Mitre 10 In Trade Magazine - May 2014 by Mitre 10 Trade

MAY 2014

CUSTOMER PROFILE: MITRE 10 MEGA KAPITI; SERVICE IS THE KEY RELATIONSHIPS VALUED AT MITRE MEGA NELSON CHANGES TO EXEMPT BUILDING WORK GET YOUR TRIMMER STUDS RIGHT PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MANUAL HANDLING INJURIES

SEE INSIDE FOR CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRODUCTS Offers open to account holders only Call 0800 M10 TRADE to find out more All prices and offers in this publication are valid from Thursday May 1st - Saturday May 31st 2014 from participating stores.

FOREWORD Do it once, do it right Tremors continue to rumble through the New Zealand building sector, with a raft of changes coming across the board following the Christchurch earthquake. Legislation changes around the issue of corporate manslaughter have been mooted by the families of those killed in the CTV building collapse, there have been reviews of engineering adequacy around a number of buildings in the city and the first reading of the Building (Earthquakeprone buildings) Amendment Bill went before Parliament recently. While all these items relate primarily to commercial construction after one single major event, the warning signs are there that taking shortcuts or not professionally performing to your best can come back to bite you further down the track. And rightly so. The entire Leaky Buildings issue that raised it’s very ugly head a number of years ago saw everyone scrambling to point the finger at each other – builders and subcontractors, architects and designers, building officials and local authorities. The result was huge amounts of time and money caught up in litigation, claims and counter-claims as everyone tried to distance themselves from the problem…and, in a number of cases, the act has been repeated following the Christchurch quakes. All of us in business have made mistakes at times, or looked back at a job done and thought we could have – and should have – done better. But, the last thing any of us want is to find out that something we should have done has caused major issues years down the track. The message is simple really; do it once and do it right. And, if it’s not right, take the time to go back, fix it and make it right.

Andrew Cochrane, General Manager Trade Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Ltd

CONTENTS 2 4 6 8 11 12 14 16 18

PROFILE

It was service that drew builder Chris Beggs to Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti, and it’s service that has kept him there. In 25 years in the trade, the owner of North Face Construction says he’s never known better.

PROFILE

Builders Nigel Sands and Kim Inwood have built a strong relationship with the team at Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson – a relationship that allows them to run their businesses efficiently and successfully.

MBIE

The MBIE has recently released some updated information about exempt building work in order to keep you up-to-date with the changes. There’s also information about a number of visual step-by-step online guides available focusing on post-earthquake repairs.

Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti

Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson

Being aware of mobile plant dangers

BRANZ Trimmed to size

BUSINESS Focus on your customers

LEGAL

Methamphetamine contamination

SITE SAFE Manual handling injuries

RACING

Back on track

Knowing the right size trimming studs to use is essential on timber framed buildings. In this month’s BRANZ column, we look at the tables included in NZS 3604:2011, making it easy for you to meet the requirements.

Volume 7, Issue 11 May 2014 Mitre 10 In Trade magazine is published 12 times a year in association with Mitre 10.

Managing Editor

Scott Wilson Phone: 021 725 061 Email: editor@M10magazine.co.nz

Contributors Adrienne Jervis

Jacqui Parker– Meredith Connell

By focusing on the benefits that consumers will receive, you’ll be able to talk to your customers on their level – giving them valid reasons why they should purchase your offerings.

BRANZ

Chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine can cause major contamination to buildings and have detrimental affects on the occupants’ health. If renovating or repairing a residence or building, there are signs you need to be aware of to avoid running into major issues.

ASB

ACC recently commissioned a study on what the top injuries were in the residential construction industry. The report found that the amount of ‘soft tissue injuries’ like strains and sprains were significant. Sprintcar driver Glenn Torpey secured his first race win in the Mitre 10 Trade Racing machine at the New Zealand Sprintcar Grand Prix at Western Springs recently. Meanwhile V8 Ute driver James ‘Huggi’ Urquhart had a mixed return to the track after a major rebuild of his machine.

WOMEN IN TRADE

The Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill gave 195 Year 11 Southland Girls High School pupils a taste of trade industries recently and worked alongside the local Mitre 10 MEGA Invercargill on a number of initiatives.

AROUND THE STORES

Staff from Mitre 10 MEGA stores around the country have been getting out and making their mark in their local communities recently. From corporate golf days in Auckland to industry expos in the Bay of Plenty, Mitre 10 MEGA has had a strong presence.

COMPETITION /LBP COUPON

Stuff to win, points to earn Don’t miss the back page

Getting a taste for the trade

Cover: L-R: Chris Beggs (North Face Construction) and Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti Commercial Operations Manager, Ross Syman

Site Safe NZ MBIE Gracey Monteith (Racing) Aiden Williams – photographer Neil Mackenzie - photographer

Printer

Nicholson Print Solutions

Enquiries

ReFocus Media Ltd P O Box 21081 Flagstaff Hamilton 3256 Email: Info@refocusmedia.co.nz MMS Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of In Trade magazine may be published without the express permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in In Trade magazine are not necessarily those of Mitre 10 or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for the suggestions of the contributors or conclusions that may be drawn from them. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the correct use and selection of any tools, materials and systems followed, as well as the following of any laws or codes that may apply.

Andrew Cochrane, General Manager Trade Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Ltd

CONTENTS 2 4 6 8 11 12 14 16 18

PROFILE

Builders Nigel Sands and Kim Inwood have built a strong relationship with the team at Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson – a relationship that allows them to run their businesses efficiently and successfully.

MBIE

Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti

Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson

Being aware of mobile plant dangers

BRANZ Trimmed to size

BUSINESS Focus on your customers

LEGAL

Methamphetamine contamination

SITE SAFE Manual handling injuries

RACING

Back on track

Volume 7, Issue 11 May 2014 Mitre 10 In Trade magazine is published 12 times a year in association with Mitre 10.

