Choose businesses that are committed to sustainable practices throughout their supply chain and are actively reducing their environmental footprint.”

To find out more information about future proofing your home and the importance of sustainability, make sure to visit: www.fpb.co.nz for tips and advice.

eHaus are New Zealand leaders in PassivHaus design and construction and we’re seeking builders in the following areas to partner with us as we expand our national network: Far North, Auckland (four regions available), Coromandel, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Nelson/Tasman, North Canterbury, West Coast, and Otago.

Be part of redefining the way we build.

With the disastrous weather which unfolded across the country in recent times, weather proofing and tightening up your home is more important than ever.

ONE SYSTEM ONE SPECIFICATION ONE SUPPLIER

Marshall Innovations can now offer the specifier a single point of contact.

The Marshall Weatherization System provides a complete weatherproof construction envelope, delivered by a single supplier.

The full Marshall Weatherization System consists of: [1] Tekton Wall Underlay, [2] HYDRA Wall Underlay, [3] HYDRA Roof Underlay, [4] SUPER-STICK or ProSill Tape, [5] Tekton Seam Tape, [6] Trade-Seal.

BRANZ appraised, complete technical specification to simplify the design process, backed by a 50-year durability warranty.

Specifically developed for the New Zealand built environment, to stand tough against our unique weather conditions and meet all local code requirements.

Measuring up to drainage code compliance

Legs sitting in the channel base can impact on the quality of waterproofing, and will often obstruct clear flow of water to the outlet. A complete blockage of the channel can even cause water to back up into the cladding cavity.

ThresholdDrain

The design of a level threshold drainage system is not as simple as it first seems.

The E2 building code is very prescriptive in what will be allowed – is your solution code compliant? Let ACO help with choosing the correct product for your application.

E2 Building Code

Clause 7.3.2.1 of the E2 building code lists the requirements for an acceptable solution for level threshold drainage:

• A channel that is 150mm deep, 200mm wide

• Maximum channel length of 3.7m

• 1:200 minimum fall to outlet.

The grating that sits over the channel must:

• Be able to be fully removed for maintenance

• Be supported independently of the door frame, without spacers

• Have a continuous gap of 12mm.

To meet the letter of the E2 Building Code, a cast in-situ channel is required with a grate that does not rely on the channel base or door joinery for support.

ACO’s level threshold drainage products are designed to fully comply with the requirements of the E2 Building Code.

ACO’s Cantilever ThresholdDrain is fully supported by the cantilever arm, and ACO OnePour ThresholdDrain is a bolted bracket system that used the landscaping concrete for its support.

Cantilever ThresholdDrain is ideal for tile and paved exteriors, and can be scheduled so the landscaping contractor is not interfering with the installation of the drain.

OnePour ThresholdDrain is perfect for concrete floor finishes. Both products do not require a rubber spacer or leg for structural integrity.

Alternative solutions

If site conditions allow, a precast grated channel or slot drain can be installed against the building as a level threshold alternative solution.

This option is often quicker and easier to install, and means outlets can be spaced up to 80m centres.

Product selections include ACO KlassikDrain or Brickslot, and PowerDrain for heavy duty traffic applications.

Each alternative solution needs to be addressed on a project-by-project basis.

To meet consent requirements, most councils require manufacturer’s calculations to demonstrate the performance of the system. ACO offers a free hydraulic design service and can provide product details at all stages of the project.

Each council has different requirements, be sure to check with your ACO representative before choosing a drain to make sure it meets local requirements.

ACO Limited has unrivalled experience providing threshold drainage solutions throughout the country.

Ask ACO today to help with your project at info@aconz.co.nz or 0800 448 080.

Infiltration of surface water into the foul water system

Several parts of the Building Code and its Acceptable Solutions relate to this situation.

Compliance with both E1 Surface Water and G13 Foul Water is required.

Building Code Clause E1 Surface Water

The Building Code Clause E1 Surface Water covers what is commonly called stormwater. There are two relevant parts:

E1.3.1: Surface water, resulting from an event having a 10 percent probability of occurring annually and which is collected or concentrated by buildings or sitework, shall be disposed of in a way that avoids the likelihood of damage or nuisance to other property.

E1.3.2: Surface water, resulting from an event having a 2 percent probability of occurring annually, shall not enter buildings. Performance E1.3.2 shall apply only to housing, communal residential and communal non-residential buildings.

G13 Acceptable Solution

G13/AS2 states the following about surface water entering the foul water system:

3.3.1: All gully traps shall be constructed to prevent the ingress of surface water and foreign bodies likely to cause a blockage, shall be located within the legal boundary of the land on which the building is erected, and shall have:

a) The overflow level of the gully dish no less than either:

i) 25 mm above paved surfaces

ii) or 100 mm above unpaved surfaces.

Comment: It is imperative that the waste pipe connections to the gully trap remain watertight to prevent the ingress of ground/ surface water.

In summary

All new building work must comply with the Building Code. In this case, both Clauses E1, Surface Water, and G13, Foul Water, apply. To achieve this:

• The floor level must be as given in E1/AS1, providing the location is not within a flood prone area

• If in a flood prone area, E1/VM1 applies. Depending on circumstances, this requires the floor level to be 150mm or 500mm above the one in 50-year flood level

• The top of the gully dish must be above the one in 10-year flood level to meet E1.3.1. In addition, the Network Utility Operator may have further requirements to avoid damage to its network (see E1.3.3(e)).

Information sourced from

Surface water entering the foul water system through gully dishes can cause problems for sewer network utility operators in flood-prone areas.

If you’re a builder or subcontractor, code compliant level threshold drainage is easier to achieve than you might think.

**

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Designing and building homes for the future

By Michaela Pointon

The government is rolling out a plan for a carbon neutral public sector by 2023, requiring all new non-residential government buildings to be climate friendly.

Buildings over a certain value will have to meet a minimum Green Star rating of five.

The Carbon Neutral Government Programme has been set up to ensure all builders, property owners or investors are aware of these changes.

Economic and Regional Development

Minister Stuart Nash and Climate Change

Minister James Shaw say, “The minimum standards will ensure Government buildings achieve a level of excellence on climatefriendly design and construction that is rarely seen in New Zealand”.

