Tradie NZ - iss 2

feb/MAR 2017, ISSUE 2

Youth Offered a World of Skills Lions h Britis e h t f The pride o ies 2017 r e S s n io L Z N L H D The

TRADIES SAVE THE DATE!

O P X E S E I D A R T S E D A R 8PM ALL T M A 8 / 7 1 20

UNE J / N O T G N I WELL

FREE ENTRY & PARKING, COMPLIMENTARY FOOD & BEVERAGES FOR ALL ATTENDEES. Leading brands in Tools // New products & demos Great show only deals // Trade advice Lucky door prizes!!

P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y

!

TWO R O F AY D I NCE L O H R CHA

WIN A GISTER FOR YOFUOR TWO! Y E PRE-R IN A HOLIDA OK TO W TU, CO A U N A V M IJI A OR F SE FRO CHOO NDS, SAMO ISLA

CONTACT

PATRICK MCELLIGOTT E: Patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au + 61 7 3891 7793

DANIELLE NEDEN E: danielle@ttmediagroup.co.nz P: 04 889 3588

WWW.TRADIENZ.CO.NZ

New Year, new Tradie, Welcome back to the NZ Tradie Magazine for 2017!

CONTENTS

We hope you all have enjoyed time with your family and friends over the Christmas and holiday break.

As always, we at NZ Tradie like to keep you up-to-date with industry developments and news here in New Zealand.

In this issue, we find out details on the up and coming Plumbers Conference being held in scenic Nelson from 10-12 April. It’s the main event on the calendar for all tradies in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.

We also find out from Site Safe how we can defeat the dust in the workplace and how to reduce health risks.

27. STEAMPUNK Thames Festival

WorldSkills shows us their international competition that brings together young people from 76 countries around the world. Competitors are the best of the best in their respective skill areas and they have one common goal: to win titles for themselves, their countries, and their vocations.

2. Nuts & Bolts

15. Rugby

4. News

19. Shameless Plugs

6. Safety

20. Insurance

8. Training

22. Food & Nutrition

Also check out the upcoming DHL 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand against the almighty All Blacks. Eden Park, Auckland will host two Tests, while Westpac Stadium, Wellington will be the venue for the other.

9. Apprenticeships

24. NZ Travel

10. World Skills

27. Festivals

11. Recruitment

30. Have a laugh & win

Finally, for something quite different where Mad Max meets the Victorian era – we cover the upcoming Steampunk Festival.

A festival of creativity and ingenuity.

13. Getting it Right

31. Puzzles

14. Techie Stuff

32. Fishing with Billy

Do let us know your thoughts on this issue, and as always, we welcome any ideas for stories or profiles, let me know by email at Joanna@ttmediagroup.co.nz . And don’t forget to like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tradienz).

Jo May Editor

The Tradie NZ

PO Box 2173, Washdyke, Timaru New Zealand 7942 P: +617 3891 7793 E: Patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au www.tradienetwork.co.nz Advertising Sales: Danielle Neden Danielle@ttmediagroup.co.nz Editor: Jo May Joanna@ttmediagroup.co.nz Printing: www.format.co.nz

w w w.t r a d i e n z . c o. n z cover image: Morgan Lovelace Keith Andrews Trucks, Northland

Disclaimer: Views expressed in The Tradie magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.

No responsibility is accepted by the publisher or the printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant Trade Practices Act 1979. Responsibility for compliance with the acts rests with the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither publisher nor the editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

Nuts&Bolts E v e n t s , S p o r t a n d RA N DOM S T U FF

Blackcaps International There is nothing quite like the involved experience that is international cricket.

At its heart, it is a day of drama where being in the crowd is as important to the game as the players on the field itself.

The Blackcaps take on South Africa and Bangladesh in the ANZ International Series. With Tests and One Day Internationals to choose from, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to support our cricket superstars.

Photo: NZ Cricket

Grab your friends and family to experience the stadium buzz, the costumes, that dad catch from the crowd, and the nail-biting excitement at those crucial crunch points that define tension.

Matches are throughout the main centres from 19 February – 25 March 2017 Visit www.blackcaps.co.nz

New Zealand’s New Home of Drifting

The ever-growing sport of drifting has finally established it’s own home in New Zealand with the first dedicated facility to be constructed at Meremere Dragway South of Auckland.

Auckland based entrepreneur Sky Zhao, has been well known in the New Zealand drift scene since 2008.

A pro driver, turned professional coach with his own business Drift Academy International, operating in New Zealand, Japan and China.

Sky first started on the project two years ago. Having drifted at many purpose-built tracks overseas, establishing such a facility in NZ became Sky’s vision for the future of drifting in New Zealand. A place to bring like-minded people together in a safe, off the street environment

2

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

without the high cost of established racing circuits. Traditional circuits are often too demanding for beginners and those in grass root cars. The Drift Park’s design will provide a safer and better quality experience not only for those learning to drift but for experienced drivers too.

Earthwork has begun with construction underway soon and completion is by the end of 2017.

For further updates visit www.driftpark.co.nz or follow them on their Facebook page @meremeredriftpark

Classic Fighters

Highlands Festival of Speed

Easter 2017 Yealands Classic Fighters is an action-packed, familyfriendly event taking place, over three days, on Easter weekend, 14-16 April 2017.

Saturday and Sunday are the main show days with over 100 aircraft participating, together with mock airfield attacks supported by ground theatre and pyrotechnics.

There will be something on offer to suit everyone, with musical entertainment, delectable Marlborough wine and food, merchandise stalls, a kid’s fun zone and a grand array of classic cars.

This International Air Show is situated alongside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – a must visit and has been described as ‘one of the best museums in the world’! www.classicfighters.co.nz

TWO days of spectacular classic racing, some of the best to be seen in New Zealand - 8th and 9th APRIL 2017.

The Highlands Festival of Speed is a weekend packed with some of the best modern classic racing you will see in New Zealand. Featuring the Pre 65 Racing, Mainland Muscle and more classic categories. This is a weekend of true blue Kiwi racing starring some of New Zealand’s most well known racing legends.

The Highlands Festival of Speed returns to Cromwell this year on April 8 & 9.

This year’s Festival will have a slightly different format to previous years. As per usual we’ll have some fantastic racing on the track with some of the categories confirmed including Pre 65s, Mainland Muscle Cars, Modern Classics and Nostalgic Classics.

Entry is only $25, which is payable on the day and includes entry into the Highlands Museum. In between races, you’ll have the chance to book a ride in our famous Highlands ‘High Speed’ Taxi or get out in the McLaren, at ‘special’ Festival rates. And of course, no visit to Highlands is complete without a race with your mates on our Go-Kart track! You can wander through the pits, have a yarn to the competitors or stroll through the Vehicle Show featuring over 200 vehicles on display.Vehicles are not limited to cars – we welcome caravans, boats, motorbikes – anything that fits the theme ‘Festival of Speed’.

