Site Safe is offering up to 24 scholarships to the health and safety leaders of tomorrow. Their Health and Safety in Construction programme has been growing year on year and is for anyone keen to achieve their goals of higher-level learning.
Successful participants will be awarded with an NZQArecognised New Zealand Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety Practice (Level 3).
Site Safe Chief Executive, Brett Murray, says the scholarships are a great opportunity for aspiring health and safety leaders to gain valuable skills and qualifications.
“We are proud to support the next generation of health and safety champions who want to make a positive difference in their workplaces and communities. The scholarships are a way of recognising the diversity and talent within the construction sector and encouraging more people to pursue a career in health and safety."
Site Safe’s scholarships are open to anyone who works in the construction industry, regardless of their role, experience, or background and aim to support diversity in the industry. Applicants can apply for one of six categories: Māori, Pasifika, Under 25, Women in Construction, Accessibility,
Each year, Site Safe awards scholarships to motivated learners to complete their Health and Safety in Construction programme
This initiative is part of Site Safe’s dedication to supporting the construction industry’s next generation of aspiring health and safety leaders.
and Open (to anyone).
Each recipient receives regular, ongoing support
providing continued guidance throughout their learning journeys. Over the
from Site Safe as they go through the programme. A dedicated team of experts assists students each step of the way, planning their course pathways and
years, Site Safe has seen successful graduates of the Health and Safety in Construction programme and go on to become industry leaders in health
and safety.
Graduates frequently tell Site Safe that the programme boosts their confidence and helps them apply new safety skills on site. Feedback also shows that learning in the classroom with peers from the construction industry allows for valuable discussions.
To acknowledge their achievements, successful scholarship recipients are invited to Site Safe’s flagship event, the Evening of Celebration in Auckland in March 2025 to receive their scholarship award and connect with those already established in the health and safety industry.
Pro g ramm e
Scholarship applications now open
Scholarship Categories
• Māori
• Pasifika
• Under 25
• Women in Construction
• Accessibility (any age, gender or ethnicity)
• Open (any age, gender or ethnicity)
For more information on the Health and Safety in Construction programme, or to enrol, contact us on 0800 SITE SAFE, email programme@sitesafe.org.nz or visit our website sitesafe.org.nz.
New Zealand construction industry to expect rise in AI
Nearly a third
of Australian companies are already trialing or using AI
to help solve major issues facing the industry, including reducing the cost of construction . Another third plan to use it in the future.
This is likely also to play out in New Zealand, which is facing similar issues. 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.
The new report by Autodesk and Deloitte, the State of Digital Adoption in the Construction Industry 2024 report , 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 & 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,” says Oberoi.
“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,” says Oberoi.
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 30 percent of Australian companies surveyed are currently
trialing or using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to increase efficiencies and help to solve major issues facing the industry, 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 hav-
ing to seriously rethink their tools, workforce skill needs and how they interact with clients and contractors.
“Generative AI has ex-
a new project proposal doesn’t need to start from scratch, instead leveraging material and pricing based on projects with similar
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
ploded onto the agenda for senior leaders with the rapid adoption of tools like ChatCPT, Midjourney and Github Copilot. No industry is immune from the transformative potential of this technology,” says Oberoi.
“Generative AI means that
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 record-level 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,” says Oberoi.
“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.”
This article was authored by Autodesk and Deloitte, the staff of which surveyed and interviewed 933 construction firms in Australia, Singapore, Japan, India, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Autodesk's Design and
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 38 percent in the article percent planning to use the technology in the future
• Nearly 80% 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
Make Platform unlocks the power of data to accelerate insights and automate processes, empowering
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Graphic Designer Rachel Loo rachel@infrastructurebuild.com
Property managers selfimpose new standards after industry remains unregulated
Despite the Government’s decision not to proceed with legislation regulating property managers, one firm has committed to meeting the same standard that would have been required under such legislation
Fixated on increasing housing supply, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out any plans to regulate the property management industry.
“The previous Government’s analysis of the Bill showed that the cost-benefit analysis was very marginal. The analysis
also noted that even those marginal benefits were highly uncertain, with the most certain aspect being the costs,” he says.
The Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) says while the Government’s focus on improving housing supply and lowering rental costs is commendable, enhancing
consumer protection in the property management sector is long overdue and should not be overlooked in the pursuit of broader housing policy objectives.
