Interview with BCITO director Greg Durkin
Using friction to make things run smoother 2024’s New Zealand Plumbing Conference
How local government finances infrastructure
Employment law changes impacting the industry
Problem employees
Managing difficult team members
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This issue of Builders & Contractors features a conversation with BCITO director Greg Durkin about building the people who build New Zealand. We look at research from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, on how the local government uses tools to finance infrastructure investment and how these are being used.
There are pieces on the rise of AI in the construction industry, the 2024 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year, and strong buildings to resist earthquake risk.
We cover Concrete NZ, discussing how fortunate we are in New Zealand to live in a moderate-temperature environment, but how precautions need to be taken when placing concrete in the cold. And in times of uncertainty, building material suppliers must remain focused on quality.
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 you face each and every day. Enjoy
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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, Site Safe Members, 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.
By Jamie Quinn
Tradies can significantly improve their productivity and efficiency with the right tools at their fingertips. A selection of great apps for tradies includes job management platforms, quoting and invoicing tools, and communication apps designed to streamline daily tasks and improve workflow.
From tracking time and expenses to managing client communications and project timelines, these apps cater specifically to the needs of tradies, helping them stay organised, save time, and ultimately deliver higher-quality service to their clients.
Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber, or any other type of tradesperson, these apps are invaluable in modernising your business operations.
These apps are available from all major app stores.
The HazardCo app streamlines health and safety management on construction sites. Key features include QR code scanning for easy check-in/check-out, real-time risk assessments, and digital toolbox meetings. Users can conduct site reviews, report accidents, and manage vehicle checklists directly from the app. It eliminates paperwork by storing all safety data securely on your device, ensuring compliance and safety are always within reach.
Suitable for both HazardCo members and
non-members, the app enhances on-site safety efficiency and communication.
Tradify
The Tradify app is designed for trade businesses to streamline quoting, invoicing, scheduling, and job management. It supports up to 20 users and includes features like timesheets, subcontractor management, job costing, and health and safety forms. Tradify integrates with accounting software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks, and syncs with Google Calendar. The app helps reduce administrative tasks and improve efficiency, offering customer support and free setup. Ideal for various trades such as electricians, plumbers, and builders.
Magicplan
Magicplan is an advanced app for creating real-time floor plans using your mobile device’s camera. It supports adding photos, notes, objects, equipment, and 360° panoramas to your plans. The app is ideal for remodelers and professionals needing accurate measurements, detailed
reports, and price estimates on-site. It integrates with various laser meters and thermal imaging cameras, ensuring precision and efficiency. Magicplan also connects with Xactimate and CoreLogic to streamline workflows.
Buildertrend
The Buildertrend app helps construction professionals manage projects efficiently with features like client relationship management, project scheduling, document storage, and financial tools, including estimates, invoicing, and budgeting. It supports communication with clients and subcontractors through dedicated portals, offers time tracking with geofencing, and integrates with accounting software. Designed to reduce delays and improve
customer satisfaction, the app is accessible on the go and provides award-winning customer support.
The Procore app is a comprehensive construction management tool that connects over two million professionals worldwide. It features project management, workforce management, and financial tools to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. Users can manage drawings, site diaries, defect lists, RFIs, photos, documents, and timecards. The app also supports quality and safety management with tools for observations, incidents, and inspections. Procore enhances productivity and collaboration, providing real-time access to critical project information.
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By Ben O’Connell
Tradies are known for their hard work, but what about their lunch breaks? How damaging is the stereotypical midday meal of a meat pie, a soft drink, and a cigarette?
Good nutrition is essential for those with physically demanding roles, early mornings, long days, and limited on-site food options.
The gut is home to about 39 trillion bacteria, and if they’re not fed the right way, your entire body will be impacted.
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being and influences various processes, such as mood, immunity, and digestion.
The saying ‘we are what we eat’ is only partially true because genetics, sleep, and exercise all impact our health. But the idiom does serve as a good reminder that our food choices have a significant impact.
Angela Berill is a registered dietitian and owner of ABC Nutrition, a nationwide team of experienced nutrition experts who believe in making nutrition easy.
While a tradie’s physical activity level allows them to burn more calories than someone with a desk job, Angela emphasises the importance of looking beyond just calorie intake.
She says that while a tradesperson is likely to be very active and burn off more calories, we need to look beyond simply the energy— calorie—content of food and more towards the diet’s overall nutritional quality.
“No single food or meal is going to make you unhealthy; it depends on how often you are eating these foods and what else you
have eaten across the day, week or month,” she explains.
“When it comes to healthy eating, it isn’t perfect eating. Whole and less-processed foods provide us not only with calories but also lots of beneficial nutrients to support our overall health and wellbeing.
It’s also important to tune into our body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you are feeling slightly hungry, rather than ravenous, and stop eating when you are feeling slightly full, rather than stuffed to the brim. We don’t need to finish all the food on our plates!
“If we focus on the bigger picture, by eating mostly whole and less-processed foods the majority of the time, then there is room for all foods, pies included.”
Small, gradual changes can make a huge difference to our overall health and wellbeing. Rather than restricting or removing anything from your diet, Angela says to add something in.
“Add an extra serving of vegetables or two, or aim to drink more water,” she says. “By focusing most of what we eat on whole foods and those that are as close to what they are found in nature as possible, the nutrients will take care of themselves.”
So, what does a healthy tradie meal plan look like? Angela suggests prioritising vegetables and fruits, opting for whole grains over refined ones, and incorporating legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like oily fish.
Lean protein sources like fish, poultry, and dairy can also be included.
“When planning our meals, it can be helpful to think of the plate model,” she says. Using the plate model, aim for half of the plate or meal to be filled with non-starchy vegetables and fruit, a quarter with protein foods such as legumes, fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, meat, and dairy, and the other quarter with carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice, brown bread, and starchy vegetables. Some healthy fats should also be included, like nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
“It’s also important to tune into our body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you are feeling slightly hungry, rather than ravenous, and stop eating when you are feeling slightly full, rather than stuffed to the brim. We don’t need to finish all the food on our plates!”
It can be hard to change misconceptions about what people eat. The key is to be vocal about positive changes to try and shift the narrative.
One positive generational shift is decreased stigma around talking about health and wellbeing. Angela notes that all concerns about your health and well-being are valid, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
“If you’re not feeling ‘right’ for whatever reason, please seek support from a registered healthcare professional—it could even save your life.”
For tradies looking to improve their diet, Angela’s message is clear: small steps, whole foods, and a focus on overall well-being. That’s the recipe for success.
To book an appointment with one of the ABC team, head to www.abcnutrition.co.nz
By Ben O’Connell
The annual number of homes consented is down 23 percent compared with the year ended April 2023. In the year that ended April 2024, 35,401 new homes were consented to.
In the year ending April 2024, fewer new homes were consented to in all regions than in the year ending April 2023.
The four regions with the highest number of new homes consented in the year ended April 2024 were Auckland with 14,650 (down 27 percent compared with the year ended April 2023); Canterbury with 6,707 (down 16 percent); Waikato with 3,256 (down 25 percent) and Wellington with 2,391 (down 30 percent).
Westpac NZ senior economist Satish Ranchhod reported that residential building consent issuance nudged down in April, with just under 2,900 new dwellings approved, down 2 percent from the previous month.
“Over the past year, consent issuance has fallen 23 percent, signalling a downturn in construction activity over the year ahead,” he said in a press release.
“That’s a result of the tougher conditions in New Zealand’s building sector, with large increases in build costs and financing costs
over the past few years, as well as weakness in the housing market, which is weighing on the prices for newly built homes.
“The good news is that the downturn in consent numbers looks like it is finding a base. Consents for standalone houses (around 40 percent of the total) have held around current levels for more than six months now.
“We’re also seeing tentative signs that the downtrend in the multi-unit space (including townhouses and other medium-density developments) is flattening off.”
Ranchhod also reported a steady level of consented work in the non-residential space. He said trends were mixed across sectors, with office space work firm but retail and hotel development low.
“The amount of new industrial space being consented to has eased back but remains elevated.”
April 2024 saw the first increase in the number of new homes consented when compared with the same month of the previous year since September 2022, per Stats NZ construction and property statistics manager Michael Heslop.
The good news is that the downturn in consent numbers looks like it is finding a base. Consents for standalone houses (around 40 percent of the total) have held around current levels for more than six months now.
But it’s partly because there were a higher number of working days in April 2024 than in April 2023. There were 20 working days in April 2024 compared with 17 in April 2023, with Good Friday falling in March 2024. More working days in a month mean more time for building consent authorities to issue consents for new homes.
Taking Easter’s impact into account, overall, the figures indicate a downward trend in building consents, reflecting a broader slowdown in the nation’s residential construction sector.
Research from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, has examined the tools local government uses to finance infrastructure investment and how these are being used.
Local government owns and operates over one-quarter of New Zealand’s infrastructure assets. It provides local roads, water supplies and wastewater, and public transport networks. It also provides social infrastructure like parks and libraries.
A range of financing options, but at a cost
“Councils have three main ways to borrow for new investment: borrowing through the Local Government Funding Agency, issuing debt directly to investors and banks, or special-purpose vehicle financing under the 2020 Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act,” says Peter Nunns, the Commission’s Director of Economics.
“These financing tools are complementary and, together, offer councils the ability and flexibility to take on additional debt to pay for infrastructure. However, options tend to get costlier as council debt levels increase.
Debt is about spreading costs but in an equitable way
“It’s important to look carefully at what we’re using debt for. Debt may be appropriate to smooth out the cost of large, lumpy renewal projects.
“However, pay-as-you-go finance is likely to be more appropriate for predictable, ongoing renewal programmes,” Peter says.
“We found that in the past, local government frequently used debt to pay for new infrastructure, which tended to create new sources of revenue. Prior to the 1970s, New Zealand councils were in the business of building infrastructure networks from scratch, unlocking a step change in urbanisation and economic growth.
“Today, councils need to invest much more in renewing and replacing the infrastructure they’ve already got. While essential, this work doesn’t tend to generate new economic activity or new revenue for councils.
“Even with many councils currently raising rates, however, debt is currently rising faster than revenues. If this trend continues, councils will eventually need to cut back future infrastructure investment to service their debt,” he says.
Good asset management planning and investment prioritisation is needed Better asset management and infrastructure planning practices are needed regardless of how public infrastructure providers pay for their investment programmes.
Recommendation 39 in Rautaki Hanganga o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy, emphasises the need to lift the standard of asset management planning and long-term investment planning. This is essential for understanding our investment needs and budgeting for them.
Recommendation 43 in the Infrastructure Strategy recommends rigorous cost-benefit analysis to help maximise the value of new infrastructure to society.
“This is essential for ensuring that we get the best ‘bang for buck’ from the money that we are investing. When we invest in infrastructure, we must think carefully about
Even with many councils currently raising rates, however, debt is currently rising faster than revenues. If this trend continues, councils will eventually need to cut back future infrastructure investment to service their debt.
how we use debt. Debt is most appropriate for new investment that will deliver longterm benefits.
“Where possible, we should match debtfinanced infrastructure with new revenue streams to avoid constraining future investment opportunities,” Peter says.
Key points:
• The costs of building, renewing, and maintaining infrastructure are significant. Since 2002, for every $100 invested in infrastructure, about $24 comes from local government, an average of $3.8 billion per year.
• Local government undertook sustained periods of infrastructure investment from 1920 to 1936 and 1950 to 1970. During these periods, their revenues grew in line with debt, which prevented debt-torevenue ratios from rising and preserved their ability to make future investments.
• Our current investment cycle - from the mid-1990s on - appears to be the first where local government has significantly increased debt to fund investment without increasing revenues at a similar rate. From 2009 to 2022, inflation-adjusted local government debt grew 226 percent, but inflation-adjusted rate revenues increased only 42 percent.
• The difference in how councils invest may be due to a change in our mix of investment over time. Between the 1920s and 1970s, local government was building new infrastructure networks from scratch to serve rapidly growing urban populations. Today, a much larger share of investment is directed towards renewal of existing infrastructure than to growth infrastructure. Investment to incrementally improve existing infrastructure networks is unlikely to drive the same level of economic uplift as building those networks in the first place.
By Ben O’Connell
Through on-the-job training and regular guidance, BCITO partners with industry to develop tomorrow’s skilled workforce, creating futures for dedicated tradies alongside industry employers. Ben O’Connell spoke with BCITO director Greg Durkin about building the people who build New Zealand.
With over 30 years of experience in vocational education, Greg strongly advocates for the positive outcomes education can deliver for employers, industries, learners, and whānau. A long-time expert and leader in the field, Greg was a flooring business owner before heading to university, where he honed his focus on educational psychology and vocational learning.
Since early in his career, Greg has always been interested in how people make sense of the world, particularly in construction. He fondly recalls when flooring clients would leave in the morning and come home later that day astounded at all the work done. “It’s a really inspiring thing that we experience as tradespeople.”
Apprenticeships aren’t just about developing knowledge and practising skills, but also about learning how that role meets society's needs. Greg says the equation for success is simple. “Quality materials plus quality people equals the client’s dreams coming true. It doesn’t matter if it’s a commercial building or a new kitchen. Human talent and great materials get the job done.”
BCITO is proudly 100 percent NZ owned and operated, and has been supporting construction industries for more than 34 years. Today they have over 16,000 apprentices nationwide. “All of these people are on a journey, from unskilled to skilled, unknowing to knowing, less capable to very capable.” Along the way, apprentices are inducted into the industry’s culture. Soon enough, they can take raw materials, combine them with their knowledge and skills, and meet the needs of clients in our communities.
And the culture has surely changed. Greg says it’s a more sophisticated, open, and diverse culture than it once was. It helps that Aotearoa is one of the world’s most diverse nations, but specific to the industry, diversity can mean embracing immigration, women in construction, varied work practices and innovative products. BCITO works hard to ensure it stays on the pulse of growth and change.
“The homes that tradespeople build today are vastly different from those built even a couple of years ago,” Greg says. New technologies, thermal performance and building envelope expectations, product types, and client expectations are just a few of the changes. Commercial building owners have increased expectations thanks to the improved nature and quality of materials, as well as the enhanced workforce.
“I unashamedly take great pride in saying that New Zealand has one of the most skilled
Apprentices experience a range of diverse roles. You’ve got to do something multiple times–sometimes hundreds of times–to be really skilled. At the same time, you can’t make the work boring. There’s a balancing act to that.
- BCITO director Greg Durkin
construction workforces in the world,” Greg says. “The size of our nation means people must complete a range of tasks. Our qualified tradespeople are well-rounded and never a one-trick pony.”
Extensively qualified himself, Greg says his tertiary degrees and trade qualifications are equally valuable. “It’s about where your credentials take you and how you contribute to the part of society that you’re working in.”
Developing tomorrow’s construction workforce has its challenges. Many come back to our increasingly challenging economy.
Housing consent numbers have dropped significantly over the last few years. Around 35,000 consents were issued in the 12 months to April 2024; this is a significant
drop compared to the over 50,000 consents issued in some 2022 periods. Greg notes the high points in 1974 and 2002 to 2007; the latter saw over 35,000 consents over 12 months. Coming off phenomenal highs means the industry has the opportunity to stabilise, and Greg notes the current volume of consents still represent a considerable amount of work, but overall, trade is slowing.
“The record for the number of homes consented was 51,015 in the year ended May 2022. In the two years since, the number of homes consented has fallen 32 percent from that peak,” construction and property statistics manager Michael Heslop said in July.
Greg says current estimates about consent numbers decreasing are short-term. “At
we are looking further ahead. Ensuring that businesses have the right people, with the right skills at the right time: that’s the long game.”
Apprenticeships are typically three-to fouryear programmes. One of the many things BCITO does is to encourage industries to think long-term while managing their shortterm challenges.
“We understand why some businesses are making decisions about downsizing staff, reducing overtime, and so on. Most of the employers we work with know that in times of plenty, they need highly skilled staff, and in times of quiet, they need highly skilled staff for different reasons.”
Greg says that when the number of consents drops, strategic businesses pivot away from new builds and towards other projects, some of which don’t require building consents. Businesses who operate effectively during difficult periods understand that. “Firms with well-skilled teams can pivot quickly, and that goes to the value proposition of apprenticeships. BCITO looks carefully at what’s happening in the industry, and we do everything we can to help.”
Nobody markets construction industry careers in New Zealand anywhere near as
I unashamedly take great pride in saying that New Zealand has one of the most skilled construction workforces in the world. The size of our nation means people must complete a range of tasks. Our tradespeople are well-rounded and never a one-trick pony.
much as BCITO. Their campaigns begin with secondary schools, and Greg says what’s most important is ensuring students are aware of their options. BCITO is the largest provider of secondary school programmes nationwide, present at 340 schools. Their Gateway programme, which contributes to NCEA, gives students the opportunity to try out trades. Theory is supported by schools and is reinforced with onsite work experience.
Greg spoke on Gateway and wider industry issues at the Secondary Principals’ Association’s (SPANZ) annual conference in May. Attendees learned how significantly the programme supports people, helping them transition from school to industry, and giving both employees and employers a choice. Greg also discussed the growing unemployment rate. For the last five or six years BCITO has supported employers finding people to hire. Now, the tables have turned. This change has refreshed and strengthened the workforce of many firms.
Greg understands that it’s hard for job seekers, too. BCITO works intensely to help learners in many ways, from job hunting to literacy and numeracy support, mental health, and learning English. “As an example, lots of construction workers have dyslexia. BCITO makes sure to support learners in that space. It helps them to complete their apprenticeships at the end of the day.”
Accessibility is a cornerstone to putting learning modules together. Greg says designing curricula is a key part of what BCITO does. “We often get groups of industry leaders in the room to work through where support is needed.”
Using carpentry as an example, employers don’t need a manual on how to hold a hammer but look for support regarding plans, specifications, building science, new H1 regulations, and so on. Many industry leaders have extensive knowledge of these topics and need support about how to teach them; that’s where BCITO comes in.
BCITO offers information that demystifies processes in many different ways because no two learners are the same. Videos, documents, and other resources give people opportunities to learn together. Keeping things fresh and engaging is a key focus.
“Apprentices experience a range of diverse roles. You’ve got to do something multiple times – sometimes hundreds of times, to
be really skilled. At the same time, you can’t make the work boring. There’s a balancing act to that.”
BCITO has over 400 employees, over 250 of which are on-the-road training advisors. They work on-site with apprentices, capturing evidence and ensuring they’re learning, progressing, and being supported. Greg says the magic happens when BCITO works to connect apprentices and remove the disadvantages that come with being new to a trade.
Feeling isolated as an apprentice can make this transition harder. Over 90 percent of the employers BCITO work with have 20 staff or fewer; apprentices are often the sole newbie for a firm. Greg says that working alone is both powerful and a disadvantage. “When you see a ute going down the road with two people in the front, a dog and a ladder in the back, that might be the firm! There will be a home base somewhere, but that can be the entire business.”
Further challenges beyond the economy, unemployment, accessibility, and isolation include adapting to physical demands, which can be tough for those coming from school or an office job where they’re not as active, and transitioning from school to the workforce. “It’s an adult world,” Greg says. “Our employers expect people to turn up and complete the day of work that they’ve been paid for.”
When I asked Greg about cases of bullying and mistreatment, he said incidents happen rarely and that employers are usually equipped to, and do, step in. Employers alleviate challenges like the new environment and its demands where they can. Ultimately, apprentices are an investment, an effort that employers don’t want to waste. “The vast majority of employers ensure staff and apprentices are looked after. They want someone who, down the track, is good for their business.
BCITO has two audiences: employers and future employees. For those interested in construction, Greg says to head into one of the many BCITO regional offices and/or talk to trusted friends and whānau in the industry.
Internet resources about the industry from NZ Certified Builders, Registered Master Builders, and other industry associations are good points of call. These organisations celebrate apprentice and firm award winners online, which can help in understanding industry culture and potential pathways. BCITO uses hero stories on its website, with real-life examples of employers and apprentices (bcito.org.nz).
Greg says employers should know that it’s one thing to employ staff and another to train them. BCITO is always open to talking with firms that are considering taking on apprentices. They can also talk with local secondary schools about the Gateway programme. “It’s try before you buy,” he says. “A student can come to your workplace once or twice a week and experience trades. They’re working and studying, learning about the industry. It’s a great way for employers to test out people who might fit into their business.”
“Working in the construction industry can be a lot of fun. When you’re on-site with other tradies, there is a strong social bond around a common purpose. There’s a great sense of achievement that comes from building structures that keep our communities safe and well, and delivering great career opportunities for those involved. At BCITO, our staff take immense pride in knowing they contribute to that success.”
On news stories detailing negative tradie experiences, Greg says the bad eggs should be exposed to ensure people behave. “Poor behaviour isn’t to be tolerated. While media may amplify the circumstances, apprentices aren’t there to be treated badly and our employers know that. That said, all work involves menial tasks and everyone has to clean up after themselves.”
BCITO was instrumental in the establishment of the Apprenticeship Boost Scheme in 2017. They were pleased that the Government retained the scheme in this year’s Budget. “Boost has been a political football and governments need to provide consistent support for employers,” Greg says. When introduced in August 2020, the Apprenticeship Boost had a budget of $380m for 20 months. The scheme paid employers $1000 a month for first-year apprentices and $500 a month for those in their second year, up to a maximum of $16,000 for 20 months of training.
The scheme was extended last year by another $230m, but the first-year rate was reduced to $500 a month from August 2022. In this year's Budget, it was extended to the end of 2024 at a cost of $77m.