Managing Editor

Scott Wilson Phone: 021 725 061 Email: editor@M10magazine.co.nz

Contributors Adrienne Jervis

Jacqui Parker– Meredith Connell

By focusing on the benefits that consumers will receive, you’ll be able to talk to your customers on their level – giving them valid reasons why they should purchase your offerings.

BRANZ

ASB

WOMEN IN TRADE

AROUND THE STORES

COMPETITION /LBP COUPON

Stuff to win, points to earn Don’t miss the back page

Getting a taste for the trade

Cover: L-R: Chris Beggs (North Face Construction) and Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti Commercial Operations Manager, Ross Syman

Site Safe NZ MBIE Gracey Monteith (Racing) Aiden Williams – photographer Neil Mackenzie - photographer

Printer

Nicholson Print Solutions

Enquiries

PROFILE

Chris Beggs of Northface Construction with Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti’s Ross Syman

(Low energy homes)

MEGA Kapiti;

The best in the business for North Face During his 25 years in the building trade, Chris Beggs of North Face Construction says he’s never experienced better quality service than he has from Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti. He’s been a trade customer for over a year. Several factors influenced Chris in his choice to change merchants. He already had an established relationship with Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti Trade and Commercial Operations Manager, Ross Syman, and was impressed by store owner, Vince Indo. “Compared with other merchants, Mitre 10’s set-up is also better,” says Chris. “Product is undercover and there is a bigger range of stock. The store’s culture is friendly but professional. You can generally get what you want. “We arrive at the start of the day and product is available.” Chris also counts on the complimentary coffee he receives in store to kick start his day. The Kapiti Coast-based builder initially started out with just himself and an apprentice. The business has since grown into a great team of contractors. While Chris’s primary aim was to construct predominantly low energy houses, a market in which he has made a name for himself, North Face Construction has also evolved into architectural homes. The company now 2

“Product is undercover and there is a bigger range of stock,” says Chris builds a 50/50 balance of low energy homes and architectural dwellings. Chris has a strong environmental focus and his company is sensitive to the planet’s needs. “Traditionally, low energy homes were regarded as a green thing, but now they’re seen as a viable solution for the future.” He and his wife Leonie’s own house was built as a showhome, with a host of eco-friendly features. The sun generates all the home’s energy. The house hasn’t incurred a power bill since Chris and Leonie moved into it in May 2011 - rather, nearly $2000 has been paid back from the power company. Chris says that with rising power costs increasingly more people are realising the benefits of low energy homes. North Face homes, with their easy grid tie systems, are designed to pump energy into the grid. “An outlay of another $100 per square metre is all it takes to get a zero energy house. That’s the cost of tiles, or less than some kitchens.

“Low energy homes are appealing to people who are retiring and wanting to minimise their outgoings. Their house costs nothing to run.” North Face Construction enjoys a strong partnership with Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti. Leonie, who takes care of the administrative side of the business, says the store is brilliant. “They’re very professional and a very ‘on to it’ company. The staff are great. They’re really good to deal with, especially in management. They have made us feel welcome.” The store’s huge product range provides North Face Construction with all it requires, and then there are the extras like the trip last year with Mitre 10 Trade to Sydney for the Bledisloe Cup Match. Chris has been involved with organising meetings with the Certified Builders Association, which Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti has hosted. He feels his business is appreciated. “It’s the best company I’ve been with and it’s great to be part of a team moving forward.” Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti’s Trade Department recently celebrated its third birthday. The former small Mitre 10 store had zero trade base when it migrated to the MEGA concept. In a remarkably short time it has grown substantially to become a player on the Kapiti Coast. Ross Syman and Trade Account Manager,

Dave McCall, who joined the store 18 months ago, have been a driving force behind the growth. Their combined knowledge has been a great asset. Both have extensive backgrounds in the building industry, with Ross clocking up 22 years and Dave with 25 years industry experience. They each have lots of trade contacts and know the local industry very well. “We convinced a lot of clients that Mitre 10 was the future, going forward,” says Ross, who has built a proficient team in operations and quotations. The trade store sources new products, keeps stock numbers maintained and supplies product required in the market. “We also have the advantage over other local merchants as we’re undercover,” says Ross. “Our large, modern, facility stocks quality timber products. Even on lousy winter’s day builders can come under cover, keep reasonably warm and make the most of our easy, convenient environment.” The store regularly holds trade events, hosts trade breakfasts and industry learning seminars. Factory tours to building suppliers are a popular annual event, providing trade customers with in insight into how various products are manufactured. And with Ross and Dave at the helm of trade operations there has been more in-house training and emphasis on skills maintenance. 3

PROFILE

Chris Beggs of Northface Construction with Mitre 10 MEGA Kapiti’s Ross Syman

(Low energy homes)

MEGA Kapiti;

PROFILE

PROFILE Kim Inwood

Warren says this was just one of a number of great tradebased events held this year, including Nelson’s annual Collingwood Street Derby. The fun-filled family event held recently encourages the building and racing of trolleys in Nelson and promotes the sport of trolley racing. Races were both competitive and non-competitive and involved adults and children. Local daredevils raced down Collingwood Street in their uniquely designed trolleys, cheered on by family and friends. Using material provided by suppliers, Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson made its own plywood carts with the aid of a CNC machine. The store sponsored the new Corporate Challenge Event and children’s race event. Six trolleys were available for the kids to try.

Warren Rowse (left) and Nigel Sands

(Left to right) Warren Rowse, Nigels Sands and Kim Inwood

Committed to client success A critical element in why builders choose one supplier over another is the valued relationship they develop with their supplier. Mitre 10 is committed to the success of its trade clients as much as it is to supplying them with quality product at a competitive price. Nelson builders Nigel Sands and Kim Inwood understand this. They value the relationship they have with the trade team at Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson, and it’s the reason they choose to affiliate with the Mitre 10 brand. The builder-supplier relationship is strong. As busy tradesmen, they need a supplier they can rely on, one with good 4

representation, diverse product, and the ability to handle any small problems that may arise, so they don’t become issues. Communication is another key factor in their choice of supplier. They like the way the trade team keep them in the loop on all matters relating to the building industry. Nigel became a customer of Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson more than three years ago when his sales rep moved there. Another reason for changing suppliers was that his building partner Kim Inwood was a long-term Mitre 10 customer. “After the move I found it so much better,” says Nigel, who has been in the building industry for 10 years specialising in everything from new homes and alterations to light commercial. “The Mitre 10 team we’re dealing with are really awesome.”

