Business South by Waterford Press Limited

February 2013

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Constructing the Treetop walkway Page 26

Engineers decry ‘misinformation’ over structural performance Karen Phelps An “information vacuum” left after the Christchurch earthquake has resulted in misinformation about the role of engineers and how well the city’s buildings actually stood up to the quake, says an engineers’ industry organisation. The Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand (ACENZ) says most of the city’s buildings behaved as they were supposed to under the extreme force of the earthquake. ACENZ chief executive Kieran Shaw says while it was “acknowledged” that structural design standards of buildings built during the 1960s to 1980s period were less than those applied in later and recent years, “it is noteworthy that - other than the two well reported exceptions - most of these structures achieved their purpose of protecting life,” says Shaw. “Internationally respected New Zealand standards of design and construction prevented what could have been widespread and even more catastrophic loss of life,” he says. Shaw says the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch on February 22, 2011, had several factors which meant that unexpected amounts of stress were placed on the city’s structures. Shaw says “In some locations the vertical accelerations during the earthquake were more than twice that of gravity, around 309 TJ of energy was released (equal to nearly five Hiroshima bombs) and the earthquake occurred at a depth of just six kilometres directly underneath the city. “An earthquake such as this is estimated to be a one in 2500 year event,” says Shaw. “Statisticians have also estimated that an

.... most of these structures achieved their purpose of protecting life.” earthquake of this magnitude happening from an unrecognised fault directly below a major city is an even more unlikely event – as high as one in 100,000 years.” However Shaw acknowledges that it is difficult for the general public to understand “why so many buildings have to be demolished”. “The fact that buildings need to be demolished sometimes gets interpreted as a design failure,” says Shaw. “Whereas in fact the buildings have behaved as they are supposed to and were designed to behave in absorbing the stress in these circumstances and thereby reducing the risk to the building occupants,” he says. Shaw says ACENZ has chosen to take a future leadership role to better inform the public and thereby assist in avoiding future misinformation clouding the real issues. Shaw says that following a disaster it is important to acknowledge that mistakes can be made in design and construction, that lessons must be learned and previous standards can and should be improved. He says that ACENZ hopes to take a role within the construction industry in helping to implement the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission.

A new twist on climbing.... New Zealand adventure activity company Sheer Adventure will be promoting its new ‘Twister’ tower at international trade shows this year as it looks to build on its offshore success. The tower is the latest innovation from the Christchurch-based company whose colourful Clip ’N Climb climbing arenas have revolutionised indoor climbing. Story, page 3

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February 2013

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Constructing the Treetop walkway Page 26

Engineers decry ‘misinformation’ over structural performance

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structures achieved their purpose of protecting life.” earthquake of this magnitude happening from an unrecognised fault directly below a major city is an even more unlikely event – as high as one in 100,000 years.” However Shaw acknowledges that it is difficult for the general public to understand “why so many buildings have to be demolished”. “The fact that buildings need to be demolished sometimes gets interpreted as a design failure,” says Shaw. “Whereas in fact the buildings have behaved as they are supposed to and were designed to behave in absorbing the stress in these circumstances and thereby reducing the risk to the building occupants,” he says. Shaw says ACENZ has chosen to take a future leadership role to better inform the public and thereby assist in avoiding future misinformation clouding the real issues. Shaw says that following a disaster it is important to acknowledge that mistakes can be made in design and construction, that lessons must be learned and previous standards can and should be improved. He says that ACENZ hopes to take a role within the construction industry in helping to implement the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission.

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Business South / February 2013

Satisfaction rising - survey Karen Phelps

.... most of these

Karen Phelps An “information vacuum” left after the Christchurch earthquake has resulted in misinformation about the role of engineers and how well the city’s buildings actually stood up to the quake, says an engineers’ industry organisation. The Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand (ACENZ) says most of the city’s buildings behaved as they were supposed to under the extreme force of the earthquake. ACENZ chief executive Kieran Shaw says while it was “acknowledged” that structural design standards of buildings built during the 1960s to 1980s period were less than those applied in later and recent years, “it is noteworthy that - other than the two well reported exceptions - most of these structures achieved their purpose of protecting life,” says Shaw. “Internationally respected New Zealand standards of design and construction prevented what could have been widespread and even more catastrophic loss of life,” he says. Shaw says the 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch on February 22, 2011, had several factors which meant that unexpected amounts of stress were placed on the city’s structures. Shaw says “In some locations the vertical accelerations during the earthquake were more than twice that of gravity, around 309 TJ of energy was released (equal to nearly five Hiroshima bombs) and the earthquake occurred at a depth of just six kilometres directly underneath the city. “An earthquake such as this is estimated to be a one in 2500 year event,” says Shaw. “Statisticians have also estimated that an

Despite feeling under greater stress, New Zealand employees are also experiencing greater degrees of job satisfaction, according to the latest Hudson Salary & Employment Insights survey. Roman Rogers, executive general manager of Hudson New Zealand, says this discovery was surprising but puts it down to businesses doing better when it comes to communicating their strategies to employees in difficult times leading to higher engagement and optimism. “It’s all hands to the pumps. We’re busy and working hard but by working together we are getting things done,” says Rogers, describing the attitude that came across from those employees surveyed. The annual survey, which this year surveyed 1392 employers and 1328 employees in New Zealand, also indicated a marked shift in what is important to employees today in contrast with several years ago. “During the global financial crisis employees were telling us money wasn’t the most important thing. “They realised getting more money was not a reality so decided to focus instead on career development opportunities during that time. Now remuneration is the number one priority,” he says. The survey also showed that tough economic conditions are putting pressure on employers to manage their budgets tightly across all areas of business, including in the areas of hiring and retention. Just 21.1% of employers say they always replace roles when a team member leaves, with 67.2% distributing the workload amongst the remaining team members instead. Consequently 77% of employees surveyed said that they had taken on greater or new responsibilities.

Close to half reported that they are more stressed than a year ago and over half are actively or passively looking for new roles. Rogers says the fact so many employees are seeking new roles is not unusual but says that employers should be careful how far they push employees with 90% of employees surveyed saying that they are working more than 40 hours per week on a consistent basis. “You can only wind this so far until it causes negative impact on the workplace. The trick for organisations is to think of new ways to be more efficient.” Rogers says that for those businesses unable to provide financial remuneration, employers should look for other ways to express their appreciation in order to retain staff. “Companies need to identify which roles make the biggest difference to the growth of their organisation. They then need to reward the top performers in those critical roles.” Other factors which rated highly for employees were a company culture that made them happy, increased annual leave and flexible work practices, such as being able to work from home. Rogers identifies two key challenges businesses need to keep in mind for the future: the pending retirement of the baby boomer generation and people heading off on their OE. “Baby boomers have been putting their retirement

Organisations need to shake the belief that visibility means productivity. You don’t necessarily need an employee in the workplace for them to be contributing.”

Deeks, Karen Phelps, Peter Owens, Chris Hutching

Ecan steps up campaign on old burners

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Firth’s Jon Hambling says his new foundation jack system is ideal for homes in TC3 land.

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on hold as for many their finances were affected during the global crisis. “Now they have recouped some of that loss and retirement is on their minds once again. That will be a massive shift in our workforce. The challenge for employers will be how equipped they are to capture that knowledge so the business keeps performing.” Rogers says many businesses need to make a key shift in their beliefs around where, when and how work is undertaken to keep up with the times and perhaps retain such staff on a part time basis. “Organisations need to shake the belief that visibility means productivity. You don’t necessarily need an employee in the workplace for them to be contributing. With technological advances now for some industries it is easy to connect with their people off site.” With so many employees actively seeking change in work or roles Rogers says employers need to be smarter about how they attract and retain staff: “Employers almost have to treat the potential employee as a consumer when they market job opportunities; selling the opportunity to them and getting them to understand what the career path looks like.” He says that if employees understand their efforts will be recognised and rewarded, they are more likely to be engaged, work productively and contribute to a positive company culture than can survive challenging economic times.

Chris Hutching Firth engineer Jon Hambling, has developed a new foundation system for residential land that is classified TC3 in Christchurch. About 14% of residential land in the city is classified as Technical Category 3 or TC3. This is land that is more susceptible to seismic damage and requires stronger foundations. There are around 28,000 properties in TC3 areas. Around 12,500 of these have major foundation and pile damage. Hambling describes himself as the kind of guy who “wakes up at 3am” with solutions to problems he has been mulling over. Firth’s latest RibRaft® technology involves two steel reinforced slabs that sit on top of the ground. After the first slab is poured and covered with a polythene separating layer, several RibRaft jacks are placed around the outer edges. The second slab is then poured, cementing the jacks in place at the same time, Hambling says.