To further support employers and learners, BCITO currently offers first-year fees support (no fees) for all new apprenticeship or supervisor training agreements that start between 1 March 2024 and 30 August 2024. Greg encourages employers to contact BCITO to discuss their training needs on 0800 4 BCITO (422 486).
Silvercard™ MEWP
Competent Operator training provides you as an operator of a MEWP, the required knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure your operation of the MEWP is safe. Further it provides assurance to your employer, workmates, and clients that you know what you are doing and won’t hurt them.
In the February publication of this magazine, we provided 16 tips to keep you safe whilst operating a MEWP. Make sure you regularly review these tips.
In this article we want to drill into the site assessment prior to safe use of the MEWP.
Assessing the site is a strong focus of the Silvercard™ MEWP Competent Operator training program. I am sure other programs will be training to similar levels, check before booking.
Assessing the site allows you to identify hazards and restrictions of safe use, giving you the opportunity to control those risks and protect the site, MEWP, people, and yourself from damage/harm.
Underground hazards may include the following: pipes, services, and voids,
must stay at least 4 metres away from any overhead power lines.
At ground level you may find rough, soft, uneven, wet, or unstable ground; ramps or sloping ground, trenches, buildings, or obstructions. There may also be site traffic and other machinery, plus other tradesmen & pedestrians to look out for. Poor lighting may also add to hazards found at ground level.
Overhead hazards include power lines, service lines or pipes, as well as overhead structures like bridges, eaves, canopies, and the like; and people or machinery working above. The operator, the MEWP including loads, attachments, tools and equipment, and all work activity,
Environmental hazards include wind, rain, lightning and sun. There may be a difference in wind speed from ground level to the work height of the MEWP that may need to be taken into account. Some MEWPs are zero wind rated – i.e. for indoor use only. So, check the serial plate to determine if the machine is rated for outdoor use or inside use only.
Other hazards to consider are dangerous materials such as chemicals and flammable material used, fumes and/or over spray. Confined spaces may increase risks from exhaust fumes, and poor visibility due to poor lighting.
Operator distractions are also a significant hazard. Operators must stop operating the MEWP before using any device.
Working over water has unique risks which may require a departure from normal risk management processes. If you are operating a MEWP over water, DO NOT wear a harness and lanyard connected to the MEWP. Silvercard™ MEWP Competent Operator training providers are more than happy to assist with site assessment and risk assessments for your projects. Reach out for expert assistance from these knowledgeable people. See www.silvercard.co.nz for a trainer near you.
By Daniel Fitzpatrick from Next Level Tradie
How do you handle that difficult team member that isn’t performing? At what point do you say enough is enough?
The employee who gives pushback every time you correct them, the complaints about that person not pulling their weight, mistakes combined with that “I don’t really care” attitude. It can feel like you’re banging your head against a brick wall.
They take a lot of time and energy to manage. When their name is mentioned it triggers you into reaction mode bracing for the next problem that could be coming your way.
If you’ve been in business for a while, you’ll likely have had someone like this at some point. Pareto’s law would say that if you had 10 employees, there’s at least one who is exceptional and one that is difficult to manage. I’ve seen this many times with thousands of business owners I’ve coached.
There are some of the strategies that have worked best with my clients that could also work for you. But keep in mind I am coming from a business coach perspective. So make sure that you check with your HR specialist about the legal aspects which aren’t covered here.
The litmus test
Remember in science class, you learned how to use litmus paper to tell if a liquid is acid, neutral or alkaline. When litmus paper is dipped into the liquid it would change colour, then you check the colour against the chart to determine if its acid, neutral or alkaline. Red is acidic, green is neutral and purple is alkaline.
Let’s apply the litmus test to your team member to see what effect they’re having
The team
How is the behaviour of this person affecting the rest of the team? Is the team getting frustrated and discouraged, are they feeling demotivated, or is there any bullying involved. Is the overall performance of the team being affected?
The business
Is this person’s performance affecting how long jobs are taking, or causing too many mistakes at extra cost. Is their behaviour spilling over and affecting your clients or professionalism as a business?
You Are you constantly putting out fires caused by this team member, or every time you hear their name, it triggers you into anxiety around what could go wrong next.
A husband/wife couple in an engineering business with a team of around 10 I was working with had an employee who was their most knowledgeable team member. But his attitude was terrible. It was so bad that the wife admitted to me one day that she didn’t even like going into the office in case she might see him.
But they both felt powerless, worried about losing him with all the work they had on and they didn’t think they could replace him at that higher skill level; this guy knew it which made things even worse.
After a few weeks of us working together I encouraged them to take control back. So they started calling the shots again. He was given the opportunity to change his attitude or move on. He decided to move on.
It only took a couple of months to find a good replacement, while the rest of the team stepped up to another gear. They had their business back and enjoyed coming to work again, also the rest of the team was much happier.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
If you have a problem team member it’s important to take a look in the mirror. Good coaches know that the business is a reflection of the business owner.
Your strengths, weaknesses, success and mistakes reflect in your business. The more you work on yourself, the better your business will perform.
Did things go wrong at the hiring stage, or has this developed over time?
Only by looking back can we see what really happened. It’s important to learn from any
They could be clashing with another team member or if could simply be the wrong job for them.
It’s important to find out early what your team members can and can’t do. Don’t assume.
A drainage client recently discovered some large mistakes on jobs from his foreman that cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. When questioning him and his team, this confirmed suspicions that he was not leading the team well and they were getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of direction.
After some further training it became clear that this guy was not foreman material and he was in the wrong role. They are now looking at other options for him. If this was done earlier it would have saved a lot of frustration, time and money.
I know I need to do something, but where to start
mistakes you might have made so you don’t have to repeat them.
Do you have a good hiring process in place that takes into account attitude not just skills?
Have you set the right structure in place including written checklists, best practices and training so your team members have the opportunity to succeed?
Notice I said ‘opportunity’ as they still have to do their part.
Are you giving each team member regular feedback, do they know if they are winning or losing?
When we help clients put these systems in place the culture improves and the team takes on more responsibility as the standards are much clearer.
Do you know everyone on your team well, like the names of their partner/children and what’s most important to them outside work?
Business owners and managers who show their team that they really care, have better team culture with employees who are more likely to step up when needed. Also, their best employees usually stay longer.
When you first employed that team member there must have been some traits and skills you liked. If they are a good performer initially then what changed. Did you recognise the early red flags?
Maybe something major is happening at home; their marriage might be in trouble or a family member is dealing with a health crisis.
One tool we use with clients that works well is our review process. It’s a great way to talk about the elephant in the room without the awkwardness.
By the end of this process, it’s really clear to both of you if they are meeting the standard and a track of what to do next.
My building client had a foreman who wasn’t leading the team well and pushing back at any constructive feedback. My client didn’t like confrontation so he let these things slide a bit too long.
Once we implemented the review process the line was very clear on what was not acceptable anymore. The foreman stayed for a short couple of months then left. They discovered some significant mistakes which cost them a few weeks to fix, but at least they could get back on track now.
It’s your move
If you have a difficult team member, they will be costing you a lot more than their salary. Moving forward there are basically two choices, carry on as you are and hope things get better which is unlikely, or you can start being proactive and dealing with the issues.
If you challenge them now, they have a chance to become better. Alternatively, if they are in the wrong place, you are not doing them or you any favours by leaving them there.
Whatever happens next is up to you, but being proactive always gives you better options.
Need some help with your team and becoming more profitable in your business then book a free 45-minute strategy session here: www.nextleveltradie.co.nz/nextstep.
By Tina Hwang and Marcus Beveridge
In New Zealand, employment law has historically undergone cyclical changes, influenced alternately by Labour and National governments each time they came into power. Each party typically brought about new modifications, often reversed or adjusted when the other party came back into power. With the new National Government at the end of December 2023, the employment sector once again experienced significant updates and revisions.
The recent changes include:
• Extension of 90 days trial period to all employers and not just those with under 20 employees (effective 23 December 2023);
• Minimum wage increase ($23.15 per hour from 1 April 2024);
• Extended timeframe to raise personal grievance claim for sexual harassment (12 months instead of 90 days);
• Worker Protection (Migrant and other Employees) Act 2023 (effective 6 January 2024)
• Fair Pay Agreements Repeal (repealed December 2023);
• Accreditation (some changes there);
• Changes to immigration policies (generally making work visas difficult); and
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (effective July 2021 but more common now).
These recent changes affect employment, immigration, companies as well as the construction industry often heavily reliant on overseas workers.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Employment Relations Authority have been combatting migrant exploitation for quite some time now.
The Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa was a implemented to assist those subject to migrant exploitation. However, applying for this special visa without fully understanding the consequences can have damaging effects. For example, employers hiring workers on Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa can sometimes experience more delays and employees can also be caught out because the visa takes time (both to obtain and to move on from).
In addition to delays, the visa can trigger unexpected requirements to prove three years’ experience to revert to a work visa, obtain proof of English, reduce overall time on a work visa, and may not cover partners
or children. So, it is important that both employers and employees understand these implications.
With hard times and a questionable recession or a cost-of-living crisis, numbers of redundancies are rising. However, many employers fail to do this correctly, exposing themselves to personal grievance claims.
The Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa was a implemented to assist those subject to migrant exploitation. However, applying for this special visa without fully understanding the consequences can have damaging effects.
Common issues in the market include errors and failures in termination, redundancies, performance managements, errors in calculating annual leave, public leave, and sick leave entitlements. Fixed-term contracts are also commonly misused because the Employment Relations Act 2000 states that you can only offer a fixed-term contract for a specific and justified reason (such as work being offered to cover somebody’s maternity leave, or a fixed-term contract for a specific project or seasonal work that will expire at a specific time). Without a specific reason, a fixed-term contract will be held to be unjustified and unsustainable with exposure to a personal grievance claim.
Contractors should be careful that workers on site have legal eligibility to work in New Zealand. Recent investigations by Immigration New Zealand (who can enter sites without notice) have found illegal workers and the ramifications can flow onto their contracts and head contractors who may have had no knowledge, but may not have taken the necessary steps (or have the relevant clauses in their construction contracts) to protect themselves.
Clauses in the construction contract should make workers eligibility to work a
subcontractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance with employment regulations and indemnities were possible.
Furthermore, the constant debate over whether a worker is a contractor or employee remains a live issue. This is especially risky in the construction industry where many workers are “hired” as “contractors” but may be performing roles more akin to an “employee”.
This exposes the “employer” if found to be an employment relationship, as not only will there be exposure to a personal grievance claim, but may create further extensive obligations for annual leave, sick leave and other entitlements that can be retrospectively applied.
The recent Uber driver decision in October 2022 found that 4 specific Uber drivers were in fact employees and not contractors. This is currently subject to an appeal in the Court of Appeal which had a two-day hearing in March 2024 with a decision yet to be released. Furthermore, in July 2023 the courts found six women in Gloriavale were in fact employees and not volunteers.
These decisions will have huge consequences to not only the employment sector, but the construction industry where a simple contract for services stating that somebody is a contractor may not be sufficient.
In the growing trend of personal liabilities for directors of companies (Mainzeal), and criminal prosecutions by Worksafe for PCBUs under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, in addition to the trend of suing not only the company employer but the directors personally for breaches under the Employment Relations Act 2000, it is imperative that protective measures are taken to ensure compliance, but also ensure you don’t get sued. This exposure is in addition to the various investigations by Immigration New Zealand and Labour Inspectorates who often target the construction industry as one that is prevalently breaching regulations. Are you exposed?
If you have any property, construction, or litigation queries, please feel free to contact Tina Hwang (Director) or Marcus Beveridge (Managing Director) 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.
Given the scrapping of first home grants (deposit assistance) and also the strong indication from the latest Monetary Policy Statement that mortgage rates are set to be ‘higher for longer’, there’s bound to be a continued focus on the general property lending environment and, in particular, how easy or hard it is to access lower deposit finance. Let’s take a look at where the current landscape stands right now.
1. The slow and steady recovery in gross new lending activity continued in April
Across house purchases, bank switches, and loan top-ups (equity withdrawal), total lending was $5.9bn last month, up by $1.6bn from April 2023, and the eighth rise in the past nine months, albeit from a low starting point.
2. Interest-only lending is ‘under control’
Recently around 15 percent of lending to owner-occupiers has been interestonly, and 30-35 percent for investors. Going back to 2015-16, those figures were closer to 35 percent and 55 percent respectively. In some ways, it would appear that interest-only lending has recently become more of a useful fallback position rather than the primary go-to choice.
3. Average loan sizes in April were around $545,000 for investors and $555,000 for first home buyers (FHBs)
Based on the median price paid by FHBs in April of $700,000 from CoreLogic data, the implication is that a typical deposit is currently in the vicinity of $145,000, or pretty close to the 20 percent mark.
4. But many FHBs continue to access the market with <20% deposits
Compared to the 15 percent speed limit allowance for banks to lend to owneroccupiers with less than a 20 percent deposit, only nine percent in April actually went out in that bracket (although banks’ tendency to keep a five percent buffer, means the ‘real’ speed limit is probably 10 percent). Around one-third of FHBs have recently been getting mortgages with less than a 20 percent deposit. This has been a key support for FHBs’ ability to buy.
5. The likely loosening of the LVR rules should continue to assist FHBs
Given that the low deposit lending speed limit is likely to rise from 15 percent to 20 percent over the next few months, FHBs should continue to have reasonable access to the market, provided of course that they can meet the serviceability testing requirements.
6. Investors stand to benefit from looser LVRs too
Soon five percent of new lending is set to be allowed at less than a 30 percent deposit, an easing from the current 35 percent deposit requirement. At present, essentially no investor lending to purchase existing properties is taking place in the 30-35 percent deposit bracket. Clearly, the change in the rules would open this up, and also allow existing investors to free up some more equity from the rest of their portfolio too. Of course, low rental yields and high mortgage
Based on the median price paid by FHBs in April of $700,000 from CoreLogic data, the implication is that a typical deposit is currently in the vicinity of $145,000, or pretty close to the 20 percent mark.
rates (hence large cashflow top-ups) will remain key challenges for investors looking at purchasing more properties for a while.
7. Debt to income limits are a big deal
Given that mortgage rates remain high, the size of loans being approved lately has naturally been lower than before in relation to borrowers’ income – less than 10 percent of lending was done at a high DTI for both first home buyers and investors over the first few months of 2024. But even though the likely near-term introduction of formal caps on DTIs might not do much straightaway, make no mistake, the new rules will mark a big landscape shift as mortgage rates decline –primarily by slowing down the rate at which property investors can grow a portfolio, especially in more expensive areas.
8. The process to reprice existing loans to current mortgage rates isn’t finished just yet
The latest data shows 60 percent of existing mortgages (by value) are fixed but due to reprice to a new mortgage rate within the next 12 months. Now, some of those loans won’t see much of a change. But others could easily see their mortgage rate go up by 0.5 percent to one percent, maybe more -
Thinking of buying or selling a home?
The Building Nations 2024 conference is set to take Auckland’s Viaduct Centre by storm on August 28th and 29th. This year’s conference has several focuses, the first of which is improving the nation’s infrastructure delivery system.
Nick Leggett, chief executive of Infrastructure New Zealand, says the conference will also focus on the use of private capital and innovative ways of partnering with local government, Iwi, and the wider infrastructure sector.
Attendees can expect to hear from internationally renowned speakers about what we can learn from other nations and
directly from key government ministers about the latest announcements relevant to our infrastructure and construction sectors.
Underpinning this is the wider message of how Aotearoa can lift its game and improve its infrastructure delivery and productivity.
Attendees can expect a stimulating and thought-provoking programme that will be a call to action for coordination across the industry. Nick says that refining procurement approaches and examining financial tools are further conference focuses. “We also have a line-up of excellent presentations on critical topics with panel discussions to explore key issues further.”
The Gala Awards Dinner is a major conference feature that celebrates the sector’s successes and high achievers. “An often-overlooked feature of Building Nations is the networking opportunities during breaks in the formal programme and at other social functions.”
Leggett
Last year’s Building Nations was held in Christchurch in June, with around 800 attendees from across the infrastructure industry. “Being an election year, it provided a vital opportunity for the sector to learn more about the policies being promoted by the main political parties and to provide expert industry feedback,” Nick says.
“International and national infrastructure experts highlighted the importance of getting pipeline certainty for the sector and also the need to utilise a variety of financial tools in supporting the pipeline development.
“These issues were carried through to the election and beyond and are now a key aspect of the Coalition Government’s infrastructure plans. Following Building Nations 2023, an INZ working group on funding and financing commenced work on refining and updating procurement and financing models and will be presenting this in the near future as an industry view
as an input to the government infrastructure work programme.”
Building Nations 2024 offers industry leaders the opportunity to hear directly from decisionmakers and those in the know on the issues that will affect their business over the coming year. They will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand and the infrastructure and construction sectors and connect with other industry leaders. It’s an unmissable industry event.
Building Nations 2024 registrations are available until the first day of Building Nations, August 28th.
Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects
A favourite adage of mine is that ‘change is a constant’ and this is certainly true at the moment; with the recent large scale staff cuts implemented throughout central government and increasing global unrest impacting business confidence.
Given that New Zealand is now in a technical recession with many industries experiencing a downturn, it’s important that business owners and leaders identify what can move business forward to look for opportunities among the uncertainties and then act on these quickly.
Pretty much every industry experiences downturns from time to time, and it’s important to recognise that these are to be expected at some point; there are always ebbs and flows.
The challenge is how to weather the storm during these fluctuations, and ideally, come out stronger than before. If (or when) your business is in this boat, rather than panicking, try to see the uncertainty as an opportunity to sharpen your focus and zoom in on what really moves the needle forward.
Identify your sticking points
Tough times can naturally highlight any areas that may not be performing as well as you’d like. In this sense a downturn may be seen as a gift providing clarity by exposing vulnerabilities, which you can then act on.
Considering vulnerabilities in this way can also stimulate new thinking to make rapid improvements. For example, are there particular services you can build on, expand, or adapt to make them even better for clients, or are there processes you can strengthen or streamline to make life easier for staff or customers.
Perhaps you have too many ways of recording customer information and have room to simplify the systems; maybe expenses and receipts are still captured manually so there’s opportunity to use software to speed up processing these into your accounts system.
However your business is tracking, it’s important to keep an eye on the big picture. Being able to identify what organisational psychologist Bob Sutton of Stanford University calls ‘friction points’ in your business may help.
At the moment it might feel a bit overwhelming with so many options, and the need to act fast. Try things out with a few staff or one department before rolling it out across your business.
Friction is any kind of obstacle that slows people down, making their jobs unnecessarily difficult and possibly frustrating. There are many examples of friction points; a common one might be a particular meeting that lacks sufficient structure in the agenda and feels a bit rudderless, or double handling of information, or even unnecessary paperwork and reporting.
See what you can ditch
Not all friction is bad; some friction is helpful for creativity, innovation and growth. The key is to identify which of your friction points are helpful and focus on those, while eliminating the unhelpful ones.
Sutton also advocates the idea of ‘smart subtraction’ which is to evaluate practices
and get rid of any that fail to serve us well. Sounds obvious, but without intentionally stepping back to take a look, it’s easy to get into routines, practices and habits that no longer serve the greater good. So how might you identify these?
One of the most logical places to start in terms of strengthening existing processes and practising ‘smart subtraction’ is to look at the technology platforms in your business to see if there are opportunities for simplification or improvement. Are there ways you can make things more efficient and increase productivity by incorporating some easy-to-use, readily available tools into everyday tasks? For example:
• Scheduling of meetings or tasks - if people are using email to schedule appointments and this is taking multiple interactions, could this be streamlined? Maybe using a tool like Motion to help plan their time, or Calend.ly to make meeting scheduling easier would help
• Recording and summarising meeting minutes - not only can AI tools record a meeting discussion, but they can save time summarising key decision points and actions. Consider tools such as Otter, Notta or Fireflies
• Improving your writing using tools like Paraphraser to help with report writing or generating proposals
• Capturing information from potential new customers - ensuring your website has a clear and easy way for people to interact with your business - whether this be a simple contact mechanism, or a chatbot. There are many options, for example: Livechat, Tawk, or Slaask
• Integrating software that enables automated workflows is an increasingly popular way to use AI in business. If you are already running a CRM, check if it has workflow capabilities (some do). Otherwise, commonly used process automation tools include Zapier, Integrate or IFTTT (If This Then That), or Make.
These few examples will hopefully help get you thinking about possibilities. There are many more business tasks that technology/ AI can support. Which you choose will depend on your business needs, the areas you see opportunities for simplification or subtraction, plus of course your level of comfort to use any new or emerging technology to make life easier.
At the moment it might feel a bit overwhelming with so many options, and the need to act fast. Try things out with a few staff or one department before rolling it out across your business.
Remember it’s about subtracting some things and adding others. The important thing is to keep moving forward; a small investment of time, money and effort can make a big difference.
Earlier this year Building and Construction Minister, Chris Penk, said the Government is focused on reducing sky-high construction costs to make it more affordable to build a home.
Stats NZ data shows the cost of building a house has increased by 41 percent since 2019, making housing even more unaffordable for Kiwi families.
“Further analysis shows building costs are consistently higher in New Zealand than several overseas jurisdictions, with comparisons showing the cost to build a standalone house is around 50 percent more expensive than it is in Australia. This must change,” he said.
“Not only do high building costs make it harder for families trying to purchase their first home, but they have far-reaching economic and social consequences such as higher mortgage repayment costs, higher rents, and increased demand for social housing.