Nigel and Kim recently completed a modern colonial home with a beautiful outlook over Brightwater Vineyards. The large linear home with a stunning kitchen was a seven-month project. They are now working on the site above, building an architectural home with four different claddings. Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson organises and supplies the variety of products used for their projects. “They’ve got everything we need; they’re really on to it. The whole team are great to deal with. Something is working well in there as everyone’s happy and there’s a good working environment. The store also has good pricing.” The pair like Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson’s 7am-7pm opening hours as it means they can pick supplies up early in the morning and call into store after work to get organised for the following day. Another plus is the store’s online system, which allows them to run their accounts more efficiently.

“We sold 11 carts for the corporate race and kept one to race ourselves,” says Warren. The Nelson Trolley Club was overwhelmed at the response from local businesses to the new corporate event. March also saw the store hold a golf and paintball day for trade clients. Traditionally held at Christmas the event had been postponed due to poor weather. And the ladies haven’t been missing out on the fun. Another event was a highly successful Ladies Night, with nearly 300 women attending, including a large number of trade account holders’ wives and partners. $1500 was raised for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. Local Masterchef finalist Paula SaengathianNgam provided the food, and did cooking demonstrations, which was hugely popular.

Kim says communication is a big thing now in the building industry. Due to changing technology, the diversity of products on the market, varying building methods and fine details, a lot more communication is required on a building site, with owners and local bodies. Builders also have to keep up with changing regulations. “There is a lot of reading. These days, everyone’s accountable. “We do our best with the knowledge and experience we have.” The Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson store also plays a part in expanding this knowledge, having hosted a recent Building Hub Roadshow, which was very well supported by the local trade. Sponsored by Mitre 10, the Building Hub is a central place for building practitioners to meet, learn and connect. The focus is to present the most relevant and up-to-date information to help the building industry grow and succeed. Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson’s Trade Operations Manager Warren Rowse said registrations exceeded the limit of 80 this year, meaning the event was too big to be held in-store.

The Mitre 10 trolley gets set to race into action

PROFILE

PROFILE Kim Inwood

Warren Rowse (left) and Nigel Sands

(Left to right) Warren Rowse, Nigels Sands and Kim Inwood

The Mitre 10 trolley gets set to race into action

MB I E

Updated guidance for exempt building work Did you know some plumbing and drainlaying work must be carried out by an “authorised person”, such as a registered certifying plumber or drainlayer, before it can be considered exempt building work? Or that if you are removing a building element such as a chimney, roof or cladding from a building 3 storeys or less, there is a new exemption which may mean you do not require a building consent. These changes, were made when Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 (the Act) was amended in November 2013. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment published new guidance in March this year, to help keep you up to date with the changes to Schedule 1. The guidance concentrates on the 43 exemptions of Schedule 1. It is full of practical examples, with photos, providing information on each of the Schedule 1 exemptions. It clarifies the type of work that is exempt and who can carry out this work. It’s important builders are aware of building work that is exempt from a building consent. Your clients will often rely on you to advise them what types of work do not need a building consent. Carrying out building work, that is not exempt, without a building consent, is an offence and can incur a fine up to $200,000 and a further fine of up to $10,000 per day if work continues. Councils continue to have discretionary powers to grant exemptions for any proposed building work under exemption 2. However, they must be satisfied that the completed work is likely to comply with the Building Code, or there is minimal risk of it endangering people or property. If you want any work to be considered under this exemption, it is important to start discussions early with the local council. 6

MB I E What’s new?

A new section, relating to Schedule 1, has been added to the Act, while Schedule 1 itself has been amended to make the exemptions easier to use. • Section 42A of the Act, is a new section which imposes some general conditions and limits on Schedule 1 exemptions and clarifies:

- what type of building work is exempt from requiring a building consent

- who can carry it out, and

- what other conditions apply.

• Schedule 1: The scope of building work covered by Schedule 1 does not vary much from the previous version, which was introduced in December 2010. However, it has a new numbering system and has been divided into three parts depending on who can carry out the work: • Part 1: Exempted building work lists work that anyone can carry out. It includes exemption 2, formerly Schedule 1(k), which gives territorial and regional authorities the discretion to exempt any building work from requiring a building consent. • Part 2: Sanitary plumbing and drainlaying carried out by person authorised under Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. • Part 3: Building work for which design is carried out or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer.

Read the guidance To find out more read the guidance Building work that does not require a building consent - Building Act 2004 at www.dbh. govt.nz/bc-no-consent

Reminder - Other changes to the Act

Online guides produced by MBIE Visual step-by-step guides to packing a pile, lifting a wall plate and jacking up concrete perimeter foundations are on line at www.dbh.govt.nz/guidanceinformation. The animated digital clips focus on post-earthquake repairs and are being produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as part of its building guidance and support for the residential rebuild in Canterbury. After an earthquake floor structures may have been twisted, wrenched, cracked or tilted. When MBIE ran briefings for builders in Canterbury they said they would like short practical video demonstrations, available online. The digital clips are short, they take about seven minutes to watch, and can be paused, restarted and replayed if viewers want to focus on a particular aspect of the process. They complement other resources, including MBIE’s booklet Guide for Canterbury Builders – Below Floor Work and the guidance Repairing and rebuilding houses affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. MBIE drew on the expertise of building practitioners who do foundation repairs to create the clips and selected a best practice approach to each task. Each clip breaks the process into simple practical steps, clearly illustrated and explained, with written reminders posted on screen. There are 3-D diagrams of key stages and a section on keeping yourself safe.