It says the absence of professional standards in the property management industry poses significant risks to both tenants and landlords and the decision
comes as a blow to efforts aimed at ensuring consumer protection in the residential renting space. APIA believes that holding property managers to professional standards is essential to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved in the rental market. Without such regulations, APIA
says tenants and landlords alike may face substandard services, financial risks and legal complications.
“Property managers play a pivotal role in representing and balancing the interests of landlords and tenants. We need serious professionals, not people who are there to clip the ticket and treat everyone like numbers,” says Sarina Gibbon, general manager of the APIA.
Sharing this view is Rishabh Kapoor, former tax lawyer and CEO of Impression Real Estate, which manages around 1,000 rentals in the Auckland region.
He says while the Government has abandoned plans for regulation, it is critical the industry adopts a level of self-regulation to help restore investor confidence.
“There are a number of property managers out there working out of the back of their car who simply don’t understand the industry’s requirements and legalities. The downstream impact of this is that it can result in thousands of dollars worth of damage for owners and as a result, they often want to exit the rental industry,” Kapoor says.
“The Residential Property Managers Bill would have changed that by ensuring property managers were licensed, well trained, and subject to a complaints and disciplinary process if they don’t adhere to industry standards.
“Other investment sectors already have similar protections around advisors and we need a way of signalling to the market that residential property management is no longer operating like the Wild West and their multi-million dollar investment has appropriate
safeguards,” he says.
Kapoor’s firm is aiming to become the first in the market to have all property managers independently certified to the same level four standard that was
approach.
He says introducing a minimum training standard will provide the same reassurance for investors as would have been present
the dwelling on your behalf – who you might work with for decades.
to be introduced under the Residential Property Managers Bill. They will also increase transparency by mapping their processes and displaying them on their website so property owners can understand how they structure their
under the Bill.
“At the moment a real estate agent, who you have a relatively transactional relationship with to sell your home for just a month, is held to a higher level of regulatory oversight than a property manager renting
“We believe it is possible to replicate the standards that would have been provided by the recently abandoned regulation. Property managers are subject to the same consumer legislation that other industries however without the regulation it is harder to hold them to account,” he says.
Approved Industry Codes of Practice Offer Unique Benefits
New Zealand’s former chemical management regime included a popular key resource which enabled business operators to readily demonstrate compliance, without unnecessary cost and inconvenience.
Developed by the NZ Chemical Association using the same robust process for ISO Standards, Approved HSNO Codes of Practice:
• Identified the performance requirement;
• Explained the preferred solution;
• Standardised training, compliance assessments and enforcement, transcending Government ‘silos’;
• Provided accurate, low-cost best industry practice advice;
• Surpassed mere compliance by enabling superior, allencompassing best practice.
Simplifying prescriptive, complex and inflexible regulations, industry codes are pragmatic,
user-friendly, inexpensive and most importantly, easily updated to enable desired outcomes. They deliver accurate advice – first time, every time.
HSNO Codes were abandoned without discussion in favour of diluted and often confusing ‘guidance’ material, often requiring expensive consultants and relying on selfappointed advisors replacing former knowledgeable workplace inspectors.
For example, the widely used RCNZ
GHS Segregation Code provides ‘at a glance’ answers, replacing hundreds of pages of regulatory material.
Restoring Government approved industry codes eases pressure on risk-averse regulators and their resource-poor target audiences by explaining standardised best industry practice in ‘plain language’ guidance material, thereby sharing responsibility for safely managing chemicals throughout the product life cycle.
No-one was more excited at the prospect than the Chemical industry. Relieving New Zealanders of expensive and complex regulations (causing widespread frustration over the absence of any tangible benefit from highly prescriptive regulations) would indeed be welcome.
Regulation Minister David Seymour notes New Zealand is overregulated and has too many departments making regulations of poor quality. The fledgling Ministry for Regulation (MFR) was established with $16m and almost 90 staff, inherited from the disestablished Productivity Commission.
Critics were quick to highlight a generous budget, an expensive communications team and speculate about the Ministry’s ability to analyse and improve complex regulatory performance standards, often involving multiple government agencies.
A Regulatory Standards Bill requiring a comprehensive cost benefit analysis of new regulations will wend its laborious way through the legislative process.
Meanwhile, there are many opportunities to accelerate achieving the desired efficiencies in productivity without jeopardising workers’ health and safety or incurring additional expense.
No more fixing something that isn’t broken
The first priority for the chemical industry would be a return to approved industry codes of practice (ACoP).