Visit www.highlands.co.nz

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

3

Plumbers it’s your Main Event!

If plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying is your trade, there’s an event you won’t want to miss.

Nelson, 10-12 April 2017

4

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

SAFETY NEWS Some serious planning has gone into the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Conference to make sure everyone who attends has an awesome time and takes home heaps of useful advice for running a successful business.

Being held in scenic Nelson from 10-12 April, it’s the main event on the calendar for all tradies in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.

Here are 10 top reasons to be part of the action: 1.

All Blacks’ Leadership Manager Gilbert Enoka will be giving professional advice on elite business performance.

2. With over 30 trade exhibitors from top NZ suppliers and manufacturers, you can get hands-on with the latest products in the market.

3. Got something to ask the regulator? The PGD Board will be taking questions from the floor.

4. Attend the CPD training session and you’ll be meeting your CPD requirements to renew your licence for the 2018 year.

5. “The best thing about the Conference? People.” That’s what one of last year’s participants says. Take the chance to discuss business issues with like-minded people looking for similar solutions.

6. Have fun at the evening social events with great food, drinks and company!

7.

Partners are very welcome too and there’s an awesome activity programme to make the most of what’s on offer in the Nelson region.

8. Quadbike adventures, paintball and flying the SkyWire—take your pick from some fun optional afternoon activities.

9. Listen and learn from speakers with expert tips on marketing, customer service, business software, and managing and keeping good staff.

10. A whole range of topics will be covered at the technical session for plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers.

Plus, of course, the best in the industry will get the recognition they deserve at the 2017 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Dinner, powered by Master Plumbers with Plumbing World as Principal Sponsor.

Register for the business sessions only or the whole conference, including social functions—it’s over to you!

What are you waiting for? Book online at: nzplumbingconference.org.nz or over the phone on 0800 778 445.

NEW ZEALAND

PLUMBING CONFERENCE 2017

10-12 April 2017 I Rutherford Hotel, Nelson

BOOK NOW FOR THE 2017 NZ PLUMBING CONFERENCE— GEARING YOUR BUSINESS FOR TOP PERFORMANCE Principal Sponsor

www.nzplumbingconference.org.nz

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

5

SAFETY SAFETY

DEFEAT THE DUST The great thing about this time of year is the long hours of daylight and truckloads of fine weather. But the warm, dry conditions are perfect for exposing you and your workers to a major on-site hazard: dust.

You might not realise it, but workers in the construction sector are 20 times more likely to die of exposure to harmful airborne substances than from a workplace accident.

Safe have some quick tips on how you can help protect yourself and your workers this season.

Construction workers that smoke are at even greater risk.

Dust is tiny, dry particles in the air. It can be produced when materials are cut, drilled, demolished, sanded or shovelled. This means many work activities can create dust. The dust that can’t be seen it the dust that can cause the most harm. Breathing in dust can have both acute and chronic effects, potentially causing long term health issues for builders.

Every year, 5,000-6,000 people in New Zealand are hospitalised after being exposed to airborne contaminants at work, including wood dust and silica.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a responsibility, as far as is reasonably practicable, to keep their workers not only safe, but healthy as well. And this means thinking about how risks like dust can be eliminated, isolated or managed.

So, what kind of work creates dust and what can you do about it? The friendly team at Site

6

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

What is dust?

Do you know how much dust you come into contact with?

Dust is generated by: • cutting, sanding, grinding sweeping, and polishing operations

• old lead pipes (lead oxide dust) • stripping out fibrous insulation, lagging or packing materials (potentially asbestos) • being on a dry and exposed work site • wind and heat In dry weather, circulation of dust in the air increases.

Take sand, for example. It can be fatal when breathed into your lungs over time, and if sand is your building material, on a windy day your product is literally flying away.

Exposure to silica dust (a major component of beach sand and granite) can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Silica can be found in concrete, bricks, rocks, stone, sand and clay.

Breathing in silica dust can cause lung tissue to scar, a condition referred to as

SAFETY

Exposure to silica dust (a major component of beach sand and granite) can cause silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

silicosis. This scarring results in a loss of lung function. The effects of silicosis are permanent and may continue to develop even after exposure has stopped. Once silicosis has developed, there can be an increased risk of kidney disease and tuberculosis.

Testing for it is difficult so prevention for yourself and others is important.

Symptoms of silicosis to watch out for include:

• frequent dry coughing • shortness of breath • wheezing • increased tiredness How do you reduce the health risks associated with dust?

By using water: • Continuous water and wet working methods can keep dust out of the air, and out of your lungs. Spray surfaces with water or cover (especially piles of sand or gravel outdoors). Make sure you have enough water available for whole job.

• Clean equipment and work areas frequently with a water hose. Don’t dry sweep.

• Remember that dust silt can’t go down the drain. It needs to be collected up and then disposed of.

By extraction methods: • On-tool extraction.

• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). For example, this can be used for places of work which cut, grind and polish stone.

• Be aware of where the dust is going because it may affect other workers and the public.

Hygiene: • Wash face and hands immediately after finishing tasks and before eating, drinking or smoking.

• Wash contaminated work gear, clothing and boots on site if possible.

• It is a good idea to wash dusty clothes separately.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): • Wear PPE suitable for the task and in accordance with the material safety data sheet (MSDS), such as respiratory protection, hearing protection, overalls, jacket, gloves, hard hat and eye protection.

• It’s a good idea to seek professional advice about the right type of respiratory protection. Check out http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/ information-guidance/all-guidance-items/ respiratory-protection-a-guide-to/ RespiratoryProtection.pdf

Other steps you should consider are air monitoring, health monitoring, training and warning signs.

Site Safe offers a four-hour Passport renewal course introducing the topic of worker health, which includes dust. For more information on the Passport Plus - Worker Health course, or for help in developing and applying your own dust policies and procedures, see www.sitesafe.org.nz

Site Safe is a national not-for-profit membership organisation that promotes, supports and inspires a culture of health and safety in the NZ construction industry.

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

7

training

Preparing the next generation of Kiwi tradies Do you remember how you became a tradie in the first place? Chances are, nobody came to you when you were still at school and encouraged you to become a plumber or electrician.

That’s the issue that Workchoice – an initiative run by Skills – is tackling. It’s clear we have a shortage of skilled tradies in this country. It’s also obvious that there’s a lot of bright young kids who can fill that gap. But what happens when all they think about when leaving school is to head straight to uni?

Workchoice is all about educating high school students about the diverse careers available in the trades. They can only learn more about New Zealand’s great trades careers if they see or experience them first-hand. It’s a way of giving back to the industry and helping secure its future – and it’s easy for you to get involved!

In the afternoon, the students go out to local workplaces for the tradie experience. And this is where you can get involved!

We’re keen to hear from companies that want to show students around their workplace and tell them about what it’s like working there. Check out the dates below to see when Workchoice Day is on in your area this year: www.skills.org.nz

What’s Workchoice all about?