Check the MBIE website, Building and Housing, www.dbh.govt.nz/guidance-information.

Once the building regulations are amended, builders will need to provide clients with information about their credentials and enter into written contracts for work over a specified amount. These changes will make it easier for builders and homeowners to understand their rights and responsibilities. For a summary of the changes go to http://www.dbh.govt.nz/bcupdate-149

Remember all building work must comply with the Building Code regardless of whether it needs a building consent. 7

MB I E

MB I E What’s new?

- what type of building work is exempt from requiring a building consent

- who can carry it out, and

- what other conditions apply.

Read the guidance To find out more read the guidance Building work that does not require a building consent - Building Act 2004 at www.dbh. govt.nz/bc-no-consent

Reminder - Other changes to the Act

Check the MBIE website, Building and Housing, www.dbh.govt.nz/guidance-information.

Remember all building work must comply with the Building Code regardless of whether it needs a building consent. 7

BRANZ

Trimming studs

BRANZ

By Tom Edhouse, BRANZ Technical Advisor

KNOWING THE RIGHT SIZE TRIMMING STUDS TO USE IS EASY ONCE YOU KNOW YOUR WAY ROUND THE TABLES IN NZS 3604:2011. HERE, WE TAKE YOU ON A TOUR. NZS 3604:2011 TIMBER-FRAMED BUILDINGS includes the requirements that trimming studs: • are to be the same width as the wall studs, i.e. if the wall studs are 90 mm wide, the trimming studs must also be 90 mm wide • whether single or built up with multiple studs must have no holes or notches in the middle third of the height of the stud • cannot include a doubling stud supporting a lintel that is more than 400 mm shorter than the wall studs.

Details of example We are going to work through an example to show how to select the correct size of trimming studs. The specific details to be used (see Figure 1) are: • • • • • • •

single or top storey extra high wind zone maximum of 2.7 m stud length loaded dimension = 6 m stud spacing = 600 mm centres opening maximum = 3.3 m light roof.

Step 1 – Lintel size Use NZS 3604:2011 Table 8.9 Lintel supporting roof only for all wind zones to determine the lintel size for the span and to make sure what is proposed is within the scope of NZS 3604:2011. In this example, a light roof with loaded dimension of 6 m requires a 290 × 90 mm lintel to span an opening of 3.3 m (see Figure 2).

Step 2 – Wall stud thickness Now go to Table 8.2 to determine the wall stud thickness required. This information is required to calculate the trimming stud size in Table 8.5. For this example, choose (a) Single or top storey – light and heavy roof, extra high wind zone and loaded dimension of 6 m, then 2.7 m maximum stud length and maximum stud spacing of 600 mm. This gives a stud thickness of 90 mm (see Figure 3).

BRANZ

Trimming studs

BRANZ

By Tom Edhouse, BRANZ Technical Advisor

Details of example We are going to work through an example to show how to select the correct size of trimming studs. The specific details to be used (see Figure 1) are: • • • • • • •

single or top storey extra high wind zone maximum of 2.7 m stud length loaded dimension = 6 m stud spacing = 600 mm centres opening maximum = 3.3 m light roof.

BRANZ

Step 3 – Maximum clear width of opening Go to Table 8.5 Trimming studs. For this example, choose (a) Single storey, top storey or nonloadbearing walls. The maximum width of opening is 3.3 m, so the opening is over 3.0 m but under 3.6 m. Choose maximum clear width 3.6 m (see Figure 4).

Step 4 – Enter stud thickness Move to the centre column in Table 8.5 and choose the stud thickness that was obtained in step 2 – 90 mm in this example (see Figure 4).

Step 5 – Trimming stud size Now read across to the right column in Table 8.5 to obtain the thickness of the trimming studs – 180 mm (see Figure 4).

Three 90 × 45 mm plus the doubling stud gives the required 180 mm trimming stud. Because this lintel is less then 400 mm down, the doubling stud can be included in the total width of the trimming studs (see Figure 5).

Nailing Nailing of built-up members was covered in Build 136 June/ July 2013, page 33, together with the requirements for lintels, trimming studs etc. A lintel of this size will require significant fixings in an extra high wind zone.

ASB BUSINESS

Focusing on the benefits for your customers

Too many businesses concentrate on the technical features of their products rather than how those features can benefit their customers. By focusing on the benefits that consumers will receive, you’ll be able to talk to your customers on their level – giving them valid reasons why they should purchase your offerings. Understand the difference between features and benefits A feature is what your product or service has that makes it better or different from the competition. It’s a characteristic of the product or service. A benefit is something that’s advantageous or good. It’s a positive for customers who buy it. One example is a new computer with all the specifications listed. It has 8GB of memory – a feature. However, it doesn’t tell the customer how those 8GB will benefit them. The benefit should be promoted, informing customers that they’ll be able to use a number of applications at the same time without any loss of performance.

Customers buy benefits A benefit only really exists when a feature matches a need. They’re specific and personal to the customer, so if your business can express the benefits of your product or service in the right way, customers will purchase based on those benefits they expect to receive.

For each feature that you introduce to your customers, make sure you back it up with a benefit statement. Emphasise the benefits of your product or service but use the features of it to help get the message across.

Matching benefits to customer needs All consumers have needs and wants – they have problems that they require solutions for. You’ll be able to plan effectively if you begin with a consumer need. Fulfilling that need better than any competitor will ensure your product or service is on the road to success. Create the product or service that will satisfy the need. This is a more logical process than beginning with what you have to sell, then not knowing who to sell it to. Market your product or service by informing consumers of its benefits. Those benefits should match the needs of your potential customers. For example, you may sell mobile phones and have discovered that your customers really need quality built-in headphones to use when Skyping on the go. Match this need by advertising your new phone as one that comes with quality headphones so customers can receive and make Skype calls on-the-go without sound quality issues (a benefit for the customer), rather than raving on about the specifications of the headphones (features). By focusing on the benefits for your customer, you’ll be in tune with what they really need and be able to provide them with real solutions – and communicate the benefits they expect

BRANZ

Step 4 – Enter stud thickness Move to the centre column in Table 8.5 and choose the stud thickness that was obtained in step 2 – 90 mm in this example (see Figure 4).