A robust development process reflecting A/NZ
Where There’s a Will, There’s Always a Way
A highlight for business operators scrutinising the otherwise largely bare cupboard of the May budget was the intention to reduce red tape while improving the quality of outcomes.
Standards requirements and the New Zealand chemical industry association’s user-friendly HSNO Approved Codes provided the optimum solution. It encapsulated international best practice, delivered through credible training, enabling compliance and simplifying enforcement.
There was no explanation
as to why industry codes did not survive the creation of WorkSafe NZ. The incomplete transition from HSNO legislation to the HSWA Act and the complex, often irrational HSW (Hazardous Substances) Regulations frustrate compliance. Abandoning the sensible but inconsistently delivered HSNO Approved Handler requirements
qualification while retaining a few exceptions for niche chemical handling roles, has deprived more than half a million SMEs of a useful, in-house chemical safety adviser.
Our association has consistently opposed the present approach to regulating industry, namely: • Decide without consultation there is a problem;
• Issue a ‘consultation’ document remarkedly like a draft regulation reflecting the predetermined
resources to enable implementation; and
• Include industry in developing userfriendly performance standards such as
present mix of unyielding, prescriptive compliance requirements, variable interpretation and too often excessive costs arising from a flawed process, frustrates
associations helps establish and confirm safe workplace practices, enabling regulators to effectively carry out their necessary role in a spirit of mutually
The first priority for the chemical industry would be a return to approved industry codes of practice .
STRUGGLING TO UNDERSTAND YOUR WORKPLACE CHEMICAL SAFETY OBLIGATIONS
inexplicable loss of industry Approved Codes of Practice and the Approved Handler concept.
immediate relief.
Effective options to rapidly enhance workplace and consumer chemical health
There was no explanation as to why industry codes did not survive the creation of WorkSafe NZ.
Industry covers the bases while regulators have other priorities
Fortunately, the chemical industry’s customised Competent Chemical Handler courses not only ensure workers can safely use workplace chemicals, but also provide employers with in-house, basic workplace chemical safety advice.
Whilst regulators grapple with many pressing concerns, chemical safety is not a priority for WorkSafe NZ - all the more reason for key regulatory agencies to harness the expertise and support available by collaborating with the
and safety include taking advantage of industry expertise and recognising the value of proven and inexpensive industry developed ‘compliance tools’. Reinstating enforceable, low-cost industry approved codes to enable and support training, compliance and enforcement costs Government nothing.
The absence of workplace chemical safety in the new WorkSafe NZ priorities for the next two years is an unintended boost for easy solutions provided by industry codes.
A rapid return to robust, approved industry
Dismantling the silo approach by working collaboratively with proactive industry associations
chemical association in joint endeavours. The common aim is to protect people and our environment from the mis-use and mismanagement of chemicals. Responding to business lobby groups, the Government is opting for the massive task of reviewing the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Meanwhile, simply dismantling the traditional Government agency ‘silo approach’ by working collaboratively with proactive industry associations provides
solutions.
When it comes to audience appeal, “Slashing red tape” will always guarantee media attention, however solutions are harder to find.
Stakeholders will all
benefit from proven industry expertise, resources and support –bringing rapid relief to the backbone of New Zealand – the 545,000 small and medium enterprises.
Barry Dyer Chief Executive Responsible Care NZ
compliance tools implemented by competent workers will quickly overcome concerns about inadequate performance, ease pressure on resources of risk-averse government agencies and increase respect for proactive participants and their achievements.
The good news? We need not wait for chemical safety to feature on legislative priority lists, avoid the new regulation queue, or bleat about diminishing resources. Benefit from proven industry compliance
Chemical suppliers continue to help customers achieve workplace chemical safety aspirations through product stewardship initiatives.
To help solve the in-house chemical compliance dilemma in New Zealand, Responsible Care NZ delivers specialist and cost-effective Certified Handler standard training, complete with a certificate.
Responsible Care NZ site compliance assessments are non-threatening, effectively capturing and assessing chemical safety performance in a variety of workplaces.
Responsible Care is a global voluntary chemical industry initiative developed autonomously by the chemical industry for the chemical industry.
This
Together with our customised Approved Handler Training this valuable set of international pictograms and labels plus a useful checklist enables you and your team to comply with workplace chemical safety responsibilities.
Serious forklift injury the result of poor maintenance
A forklift brake failure which resulted in a broken back and punctured lung could have been avoided if the business had done a better job at keeping the vehicle maintained, WorkSafe says
The $240,000 fine handed down to Refrigafreighters
Limited for an incident in September 2022 is a wakeup call to all businesses using forklifts, says Casey Broad, WorkSafe’s National Manager Investigations.