“Tackling out-of-control construction prices is one of the keys to reducing the cost of living
and providing Kiwis with the high-quality, affordable housing they deserve.
“Kiwis pay too much for building materials. We will ensure more high-quality building products are approved to increase competition, lower building material costs, and support our resilience to supply-chain disruptions.
“This Government will reform the building consent system by streamlining the consent process, making product substitutions easier, and clarifying roles and responsibilities within the system.
“Removing unnecessary barriers and giving greater certainty to businesses means better productivity and less delays when building a home.”
The most recent QV CostBuilder data highlights the stabilisation of building costs amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.
According to the figures, constructing a standard three-bedroom home in New Zealand’s main centres has seen an annual increase of 1.8 percent, with a modest 0.3 percent rise this quarter. This marks a notable slowdown compared to previous periods, where annual increases were 4.9 percent to December 2023 and 9.5 percent to June 2023.
We’re also seeing that many of the supply chain issues that arose as a result of Covid-19 have now been rectified, with fuel costs and interest rates also sitting relatively steady for the time being. Inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high generally – both at home and abroad – but this is also firmly on a downward track.
QV CostBuilder spokesperson and experienced quantity surveyor, Martin Bisset, says “The rate of building cost inflation is certainly on the wane.
“This will be welcome news to all those who are currently contemplating or pricing up new building projects, especially at a time of such economic uncertainty.
“Significant economic headwinds continue to blow, which has drastically reduced activity across the wider construction sector. For consumers, the upside of that is there are fewer capacity constraints and, therefore, less upward pressure on pricing. Contractors are having to put their best price forward in order to win work,” he says.
“We’re also seeing that many of the supply chain issues that arose as a result of Covid-19 have now been rectified, with fuel costs and interest rates also sitting relatively steady for the time being. Inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high generally – both at home and abroad – but this is also firmly on a downward track.”
It comes after the Government recently proposed changes to the Building Act that are intended to make it simpler and cheaper to build.
This includes requiring building consent authorities to accept products that comply with specific overseas standards that are equivalent to – or higher than –those in New Zealand.
“Anything that makes the cost of building cheaper will be a good thing, provided we also ensure the quality and reliability of the products and materials being used.
“However, due to the timeframe it will take to implement the changes to the Act, and then obtain approval for the products, there is unlikely to be a reduction in building costs in the near future. But we’ll be watching this proposal very closely, as it progresses,” he says.
The biggest elemental price increases since the last update in February related to exterior walls/finish, which increased by an average of 0.8 percent.
Frame costs decreased by 0.7 percent due to a reduction in the price of structural steel – the third quarter in a row that it has decreased – with site preparation costs also falling 1.6 percent due to a decrease in the sheet piling rate.
On average, each trade rate increased by just 0.1 percent since February. Most notably, the cost of suspended ceilings increased by 2.5 percent, the cost of fire-proofing went up by 2.2 percent, and carpentry costs climbed 1.6 percent. At the same time, structural steel reduced by 1.4 percent and metal framing dropped 2.3 percent.
Applying these changes into CostBuilder also showed a relatively small 0.9 percent annual increase in the average cost to build non-
residential buildings, including 0.4 percent this quarter.
This is also a significantly slower rate of building cost inflation than in previous updates, including 4.7 percent in the year ending December 2023.
“It’s important to remember these figures are only averages and the true cost of building will always be dependent on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” Martin says.
The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth Industries has been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century.
Their capability extends through the construction industry, roading and infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds. All of Firth’s products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Firth’s engineers ensure their customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Their concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what they make, makes the grade.
Firth Industries’ national, dependable brands include Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.
From day one innovation has been at their core, but not at the expense of long-lasting durability. In 1925, the ‘original’ Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier. Today’s wider Firth family still carries
that same can-do spirit into today’s market challenges. Their designers work alongside their engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigours of time.
Like the people who manufacture them, Firth’s concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. The company employs 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country. Firth’s strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.
Firth provides concrete services including:
• Ecomix Concrete
• Bagged Premix
• Bricks and Blocks
• Paving and Retaining.
Implementing sustainable practices throughout Firth’s manufacturing process is only the beginning of Firth’s contribution to sustainable building. Their sustainability pillars focus on carbon reduction, water conservation, the circular economy, supply chain efficiency and social responsibility. The team at Firth’s can design mixes to meet customers’ desired Embodied Carbon (EC) rating, thus making a contribution to the low carbon efforts in the construction industry.
Firth Industries believes that they need to look at the environmental impact of building materials, elements and the building as a
whole while ensuring the durability and longevity of these buildings at the same time. Their teams are constantly working towards innovating and developing new products to make it easier for their customers to make smart choices towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Firth is proud to be the first concrete manufacturer in the world to get Declare labels for their ready-mix concrete and concrete masonry products.
For Firth, it means they can collaborate better with their suppliers and customers to recognise how they can design and build for the future to include durability and longevity and provide a pathway to repurpose their products.
For all your concrete needs, contact Firth Industries today on 0800 347 841 or on 09 583 2121. Alternatively, head over to their website for more information at www.firth.co.nz
Uniting industry experts, keynote speakers, and leading manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers across New Zealand’s plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying industry, this year’s NZ Plumbing Conference was the largest yet.
The new Tākina Convention Centre in Pōneke Wellington hosted a record number of participants and expo trade stands from 10 to 12 April. Journalist Jehan Casinader emceed the event, a must-attend for everyone involved in the plumbing industry.
16 sponsors made this year’s event possible, including Plumbing World, sponsors of the 2024 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Night; Mico, sponsors of the welcome night at Parliament; and Marley, sponsors of the Fun Night Dinner at Te Papa, with a ‘night at the museum’ theme.
The conference concluded with the NZ Plumbing Awards, at which Auckland Plumbers Group was named 2024 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year.
Maria Contreras Huerta was named the overall winner of the 2024 Plumbing World Scholarships, the first woman apprentice to receive the accolade.
Several speakers offered invaluable wisdom across the conference, starting with keynote rugby legend Sir Wayne Smith, whose coaching tips translate to business success, such as how a team-based mindset is best for everyone as individuals.
Futurist, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM talked about staying curious and how trends can reasonably predict the future, especially when it comes to small signals of change.
Trevor Slater of Simply Resolution discussed effectively handling customer complaints,
and Greg Wallace, CE of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers, provided an update on the membership organisation’s activities.
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk shared progress on self-certification for plumbers and drainlayers. Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds discussed Te Pūkenga and the future of apprentice training delivery. Housing Minister Chris Bishop spoke at the Mico Welcome Night event in Parliament.
The government has committed to selfcertification for plumbers and drainlayers in the near future. This will reduce delays from inspections and consents and align processes with gasfitters and electricians.
The government has committed to selfcertification for plumbers and drainlayers in the near future. This will reduce delays from inspections and consents and align processes with gasfitters and electricians.
A number of interactive discussion panels connected experts with the industry on topics such as renewable gases, women in plumbing, and the state of the sector. Key panellists included PGD Board CE Aleyna Hall, Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council CE Philip Aldridge and Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan.
Next year’s Plumbing Conference will take place in Brisbane from 30 April to 2 May.
The future looks bright. New products and technologies such as heat pump water heating and biogas are leading the industry to meet carbon-zero goals. New lead-free product requirements that have been long and hard fought for by Master Plumbers will soon come into effect.
New PGD apprentice qualifications will be launched in January, its most significant review in 30 years. Giving voice to apprentices is the Apprentice Representative Group, set to be established this year. Skills shortages are a major industry issue that apprentice training must address alongside the rest of the industry.
Artificial intelligence is likely to have a big impact on how plumbers operate their businesses and use technology. AI in business means personalised staff training, AIdriven customer services such as chatbots, and transformed inventory management, appointment scheduling, and maintenance, among other applications.
The NZ Plumbing Conference is an unmissable event that ferociously propels the industry forward. For more information, visit plumbingconference.org.nz.
“A closed mind is like a closed book. The conference opens your mind to truly how great this industry is. An opportunity not to be missed by anyone in the plumbing industry.”
“A great time to take a snapshot of where the industry is at and apply some of those trends to our own businesses.”
“Sensational event. The more you put in, the more you get out. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded business owners and learn a whole lot of new information—definitely the highlight of the business calendar. On top of that, I have made some lifelong friends as a result. Can’t top that.”
“A great time to come together to network and open our minds to the bigger picture stuff that we need to be aware of for our industry.”
“The NZ Plumbing Conference is so much more than rolling out technical and industry information. It is a chance to meet other Master Plumbers, network, socialise and bring yourself up to date with the latest technology and, more importantly, the latest industry news. If you haven’t been before, it is a must-attend.”
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Quickly design your ACO StormBrixx tanks for retention, detention, and infiltration with ACO’s free online software tools. Combine the Configurator with the Structural Calculator for a solution perfectly tailored to your project needs.
Established in Hawke’s Bay in 2009, Advanced Plumbing, Drainage, and Gas has built a formidable reputation throughout the Hawke’s Bay and Volcanic Plateau Region.
This company stands out for its dedication to innovative solutions and superior workmanship across a diverse range of services, from residential to commercial and civil plumbing requirements.
With a dedicated team of over 50 professionals spanning across the Hawke’s Bay and Volcanic Plateau region, including expert plumbers, drainlayers, gas fitters, and heating specialists, Advanced Plumbing is committed to delivering top-tier service while adhering to stringent safety protocols on every project.
At this year's prestigious Master Plumbers Awards, Advanced Plumbing underscored its industry leadership. Andre Latell, a standout employee, received the 2024 New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter, or Drainlayer of the Year award. This accolade is one of the most revered in the field, recognising individuals who not only demonstrate exceptional skill and professionalism but also embody leadership and innovation in their trade.
For three long years, Andre spent every working minute consumed in the huge project that would soon become one of New Zealand’s biggest pet food brands, Ziwi Pet Foods. While showcasing his superior leadership skills within his team on
site, Andre has also spent countless hours working through the technical aspects of such a colossal project, passing on his vast knowledge to our up-and-coming tradespeople.
Latell's recognition highlights Advanced Plumbing's commitment to upholding the highest industry benchmarks and nurturing talent within its team. Known for tackling complex challenges with creativity and efficiency, the company consistently surpasses client expectations, solidifying its reputation as a trusted leader in the plumbing sector.
Nelson City Council and Nelson Environment Centre (NEC) are launching a trial project to tackle the high volume of construction and demolition waste that ends up in Nelson’s landfill.
Construction and demolition waste has always been a priority for the Council’s Rethink Waste Whakaarohia programme.
It’s a significant contributor to landfill waste, and this initiative at the Nelson Environment Centre allows construction companies to ensure valuable resources can be recovered and reused by the community.
Materials arriving on trailers and light commercial trucks will be assessed by NEC staff and then directed to the new facility, where they can be unloaded.
A long list of materials will be accepted, including timber, fittings like doors, windows, and kitchen fittings, plumbing and piping, gib, paint, and roofing iron.
Nelson Environment Centre CEO, Anton Drazevic, says it’s a no-brainer to allow people to reuse construction materials in their DIY projects.
“Figures from Statistics New Zealand show that in the years 2020 – 2022, the price of construction material for DIYers has risen by 25 percent. We have been accepting some materials like doors, windows and pipes for
a while, but this initiative will allow us to considerably expand our offer.
“With costs increasing across the board, we’re seeing a lot of people through our ReUse store deciding to give things a second life.
“Reconstruct helps fill a gap in the market. Recycling is often seen as the best option, but reusing materials is the more sustainable choice because it reduces the need to produce new products and can help cut down on waste.”
Construction and demolition waste may account for 50 percent of all waste generated in New Zealand, with at least 70 percent of that being reusable or recyclable.
Scott Construction implemented reuse into its practices in 2022 and has seen strong results. In March 2024, on a project at Olive Estate, Scott Construction successfully diverted 80 percent of its materials from landfill.
Training and Staff Development Manager, Steve McIntyre, says prioritising waste diversion requires ongoing education until it becomes routine behaviour and a culture within the company and the wider industry.
“There’s a few different skips onsite, some to collect plasterboard, cardboard, some for PVC pipe and steel. After recently prioritising sustainability education, we are now taking a moment to think about the material and which skip/bin it’s best to go into.”
Nelson’s four largest building companies — Coman Construction, Gibbons, Fitzgerald
Nelson has a proud track record of leading on environmental issues, being the first to establish an environment centre and, more recently, being the first to have a 100% electric bus service. This innovative construction waste reuse scheme is an opportunity for our building industry to lead on sustainability.
Construction, and Scott Construction — along with Nelson City and Tasman District Councils, form the Nelson Construction Environment Alliance. This group aims to make the construction industry more sustainable by recognising that small changes can lead to big results.
One of the Alliance’s focuses is the amount of soft, coloured plastic from worksites that can go into landfills.
“Timber arrives wrapped in plastic,” McIntyre says. “We worked with Waste Management New Zealand and ITM and in just one week, from seven sites, they collected 1 tonne of plastic sheets and sent them to be recycled.”
Not only is the practice of recycle and reuse good for the environment, but it ultimately leads to savings for the businesses involved too.
“A skip of plasterboard waste is dumped at a cost of $300 a tonne, there could be four tonnes in a skip bin, and several skips per project. This is a cost that can be passed on to the consumer. Reuse and waste diversion is quickly becoming a good economical choice for construction companies.”
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith, who has a family background in civil construction, welcomes the trial’s launch.
“I am excited about the potential of this new reuse scheme for builders to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste going to landfill and to save on landfill charges. I love the way Nelson Environment Centre, Council and building companies have partnered to make this as practical as possible for the industry.
“Nelson has a proud track record of leading on environmental issues, being the first to establish an environment centre and, more recently, being the first to have a 100% electric bus service. This innovative construction waste reuse scheme is an opportunity for our building industry to lead on sustainability.
“I set a challenge to the builders at the launch of diverting 10 percent of Nelson’s building waste from landfill in the first year and promised a BBQ shout and a free beer (my home brew) if the target is reached by July 2025,” Mayor Nick says.
Worksite injuries, labour costs and a skills shortage are just some of the challenges the construction sector could overcome if the industry was more open to embracing technology.
This is the message from the CEO of a leading safety and work site management platform.
Ben Leach, Founder and CEO of HammerTech, has seen first-hand how technology can increase productivity and offset many of the industry’s increasing costs and challenges.
“In our experience, in New Zealand, Australia and the US, some companies and subcontractors are reluctant to adopt new processes, especially when it comes to incorporating technology. Many just flat out refuse a new process or platform, especially if it’s not easy to use.”
He says the use of technology is key to attract new talent to construction and future growth across all sectors, yet the construction industry continues to lose out to other industries who are moving faster.
“There are significant opportunities for Kiwi companies in the construction industry who become early-adopters of evolving technology to help increase productivity,
drive higher quality work, and make work sites safer for their teams.
“The increase in workplace injuries is an example of where the right constructionspecific technology is proven to deliver significant benefits that serve the whole construction ecosystem — even subcontractors,” he says.
WorkSafe statistics for the New Zealand construction industry show injuries resulting in more than a week away from work totalled 5,880 in 2022 (up from 5,826 in 2021). There were 12 fatalities in 2022 and 12 in 2021.
“Access to accurate safety data means a company can identify what injuries are occurring and put measures and policies in place to help reduce the occurrence of these instances.”
For example, Ben says data about the prevalence of hand injuries can highlight to employees the extent of the problem, provide greater awareness of how to prevent these injuries, and encourage updated policies to bring about change.
There are numerous barriers to technology uptake in the construction industry, from reluctance by tradies and sub-contractors to adopt new technology through to limited budgets to implement new tech tools.
Ben says other industries are moving and harnessing new technology, and construction needs to do the same.
“AI tools like ChatGPT are highly disruptive and can be seen as a threat to many industries and peoples’ livelihoods. Whilst there are significant opportunities and benefits from this technology, what we need to focus on instead is much simpler and doesn’t involve job loss, but rather simplifying existing burdensome processes like paperwork burden.
“This gives time back to everyone plus safety and construction experts can focus on improving standards through training, coaching and analysing trends.”
Deloitte’s State of Digital Adoption in Construction Report 2023 found the main barriers to technology uptake by companies was lack of digital skills in the workforce (44 percent) followed closely by budget limitations and lack of confidence in skills.
“With the growth in vertical construction in New Zealand due to the move towards higher density precincts and neighbourhoods, there is an opportunity as construction employees upskill to adopt technology and provide those entering the workforce with the opportunity to utilise new ways of working and new technologies.
“This is what will attract the tech-native younger generation.”
Insight, capability, and change
“Having more accessible information allows managers to analyse health and safety and operational performance in real-time which enables better risk and operational management,” Ben says.
HammerTech’s digital platform and its reporting capability provides insights that help to significantly reduce the time and expense of handling occurrences such as incident reports, ACC claims, and client disputes.
“Having everything to do with safety and site operations in one place saves the hassle of multiple systems because too many apps and platforms restrict growth and takes up valuable time.
“Producing quality data for reporting purposes is essential and going digital is the easiest and most efficient way to do it.”
The construction sector is facing significant challenges and disruptions, including a shortage of labour, skyrocketing construction costs, and weather-related incidents impacting infrastructure projects and buildings.
A new report by Autodesk and Deloitte, The State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2024, has found the construction industry across AsiaPacific is facing similar challenges, and is exploring AI and other technologies to help solve these problems.
“What we’re seeing in New Zealand is similar to construction challenges that are being faced in Australia and across AsiaPacific,” says Sumit Oberoi, Senior Manager, Construction Strategy and Partnerships, AsiaPacific at Autodesk.
“Construction is a much needed and growing industry in New Zealand, but it has seen some challenges – particularly over the past few years. The sector has continued to be impacted by supply chain disruptions, rising construction costs and labour shortages.
“This has been followed by a double-dip recession, with rapid interest rate rises to curb inflation and the damage from extreme weather damaging roads and impacting many of New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable-growing regions,” Oberoi says.
“With the challenges facing the construction industry, as well as increased productivity required to address the issues the industry and economy is facing and to deliver the infrastructure pipeline, digital transformation is understandably one of the key emerging trends we’re seeing in New Zealand’s construction sector.”
The report is the second edition of the annual survey, with insights from 933 construction firms across six markets including Australia, Singapore, Japan, India, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The report finds that 30 percent of Australian companies surveyed are currently trialing or
using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to increase efficiencies and help solve major industry issues, including increased labour shortages, higher material costs, and global supply chain disruptions.
Additionally, 61 percent of Australian construction companies surveyed say AI will help them to reduce costs amidst more construction companies entering external administration than any other industry in the financial year to date.
“Disruptive new technologies combined with a challenging business outlook means that construction and engineering leaders in Australia and across AsiaPacific are having to seriously rethink their tools, workforce skill needs and how they interact with clients and contractors,” Oberoi says.
“Generative AI has exploded onto the agenda for senior leaders with the rapid adoption of
tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney and Github Copilot. No industry is immune from the transformative potential of this technology.
“Generative AI means that a new project proposal doesn’t need to start from scratch, instead leveraging material and pricing based on projects with similar specifications completed by the company.”
A further 33 percent of Australian construction companies plan to use AI in future, making it the most common technology they are looking to integrate into their operations.
“If all companies with plans to adopt AI do so, AI will have a similar level of prevalence in the construction industry as data analytics or mobile apps,” reckons David Rumbens, Partner at Deloitte Access Economics.
Integrating technologies like these into business operations will be no small feat.
New Zealand’s building and construction sector is a significant contributor to the economy, contributing 6.7 percent of real GDP to March 2022 and was the third largest employer in the year to June 2022. Building consent numbers reached recordlevel highs and the workforce pipeline has continued to grow.
“Priority areas for construction businesses to improve digital adoption include starting small by piloting projects, selecting a digital champion, tracking a range of success measures, building a digital ecosystem, and asking whether your business is AI ready,” Oberoi says.
“Put simply, construction companies need to get their ducks in a row now so they can implement AI in future years. The first step to successfully implementing AI is data standardisation and having an operational common data environment for teams.”
Other key findings from the report:
• Across APAC, 30 percent of construction companies are trialing or currently use AI in their operations, with a further 38percent planning to use the technology in the future
• Nealy 80 percent percent of businesses believed they received strong business returns or a positive return on investment from implementing AI and other technologies including data analytics, mobile apps, robotics, prefab and modular construction, and construction management software
• The critical role of technology in supporting business growth is increasingly being recognised. There was an increase in both businesses seeing new technology as assisting with new project work (up from 38 percent to 45 percent) and technology in improving internal processes (up from 37 percent to 43 percent)
• Foundational technologies are the most commonly used, with data analytics (47 percent), construction management software (43 percent) and mobile apps (40 percent) providing the backbone of construction operations
• Generative AI is expected to become as pervasive in the construction and engineering industry as these foundational technologies, with 94 percent of businesses now having plans to integrate AI and machine learning into their businesses.
By Paige O'Brien
Having an online presence is essential for any business today. A well-designed business website serves as the foundation of your digital marketing strategy, showcasing your expertise, services, and past projects.
1. Define your goals and audience
Begin by clearly defining your website’s main objectives. Consider whether the aim is to generate leads, showcase your portfolio, provide company information, or all of those listed. Understanding who your audience is – which could be residential homeowners, commercial clients, or subcontractors—will help you create your message and design to meet their needs.