They say buildings are big ‘emitters’ in contributing to carbon dioxide in the environment.

Solutions to improve this includes; developing designs of buildings, better waste management and improved water/ energy efficiency.

“The use of low carbon materials is achievable. Cleaner, climate-friendly public

Davis Ogilvie

Davis Ogilvie provides a complete range of multi-disciplinary engineering, surveying and planning services.

By covering structural, civil and geotechnical engineering, land surveying, resource management and environmental science Davis Ogilvie are able to simplify construction, design and development using collaborative processes to create better solutions for our clients.

buildings are not just good for the planet, they will also improve the health and wellbeing of the people who visit, work and learn inside them.”

The Green Star standard operates on a system of 100 points, with four, five-star or six-star ratings available to be given to buildings depending on their climate efficiency.

They say the decision to introduce The Carbon Neutral Programme sends an

Davis Ogilvie is an established development consultancy which originated in Christchurch in 1932, now with offices in Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth and Timaru. With an overall team of over 100 staff Davis Ogilvie works on a wide range of land development projects throughout the South Island. Staff within each of our offices are experienced in providing high level engineering, surveying and planning serveries to a large part of the South Island, from Central Otago to Golden Bay, Nelson and Marlborough.

Davis Ogilvie can offer expertise in the following areas:

• Topographical surveys

• Cadastral surveys

important message to the construction, design and building supplies sector to expand capacity and capability to meet demand.

From this we can see by 2025 there will be a demand for the building industry to ensure they are well equipped to meet the needs of future building expectations.

New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) says their vision is for all homes and buildings in Aotearoa to be green and sustainable, making healthier, happier New Zealanders.

• Subdivision design

• Civil engineering design

• Contract administration and construction observation

• Structural design for residential and commercial projects

• Resource consents for subdivision and land use, including earthworks

• Geotechnical investigations

• Contaminated land investigation and assessment.

Environmental Management and CarboNZero

Davis Ogilvie is committed to sustainable development and appropriate resource management. It is important to Davis Ogilvie

“For that to happen we need leadership and action to change how we design and build our homes, buildings and communities.”

NZGBC says there is a lot to consider when it comes to creating healthy, sustainable spaces.

“Green Star takes a holistic approach, considering not just direct environmental impact like materials or water use, but broader transport, indoor environment quality and management implications of a project.”

The future of New Zealand relies on all industries making changes to their environmental impact. If all sectors worked together this could create a cleaner and healthier Aotearoa for all to enjoy.

to minimise our impact on the environment, while still carrying out our day to day business having been carboNZero since 2014. In additional to being carboNZero, Davis Ogilvie has taken on a number of initiatives to help minimise our impact on the environment including installing a solar power system in our Christchurch and Nelson offices, the use of Biofuel in all vehicles, and promoting waste minimisation. In all projects we are involved with, Davis Ogilvie is working towards more efficient land development, high water quality and low impact design solutions.

Climate standards and green buildings have become more important than ever since the government implemented changes to the building code standards during 2022.

Green Star takes a holistic approach, considering not just direct environmental impact like materials or water use, but broader transport, indoor environment quality and management implications of a project.

Being wary about pool ownership

Reportedly eight percent of all residential property listings in New Zealand come with a pool, but one realtor says buyers and sellers should view pools with their eyes wide open.

Century 21 New Zealand owner, Tim Kearins, says new pools can be a big asset, but old pools can be a liability.

“In fact, in some cases, it’s better to remove them before a sale.

“We encourage people to talk to their agent about whether an old pool is a plus or a minus, because they can cause grief during the sales process.”

Tim says a lot of pools were installed nationwide during the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. They’re not cheap, however, with costs potentially $100,000 or more when you factor in landscaping, fencing, and the consent process.

More than 6,000 new pools have been registered with the Auckland Council in the past five years alone.

“Pools can be a lot of work, but new or well-maintained ones can add considerable value to a property and families in particular will be drawn to them.

“In a softer real estate market, they could make all the difference in achieving a good sale,” he says.

With prospective buyers often word searching ‘pools’ on listing websites, the Century 21 leader suggests that vendors promote them prominently in their marketing material with great photos.

“When it comes to pools, for both parties, it’s buyer and seller beware and both need to do their due diligence.”

“The Building Act requires pool barriers and fences to be inspected at least once every three years. As a vendor, find the last council inspection report and have it available to buyers to show it’s compliant and when the next inspection is due,” he says.

The real estate leader says depending on the type of pool, it may need a building consent.

Many don’t require a consent but nonetheless, he says, check it out via council before listing a

property, and provide any consent documentation for buyers’ information.

“If your pool or spa pool is close to a boundary, you or previous owners may have required written consent from your neighbours.

“Again, if so, provide it as part of your property documentation. Likewise, buyers need to make sure they ask questions about potential consents and permissions,” he says.

Other handy hints include writing down instructions or even offering a lesson in person to the incoming owner if you’ve been maintaining the pool yourself. Likewise, if you’ve been using a pool services company, it’s good to pass on their information and costs to the next homeowner to consider.

“A good pool can be a great entertainer for families. You just need to do your homework to make sure they’re a bonus, not a burden.”

JUST DO IT!

Building a future in the huge range of commercial and industrial sales and leasing options available to industry and commerce in NZ, Property Brokers is an important cog in the wheel of hard core business deals.

Know-how comes from experience and a partnership with local and regional branches of the company, working alongside selected specialist marketing sales people, bringing rewards to commercial and industrial building owners in finding tenants and buyers.

Preparation is the key, as with every business model and project. A can-do attitude is paramount, an eye for the right opportunity and the ability for on-the-spot analysis when dealing with a wide range of individuals and businesses and their respective aspirations, is what drives your specialist Real Estate Agent,

representing your business in the real world. Words are just not enough in the cut and thrust of business, there must be actions leading to a successful conclusion of the deal – be it a lease, a sale or a string of inter-woven options to surmount a particular issue. That can-do attitude is what sets specialist agents apart in the Property Brokers network.