Workchoice is a youth employment brand powered by Skills, with the goal of giving students a real taste of working in the trades while they’re still in school.

Workchoice Day is one of the many great events they run throughout the year. It’s a one-day programme that connects students with real trades businesses, so they can get an idea of what being a tradie is like.

By bringing them together with local companies, young Kiwis get real information and experiences to help them prepare for the skills employers want.

So what does Workchoice Day involve?

First there’s a morning conference-style session where local employers, recruitment experts, and inspirational youth speakers present to students.

e an Find m tice n e r app

!

todaLy CaL

02 102 0800 5

8

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

• May 17 – Wellington (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa) • May 25 – Christchurch (Airforce Museum Wigram) • June 13 – West Auckland (HubWest) • June 14 – Central Auckland (Auckland Girls Grammar) • June 15 – South Auckland (Vodafone Event Centre) Registrations are now open!

Want to get involved? Just give us a buzz on 09 583 1706 or info@workchoice.co.nz today and we’ll get you sorted!

SAFETY Apprenticeships

Outward Bound boosting success for apprentices and employers

BCITO has been sponsoring apprentices to attend Outward Bound in the Marlborough Sounds for more than ten years.

The rationale behind this initiative is that research shows apprentices who attend benefit from boosted productivity, improved leadership skill and increased organisational loyalty.

The course helps young leaders build confidence, become self-aware, and improve communication and teamwork skills. These ‘soft skills’ are linked to a successful construction career and are vital in today’s competitive training and employment market.

The research also shows that apprentices return from Outward Bound better able to supervise teams, having developed a greater openness, maturity and an ability to manage conflict. They are also more comfortable in situations where they may have previously struggled such as talking to new or difficult people.

Amanda Delahunt of Carpet Court Canterbury, who was completing her Flooring Planning and Design qualification was a lucky recipient in 2015. She told us she had an “incredible, one-in-a-lifetime

experience”. She says she learnt to aim high and achieve high through Outward Bound. “Being in a group of other apprentices was awesome and I’ve made some life-long friends on the course. Outward Bound has definitely changed me - I understand myself a lot more and am confident and happy within myself. I tend to have a lot more patience and empathy with other people and am not afraid to speak up, take on challenges and show leadership when required.”

Laura-Jean Fitzgibbon, Managing Director of Carpet Court Canterbury says the Outward Bound experience is unlike anything she can deliver in-house to her employees. “Amanda came back from her time away with a renewed confidence, ambition, excitement about the trades and the people she met. She has made a commitment to lead a healthy, fit and motivated lifestyle. One of the most satisfying aspects of being an employer is to train staff and give them opportunities like Outward Bound to help them push themselves and exceed expectations.”

If you’re an eligible BCITO apprentice, or an employer who trains with BCITO, have a serious think this opportunity and get your application in before 13 March 2017.

See www.bcito.org.nz/outwardbound for eligibility criteria, other terms and conditions and to apply. www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

9

WORLD SKILLS

Offering NZ Youth a World of Skills Practical. Hands-on. Empirical. Non-traditional. These are how vocational skills are often described.

Alex Banks, 2016 automotive refinishing national gold medalist

For WorldSkills, these are viable career options we encourage the youth to not only consider, but excel in.

WorldSkills is an international competition that brings together young people from 76 countries around the world. Competitors are the best of the best in their respective skill areas and they have one common goal: to win titles for themselves, their countries, and their vocations.

These young people, along with their teachers and trainers, gather together to compete in the skills of their respective trades and pit themselves against demanding international standards.

Over its 85-year history, WorldSkills International has come to symbolise the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training.

The next international competition is slated for 14-19 October 2017, in Abu Dhabi, with 50 skills to be put to the test – from welding to hair dressing, restaurant service to automotive refinishing.

In Aotearoa

Everything – from the houses we live in to the food we eat, to the services that keep New Zealand’s economic wheels spinning – is made possible by people who work in vocational careers. Thus, WorldSkills New Zealand (WSNZ) offers a place for young people to experience the skills that shape our country.

As an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, WorldSkills New Zealand dedicated to encouraging young people to excel in vocational skills through exposure to competitions at regional, national, and international levels.

The organisation gives young people confidence, assertiveness, a feeling of responsibility and the ability to seek new challenges within their work. Consequently, WSNZ provides industry training 10

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

Jarrod Wood – 2016 aircraft maintenance national gold medalist

organisations, companies, and polytechnics with consistent performance benchmarks measured alongside international standards. This enables comparison of training standards around New Zealand against proven international standards.

All Worldskills New Zealand competitions provide unbiased measures of competency for each participant, exceeding the intent of the National Qualifications Framework.

It is, therefore, WSNZ’s mission to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people through winning medals in workplace competitions on the world stage, and show how important skills are in achieving economic growth and personal success.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”

Why People Choose to Share Their Skills

There are several ways to become involved in WorldSkills New Zealand, from competing to judging to mentoring to other exciting volunteer roles.

Competitors (between 18 and 21 years old by the date of the National Competition and no more than 22 years old by the International Competition) learn to set goals and excel in other facets of their life. They also learn to work under pressures of time, quality and performance, gain tangible evidence of their workplace abilities, and acquire increased self-confidence and practical skills.

Skill experts, mentors, or trainers can benchmark the effectiveness of their training programmes in regional, national, and international arenas. Consequently, the competitions promote the benefits of investing in training to companies, as well as provide visible demonstrations of occupational standards for them.

SAFETY RECRUITMENT

Logan Candy – Automotive technology gold medalist for both 2014 and 2016 WorldSkills New Zealand National Competitions

Kevin Eder - Managing Director of Tradestaff NZ

“Do the thing you’re good at.

Not many people are lucky enough to be so good at something.”

The Founding of Tradestaff NZ

John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

A lot can happen in two decades, and a lot certainly has for Founder and Managing Director of Tradestaff New Zealand Kevin Eder.

WSNZ greatly relies on the national network of 700+ volunteers from involved industries, polytechnics, and industry training organisations who give hundreds of hours of their own time.

Volunteers, in turn, benefit from sharing their time and skills by meeting new people and taking joy in helping make a difference. Among the volunteer roles are: • Project designers • Judges • Competition coordinators • Category convenors • Local trainers • Shop maters • Logistics coordinators • Team leaders • Administration The industry also benefits from participation in WSNZ as such leads to improved motivation and increased productivity within companies. There is also assurance that the skills of New Zealand’s workforce are linked to a benchmark of high standards. Sponsorship of the not-forprofit can be used for media and target market exposure.

For those of you who would like to learn more about how you can become involved in WorldSkills, visit our website www.worldskills.org.nz or contact WSNZ at info@worldskills.org.nz.

As a qualified electrician with a background in trades, Kevin recognised an opportunity in the labour recruitment industry, launching New Zealand’s premier labour hire company in 1996.