2. Choose the right platform
It is important to select the right platform for you to create your website. WordPress is highly recommended due to its flexibility and strong SEO capabilities. It also offers themes specifically designed for the construction industry. Alternatives like Squarespace and Wix provide user-friendly interfaces and quick setup options, which are great for those with less technical expertise.
3. Pick a domain name and hosting
Choose a domain name that is easy to remember, concise, and reflects your brand’s identity. Pair this with a reliable hosting provider that offers excellent uptime, customer support, and appropriate bandwidth to handle your site’s traffic. Look for providers that offer specific WordPress hosting if you choose that platform.
4. Design your site for clarity and ease of use
Your website’s design should reflect your business’s professionalism. Try and aim for a clean, modern design that highlights visual elements. Use high-quality images of your projects and ensure the site navigation is intuitive. Categories like ‘About Us’, ‘Services’, ‘Portfolio’, and ‘Contact’ should be easily accessible. Ensure your website is responsive, meaning it adjusts seamlessly to mobile devices.
5. Highlight your services and portfolio
Dedicate pages to each of your services, providing detailed descriptions and the benefits of choosing your business. The portfolio section is key – it’s your chance to visually communicate the quality of your work. Include diverse projects with highresolution images, detailed descriptions, and testimonials related to each project.
6. Optimise for SEO
SEO is essential for making your website visible to potential clients through search engines. Use keywords relevant to your industry, like “residential building contractor”
or “commercial construction expert”. Incorporate these keywords into your page titles, headers, and content. Adding a blog can also improve SEO, providing fresh content that can be indexed by search engines and shared on social media.
7. Add client testimonials and certifications
Testimonials and reviews are powerful tools for building trust with prospective clients. Feature these prominently on your site. Also, clearly display any professional certifications, memberships, and awards to reinforce your credibility.
8. Implement a contact form and essential information
Ensure that contacting you is as straightforward as possible. A contact form, along with visible and accessible contact information, is crucial. Consider integrating features like a FAQ section to address regular inquiries your business may receive.
9. Implement analytics and tools or engagement
Use tools like Google Analytics to track website performance and user behaviour. This data is useful for optimising your site and adjusting your strategies based on actual user interactions. Integrating social media can also enhance engagement and drive more traffic to your site.
10. Maintain and update regularly
Regular maintenance and updates are needed to keep your website relevant and
functional. Update your portfolio regularly, publish blog posts, and refresh content to keep your audience engaged and informed. Routine checks for any broken links, outdated content, and security issues are also necessary for a professional appearance. Creating a website is more than just showcasing your work – it’s about building a digital presence that resonates with your audience and reflects your business’s professional capabilities. By following these detailed steps, you can develop a website that not only attracts but also retains client interest, boosting your business in the competitive industry.
Creating a website is more than just showcasing your work – it’s about building a digital presence that resonates with your audience and reflects your business’s professional capabilities.
By Jason Cordes, Managing Director, Red Stag Investments Limited
The construction sector is evolving in New Zealand with a significant drive for costeffective and environmentally sustainable materials.
Engineered Wood Products (EWP) tick the box for design performance and sustainability.
EWP or mass timber typically includes Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and is the material of choice for reducing global construction emissions (currently +15 percent of the global CO2 emissions).
Displacing concrete and steel with timber sequests or stores carbon versus emitting it into the atmosphere. In parallel, timber supports with lighter foundations, further reducing carbon emitting materials.
Embracing the transition to EWP, Red Stag has invested heavily over the past five years to establish New Zealand’s largest CLT factory, based in Rotorua.
In addition to this, Red Stag made the decision to purchase New Zealand’s longest producing and most iconic GLT manufacturing and LVL processing company, TimberLab (now Red Stag TimberLab) to further demonstrate their commitment to the construction sector.
Rounding out the portfolio for integrated mass and light timber framing solutions is Red Stag Wood Solutions based in Hamilton, producing and supplying specialty frame, truss and light timber panelisation.
Red Stag’s unique position to design and supply integrated timber solutions and light timber solutions allows for simplified procurement processes for significant cost and time savings.
CLT, less commonly known in New Zealand compared to other EWP has the advantage of being in sheet or panel format, perfectly suited for floor, wall, roof and stair applications. CLT allows for an incredible 450m2 to be installed per hour.
CLT has been used globally since the 1990s however uptake in New Zealand has been slow as no scale domestic producers were available until now. With Red Stag’s $50 million EWP plant in Rotorua, New Zealand can now boast a world-scale CLT plant.
Further investment is being reviewed to establish the largest EWP plant in the Southern Hemisphere, allowing CLT to be the backbone in traditional, mid and high-rise buildings.
At the same time, the company offers more cost-effective and consistent supply of new CLT lintels and beams, as well as bricked GLT beams perfect for the frame and truss sector.
Henkel is the leading global supplier of 1K PUR adhesives to the Engineered Wood Industry.
Henkel’s Loctite-Purbond 1K PUR adhesives continue to be the leading choice by manufacturers of structural Glulam, CLT and PLT. These adhesives allow manufacturers to deliver superior, innovative products to their customers.
The Loctite Purbond adhesives are formaldehyde and solvent free and contribute to high production volumes due to their moisture curing chemistry, whilst supporting safer working environments. 09 272 6710
Warren Grigsby (Business Manager) warren.grigsby@henkel.com
Eric Baggen (Technical Manager) eric.baggen@henkel.com www.henkel.com.au
The benefits of Red Stag’s CLT are:
• Reduced carbon footprint, site waste and site noise
• Significant improved installations times and reduced labour
• Domestically supplied with Red Stag design and supply integration with frames and trusses
• Treated to New Zealand NZS3640 treatment standards: H1.2 Boron; H3.2 CCA
• Panel sizes up to 16.9 m long x 4.9 m wide x 0.42 m thick and anywhere in between (+75 m2)
• Scale CNC machining to precision cut, drill, rebate all requirements to the mm in factory
• Solid stair systems, installed inside 30 minutes, supplied with the midfloor and capable of carrying construction loads and free of creaks.
Prior to starting a project where CLT is a solution, please contact Red Stag for support. www.redstag.co.nz
Concrete NZ acknowledges that we are fortunate in New Zealand to live in a moderatetemperature environment, but in many places, morning frosts during winter are common, and therefore, precautions need to be taken when placing concrete.
In the winter months, there are a range of issues to be considered when concreting.
NZS 3109 Concrete Construction provides a definition of unfavourable cold conditions when concrete should not be placed.
These are:
• When the ground is frozen
• At temperatures below 5ºC with temperature descending
• At temperatures below 2ºC with temperature ascending
So, what is the reasoning behind the above temperature limitations? Let’s first consider what happens to concrete at 0ºC.
If concrete is frozen before it sets, the hydration of the cement is suspended, partly because the water within the mix freezes and expands, preventing the reaction from continuing. If the temperature rises, and the concrete vibrated to remove the pores created by the ice, the cement hydration should continue, producing satisfactory concrete. This only remains true, however, if the concrete is re-vibrated after the ice has thawed.
If the concrete has set but not reached sufficient strength, freezing can result in internal cracking and loss of strength. If the freezing only occurs on the surface, it may result in delamination of the top surface.
After concrete has attained a strength of approximately 3.5 MPa, it is usually considered to have sufficient strength to resist a freeze-thaw cycle.
The requirements of NZS 3109 give some protection against potential freezing of the concrete before it has attained sufficient strength. As a specifier or placer of concrete, what can you do to ensure a fit-for-purpose project in the cold winter months?
The best solution is to understand the fundamental principles of concreting in the cold so that the most appropriate solution can be applied to your project. The following are some general comments that are worth considering.
Never place concrete on frozen ground
In New Zealand it should be possible to wait until the ground temperate rises before placing concrete. Alternatively, the ground can be protected overnight with straw or a similar material to prevent freezing.
The advantage of air entrainment is that it gives the concrete superior freeze/thaw resistance when it has reached sufficient strength. However, the concrete will still need to be protected from freezing until it reaches at least 3.5 MPa.
Use air-entrained concrete
The advantage of air entrainment is that it gives the concrete superior freeze/thaw resistance when it has reached sufficient strength. However, the concrete will still need to be protected from freezing until it reaches at least 3.5 MPa.
Consider the use of set accelerators
These will decrease the time to final set, meaning the concrete can be finished and potentially protected earlier. When the concrete is reinforced, it is recommended that non-chloride accelerators are used. Be aware that accelerators have limited effectiveness when mix temperatures are below 5-8ºC. Also, be aware that overdosing with some set accelerators can in fact retard set, so ensure that the dose rate is that recommended by the admixture manufacturer.
In some areas, there is a tendency to add set accelerators simply because it is winter rather than based on the expected temperatures during placing and finishing. It is possible to get very warm, low-humidity days in winter. The indiscriminate use of accelerators can lead to problems with premature setting or plastic cracking.
HE cement could possibly be a consideration, although it is generally not stocked at ready-mixed concrete plants.
Protect the freshly placed concrete
In winter, there can be large changes in the ambient day and night temperatures.
This can lead to restrained early thermal contraction. The use of early entry saw cuts or tooled joints can prevent the formation of ugly random cracking. Some winter cracking suggests that the top surface has chilled relative to the body of the concrete, resulting in surface random cracking. Although the insulation value of polythene is negligible, covering with polythene can potentially minimise the wind chill effect and prevent this type of cracking. If freezing conditions are expected and the concrete is unlikely to
have attained a strength of 3.5 MPa, insulate the concrete.
Prevent thermal shock
If the temperature is cold and the concrete warm, there is a risk that the removal of formwork can result in surface cracking. (A temperature differential of 20ºC or more is commonly quoted as the range across which this phenomenon can occur). Always follow the minimum formwork stripping times specified in NZS 3109.
If concrete is frozen before it sets, the hydration of the cement is suspended, partly because the water within the mix freezes and expands, preventing the reaction from continuing.
Use warm materials to make the concrete
The use of hot water and aggregates that have been stored in bins can mean that the concrete mix temperature is elevated, resulting in a faster setting time. Talk to your local ready-mixed concrete supplier for options that are practical in your area. Never use water above 70ºC, and be aware of the safety requirements of using hot water on a construction site.
Do not use unventilated heaters
The CO2 given off by some heaters can react with the concrete surface, producing a dusty, weak surface. Always make sure the exhaust gases are ventilated and do not aim the burner directly at the concrete.
With some simple precautions, it is relatively easy to obtain high-quality concrete all year round.
For more information, visit the Concrete NZ website - www.concretenz.org.nz
1-DAY CONFERENCE 14 NOVEMBER 2024
CONCRETE NZ IS THRILLED THAT REGISTRATIONS FOR THE FIB SYMPOSIUM (11-13 NOVEMBER) AND ITS OWN ANNUAL CONFERENCE (14 NOVEMBER) AT TE PAE CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION CENTRE - ARE NOW OPEN!
FIB SYMPOSIUM
fib (Fédération Internationale du Béton/International Federation for Structural Concrete) is one of the largest global communities of concrete enthusiasts with over 2,500 members from more than 100 countries.
The fib Symposium is an annual event that provides a forum to present and discuss state-of-the-art practice, recent advances and research, standards and guidelines, and future perspectives relating to durability, sustainability and resiliency in structural and civil engineering.
The Symposium’s technical programme will be headlined by five outstanding construction experts who are set to share their experience and knowledge across a range of subjects, including concrete and innovative materials, structural performance and design, construction methods and management, and outstanding structures.
CONCRETE NZ CONFERENCE
The 2024 Concrete NZ Conference is taking on a twist, condensing into a power-packed 1-day event immediately following the Symposium on 14 November. Expect a diverse lineup of speakers, blending international perspectives with local insights across exemplar projects, research developments, concrete technology & materials, design trends and low carbon initiatives.
Registrations are now open We look forward to seeing you there!
Dr. Xilin Lu Tongji University, Shanghai, China
Dr.ir. Agnieszka Bigaj-van Vliet
Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)
Bull
Holmes NZ LP, Christchurch, New Zealand
Steve Denton WSP, United Kingdom
NZ’s Most Innovative Reinforcing Solutions Provider 2023 Construction & Engineering Awards 2023
Divide and conquer with Stremaform®
Stremaform® formwork elements for construction joints are the key to seamlessly dividing substantial structural components into precisely orchestrated concrete pours. Whether you’re aligning them with your workflow needs or integrating them into your structural design, Stremaform® is your go-to choice for a smoother construction process.
Fletcher Reinforcing; at the heart of New Zealand’s building environment. Visit fletcherreinforcing.co.nz
The new range of MAX® TwinTier™ Rebar-Tiers can tie rebar faster and with more power than ever before! These are the sixth generation tools from MAX® Japan and by far the best!
Three new generation MAX® Rebar-Tiers make up the TwinTier™ range. Introduced with 3 new design features to provide the greatest efficiency and highest level of safety for reinforcing ironworkers.
The TwinTier's "dual wire feeding mechanism" increases tying speed by reducing the time needed to twist and feed the wire, consequently reducing the cost, and shortening the time required for construction. The tool’s dual-wire wrap ensures each tie is reinforced for maximum hold.
The TwinTier's “wire pull back mechanism” firmly pulls the tie wire in to adjust the tie to the rebar’s size to maximize the strength of the tie. When forming a tie the tool makes a loop with the wire and then pulls the wire to tightly secure and lock the rebar in place.
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 the each application.
The TwinTier's quick load magazine makes changing wire spools a piece of cake, and its frontward position provides improved balance/ ergonomics, making flatwork easier.
This generation of the MAX® Rebar-Tiers produce ties that are approximately 50% shorter in height, allowing for thinner concrete pours. Also, the ends of each tie are positioned downward to increase safety. Additionally, wire spools now produce up to 240 ties (when tying D12 x D12 rebar).
• The RB441T Rebar Tier is designed to tie D10 x D10 up to D22 x D22 rebar
• The RB611T Rebar Tier is designed to tie D16 x D16 up to D29 x D32 rebar
• The RB401T-E Standup Rebar Tier is designed to tie D10 x D10 up to D19 x D19 rebar.
The TwinTier's quick load magazine makes changing wire spools a piece of cake, and its frontward position provides improved balance/ergonomics, making flatwork easier.
A low “battery power consumption” design allows the tool to produce 5000 ties per charge using a 5.0Ah, 14.4volt Lithium-ion battery, which recharges in just 60 minutes.
The tool’s 6-step torque adjustment dial allows its user to adjust the strength of the tie based on the application. Steel, electrogalvanized and polyester (“poly”) coated wire are all available for use with the MAX® TwinTier™.
The MAX® TwinTier™ works at double the speed and produces double the number of ties from a single roll of wire than the previous model and far exceeds that of any of its competitors.
Overall, no matter the application, the MAX® TwinTier™ reduces the time it takes to complete a job, saves businesses money by cutting man hours needed for each project and increases the productivity of its workers. For more information visit the SIFCO website - www.sifco.co.nz
Aquamax Hydro Blasting was established in 1995. They have the capability to offer water jetting services throughout New Zealand with divisions based in Auckland and Wellington. They can assemble teams from around the country to ensure the right expertise is applied to any project.
Aquamax’s management team has over 30 years of experience within the hydro blasting industry. They complement this experience with technical advice and support from their equipment manufacturers. All of Aquamax’s operators are highly skilled, many with in excess of 10 years of water jetting experience. They are all subject to extensive training in health and safety, hazard identification, first aid, traffic management
Here is what some of their clients have to say:
‘We were faced with a very challenging project. I was very impressed with the Aquamax team, project management, and quality of the job.’ - Craig Ross from NSB Protective Coatings.
‘We’ve used Aquamax for 15 years on our annual shuts. I continue to be impressed with their project planning, health and safety management and the quality work delivered for us.’Charley Beagle from Contact Energy.
and working in confined spaces. For specialist work such as removing aircraft coatings and cleaning power turbines, hydro blasting operators are internally accredited.
Some of the services provided by Aquamax include:
• Hydrodemolition
Hydrodemolition is the process of removing hardened concrete, using ultrahigh-pressure water jetting which does not damage the surrounding concrete or steel.
• Paint and Corrosion Removal
Water jetting is an ideal removal tool for paint and corrosion from a range of substrates, most commonly steel, aluminium and concrete.
• Road Surface Preparation
Aquamax delivers a wide range of services to the industrial and manufacturing sector such as plant and tank cleaning, marking removal and antislip preparation.
The team at Aquamax can provide these and many other services to a wide range of industries, from construction and roading, to transport and marine. Many construction projects that Aquamax have
worked on include the Auckland Sky Tower, the Moorehouse Avenue overbridge in Christchurch and the Newmarket Viaduct in Auckland. In the marine industry, projects include working on the Interislander and the Navy Ships in Devonport.
The advantage of using Aquamax
• Aquamax has the experience to ensure the right hydro blasting gear, expertise and application for the job
• Minimisation of water if required
• Minimal run-off and stringest containment practices to suck up and remove all waste and debris
• Disposal of waste to council-certified disposal sites
• No use of chemicals
• Flexibility to access hard-to-reach work sites (from council sewers to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower)
• Use of electric units if required to minimise noise.
For more information on what other services Aquamax can provide for you, visit their website at www.aquamax.co.nz or call them today on 0800 278 2629.
Are you getting the steel you specified?
Does ALL of the steel you’re receiving comply with the right Standards?
With ACRS Certified steels, you can be confident that you are getting the AS/NZS compliant steel you ordered.
By providing an effective, independent, continuous review of both the manufacturer and the fabricator/processor, the ACRS 2-stage product certification scheme, together with the ACRS traceability certification scheme, significantly reduce the risk of non-conforming steels being delivered to your project.
Talk to us TODAY about how ACRS Certification gives you confidence in your steel supply.
ACRS - Independent, Expert Third Party Certification and Verification of Reinforcing, Prestressing and Structural Steels for Compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standards
Builders and contractors know that a project relies on the quality of materials that go into it.
A structure is only as safe and durable as the steel and materials used. While New Zealand has strong standards for these materials, it can be hard to be sure that the materials delivered on site meet those standards and are of the quality and specifications ordered and paid for – and required by the project.
All your careful hard work in building can’t cancel out substandard or non-compliant steel. And it’s more common than you think.
Ensuring that the steel product supplied is exactly what was ordered is critical, and increasingly steel products are rejected on delivery when their traceability can’t be verified. The traceability of reinforcing or structural steels is required for compliance with New Zealand standards, because these materials are safety critical, so ensuring they perform as specified by the designer is of utmost importance. But non-conforming steel can occur in several different ways:
1. Fake or misleading certification
Consignments of steel can appear to be certified, but in fact comprise mixed supply where conforming steel product is declared and some is present, but the whole consignment is not compliant (either sourced from different suppliers or from a single supplier with inconsistent quality).
Some steel consignments are provided with fraudulent test certificates, either showing certification for other materials, other suppliers, or falsified altogether.
2. Incomplete or incorrect information
Sometimes test certificates don’t display all the information required by the Standard; are not in English; show compliance to a different Standard; or are not supplied on delivery.
Most steel products are required to display unique markings which identify the point of manufacture, these include reinforcing steels and mesh. Through these bar markings and the associated documentation from the manufacturer, the product can be traced back to the point of manufacturer and knowledge of any associated transforming works (e.g. cold working such as straightening or bending).
With reinforcing and structural steel products supplied from multiple sources, there are often questions regarding compliance with the material standards, the origins of products and/or traceability through the supply chain.
As the steel supply chain comes under increasing pressure to demonstrate compliance, important questions are raised, including:
• What are the risks of receiving non-compliant material?
• How can we reduce these risks? and
• How do we help to ensure that end-users are getting products that are fit for purpose and meet the relevant New Zealand Standards?
Making sure steel complies
Everyone is striving for buildings that are durable and fit for purpose. Ensuring that materials used in the built environment are compliant and meet specifications is key. But as a builder, it’s impossible to be sure you are receiving steel that adheres to the minimum required Standards just
by looking at the steel. Does the steel meet the specification or the material requirements of the Standard? Will the steel perform as required? Or will it result in an ongoing liability or safety concern? This issue is further complicated as a delivered consignment of steel might have mixed steel products with multiple unknown sources. So how can a builder know if the products supplied are compliant and fit for purpose?
Providing a vital link between the steel manufacturer and the construction site, ACRS ensures that all materials are supplied from an ACRS-certified supplier and satisfy the production requirements of the relevant AS/NZS Steel Standard.
Independent third-party certification gives buyers assurance and provides producers with a benchmarked market. This thirdparty product certification uses a trusted and specialist independent body to look at the product and procedures and check the specified requirements are being met – in essence it does the homework, paperwork, and checking for you, so you can have peace of mind about the materials you are using without needing to become a supply chain or steel expert and waste lots of time chasing down tests and documents.
Third-party certification should be provided by a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) –one that has in turn received accreditation from an Accreditation Body. In New Zealand, the Accreditation Body is the Joint Accreditation System of Australian and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). All CABs are listed on its website along with their scope of accreditation (the scope of accreditation needs to be verified to ensure that the body is accredited for the Standard in question).
Independent certification gives buyers assurance and provides producers with a benchmarked market.
But just like steel, not all certification schemes are equal. To remove any doubt for builders (and your customers) a certification system should be:
• Independence – the certifying body is independent of steel manufacturers and therefore free from any conflicts of interest
• Rigour – the certifier should have comprehensive and robust auditing systems with technically-proficient reviews and testing, both at the point of manufacture and again at any subsequent processing
• Regularity – the certifier should be assessing the steel manufacturer on a regular basis to ensure ongoing compliance
• Expertise – the certifier should have expertise in the appropriate fields, with deep knowledge of the manufacturing process and the regulatory requirements for supply of steel products.