Have you ever needed to think laterally, step outside your comfort zone and confront the problem head-on? We all have. Then try another tack. In the world of Americas Cup racing, Team New Zealand tried the unthinkable and pushed the hull out of the water! When making a decision on who to engage in a partnership with you and your business in leasing your up-coming vacant building, tenanting that new development, selling your latest project or just simply getting the next renewal over the line, Gil at Property Brokers Whanganui has the experience and will work with other agents within the company to, well, just GET THE JOB DONE!

Gil Button 021 326 956 gil.button@pb.co.nz

The ongoing mission to reduce waste

From scrap wood and metal to plastic wrap and piping, the waste adds up. According to Level (a subsidiary of BRANZ focussed on sustainable building), construction and demolition waste makes up 40-50 percent of New Zealand’s total waste going to landfill.

“Each home constructed generates an average of four tonnes of waste. An Auckland study found that construction waste, by weight, is made of up timber (20 percent), plasterboard (13 percent), packaging (five percent), metal (five percent) and other (45 percent).”

Level says most of this dumping of construction waste is unnecessary and says it’s been demonstrated that by simply sorting waste, at least half of it could be diverted from landfills and clean fills.

“Large volumes of waste also increase the costs of a project and its environmental impact,” says Level. For more information about the impact of construction waste, visit Level at: www.level.org.nz

Kainga Ora is focused on reducing the amount of waste generated by their builds. Instead of demolishing older houses, they’re looking to relocate or reconstruct them wherever possible.

They say they’re aiming to minimise construction-related waste through more efficient materials use and waste management practices.

For more information regarding Kainga Ora’s commitment to reducing construction waste, visit their website at: www.kaingaora.govt.nz

Now, more than ever, many councils and building organisations are pushing for builders and contractors to take a closer look at their waste practices.

The New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) notes two massive positive points to support the movement. It says builders and contractors can save money and win more jobs.

“You can save money on waste disposal costs, make money from selling usable materials or fixtures or recycling scrap metals, reduce your costs in needing to buy less materials for upcoming projects, reduce costs for purchase and transport of wasted materials and avoid possible non-compliance costs and delays,” the NPDC says.

“You’re likely to win contracts for projects that specify waste reduction requirements or attract clients who want to ‘do the right thing’, improve client satisfaction and your company image and encourage repeat business as well as helping to attract and retain employees.”

The NPDC has some helpful resources on creating a plan for construction waste reduction which can be found at their website: www.npdc.govt.nz. Here, you can find vital information for your building or contracting company.

The Auckland Council is also forging ahead to minimise construction and demolition waste.

Currently, the council has several plans in place to support initiatives focused on this issue.

They are planning on updating the Building Code to consider waste and climate impacts for the full lifecycle of buildings.

This includes deconstruction when consents are lodged, continued research into the role of reused and recycled construction materials and continuing to roll out guidelines to educate the wider construction industry and support and integrate community and social enterprises into construction and demolition waste initiatives.

The council also wants to develop and deconstruction hub that provides infrastructure for industry to exchange key materials and share best practice expertise. For more information, visit their website at: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Recycling shouldn’t be something viewed as an insurmountable task - yet many people believe it to be so.

In their article Recycling Construction Waste, Tane Graham and Luke Mitchell say nearly anything can be recycled.

“Paper, cardboard, treated and untreated timber, glass, plastics (grade 1-7), concrete rubble, plasterboard and different metals can all be recycled thanks to advances in technology and innovative ways of using waste products,” they say.

There’s been a lot of work done by Transpacific Waste Management in terms of investigating recycling opportunities where the cost of recovery had previously been seen as prohibitive.

“For example, they currently recycle approximately 90 m3 (pre-processing) of treated and untreated timber per month.

“Smaller lengths and off-cuts previously deemed not fit or other recycle process are mulched with waste cardboard that is unsuitable for normal cardboard recycling.

“The mulched product is then chipped and re mulched and used as a binding agent during the flocculating and neutralising of hazardous chemicals.”

Level says in July of 2021, the government began a process of increasing and expanding the cover of the waste disposal levy.

“The levy will be increased in stages until it reaches $60 per tonne at municipal landfills in July of 2024,” Level says.

All the more reason to get on board with recycling and reducing construction waste.

When building, renovating or demolishing a building, large quantities of waste are generation.

Level says Kainga Ora has a target of diverting 80 percent of waste from landfill.

Marley Leads the Way in Reducing Plastic Construction Waste

Marley is proud to be taking the lead in reducing PVC and HDPE plastic waste in the construction sector in New Zealand accepting returns of used pipes, spouting, ducting and other plastic construction waste and offcuts!

Key to the success of the project is Marley’s partnership with Waste Management New Zealand to manage collection, sorting and collating of the product before on-sending it to Marley.

Rollout of collections and waste drop off points started in Auckland through direct merchants such as Plumbing World and Hynds, where contractors can drop off uPVC offcuts and end-of-life product. For larger commercial and civil projects Marley and Waste Management can also provide on-site collection options to avoid the cost and environmental impact of uPVC and HDPE site waste going to landfill. Contact Marley for more information on this service.

So far this year nearly 620 tonnes of plastic waste has been collected, washed and recycled by Marley to manufacture the next generation of PVC and HDPE piping systems used in building, infrastructure and agriculture projects.

That amounts to a significant reduction in the volume of product going to landfill, as well as the amount of plastic resin imported at the other end of the chain.

This initiative has been enabled by a grant of $4.46m from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund (PIF) and is the result of a joint application by Aliaxis (Marley) with Waste Management New Zealand and Unitec ESRC.

Marley is proud to be at the forefront of the drive to recycle construction waste and hopes that ever more builders, contractors and merchants will join them in their efforts to reduce our industry’s impact on the environment. Look out for the bins at your usual plumbing merchant as we start to rollout more opportunities to make a positive change.

Hynds, Manukau Auckland

Plumbing World, Mount Wellington Auckland

Plumbing World, Rosedale Auckland

Miniexcavator market on the rise

Indeed, innovative technologies are pathing the way for smaller machines to yield more power.

Many industry professionals are turning to smaller and more efficient machinery to get the job done.

Typically, small excavators are restricted by their dig depth and a reduced operating capacity.

However, Cat’s 310 mini excavator reportedly yields up to 25 percent more horsepower than comparable models, and boasts a broad range of applications.

Compact by design, the Cat 310’s miniature size meets the demands of New Zealand’s current property market.