Step 5 – Trimming stud size Now read across to the right column in Table 8.5 to obtain the thickness of the trimming studs – 180 mm (see Figure 4).

ASB BUSINESS

Focusing on the benefits for your customers

LEGAL

Avoid toxic shock

Methamphetamine contamination in properties and your responsibilities as a property owner/landlord by Jacqui Parker Increasingly homeowners or aspiring homeowners in New Zealand are facing the problem of methamphetamine (meth) laboratories when buying, selling or tenanting properties. Typically, after a lab is discovered by police any lab-related debris such as chemicals and containers are removed. Yet chemicals from the manufacture of meth can penetrate a house’s building materials (including carpets, furniture, sinks, drains and ventilation systems) making the property dangerous and unliveable for its inhabitants. Exposure to meth waste can cause adverse health affects such as diseases of the central nervous system, breathing difficulties, asthma and skin rashes. How then, can you detect and deal with meth waste contamination in property? The detoxification work required after a property has been used to manufacture meth is costly. Testing for the presence of meth costs around $3,000 although an initial indicative test can be obtained for as little as $100. The costs of decontamination if meth is found is considerable with bills ranging from anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000.

Contaminated property – what to look for: There are some warning signs that may indicate contamination including chemical smells, stained glass/cookware, sinks, toilets, tanks, yellow/brown marks on walls, floors or surfaces and unusual activity at the property. As it is difficult to establish whether or not a property is being used as a lab, products such as Methminder, a silent alarm system that purports to detect the manufacture of meth in a property by silently notifying a control room if the device is tampered with or if meth manufacturing activity is detected are becoming a popular precautionary measure. If a property is found to be contaminated what are your duties as land owner and/or landlord? Meth labs move around to avoid detection and therefore rental properties are more likely to have been used for this purpose. In assessing a landlord’s duties regarding a contaminated property the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) finds no legal requirement for property owners/landlords to disclose to tenants or users of the buildings that the building has previously been contaminated. However, a vendor/landlord 12

does have a duty to fully answer questions asked by a prospective buyer or tenant. A landlord’s position changes where the property is occupied when the contamination is found. The law relating to residential tenancies is clear that landlords of residential premises must provide premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness, provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with all the requirements in respect of buildings, health and safety: section 45(1) RTA. A landlord then, would breach his/ her duties under this Act if he/she allowed the occupants to live in a contaminated property (even if the source of contamination was the tenants themselves)! What steps can a landlord take once it is known a property is contaminated?

LEGAL • Informing Local Authorities: informing the Council is a responsible step to take as an owner and/or landlord. Informing Council allows the Council to note that the property has been used as a meth lab in the council’s land information memoranda (LIM) database. Council will issue a cleansing order under section 41 of the Health Act 1956 requiring the owner or occupier to cleanse the property. A validation report from a qualified professional confirming the property as cleansed must be provided to the council before the cleansing order can be closed. The LIM will always record that a meth-lab requisition has been issued against the property but that the cleansing order is ‘satisfied’. A requisition that has not been complied with will have a status of ‘current’. A closing order, prohibiting the use of the premises, can also be issued under section 42 of the Act. The Council can also take similar steps under the Building Act (ss124-127). An owner/landlord cannot however, report the contamination to the Council and then rely solely on Council to take appropriate steps to remediate the property. However, in some situations, the failure of a Council to carry out its statutory obligations may give rise to potential civil liability in the event of adverse health effects for subsequent occupiers.

Moreover, the responsibility for correcting chemical contamination ultimately lies with the owner/landlord and their agents or managers who will need to work with Council to resolve the situation. Apart from the legal duty a landlord has to his tenants, there is also the real reputational risk – properties which have been contaminated through meth regularly feature in the media. Meredith Connell regularly advises on issues related to contaminated properties. If you would like to discuss any of the points raised in this article or would like advice specific to your situation do not hesitate to contact us.

Jacqui Parker Danae Weston and Jacqui Parker are solicitors in Meredith Connell’s commercial property group with experience advising on this issue.

The following proactive steps to manage the issue of contamination are recommended: • Health and safety of the tenants /illegal use of the property by the tenants - clearing the property: a landlord should actively seek eviction of the occupants in the event the tenant breaches duties relating to the illegal use of a property and/or it is discovered the property has been contaminated by meth waste. Tenants must be evicted until the property is properly cleansed and deemed habitable by Council. Write to the occupants requesting that they vacate the premises within 48 hours. If the property is not vacated you can obtain a Court order evicting the tenants. The RTA places a duty on a landlord to ensure that a contaminated property has been professionally decontaminated and tested to check any resulting contamination is at an acceptable level before the property can be re-tenanted.

Complies with standards AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 & AS/NZS 4994.1:2009

Easily erected on building sites regardless of ground terrain No vertical support posts to restrict accessibility and construction around the site

• Repairing the property: there is no single regulation to comply with regarding the clean-up of meth contaminated properties but owners must meet statutory obligations such as those under the Health Act 1956 and Building Act 2004. Owners should only employ trained contractors who are able to perform the chemical remediation for the decontamination. • Sell the property: in the event the costs of repair are prohibitive for example, the cost of repairing the contamination is $40,000 but the value of the property is lowered by the discovery of contamination by more than $100,000 selling the property “as is” (without the normal warranties) is an option.

Roof Edge Protection & Working Platform Scaffold System

New Zealand-made steel components for durability and reliable performance Packs down into compact volume for transportation and storage

For more information visit: www.miteknz.co.nz

Accommodates a range of roof pitch and overhangs while maintaining required safety standards Available from Mitre 10 stores throughout New Zealand

LEGAL

Avoid toxic shock

Jacqui Parker Danae Weston and Jacqui Parker are solicitors in Meredith Connell’s commercial property group with experience advising on this issue.