The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels, or ACRS, is an ANZ certifier that provides rigorous independent certification from mill to site.
ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance cover reinforcing steel, prestressing steel, and structural steel products supplied to Australian and New Zealand standards. Providing a vital link between the steel manufacturer and the construction site, ACRS ensures that all materials are supplied from an ACRS-certified supplier and satisfy the production requirements of the relevant AS/ NZS Steel Standard.
ACRS checks that materials supplied from the mill are correctly processed during reinforcement fabrication so that material performance is not compromised before supply to site. ACRS also checks that all necessary procedures and documentation are in place to ensure adequate product traceability from the steel mill to the processor and mesh manufacturer.
As a JAS-ANZ-accredited Conformity Assessment Body, ACRS certification and demonstration of ACRS materials to site meet national requirements.
The ACRS scheme – which rigorously audits manufactures and processors of reinforcing steels annually by independent assessors –provides assurance that the products covered by its certificates have been manufactured in a conforming manner, and that traceability of the product back to the mill can be obtained.
ACRS makes steel certification...
1. Easy: ACRS verifies that the manufacturer has met all the relevant requirements of the New Zealand Standards for the products listed on the certificate.
2. Quick: Compliance checks have already been done. ACRS checks all production to the assessed Standards from that certified location
3. Safe: Unless you fully understand the data on a test certificate and all the compliance detail behind it – for both manufacturing and processing – you can’t be sure a material passes all requirements. Our checks are done by a recognised, competent body on an annual basis and with quarterly checks on production data.
4. Cost effective: ACRS’ not-for-profit, minimum-cost model means it provides better value for money than any commercial equivalent. Certification doesn’t increase costs to production –and it can lower compliance costs in the longer term, by refining quality processes through ACRS practice.
ACRS certifies reinforcing and constructional steel products. To make use of ACRS certification, ACRS-certified steel must be specified and ordered – once steel is on site, it’s too late.
All builders have to do is confirm that the steel that’s delivered has been certified, through:
Paper or electronic certificates: ACRS certificates have a standard format, with the valid expiry date in the top lefthand corner. On the right is the ACRS Mark; and between the date and the Mark is a QR code. This QR code can be scanned using the ACRS Cloud App to confirm authenticity.
The front page of the certificate also includes the Scope of Certification, the certificate number, the name of the certificate holder and the address of the certified site. The second page includes product assessed, and for relevant products will also include product tags and/or markings.
Printed documents, even PDF documents, are prone to falsification. Therefore, independent verification of any printed Certificate – via the ACRS Cloud app or website – is essential to confirm the validity and scope of certificates.
Online database: Check the certificate is listed online on the live up-to-date database at steelcertification.com/find-acrs-certificateholders. The search function allows users to search by certificate number or by mill/ processor company and location.
Using this functionality, you can check whether the provided paper certificate is valid, and the scope of certification meets that listed on the ACRS website.
Cloud app: The ACRS Cloud app is an easy way to check the validity of a product certificate on the spot. In order to make
product traceability more secure and accessible, ACRS certificates carry QR codes which – when scanned – will open validation and vital product information in the ACRS Cloud app.
The app allows you to verify certificates instantly, including bar and tag markings; where the product has come from; and its validity and its assurance credentials in the form of ACRS’ sector-leading independent certification. Just like the online database, users can search for certificate holders by mill name or country, and report any concerns, all in the app.
Download the app for free at steelcertification.com/cloud or in your app store. Scan the QR code on delivery papers or electronic certificate and in the app, select the ACRS ID of the certificate. View the certificate in full, including scope, origin, and key dates.
ACRS Cloud is the first digital certification system of its kind for steel in the New Zealand and Australian construction industries. ACRS Cloud gives steel buyers and users instant assurance over product certificates, in a secure environment.
The app protects the market from product compliance issues by making it easier for users to check steel’s provenance at every stage. It also supports best practices for those seeking sustainable steel.
Under the ACRS Cloud system, batch-specific tags with QR codes are put onto steel at steel producers, fabricators, and processors. At each point, these QR codes (and/or those on ACRS certificates) can be scanned onsite to
Concrete NZ is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2024 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award.
Participants stand a chance to win a portion of the $10,000 prize pool and the coveted title of 2024 Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year.
Concrete NZ’s chief executive, Rob Gaimster, shared his excitement for the award, which has been growing in popularity since it began in 2017.
“The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award is essential for acknowledging the talented young professionals in our industry,” Rob says.
“The building and construction sector is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, offering a variety of career paths in concrete. Apprentices who are dedicated to their craft and their personal and professional development deserve recognition for their ambition, dedication, and achievements.”
The award is open to all those currently enrolled in, or who have recently completed (after August 2023), one of the following BCITO concrete qualifications:
New Zealand Certificate
• Concrete Construction Skills (Level 3)
• Concrete Construction: Commercial and Civil Infrastructure (Level 4)
• Concrete Specialist (Level 4)
• Concrete Production (Level 4).
Rob also emphasised the promising future of the New Zealand concrete industry.
“This is an exciting era for the New Zealand concrete industry as we work towards implementing low-carbon solutions and achieving net zero carbon by 2050.”
“We are also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, enhancing health, safety, and wellbeing, and ensuring that outstanding performers are recognized.”
“In short, we want to encourage those who are considering a career in construction to explore the concrete industry,” Rob concludes.
“We are eager to welcome new talent, provide support and mentorship, and, as the Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year award illustrates, celebrate their successes.”
Details on how to apply can be found on the Concrete NZ website - www.concretenz.org.nz.
Applications must be completed by concrete apprentices, their employers, and assessors.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 20 September 2024.
The Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Concrete NZ and the BCITO, and the winner will be announced at the Concrete NZ conference formal dinner on 13 November 2024 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
Whether you need retrofit or in-situ concrete edge insulation, EXPOL has got you covered with these two industry leading systems.
MAXEDGE comes pre-coated for clean, fast and easy slab insulation.
THERMASLAB/ EDGE the product of choice for specifiers and the construction industry.
Patented Technology
Pre-made L Shape Perimeter Slab Insulation designed for in-situ applications
MAXEdge is a simple solution for your concrete slab perimeter that exceeds H1 requirements
Fast and Easy: Pre-made L-shaped perimeter insulation that fits inside the formwork
Standard heights: 305, 320, 385, 400 & 420mm to suit any raft slab, bespoke heights are available
MAXEdge perimeter insulation comes in lengths of 2.4m
Suitable with any frame size
THERMASLAB SLAB EDGE INSULATION
THERMASLAB/EDGE increases the thermal performance of a building - suitable for retro-fit applications
A simple, cost-effective slab edge insulation system
Designed to meet new H1 standards
No painting required, saving time and money
Exceptional insulation values
High water resistance
Construction R-value 1.0
Lightweight and easy to handle
Learn more about THERMASLAB/EDGE & MAXEdge products go to www.expol.co.nz
If you would like to talk to somebody about these products then please call our Technical Team on 0800 86 33 73 or email tech@expol.co.nz
Even in times of uncertainty, building material suppliers must remain focused on quality. To ensure robust measures and safeguards operate, Concrete NZ’s Readymix and Precast members have access to certification schemes that audit the quality systems in place at participating plants.
Concrete NZ’s Precast Plant Certification Scheme provides purchasers and specifiers with peace-of-mind that their precast concrete products meet quality requirements.The Scheme is gaining traction amongst Concrete NZ Precast members and their clients.
The manufacture of precast concrete products requires considerable experience and skill, as they often form a building’s primary structural system.
Poor precast manufacturing practices have the potential to compromise a structures durability and the life safety of its occupants. In addition, safety considerations are paramount during the manufacturing, handling and installation of precast products, with any short cuts potentially resulting in unsafe outcomes with significant consequences.
The Precast Plant Certification Scheme provides specifiers, contractors and their clients with confidence that products purchased from a Precast Certified Plant are backed by an established operator with
appropriate facilities, experienced staff and quality assurance programs.
Regardless of the application of the precast product - architectural, structural, cladding, civil or other - purchasing from a Concrete
NZ Precast Certified Plant ensures that the product has been manufactured at a facility with systems audited by an independent, third-party body.
Certified Plants invest heavily in modern equipment, oversight procedures and staff training with the intention of delivering “quality”.
While cheaper alternatives may be available, cost must never be the only consideration.
Procurement decisions should always factor in quality as a prerequisite, and in terms of precast, the mark to look for is the Concrete
NZ Precast Certified Plant logo.
Plant Audit Scheme for Ready Mixed Concrete
Concrete NZ’s Readymix Sector Group members can choose to have their concrete plants audited by the Concrete NZ Plant Audit Scheme as defined in NZS 3104:2003 Specification for Concrete Production
In addition, safety considerations are paramount during the manufacturing, handling and installation of precast products, with any short cuts potentially resulting in unsafe outcomes with significant consequences.
The Plant Audit Scheme provides a thorough audit of a ready mixed concrete plant’s own quality system.
Audits are carried out by the Plant Audit Committee of five or more registered engineers. The Scheme’s operations are carried out under a quality assurance programme certified to ISO 9001 and audited by Bureau Veritas (NZ) Ltd.
Without the scheme, purchasers and specifiers would be faced with a costly and time-consuming audit of concrete quality for each construction project.
Compliance with NZS 3104, along with an appropriately qualified employee to perform testing at each plant, as well as a plant engineer who is either a chartered professional engineer or a registered engineering associate.
Records must be maintained, with the original records retained on-site to provide an audit trail confirming the test records analysed are correct and complete.
Plants report quality performance data to the Committee annually and are subject to an annual review of data together with an on-site audit every second year. Among performance criteria audited are mean concrete strengths and coefficients of variation.
In addition to the specific benchmarks audited, the frequency of testing within each quarter year must be submitted to the Plant Audit Committee.
Failure to maintain testing requirements can result in the withdrawal of an Audit Certificate. Certificates of Audit are issued for a period not exceeding 12 months. When using concrete from unaudited plants, the purchaser is responsible for confirming the audit process required by NZS 3104 to ensure compliance with the NZ Building Code.
For more details on both the Precast Certification Scheme and the Plant Audit Scheme, including a list of plants currently registered, visit the Concrete NZ websitewww.concretenz.org.nz
In the bustling world of construction, forming dependable partnerships is crucial for the smooth execution and success of projects.
Among the array of options available, Totalsite Supplies stands out as a trusted provider of propping solutions across New Zealand. With an extensive inventory of over 30 different sizes of tilt panel props for hire or purchase, Totalsite Supplies is committed to ensuring that your projects are not only efficient but also safe and hassle-free.
What makes Totalsite Supplies unique is their comprehensive approach to propping solutions. It’s not just about supplying equipment and walking away! There is the intended methodology that the builder wants. They may have fancy precast panel finishes that can’t be touched, or polished floor and under floor heating – that fixings can’t be drilled into. They will fully engineer the propping design to match the needs and restraints of each specific project, even calculating the footing or piling requirements. Totalsite Supplies ensures that you have everything required in one convenient package. This may include anchor bolts, shims, burke bars, sealants and concrete or precast chemicals. Their ‘full package’ approach saves time and minimises unnecessary complications, allowing you to focus on completing your project successfully.
Totalsite Supplies excels in logistics, with three strategically located facilities across the country and their own fleet of hiabs. They guarantee fast and reliable delivery services, regardless of how remote your site is. In cases where location may be challenging, Totalsite Supplies partners with trusted transport companies to ensure efficient delivery and collection of your propping equipment.
What truly sets Totalsite Supplies apart is their unwavering commitment to safety.
They understand the risks inherent in construction projects and prioritise safety above all else. This commitment has earned them the trust of numerous large construction companies, which rely on Totalsite Supplies for their propping requirements and have remained longterm propping clients.
Totalsite Supplies ensures that you have everything required in one convenient package.
While the Shisham prop range is a standard go-to for the largest construction companies and their requirements, Totalsite Supplies has also made a name for themselves with residential builders with the invention of the ‘Chippy Stick’ lightweight props, which have been becoming increasingly popular for the support of lightweight timber framing and walls.
Some construction and civil projects require shoring towers, which Totalsite also provides. The towers are light and easy to assemble, with no tools required. Their ST100 shoring towers are the strongest towers available, with a single leg load of up to 53kN and 214kN per tower with a maximum height of 22.29m!
Whether you're an experienced contractor, or a residential builder that may need coaching throughout the process, partnering with Totalsite Supplies for your propping needs is a decision you won't regret. They are more than just suppliers; they are dependable allies dedicated to supporting your success in every project. With Totalsite Supplies, you can navigate the challenges of construction with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted partner by your side.
Trace Asbestos is owned and operated by Steve EldenGray. Steve can provide his services anywhere in the Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatu, and Hawkes Bay regions.
Steve has over seven years of front-line asbestos surveying and assessor experience and comes with a background in sports and exercise science, and operational management. Having delivered a huge variety of asbestos projects across New Zealand, Steve is qualified in BOHS IP402 and IP404 and has an asbestos assessor licence from WorkSafe NZ.
Steve started Trace Asbestos to assist and simplify the asbestos regulations, requirements and challenges that face home and business owners, project and facility managers, removalists, and construction trades. Steve and his team work on a variety of jobs from high-end fitouts to full site demolitions. They can assist you throughout the process, from the initial asbestos survey, sampling, and asbestos management, to the final removal clearance report. With a focus on quality surveying, communication, and the team’s knowledge of the New Zealand asbestos industry, Trace Asbestos is the company for your next project.
Trace Asbestos can provide you with various services including:
Asbestos management surveys
An asbestos management survey is the standard asbestos survey recommended for any building and workplace in New Zealand. It forms an important step to producing a functioning asbestos management plan that actively monitors the materials and outlays procedures in dealing with its risks. Its purpose is to locate the presence and extent of any suspected asbestoscontaining materials in the building that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance.
Asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys locate and describe asbestoscontaining materials in areas where intrusive maintenance, repair, refurbishment, or demolition work is set to take place. This survey requires access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.
Undertaking asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys prior to any renovation or demolition works is a strict regulatory requirement and a duty of any PCBUs with management or control of a workplace.
Other asbestos surveys
Not every client or site fits the requirements for the above surveys, and Trace Asbestos have visual survey options and re-inspection surveys. These are great for annual check-ups and audits, maybe a second opinion for your site, and an excellent survey for due diligence for pre-purchase or sale.
When conducting asbestos removal clearances, Trace Asbestos aim is to provide a fair and unbiased approach to help their clients complete the job without compromising their duties.
A worksite with a strong and functional asbestos management plan that actively monitors the materials and outlays procedures in dealing with its risks is made simple with Trace Asbestos. Whether you like paper or cloud-based systems, every survey can, and should, be backed up with a site-specific plan. This is then controlled and updated by you, or you could have someone else manage that process on
your behalf. Trace Asbestos has excellent online client management systems to control staff and contractor access to your asbestos information.
Asbestos removal projects can be timeconsuming, expensive, and high-liability exercises to undertake. Like any project, the specification, procurement, and management of the works should be undertaken, or at least coordinated, by an experienced, qualified asbestos consultant.
Trace Asbestos don’t remove asbestos; this must be done by a WorkSafe-approved licensed asbestos removalist. With Trace Asbestos assisting you with the asbestos removal management and tender process, they can ensure both regulatory and client procurement process compliance. Their active approach to the tender process includes tender administration, management of contractor visits, technical evaluation of the tender returns, as well as fact-based, independent recommendations for asbestos removal contractor appointments.
Trace Asbestos also have a selection of recommended and approved asbestos removal contractors who are regularly assessed and audited. This gives their clients the reassurance of removal quality, and competitive pricing and mitigates the risk of going to the market and starting projects with any uncertainty.
When conducting asbestos removal clearances, Steve’s aim is to provide a fair and unbiased approach to help their clients complete the job without compromising their duties.
Trace Asbestos provides asbestos testing services, using only BOHS-accredited surveyors. Using qualified personnel ensures you get a valid asbestos test (without cross-contamination) that represents the materials sampled and enforces protocols after a test is taken, to minimise the risk of further contamination.
Get in touch with the team at Trace Asbestos today for all your asbestos requirements! Call 027 477 8673 or visit www.traceasbestos.co.nz for information.
CAVIBATs GEN III batten provides the ultimate defense in the quest to protect buildings throughout the country.
Its high compressive strength and diamensional stability makes it suitable for wall and roof installations.
Open cell drainage and ventilation promote fast drying of cladding breaches.
The polypropylene material provides a total moisture barrier and thermal break between framing and cladding.
The non toxic & non reactive nature of the plastic makes for material compatability when utilised behind metal cladding.
100+ year life of the batten protects till end of life of the building.
Recyclable #5.
cavibat.co.nz
Numerous factors have contributed to issues with weathertightness, including inadequate design, ineffective project management, and substandard building practices.
The influence of international design trends and materials on New Zealand architecture has expanded the diversity of housing styles. However, some designs and materials are not suited to specific local conditions.
Certain housing features originally intended for dry climates have been incorporated into regions prone to high winds and rainfall.
Examples include parapets, decks, and pergolas that penetrate a building’s cladding, monolithic cladding, low-slope roofs, membrane roofs, lack of eaves, and complex junctions. These elements increase the risk of weathertightness issues, particularly in wet and windy environments.
Leaking in house claddings becomes problematic when water ingress compromises the structural integrity of buildings.
In addressing weathertightness, New Zealand has adopted principles similar to the Canadian 4Ds philosophy: deflection, drainage, drying, and durability. Additionally, emphasis is placed on airtightness, ventilation, and insulation.
Achieving all four aspects of the 4Ds is ideal. Deflection strategies, such as proper cladding and window head flashings, are crucial as they divert water away from critical junctions.
Effective wall assemblies should incorporate protected cavities that allow for drainage, enabling any water that infiltrates the cladding to exit safely.
The drying process depends significantly on the type and installation of cladding, while all components must meet the durability standards outlined in the Building Code.
Key indicators of leaky buildings:
1. Ground clearance
Insufficient clearance of cladding from ground surfaces or decks can lead to water ingress.
2. Cracking
Hairline cracks near windows and doors or discoloured cladding may indicate vulnerabilities.
3. Joinery
Cracks along joinery seals can allow water penetration.
4. Penetrations
Gaps around pipes, vents, and meter boxes need proper sealing to prevent water ingress.
5. Pergolas
Improperly integrated pergola frames can penetrate cladding and allow water entry.
6. Windows
Incorrectly installed window flashings or challenging window shapes increase the risk of water ingress.
7. Balconies/decks
Enclosed balconies and cantilever decks require careful waterproofing and drainage to prevent water pooling.
8. Interior signs
Indications like swollen skirting boards, mould on curtains, or damaged floor coverings suggest water penetration. Remediating a leaky homeInformation sourced from: www.building.govt.nz
Remediation involves repairs and reconstruction, which are alterations under the Building Act and so must comply with the Building Code.
The requirements of the Building Code and the need for building consent must be considered in light of each particular remediation.
The guidance below sets out some factors that may be relevant to compliance with the Building Act and Building Code, but this guidance does not replace professional advice given in light of the particular circumstances.
Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, like-for-like cladding replacement is often exempt from the requirement to gain a building consent.
However, the exemption does not apply where any component or assemblie have failed the durability requirements of the Building Code (typically 15 years for claddings) or where complete or substantial replacement of any component or assembly contributing to the building’s structural behaviour or fire-safety properties is required.
This means a building consent will generally be required:
• For remediation work on leaky buildings less than 15 years old
• Where failure is known to have happened within 15 years of construction
• Where any structural elements are being replaced due to leaks (for example, decayed timber framing)
• Where repairs are being made to fire separations in non-detached houses.
Because repairs and reconstruction are within the definition of ‘alteration’, section 112 of the Building Act requires that, following the alterations, the building needs to comply as nearly as is reasonably practicable with the provisions of the Building Code that relate to:
• Means of escape from fire
• Access and facilities for persons with disabilities.
Also, with alterations, all building work must comply with the current Building Code, and the rest of the building must continue to comply with the other provisions of the Building Code to at least the same extent as before the weathertightness failure.
The provisions for access and facilities for people with disabilities do not apply to private houses, and special requirements for detached houses relating to fire safety are essentially limited to the installation of smoke detectors.
Non-detached houses will have other issues such as fire separations. The designer may
In today’s dynamic landscape of technologydriven advancement, the manufacturing industry stands as a vanguard of digital transformation.
Companies are driving towards smarter factories and more efficient warehousing through the integration of interconnected devices, machinery, and production systems. This significant shift is fueled by the imperative for seamless collaboration, improved data accessibility, and heightened operational efficiency, compelling businesses to master fundamental principles and practical applications that can profoundly elevate their operations.
The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing is revolutionising quality assurance. Advanced algorithms and machine learning analyse vast datasets to pinpoint anomalies on assembly lines with precision.
Case in point; at Atlas Copco’s Antwerp factory, AI-driven visual inspections ensure adherence to rigorous assembly standards, detecting errors early to minimise waste, rework and uphold product integrity. This enhances overall quality and boosts customer satisfaction significantly.
In today’s manufacturing environment, teams require broader knowledge to effectively assemble increasingly complex products.
Digital instructions and immersive VR training empower workers with enhanced precision during assembly processes, improving efficiency, raising quality standards, and equipping employees with essential skills for modern manufacturing.