With developers closing in, small excavators make it easier to manoeuvre around tighter work-sites, which is potentially the largest gap left by the Cat 310’s full size predecessors.

The Cat 310 mini excavator also enjoys a host of upgraded health and safety features.

The most notable of these additions include an updated monitor system in the pressurised, ROPS - and TOPStested cab and a reversing camera, which allows the operator a clear-view of any obstacles behind the machine at all times.

Courtesy work lights, a retractable seat belt and an improved protection kit, also improve the overall safety of the machine.

It’s important to note that Cat designed their newest model with sustainability in mind.

This can be seen through the addition of auto-idle and auto-engine shutdown features which help to maximise fuel economy and minimise emissions.

An improved hydraulics system aided by a variable displacement pump also reduces operating costs and promotes overall efficiency.

From cutting down on fuel expenditure and reducing overall emissions, Cat cleverly position the 310-mini excavator as a sustainable solution to traditional heavy machinery equipment.

For more information on Cat 310 Mini Excavators, visit: terracat.co.nz, or phone

0800 93 39 39.

Kubota’s new compact digger makes an impression

Kubota New Zealand is transforming the construction scene through the launch of its U10-5 Ultra-Compact Digger with advanced performance and comfort features.

The new U10-5 excavator will replace the existing K008-3 and has been updated with a range of new features.

The U10-5 is a zero-tail swing machine designed to operate safely in the tightest of spaces along with an improved operator control layout and modern exterior design.

Kubota ANZ product manager, Nathan Thomas, says the hydraulic controls, zero-tail swing and variable track width features mean there’s not many jobs the U10-5 can’t get to.

“The previous K008-3 had a front mechanical operation lever design, which has now been updated on the new U10-5.

“The U10-5 now features hydraulic control levers which are positioned to the sides of the seat for a better, more relaxed operator working experience, ensuring comfort of operation and reducing operator fatigue,” Nathan says.

“With a strong focus on safety, the U10-5 also has an engine safety start system preventing the engine from starting when the levers are lowered, meaning no unexpected excavator and attachment movement when starting the machine.

“The machine features an adjustable track gauge from an easy single-lever operation. The hydraulically adjustable

tracks reduce down in seconds to 750mm, to allow for navigation in tight spaces. The track gauge can also be widened to a full extension of 990mm.

“Machine height can often restrict excavators on the job site but that’s not the case here.

“Thanks to a newly designed front foldable Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), the U10-5 can easily fit under doorways or low-hanging branches. Folding the ROPS back into working position is simple and provides additional safety and protection for the operator.”

The U10-5 has an engine gross horsepower of 10.3HP, a bucket breakout force of 1060kg, and an operating weight of 1200kg.

“When adjusting your track width and folding the ROPS down, these ultracompact diggers can easily fit through most doorways, permitting access inside buildings and houses. With the simple removal of one pin, the U10-5’s quick-fold ROPS adjusts down in size instantly,” he says.

The new U10-5 also features a modern exterior design to run in line with the current range of Kubota excavators and a new LED boom work light to keep you working into the night.

As known from the K008-3, the U10-5 still has some of the proven features including TPSS Track Pattern Selection System and two-speed travel pedal, allowing users to switch between high and low speeds. Servicing can easily be done thanks to a full opening engine cover, while the hydraulic service port pipes are conveniently located for easy maintenance.

Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes, transporting the U10-5 is simple and can be towed by most vehicles.

The Kubota U10-5 ultra-compact excavators are available at your local Kubota dealer. Visit: Kubota.co.nz to find out more. www. kubota.com.au 25-29 Permas Way, Truganina 3029, Victoria, Australia

Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes, transporting the U10-5 is simple and can be towed by most vehicles.

The Kubota U10-5 ultra-compact excavators are available at your local Kubota dealer. Visit Kubota.co.nz to find out more

Worksafe’s key excavation safety points:

• Avoid underground services and make sure not to undermine nearby structures – use safe digging practice and dig away from them

• Check the excavation each day before starting work and after any event that may affect its stability

• Provide safe access to get in and out

• Prevent collapse – shore, bench, or batter back. Do not assume ground will stand unsupported

• Prevent people and materials falling in – with barriers strong enough not to collapse if someone falls against them.

According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global mini excavators’ market is expected to garner $11,873.9 million by 2027.

The impact of asbestos – an industry report

By Natasha Parrant

However, it turned out to be a dangerous material to use in the construction industry once builders got sick, as it had been causing workers to have lung diseases.

The consequences of having asbestos in building materials led to New Zealand banning it from being imported in 2016. However, most homes built before 2000 still have asbestos.

The New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA), has a media release on the Asbestos Industry Report, which covers information about the identification, removal, overall awareness, and regulation within the asbestos industry.

The findings suggest that New Zealand aims to improve its construction industry, but there is still room for improvement, as there is inconsistency and many gaps in the system.

The industry needs to make some positive changes by looking into its surveying, licensing, worker safety, and the moving and handling of asbestos waste.

This report was written by Mike Cosman – a Cosman Parkes independent senior health and safety consultant – who has 42 years of experience in the health and safety sector, focusing largely on asbestos in his career.

According to Refresh Renovations, asbestos was often used when building things in the second half of the 20th century because it had good heat, fire, and noise-resisting qualities.

NZDAA president Helina Stil shared her perspective in the report.

“While some may find parts of this report confronting, it represents a fair, unbiased and transparent assessment of the overall health and safety performance of our industry.”

Some of the changes in the report would need legislative changes and a copy of the report has been shared with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and WorkSafe NZ to try to make these changes happen. Meanwhile, the industry itself could do some things to help improve standards and working practices.

People need to view the report as an opportunity for decision-makers to reinforce the importance of health and safety for construction workers and make a positive change for everyone, Helina says.

“We already have a meeting booked with the minister to discuss the findings in the report and in the coming weeks we will be consulting with our members and other key industry partners to agree on steps that we as an industry will take to address some of these recommendations.”

NZDAA’s Asbestos Sector Review states New Zealand’s current asbestos industry has rising levels of “fragmentation and cumbersome governance arrangements, increasing operating costs in conjunction with complicated and sometimes conflicting standards,” Helina says.