“A worker had been collecting rubbish with the forklift. They parked it and put the handbrake on, but when they got out it started to roll down the slope it was parked on.”
The 33-year-old tried to recover the forklift but it tipped onto him and caused serious injuries including a punctured lung and broken back.
“WorkSafe’s investigation verified the forklift hadn’t been maintained and serviced to the standard we’d expect. We asked specialists to take a look and what they found was shocking – there were serious safety issues with the handbrake, to the point it would never have been able to stop the forklift from moving even on a slight incline.”
Broad says the sentence is a reminder for businesses to keep workers safe.
“Businesses must ensure that forklifts and other vehicles and machines are safe to use. If businesses don’t meet their health and safety responsibilities, WorkSafe
will hold them to account.”
“A lot of businesses use forklifts, but like any vehicle they need to be serviced and maintained so issues are picked up early and fixed. If you don’t, things can go wrong quickly.”
“Unfortunately there are too many incidents involving forklifts in New Zealand – businesses can do better to keep people safe.”
Background
Refrigafreighters Limited was sentenced at Manukau District Court on 7 May 2024
Refrigafreighters was fined $240,000. Reparations of $62,279 were ordered.
Refrigafreighters was charged under sections 36(1)(a), s48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, did fail to comply with that duty and that failure exposed workers, including the victim, to a risk of serious injury or death arising from the Hangcha Forklift.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
E v e r y p e r s o n , e v e r y c a n c e r
895,115 Kms driven to get people to appointments
46,600 Bed nights for people receiving treatment 5,742 People attending supportive care programmes
0 8 0 0 C A N C E R ( 2 2 6 2 3 7 )
REINZ calls for greater regulation for property managers
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) voices strong support for the regulation of the residential property management sector, emphasising the need for balanced and effective regulations to safeguard both landlords and tenants
As the discussion around residential property management regulation intensifies, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) stepped forward to provide crucial insights and recommendations to the Social Services and Community Committee on behalf of the industry and its 1700 residential property management members.
REINZ delivered a verbal submission for the regulation of the residential property management sector emphasising the need for balanced and effective regulations to
safeguard both landlords and tenants.
REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird says the submission is timely for several reasons.
“This submission comes amidst growing concerns over the need for better standards and accountability within the property management sector.
“This sector plays a significant role in the residential tenancies market. Nearly one in three households rent in New Zealand, with half of those properties managed by a professional property manager. By requiring
property managers to adhere to specific standards, a regulator can hold them accountable for their actions, fostering professionalism and responsibility within the industry,” comments Baird.
“Over 1.4 million people lived in rental housing at the time of the 2018 Census. According to the Census, over 7,800 property managers worked in New Zealand in 2018, removing commercial property managers, there are still over 5000 residential property managers. That is a considerable number to operate with no regulation.”
In New Zealand, having a ‘rental’ is a core part of some New Zealanders’ retirement savings. Property managers are responsible for huge amounts of kiwi’s wealth and retirement saving, and the revenue generated from those assets, with no regulation.”
REINZ represents real estate agents and property professionals in New Zealand and has been committed to promoting best practices and advocating for the interests of both property owners and tenants.
“We [REINZ] have
actively engaged with policymakers to address issues related to residential property management for over 5 years now. With the housing market facing unprecedented challenges and concerns about rental properties’ standards and management practices, regulatory measures have become imperative.”
“Recognising the significance of this issue, REINZ has proactively engaged in the dialogue, advocating for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all stakeholders.”
In its verbal submission, REINZ stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulatory oversight and operational flexibility for property managers. Here is why they think the legislation is necessary:
1. There has been an increase in the number of private landlords who are using property managers to manage their investments. The Residential Tenancies Act is complex, and there are currently no minimum standards for staff training, which has resulted in underinvestment in
this area. As the cost of home ownership becomes out of reach for many New Zealanders, more people are expected to rent, and as a result, more tenants will use the services of property managers.
2. There is a lack of formal checks on what happens to client funds, and instances of bond fraud are too common. Some residential property management businesses do not separate general business expenses from client funds, which makes it difficult to protect client funds.
3. Apart from the disputes tribunal, there is no other formal avenue for landlords to raise their concerns about property managers’ failures to perform with reasonable skill and care. There is also a variance in the quality of services that property managers offer.