Collaboration with cobots
Collaborative robots, or ‘cobots,’ equipped with sensors and AI, are invaluable allies in modern manufacturing. They complement assembly teams by handling repetitive or physically demanding tasks while ensuring smooth operational transitions.
Cobots exemplify a new era of manufacturing automation that enhances human potential rather than replacing it, driving efficiency and innovation through seamless collaboration.
IoT- enhanced monitoring and control
The Internet of Things (IoT) forms the core of modern manufacturing, gathering realtime data for AI-driven analysis.
Embedded sensors monitor machines, equipment, and infrastructure, providing
be faced with the question of whether repairs that are building work are required to meet performance levels specified in the Building Code where these are higher than the level that was required when the original building consent was issued (such as H1 Energy efficiency).
If the repairs involve extensions or additions, these parts of the building will need to comply with the latest H1 performance level. As each remediation project is different, the designer should discuss their proposed solution with the BCA and/or seek legal advice.
Tell-tale signs of a leaky building
Exterior
• Cracks in plaster
• Blistering or flaking paint work
• Stains on cladding
• Faulty or leaking windows and doors
• Inadequate ground clearances
• Faulty decks and/or roof.
Interior
• Skirting and architraves swelling and cracking
• Leaking windows and doors
• Mould build-up on the window liners
• Mould on the inside of drapes
• Carpet and floor coverings showing signs of water damage
• Flooring that has swelled
• Pull up the carpet near the joinery and look for rust marks on the carpet fixings
• Swelling, cracking and popping of wall linings.
www.building.govt.nz
insights that fine-tune production processes and reduce costs. Atlas Copco utilises IoT insights to optimise operations, make datadriven decisions, and enhance productivity across its manufacturing operations.
AI-driven warehouse management systems play a pivotal role in optimising inventory control and operational responsiveness. These systems automate critical processes such as material tracking, reducing risks associated with overstocking or stockouts. Employing sophisticated in-house systems for effective material storage and movement ensures continuous production without unnecessary costs.
Proactive maintenance
AI-powered maintenance extends machinery lifespan and ensures uninterrupted production. AI data analysis and vision systems minimise operational disruptions and maintenance costs, contributing to reliable production timelines and sustained efficiency.
Smart energy management systems are essential for sustainable transformation in manufacturing. By harnessing real-time data, these systems optimise energy consumption patterns, identifying areas for efficiency improvements.
This proactive approach supports environmental sustainability while enhancing operational effectiveness.
In conclusion
As digital technologies evolve, their integration into manufacturing and warehousing becomes indispensable for maintaining competitiveness.
By fostering a culture of innovation, businesses can harness the full potential of digital transformation, setting industry standards and shaping future trends.
This proactive stance not only meets current market demands but also anticipates future challenges, ensuring long-term success in navigating the digital frontier.
Phillip Aldridge, Chief Executive of Waihanga
Ara Rau, the construction and infrastructure Workforce Development Council, writes that the long-term prospects for the construction trades have never been better.
This year has seen a regular stream of bad news about construction project delays, cutbacks, and workers leaving for Australia. It’s not hard to become pessimistic about the industry's prospects.
For young New Zealanders considering their career options, this uncertainty may be a deciding factor in choosing not to pursue opportunities in building and construction. But that would be a mistake.
Last month, a summit called Future State was held in Auckland to explore how technology will transform work in the coming decades. One of the speakers was Professor Scott Galloway from New York University, an expert on how people will earn a living in the future.
When asked what he thinks a hot career choice would be today. His unequivocal answer? The trades.
His point was that, unlike those whose jobs could be taken by AI and similar technologies, people with practical skills like plumbing, electrical, and building will not only have the lion’s share of future job opportunities, but they will also command increasingly big pay packets.
We’ve helped a number of Kiwis enter the industry by listening to employers and developing training and qualifications that deliver the skilled people they need.
Although he was speaking about the US, the long-term outlook for the trades is just as strong here in New Zealand.
Over the next five years, we’ll need to build more than 122,000 homes to keep up with
population growth. Beyond residential, we have a national pipeline of construction and infrastructure projects, from building hospitals, transport connections, electrification, and associated new infrastructure for generation, networks, and technology to increasing our resilience against weather events. Plus, upgrades are needed for sustainability and retrofitting existing homes and buildings. We don’t have enough skilled people to get all this work done.
Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council is the organisation tasked with growing the workforce we need. Established in 2021, we’ve helped a number of Kiwis enter the industry by listening to employers
and developing training and qualifications that deliver the skilled people they need. As the bridge between the industry and training providers, we are positioned to tackle New Zealand’s shortage of skilled workers in building and construction. As the voice of people in Construction and Infrastructure, we want to see career pathways and progression for the current workforce and career changers.
What’s clear to us is that the current downturn is temporary. We’re urging the industry to be positive about the future and for young Kiwis and their parents to understand that a young person with a trade can look forward to high demand for their skills and a range of career opportunities with strong earning potential.
Together we can shape the future of construction and infrastructure. Find out more at waihangaararau.nz/skills2build
The new Infrastructure Works training programmes offer civil infrastructure workers the chance to upskill and build on their training to expand their career options.
The revised NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works Level 3 was launched earlier in 2024 by infrastructure training provider Connexis.
The programme builds on the NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works – Level 2, providing further industry-focused essential skills for a sustained career in infrastructure.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the new programme gives learners who already have some foundational knowledge of infrastructure sites and health and safety, the opportunity to build on that and increase their skills to add value and work safely as a team member onsite within an infrastructure trade.
The Level 3 programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills required across a range of standard infrastructure worksites.
This includes:
• Applying health and safety procedures during work operations
• Following work procedures and complying with environmental quality requirements
• Completing infrastructure work operations to the required specifications.
Connexis has worked closely with industry stakeholders and employers to ensure the skills covered in the Level 3 programme meet industry requirements.
All Level 3 learners in the NZ Certificate of Infrastructure Works are required to complete two compulsory courses:
• Safe Work Practices for Infrastructure Works
• Environmental and Quality Outcomes in Infrastructure Work Operations.
Learners can then choose between different industry contexts within the programme to gain foundational skills and knowledge relevant to that industry, while building on their knowledge of essential standards and developing new skill sets.
Industry contexts and topics most courses cover include general skills such as working around features and services on an infrastructure
worksites; plan, lift, move, and place loads in an infrastructure environment; and infrastructure soils, aggregates, and materials.
Other job specific skills include:
• Civil works: safety measures for asbestosrelated work; trench excavation; pipe culverts and related structures installation; mitigating contamination incidents at infrastructure worksites; road vegetation maintenance; civil works site operation; small plant operations at infrastructure worksites
• Bitumen surfacing: bitumen surface construction site operations; safe handling of bituminous materials on an infrastructure worksite; mitigating contamination incidents at infrastructure worksites
• Pipeline construction and maintenance: safety measures for asbestos-related work; trench excavation; mitigating contamination incidents at infrastructure worksites; wastewater or stormwater networks; controlling pathogens and diseases in water; services reticulation; and drinking-water networks
Learn, operate, maintain. Skill-up now with New Zealand’s leading provider of infrastructure industry training, standards and programmes.
• Forestry earthworks: mitigating contamination incidents at infrastructure worksites; introduction to forestry earthworks; forestry earthworks job prescriptions; work performance factors in forestry; forestry operations health, safety, and environmental requirements; construct culverts and structures for a forestry earthworks site; construct forestry roads, tracks, and landings
• Piling: structural foundation site operations at an infrastructure worksite; mitigating contamination incidents at infrastructure worksites.
Te Level 3 programme is delivered to learners through on-job learning and assessments with eLearning currently in development. Once the programme is completed, learners can further upskill by progressing to a Level 4 apprenticeship programme specific to their chosen industry context.
Find out more about the NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Level 3) at www.connexis.org.nz
With projections indicating that the global construction sector will exceed $25 trillion by 2030, Aotearoa New Zealand’s building industry is a key economic player. Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is committed to strengthening this vital sector through education.
Massey has been active in construction teaching and research for over 25 years. We support our students to elevate their career with accredited qualifications. These range from diplomas to our Bachelor of Construction degree and beyond. Many students join us to retrain, upskill or extend their knowledge and continue to make an impact on their careers and the industry.
Massey’s Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying or Construction Management) will help you become a highly sought-after expert that can contribute industry wide. Our programme is flexible and concentrates on development of transferable skills. Some students complete their degree part-time; so, you can work while you study or study while you work.
You will be learning from world class lecturers (ranked by QS International Rankings in top 150 in the world) with strengths relating to the modern construction industry: our research areas include construction law, digital built environment and sustainable building. We provide vital digital skills in BIM (Building Information Modelling) and CAD (Computer Aided Design), alongside AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) use in safety for example. If you want to upskill, Massey offers qualifications in facilities management or lighting. Our lecturers work with and
often develop National Standards, so you can be confident that you are working to the current level.
For those already holding construction qualifications, our Master of Construction qualification (start in either February or July) and Honours qualification are available to extend your knowledge and skills. These qualifications transition degree holders to higher tertiary study, enable access to more opportunities, and advance careers. The Honours programme is designed to equip graduates with leadership, teamworking
With the current rate of globalisation, Massey wants to equip construction staff with the right skills to become future leaders.
and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to conduct independent industrial research. Honours study allows maximum flexibility for students to work closely with a construction company to conduct realworld research and provide solutions to a challenge of their choosing.
Professor Monty Sutrisna, Head of the School of Built Environment says he and his team want to support the New Zealand construction sector by upskilling industry professionals and evolving the workforce.
“With the current rate of globalisation, Massey wants to equip construction staff with the right skills to become future leaders, and directly address sector needs by fostering a culture of continuous innovation. If we can tackle issues that improve practice within the construction sector, this benefits both the student and their employers too.” Professor Sutrisna says.
Find out more massey.ac.nz/construction.
• Diploma and Graduate Diploma in Facilities Management
• Graduate Diploma in Sciences and Technology (Lighting)
• Bachelor of Construction
Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
• Bachelor of Construction (Honours) *New in 2024
Further your career opportunities with one of our qualifications Find out more: massey.ac.nz/construction | contact@massey.ac.nz |
• Postgraduate Diploma in Construction and Master of Construction Specialisations: Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Law, Digital Built Environment, and Sustainable Built Environment
• PhD in Construction
As New Zealand’s premier scaffolding and edge protection provider, Absolute Scaffolding offers unparalleled expertise and dedication to regions in both the North and South Islands.
Our team of certified professionals delivers safe, high-quality scaffolding solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your project, whether commercial or residential.
With over ten years of experience in the scaffolding industry, Absolute Scaffolding has earned a reputation as a trusted provider for both contractors and homeowners. Our commitment to reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction has cemented our position as the go-to choice for scaffolding services in New Zealand.
Expertise in a wide range of projects
From large-scale commercial construction projects to similar residential renovations, Absolute Scaffolding has the expertise to handle it all. Our team is adept at working in diverse environments and can provide customised scaffolding solutions to suit any project’s specific requirements.
At Absolute Scaffolding, we are committed to staying at the forefront of the industry. Our team uses the latest scaffolding technology and equipment to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency. We follow strict safety protocols and regulations to provide a secure working environment for our clients and their teams.
From initial consultation and planning to final dismantling, Absolute Scaffolding offers a complete range of scaffolding services. Our free consultations provide detailed advice and support to help you navigate your projects' scaffolding requirements. We pride ourselves on our efficient setup and dismantling processes, which keep your project on track and within budget.
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To schedule a free consultation or request a quote, visit our website at www.absolutescaffolding.co.nz. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you with all your scaffolding needs.
Aculog provide a range of durable scaffold safety signs.
Aculog is an Acronym for:
Accurate – Correct, precise and exact. Log – Record of progress and performance. Hence Aculog – An accurate record of progress and performance.
Aculog has been developed to:
• Improve Scaffolding Safety Standards
• Improve the visibility, security and durability of scaffold safety status signs.
• Ensure monitoring both at the workface and at the site office.
• Maintain the quality and integrity of scaffolds.
• Be user friendly and easily understood by the lay person.
• Be readily installed on any site large or small.
• Provide a cost effective solution to common problems in our industry.
Our team of dedicated experts have a wealth of experience, we are at the forefront of the industry, driven by a passion for crafting timber into remarkable creations.
Current services available:
Timber profiling up to 300x100 mm
Coating – Prime, Topcoat, Staining, Charring
Packaging for transport/export
Defecting and cut to length
Treating CCA H3.2, H4, H5
Treating LOSP H3.1
Re-sawing
Timber grading
Lamination
Custom production
Steam drying
Kiln drying
timber processing requirements
In a sector where precision and reliability are not just valued but essential, Paul Smith Earthmoving represents a pinnacle of excellence. Originating from modest beginnings in Timaru, this family-operated business has grown significantly, extending its reach across the entire South Island of New Zealand.
This expansion highlights the unique advantages of a close-knit management team and commitment to localised operations, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Paul Smith Earthmoving’s consistent success can largely be regarded to its firm commitment to maintaining its identity as a family-run enterprise. This organisational structure fosters a quick and efficient decision-making process, exemplifying the company’s decision for the welfare of both its employees and clientele. Ellen Taylor, the company’s Manager of Business Compliance, elaborates on the fluid communication within the company. “Many of our managers, who have transitioned here from tier-one contracting companies, often commend the simplicity and directness of being able to pick up the phone or simply walk down the hallway to consult one of the directors for quick decision-making,” she says.
Are proud to provide accountancy, tax and business advice services for Paul Smith Earthmoving 2002 limited 39 George Street, Timaru 7910 | PO Box 125, Timaru 7940 | Email: mark@hcpartners.co.nz Phone: 03 687 9222 | Website: www.hcpartners.co.nz
Partners: Paul Wolffenbuttel | Jasveen Singh | Nick Krivan | Kalpesh Hari | Mark Evans
Our workforce is incredibly diverse, covering a wide spectrum of roles from labourers, machine operators, and supervisors to project managers, engineers, drain layers, truck drivers, mechanics, and various workshop and administrative personnel.
Directors Bruce Tinnelly and Tony Moir play fundamental roles beyond their official titles; they are deeply involved in the company’s day-to-day management. Their proactive involvement ensures the organisation remains agile and responsive, adept at seizing new opportunities and swiftly resolving any issues that arise. Ellen emphasises that this approach not only streamlines operations but also significantly boosts employee morale and productivity, fostering a positive work environment.
Strategic expansion and development
Paul Smith Earthmoving was established in Timaru over 35 years ago as a small local business and has since evolved into a key industry player across the South Island. The company has strategically added satellite offices in Ashburton and Twizel, along with establishing branches in Christchurch, Greymouth, and Cromwell. These expansions facilitate the company’s engagement in numerous projects across diverse locations, including Central Otago, South and Mid Canterbury, the Canterbury region, the West Coast and the Mackenzie district.
• Earthmoving & Construction • Equipment
CROMWELL 03 445 0010 hartley@heavytraxhire.co.nz
DUNEDIN 03 489 8201 bryce@heavytraxhire.co.nz
INVERCARGILL 03 218 4444 neil@heavytraxhire.co.nz
www.heavytraxhire.co.nz
• Hire & Sales
Rooted firmly in its origins as a family-run business, Paul Smith Earthmoving has cultivated a sterling reputation for reliability, quality, and prompt service delivery.
Adaptive and skilled workforce
Pride in its workforce is a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy. Paul Smith Earthmoving has more than 200 permanent staff members and up to 50 temporary workers, enabling dynamic responses to fluctuating project demands and adherence to stringent project specifications. “Our workforce is incredibly diverse, covering a wide spectrum of roles from labourers, machine operators, and supervisors to project managers, engineers, drain layers, truck drivers, mechanics, and various workshop and administrative personnel,” explains Ellen.
Client engagement and project diversity
Paul Smith Earthmoving’s services span a broad range of clientele, including central government bodies, local governments, and both commercial and residential sectors. Each branch is committed to addressing the specific needs of the communities it serves,
ensuring that the company delivers tailormade solutions that efficiently meet the distinct objectives of various projects.
Unwavering dedication to excellence
Rooted firmly in its origins as a family-run business, Paul Smith Earthmoving has cultivated a sterling reputation for reliability, quality, and prompt service delivery. The agility enabled by quick decision-making and the direct involvement of the directors ensures that the company consistently meets and often exceeds the expectations of its customers and employees alike.
As it looks to the future, Paul Smith Earthmoving remains steadfast in its dedication to the principles that have shaped its past and present success. This enduring commitment to operational excellence, family values, and community involvement is set to propel the company toward further growth, innovation, and success in the coming decades.
Recent research has uncovered that New Zealanders hold higher expectations for their buildings during earthquakes beyond mere life safety.
According to Helen Ferner from the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineers (NZSEE), “New Zealanders don’t just want to escape a major earthquake with their lives, but they want to be back living and working in those buildings soon after an earthquake”. This insight comes from the three-year Resilient Buildings Project conducted by NZSEE and EQC Toka Tū Ake, which aims to capture these expectations and provide a policy framework to guide engineers and designers.
“Our approach to designing new buildings must continually evolve to reflect societal desires and tolerance to seismic risk, while also considering mitigation costs,” Helen says.
The seismic events in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch, underscored the deficiencies in building resilience, leading to extensive economic and social disruption, including two years of CBD cordoning and numerous demolitions and reconstructions.
Dr. Jo Horrocks, EQC’s Chief Resilience and Research Officer, highlights the importance of enhancing building resilience to minimise economic and social impacts, based on New Zealand’s recent seismic experiences.
The research indicates that investing in seismic resilience in new buildings can yield significant benefits at relatively low costs, often less than one percent of construction expenses, through innovative designs that prioritise robustness over complexity.
The study also identifies sectors where New Zealanders place particularly high expectations for seismic resilience, such as hospitals, marae, aged care facilities, and community centers.
Helen emphasises that a flexible, nonprescriptive framework will assist designers in linking building performance indicators with broader social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
“The research unequivocally demonstrates that seismically resilient buildings are no longer optional but a moral imperative,” she says.
The Resilient Buildings Project team believes that early intervention in building
Our approach to designing new buildings must continually evolve to reflect societal desires and tolerance to seismic risk, while also considering mitigation costs.
development phases can significantly mitigate property loss, social distress, and economic disruptions, aligning with moral imperatives underscored by the substantial trauma experienced in New Zealand.
Overall, the Resilient Buildings Project provides a crucial foundation for advancing building resilience in New Zealand, aligning with societal expectations while managing costs effectively.
By integrating these findings into policy frameworks and design practices, stakeholders can better meet the dual objectives of safety and rapid recovery following seismic events, ensuring that buildings not only protect lives but also support community resilience and continuity.
By Jamie Quinn
Southland, a region known for its natural beauty and strong community spirit, is on the brink of a significant economic boom. This surge is being guided by local leaders and the Southland Chamber of Commerce, who are optimistic about the region’s future. With key initiatives and developments underway, Southland is gearing up to strengthen its economic landscape and create a more resilient and prosperous community.
The Southland Chamber of Commerce has declared this period as momentous for the region. The Chamber, a vital advocate for local businesses, has been active in driving various initiatives that promise to transform Southland’s economic landscape. According to the Chamber, the convergence of several positive factors is setting the stage for a period of growth and opportunity.
One key factor contributing to this optimism is the strategic investment in infrastructure and industry. Thanks to its robust resources and strategic location, Southland has been attracting significant attention from both national and international investors. This influx of investment is expected to create numerous job opportunities and boost the local economy.
Investment in infrastructure is a vital element of Southland’s economic strategy. The region is seeing substantial upgrades to its
transportation networks, including roads and ports, which are crucial for supporting the anticipated industrial growth. These improvements not only enhance connectivity within Southland but also ensure smoother trade routes, making the region more attractive to businesses. Enhanced transportation infrastructure also benefits the local population by reducing travel times and improving access to essential services.
In addition to infrastructure, there is a strong focus on industrial development. The Southland Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster (SEMC) is proof of this commitment. The SEMC aims to encourage collaboration among local engineering and manufacturing companies, creating a shared environment that drives innovation and efficiency. This cluster is set to position Southland as a hub for advanced manufacturing, attracting more businesses and skilled workers to the region.
The Southland Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster is an essential initiative that highlights the region’s dedication to building a stronger tomorrow. This cluster is designed to enhance the capabilities of local businesses by promoting collaboration, innovation, and shared resources. By bringing together engineering and manufacturing companies, the SEMC aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that can compete on a global scale.
One of the SEMC’s primary objectives is to address the skills gap in the local workforce. By partnering with educational institutions and providing targeted training programs, the cluster seeks to equip Southlanders with the skills needed to excel in advanced manufacturing roles. This not only benefits the individuals but also
Thanks to its robust resources and strategic location, Southland has been attracting significant attention from both national and international investors. This influx of investment is expected to create numerous job opportunities and boost the local economy.
ensures that local businesses have access to a highly skilled and capable workforce.
Additionally, the SEMC is committed to sustainability and environmental protection. By adopting green manufacturing practices and promoting the use of renewable energy, the cluster aims to minimise its environmental footprint. This aligns with Southland’s broader vision of achieving sustainable economic growth while preserving its natural heritage. These sustainable practices not only protect the environment but also position Southland as a leader in responsible industrial development.
The economic boom anticipated in Southland is not just about numbers and growth statistics; it’s about building a resilient and vibrant community. The Southland Chamber of Commerce emphasises the importance of inclusive growth that benefits all residents.
Community engagement and collaboration are at the heart of Southland’s development strategy. The Chamber works closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organisations to identify and address the region’s most pressing needs.