“In the event of an earthquake that causes the foundations to tilt, the jacks can be used to raise up the top slab and readjust levels. The gap can be filled with grouting,” he says. The jack device is similar to other mechanical tensioning systems involving two plates and a central screw that separates the plates when turned. It is suitable for new houses and also for houses that will be repaired, requiring them to be de-cladded, amenities disconnected, and the house shell lifted out of the way while the new foundations are built. Builders have endorsed the new system, which has received Codemark certification by Certmark Australasia. Meanwhile, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee gave another confidence-boosting speech recently against a background of growing apathy and lack of new construction in the central business district. Brownlee said the pace of property acquisition by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was speeding up.

Environment Canterbury is sending letters to more than 3000 homeowners demanding they replace their burners. The regional council is demanding that any “non-compliant” burners over 15 years old must be thrown out regardless of condition. The council says a similar number of letters will be sent out next year. An Ecan communications officer, Kristi Gray, says that no costings have been carried out on the expense of the switch. Nor does the council have any idea how many chimneys have been destroyed during the earthquakes. However there are 7500 red-zoned homes out of the equation and possibly up to a total of 15,000 that will demolished. Air rules also prohibit burners being installed in new houses. Affected homeowners are no longer eligible for subsidies from the regional council. Home heating subsidies were scrapped after 2010 when the government-appointed commissioners diverted ratepayer funding to other areas – such as facilitating irrigation schemes. Ironically, about 80% of smoky chimney complaints turn out to be caused by “compliant burners being used poorly”, according to Gray. Christchurch experienced its first high pollution air night two weeks ago – caused by the dust caused by liquefaction and the numerous demolitions that have left bare sections. High pollution is when the daily concentration of particulates is more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. A breach of an abatement notice would attract a fine of $1050 and further prosecution is possible.

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Business South / February 2013

Chch firm climbing growth spiral Jo Bailey Have you heard the one about the Irishman and the Kiwi? It’s a great tale of how Christchurch businessmen John Targett (the Irishman), and Tim Wethey (the Kiwi) combined their creative talents and industry experience to develop Clip ’N Climb - a colourful climbing arena that has revolutionised indoor climbing and is now achieving exciting global growth. After operating successfully in New Zealand and dipping their toes into export markets, the pair, through their company Sheer Adventure have now signed manufacturing licenses with large specialist companies in Oregon, US, and Lancashire, UK to sell and manufacture the Clip ’N Climb products into US and EU markets. This includes the full range of Clip ’N Climb’s themed climbing challenges, that, when combined with an auto-belaying system, has made the activity fun, safe and accessible for all ages. “We created a totally new category of indoor climbing with Clip ’N Climb, but realised if we wanted to remain the market leaders we had to get out of the blocks faster than we could from one small manufacturing base in Christchurch. “It also takes a lot of time and expense to ship products to these markets, so the only solution was to have other people do it for us,” says Targett. Last year, Sheer Adventure and its new partners shared the cost to attend two of the world’s largest amusement industry shows which created a “huge buzz” around the Clip ’N Climb brand, he says. “We were delighted to win an Honorable Mention in the Best New Product category at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012 in Orlando. It was great to have that success as first-timers, as it is not easy to stand out at these colossal shows. “Every stand is screaming look at me, look at me. If you haven’t gone there to stand out, you’re wasting your time.” He says there have been 268 strong sales leads for the Clip ’N Climb attraction from this event alone. “We think we’ve reached a tipping point given the level of interest and awareness created at the shows. The feedback we’re getting from our partners, particularly in the EU, is that we’re about to do some serious business and should experience exponential growth from now on.” Clip ’N Climb attractions are already established in countries such as US, UK, Germany, Canada, Cambodia, Spain and Northern Ireland. There are sales ready to be confirmed in several more including Columbia, El Salvador and Korea. Sheer Adventure is still servicing markets outside the US and EU with the kitset modular system it pre-fabricates at its Christchurch factory. Wethey says they plan to set up a similar manufacturing license to service the Asian market once its US and EU partnerships are more established. “Our biggest challenge is delivering to all our markets in a timely manner, especially with competitors starting to copy our products.” Although this is a concern, he says that Sheer Adventure has the advantage of years of research and development behind it, that has “ironed out” any issues.

Brains trust: Sheer Adventure directors, John Targett, left, and Tim Wethey with production manager, Jon Spain, right. The Christchurch company is targeting further growth in offshore markets. Then there is the growing recognition of the company as the innovative, world-leading developer of the technology. “We continue to be focused on originality, the ongoing development of the products and the quality of the climbing experience. “Last year we launched three new challenges and are developing another two that are close to being ready. We are constantly pushing ahead.” Targett and Wethey don’t claim to have the monopoly on good ideas at Sheer Adventure. They encourage original thinking from their creative and production team who are involved in all aspects of product development. “There are no egos here - everyone comes to the table and throws their ideas in. In the end we simply go with the best one. “We promote a positive environment and culture, where people hopefully feel empowered,” says Targett. In 2010, to help fund the expansion of Clip ’N Climb, Sheer Adventure sold its interest in TruBlue, a new generation auto belay with magnetic eddy current braking technology it developed in a joint

We continue to be focused on originality, the ongoing development of the products and the quality of the climbing experience.” venture with Christchurch design engineers Holmes Consulting. It has retained the distribution rights for TruBlue to Clip ’N Climb facilities worldwide. Targett says for the last 10 months Sheer Adventure has worked with another Christchurch company, Design Energy, on a new safety attachment system for climbers using auto belays that is “totally different” to the traditional carabiner. It will be launched at a major international climbing conference in May 2013. “We are in the process of applying for a patent for this device that will again, considerably improve the risk management and health and safety of climbers in the auto belay environment.” The Sheer Adventure team is looking forward

to attending the big trade shows again this year with one of their latest climbing innovations, the ‘Twister’ tower, and will continue to support its manufacturing partners as they grow and develop new international markets. While Clip ’N Climb looks set to become a genuine global brand, Targett says that the financial rewards are only part of the picture. “We are definitely interested in getting a decent return for our investment, the time we’ve put in, and the risks we’ve taken. “But at the same time you can’t put a value on the buzz we get for creating something and seeing it grow and flourish on the world stage. “To be able to say we did that is definitely pretty special.”

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Business South / February 2013

Making it easier New disaster guide for the Japanese aims to help engineers to invest in NZ Karen Phelps

New Zealand and Japan have recently signed a new double tax agreement (DTA).

The new DTA is welcome as it replaces a very old treaty dating back to 1963. A DTA is an agreement between countries to prevent taxpayers getting taxed twice. For example, New Zealand taxes its residents on their worldwide income. If a New Zealand company did business in Australia (which also taxes on a worldwide basis) then without a treaty both New Zealand and Australia could seek to tax the same income. Imagine a company having to pay tax at 30% in Australia and again at 28% in New Zealand! It is this situation that a DTA seeks to prevent. A DTA contains a number of rules which determine which country has the primary right to tax. It also allows both countries to tax in certain circumstances (for instance interest, royalties and dividends) but will generally cap the amount that one of the countries can tax so reducing the impact of double tax. Newer DTAs generally contain information sharing agreements. This allows the Inland Revenue to collect information regarding New Zealanders’ activities in foreign countries. It can also allow the Inland Revenue to collect taxes in the other country through the local revenue authority – something that is currently being used to chase student loan payments overseas. New Zealand currently has DTAs in force with 37 countries, with a further three either under negotiation or signed and awaiting coming into force (Luxembourg, Papua New Guinea and Vietnam). The new Japanese DTA reduces the withholding tax that can be deducted from dividends to 0% where the foreign shareholder owns at least 10% of the local company.