After working for a multinational in the nineties that had a single computer the size of a classroom, Kevin was frustrated that companies were primarily focussed on white collar jobs and saw industrial recruitment as a bit of an inconvenience.

“I saw an opportunity for someone to go out an own that industrial market and be quite proud of it,” said Kevin.

Only months down the track, history will show you that he was right.

“Once you started treating those clients and the temporary staff with respect and showing them that they were just as important as anyone else, they stuck with you.”

It was this foundation of being 100 per cent focussed on quality and service that enabled Kevin to lead the rapid growth and ongoing success of Tradestaff.

The industrial recruitment industry has made a rather significant u-turn today. With tighter regulations, higher expectations and a largely candidate-short job market. Therefore, nowadays, it is a matter of managing the client base and ensuring that they are best served.

“In some ways, the industry has changed dramatically, but in others, it hasn’t at all,” mused Kevin. “It is still about placing the right candidate with the right client.”

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

11

getting it right

It’s time to sort the pros from the cons With the construction industry and housing activity showing little sign of slowing down, this exciting time of growth provides its own set of challenges.

At the forefront in 2017 for The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will be ensuring those embarking on building or home renovation projects don’t pay the costly repercussions of using the wrong people.

New Zealand has been fortunate to have a regulated plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry for over 100 years. High-quality training means we have some of the most highly competent and qualified tradespeople in the world.

“So, how do we protect the integrity of our tradespeople from those who bring the industry into disrepute by working unlawfully? Our public awareness campaigns and unauthorised work initiatives need to work harder”, says Martin Sawyers, The Board’s Chief Executive.

In response to the current challenging environment, the Board has reinvigorated its public awareness marketing campaign. The idea is simple and works on many levels.

The main message of the new ‘sort the pros from the cons’ campaign shows consumers how to choose the right people when building or renovating.

It highlights the importance of qualified tradespeople, and the need to eliminate risk by asking to sight a New Zealand Practising Licence before any work begins.

The advertising for the campaign has been created using different angles to get the message across. The main visuals show the licence card highlighting an authorised tradesperson while pushing an unqualified person out.

The campaign emphasises that anyone can have tools or a van, but that doesn’t mean they a have the skills and experience required to do the job properly.

It reminds consumers that New Zealand homes have a complex network of pipes and fittings that mix high pressures, high temperatures, gas, electricity and many other highrisk hazards which are dangerous and could potentially put their health and safety and insurance under threat if handled incorrectly.

Messaging has also been targeted specifically at people who try to do it themselves and provides clarification of what’s legal and what’s not.

The campaign has full media attention through TV advertising, print media, digital advertising on Stuff, The Hearld Online, TV Ondemand, and Trademe. Youtube and email campaigns also play a part in spreading the word. See the full campaign at www.pgdb. co.nz/ publications/card-campaign.

“Providing behaviour change quickly is hard”, says Martin. “However the campaign is already providing good results. In the early stages, it is exceeding the expected measures for its target audiences - and we plan to have this three-month summer campaign on repeat for the next two years.”

Tackling illegal operators through a strategy of joining forces is another one of the Board’s initiatives that is having an impact and responding to the unauthorised work challenge.

In October and November of last year raids on illegal operators netted 25. Investigators from the PGDB swooped on Auckland suburbs Millwater and Flatbush. Both were targeted areas identified by the industry reporting illegal activity through the R.A.C (report-a-cowboy) mobile app.

Sixteen illegal operators not qualified to carry out restricted work were found in Millwater and nine in Flatbush who will be prosecuted in the District Court or penalised through disciplinary action by the Board.

In late 2016 the Electrical Workers Board (EWRB) joined the successful PGDB initiative and added an electrical reporting component to the app, and reports are beginning to emerge identifying potential illegal activity in the electrical trade.

“More places throughout New Zealand will be targeted in 2017 that have been identified by practitioners who are joining forces with the Board and reporting illegal operators through the R.A.C app”, says Martin.

“We encourage all industry tradespeople to download the R.A.C app at www.pgdb. co.nz and assist in identifying, and holding to account those people who are carrying out restricted work unlawfully and put the public at risk.” www.pgdb.co.nz

A unique patented rail available in various metals and tube diameters designed to improve safety and is easily cleaned to prevent bacterial contamination.

A range of premade bathroom rails available or custom rails made to order. For use inside or outside.

DIXON MANUFACTURING LTD P: 09 422 3595 E: DIXON@PL.NET

www.dixon.co.nz www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

13

techie stuff

APPS FOR YOUR TOOLBOX Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference — so here are some must-have apps every Tradie needs in their business toolbox.

Tradies will agree that investing in the right tools for the job pays back tenfold in money, effort and time. Investing in software for your trade business is no different.

Having the best software on hand to help you achieve success in your business will also literally save you time, money and stress.

Free Shed Designer App Fair Dinkum Sheds new shed design App lets you create your own steel shed, barn, garage or carport.

Fair Dinkum Sheds, Australasia’s leading distributor of steel buildings, can provide you with a quote on your design. Fair Dinkum Sheds are ShedSafe accredited (Aus) and engineered to comply with the Building Codes of Australia and New Zealand, using quality steel from Bluescope/Colorbond (Aus) and NZ Steel/Coloursteel (NZ).

The App is downloadable in the App shops (Google Play and iTunes Apple) and available online www.fairdinkumsheds.co.nz/ designer

Free Bosch Toolbox App For professional tradespeople!

The Bosch Toolbox is a new and innovative collection of digital tools for tradespeople and other professionals.

The new Bosch Toolbox App now has an Update to My Tools – the home of Bosch’s professional connected power tools!

New Features: My Tools - Now expanded with connected Angle Grinders. Stay tuned! Many more tools will follow. My Tools gives you access to an unprecedented level of information about your connected tools ranging from Personalisation, Tool Control, Tool Alerts & Notifications, Tool Status & Information, Tool Usage.

Available at the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

14

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

rugby

The pride of the British & Irish Lions The pride of the British & Irish Lions is on the line this year when the ten-match DHL NZ Lions Series 2017 gets underway later this year in Whangarei.

Photo: NZ Rugby

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

15

“ Demand for tickets has already been exceptionally high with tickets unavailable for a number of matches and limited availability for others.

The message is to get in now or risk missing one of New Zealand’s biggest events.”

Photos: NZ Rugby

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said the British & Irish Lions tour was one of those very special events for any rugby fan.

“We all remember how the 2005 Series captivated this country and this year will be no different. It’s likely to be one of the most significant sporting events our country has hosted since Rugby World Cup 2011 and perhaps the biggest New Zealand will host for some time.

“More than 20,000 Lions supporters travelled to New Zealand in 2005, generating more than $135m in benefits – we’re confident the 2017 Series will exceed these figures.

“Over the last few years New Zealand has shown we can successfully host some of the biggest events in international sport and provide visitors with a unique and welcoming experience.