By focusing on creating job opportunities, enhancing local skills, and fostering a supportive business environment, the Chamber aims to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are widely shared. Community engagement and collaboration are at the heart of Southland’s development strategy. The Chamber works closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organisations to identify and address the region’s most pressing needs. This collaborative approach ensures that development initiatives align with the community’s aspirations and priorities. It also helps to build a sense of ownership and participation among residents, which is crucial for the long-term success of any development project.
While the future looks promising, Southland is not without its challenges. One of the key issues is ensuring that the region can sustain its growth momentum. This requires continued investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation. The region must navigate the complexities of global economic trends and potential
disruptions. Maintaining a balance between rapid development and sustainable practices will be key to avoiding the pitfalls that can accompany rapid economic growth.
However, the Southland Chamber of Commerce remains optimistic. By leveraging the region’s strengths and addressing its challenges proactively, Southland can build a resilient and prosperous future. The Chamber’s leadership and strategic vision play a crucial role in steering the region towards its goals.
As Southland embarks on this exciting journey, the focus remains on building a resilient and inclusive economy that benefits all residents. With a proactive approach and a clear vision, Southland is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. The region’s future looks bright, and its community is ready to embrace the promising developments on the horizon.
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BCITO has launched a new website aimed at demonstrating the opportunities for deaf New Zealanders in the construction industry.
Coinciding with New Zealand Sign Language Week (May 6-12), the Building Abilities site features stories of Kiwis who have succeeded in BCITO apprenticeships and gone on to careers in the building trades. It also features resources from BCITO and Deaf Aotearoa to help learners and employers.
More than 4,500 deaf people use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and around 23,000 New Zealanders across the country use it regularly. However, lack of awareness about deaf people’s abilities remains a significant barrier to work.
Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Lachlan Keating says, “Sometimes employers have no experience or knowledge of Deaf people and/or NZSL, so they are hesitant. Yet more often than not, deaf people begin a job, and the employer realises that the deaf individual is more than capable of doing the same work as their hearing workmates.”
While exact figures around the number of Deaf people who are unemployed or underemployed are unknown, the employment rate for all New Zealanders with disabilities is half that of the general
population. This includes members of the deaf community.
BCITO director Greg Durkin says “Providing all learners with the right resources to have meaningful careers in construction is our reason for being, and we’ve focused on developing strong partnerships with organisations such as Deaf Aotearoa to break down those misperceptions and barriers.
“At a time when the industry is still facing a shortage of skilled workers, we need to do
everything we can to inspire and empower more people to consider a trades career or gain a trade’s qualification,” he says.
Barry (Baz) Kay is one of the former BCITO apprentices whose story appears on the Building Abilities site. Profoundly deaf since birth, he spent more than 20 years filleting fish because a lack of support during schooling had left him with literacy issues and a perception that he’d only be able to do low-skilled work.
Through a family friend who happened to be a builder, he found a position as an apprentice at Invercargill’s Trent Builders and received support from BCITO to complete his qualifications in 2019.
“My training advisor, Andrew Green (BCITO Principal Advisor - Learners with Disabilities), supported me through the process. He visited me every two weeks to go through the things that were challenging me. This included using imagery to define building terminology and explaining certain words that I wasn’t able to understand. My wife would help out by translating into sign,” Baz explains.
Since then, he’s become a highly skilled carpenter and valued employee, and he’s keen to help dispel the misconceptions employers can have about how much deaf people can do.
“Deaf people have very good eyes – they’re very visually orientated and are very good with their hands.
“A lot of deaf people do have barriers in employment, so it’s worth giving people an opportunity and treating deaf people the same as hearing employees as well, because the only difference is that we can’t hear,” Baz says.
To access the Building Abilities website and find out more about opportunities for deaf people in the trades, visit: buildingabilities.co.nz.
A letter to Climate Change Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk is urging the government to commit to energy labels on homes and buildings – similar to those required on domestic appliances, and to commit to MBIE’s Building for Climate Change programme aimed at improving building standards to slash the industry’s emissions.
The letter is signed by 50 industry bodies and companies including BRANZ, CIBSE, Engineering NZ, New Zealand Institute of Architects, Sustainable Business Council, Infrastructure New Zealand, and the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).
“The second Emissions Reduction Plan is a massive opportunity to help slash the built environment’s 20 percent contribution to New Zealand’s emissions,” says Andrew Eagles, NZGBC chief executive.
“There’s overwhelming support for transforming the way we design, construct and operate our buildings.
“Not only can it help Aotearoa meet our climate obligations, but more efficient buildings reduce running costs for Kiwi
families and businesses, while also taking pressure off our struggling electricity grid.
The sector has invested significantly in preparation for these changes.”
The letter calls out two policies in particular:
• A commitment to implement the Building for Climate Change programme delivering substantially lower operational and embodied carbon emissions by the early 2030s
• Implementing energy transparency labels on new homes and buildings, and existing commercial buildings from 2026. This will enable the market to see which buildings cost less to run, and incentivise greater efficiency.
“Unlike other sectors, the knowledge and technology already exist to massively reduce our sector’s carbon footprint,” Eagles says.
“We know internationally from the likes of the UK, US, and throughout the EU, that regulatory change is vital for impactful climate action. All we need is some leadership and smart policy from the Government.”
A recent NZGBC report found improving buildings could save New Zealand almost $40 billion and slash emissions equivalent to taking half our country’s petrol cars off the road by 2050.
“Importantly, these policies would be quick to implement, are already supported by the sector, and can have a massive impact straight away. Given we’re at risk of falling far short on our 2030 climate obligations, the Government would be mad not to take them up.”
The signatories to this letter represent the largest and most influential businesses and
professional bodies in New Zealand’s building and construction sector. These businesses make a significant contribution to our country’s economy and employ hundreds of thousands of hard-working Kiwis.
NZ Construction Industry Council Executive Director, Tommy Honey, says “The construction sector is proud of the progress made on decarbonising the sector to date.
“We are keen to build on this progress and accelerate decarbonising. To move forward we need Government to make some smart steps and to send clear signals of their support of the sector and commitment to decarbonising.
“Along with the other signatories NZCIC calls for this Government to improve the Building Code and energy labels so there are consistent methodologies to measure and reduce emissions.”
The future looks bright for the frame and truss manufacturing industry. New technologies, automation approaches, and collaborations across the construction sector continue to transform the sector.
Standard frame and truss manufacture is still the sector’s backbone. FTMA member services manager Peter Carruthers says that although it’s not a simple journey, members are evolving to offer more extensively pre-fabricated building components such as wall panels, floor cassettes, roof truss cassettes, and even full volumetric structures in some cases. As pictured, floor cassettes are a popular and relatively easy step that increases the portfolio of OSM components.
New technology in computerising design and manufacturing for building and construction is developing rapidly. Two main areas stand out. One is the increasing compatibility of frame and truss design software with other construction software, such as Revit and AutoCAD. The other main area of development is automation and robotics, which can almost completely remove the need for human handling in the assembly process.
As pictured, traditional-style frame and truss factories are a big improvement over stick building from scratch on-site, but it can still be a labour-intensive process with a lot of manual handling. Automation and robotics simplify this process, meaning efficiency, safety, and precision. Currently, most frames and trusses are still delivered to and positioned on site, largely unfinished. However, by working smarter and doing more in off-site factories, complexities and inefficiencies involved on-site can be reduced.
Each manufacturer needs to find its own path based on its own appetite for change and risk, the opportunities in the market, and the internal skills and resources in its business. Manufacturers might also need to be aware of some regulatory hurdles associated with more elaborately prefabricated building components.
“Our members have a wide range of associations and collaborations, from direct one-on-one relationships between individual manufacturers and builders to more extensive supply chain integration with some of the larger groups such as PlaceMakers and Carters,” Peter says.
“In our view, closer collaboration between different sectors and levels in the supply chain is needed to reveal new efficiencies, and hopefully, this will continue to develop over time.”
FTMA maintains a close relationship with BCITO, the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation, and is a member of OffsiteNZ and the NZCIC, the New Zealand Construction Industry Council. With BCITO, they take an active role in curriculum development for relevant apprenticeship programs. As an OffsiteNZ member, they stay close to building OSM developments. As an NZCIC member, they monitor wider industry developments and trends broadly.
FTMA acknowledges the need for collaboration to emphasise designing for
manufacturing and assembly (DFMA). Peter says there’s a need for more engagement with building designers on DFMA. In many cases, a building plan won’t consider how its core structure will be built.
“Typically, the designer or architect will expect the frame and truss manufacturer to just ‘work it out’ in terms of the frame and truss set required to resolve the design into a buildable layout,” he says.
“The manufacturers take this in their stride, but we may be missing opportunities to standardise key metrics to make the most efficient utilisation of materials, reduce errors and even save time and labour on building sites.
“Regarding the actual manufacturing itself, there is a range of specialist frame and truss manufacturing equipment available from the main suppliers such as Spida Machinery, Vekta Automation, Hundegger, Jacks and some others.
“Also, very importantly, we have the two main design and manufacturing software providers, Mitek and Pryda, which pull the whole process together from the building plan, detailing, code compliance and final manufacture.
“The equipment setup will depend on the scale and scope of production that the manufacturer wants. Broadly speaking, to be competitive in the current context, a high level of automation is required to minimise errors and dependency on human labour.”
FTMA members are expected to uphold its Code of Practice, which sets out expectations for high levels of manufacturing competence, product compliance and stewardship, safety management, customer care, and document control required for certification purposes. Peter says that how a manufacturer approaches those expectations is left up to them.
“As typical in any industry sector, some are keen to embrace change and adopt the
latest technologies, whereas others are more inclined to be later adopters when the technologies have become well-established and present a lower risk.”
This applies to sustainability as well. Members focus on sustainable measures that are feasible and economical per their circumstances, Peter says. FTMA’s first priorities are to make building components that are fit for purpose, code compliant and cost competitive.
“In New Zealand, we benefit from having most of our input timber and wood products manufactured locally from well-managed plantation forest resources. Inherently with software-optimised manufacturing, material waste factors are reasonably low, less than five percent.
“Most manufacturers are able to pre-sort their wastes, such as wood off-cuts,
plastic wraps and metals, to enhance recycling options.”
Steps are being taken to reduce the barriers to using alternative building products. FTMA encourages this and developments that increase the compatibility and recognition of other credible building product standard sources.
“We have the benefit of national standards for timber structures (such as NZS3604), which are deemed to comply with solutions for the building code. There is considerable work going on currently at the regulatory level with MBIE to simplify building consent and code compliance certification processes.”
Peter says there is a market need to reduce time, costs, and complexity in the building process. FTMA is motivated to be an active and important participant in that evolution.
It’s interesting how we all recognise the discomfort of the cold, yet rarely consider its effects on us while we work.
The effects of the cold can range from increased risk of injury, reduced work rate and quality, and greater potential for damage to plant and equipment.
Even single-digit temperatures can have a wide range of potential harmful effects. Also, the degree of coldness can be underestimated if other factors, such as wind chill, are not considered.
The cold can also affect one’s ability to concentrate on the task at hand. It can increase irritability and frustration and may even incline people to take shortcuts to finish faster.
So how can you help prevent yourself from the adverse effects of harsh winter conditions?
Consider the following points when protecting yourself from severe winter conditions.
Personal protective equipment
Clothing and other Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be appropriate to the weather conditions and the level and duration of the task.
Particular PPE you could pay attention to are:
Layers
Clothing should be worn in multiple layers. The air between the layers provides better insulation. Layering also allows easier adjustment as temperature changes. Being too hot is just as challenging as being too cold.
Fibres
Materials such as polypropylene and polyester are much better than cotton. Cotton tends to dampen faster and increase the chill effect by robbing body heat. Many technical fabrics are available today draw moisture away from the skin.
Outer layers
Jackets should be rain and wind-proof and allow for easy opening and removal. They should also be able to close off and open at the waist, neck and wrists to help control heat and excess sweating. Always make outer layers high visibility.
Hats
A Merino wool or polypropylene hat worn under a hard hat can reduce excessive heat loss. Heavy or thick beanies should be avoided, as they will affect the fit and effectiveness of the hard hat.
Hand protection
According to MBIE, when manual handling is required for more than 10 - 20 minutes
at temperatures below 16◦C, special precautions must be taken, such as providing warm air blowers or insulated handles on tools. Gloves are also an option, but these can become bulky and affect a worker’s manual dexterity, so try to address these concerns so safety does not become compromised.
Maintenance
Clothes and equipment should be kept clean and dry.
Footwear
Modern safety footwear is generally well padded, insulated and made from materials such as leather, which allows the boots to breath.
Socks
One pair of thick socks, or two pairs (one inner sock of polypropylenes, nylon or thin
wool and a larger thick sock for the outer) is suitable for cold conditions. However, caution must be applied, particularly if the wearer has diabetes or circulation problems, as the thickness of fabric will cause tighter fitting of the safety boots.
Face and eye protection
Face and eye protection are appropriate in extremely harsh conditions. Make sure the lenses are separated from the nose and mouth to prevent fogging and frosting.
Food, shelter and wellbeing
Food and liquid intake are essential to maintaining body heat and preventing dehydration. The body exerts more energy when working in cold conditions, working hard to keep warm.
Major international collaboration led by HERA to position Aotearoa’s construction sector at the forefront of Construction 4.0
By HERA CEO, Dr Troy Coyle
I was on leave in the middle of the Australian bush, koala spotting when we got the great news that our Endeavour Funding bid for $10.3 million had been successful. It is a project proposal that we had been working on for two years formally and really, we have been positioning for almost five years!
The need for this project had been brought to my attention during my member visits in my first 90 days as CEO of HERA, initially by Wayne Carson, Managing Director of D&H Steel Construction. I continued to ask other members for their views in subsequent meetings. I heard the industry reflect back that this was a big issue.
How it was told to me (in summary) was that “there was a nexus between design, construction and beyond. This was leading to inefficiencies. The supply chain was linear and fabricators, for example, were not being engaged in the process as much as they could be when designs were being established. This meant that designs were being set that were hard to construct. Fabricators had the knowledge to be able to make the designs easier to construct but weren’t usually
engaged in that process. There was a lot of data and knowledge floating around, but it wasn’t connected, optimised or in a form that designers could easily use.”
I knew HERA had to do something to assist in solving that problem but I also knew that it was a broader problem for the sector… including how decisions were optimised for sustainability (which became increasingly a focus). I also knew that this was going to be a technically challenging (and huge) project because it was going to require an Industry 4.0 approach (I hadn’t even heard of complexity science at that point).
That member feedback, along with HERA’s commitment to its vision “of securing tomorrow’s future by innovating today” is what led us on a four-year long journey to get this project running (more on that below).
Why is this project important for the sector?
Currently, there is a profound limitation in the way that construction is performed in Aotearoa New Zealand. The challenge is that complex decisions are being made based on simple data inputs. The decision points in the process are done in linear silos with little inter-connection or data-derived decision support. The process is entrenched and far
from optimised. For example, designers do not have adequate tools to optimise designs for ease of manufacture/fabrication, let alone the ability to resolve the conjoint considerations required to deliver design for sustainability, constructability, te ao Māori, resilience and affordability simultaneously. Such decisions require collection, connection and analysis of complex data sets. This challenge requires a complexity science and construction 4.0 approaches (design lead construction process) to solve these longstanding limitations and to revolutionise conventional construction.
Construction is a system that is greater than the sum of its parts
Construction data used to inform those decisions is typically considered in a linear
fashion and does not accommodate the fact that it is a complex decision-making system that is greater than the sum of its parts.
To overcome these issues, new technologies of the 4th industrial age are required to transform construction from a linear to a circular system known as construction 4.0. Construction 4.0 promises the construction industry with a decentralised connection between the physical space and the cyberspace via ubiquitous connectivity. Therefore, the science problem is one of complex big data managing and connectivity. The overarching science question, related to this science problem, is: how can a complex system and interactive data sets be sourced and used simultaneously to inform decisions made across the construction value chain
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that concurrently impact subsequent and preceding steps in that chain? That is, how can a process that is currently limited by its sequential nature be transformed, through novel use of data collection and analysis, to consider the interactive complexities that cross those linear boundaries?
In order to address this problem properly, the following research questions must be addressed:
• How do we understand the interacting behaviours of this complex system as something that is more than the sum of its parts?
• How do we capture this complexity versus merely reduce it, and how do we translate this into decision support tools for sector participants?
• What are the appropriate Industry 4.0 technologies to be used?
• What are the required protocols to ensure the required data is ready for integration?
• What are the structural optimisation models required to be developed/identified?
• What are the practical impacts of decision optimisation?
• How can we incorporate the interface between indigenous knowledge and Construction 4.0?
• What will ensure industry adoption?
This is world leading research This project is using complexity science to build upon developing nascent global Construction 4.0 knowledge. The research is world-leading in an emerging area of international interest to create datadriven decision-making for the future of
construction. It also incorporates Mātauranga Māori interfaces, making it unique globally. It is important to note that MBIE has requirements relating to Vision Mātauranga and we are ensuring we are honouring these meaningfully versus ticking a box to merely get the funding.
There are several major advances expected in this project to make the work unique globally:
• Complex system data management science stretch – this project will take a complexity science approach to construction optimisation using customer input. This will develop the nascent global
• Construction 4.0 knowledge and the technical stretch in the item below. It considers complex interactions between cost, sustainability performance, structural performance, constructability, and people’s subjective preferences using fuzzy logic based on stakeholder interaction/feedback.
• Technical science stretch – new approaches will be developed, to cover the broad range of practical construction options to be considered in the big data optimisations.
• Mātauranga Māori interfaces – this will be the first time globally that indigenous world views are incorporated into decision support tools using Construction 4.0. This presents a significant
• Challenge due to the inherent differences, in viewpoint and the practical challenges with codifying this data and resolving incompatibilities with prevailing approaches. This in itself, will transform the sector and make it more holistic.
It requires a global effort: researchers and industry leaders working together
The application of complexity science and Industry 4.0 in construction is an immature
discipline globally with very few identified experts in Construction 4.0 research. Hence, a team of global experts in the component parts of Construction 4.0 (in terms of experience and skills mix) have been brought together to use a complexity science approach. International linkages, industry linkages and linkages to existing research programs are ensuring that the research program and project outcomes avoid redundancy and are international best practice. Experts in Mātauranga Māori and its interface with Engineering, as well as sustainability and resilience in the built environment are also key team members. Finally, we have also incorporated expertise in technology transfer in traditional industries, and public policy development to ensure that the project outcomes are both ready for adoption and readily adoptable.
The Construction 4.0 framework and guidelines developed in this project will manage complexity and reduce uncertainty; and enhance information exchange and communication between project stakeholders– to increase productivity and quality. This work will create a step-change in construction sector transformation, create jobs and upskill the workforce through innovation and/or digital literacy.
The outcomes are being widely disseminated through published literature but also in terms of industry adoption and practice improvements. We have also established an overarching Industry Advisory Board, industry outreach and mechanisms for industry engagement and input and are close to launching our Ngākopa Construction 4.0 hub – which will be the digital hub housing all of our insights, news and resources as they are released.
How has HERA been preparing for this project?
It has taken some deliberate actions to get us to a point where we be ready to lead this important project:
• Listening to our members and sector players to better understand the key issues and how these can be addressed through research
• Developing HERA’s Industry 4.0 capability within our staff
• Creating the Fab4.0Lab
• Creating our Industry 4.0 cluster
• Creating Industry 4.0 based productivity assessments for our members
• Commissioning the BERL Construction 4.0 productivity report
• Developing collaborative relationships with leading experts in the required areas
• Identifying and developing relationships with new partners
• Continuing the thought leadership; and
• Developing our appreciation of Mātauranga Māori (e.g. through weekly classes for all staff).
A year into this research and some major headway has been made. We are close to releasing the first book publication “Ngākopa Construction 4.0” which explores why Construction 4.0 in Aotearoa makes sense. Sharing insights and integrated connections across the core themes of the researchthis will be a valuable resource for those interested in the future of construction and wanting to take the journey towards implementing Construction 4.0. Please contact Rebecca.Symonds@hera.org.nz to register your interest.
For further information visit: www.hera.org.nz
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Laser Electrical Hastings have long established themselves as a leading electrical contractor in the local area, servicing the Hawkes Bay region.
Their successful operation is due to their dedicated team of electricians who strive to provide their customers with a totally dependable service with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Laser Electrical Hastings have expertise in a wide range of electrical services from residential to commercial and industrial.
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Our traffic management products, including portable traffic lights and vehicle-mounted arrow boards, provide flexible and reliable solutions for managing traffic flow. These systems are designed for easy deployment and operation, making them ideal for both urban settings and construction sites. They play an important role in maintaining orderly traffic and ensuring the safety of road users and construction workers alike.
Comprehensive carpark safety tools
Highway 1 offers a range of wheel stops and bollards to enhance safety in parking areas. These products are crafted from durable materials with high-visibility features to prevent accidents and effectively manage pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Our wheel stops, made from high-density rubber, are suitable for various environments, whether indoor or outdoor and are incredibly easy to install.
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Our road cones recognised widely across New Zealand, are manufactured from UVstabilised, high-quality PVC to endure the region’s harsh climatic conditions. These cones are not only durable but also designed for high visibility, making them essential for safety in diverse settings such as roads, school zones, and construction areas.
Our products undergo rigorous testing to meet the demanding conditions they are designed for, ensuring they perform optimally when needed most. Our commitment to innovation means we continually seek out and operate the latest technologies and methods in our solutions.