Don MacKenzie

This will mean that subsidiaries of Japanese companies can repatriate their New Zealand profits without paying further New Zealand tax. For all other dividends the rate is 15%. Without a DTA this could be as high as 30%. The withholding tax rate has also been reduced on royalties to 5%. This was previously 15%. Royalty payments are made for the use of Japanese intellectual property in New Zealand (such as trademarks and patents). The other key change is the reduction in withholding tax that can be deducted from interest payments. This is reduced to 0% for certain payments (made by government agencies or where approved issuer levy has been paid) and 10% in other circumstances. There was no protection for interest under the old Japanese DTA, resulting in 15% withholding tax and Japanese lenders potentially having to file tax returns in New Zealand. New Zealand is reliant on attracting investment from overseas and having a DTA in place will makes New Zealand more attractive to foreign investors. With the rebuild currently underway in Christchurch, making it easier for Japanese companies to participate can only be a good thing for New Zealand. Don MacKenzie (Partner - Deloitte)

The Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ) will contribute to a new disaster management guide which is aimed at consulting engineering firms and member associations. The guide is being spearheaded by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) which represents 89 countries throughout the world. ACENZ chief executive Kieran Shaw says that the disaster management guide will be a “valuable tool and a proactive practice guide” to help address the communications and strategic vacuum immediately following a catastrophic event: “Damage to vital infrastructure and to the built-environment following a disaster can be significant and engineers have a vital role to play in emergency management, assessment, retrofit and reconstruction,” says Shaw. “Increasingly these roles are filled by private sector engineers – consultants and their employees - so there is a need for engineers to be prepared for future emergencies so that their efforts following a disaster can be of optimum value,” he says. Shaw says that there are three critical phases of an emergency situation where engineers can provide value that the guide will address. “Before a disaster engineers can assist clients and local authorities to mitigate threats and prepare plans,” he says. “During and immediately after a disaster engineers can provide manpower to emergency controllers. “In the final recovery phase engineers can offer design expertise and manage repairs and replacement.” The guide will provide best practice advice to member associations and their member firms, their clients and civil defence/emergency management authorities. Shaw says that for international member associations and consulting firms, the new guide should show how they can contribute after an event and what they should do to prepare including how to market their skills in disaster management and recovery.

Kieran Shaw The guide will also suggest methods of managing liability issues inherent in disaster management. For member associations the guide will show how they can be effective in coordination, liaison, communications and effectively representing engineers in their country. For clients and emergency management authorities, the will aim to give an effective reference for what they should do before, during and after disasters and in particular the value of pre-disaster lines of communications and contracts. It will also outline the services they may expect from consulting engineers in a postdisaster scenario. A key aspect of the guide will also be assisting the general public: “For society at large the guide will be a useful reference document explaining the roles engineers can play in the aftermath of a disaster, urging them to insist on adequate preparedness by their local and national governments.” ACENZ 04 472 1202 service@acenz.co.nz www.acenz.org.nz

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Business South / February 2013

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » News

Collaboration seen as vital Rebuild puts Jo Bailey An initiative to help businesses outside Christchurch team up with local firms to work on the Canterbury rebuild has just been launched. The aim of the Collaborate Canterbury website is to provide a platform where companies can network and form positive collaborations that unlock key economic opportunities for both firms, and provide much-needed scale. Group spokesman Peter Townsend says now the rebuild has started to ramp up it has become “very clear” its needs are well beyond the capacity of the local market. “Although some partnerships with outside companies have been happening informally until now, Collaborate Canterbury will make it easier for companies to connect and consider a variety of ways in which they can partner up,” he says. These could include everything from secondment of employees, sub-contract agreements and outsourcing; to joint ventures, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions. “The key is that companies work together. I get calls every week from firms outside Canterbury wanting to assist with the rebuild. “It’s far better we have collaborative models working, rather than them coming into the local economy cold and trying to compete.” Collaborate Canterbury is being jointly managed by Townsend’s organisation Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation. It is one of CERA’s Economic Recovery Strategy initiatives and is being supported by partners Anderson Lloyd Lawyers, Lane Neave Lawyers and PricewaterhouseCooper. With indicators revealing the Christchurch economy is now in “serious growth mode”, Townsend says managing the scale of the rebuild

Peter Townsend and its resource constraints will continue to be two of the most critical issues facing the city. “These are positive but significant challenges as a result of being part of the biggest economic development programme New Zealand has ever seen. How we handle these challenges is vital moving forward.” The pressure on human capital will continue, with many companies “screaming for additional workers”. At the same time Canterbury’s unemployment figures hit a new low of 4.9 percent in December. “It’s pleasing our unemployment figures are lower than they were pre-earthquake and two percent lower than the rest of New Zealand.

“The Canterbury population has also bounced back ahead of what it was in September 2010,” says Townsend. The other major issue facing companies is how they manage cashflow while on a steep growth curve as they take on new people, build up stock levels or increase their capabilities, he says. “Pressure will also come on the supply chain so we need to make sure we have the resources available and that everyone plays their part to ensure it operates as smoothly as possible.” Townsend says that news of the recent Mainzeal collapse came as “a shock and complete surprise” and indicates the unpredictability of the market. “There were no signs this was going to happen,” he says. “From a Canterbury perspective the good news is that because of all the economic activity any Mainzeal people working here should be able to pick up new opportunities relatively quickly.” However, he says this may not be true of all of the sub-contractors working on Mainzeal projects, as some could be “completely crippled” by the event. “We’re working closely with a wide range of companies that have been affected. “Some of them say it’s a real kick in the guts after having already been down three or four times due to the earthquakes and the delays in rebuild activity. Things were just starting to look really good and now this.” Despite the challenges he says the ability of companies to “get up and get going again” shouldn’t be underestimated. “I’m sure other stakeholders such as the banks and IRD are also doing whatever they can to assist these companies to remain viable. “The Mainzeal collapse is a reminder to everyone how carefully they need to manage their businesses, to minimise exposure to risk and allow for these sorts of contingencies.”

squeeze on suppliers

Christchurch kitchen and bathroom designers and manufacturers may need support from companies outside the region to keep up with the demands of the rebuild, says National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) president, Ingrid Geldof. “We know of several Christchurch joinery firms already booked out until the middle of the year. It is likely projects will soon be pushed out to over a year unless some innovative solutions are found.” She says the NKBA is looking at a number of ways to tackle the problem, including matching its Christchurch members with firms outside the region to whom they can outsource manufacturing work. “This approach would distribute the workload throughout the South Island, or even the rest of New Zealand, as opposed to companies struggling away with minimal staff in Canterbury.” Finding new staff with the right qualifications and experience will continue to be a “real issue” for Canterbury firms. However the NKBA is committed to creating opportunities and solutions for its members, rather than viewing the challenges of the rebuild as a problem, she says. “We are working closely with kitchen and bathroom designers, manufacturers and industry suppliers throughout New Zealand to ensure they are ready to meet the growing demands of the Christchurch market.” One initiative is the introduction of two new NKBA membership categories – Associate Membership and Student Membership, to keep the sector “alive and moving”, she says. “We are also focused on increasing the number of kitchen and bathroom design courses to the industry, with a Level 4 course being held in Christchurch in April.”

Firm enjoys rapid growth Earthtech has experienced considerable growth doubling in size since the Christchurch earthquake. The company has been working for City Care and Fulton Hogan as a subcontractor assisting in the clean-up and vital sewer repair works. The company presently has four crews solely dedicated to drainage work completing underground repairs to the main sewer line, a job which involves dewatering and repairing broken pipes. Company director Dan Johnston says that it has been a big step forward for the company. “Although in the past we have done this sort of work it is quite specialised and there has never been the need for it on this scale before. Now we have had to invest heavily in plant and equipment as well as up-skilling staff. “Before the earthquake there were only a small number of people who could do this sort of work, now the sewer lines need replacing in pretty much every street in Christchurch,” he says. The statistics show what a huge task this really is: 528km of sewer pipes need to be replaced. Johnston says that at this stage around 90km have been fixed. There is some 1000km of road repairs to be done, which is around 52% of Christchurch’s sealed road. Based in Christchurch Earthtech is an excavation and civil engineering contractor specialising in roading, siteworks, drainage, trenching and utilities installation work. The company has been in operation in Christchurch since 2001 successfully completed work for a wide range of clients, including property developers, local utility network owners and the Christchurch City Council. Earthtech employs 45 staff with 35 of these dedicated to drainage. The company also undertakes a small amount of private work for home and business owners. Due to company growth Earthtech has just moved into new 410sqm offices with a new yard.

Johnston says the company is expanding as rapidly as it can train new staff to bring on board to cope with demand. At present Earthtech is working on a sewer replacement package for City Care in the St Martins area fixing the main line as well as pipes to individual houses. Another crew is working for Fulton Hogan in Brighton and yet another for City Care in Hoon Hay. The company is also completing work for a subdivision. Johnston says that the biggest challenge on such projects is always safety. The company has established safe practices and management processes. It operates in accordance with both the New Zealand Contractors Federation’s QEST program for quality, environmental and safety management and Transit New Zealand’s Quality System 2. It is also moving towards ACC primary level accreditation. Earthtech is a Site Safe registered company with a strong commitment to the health and safety of employees, project staff and the public. All staff at Earthtech hold a Site Safe Civil Passport. As the Christchurch rebuild progresses Johnston says that Earthtech will move into larger sewer and infrastructure work. The company also has extensive experience in trenching for fibre optic cable and power lines and subdivision work and is authorised to work on the roading network. Johnston says that Earthtech has the expertise to work on a range of roading and driveway projects including new roads, repairs and reconfigurations. This includes base filling and compaction, kerb and channel installation, footpath construction, surfacing, sign installation and landscaping. Johnston says that by mid-2013 more road repairs will be underway as the underground sewer repairs progress and that Earthtech is well positioned to also assist Christchurch with this aspect of the rebuild.