“The Series in New Zealand will be a huge occasion, featuring the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and providing almost six weeks of incredible rugby with matches against our Investec Super Rugby teams, the Maori All Blacks and a Provincial Union XV side.

“Demand for tickets has already been exceptionally high with tickets unavailable for a number of matches and limited availability for others. The message is to get in now or risk missing one of New Zealand biggest events.”

16

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

The Series will kick off with a game against the Provincial Union Barbarians in Whangarei and feature four midweek matches.

Eden Park, Auckland will host two Tests, while Westpac Stadium, Wellington will be the venue for the other.

Matches against New Zealand’s Super Rugby sides – the Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Chiefs and Hurricanes - and a fixture against the Maori All Blacks complete the Series schedule.

The Lions match against the Maori All Blacks, which will be played at Rotorua International Stadium, reignites a rivalry which has produced classic encounters over the past two tours with a narrow victory for the visitors in 1993 followed by a historic 19–13 win for the Maori All Blacks in 2005 - their first ever over the Lions.

The tour is the twelfth by a combined British Isles side to New Zealand. The first was in 1888 and the most recent 10 years ago.

During that time, New Zealand has won 27 Tests to the Lions’ 6, including a memorable 3-0 series victory in 2005.

The Lions only previous series victory in New Zealand was achieved in 1971 when a side coached by Welshman Carwyn James prevailed 2-1, with the final Test in Auckland drawn.

Get your tickets from NZLionsseries17.com

LIONS SCHEDULE 2017

3 June 2017 v Provincial Union Barbarians, Toll Stadium, Whangarei 7 June 2017 v Blues, Eden Park, Auckland 10 June 2017 v Crusaders, AMI Stadium, Christchurch 13 June 2017 v Highlanders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 17 June 2017 v Maori All Blacks, Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua 20 June 2017 v Chiefs, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton 24 June 2017 v All Blacks, Eden Park, Auckland 27 June 2017 v Hurricanes, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 1 July 2017 v All Blacks, Westpac Stadium, Wellington 8 July 2017 v All Blacks, Eden Park, Auckland www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

17

Grow your sales by 10% in the first year* and build a great future *Bartercard data contrasted with clients own revenue figures.

Bartercard provides a great opportunity to be part of an enormous community of businesses. With over 6,000 members across NZ, trading over $200 million worth of goods & services outside the cash economy each year, Bartercard NZ is part of the largest global trade exchange business.

Aaron Shirriffs PALMERSTON NORTH

We have been a member of Bartercard since 2007.

We were attracted to the network through the opportunities it brings to our business by allowing us to free up our cash.

We typically use Trade Dollars to pay for advertising and marketing. This is an important component of our business and being able to offset it using Bartercard, allows us to use our spare cash in other areas of the business, such as paying cash creditors.

We can use Bartercard to do jobs which have higher labour costs as well as those jobs that have a high profit margin. We view Trade Dollars in the same way as we do cash, and we fit jobs in where we have the available schedule, as opposed to whether it’s a cash or Bartercard transaction. We have definitely secured contracts which we may have lost to competitors in the cash economy. People have a preconception that, perhaps Bartercard charges more than in a cash environment, but this isn’t the case and we often find members don’t generally get a second quote as a comparison because they’re happy with our offer.

We are very fortunate to be part of a growing network which brings new and exciting opportunities to our business.

Why not give your business the power of Bartercard and start exploring new opportunities?

Call us today and find out how Bartercard can help you!

0800 639 287

S S E L E SHAM

Plugs

KEEPING HEIGHT SAFETY SIMPLE

PLASTERX SUEDE LEATHER DRYWALL NAIL BAG

Edge Protection NZ Ltd has extended its range of systems to now cater for the Commercial construction sector.

Quality nail bag made of heavy duty suede split leather.

The EBC Commercial bracket has been designed to face fix to steel and timber purlins, concrete tilt panels and with the aid of the multi-bracket attachment, will also undermount, side mount, top mount and floor mount proving extremely versatile in all facets of commercial construction.

Either timber or aluminium tube rails can be used and with 6 bracket types available, there is a temporary guardrail solution for everything from new residential, through to re roofing, garages and sheds and now heavy commercial.

For more information visit our website at www.edge-protection.co.nz

Mates Rates Cards If the cost of your projects is starting to add up, head down to your local CARTERS. With their Mates Rates Card, you get discount off the normal retail price on a wide range of products at CARTERS. So go on mate — visit www.carters.co.nz/matesrates, complete the online form to have a Mates Rates card posted to you, or come in to your local CARTERS and ask for your Mates Rates Card.

$39.98 INC GST!

• American style drywall nail bag made of heavy duty suede split leather.

• Four nail/fastener pockets.

• Two leather hammer loops.

• Six tool pouches.

• Wide tunnel belt loop.

• Each PlasterX Nail Bag is fully guaranteed.

Available at Best Trade Tools www.bestradetools.co.nz along with a huge range of other Building Tools. www.besttradetools.co.nz

BEST TRADE TOOLS

The BEST range of tools for Carpenters, Drywall/ Exterior Plasterers, Concreters, Bricklayers, Tilers, Painters

Visit

www.besttradetools.co.nz online store.

Use Discount Code TRADIENZ and receive 10% off all purchases!

Discount valid until April 30th 2017. www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

19

INSURANCE

Risk Management & Insurance Basics for Tradies Running any kind of business involves a certain degree of risk, and building trades are no exception. Indeed, tradies face additional responsibilities placed on them by the Building Act, such as disclosure requirements, mandatory contract terms and implied warranties.

These responsibilities can be overwhelming without the right skills, support and systems in place. A risk management framework is a good place to start to identify the potential risks you face.

By Ben Rickard

Four Areas of Risk

Create your own Risk Management Framework

Here at Builtin we talk about 4 areas of risk:

1. Under each heading list the potential risks you face.

Assets – the stuff you own that helps you do business

2. Write next to each one what you can do to eliminate, minimise or transfer (i.e. insure) this risk. Most of you will be familiar with this approach because you’re already using it for health & safety.

Financial – the money your customers owe you Liability & Indemnity – the responsibility you have to and for others and their property

3. Then rank each risk by giving it two scores: the likelihood of it happening and the cost to you if it did. Use your own gut feel and experience to assess this.

Personal – the potential for accident/illness to affect your income earning capacity

4. Multiply both numbers together and rank your list on this score.

Thinking about your business in each of these areas can help identify the risks you face.

The items with the highest scores are the ones you need to address most urgently. This is a good exercise for any business to run on a regular basis.