4. Without some form of regulatory intervention, it is unlikely that many of these issues will be
self-correcting.
The institute emphasised the role of education and professional development in enhancing industry standards and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Detractors of the Bill say that increased regulation will lead to higher fees for property management services. Reputable property managers already have a number of the requirements (insurance and a trust account) in place so additional costs will be small. These costs are unlikely to add material costs at a per-property level and REINZ does not expect there to be wholesale rent increases due to the regulation.
“People may choose to manage properties themselves, but it doesn’t seem a rational argument to suggest this will occur because of the added cost of this regulation. Those people who use a professional property manager already understand the benefits of outsourcing this complex, 24/7 role. Managing a property requires an understanding of many different pieces of legislation, requires good people skills, and you need to be available to your
tenant if there are issues. This is also a competitive market, and fee level is already a competitive space for residential property managers, states Baird.
“Without the RPM Bill, the property management industry will continue to manage billions in assets and rent without regulations, leading to potential harm for property owners and tenants. This includes inadequate protection for bond and rental money, renting non-compliant spaces, increased dispute resolution costs, negative impact on tenant wellbeing, and insecure tenure affecting children’s academic performance and health,” states Baird.
As discussions around residential property management regulation continue, REINZ remains committed to working collaboratively with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community organizations to advance these recommendations and ensure that the interests of all parties involved in residential property management are safeguarded.
Hard work gets results
The success of Rapid Facility Services is driven by a team that combines experience, commitment and a professional skillset that covers every aspect of facilities management with personal service
The team was forged by three friends working in the industry who realised that the key thing stressed building managers, business owners and landlords needed was to make a single call and get a reliable and qualified support team that would cover any aspect of facilities management.
The Rapid trio set down a business philosophy that “we will do what others can’t or won’t do “ and set about assembling a highly trained, efficient and safety-conscious team of professionals who get the job done right, the first time.
Today that service stretches from food manufacturers’ audit cleaning, all aspects of industrial cleaning, painting, building and floor safety management to anti-microbial and moss
and
Having worked in the industry for many years, three friends, Paul
and Andrew
realised that by combining their skills, they could create a company unlike any other
Schoch, Robyn Schoch
Chan
Team members Darren, Brandon and Akeli
mould treatments to prevent surface damage to roofs, ceilings, walls, floors and specialised equipment.
Wellington Council rejects panel and pushes for more housing
Wellington City Council has made decisions on its proposed District Plan which, if approved by the Government, will greatly increase construction of new housing, it says
An Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) that presided over hearings in 2023 presented their recommendations to Council in February 2024. This is the latest stage in a marathon planning exercise to review and update the District Plan that has been in force since the beginning
of this century.
The Wellington City Council Environment and Infrastructure | Kōrau Tūāpapa Committee rejected a number of the IHP recommendations around intensification, character, and heritage provision. Council also voted to adopt most of the technical recommendations
by the IHP. The rejected recommendations will be referred to the Minister Chris Bishop for final decision.
Mayor Tory Whanau says it is of huge importance to the sustainable future of the city.
“Wellington City is growing, and our housing needs to grow with it. We
are expecting 50 to 80 thousand more people over the coming 30 years. At a bare minimum, everyone in this city deserves a warm, safe, and dry place to call home.
“This District Plan represents a new direction for Wellington. We are going to build a modern city by enabling people to build
where they want and need to, close to the central city where infrastructure, jobs and communities already exist. This is how we build an affordable, vibrant, and resilient city.
“As Mayor, I want to make sure that we are planning and building for the next generation. A generation who will bring their talent and ideas and add to our city’s rich history, culture and economy. To do that we need to make sure there are abundant and affordable places for them to live.
“Planning settings are only one part of the equation, but an important one, and I will continue to progress other priorities for our city including investment in infrastructure,” says Mayor Whanau.
Examples of decisions by the committee for Minister Bishop’s consideration include:
• Increasing walking catchments to allow housing intensification –from Tawa in the north to Newtown in the south.
• Intensification of the Kilbirnie suburban centre to be first subject to community consultation.
• Classifying the Johnsonville railway line as ‘rapid transit’ – enabling housing developments of up to six storeys close to rail stations along the line’s route.
• Extending the central city zone south on Adelaide Rd toward Newtown and making bigger (15-minute) walking catchments, providing for more housing units.
• Reducing the city’s ‘character areas’ from 206 hectares to 85 hectares.