• Earthworks • Roading • Drainage • Driveways & Siteworks • Subdivisions • Utility Network Installation www.earthtech.net.nz Earthtech Ltd | 18 Klondyke Drive, Hornby, Christchurch PO Box 16573, Christchurch | T 03 982 2513 | F 03 982 2519

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » Sub Surface Drilling

Business South / February 2013

Expertise to the fore in repair work Jo Bailey Sub Surface Drilling’s expertise in trenchless drilling techniques has seen the North Canterbury firm play a key role in the reinstatement of vital services for earthquake-affected Christchurch residents. The company completed a significant amount of short term remedial work in the months immediately following the disaster, but is now working on major SCIRT sewer and water main projects in the Brighton Hub as a sub-contractor to Fulton Hogan; and in Halswell under contract to City Care. “We’ve been working closely alongside many badly affected eastern suburbs residents who although obviously frustrated, have been extremely patient,” says Deane Herbert, the owner of Sub Surface Drilling who is known as ‘Herb’ in the industry. He says an ”incredible amount of work” goes into completing these jobs, particularly in New Brighton where there are ongoing tidal and ground issues. “I believe everyone involved with the SCIRT projects is doing their best to right things as quickly as possible, particularly Fulton Hogan who are an incredible bunch of guys to work for.” Sub Surface Drilling’s major New Brighton projects include the installation of pressure sewer mains in Estuary Road and a water main in Keyes Road that both involved directional drilling of 180ml PE pipe. The company’s team is currently working on its biggest job in New Brighton to date - drilling 2.5km of pressure sewer mains at Owles Terrace. This project includes drilling 250ml, 180ml, 90ml and 63ml pipe, and laying lateral connections to around 100 homes.

• To page 8

SUB

Sub Surface Drilling’s major New Brighton projects have included the installation of pressure sewer mains in Estuary Road.

SURFACE DRILLING LTD

Tel 03 354 8204 | Fax 03 354 8205

E-mail - herb@ssdl.co.nz | www.subsurfacedrilling.co.nz

Subsurface drilling Ltd specialise in the underground installations of: • • • • • • •

Water supply from 20mm up to 315 mm Sewers on grade from 25mm up to 315mm Power/ telecommunication installs Pipe ramming from 200mm to 1200mm in all ground conditions Pipe cracking Open cut trenching Sewer camera-video works

Vacuum excavation: • • • •

Locating services Carrying out CPT inspections holes Cleaning up of drilling muds/ spills Vacuum excavations

Specialist supplier has all the gear Specialised underground construction equipment supplier, Ditch Witch New Zealand offers huge benefits to its customers, says general manager John Grant. “Our customers can access all of the drilling equipment and components required for their job sites from one supplier, and deal with our experienced team who talk about drilling and trenches day in and day out.” Grant says the main advantage of Ditch Witch’s broad range of products is that everything has been designed and built by the company to integrate and work together - allowing customers to get the best out of their machines. He says that In New Zealand directional drill sales currently make up around 70 percent of the market. “There is a huge push into directional drills due to the growing preference for trenchless techniques as opposed to open cut trenching.” In addition to trenchers and directional drills, Ditch Witch NZ offers a wide range of vibrating plows, vacuum excavation units, skid steers, tool carriers and electronic loading or guidance equipment. It is also an authorised distributor for the market leading Bariod drillings fluids and DCD installation tooling. Since 2010 it has carried the HammerHead range of pipe bursting equipment, pipe ramming equipment, piercing tools, and downhole tools, following the acquisition of HammerHead by parent company CMW. Grant says there is growing demand for the HammerHead pipe bursting products and vacuum excavators from contractors working on the Christchurch rebuild. “The vacuum excavators are proving popular for pot holing and excavation in the Christchurch market as they are a relatively non-invasive with less risk of causing damage to underground services.” In addition to Ditch Witch New Zealand’s warehouse and workshop in Auckland, the company has service centres around the country

Ditch Witch New Zealand has the country covered for underground construction equipment. that provide backup support, service and parts. “Considering most of our customers use daily consumables and tooling, customer support is paramount and something we take extremely seriously.” He says customers can also phone the company’s 0800 number and speak directly to its parts manager Barry who has “extensive knowledge of the products and their applications.”

You Can’t Beat The System. No other company offers such an easy-to-use system for horizontal directional drilling. The complete package. Directional drills. Trackers. Fluid management systems. All designed to work together to simplify drilling and backreaming through some of the toughest conditions. For details, see your dealer or visit ditchwitch.com.

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The South Island market is covered by Mark Courtney, a Christchurch-based rep, who has extensive experience in machinery sales in the region. Ditch Witch NZ recently supplied a new JT2020 directional drill to Sub Surface Drilling. The 20,000 pound class machine will complement the company’s existing 30,000 pound JT3020 drill and various other Ditch Witch

machines and products. “This new machine will provide Herb and the team with some versatility, to allow them to undertake smaller jobs in tighter environments,” says Grant. Deane Herbert, owner of Sub Surface Drilling says the company has used Ditch Witch products for 13 years. “It all comes down to the quality of the machinery. It is very good gear.”

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » Sub Surface Drilling

Business South / February 2013

Expertise to the fore in rebuilding infrastructure • from page 6 “We’ve also been doing emergency residential works with Fulton Hogan in the New Brighton area when homeowner’s existing sewer systems fail,” says Herbert. “This involves drilling a brand new 40ml lateral pipe to the home and installing a new tank and pressure pump.” Herbert says the company is carrying out similar SCIRT projects in Halswell under contract to City Care, including the installation of a pressure sewer main to replace the old main gravity sewer. “This project included pipe ramming 408ml steel pipe to grade under an historic creek which couldn’t be dug up,” he says. The company has also installed the area’s first low volume pressure sewer system, which involved directional drilling 40ml, 63ml and 75ml mains outside the boundary line of around 40 properties, with new 40ml laterals linking the mains to a new pressure sewer pump and tank on each property. “Pressure systems offer greater benefits than gravity systems, as they eliminate the need for ongrade sewer laterals, and you don’t have to worry about levels changing underground following an earthquake.” Now the rebuild works are finally gaining momentum, Herbert believes there will be growing demand for the company’s trenchless drilling expertise. “There is far less disruption to traffic flow and pedestrians using trenchless techniques and no need for dewatering or shielding when using directional drilling. This is particularly beneficial when working in areas like Halswell where there is a high water table.”

Sub Surface Drilling Ltd 03 354 8204 herb@ssdl.co.nz www.subsurfacedrilling.co.nz

Sub Surface Drilling has been busy with infrastructure repair work following the Christchurch earthquakes.

Herb takes a steady approach Jo Bailey Deane Herbert hasn’t rushed to grow his company Sub Surface Drilling in anticipation of new work generated by the Christchurch rebuild. “We’ve taken a measured approach to growth, utilising our existing staff and plant until the time has been right to gear up. Through working closely with our clients and communicating with them regularly we’ve been able to grow at a gradual pace and still continue to meet their needs.” Last year Herbert increased staff numbers to 14 and extended his fleet of excavators and trucks. Recent purchases include a Ditch Witch JT2020 directional drill, a Vermeer 711 directional drill and Vermeer vacuum excavation system.

He expects to take on another two or three staff this year, but doesn’t intend to grow the company too much bigger than that. “We would rather have a smaller number of good quality staff as this ensures projects are completed on time and to the highest SCIRT requirements.” Herbert runs a tight ship, especially as far as health and safety is concerned. “We are ISO 9001:2008 accredited and ACC Secondary Workplace Safety approved. It is something we take seriously.” He has worked in the trenchless industry for over 20 years and established Sub Surface Drilling in 2000. The company is based in Clarkville, just north of the Waimakariri River, and has completed numerous underground services installation projects such as power, telecommunications, gas, water and drainage throughout Canterbury and the South Island.

“Directional drilling is the main trenchless technique we employ. “However we also specialise in pipe ramming which is particularly suited to tougher ground conditions,” he says. Other methods of trenchless installation undertaken by the company include thrust boring, PE Butt Welding, Electro Fusion Welding and pipe cracking. It also carries out conventional trenching and chain trenching as required. Herbert says the company has built strong relationships with all the major local authorities in Canterbury, and regularly works as far afield as Timaru and the West Coast. In addition to its major earthquake-related work, Sub Surface Drilling is also involved in “a lot of projects” with MainPower and Orion that involve both trenchless work and conventional drilling and laying services.