This review displays there have been some positive changes made already as more people are aware of the major health and safety issues in New Zealand during the past six years.

As written in the review, “Leading industry players in the removal sector are now seeking to be aligned with international best practice and are operating in an ethical and sustainable manner with regard to their workforce and risks to others”.

Regulations and WorkSafe New Zealand’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) show that certified safety management systems, Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs), Asbestos Removal Control Plans (ARCP), and licenced contributors can make a positive difference.

“The extent of that difference in practice is down to the quality and use of the various processes and how standards are enforced through supply chains and by the regulator,” the review states.

The executive summary also states that building owners and anyone in charge of managing the in-situ risk, plus unintentional exposure to contractors and events, are also inconsistent.

This inconsistency occurs because there is a lack of information and/or this information isn’t reaching the right people “at the right time” and “the right way,” such as tradespeople, property managers, procurement teams, and more.

“There is no objective measure of how well (or poorly) asbestos is currently managed, given the long latent period between exposure and disease.

"The absence of a database of exposure monitoring results within or external to enclosures means that controls effectiveness is not systematically verified.”

WorkSafe NZ has considered asbestos important under its occupational health programme as a Class 1 Carcinogen, as it led to roughly 250-300 deaths each year (based on historic exposure).

Therefore, the report should support WorkSafe NZ to achieve its goals of:

• Improving everyone’s understanding of work-related health risks and dangers

• Creating work-related health capacity and capability in WorkSafe and other organisations

• Finding ways to intervene to support businesses and organisations to address work-related health risks

• Working with others across the wider system to raise awareness of work-related health.

While some may find parts of this report confronting, it represents a fair, unbiased and transparent assessment of the overall health and safety performance of our industry.

Staying sharp and fighting fatigue

Assessing the risks

There may not be obvious signs of fatigue at the workplace, but this does not mean it is not occurring, or that factors which may increase the risk of fatigue are not present.

Fatigue is often caused by a number of interrelated factors which can be cumulative.

Both employers and employees should know what their responsibilities are and take reasonable care for their own safety, plus the safety of others who might be affected.

Workers should:

• Comply with reasonable instructions of their employer and/or the person conducting the business or undertaking where they work

• Co-operate with any health and safety policy that has been notified to them

• Ensure they are adequate trained to complete the tasks and to identify risks associated with their work, including fatigue.

Employers and those conducting a business or undertaking have a general duty to:

• Ensure as far as reasonably practicable the health and safety of their workers

• Provide and maintain a working environment that is without risk to health and safety

• Provide and maintain facilities for the safety and health of employees at work

• Ensure that machinery and equipment are safe for employees

• Ensure as far as reasonably practicable that working arrangements are not hazardous to employees

• Ensure adequate training to complete tasks.

• Engage, so far as reasonably practicable, with workers with respect to health and safety matters.

When assessing risks, contributors to fatigue should not be considered in isolation.

The first step in the risk management and assessment process is to identify all reasonably foreseeable hazards that could contribute to fatigue.

Factors that can contribute to fatigue include:

• The mental and physical demands of work

• Work scheduling and planning

• Working time

• Environmental conditions, and

• Individual factors.

Effective risk assessment and management of fatigue can help an organisation’s productivity and increase performance by reducing workplace incidents and injuries, with reductions in absenteeism and staff turnover.

Preventing fatigue

Once fatigue is identified as a risk, the next step is to take measures to prevent and manage that risk.

If it is reasonably practicable to do so, the risk of fatigue should be eliminated (for example by making changes to shift patters or workloads). The best way to eliminate fatigue risks is to eliminate the factors that cause it. If elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risks must be minimised.

What is reasonably practicable to do to manage the risk of fatigue will vary depending on the type of industry, the structure of an organisation and the person carrying out the work.

Some of the control measures that can be implemented might include:

Mental and physical demands of work

• Using machinery to assist with tasks

• Limiting periods of excessive physical and mental demands

• Job rotations

• Appropriate rest breaks.

Work scheduling and planning

• Reducing the need to work excessive hours/overtime

• Ensuring there are appropriate resources to carry out the work

• Leaving appropriate rest periods between shifts.

Environmental conditions

• Avoiding working during periods of extreme temperature

• Providing shelter and adequate facilities for rest, sleep, meal breaks and other requirements where appropriate

• Organisational factors

• Training and encouraging workers/ managers/supervisors to recognise signs of fatigue

• Encouraging the reporting of issues and concerns.

Develop a policy

Develop a fatigue policy for all workers, managers and supervisors. This policy should include information about:

• Maximum shift length and average weekly hours

• Work related travel

• Procedures for reporting fatigue risks

• Procedures for managing fatigued workers.

Make sure that anyone can report fatigue related issued to supervisors and managers, and consider fatigue as a factor when investigating accidents. Also train your employees on fatigue management. For more information, visit: www.worksafe.govt.nz.

Everyone in the workplace has a responsibility to prevent and manage the risk of fatigue.

Serious injuries prompt call for construction industry to ‘follow the code’

The construction industry is being urged to follow the code for electrical safe distances after serious power line and cable related worker injuries.

One of New Zealand’s largest electricity utilities, Powerco, is concerned the construction industry – from property developers, designers and surveyors, through to builders, scaffolders and roofers – are putting lives at risk from working and building too close to power lines, poles and other electricity equipment.

Last year, an Auckland scaffolder needed both arms amputated after the metal pole he was holding while dismantling a scaffolding structure, struck power lines. In a separate incident, in Dunedin, a worker received serious injuries after an electric cable was severed during construction.

“These are life-changing incidents that we’re trying to help avoid – not only for those working in the construction industry, but the people who will eventually be living or working in buildings,” Powerco General Manager Electricity Karen Frew says. The minimum distance between a structure and an overhead line varies depending on the voltage the line is carrying. The structure needs to be clear of lines both underneath and to the side.

“With the amount of development occurring, we’re seeing and hearing of a concerning number of incidences where structures are being put up too close to overhead power lines or land is being recontoured dangerously close to existing power poles and lines.

“We’ve heard of incidences where buildings have been built so close to power lines, that people can practically touch the lines when they open second story windows. It’s sheer luck the tradespeople building those sites weren’t seriously injured or electrocuted when they were being constructed.