Complies with standards AS/NZS 1576.1:2010 & AS/NZS 4994.1:2009

Easily erected on building sites regardless of ground terrain No vertical support posts to restrict accessibility and construction around the site

Roof Edge Protection & Working Platform Scaffold System

New Zealand-made steel components for durability and reliable performance Packs down into compact volume for transportation and storage

For more information visit: www.miteknz.co.nz

Accommodates a range of roof pitch and overhangs while maintaining required safety standards Available from Mitre 10 stores throughout New Zealand

SITE SAFETY

– take a fresh look at this major cause of injury

Workplace records can also be a good source of information about manual handling tasks. Examine the hazard register, accident investigation forms and early reports of discomfort to help pinpoint where manual handling injuries have occurred.

Manual Handling

• How many people do the job? • What is the most likely injury from this job? • What is the likelihood of a serious injury?

Talk to employees and gain valuable insights. Find out what manual handling activities are going on onsite – how and when they happen.

What are the specific hazards associated with manual handling? • Loads - heavy, bulky, unstable, sharp, or difficult to grasp loads cause injuries. • Force – is there enough power to do the task? • Repetition - repetitive actions can tire muscles and hurt soft tissue. • Bad posture - how we hold our bodies can impact blood flow and muscles. • Surface/floor - objects in the way create trip hazards.

After assessing the severity of the risk, think about the best possible way to eliminate (or at least minimise) the manual handling hazards.

• Ask for help with carrying a load or move the load in stages, while taking necessary breaks. • Wear suitable clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety boots to protect against cuts and crushed toes etc.

Manual handling tips: • Stand reasonably close to the load, feet hip width apart with one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction going forward. • Knees should be bent while keeping the back straight. • Get a secure grip on the load and use handles if provided. • Breathe in before commencing the lift. • Carry out the lift smoothly using the legs to take the strain, keeping the back straight, chin up, and arms close to the body. • Step off in the direction the advanced foot is pointing, keeping the load close to the body. • If necessary, stop for rests. • Avoid any jerky or twisting movements to avoid back/body strain.

Think about writing up a company manual handling policy and procedure as it helps plan for any lifting work and reinforce positive expectations on workers.

Possible controls:

ACC recently commissioned a study* on what the top injuries were in the residential construction industry. The report found that the amount of ‘soft tissue injuries’ like strains and sprains were significant. These results are not surprising considering the nature of construction work requires workers to use their bodies to lift, push, pull, carry, throw, move, restrain, hold or handle objects. This type of movement can often cause twisted, bent, awkward and unbalanced postures – leaving the worker’s body with softtissue damage. 14

New Health and Safety Reform Bill ‘Risk’ Focus What’s the risk of manual handling? Since manual handling is an everyday activity, it can often be overlooked when assessing a site’s health and safety risks. Take a fresh look at manual handling tasks on site – and start to implement risk management. Consider the following questions: • • • •

How often is the handling done? How long does the handling last? How far does the load have to be moved? How big and heavy is the load?

• Modify equipment to eliminate difficult lifts, eg. MIG welding units eliminate the lifting of difficult gas cylinders. • Store loads at waist height to reduce bending, stretching and twisting the body to reach loads. eg. do assembly work on trestles or benches instead of the floor. • Provide trolleys, wheel sets or skates to handle large and awkward loads. • Organise the delivery and storage of materials to reduce the distance loads are carried. • Keep floor surfaces clear and free of obstacles to provide enough space. Suitable lighting and a clear route to where you are taking the load. Do not carry a load that will block your vision. • Use a power tool instead of a hand tool and provide tools that keep the wrist straight eg. use a straight handled drill. • Work activity should be matched to the individual’s personal fitness level. • Warm up before any manual handling is done. Especially important at the beginning of the day and after an extended break as muscles cool down. • Consider on-site glazing of joinery to minimise the weight of an item.

Head to www.worksafe.govt.nz for the Code of Practice and other factsheets on manual handling. Site Safe members head to www.sitesafe. org.nz to download a manual handling toolbox talk to share with their teams. Site Safe is a not-for-profit, membership based organisation that promotes, inspires and supports a culture of health and safety in New Zealand construction.

*Intersafe, ‘Report – Study of Personal Damage in the New Zealand Residential Construction Industry’, 8 March 2013. 15

SITE SAFETY

– take a fresh look at this major cause of injury

Manual Handling

• How many people do the job? • What is the most likely injury from this job? • What is the likelihood of a serious injury?

Talk to employees and gain valuable insights. Find out what manual handling activities are going on onsite – how and when they happen.

After assessing the severity of the risk, think about the best possible way to eliminate (or at least minimise) the manual handling hazards.

Think about writing up a company manual handling policy and procedure as it helps plan for any lifting work and reinforce positive expectations on workers.

Possible controls:

How often is the handling done? How long does the handling last? How far does the load have to be moved? How big and heavy is the load?

*Intersafe, ‘Report – Study of Personal Damage in the New Zealand Residential Construction Industry’, 8 March 2013. 15

RACING

RACING Back on the track for race day on Sunday, Huggi started strong, powering from a fourth position at the start up to second, with Kaos Ward and Killa Walton on his tail. Then, on lap five, a slight concentration lapse resulted in Huggi hitting the grass corner and losing three positions. Undeterred, Huggi continued to hunt down the top four utes, holding his position in front of Ford driving nemesis Mike “Buzz” Lightfoot to finish the race fifth. In races two and three, the rivalry between Huggi and Buzz continued. Buzz came out second best in race two after having a spin going into turn one, which took out “Dirty” Dave Kernohan. After leaving the carnage behind, Huggi launched into the restart but unfortunately didn’t manage to improve on his tenth position.