We would rather have a smaller number of good quality staff as this ensures projects are completed on time and to the highest SCIRT requirements.

AB Equipment 709 Halswell Junction Road. Ph 344 1820 www.abequipment.co.nz

www.lytteng.co.nz Supplier of machining services to Sub Surface Drilling

Keeping fleet vehicles at their best The deterioration of Christchurch roads has made preventative maintenance and regular servicing even more important for heavy vehicles, says John McCabe owner of Rangiora-based Brook Truck Services. “We’ve seen an escalation in wear and tear of vehicles since the earthquakes, especially shock absorbers and suspension damage,” says McCabe. “Some of our clients have increased their servicing to every 4000km, or once a month, rather than at 5000km due to their vehicles’ heavy workloads and the bumpy road conditions.” Fleet maintenance and repair programmes for truck operators and commercial contractors (including Sub Surface Drilling), are an important part of Brook Truck Services’ business. “These programmes keep the vehicles running at their best. They also allow the client to budget for any impending repairs and schedule them in when it is most convenient.” John and Jackie McCabe started Brook Truck Services six years ago. In August last year the company moved to temporary premises in Flaxton Road on the outskirts of Rangiora. In a few weeks it will shift into a new, 25 x 36m purpose-built workshop in the same area, behind Hunting and Fishing. “It will be great to get out of our current cramped, temporary facilities into our much larger, fully equipped new workshop. “Once there we will be able to continue to expand the business and hope to take on at least Fleet maintenance and repair programmes for truck operators and commercial contractors are an important part of Brook Truck Services’ business. another two staff this year.” for the company, given that information gathered Brook Truck Services is handily located directly An apprentice and two office administrators John McCabe has over 25 years experience opposite the local vehicle testing station where make up the balance of the team. at a CoF inspection is one of several determining in heavy transport mechanical repairs, having “We can handle any job, big or small and factors used to rate transport operators on the the CoF inspections take place, which makes the worked for various operators including New safety of their fleet and compliance with land process even more seamless for the company’s provide guaranteed work at a competitive price. Zealand Express Transport, TRS, McCarthy Having a smaller team means we can offer a more transport safety legislation. clients. Transport and Wiltshire Transport, before starting “We offer pre-CoF fault finding inspections and Overall, McCabe says that they are more than personalised service.” Brook Truck Services six years ago. happy with the continuing progress of Brook Truck Brook Truck Services is also a fully equipped repairs to identify and fix any problems a vehicle He currently employs three other fully qualified hydraulic hose repair facility, and offers a may have in passing its CoF. Services. mechanics who provide “top quality repairs and breakdown and after hours service when required. “If these problems are fixed beforehand the “Things are ticking over nicely and we look workmanship including some welding”, and who forward to the continuing expansion of the The introduction of the LTSA’s new Operator vehicle usually sails through its inspection and the have vast experience in most makes and models Rating System is also generating additional work operator is more likely to attain a higher rating.” business during 2013.” of heavy vehicle.

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CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » Canterbury Maintenance Team

Business South / February 2013

Company has maintenance covered Jo Bailey Canterbury Maintenance Team has bounced back from the impact of the earthquakes, says director, Bevan Dick. “We lost a lot of business due to the sheer number of commercial buildings in the central city that were destroyed. “But we’ve gained in other areas, such as assisting clients to move their businesses, doing emergency repairs and clean-ups prior to major insurance works on buildings, and picking up new regular maintenance work.” Since 1998, when Dick, a Licensed Building Practitioner, and business partner Adam Warren started the business, they have provided general maintenance and building services to a wide range of Canterbury clients. “The bulk of our work is in the commercial market, although we continue to do a few residential projects.” The company started with one additional full time carpenter, Stuart Birnie, who is still on the current team of six staff, that includes an apprentice who was taken on last year. “Stuart is a huge asset to the company and is very good at what he does,” says Dick. “Between the three of us we have a really good knowledge base of several different trades.” Canterbury Maintenance Team offers a broad range of in-house services from exterior and interior building work; to general repairs and maintenance; shop fit-outs; floor and wall tiling; wall lining; plastering; painting; concrete work; and leaky building repairs. “This results in less disruption for our clients as they don’t have to coordinate a whole lot of different trades. We also work with a core group of suppliers and reliable sub-contractors who provide any services we don’t offer in-house.” Flexibility is another key advantage of Canterbury Maintenance Team’s operation, he says. “We’re happy to do whatever the client needs. We’ve moved stuff from shop to shop, and even shop to storeroom for clients; set up hoardings;

In the late 1990s there was a lack of people doing general building maintenance and repair work.

Ready to go: Canterbury Maintenance Team owners Adam Warren, left, and Bevan Dick. installed suspended ceilings; removed a lot of chimneys; and completed jobs as small as fixing floor tiles, damaged doors or holes in walls.” Dick says most of the company’s work comes through word of mouth and that it strives to provide prompt, efficient service. “We try to provide a 24-hour service for our regular clients. “We have completed a lot of emergency repairs and make-safe projects since the earthquakes so understand they often can’t wait to get their work done.” Both Dick and Warren had worked in building

Mainland Glass & Glazing Limited

maintenance for seven years before deciding to set up on their own after seeing a “big gap” in the market. “In the late 1990s there was a real lack of people doing general building maintenance and repair work,” says Dick. “There were builders who would fit these sorts of jobs in when they could but no one was specialising in it full time. We saw a real opportunity.” He says the company has plenty of work on the go, but is also considering other ways to “branch out”.

“We have an opportunity to grow the business into new areas but still plan to keep it reasonably small. “This ensures we can continue to provide the sort of personal, quality service we’ve built the company on.”

Canterbury Maintenance Team 03 343 5931 bevan.cmt@xtra.co.nz

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Read More Online VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.waterfordpress.co.nz FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Business South / February 2013

CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » Compass Homes

‘Simplistic’ approach fits the bill Jo Bailey Compass Homes is gearing up to play a significant role in the Christchurch rebuild, with the “ultimate view” to establish the company in Canterbury for the long term, says director Garry Shuttleworth. “We have committed Compass Homes to construct a couple of hundred homes a year in Canterbury over the next few years.” The long-established Waikato building company branched into the Christchurch market in 2011 but not in direct response to the earthquakes, he says. “We always intended to grow the building group outside our two North Island operations in Hamilton and Auckland. “I was born in Akaroa with Ngai Tahu connections so Canterbury seemed the logical step.” Shuttleworth says it has taken “a lot of hard work” to establish Compass Homes in Christchurch, but now that it has proven its credentials, it has been rewarded accordingly. “We’ve become tier one builders for 2 PMO’s which will guarantee plenty of forward work. “At the moment we have 12 new homes under construction with another 12 to start in the next few weeks. From there the work will just grow.” Compass Homes offers clients affordable quality, and flexibility in its designs that range from two- to five-bedroom homes. With the challenging times facing Canterbury clients, Shuttleworth says the company’s “simplistic approach” is also attracting plenty of new business. “We stay away from architectural design and complex sites such as hills. By specialising in good quality, single level homes on flat ground we find we are hard to beat price-wise.” Compass Homes’ innovative website allows clients to identify the plan that best suits their lifestyle and needs then apply the company’s bronze, silver and gold pricing structure. “With three price options across our range of plans, clients are able to narrow down the best possible options to suit their budget.” Plans are underway for Compass Homes’ new showhome at Silverstream, near Kaiapoi, and there is the possibility of a second showhome being constructed in Preston’s Road. Shuttleworth has been permanently based in Christchurch since April last year, with his business partner and fellow director, John Jarvis keeping an eye on the North Island operations. Both have decades of building industry experience.

Compass Homes offers clients affordable quality, and flexibility in its designs that range from two-bedroom to five-bedroom homes. Shuttleworth played a key role in the establishment of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand and was a member of the Weathertight Building Steering Group that brought the leaky building crisis to the government’s attention. As director of sales and business development, he drives the company’s development, management, and its sales and marketing programmes. Jarvis, a Licensed Building Practitioner who qualified as a carpenter in the mid 1970s, is

Compass Homes 021 579 140 garry@compasshomes.co.nz:

responsible for all the technical and product quality side of Compass Homes. “Basically my team sells the homes and John’s team builds them,” says Shuttleworth. All the quantity surveying, technical and drawing capacity, design work and administration is carried out in Hamilton which leaves Compass Homes Christchurch free to focus on “getting the builds done”. “We are actively taking on new staff and anticipate getting up to 20 plus employees in the short term.”