Example Risk Management Framework Description of risk*

Chance of it happening (2= lowest, 6=highest)

Cost if it did happen (2=lowest, 6=highest)

Total (multiply then rank)

3

2

6

2

3

6

2

5

10

2

4

8

ASSETS My tools are stolen FINANCIAL My main contractor goes bust LIABILITY & INDEMNITY Legal dispute with client PERSONAL Skin cancer

*This is an example only

20

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

insurance Insurance Basics Checklist What insurance you take out will depend on your own situation and “risk appetite”, that is what you’re prepared to take a punt on and what you’re not. As a small business you may well be quoting for work, managing staff and doing the books all while still on the tools.You need to make sure your insurance cover reflects all these aspects of what you do.

INSURANCE FOR TRADIES – AN EXAMPLE PACKAGE

I HAVE THIS

ASSETS Tools & Equipment Tools theft is a significant problem and depending on how much kit you have, having it insured is a sensible option. There is a wide range of cover available, from full replacement to market value only. Some policies cover theft only if there is evidence of forced entry, so keep your tools secure.

Commercial Vehicles Get back on the road quickly if your vehicle is stolen or damaged. Options include free windscreen cover, signwriting, trailers, employees vehicles and courtesy cars.

Contract Works Insurance Contract works insurance covers building work for things like: theft, vandalism, fire, flood, accidental damage and natural disasters. For new builds the builder usually arranges this. For jobs like renovations and alterations to existing buildings it is typically the building owner who is responsible for arranging insurance. A labour only builder is also generally not responsible for arranging this insurance. Check your contract for who is responsible, if it’s your client make sure you see a copy of the insurance certificate before you start work.

FINANCIAL Subcontractors Payment Guarantee If you’re contracting to another company there’s a risk that if they go bust you won’t get paid for the work you’ve done. This can cause significant cash flow problems for small businesses. This policy pays 75% of the money you’re owed, up to the limit you choose.

LIABILITY & INDEMNITY Public Liability This is essential cover for tradies, because there is always a risk that you or one of your workers or subcontractors, could cause damage to someone else’s property. Public liability insurance and claims can be complicated, so make sure you spend a bit of time understanding the cover, the options available (like defective workmanship cover) and the amount of cover you need.

Health & Safety By law you cannot insure for health & safety fines. However, statutory liability insurance will cover the legal costs if you’re prosecuted for a breach of the law. It will also pay the damages and reparations awarded by the judge.

Errors & Omissions Indemnity (Professional Indemnity) While public liability covers you for accidental physical damage and loss of property (and in some cases injury), it will not cover your liability for mistakes that cause no physical damage but do result in a financial cost to your client (or another party). For this you need Errors & Omissions Indemnity.

PERSONAL ACC Cover Plus Extra & Illness/Loss of Earnings Self-employed tradies are advised to switch from the standard ACC plan (called Cover Plus) to ACC Cover Plus Extra and combine this with private loss of earnings/income protection insurance. Done correctly this will substantially broaden your protection to include illness as well as accidental injury, for a similar overall cost.

OTHER 10 Year Guarantees For builders, an independently insured 10 year guarantee gives their customers financial peace of mind during the build as well as protection from the cost of fixing future defects. They can also protect the builder from their liability for those defects. Builtin Accredited Builders can provide these guarantees.

Other cover is available for businesses with more complex needs, so if you think you might be doing something a bit out of the box we recommend you get in touch with a specialist trade insurer to discuss your situation.

In a nutshell Managing risk is a critical part of running a business. A large, unforeseen and uninsured cost could seriously affect your ability to pay your bills and provide for your family. Understanding the risk environment you work in can also make for a happier, less stressful working career too. Take some time to assess your own risk, talk to experienced professionals and put in place an insurance package that best suits the risks you face as a trade business.

Builtin Insurance is a specialist in insurance and guarantees for builders and trade professionals.

For more information visit www.builtin.co.nz or contact Ben Rickard at ben@builtin.co.nz or 0800 BUILTIN.

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

21

food & nutrition

what’s in...

the tradies lunchbox What’s the big deal with lunch?

Pack the tasty and nutritious stuff

CARBOHYDRATES: 1-2 serves good-

Being a tradesman is tough physical work so you need to fuel your body with goodquality food that provides both energy and nutrients to help you power through a productive working day while also leaving you with enough fuel in the tank to do something after work! Whether that is spending quality time with your children or family, walking the dog, taking part in sport or household chores such as mowing the lawns!

You need to ensure your lunch contains a range of different coloured fruits and vegetables to help your body release the energy found in food as well as helping to ward off illness. A nutritious tradies lunch should also contain goodquality carbohydrates (see below) to fuel both your brain and muscles while also supplying fibre to keep you regular. Protein is also really important as it provides the building blocks for muscles and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Including a source of healthy fat (i.e. avocado, raw nuts, hummus) will also help to keep you feeling fuller for longer while also being great for your brain and heart-health.

quality sources (i.e. 1 cup roasted kumara/ potato, 2 slices wholegrain bread, 1 pita bread or wrap or 1 cup cooked brown rice or pasta)

Nothing beats homemade food, so where possible make your lunch (or kindly convince someone at home to do it for you!) as often as you can while making use of leftovers and seasonal produce. By bringing lunch from home, you won’t need to rely on buying heavily processed food (i.e. pies, hot chips, doughnuts) from the bakery or 7/11 to keep you going. Not only will a packed lunch save you money but it will do wonders for your health and energy levels, both short- and longterm. While it’s okay to enjoy a ‘bought lunch’ sometimes, it shouldn’t be a daily occurrence. Once a week would be plenty if not once per fortnight!

22

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

When packing your lunch, aim to include the following foods:

FRUIT: 2 pieces (i.e. one banana, 2 medium apricots) VEGETABLES: 2+ handfuls (i.e. 1 handful spinach, 1 large tomato, 1 handful grated carrot)

PROTEIN: 1-2 serves (i.e. 1 can of tuna, 2 boiled eggs, hand-size beef or chicken)

HEALTHY FAT: 1-2 serves (i.e. handful raw unsalted nuts, ¼ avocado, 1 Tbsp hummus) 1-2 snacks (i.e. handful raw nuts as per above, ½ cup yoghurt mixed with 1 serve fresh fruit from above, 2 wholegrain vita-wheat crackers topped with marmite and 2 slices cheese, 1-2 raw bliss balls) WATER BOTTLE! Multiply your body weight by 0.033 to get a good estimate of your daily water needs (i.e. a 90kg male will need about 3L of fluid each day). Note that this is on a regular day so when it’s hot or you have a particularly physical day and you’re sweating a lot, you’ll need even more water!

food & nutrition

An ideal Tradies Lunch Morning smoko: • 1 banana • 1 wholemeal pita bread filled with 1-2 boiled eggs, ½ avocado and handful spinach (optional – add 1 Tbsp chutney)

Lunch:

Homemade Beef and Rosemary Burgers Make these delicious patties for dinner and then any leftover burgers can be used as the protein component in your sandwich, wrap or pita bread or even eaten alongside rice. Makes 6 patties • 500g premium beef mine (can also use venison mince here too!)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped • 2 stalks of fresh rosemary, leaves removed and finely chopped • Dried Oregano, two shakes • Dried chilli flakes, two shakes (optional) • 1/2 cup ground almonds (more or less if needed) • 1 free-range egg • Coarse iodised sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup cooked brown rice served with 1 leftover beef patty, 1 handful grated carrot, 1 chopped tomato and some grated cheese (optional: add 1 Tbsp whole-egg mayonnaise) • ½ cup Greek yoghurt mixed with ½ cup blueberries (TIP: buy a 1kg container of Greek yoghurt and spoon out ½ cup into a sealed container and add frozen blueberries before you leave home in the morning to keep your yoghurt cool. By the time you come to eat it, the blueberries would have defrosted!).