“Then there are the land developments where land around power poles and lines are being recontoured, resulting in structures being built far closer to the overhead lines than they safely should be. Digging can also undermine underground power cables.”

While the safety of the public is of upmost importance, not following the code of practice for safe electrical distances can come at a cost for the construction industry and their clients. If the code is not followed and is found to be unsafe, costs can be incurred to those building owners to put the structure right – or to have the power lines and poles moved to a safe distance.

Before designing, planning or carrying out any work under or near power lines, poles, stay wires or other electricity network equipment, contact 0800 Powerco (0800 769 372) if the work is in Powerco’s electricity network area and the team can help with the plans. If the work is outside Powerco’s area, contact the local electricity lines company for advice. Learn more about the code and safe distances at powerco.co.nz/building.

What NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances covers

The code covers all types of building and excavation – permanent or temporary – near power poles and lines, including but not exclusive to:

• Houses/buildings

• Portable buildings and marquees

• Using scaffolding

• Building fences

• Digging/laying a driveway

• Raising/lowering ground levels

• Erecting signs

• Artificial shelter belts and canopies.

Karen Frew

Safer Workplaces Through Random Drug Testing

Prepared by: Botica Butler Raudon Partners | By Kirk Hardy, CEO, The Drug Detection Agency

Businesses face some interesting and difficult problems heading into 2023. Recent research shows that for Kiwis over the age of 15, 78.5% drink alcohol, with 19.5% of the population drinking hazardously.

The research also indicates that 15.3% of Kiwis use cannabis and that 1.2% of the population used amphetamines in the past year. This is our New Zealand workforce. Substance use issues in the workplace must be managed professionally when your health and safety compliance and your reputation are on the line.

Drug use increases in the summer months, with many people throwing caution to the wind while the weather is fine and the state holidays plenty. As a business, it is hard to

monitor substance abuse when people are away from work. Messages around safe workplaces are forgotten and bad habits develop.

Relaxed employees and a rapidly evolving New Zealand drug landscape make a bad combination. As a small country, a new batch of emerging drugs can make its way around rapidly, getting to people who may have never used or heard of it before. To manage emerging drugs tests must be of a broad enough spectrum to pick up new

and potentially unknown substance. When people experiment with new drugs and analogues of existing compounds to varying and unknown effects, mistakes with serious business consequences can be made.

The most straightforward and effective way to keep illicit substances and their effects out of the workplace is to engage in random drug testing. With a wide range of identifiable substances, random drug tests can help you monitor the safety of your workplace and act as a deterrent for people who may choose to use drugs at or around work.

Random drug testing is not about ‘catching’ people who use drugs. It’s about keeping the workplace safe and getting those people who do use drugs and illicit substances the help that they need. Considering today’s labour shortages, rehabilitation should be

considered an option. Smart businesses understand this, with many having some sort of drug and substance abuse plan as part of a larger health and safety plan. Ensure you have a comprehensive health and safety plan, including a substance use policy. If you’ve already got one, ensure it’s modern, fit for purpose, and understood by all.

Also, choose a testing partner with ISO17025 accreditation. If you do it means your operations meet rigorous international standards in quality management and competence. You can be confident in the quality of the service provided, knowing that it has been performed in a legally robust and ethical way. Contrarily, if you’re not sure where your substance use policy sits in terms of efficacy and legality, or you don’t have a policy, get in touch with TDDA.

Workplace Safety Solutions

Workplace Safety Solutions

Workplace Safety Solutions Ltd provides commercial driver licensing and driver training to the transport industry.

We have established ourselves in the marketplace as a leading provider of structured commercial driver training services based on Australian, New Zealand and ISO International Standards.

Our friendly training provider, Beau has a wealth of experience working with industry specialists. Beau is accredited to deliver the following workplace training programs:

• MITO Workplace assessor (NZ Road Transport Industry Training, NZQA Registered)

• Competenz OSH accredited Forklift Assessor

• Land Transport NZ Registered Provider for driver license endorsements

• Heavy Vehicle Licenses and Endorsements:

Classes 2,3,4,5 F-Forklift and TWR-Tracks, Wheels and Roller

• National Certificate Goods Service, Log Truck Driver, plus many more.

Beau Maru – Owner Operator / Director, has many years of experience in the industry and is supported by experienced drivers and operators:

• 20 years as a NZTA, MITO approved training provider

• 7 years logistics safety and training

operations consultant, off-shore mining, oil and gas exploration projects in, USA, PNG, Malaysia, Fiji, Laos and Thailand

• 23 years combined in livestock, bulk, log, general freight, transport and forest roading contracting on the East Coast, North Island.

Our Health & Safety Compliance for all companies is of an extremely high standard. All employees complete a pre-employment full workplace medical (this is not the LTA licensing medical) and applicants must meet a high standard of [pre - and postemployment] inductions, medical, drug and alcohol testing, to qualify for a position, including ongoing random drug testing once employed, as part of our Health & Safety Policy.

• Management ensure that its employees are meeting all Health & Safety in line with statutory and individual company and customer’s compliance

• Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard: repairs and maintenance costs are budgeted to ensure that there is no short cutting on maintenance

• We are committed to ensuring that our transport operation is functioning to the highest level and are proud to say we have an NZTA (5) Star rating since the forming of the company

• Vehicle and driver presentation are of the utmost importance to us and our customers

Our Health & Safety

• All vehicles are fitted with E road GPS monitoring systems. Accountability of driving behavior and productivity is monitored through this

• All our companies are intertwined and able to utilise each other’s services – thus providing a unique business concept, which we are very proud of.

Asia Pacific Logistics

Asia Pacific Logistics Ltd is a small transport service based in Rotorua and the East Coast, that offers services along with its Workplace Safety Solutions – a commercial driver training company.

We provide a small transport service consisting of bulk, heavy haulage and civil plant hire backed by its own mechanical service.

We understand the importance of meeting scheduled deliveries therefore offer a timely transport service to meet customer demands as required, and supply and train drivers in the environment to the expected standards required by the customer.

Beau Maru, business owner

vehicles

Workplace Safety Solutions Ltd, training

Compliance for all companies is of an extremely high standard.