Shuttleworth expects the company’s “innovative approach” will overcome any challenges it may face in finding new labour. “Being able to draw on our resources from the North Island gives us a huge advantage in that,” he says. “We have already brought several tradesmen down from Bay of Plenty and Waikato to Christchurch.” “We anticipate engaging more staff from parts of the country where the building industry is not as buoyant as it is in Christchurch.”

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CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD » Hi Tech Building Systems

Business South / February 2013

Hi Tech Building Systems has expertise in the construction of commercial coolrooms, freezers and processing rooms.

Focus shifts to commercial repairs Jo Bailey Hi-Tech Building Systems has changed its core business focus in response to the earthquakes. Before the disaster the company’s main area of expertise was the construction of commercial coolrooms, freezers and processing rooms for large commercial and industrial clients throughout New Zealand. But its predominant focus is now carrying out commercial building repairs in Christchurch on behalf of insurance companies, loss adjustors, private clients and large construction companies. “We have always worked in commercial repairs,” says managing director John Stewart, who founded the multi-faceted company in the 1970s.

“It’s just that this side of the business has grown exponentially to meet demand from the market,” He says the economic downturn has had an impact on Hi-Tech’s coolstore business but this has allowed him to dedicate 19 staff to the rebuild works. “I’m also nearing retirement age, so am enjoying the opportunity to be based in Christchurch almost full time rather than continually travelling all over the country.” Stewart says Hi-Tech has been able to pick up a lot of the commercial repair work because it can provide so many services in-house. “The insurance companies know they can deal with one company and get the jobs done efficiently and to a high standard. We do everything in-house from exterior and internal building repairs; to

replacing, repairing or polishing concrete floors; replacing windows; putting in new ceilings; painting, tiling, and laying vinyl and carpet. “We use very few sub-contractors, apart from an electrician and one or two others.” Stewart says Hi-Tech’s list of projects “goes on and on,” but includes the repair of large commercial premises for Apparelmaster, Trans Diesel, Ideal Electrical and Cook’s Wire Ropes, as well as a block of commercial units in Sockburn for a body corporate client. Hi-Tech Building Systems also has three subsidiary companies: Hi Tech Painting Systems; Russley Contractors that specialises in concrete related services including crack injection, concrete joints, saw cutting, drilling and grinding; and Russley Portables that builds portable buildings for commercial use. “We decided to employ our own painting team rather than waiting on contractors so there is no hold up on the jobs,” says Stewart. He says that demand for the company’s portable buildings is also “forging ahead”.

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“We concentrate on the supply of portable buildings for the commercial market rather than trying to compete in the residential market,” says Stewart. “Once commercial construction ramps up we expect there to be a huge demand for portable buildings such as project manager’s huts, site huts, first aid rooms, smoko rooms and amenities blocks.” Hi-Tech has already supplied several portable classrooms to earthquake-damaged schools, including St Margaret’s College. Stewart is currently recruiting four new staff that will take the total to 30, but he doesn’t intend to grow the company much bigger.

Hi Tech Building Systems Christchurch 03 341-7591 htbs@xtra.co.nz

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Business South / February 2013

REBUILD- » Hi Tech Building Systems / Blue Summit Construction

Blue Summit Construction is building new homes throughout greater Christchurch.

Help in line for red-zoners Karen Phelps

Hi Tech Building Systems’ portable buildings are in demand in the commercial market. “I think it is important to give people top service and quality of workmanship rather than trying to take on every job in town. We would sooner have fewer jobs and do them better.” After 40 years in business he says the recipe for success is simple. “As well as doing a good job, it’s about

completing projects on time, working in a safe environment and providing fair and honest treatment. “This is particularly important when working in the insurance market. If you’re not prepared to work within the margins and provide good service, you simply don’t get the work.” Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.

Proud suppliers to Hi Tech Building Systems Ltd Hilti. Outperform. Outlast. | P 0800 444 584 | servicenz@hilti.com

Blue Summit Construction has been focusing on helping red zoned Cantabrians into brand new homes. According to company general manager Miranda Knapton, quake shocked people have been wary about buying land and beginning a new home but this is now changing. “It’s getting easier to get finance and insurance, which is making the process a lot easier for people,” she says. The company currently has new home builds under way all over the city and further afield in Beckenham, West Melton, Rolleston and Halswell. Knapton says dealing with red zoned customers requires a special skill-set. “People are stressed living in damaged houses or renting. Unlike a usual new home build many red zoned clients were not thinking of building until they lost their home in the quake. It’s about navigating people through the build process creating the least impact as possible on their daily lives.” Knapton says that many red zoned clients who have had fairly new homes destroyed by the earthquake are choosing to replicate these homes in different locations. Other clients with older homes are taking the opportunity to improve their home so that it is designed specifically to take maximum advantage of the site. The trend is undoubtedly towards larger homes than the standard three-bedroom with many customers opting to have four or five bedrooms. Blue Summit Construction was started by Knapton and her partner Michael Ingram in 2008. The couple had been travelling in the United Kingdom and United States. Ingram had already clocked up around six years of building experience when the couple headed back to New Zealand. He formalised his skills with an adult apprenticeship and is now a licensed building practitioner. The company was kick started with an eight month project constructing South Junction Business Park at Rolleston. Based in Christchurch the company works in the wider Canterbury region completing predominantly new home builds as well as repairs and renovations. The company employs five builders including two apprentices. Knapton says they are looking to

employ two more apprentices and one more builder to cope with growth. Blue Summit Construction completes the construction side of the process and works closely with draftspeople and architects as required. Although the business has been established on labour-only contracts, this year Knapton says around half of the company’s work will be its own contracts. It presently has six projects under construction and further four in the design stages. The couple plan to grown Blue Summit Construction further this coming year and will be offering their own house and land packages later this year.

Blue Summit Construction 021 243 1780 builder@bluesummit.co.nz www.bluesummit.co.nz

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BUILDING » Rilean Construction

Business South / February 2013

QT firm eyes rebuild opportunities Jo Bailey Rilean Construction, one of Queenstown’s most highly respected and awarded building companies, has extended its reach into the Canterbury market, says director and shareholder Steve McLean. “The Christchurch rebuild is the biggest construction project New Zealand has ever seen and it’s exciting to be a part of it. “Trevor Meikle, one of our five shareholders, was keen to make the move to Christchurch to open the new office. He has been in the game a long time and has plenty of contacts in the market.”

McLean says several of Rilean Construction’s own building team has already expressed interest in moving north. “It’s a great opportunity especially for some of our younger guys. “We also know of builders from other areas who are keen to experience the challenge of the rebuild with us. “It goes without saying that finding labour resource is going to be pretty tough, but we think accommodating them will become the biggest challenge,” McLean says. The Christchurch team already has five replacement houses on the books and is working

through the design process and issues between the insurance companies and clients. “We are also doing some small remedial works while we wait on some other larger projects to come to fruition. It’s just a matter of working things through,” says McLean. Rilean Construction will look for bigger premises in Christchurch as work demand and growing staff numbers increase, he adds. “We’re also doing some commercial building repairs in Christchurch and plan to move into commercial construction work as more of these projects get underway.” Commercial work has been important part

of Rilean Construction’s Queenstown portfolio throughout its 21 years in business. However the impact of the global financial crisis has seen it adapt from a mainly specialist commercial builder to a more even mix of commercial and high-end residential housing. “We do a myriad of jobs - whatever it takes to keep our team busy and maintain our client base in what is a relatively small market. Our philosophy to foster professional and lasting relationships with our clients has served us well over the years.” McLean says providing continued employment for its team is something the company also takes seriously.

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BUILDING » Rilean Construction

Business South / February 2013

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Trevor Meikle and Paul Deans scoping and pricing insurance repairs in the Christchurch office. “Even in tight times we’ve worked hard to keep our loyal, friendly team together. If you give loyalty you definitely get it back.” McLean is proud of the large extension works Rilean Construction recently completed at the departure lounge at Queenstown Airport. “The success of this project led to us picking up jobs in other parts of the airport, including the expansion to the Koru Lounge.” The company has also just started building a 17-unit apartment block in Hallenstein Street, one of the first apartment complexes developed in the resort town for some time. “Around 10 of the apartments have been presold so it’s an exciting project to be part of. We’re also building some lovely homes, including an impressive one at Millbrook.” The company has also developed its own range of sustainable, thermally efficient homes, called the Evolution Series. In 2012, one of these homes was awarded the district’s first six-star Homestar rating. “It’s encouraging to see the brand starting to grow and recognition flowing through to new home projects.