Afternoon smoko: • 2 wholegrain crackers topped with marmite and 2 slices cheese or 1 tomato and hummus • 1 handful raw mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews)

m

ins

& Anitoxidan ts

Pr o

Vi ta

1. Place the beef, garlic, herbs, ground almonds, egg, salt and pepper into a large bowl and mix together with a spoon or your hands.

Hands are better but just make sure you give them a good wash before and after!

2. Form the mixture into 6 large patties and place on a plate.

Cover in cling film and set aside in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. 3. Meanwhile prepare or gather the fillings and accompaniments (i.e. sliced avocado, lettuce, hummus, tomato, spinach, beetroot, mayonnaise).

4. When you’re ready to cook, remove the patties from the fridge and bring them to room temperature. Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof pan. Once the pan is hot enough, place the patties into the pan and brown on each side for 3-4 minutes.

5. Place the pan into the oven and cook for ~5 minutes or until the patties are just cooked through and then juice runs clear (but not overcooked!).

6. If you are adding an egg to your burger, cook one egg per person in a separate pan while the patties are finishing in the oven.

Assemble and enjoy!

• Fluids: Drink water throughout the day

Vi ta

Burger Fillings: • Avocado, lettuce, parsley and roasted beetroot hummus or other vegetables of your choice • Wholegrain burger bun.

m

ins

in te

& Protein

Emily Hope - NZ Registered Nutritionist (BSc, MSc Human Nutrition) www.nutrition.org.nz www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

23

travel

A Magical Land Drop your tools and head South!

Renowned for its breath-taking mountain views, stunning turquoise blue glacier lakes and rivers, its wide tussock landscapes in the high country and green rolling hills in the basin - and its clear starry nights, the Mackenzie District has always been an attraction for people to visit.

Named in the 1850’s after James Mackenzie, a Scottish-origin shepherd and sheep thief, the Mackenzie District is located right in the middle of the New Zealand.

The extreme forces of nature created significant landscape features which form some of the districts natural boundaries. The Main Divide of the Southern Alps with New Zealand’s highest mountain “Aoraki/Mount Cook” (3,754m).

Visit and Play Mackenzie is truly a district of four seasons with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Autumn is known for being a festival of colour, while spring amazes with wild flowers and seas of lupines blooming throughout the region.

The diverse landscape is a paradise for outdoor lovers with hiking and cycle trails, skiing, rock and mountain climbing, kayaking and hunting for the more ambitious, fly fishing, salmon farms, pleasure boating, golf, horse trekking and star gazing on the more relaxed end of the scale activities.

24

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

Pampering is also available at Tekapo Springs, relax in the hot pools set against a stunning mountainous backdrop or glide around the ice-skating rink. Step it up with an adrenaline filled tube ride. There is something for every member of the family.

Nothing can describe the beauty that awaits you in the Mackenzie region and that beauty doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

After a day of checking out the panoramic vista of Mount John, hiking around the lakeshore of Tekapo and pampering yourself at Tekapo Springs, you will be awe-struck by the vast beauty of New Zealand’s night-sky at the Earth and Sky observatory tours.

Let the Milky Way unfold in front of your eyes as your astronomy guide takes you on a journey across the universe.

Renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, the Mackenzie area was declared a gold-level International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) in 2012 by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).

For an action packed family day trip, weekend getaway or longer fun filled experience, base yourself at Twizel, Glentanner or Mount Cook Village in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo or Fairlie to enjoy a vast range of activities for all ages and budgets.

travel

A Must do

For more information, visit www.tekaposprings.co.nz

Tekapo Springs – The Ultimate Day Out The ultimate day out, with something for everyone, from seasoned skaters and snow tube adventurers, to spa devotees and hot pool worshippers. Tekapo Springs is very family friendly.

Tekapo Springs sits beside the stunning Lake Tekapo at the base of Mount John. A sedate 15-minute walk from Lake Tekapo village, this is one of New Zealand’s premier family attractions, with numerous activities designed to be as active, or sedate, as you like.

At the heart of the complex lie the five inviting hot pools, built to resemble the natural wonders of the lakes beyond. Each of the adjoining pools enjoys an outstanding panorama of lakes and mountains, and the crystal clear water is sourced from the surrounding alpine springs and heated with recyclable energy.

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

25

subscribe now!

DEC 2016,

ISSUE 1

Do you want The TRADIE delivered direct to your door?

We understand most people can’t always get to the store to pick up their copy, so we want to make it really easy for you.

The TRADIE is packed full of articles that will assist you in your job, your health and your life. With everything from industry news to articles about onsite safety; entertainment and events for your time off; fitness and health based columns; all the latest in sports and fishing; you will get your dose of serious stuff and the fun stuff every issue.

Top Notch e Apprentic e h t s take win!

For $24.00 per year you will get all 6 of The TRADIE delivered to your nominated postal address.

Pg. 17 RK / l NDS PA na HIGHLA e the exceptio nc Experie

So why not fill in the form, take a photo and email it back for 6 months supply direct?

E: Patrick@ttmediagroup.com.au or alternatively post the completed form to:Trans Tasman Media, PO Box 2173, Washdyke,Timaru 7942

PERSONAL DETAILS Title:

Name:

Age:

Address:

Postcode:

P:

M:

Email:

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS YES! I’d like to subscribe to The Tradie

$24 for 6 issues

Your subscription will begin from the next edition of The Tradie. Price includes GST, postage & handling.

PAYMENT: Visa/Mastercard

Paypal

Card Number: Card Holder Name: Expiry:

26

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

Signature:

www.tradienz.co.nz

Invoice

FESTIVALS

Thames Gearing up for the Steampunk Festival A retro community celebration of all things steampunk is what the Thames Steampunk Festival is all about.

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017 Photo: Paul 27 Smith

FESTIVALS

The term “steampunk” itself, now a badge of honor, began as a putdown, a joke. But like “Big Bang” in cosmology, the diss became the standard. At the height of the cyberpunk movement in science fiction, in the middle of the 1980s, when the trendy suffix “- punk” seemed in danger of overuse and dilution, noted writer K. W. Jeter speculated — with a mild sneer, in a printed letter to Locus magazine from April 1987 — that the next big thing would be “steampunk.”