• Removing the heritage listings for all the following buildings: Gordon Wilson Flats, the Miramar Gas Tank, Emeny House, Kahn House, Olympus Apartments, Wharenui Apartments, Robert Stout Building, Primitive Methodist Church, Johnsonville Masonic Hall, Star of the Sea Chapel.
Mayor Whanau says the votes are the culmination
of an initiative that started in 2017 with community consultation.
“Many Wellingtonians told us during the consultation period that they wanted a city that was connected, inclusive, resilient, greener, and prosperous.
“I want to thank everyone who’s been involved in this process over the past few years – including thousands of submitters, the Independent Hearings Panel and our brilliant and patient planning staff. It’s been a big exercise but will have far-reaching, positive, outcomes for the city.”
The Proposed District Plan is a big shift from the city’s current planning rules. It also proposes:
• Greater recognition of mana whenua values and promotion of an active partnership in resource management processes.
• Increasing intensification and mixed-use spaces (blending residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment spaces
into one space within the existing urban area) to support Wellington’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
• A risk-based approach for natural hazards, impacts of sea level rise, and climate change that balances intensification with adaptation.
• Implementing new controls and design guides to ensure high quality urban development.
Proposed District Plan parts that aren’t related to housing and other densification – such as open space zones, hospital and tertiary zones, and rural areas – are still being considered in hearings over the course of this year. The Independent Hearing Panel will report back to the Council with its recommendations on this remainder of the Plan in early 2025.
A comprehensive summary of the main District Plan decisions –and their impacts – can be found here.
Enforceable undertaking sees self-driving vehicle address safety concerns
WorkSafe has dropped charges against Mercury NZ following a health and safety incident, now that the company has committed $1.15 million to resolving the issue
While the so-called ‘steam hammer’ event did not injure anyone, it could have seriously harmed workers if they had been in the area at the time. Steam hammer is created when steam meets cooler liquid in pipework and fittings, causing severe vibration that can lead to catastrophic failure.
A WorkSafe investigation found shortcomings in plant installation decisions and risk assessment by Mercury, and ineffective communication between offsite control room operators and personnel onsite.
“The loss of containment was incredibly dangerous. The pipework had been exposed to extreme forces, with an intensity that ejected flange bolts, split valve bonnets, and tore welded fixings,” says WorkSafe’s regulatory support manager, Catalijne Pille.
“Businesses must do everything they can to meet their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act.”
In response to the incident, Mercury has now applied to WorkSafe with a binding commitment to improve safety. The plan, known as an enforceable undertaking, includes:
• Trialling a self-driving vehicle for plant inspections
• Delivery of a leadership programme to promote a proactive safety culture
• Introduction of training focused on hazard awareness and safety in high-risk environments
• Sharing the resources developed and lessons learned from the incident with industry.
“Emerging technologies have huge potential for health and safety. Mercury plans to trial self-drive vehicles to supplement in-person operator rounds which can only be good for safety. The data insights will aid decision-making and help with continuous improvement of processes and procedures,” says Ms
As a result of the agreement WorkSafe’s charges against Mercury have been discontinued. WorkSafe will regularly monitor progress on the commitments which have been agreed and can resume prosecution if necessary.
“The investment from Mercury is the preferred solution in this case. It demonstrates a substantial commitment to health and safety with benefits to workers, community, and the industry that may not have been achieved by prosecution.”
Read the decision document
Read more about geothermal safety Mercury’s Executive General Manager Generation, Stew Hamilton says the health, safety and
wellbeing of its people is front of mind
“We’re constantly working to improve on our performance in this space.
“While no one was harmed in this event, it is important that we reflect on this incident and how we can continue to improve on our safety performance. This Enforceable Undertaking is an opportunity for us to do so, and fits into our wider vision for world class safety performance and achieving our goal of safety citizenship.
“The programme has now kicked off, and we expect it to complete in February 2026. Key work within this will include further education and coaching, autonomous inspections of certain sites, mechanisms to share learnings with others, donations to emergency service providers and support of a health and safety scholarship. We expect this will deliver benefits to not just our people, but our sector as well as the community.
“We are looking forward to working with WorkSafe to help continue to build strong safety performance across the industry.”
Pille.
New Zealand, we’ve got some exciting news
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We’ve replaced almost all single-use plastic shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bottles with dispensers - removing 3.68 tonnes of plastic out of circulation. We’re also recycling old soap bars into new ones together with Soap Aid.