“We are seeing a marked increase in enquiries for affordable eco-friendly homes and we expect the range to be well adopted by the Christchurch market.” McLean said he was delighted when Rilean Construction was awarded the coveted Trade and Construction Award at the Westpac Queenstown Chamber of Commerce awards dinner in October 2012. “We’ve built some lovely homes that have been lauded at numerous Master Builders awards. But to be recognised for our own business practices at an event as prestigious as the Chamber of Commerce awards was something special. “We were up against some pretty tough competition,” says McLean.

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BUILDING » Chatterton Builders Ltd

Business South / February 2013

Chatterton Builders Ltd specialises in architectural new builds and renovations, but also undertakes conventional residential homes and commercial work.

Experienced company in demand Jo Bailey A million dollar repair to an historic 1885 weatherboard homestead in North Canterbury has been one of the major earthquake-related projects for Rangiora firm, Chatterton Builders. “We completed this challenging project under contract to Hawkins Construction and the UK-based owners, who wanted a number of further repairs and alterations undertaken,” says Brent Chatterton who owns the company with wife Claire. “It ended with an amazing result that both parties were extremely happy with.” The project involved exterior repairwork and repainting; the complete gutting of the interior to repair earthquake damage; and reinstatement works that included saving original features, such as flooring and wood panelling, where possible.

“Our craftsmen builders undertook a lot of specialist carpentry, and we sourced outside contractors with expertise in features such as leadlight windows and ornate plaster works when required,” says Chatterton. Constant communication with the owners was a key to the success of the project, which involved a “huge amount of trust”, he says. “These works required a high degree of craftsmanship, and we are extremely proud of the efforts put in by our team to achieve such a fantastic result.” Chatterton Builders is a Licenced Building Practitioner and is also a member of Certified Builders. The company specialises in architectural new builds and renovations, but also undertakes conventional residential homes, commercial work, and earthquake-related rebuilds and repairs.

32 Newnham St, Rangiora Ph: 03 313 8418 Fax: 03 313 8580 A/H: 0274 545 775 Email: info@hansencontractors.co.nz www.hansencontractors.co.nz

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With our capabilities as a larger, independent company we are usually brought in to do the trickier repairs and rebuilds, often on hill sites.” Chatterton says the company’s current workload is split 50/50 between client-based projects and earthquake related work for Fletchers and Hawkins. “With our capabilities as a larger, independent company we are usually brought in to do the trickier repairs and rebuilds, often on hill sites. “Although our ultimate goal is to get back to doing full time client-based work, I can see the insurance work continuing on for many years.” Chatterton’s team is currently working on a new

home build at Silverstream; a large alteration in Rangiora; and an addition to a home in Okuku, with some smaller repair projects on the go. “We project manage a lot of the earthquake repair jobs, which means bringing in our regular sub-contractors who provide the cosmetic finishing once we have completed the building works.” Chatterton expects that staff numbers will increase again in 2013, which will probably include a mix of “good qualified builders” and apprentices, he says.

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Business South / February 2013

BUILDING » Chatterton Builders Ltd

Business braced for rebuilding Jo Bailey Canterbury builder and board member of Certified Builders, Brent Chatterton say the pace of earthquake repairs is yet to take off. “We’ve got plenty of work ready to go once it gets through the process. “The building industry is a bit like that - we’re either flat stick or waiting for things to drop. Not being able to achieve a consistent workflow is one of the industry’s biggest frustrations.” He says Chatterton Builders Ltd has no shortage of work “in the funnel” with more than 20 new home builds - a mix of client-based and insurance rebuild projects. It also has around 60 earthquake-repair projects under the $100,000 cap to complete. Chatterton says Certified Builders has put “a number of measures in place” to assist its builder members gain access to work and enable a good relationship with their clients. “To be a member you must meet a rigorous set of criteria and all members offer a 10-year guarantee on workmanship.” As a director on the board, Chatterton adds that Certified Builders is always looking at ways to help both builders and clients navigate their way through building processes in an efficient manner. He says the new health and safety requirements for residential builders involves huge additional costs in extra scaffolding, equipment and staff training, but he believes it is money well spent. “The new rules have really lifted the bar and changed the industry’s mentality and culture towards health and safety. The commercial boys have always been hot on it but it’s great to see the residential builders taking it as seriously.”

Happy in their work: Claire and Brent Chatterton are gearing up for the earthquake rebuild. Chatterton Builders has geared up its back office capabilities significantly since the Christchurch earthquakes to meet all the new regulatory requirements, he says. “We now have six office staff and have engaged a health and safety adviser almost on a full-time basis. “We also have a quantity surveyor and home designer working with us under contract.” Claire Chatterton works part time in the office, handling the company’s advertising, HR and office management. She also looks after their three young children. The couple were delighted when the company

was named as a finalist in the Exceptional Service and Exceptional Employer categories at the 2012 North Canterbury Business Awards. “It was great recognition for the hard work of our team and our company culture. “The awards have also raised our profile in the community and have led to some exciting new projects,” says Chatterton.

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BUILDING » Stanton Builders

Business South / February 2013

Top quality finish helps firm prosper Jo Bailey Christchurch builder Brent Stanton says there is strong evidence the city rebuild has started to “pump up”. “This is the first time in 12 years in business we’ve started the year with so much work on the books. We have four new homes ready to build with a fifth in the pipeline and lots of other projects also underway.” Stanton, a Licensed Building Practitioner, started Stanton Builders in 2000, and has around 22 years experience in the trade. Residential projects make up the bulk of the company’s portfolio, but it also works on selected light commercial refurbishments and fit-outs. “We aim for the highest quality finish for all our projects which helps us to stand out in a competitive market,” says Stanton. “We tend to get a lot of repeat clients and referrals because we concentrate on that side of things.” He says client expectations are also much greater than they were 15 years ago. “People are presented with so many more options these days and are more aware of the products and innovative finishes available for their new homes. “There is stronger demand for premium quality products.” Stanton Builders’ focus on quality has led to its engagement on some high profile commercial jobs in addition to its residential work. Last year it carried out a total refurbishment of The Grange, an upmarket historic B&B in Armagh Street; and the fit-out of the contemporary King of Snake restaurant and bar in Victoria Street for Christchurch hospitality developer, Tony Astle. Stanton Builders started The Grange project in conjunction with Hawkins Construction and the client’s insurance company early last year. The six-month project included a total gutting of the interior and reconstruction of a fire wall and boundary wall, with a full re-line and refurbishment of the premises.

Stanton Builders carried out a total refurbishment of The Grange, an upmarket historic B&B in Armagh Street. “It was a fantastic project. We really enjoyed the challenges of preserving the historical integrity of the Victorian mansion that was originally constructed in 1874 for Reverend James Stack.” At the other end of the scale was the fit out for the ultra-modern King of Snake restaurant and bar. “We’ve done interior building and fit-out work for Tony Astle on some of his other projects including Indochine and his two Chinwag restaurants. He is always interesting to work with as he

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comes up with unique and innovative concepts for his interiors and is very particular about the end result.” In the residential market Stanton Builders focuses mainly on high-end or architecturally designed homes. It works regularly with Keith Ussher Architecture in Christchurch. The company’s latest residential project was the completion of its own spec home in Redwood. Stanton expects there to be huge demand for builders and other contractors as the year progresses. “One of the biggest challenges will be to find enough additional staff as we continue to grow. I have a couple of contractors I can grab in addition to my four existing staff, but with everyone in the same boat there will be a lot of demand for good labour.” Nailing down good sub-contractors could also

become a challenge in the coming years, Stanton says. “They’re going to be just as busy as the building companies which could make coordinating jobs a bit more difficult.” Stanton is proud that all four of the new homes on the company’s books are for repeat clients. “After 12 years in business I think we’ve earned our reputation for producing a quality product. “It’s such a competitive market but in the end you do get what you pay for.”

Stanton Builders 027 623 6707 info@stantonbuilders.co.nz www.stantonbuilders.co.z

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BUILDING » Stanton Builders / Jim Kroening Builder

Business South / February 2013

Jim Kroening does a wide variety of building work for domestic clients.