New integrated building systems code of practice launched

The Fire Protection Association of New Zealand (FPA) is very pleased to announce that at the FireNZ conference, the newly published FPANZ Code of Practice for Integration of Building Fire Safety Systems with other services was launched.

The launch was well attended and good feedback was received.

Around two years ago, the FPA decided there was a need for a Code of Practice to address issues that we were seeing with integrated building systems.

Sometimes systems weren’t being integrated as they should, which meant that they weren’t doing what they were supposed to do in the event of a fire – and that can result in life-threatening safety issues.

An example is mechanical air handling systems not shutting down, which turns on sprinkler activation and can cause heat to be blown away from a fire, so that the right sprinkler heads are not operating. Sprinkler heads that are away from the fire are being operated by the heat, so water

is not getting to where it needs to. That’s a big issue because the water can run out, the fire’s not being controlled and people’s lives are at risk.

This was identified by Standards New Zealand as a project that needed to be done many years ago, but it got put on hold and hadn’t been picked up again.

The FPA got together a group of representatives from the fire industry, lift industry, the mechanical industry, electrical, facilities management, commissioning engineers, territorial authorities, the fire engineers and others.

While getting the various people together and developing this took a bit of time, we now have a Code of Practice that will walk people through the whole process from design right through to construction, installation, testing, commissioning, and once the building is in use, ongoing testing to make sure that for the life of the buildingthose integrated systems are going to remain integrated and do what they should be doing.

The code is a guide to help meet requirements of other documents like the Building Code and the new fire alarm standard NZS 4512:2021.

It helps by giving guidance on where to start and how to progress through the design process though construction, testing and maintenance.

The document focuses on a fire matrix. This is a chart that lists causes (i.e., a smoke detector operating) and effects. Consequently, what other systems does it effect, what reactions do you want from the other systems that are integrated with it.

The document includes various examples, including matrices for small buildings, apartment buildings and more complex buildings, lists of what different standards and documents require, and things that you should be thinking about.

It’s a process where a user can end up with a valuable fire matrix, which starts off as a ‘design fire matrix’ that is then reviewed by the people installing it, so it develops into a ‘construction fire matrix’. Things sometimes change during construction and testing, or more information needs to be added, so it then becomes an ‘as-built fire matrix’ in the end.

It goes on file as a record of how the building is supposed to perform and how the integrations are supposed to work, so the people who are maintaining it can ensure that everything is working.

It’s laminated and located with the fire alarm control unit to provide information to those testing and maintaining the system.

It’s lodged with council/TA and becomes part of the compliance schedule. It’s used for the

life of the building to inform testing parties how everything needs to work together to ensure life safety. www.fpanz.org/docs/codes-of-practice

When it comes to selecting the right passive fire protection solution, Altex Coatings offer an outstanding combination of world leading fire protection coatings such as Nullifire and Carboline, on-theground testing and research facilities and a dedicated team of technical experts.

advice, on-site technical assessment, pluspost-project inspections and laboratory services.

The technical support team and testing laboratory is located in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Handrail Fittings

It’s the finer details that complete the look and functionality of a space and Handrail Fittings is proud to supply all of New Zealand with bespoke brackets and a wide variety of handrail and foot rail fittings for the industrial, residential, commercial, hospitality, art and entertainment industries.

One hundred percent locally owned, Handrail Fittings was established by husband and wife duo Rob and Sue Best on the back of decades of experience in the handrail and foot rail industry and the want for a consistent supply of the best products at the best prices available.

Rob’s knowledge in design and manufacture, which extends back to 1989, has seen the company become a market leader known for providing the most efficient delivery of consistently high quality, easy to install and easy to use handrail and foot rail fittings and accessories.

As suppliers to hundreds of clients throughout New Zealand they also boast the biggest product range in New Zealand, keeping product stocked in large quantities so their customers don’t have to.

Here lies a huge competitive advantage, they can generally provide next-day delivery where it could take other suppliers weeks to deliver the same amount of product.

• Handrail Brackets

• Foot Rails

• End Caps

• Bends

• Post Bases

• Joiner Sleeves

• Stainess Steel

• Brass

The vast product range particularly includes handrail brackets, from cost-effective for bulk use in schools, offices, apartment blocks and the like, to bespoke designs for architectural builds, finished in brass, satin, mirror and/ or galvanized steel, rated up to commercial grade SAE 304 and marine grade SAE 316L. Among their most popular products are their knock-in end caps, so that instead of having to cut and weld steel onto the end of tubes you can simply insert an end cap, for an equally nice look without the hassle.

All products are designed and manufactured specifically for the New Zealand market. Throughout every stage, Rob and Sue work closely with their off-shore manufacturers of seven years to ensure the quality is consistent and are continually impressed with the results in comparison with other manufacturers.

Customer service is a leading priority and this is not only reinforced by the quality and delivery of product but also by after

sales support and a complete knowledge of their products.

Rob’s experience is a huge advantage to their customers; if a client, architect, builder etc isn’t quite sure how to best approach a job, or if the product they require doesn’t exist, Rob can often advise customers of potential solutions. It’s all about customer service.

Quality fittings

Handrail Fittings Ltd director

Rob Best began designing and manufacturing quality fittings in 1989 for specific use by the fabrication industry in the manufacture of handrails, footrails and balustrades.

In the years since, Handrail Fittings Ltd has developed a large range of technical and architectural fittings, secured at the very best prices.

Our focus is on providing you the customer with the best quality fittings at great prices and our services are second to none.

Handrail Fittings Ltd strives to continue being the market leader in New Zealand for quality handrail and footrail fittings and is committed to offering the best service possible.

Our guarantee

Handrail Fittings Ltd guarantee the best trade prices, the best quality and the best service in New Zealand. All fittings are manufactured to the highest quality specifications and comply with all relevant NZ building codes. Our commitment to you is taken very seriously. We understand your need for us to be prompt and efficient with every order, big or small.

We carry large quantities of stock to ensure reliable and consistent supply and we have an extensive knowledge of our products so we can answer your questions quickly and accurately.

“We pride ourselves on having a great quality of product, the most efficient delivery, being simple and easy to deal with, and accountable and hard working to keep our customers satisfied,” Sue says.