Robust cable protection options
Keeping cables safe in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic is crucial. Highway 1 provides a range of cable protectors that cater to different intensities. Our protectors safeguard both cables and pedestrians, preventing accidents and extending the lifespan of cables. Our range includes heavyduty options for industrial sites and lighter versions for offices and lighter-traffic areas.
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Visit our website or reach out to our customer support team to learn more about our extensive range of products and how they can support your safety and maintenance projects. At Highway 1, we are dedicated to improving the world’s roads with smart, effective solutions, making us your go-to provider for road safety and maintenance needs.
0800 175 571
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See our website for the full range
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59 Druces Road, Manukau, Auckland
í South Island Branch
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The recent QV CostBuilder figures have hit the nail on the head when it comes to rising building costs.
They show that the average cost of building a standard three-bedroom home in New Zealand’s main centres has increased by 1.8 percent annually, and by just 0.3 percent this last quarter.
This compares to an average increase of 4.9 percent in the year ending December 2023 and 9.5 percent in the year ending June 2023. QV CostBuilder spokesperson and experienced quantity surveyor, Martin Bisset, says “The rate of building cost inflation is certainly on the wane.
“This will be welcome news to all those who are currently contemplating or pricing up new building projects, especially at a time of such economic uncertainty.
“Significant economic headwinds continue to blow, which has drastically reduced activity across the wider construction sector.
“For consumers, the upside of that is there are fewer capacity constraints and therefore less upward pressure on pricing. Contractors are having to put their best price forward in order to win work,” he says.
“We’re also seeing that many of the supply chain issues that arose as a result of Covid-19 have now been rectified, with fuel costs and interest rates also sitting relatively steady for the time being.
“Inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high generally – both at home and abroad – but this is also firmly on a downward track.”
It comes after the Government recently proposed changes to the Building Act that are intended to simplify and reduce building costs. These include requiring building consent authorities to accept products that comply with specific overseas standards equivalent to—or higher than—those in New Zealand.
“Anything that makes the cost of building cheaper will be a good thing, provided we also ensure the quality and reliability of the products and materials being used.
Anything that makes the cost of building cheaper will be a good thing, provided we also ensure the quality and reliability of the products and materials being used.
“However, due to the timeframe it will take to implement the changes to the Act, and then obtain approval for the products, there is unlikely to be a reduction in building costs in the near future. But we’ll be watching this proposal very closely, as it progresses,” Bisset says.
The largest elemental price increases since the last update in February related to exterior walls/finish, which increased by an average of 0.8 percent. Frame costs reduced by 0.7 percent due to a reduction in the price of structural steel – the third quarter in a row that it has decreased –with site preparation costs also falling 1.6 percent due to a decrease in the sheet piling rate.
On average, each trade rate increased by just 0.1 percent since February. Most notably, the cost of suspended ceilings increased by 2.5 percent, the cost of fireproofing went up by 2.2 percent, and carpentry costs climbed 1.6 percent. At the same time, structural
steel decreased by 1.4 percent, and metal framing dropped 2.3 percent.
Applying these changes into CostBuilder also showed a relatively small 0.9 percent annual increase in the average cost to build nonresidential buildings, including 0.4 percent this quarter.
This is also a significantly slower rate of building cost inflation than in previous updates, including 4.7 percent in the year ending December 2023.
“It’s important to remember these figures are only averages and the true cost of building will always be dependent on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” he added.
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For over 36 years, Morgan Plumbing has been the trusted name in Marlborough and Blenheim for all your plumbing, drain laying, gas fitting, and even roofing needs. Our team of fully licensed and experienced plumbers are the best in the business. They are not just skilled; they are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, treating your home with respect, and ensuring your plumbing woes are a thing of the past.
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Recent immigration policy changes, announced in April, have sparked criticism for potentially undermining New Zealand’s infrastructure projects.
The alterations remove eleven roles from the Green List and seven from the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement.
Civil Contractors New Zealand chief executive, Alan Pollard, has expressed concern that these changes fail to grasp the industry’s needs, particularly amidst a projected surge in infrastructure projects such as new Roads of National Significance, water network upgrades, and cyclone recovery efforts.
Alan emphasised the critical role of migrant workers in meeting the country’s infrastructure demands, warning that restricting their access could lead to higher costs and hinder the timely completion of essential projects.
He noted that training a domestic worker to attain multi-skilled civil tradesperson status typically takes around five years, highlighting the immediate need for skilled international talent to fill gaps in the workforce.
The industry leader criticised the timing and foresight of the policy adjustments, suggesting they could impede the industry’s ability to swiftly scale up operations when necessary.
He urged policymakers to reconsider by reinstating roles on the Green List and Sector Agreement, emphasising the importance of targeted immigration policies aligned with sector needs.
Moreover, Alan pointed out systemic challenges within the education system that hinder the development of civil trades skills among domestic students.
He called for enhanced collaboration between the government and industry to establish effective pathways for both immigration and domestic training programs, ensuring the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s civil infrastructure workforce.
In conclusion, Alan underscored the invaluable contributions of skilled civil construction workers to society and urged recognition and support from policymakers to address immediate and future infrastructure needs effectively.
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The civil construction industry’s perspective on immigration:
• Skills shortage and availability of workers has been the single biggest challenge to growth in the civil construction industry for years, topping the list of the civil construction industry’s biggest problems each year in the industry’s annual Construction Industry Survey since it began in 2017
• New Green List pathways for civil trades workers were seen by industry in the 2023 Construction Industry Survey as the second most positive impact, only behind a clear pipeline of central and local government work
• Projections for the infrastructure deficit and upcoming work programme are massive, ranging between $100b and $120b
• The infrastructure workforce consists of an estimated 108,000 workers, evenly split between horizontal (civil) and vertical.
DN Civil is a local family owned civil construction company based in Nelson, serving the upper South Island.
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Fletcher Building has embraced the challenge of reducing carbon emissions with the launch of LowCO, a pioneering residential project aimed at transforming home construction in New Zealand for a sustainable future.
Residences are significant contributors to carbon emissions, necessitating a shift in building practices. Leveraging expertise and materials across its various businesses, Fletcher Building is driving this transformation.
“On average, homes emit seven times more carbon over their 90-year lifespan than what is sustainable to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius,” explains Steve Evans, Chief Executive of Fletcher Building’s Residential and Development Division.
“With LowCO, we’ve designed homes that emit seven times less carbon than traditional
homes, setting a new standard for modern living. These homes not only reduce carbon but also cut energy and water consumption significantly.”
The inaugural LowCO build, located at Fletcher Living’s Waiata Shores development, includes a three-bedroom detached home and a terrace block, both adhering to New Zealand’s stringent carbon budget for new builds.
Careful planning went into selecting systems and products to minimize both embodied and operational carbon emissions.
“LowCO represents a collaborative effort across Fletcher Building, uniting us in our commitment to build sustainable homes that enhance the lives of future generations,” adds Steve.
“While the initial costs of building highperformance homes like LowCO may be slightly higher, the lifecycle savings from reduced electricity and water use make them more economical in the long run,” Steve notes.
Fletcher Living aims to engage with financial institutions to integrate long-term building performance into homeowners’ financial considerations.
Nicola Tagiston, Head of Sustainability for Fletcher Living, underscores that LowCO extends beyond constructing four highperformance homes. “It catalyses vital discussions about the future of housing in Aotearoa,” she says.
Industry partners such as Architype, Sustainable Engineering, Beca, and
Watercare have contributed expertise to LowCO, helping find practical solutions to enhance home building.
Smart monitoring integrated throughout LowCO will capture three years of energy and water usage data, advancing the understanding of thermal performance and guiding future enhancements. The project’s sustainability has earned it a coveted 10 Homestar built rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council.
Steve emphasises that “LowCO serves as both a beacon for the industry and a call to action that transformative change is possible. To spur further innovation, we will make LowCO architectural plans and product lists freely available on the Fletcher Living website.”
Through LowCO, Fletcher Building demonstrates leadership in sustainable housing, paving the way for a greener future in New Zealand and beyond.
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.
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Stainless Electrical Products, a privately owned and operated enterprise, has been at the forefront of stainless steel fabrication and manufacturing since its establishment in 2004. Situated in Hamilton, the company excels in delivering top-notch products, ranging from sheet metal and stainless steel wire to complete machinery and accessories specifically designed for the food and dairy sectors.
With managing director Aub Hart, Stainless Electrical Products has undergone a transformation, evolving into a multifaceted business specialising in stainless steel fabrication and electrical solutions.
Beginning as an electrical contracting business named Midland Electrical Services Ltd, the company swiftly recognised the market demand for top-quality stainless steel products. Aub established Stainless Electrical Products to cater to this demand, initially focusing on manufacturing stainless steel enclosures.
Today, headquartered in Hamilton, the company’s scope encompasses a wide array of products, from sheet metal to complete machinery, predominantly catering to the dairy and food industries in New Zealand. Their ‘Hygienic Range’ enclosure stands out for its recessed lid design, facilitating easy cleaning.
However, Stainless Electrical Products extends beyond New Zealand, with products supplied to Australia and the Pacific Islands. Their involvement with Yashili New Zealand’s milk processing plant illustrates their pivotal role in supplying hygienic enclosures, cable mesh, and isolators for industrial plants.
The workshop of Stainless Electrical Products boasts comprehensive equipment, featuring a three-meter-wide Brake Press, 2.4-meter Guillotine, Water Jet Cutter, Spot Welders, Stud Welders, and Tig & Mig Welders.
Their product range includes:
• Cabinets
• Enclosures
• Pull Box/Junction Box Enclosures
• Pin Lock Hinged Door Enclosures
From design to fabrication, Stainless Electrical Products specialises in building electrical enclosures, cabinets, and assorted products according to customer needs. With their water jet cutter, they offer an end-toend service of computer-aided designs to the final delivery of the product. Ensuring a high-quality finish remains their commitment while maintaining competitiveness and meeting stipulated timelines.
• HMI Panels
• Air Manifolds
• Wire Mesh Cable Trays & Components
• Meter Boxes.
“All items are manufactured in our workshop in Hamilton. Our team is committed to manufacturing a high-quality unit with a professional finish, at a competitive rate
Our team is committed to manufacturing a high-quality unit with a professional finish, at a competitive rate within an agreed time frame. Short runs and one-off units made to the customer’s individual specifications are our specialty.
within an agreed time frame. Short runs and one-off units made to the customer’s individual specifications are our specialty,” says Aub.
Stainless Electrical Products continues to thrive as a leading player in the industry, upholding its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction across diverse markets.
For inquiries, contact the dedicated team at Stainless Electrical Products today at (07) 859 1119 or email them at info@stainlesselectrical.co.nz. Alternatively visit their website for more information, www.sep.co.nz
We are a privately owned and operated Company that has been in the business of Stainless Steel Fabrication and Manufacture since 2004.
We manufacture components, accessories and complete machines for industries such as food and dairy.
Our team are committed to manufacturing a high-quality unit with a professional finish, at a competitive rate within an agreed time frame. Short runs made to your specification are our speciality.
Contact us now to enquire about working with us to develop or manufacture your product.
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At Wairarapa Diesel Services (WDS), we are proud to be at the forefront of diesel vehicle specialisation in the Wairarapa. With a team of highly skilled technicians and a commitment to exceptional customer service, we have earned a reputation as the go-to diesel experts in the region.
We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of heavy machinery and light vehicles alike. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we have the knowledge and expertise to keep your diesel vehicles running at their best, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.
Our Services
• Heavy machinery expertise: We specialise in repairs and maintenance for heavy earthmoving and forestry machinery, ensuring your equipment operates at peak efficiency.
• Hydraulic solutions: From hydraulic repairs to hose fabrication, our skilled technicians provide quick and reliable services that keep your operations running smoothly.
• Light vehicle care: We handle everything from light trucks and trailers to small diesel engines. Our services ensure your lighter vehicles are in top shape
• Frost protection: We service and maintain frost protection machines, crucial for many agricultural businesses throughout the region. Our expertise in frost protection equipment allows us to keep your machines running reliably, even in the harshest conditions, protecting your crops and livelihood.
• On-site support: We understand downtime is costly. That is why we offer mobile services throughout the Wairarapa, bringing our expertise directly to you and ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
Quality products
We stock high-quality automotive products from trusted brands like Wurth, SuperCharge, Batteries, Valvoline, and Donaldson Filters, ensuring your vehicles receive the best in parts and care. By using only the highest-quality parts and fluids, we ensure that your diesel vehicles
perform at their optimal level, delivering the reliability and efficiency you expect.
Our partnership with RYCO Hydraulics equips us to handle any emergency with 24-hour breakdown service. No matter the time or place, WDS is ready to assist you with any urgent needs. We understand that breakdowns don’t always happen during convenient hours, and that is why we are available around the clock to keep your operations running smoothly.
MTA assured
As a member of the Motor Trade Association (MTA), WDS adheres to the highest standards of service and ethics. Our MTA affiliation guarantees that you receive professional, fair, and thorough service every time you choose us.
Wairarapa Diesel Services 15 Edwin Feist Place Masterton (06) 370 3818 24/7: 0800 111 247 office@waidiesel.co.nz www.waidiesel.co.nz
• Specialist Duct Supply and Installation
• General Sheetmetal and Welding Services
• Custom Made Stainless Steel Channel Drain Covers
• Flashings, Cappings & Rainwater Components
By Ben O’Connell
The dream: a beautiful kitchen, a new extension, or a manicured garden. The reality? Incomplete projects, empty pockets, and a trail of unanswered calls. Lacking a combination of qualifications, skills, and integrity, cowboy builders target unsuspecting homeowners and promise the world but deliver disaster.
Cowboy builders wave many red flags. If nothing is in writing, the quote is suspiciously affordable, or they want a deposit as soon as a deal is struck, then beware. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Ignoring red flags can mean an unsafe and unhealthy home, as well as legal and financial issues.
Perhaps it’s Kiwi humility, but Bruce says customers shouldn’t be afraid to ask tradespeople for evidence of their legitimacy. Sourcing authenticity statements from tradies should be easy. Hiring tradies involves a level of personal responsibility, especially when you’re spending a lot. Getting at least three quotes for a project should suffice.
Any great builder will have a social media presence and a dazzling portfolio of successful past projects, so it’s a concern if a trader lacks positive and recent reviews and references. Slow, poor communication and a Gmail, Yahoo, or Xtra email address are two other digital alarm bells.
People are often not as Internet literate as they think. Fact-check your research across multiple websites. Remember that any licensed practitioner will be listed online.
Do your homework, check the businesses out, look for verified reviews, and trust your gut.
Further, anyone can leave a Google review, and there are people paid to give businesses five-star references.
“Google is a double-edged sword,” says cofounder and general manager of NoCowboys, Bruce Lindsay. NoCowboys helps Kiwis find reputable tradespeople. Founded in 2006, the intuitive website hosts over 11,000 businesses and invites tradies to reply to negative reviews. NoCowboys’ specialised AI software verifies and checks reviews for inconsistencies.
“Most tradies are great. To get a cowboy is bad luck,” Bruce says. Licensed Building Practitioners have had 42 complaints so far this year. MBIE says there were 207 complaints made for the year ended
August 2022. For context, Stats NZ reported that in February 2022, New Zealand’s construction industry was comprised of 77,160 enterprises.
Illegitimate traders use many strategies. Some change their names. Some target the vulnerable, such as retirees and the poor. Some take the phoenix trading approach, burning one business only to start another soon after, continuing trade as if nothing happened. Do your due diligence.
Bruce notes that there are some cowboys listed at www.nocowboys.co.nz, not because the site supports these tradespeople but so potential clients can be aware of dodgy
builders. The website’s purpose is to host conversations and hold tradies accountable. The fact that cowboy builders passionately hate NoCowboys is perhaps their best advertising. Businesses can register with NoCowboys to permanently capture and leverage their existing goodwill with a customisable webpage.
Fraudulent tradespeople leave a trail wherever they go, on and offline. Bruce says the answer to protecting yourself from cowboys is simple: “Do your homework, check the businesses out, look for verified reviews, and trust your gut.”
•
The Gearbox Factory is your one stop drivetrain shop, whose focus is providing the country with top-class service and transmission solutions, thus creating the ultimate customer experience.
They have been servicing, repairing, overhauling, and replacing transmissions for over 49 years. Overall, their experience has positioned The Gearbox Factory as one of the top transmission repairers in the country. Based in Auckland’s East Tamaki, the family run business is a staple for the automotive industry, which services the entire country from top to bottom. To help gain a better understanding, here is an explanation of their different departments and what they specialize in…
The largest department of The Gearbox Factory, these guys have over 100 years’ experience shared between them. Since the beginning, this section has adapted and trained their staff with the latest information available to the world including the inception of CVT, DSG and DCT transmissions. Having this knowledge has kept them ahead of the trends and always up to date. Steve Hamilton, the Automatic Sales Manager, who joined the company in 1997, has dealt with thousands of transmissions through the years, coupled with his experience in engineering and engine reconditioning, he has helped develop tailored overhaul packages and modifications to most automatics The Gearbox Factory rebuild. Steph Dakin, Office and Service Manager, and so much more, handles all the service enquiries along with co-ordinating the Torque Converter department. Steph has exceptional customer service skills and has been with the company since 2015.
Over the years
4WD vehicles have become hugely popular with manufacturers producing plenty of different models to the world and New Zealand markets. As these 4WD systems started to fail, The Gearbox Factory geared up with the latest equipment and specialist tools, ready to take these complicated systems on.
Manual department:
This section encompasses all the gear driven components of your vehicle. Covering differentials (front and rear), 4WD/4X4 transfer case, wheel bearings, clutches, and of course manual gearboxes. Although the team have been rebuilding
manuals since the beginning, over the years 4WD vehicles have become hugely popular with manufacturers producing plenty of different models to the world and New Zealand markets. As these 4WD systems started to fail, The Gearbox Factory geared up with the latest equipment and specialist tools, ready to take these complicated systems on. Chris Hogg, the Manual Department Manager, joined the company in 1994. He started as a rebuilder and then became more of a foreman/manager with an officebased role. His engineering, plus overall workshop experience has helped develop a database of problem-solving techniques and diagnostics to make sure they are top of the industry. For Auckland based customers, thinking their gearbox may have an issue, The Gearbox Factory provides a free, no obligation roadtest which is easily done through phone booking.
The Gearbox Factory can check, monitor, and diagnose any torque converter fault, with their latest diagnostic tools and experienced technicians. To prevent premature torque converter failure, servicing the transmission with correct fluid is paramount.
Torque converters are vital for the operation of an automatic transmission. With any transmission overhaul, torque converters require the same treatment. The Gearbox Factory has devoted their machine shop and a comprehensive range of torque converter parts available to service the entire country’s retail and trade customers. With the latest transmissions utilizing the torque converter’s lock-up, more and more vehicles often require a torque converter rebuild before the transmission does. The Gearbox Factory can check, monitor, and diagnose any torque converter fault, with their latest diagnostic tools and experienced technicians. To prevent premature torque converter failure, servicing the transmission with correct fluid is paramount.
The Gearbox Factory’s fitting department covers the removal and installation of all various drivetrain components including servicing, clutch replacements, differentials, automatics, and manuals. The workshop is fitted out with 6 heavy duty 2 post hoists and one 4 post hoist to handle the even heavier duty vehicles (trucks up to 5,000 kg’s). Once the vehicles are diagnosed and ready to be repaired, they are sent to the fitters and scheduled in for the first part of the process. Their team of 4 are challenged daily but apply all their years of mechanical background experience to tackle all sorts of various makes and models coming through the factory doors.
Within the Auckland area, The Gearbox Factory service all passenger and light commercial vehicles with most filters and gaskets in stock readily available. This can be easily priced over the phone and booked in with plenty of weekly slots available.
For all service and repair enquiries contact The Gearbox Factory on 09 274 8340 / 0800 4432 7269 or visit their website www.gearboxfactory.co.nz
� No obligation test drive & transmission
� FREE Courtesy car*
� FREE Towing*
� FREE Pick up & Delivery*
� FREE 12 month/20,000 km OR 18 month/25,000 km warranty on parts & workmanship*
� FREE phone transmission diagnosis (if necessary liasing with garage who removed your transmission)
� FREE freight one way*
� FREE 12 month/20,000 km OR 18 month/25,000 km warranty on
& workmanship *
City Branch
m 03 379 5500
o 189 - 205 Moorhouse Avenue
Sockburn Branch
m 03 344 5733
o 9 Waterloo Road
Blackwells ISUZU Ashburton
m 03 344 5733
o 189 McMurdo Street, Tinwald
Formerly known as Auckland Cranes and now proudly operating as Universal Cranes, we’ve emerged as a trusted, leading brand in the industry, drawing on our legacy since 1970. Our track record speaks for itself, with a strong reputation for providing secure and highly efficient solutions for all your lifting and shifting needs.
With locations in Auckland and Hamilton, we offer comprehensive mobile crane rental services, serving diverse industries and businesses. Our commitment to delivering precision lifts remains unwavering, no matter how complex the task.
In collaboration with Smithbridge Group and Universal Cranes Australia, our trans-Tasman partnership enhances our service offerings across Australia and New Zealand. This cross-border collaboration leverages our expertise, resources, and knowledge, offering seamless solutions for clients in both locations.
Exciting times lie ahead as the next generation leads us into a new era. Contact us today to discover our extensive national and international fleet and dependable crane rental services.