Torpey scores a win Mitre 10 Trade Racing sprintcar driver Glenn Torpey scored his first win in the big orange machine at Western Springs recently.

After a testing time at the Auckland circuit a week previously – where he battled an extremely bumpy track to finish fourth and ninth – Torpey lined up for the 2014 New Zealand Sprintcar Grand Prix in a field of top drivers from around the country.

got the better of the Mitre 10 Trade Racing sprint car. The 10A machine spun up and parked itself in the middle of the track head on to the oncoming sprint cars. Luckily the car was still intact, allowing Torpey to join the restart from the rear of the field, he gained a few places to come home in ninth position.

Starting in ninth position in race one, Torpey avoided an early smash, then climbed his way into fifth pace after the restart, which he held until the chequered flag.

“The car was fast and a pleasure to drive all night due to the top effort of my crew. It was a great night with a fantastic crowd cheering us on from the stands,” said Torpey.

Race two was also plagued by restarts but Torpey, starting in grid position two, managed to break away and create a gap to the chasing pack. Holding his line and defending his position, Torpey muscled the big Mitre 10 Trade Racing beast across the finish line a quarter of a lap ahead of the field

The following meeting proved to be even more of a challenge after a collision in race two almost ruined Torpey’s night.

“What an awesome race! It’s great to get a win for the Mitre 10 Trade Racing sprint car, a big thanks to my crew for setting up the car it was perfect,” an ecstatic Torpey said. With some good points already gathered, Torpey lined up for the thirty-lap feature in grid three. By now the track was quite interesting - a mix of slick and drivey track with a huge rut in the exit of turn two. For the first six laps Torpey was looking very solid in fourth place and, after a few dusty laps and a restart Torpey boosted himself into third and stuck there for the next half of the race. In the final few laps, a few cars managed to get ahead leaving Torpey in fifth position. With six laps to go, the dreaded rut 16

After finishing seventh in race one, Torpey was hit by another car after just two laps of race two, breaking the right front wheel and ripping out the axle, sending the Mitre 10 Trade Racing car hurtling towards the wall before Torpey managed to wrestle it to a stop. In just ten minutes, the Team Torpey crew ripped out the broken bits and replaced the complete front axle suspension and steering. The Mitre 10 Trade Racing machine made it onto the track literally as the pit gate closed behind them. From the back of the grid, Torpey worked steadily through the traffic, making up places until an out of control sprint car took Torpey out and finished his night.

The real action began in race three. Buzz returned from his spin with the ultimate ute argy bargy, trying an ambitious pass that sent Huggi into the wall after only a quarter of the first lap. That very quickly put an end to the Mitre 10 Trade Racing team’s weekend, and resulted in a black flag to Buzz. With a broken car on display, Team Torpey had plenty of pit visitors with race fans lining up for posters and checking out the wreckage as the crew assessed the repair job.

“There is no doubt we’ve got the speed and the ute to be right up there,” says Huggi. “With some fine tuning and staying away from the drama, we will be on fire for the next race! Bring it on!”

“Not the best way to end the season,” Glenn said. “But better to have ended this way than starting like it. This has been one of our best seasons racing and so much more exciting flying the Mitre 10 Trade flag. Without Mitre 10 Trade on board we could not be out there making sure the job was done. “There is no doubt we will be back next summer to do it all over again!”

Huggi steps up his game In a period of less than three weeks, James “Huggi” Urquhart and the Mitre 10 Trade Racing team have converted one ute to race spec, completely rebuilt the remains of another (after coming out second best at Cromwell), hosted hot laps for 300 tradies, and competed in round two of the 2014 UDC NZ V8 Utes Series at Pukekohe Park Raceway. With a ute that was 75% brand spanking new, just arriving at Pukekohe ready to race was a feat in itself. After a mid-pack practice, the Mitre 10 Trade Racing team pulled of the fourth fastest qualifying time behind Kris “Killa” Walton, Pete “Kaos” Ward and Geoff “SOS” Spencer, showing the field that the Mitre 10 Trade beast was back and better than ever.

For more information please visit: or facebook.com/mitre10traderacing mitre10traderacing.com

A disappointed and gutted Torpey returned to the pits to find a smashed in engine, bonnet and a huge bend in the newly installed front suspension, which had torn off the front wing. 17

RACING

Torpey scores a win Mitre 10 Trade Racing sprintcar driver Glenn Torpey scored his first win in the big orange machine at Western Springs recently.

Starting in ninth position in race one, Torpey avoided an early smash, then climbed his way into fifth pace after the restart, which he held until the chequered flag.

“The car was fast and a pleasure to drive all night due to the top effort of my crew. It was a great night with a fantastic crowd cheering us on from the stands,” said Torpey.

The following meeting proved to be even more of a challenge after a collision in race two almost ruined Torpey’s night.

For more information please visit: or facebook.com/mitre10traderacing mitre10traderacing.com

A disappointed and gutted Torpey returned to the pits to find a smashed in engine, bonnet and a huge bend in the newly installed front suspension, which had torn off the front wing. 17

ASB3536/IT

E D A R T N I N E M O W ASB Business Focus. The flexible package for growing business. As your business grows you need your banking to grow with you. ASB Business Focus gives you a simple everyday account with unlimited electronic transactions for $7.50 per month, access to a fee-free overdraft up to $1,000 and options for EFTPOS, Visa Business, online banking and much more. For details visit any ASB branch or asb.co.nz/businessfocus

Giving girls a taste of trades The Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill gave 195 year 11 Southland Girls High School pupils a taste of trade industries recently. The girls were given the opportunity to choose one of the following programmes: Airbrush, Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Engineering, Furniture/Joinery, Painting and Decorating, and then spend a day in one of these areas in SIT’s new $5.5 million trade facilities. “There are some great career opportunities in trade areas offering real job satisfaction and higher wages,” said Russell Finlay, SIT’s Programme Operations Manager for trades. “Although women have historically been under-represented in many trades, they often excel in what might be considered male dominated roles. “Some of our best trades people are women, and they often bring skill sets that allow them to move onto management roles within the industry.” He said SIT courses offer students the industry knowledge and practical skills required to capitalise on the many career opportunities that trades offer. “It is great to see Southland Girls High School taking such a positive approach to introducing their year 11 students to trade careers.” 18