Photos: Paul Smith

The festival is an annual event held in Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula, during mid-November each year and organised by Steampunk The Thames Inc. Inspiration from free-expression outsider arts; the appeal of fantasy within the atmosphere of the town’s heritage buildings; access to great retro and artisan shopping in unique shops; and a vibrant café culture means that party-goers take part in one “indie” experience like no other.

Thames makes up its own version of steampunk within this creative genre - edgy, feral and low level anarchy. Special to the festival is Steampunk on Parade showing off vehicular and perambulatory steampunk art; as is the steampunk sculpture competition held at the Seagull Centre – the home of salvage, recycling and upcycling on the Coromandel. There are balls, burlesque shows, picnics and concerts – something to cater for the tastes of all steampunk’s different followers.

2017-2018 is the year Thames celebrates 150 years since the opening of its goldfields and the festival will theme itself gold and run over four days. Organisers are inviting locals and visitors alike 28

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

www.tradienz.co.nz

to have a go and make stuff as this is what gives the weekend its vibrancy, character and colour and keeps it fresh and exciting.

Fantasy, hyper-reality, authenticity, atmosphere and inclusivity; retro, pastiche and style - these are the elements which appeal to steampunks. What is amazing about Thames is that it can offer them all.

What is Steampunk? - Fast Forward/Rewind.

Steampunk is retro-futuristic fantasy in a post-apocalyptic world without oil and powered by steam.

The word was first coined by science fiction author K.W. Jeter in 1987 to describe science fiction set in the Victorian era. Since then the steampunk genre has exploded to include many other different art forms including fashion, design, art, music, literature, film and photography.

Artistically, steampunk fuses a romanticised Victoriana and the age of steam with the hard edge of Sci Fantasy in some future world.

It is a place where grit meets glamour; men are men and women are trollops. It is refreshingly un-PC and sexy.

FESTIVALS

Steampunk is now a popular subculture worldwide and draws in people from diverse political persuasions, ethnicities, social classes and occupations. It appeals to young and old alike as well as both men and women. Many of its participants are scientists, engineers and computer technologists as well as crafters and DIYers.

As an art genre, steampunk is open to different interpretations. It pushes assumptions and boundaries and explores and challenges the status quo. Steampunk fuses the past with a future that can be created and inspires its followers worldwide to re-envision and remake their future.

Thames Steampunk Festival: 9-12 November 2017 E: steampunk.the.thames@gmail.com steampunkthethames

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

29

What a joke B E T H E S M O KO C O M E D I A N

The strong young man at the construction site boasted that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength.

“Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” said the oldest of the workmen. “I bet you I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won’t be able to wheel back.”

“You’re on, old man,” the big-mouth replied.

“Let’s see what you got.”

The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then he said to the young man, “All right. Get in.”

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage.

I hooked up the boat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour.

The wind was blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.

I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back; now with a different anticipation, and whispered, "The weather out there is terrible."

My loving wife of 5 years replied, "And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"

One year, I decided to buy my mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift...

The next year, I didn't buy her a gift.

When she asked me why, I replied, "Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"

And that's how the fight started.

And that's how the fight started...

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.

She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds."

I bought her a bathroom scale.

And then the fight started......

An electrician in Heaven My wife sat down next to me as I was flipping channels.

She asked, "What's on TV?" I said, "Dust."

And then the fight started...

A electrician dies in a fishing accident on his 40th birthday and finds himself greeted at the Pearly Gates by a brass band. Saint Peter runs over, shakes his hand and says “Congratulations!”

WIN WIN WI N WIN

“Congratulations for what?” asks the electrician “Congratulations for what?” says Saint Peter. “We are celebrating the fact that you lived to be 160 years old.”

“But that’s not true,” says the consultant. “I only lived to be forty.”

“That’s impossible,” says Saint Peter, “we added up your time sheets!”

Send through your best joke to Joanna@ttmediagroup.co.nz The best joke emailed in will score a $20 Movie gift card, and it gets even better because your joke will be published in the next issue of The Tradie!

S E L Z PUZ MEDIUM

MEDIUM

HARD

SOL U TIONS

EASY

PUZZLES

www.tradienz.co.nz

Issue 2 feb/MAR 2017

31

the maori fishing calendar Our Maori fishing calendar comes to you courtesy of fishing guru, Bill Hohepa. There’s no doubt the calendar can be a good indicator of days where feeding times for animals and fish will be more intense so it’s worth checking before you plan that next trip.

Here’s what Bill has to say: “The Bill Hohepa fishing calendar has taken information from a variety of historical sources, including Mr Best’s book, together with actual fishing research taken over the past 30 years on when and how long fish bite in relation to the moon phases. There are many variables that contribute to fish feeding habits including the effect of the moon, barometric pressure, water temperature etc, so the calendar is only a guide.

One thing I have noticed though over the years, in particular, is the influence of the tide. It seems to me that the fishing is better on an incoming tide when the moon is waning, and fishing is better on the outgoing tide when the moon is waxing. If you can see the moon, the best time in my experience, is when it is at the 2 o’clock position in the sky” Excellent means up to 1 hour’s good fishing - Good means up to 30 minutes and Poor up to 15 minutes. .

Good luck” - Billy Ho.

MARCH 2017 1st Bad 3.36

2nd Bad 4.28

3rd Bad 5.21

4th Bad 6.16

5th Good 6.44

6th Good 7.18

7th Good 8.38

8th Good 9.35

9th Good 10.31

10th Good 11.24

11th Good 12.16

12th Bad 1.04

13th Bad 1.51

14th Bad 2.37

15th Bad 3.22

16th Good 4.06

17th Good 4.51

18th Good 5.36

19th Good 6.22

20th Fair 7.09

21st Bad 7.33

22nd Bad 8.21

23rd Bad 9.11

24th Bad 10.01

25th Fair 10.51

26th Good 11.42

27th Good 12.33

28th Bad 1.25

29th Bad 2.18

30th Bad 3.12

31ST Bad 4.08

NOTE: times given are daylight bite times

F E AT U R E I N S E RT

WHAT TRADIES WANT

THE TRADIE Magazine is running an insert early 2017 giving retailers the opportunity to profile their product, venue or service.

This insert is targeted at high income earners with cash to spend.

Come onboard today and speak directly to your market!

ly direct Speak r market! to you

0 0 0 , 2 1 copie

s pri

nted

CAN YOU OFFER: Holidays • Sporting equipment • Off road vehicles • cars & motorbikes • home luxury • Gadgets and Technology Fishing • Skiing • surfing • dining • fitness • cruises • boating clothing • cycling • luxury adventure weekends • golf Food & wine • accommodation

All advertisers will be supported with 250 words of editorial to help get the message across.

6000 sent directly to e-mail addresses.

P : (04) 889 3588

contact: Danielle Neden E: Danielle@ttmediagroup.co.nz www.tradienz.co.nz