The entire product range can be viewed online at: www.handrailfittings.co.nz

We know that you will be satisfied with the customer service you receive here at Handrail Fittings Ltd – in fact, we guarantee it!

Proudly partnered with Productspec Productspec is a comprehensive database of New Zealand’s leading architecture, interior design, landscape, and building products. Visit us at www.handrailfittings.co.nz for our Productspec list.

0800 HANDRAIL 426 372 info@handrailfittings.co.nz

Handrail Fitting’s product range

• Stanchion

• Handrail Brackets

• End Caps

• Joiner Sleeves

• Accessories

• Glazing Fittings

• Internal Tube Anchor

• Coned Flanges

• Bases for Post Fixing

• Bends

• Mild Steel

• Tactile Handrail Indicators

• Brass Tube & Fittings

• Brass Brackets

• Brass Bends

• Brass Flange

• Brass Posts

• Brass Accessories

• Brass Tube

• FootRails

Award-winning painters in the Waikato Master Painter of the Year 2022 Group Housing Contractor of the Year winner

Mike Stent Decorators

budget and to a top-class finish - maybe even an award winning,” Matt laughs.

“Our professional, hardworking and friendly staff pride ourselves on our work ethic and delivering top quality, professional results that look amazing and last the distance.

“We work alongside our clients and contractors from start to finish to ensure a top-quality finish on our decorating which goes above and beyond your expectations.”

Our team has been successful at the Master Painters New Zealand awards in recent years, claiming gold standard in 2020 for our work at Te Awa Lifecare in Cambridge. We also took home the ‘Master Painter of the Year 2020 Commercial New Interior Large Residential Winner’ award.

“In 2022 we claimed gold in the new interior – less than $25k (residential) category for our Ngaruawahia spec house. We were also successful as the Master Painter of the Year 2022 Group Housing Contractor of the Year Winner,” says Matt.

Our Team of 15 vary in experience and expertise; from art degrees to first year apprentices, recently fully qualified painters, to guys who have been painting for 30+ years. We have a large team which is diverse in gender and age, so there is a great mixture of team mates.

“We also have a great work culture where we can come up with any solution to ensure your project is completed on time, within

If you are looking to renovate your home with a fresh coat of paint or have any other painting needs, make sure to give the team at Mike Stent Decorators a call. A new coat of paint can elevate and transform a home to a new condition.

When selling your home, a fresh coat of paint can be an affordable way to ensure you home is looking as new as possible for potential buyers. Or, maybe you want to find a way to hide the marks on your walls from the children.

The team at Mike Stent Decorators are professional, clean and award-winning experts within their field who can help you take your home to the next level.

Whatever you are looking for, now is the perfect time to get in touch about your next painting job, or mention Mike Stent Decorators to a friend looking to touch-up their home!

“We look forward to working with you and appreciate you choosing us for your painting and decorating requirements.”

Ltd is a successful, accurate and highly skilled team of painters based in the Waikato for over 20 years. We specialise in new

semi-commercial work and refurbishments, and are equipped and qualified to handle both interior and exterior work.

Access to finance for the flood affected

The Government is making it easier for people in financial difficulty as a result of the catastrophic flooding to get temporary credit.

A temporary exemption is being made to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA), to allow banks and other lenders to quickly lend money to affected consumers to address damage, replace property, provide for loss of income, and meet their everyday living costs.

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Dr Duncan Webb, says the exemption removes the requirement for extensive assessments for temporary credit of up to $10,000.

“We’ve worked closely with the sector on this exemption so consumers can expect to access credit more easily in the coming days.

“While the exemption does not cap interest rates or fees, I have asked the banking sector for assurances that interest rates will be at usual or possibly lower rates.

"So far the response has been positive with one bank indicating their overdrafts will be interest free,” Duncan says.

All lenders who provide overdrafts or home loans are covered by the exemption, including banks, building societies, credit unions and other non-bank deposit takers. This support will reinforce other Government relief to affected residents, like that provided

through the Mayoral Relief Fund for essential needs like food, clothing and cleaning up damaged properties.

“We have had extensive consultation over this measure and our priority is that

everyone who needs to access finance can under this exemption,” he says.

“I would encourage people who have been affected by flooding and for whom other support is not available or not adequate for their needs to check with their lender to see what support or temporary lending options are available to them.”

The exemption will apply to temporary overdrafts provided for 12 months or less, and to home loan top-ups to be repaid over a

reasonable period, and must be entered into before 31 March 2023.

The support is for existing customers affected by the flooding in January and February 2023. Consumers will be protected under the safeguard conditions that are part of exemption regulations.

Lenders must comply with the Responsible Lending Code regarding identifying and responding to financial difficulties.

Storm clouds building around the national economy

Both Treasury and the Reserve Bank have predicted the economy will go into a shallow recession by the second half of this year, and BusinessNZ’s forecast for the December 2022 quarter aligns with this prediction.

BusinessNZ chief executive, Kirk Hope, says household spending is set to be slashed, with mortgage-holding Kiwis in for a tough time in particular.

“Inflation remains well above the Reserve Bank’s one to three percent target and interest rates are set to soar in the new year, meaning many households will not feel the full impact until mortgages start to be refixed from 2023,” Kirk says.

“Combined with elevated levels of household debt, increased mortgage payments will potentially put significant pressure on people and their budgets, even more so when our record low unemployment level starts to rise again.”

Internationally, the global economic outlook has deteriorated with both continuing geopolitical risks and supply chain disruption.

“There is some evidence of inflationary pressures declining in some key markets like the United States, while international oil prices have taken a dive largely on the back of recession fears,” he says.

The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index sits at 0 for the December quarter, down six on the previous quarter and down one on this time last year.

Continuing low levels of business and consumer confidence, combined with entrenched inflationary expectations and rising interest rates, are continuing to take a toll on the index.

The Index tracks 33 economic indicators including GDP, export volumes, commodity prices, inflation, debt, and business and consumer confidence.

The latest BusinessNZ Planning Forecast reveals that while things might look favourable at first, there are several factors which are still cause for economic concern.

Certified Scaffolding has been around Queenstown in New Zealand for a great number of years with scaffolding services and projects all over Otago and the Southland Area’s, including numerous major events and concerts around Central Otago, New Zealand.