Southland Girls High School pupils said the opportunity opened up a new career pathway that they would not have thought of doing before. Many also commented that it was a fun expeirence and something different. The girls were also given a tour of the new multi-million dollar Trades facilities and discussed potential career planning options with tutors and programme managers. Warren Ruwhiu, Programme Operations Manager for SIT said the local Mitre 10 store had been very proactive in working alongside SIT. “We have a fantastic working relationship with both Paul Reeve and Daniel Marsden. We suggest projects that they can involve themselves in and we go from there.” He said the local store has donated very generous prizes for SIT’s annual end-of-year prizegiving, worked alongside the institute with materials and also liaised with H & J Smith’s to furnish a re-locatable student built house onto a derelict section - which is now up for sale. “Mitre 10 have also donated materials for a builder shed for our Queenstown Carpentry course that has just started this year. They have also provided small prizes for tutors to give to students as incentives for classwork, and put on BBQ’s for students and staff,” he added. asb.co.nz/businessfocus

ASB Bank Limited

ASB Bank Limited’s terms and conditions apply. ASB’s disclosure statement is available from any ASB branch or from asb.co.nz. Business Focus is available to businesses who turnover less than $2million p.a. Other transaction and service fees apply. ASB lending criteria apply.

ASB3536/IT

ASB Bank Limited

Y IT N U M M O C E H T IN Golf day cements partnership Recently, commercial construction company Naylor Love held its annual golf tournament for their customers and suppliers alike; and Mitre 10 MEGA Glenfield were proud to be part of the action.

Answer the following question and enter the draw to win a Canon IXUS 16.1 Megalpixel camera.

WIN A

With a team of four, joining in with the other 170-plus players, the team also sponsored a hole, which allowed us to showcase the Mitre 10 V8, and keep the troops fed, with the Mitre 10 trade barbeque fired up. It was a great day to showcase Mitre 10. It was a stunning afternoon, beautiful weather and a great day for golf. The tricky course at Pupuke, on Auckland’s North Shore, kept all the players out there for close to six hours, and the players from Glenfield, Patrick Britton (General Manager), Simon Burden (Trade Sales & Operations Manager), along with Robert Grove and Mark Stott, did themselves proud finishing the round on even par.

CANON IXUS COMPACT

CAMERA

The golf was followed with dinner and awards, which Mitre 10 was happy to support. A great opportunity for all present to mix and mingle, sharing exaggerated stories of their golf capabilities, along with the more serious topics about the Auckland market, its future growth and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. All in all, it was beneficial for Mitre 10 to be part of this day, which was a great opportunity for Glenfield to cement their new relationship with Naylor Love.

Presence at Build It Expo Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga had a strong presence at the Build It EXPO held in Tauranga earlier this year.

You must include your answer, your name, company name, physical address, daytime phone number and the name of the store you hold an account with.

Organised by Certified Builders, this inaugural event drew a large number of exhibitors from across the building spectrum, as well as strong support from local builders and contractors who attended the event.

All entries must be received by 5pm, Monday May 5th, 2014. Conditions of entry: You may enter only once/ Prize(s) are as outlined. Prize(s) are non-

Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga Trade Manager Malcolm White confirmed the event had been a success for the local store, managing to secure some trade business from local builders. “It was certainly worth it for us to be there,” he said. “It was also good to catch up with some of the other people around the place and talk to them about the industry”. 20

Email your answer to m10trade@mitre10.co.nz with the words ‘May camera comp’ in the subject line and you’ll go in the draw to win.

Left to right – Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga’s Gavin Legge (Trade Sales Representative) and Malcolm White (Trade Manager).

refundable, non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash. The winner(s) will be notified by phone or email. Employees of ReFocus Media Ltd Ltd, Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd, suppliers of goods to Mitre 10 and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. By entering this contest, you consent to the use of your name in all matters related to this contest, including any advertising or publicity without further compensation. Results of this promotion will be published in a later issue of Mitre 10 In Trade magazine. Prices that may be quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at the time of publication. ReFocus Media Ltd and Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.

QUESTION: Name two of the five specific hazards associated with manual handling.

THIS PUBLICATION IS RECOGNISED BY THE BUILDING AND HOUSING GROUP AS CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE SKILLS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONER SCHEME. If you are a Licensed Building Practitioner, cut out and safely retain this panel with your skills maintenance literature for future reference and audit confirmation. Ref. In Trade Vol 7, Issue 11 May 2014

✃

Answer the following question and enter the draw to win a Canon IXUS 16.1 Megalpixel camera.

WIN A

CANON IXUS COMPACT

CAMERA

Presence at Build It Expo Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga had a strong presence at the Build It EXPO held in Tauranga earlier this year.

You must include your answer, your name, company name, physical address, daytime phone number and the name of the store you hold an account with.

All entries must be received by 5pm, Monday May 5th, 2014. Conditions of entry: You may enter only once/ Prize(s) are as outlined. Prize(s) are non-

Email your answer to m10trade@mitre10.co.nz with the words ‘May camera comp’ in the subject line and you’ll go in the draw to win.

Left to right – Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga’s Gavin Legge (Trade Sales Representative) and Malcolm White (Trade Manager).

QUESTION: Name two of the five specific hazards associated with manual handling.

✃

Selleys Liquid Nails® Heavy Duty is specifically designed for all those demanding high performance

applications,

like attaching heavy or bulky materials, panelling, stone tiles, timber & furniture. Best of all it delivers heavy duty adhesion faster so you can get on with the next job.

www.selleys.com.au Selleys is a registered trade mark. ‘IF IT’S SELLEYS IT WORKS’ * Compared to Liquid Nails Original. is a trade mark of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.