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Jim Kroening has run his Timaru building operation as a one-man-band for the last 16 years and he wouldn’t have it any other way. “When I started the business I never intended to grow too big or compete with the larger companies,” says Kroening. “I’ve always had more than enough work to keep me going which is exactly what I wanted to achieve.” Most of his workload is domestic repairs and maintenance projects including bathroom renovations and new decks, with a small amount of concrete work and fencing. “I have a lot of repeat clients who often refer me on to their family and friends. The bulk of my work comes through word of mouth.” Current projects include replacing clear roofing on a verandah; working on a couple of farm repair jobs; and bathroom renovations in Timaru and Waimate, plus other “smaller jobs”, he says. “Some of the work is quite mundane, usually jobs the bigger builders don’t want. But someone has to do them.” For several years he has also been contracted to install access ramps and grab rails for Enable New Zealand, a funder of hospital and ACC projects. As a Licensed Building Practitioner and member of Certified Builders NZ, with an Advanced Trade Certificate in Carpentry and a Diploma in Teaching, Kroening agrees he is probably “well and truly overqualified” for the work.

15 Hadlow Place, Burnside, Christchurch 8041 Postal Address, PO Box 79122, Christchurch 8446 Ph: 03 357 8536 | Fax: 03 357 8537 Email: reception@clarkboyce.co.nz | www.clarkboyce.co.nz

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“But early on I decided what my niche in the market would be and have always been happy working on my own. “I have never wanted the headaches that can go with managing staff.” Kroening grew up in Greymouth and spent 22 years in the building trade there before deciding on a complete change of vocation in the mid 1980s. “It was hard to get a decent wage as a tradesman in those days so I decided to move into teaching which paid better and gave me more time to spend with my two boys.” After graduating from Christchurch Teacher’s College he moved his family to Timaru 23 years ago to take up a position as a woodcraft teacher at Marchwiel Manual Training Centre. He taught woodwork skills to primary school students there for around nine years before deciding to return to the trade. “I didn’t agree with some of the changes government was making to the technology courses, particularly the increase in theory work. Why would the kids want to sit in the workshop doing paperwork when there were surrounded by tools they could be having a go with?” After a brief stint tutoring at a local polytechnic, Kroening set up back in business and says he hasn’t looked back since.

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BUILDING » J.E. Dean Ltd

Business South / February 2013

High-end focus proves successful Jo Bailey Jonathan Dean says operating at the luxury end of the market has protected his Kaiapoi building company from the worst impact of the earthquakes. “Perhaps we’re just one of the lucky ones, but it’s been business-as-usual for us right through. “Clients wanting top-end, architecturally designed homes tend to build them regardless of what the economy and market is doing.” Since Dean started J.E. Dean Ltd 21 years ago, the company has almost always been focused on high-end projects, he says. “I did my apprenticeship with a company that specialised in this area so I guess it’s a spin-off from there. “Building large, complex homes offer a challenge. I’d get pretty bored working on other types of houses now.” Dean, a licensed building practitioner and NZTC qualified, has four full time builders on his crew, and expects numbers to rise to five or six in the next few weeks. The additional manpower is needed to help construct two substantial homes at the exclusive Clearwater Resort, in the north-west of Christchurch. “We’ve got around $4 million on the books between these two hugely complex jobs. Both have a similar super-structure, with concrete second floors and extensive use of beams and block-work. But from then on they are quite different in makeup, with multiple elements.” Dean says the company has worked on projects at Clearwater “pretty much non-stop” for the last six years. “Most of our work at the development has come through word of mouth or referrals from previous clients. It’s a great location, just 10 minutes from our Kaiapoi yard. I’ll be disappointed when we have finally finished building in there.” Most of the homes constructed by J.E. Dean Ltd are designed by prominent Christchurch architects and use top of the line materials, including exterior cladding, roofing, specialised joinery and interior

J.E. Dean Ltd has established a top reputation in the luxury home market in Canterbury. fittings often brought in from overseas especially for the projects. The average floor area of the four to five bedroom homes is usually over 500sqm. Unique features include everything from wine cellars, saunas and indoor spas, to all bedrooms having their own en-suite bathrooms.

• To page 22

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BUILDING » J.E. Dean Ltd

Business South / February 2013

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BUILDING » J.E. Dean Ltd

Business South / February 2013

High-end home specialist working on ‘grand scale’ • from page 20 “These homes are usually on a grand scale and a bit different from the norm. We are installing a lift into one of our current projects.” With earthquake rebuild work starting to ramp up, Dean says he is grateful for the loyalty of a regular team of specialist sub-contractors who meet his exacting standards in terms of quality and workmanship. “We value the relationships and rapport we have with our sub-contractors who have indicated they will continue to give us priority, even as demand for labour grows from earthquake works. “It’s not an area of the market we intend to compete in.” Dean says the company engages everyone from “the surveyor, to the craftsmen stonemason to the cleaner” which allows it to offer clients the “complete package” for their projects. In addition to the considerable success the company has enjoyed in high-spec architectural housing, it has worked to a lesser degree on office and restaurant fit-outs; light commercial tilt panel work; and alternations and maintenance projects. “During the 12 months or so it typically takes us to complete a big home, there is often a quiet period of a month or two while we’re waiting on consents, or architects. “That’s when we do a few odd jobs to fill the

gaps, including regular maintenance work we carry out for a couple of Kaiapoi businesses.” On the light commercial side, the company built the new Oxford Fire Station in 2011 for the NZ Fire Service in conjunction with a major Christchurch commercial company, a project not dissimilar to its top end housing work, he says. “The super structure of the homes we build is closely aligned with light commercial type construction. We’ve also done quite a bit of tilt panel work for residential and light commercial projects over the years.” When time permits Dean says he will construct his own home on a piece of land in Wanaka, but has no intention of moving south permanently in the short term or trying to break into the Central Lakes market at this stage. “We’ve found a good niche in the Canterbury market. It’s pretty tough to break into the top echelons elsewhere without doing a lot of homework and having a good network in place.”

J.E. Dean Ltd - Kaiapoi 03 327 5835 jd@jedeanltd.co.nz www.jedeanltd.co.nz

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Business South / February 2013

BUILDING » Mark Timms Builder

Variety is the spice of builder’s life Jo Bailey Timaru builder Mark Timms has rarely advertised during 16 years in business. “All my work comes through word of mouth or repeat business from regular clients. I guess they like what I do because they keep coming back.” Mark Timms Builder recently picked up the maintenance contract for Lone Star Farms, the amalgamation of 11 farms covering 9000ha in the Hakataramea Valley in North Otago. This involves construction of new offices, and providing ongoing maintenance and refurbishment to the 11 farmhouses on the property. “Some of the houses are in desperate need of remedial work. It’s a project will provide significant ongoing work between my regular Timaru jobs.” Back in the city Timms has some small alterations underway, including the installation of a new kitchen and bathroom for a property being readied for sale. “I have done quite a few bathrooms over the years and also a lot of smaller extension work. I’ve also completed some light commercial work projects including some good-sized school halls, and the construction of half a hospital and around 40 units at a retirement village in the Timaru CBD under a three-year contract.” Timms would prefer to operate mainly in Timaru but says working on multiple projects for clients means he is often asked to do jobs out of town. “I’ve probably spent at least two-and-a-half of the last four years working outside the city.” He recently finished building a new 150sqm three-bedroom holiday home at Tekapo for some Timaru-based friends, and spent almost nine months gutting and completely rebuilding a holiday home for other clients in Akaroa during 2010/11. “I’ve finished three projects for these clients now, including a house alteration for their eldest daughter,” says Timms.

Mark Timms completely rebuilt this Akaroa holiday home for some long-standing clients. Timms has recently assisted a friend and fellow builder to complete finishing work on the highprofile Chapman Castle project in Tai Tapu, being constructed for Christchurch electronics multimillionaire Dennis Chapman.

“It really is a full-on castle with everything completed in period including a great hall, trap door, arrow and gun ports and big medieval-style doors at the entrance. “It is an amazing project to work on and quite a challenge.” Timms grew up in Christchurch where he trained as a coach builder before getting into regular building work. After a stint on the Gold Coast he settled in Timaru with his family 19 years ago. He spent a year managing 13 staff as a construction manager for another Timaru company before deciding to set up on his own. Over the years he has worked mainly by himself, taking on contract labour as needed. “The last two years I’ve had a couple of guys working for me but am back on my own at the moment.

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“It works well because I don’t have to bust my backside to find work for staff in the quieter times.” He has some “reasonable projects” in the pipeline this year, but has no plans to get involved in the Christchurch rebuild. “I’ve got quite a bit of work in front of me so won’t be chasing any work in Christchurch, apart from continuing to help with the finishing work at the castle in Tai Tapu.”

Mark Timms Builder 021 277 4651 marktimms@slingshot.co.nz

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BUILDING » CYB Construction

Business South / February 2013

Amongst the tree tops Jo Bailey The opening of the West Coast Treetops Walk and Cafe tourist venture near Hokitika in mid December was “really satisfying” for main contractors CYB Construction, says director Chris Yeats. “Our guys were stoked to be involved. It was a positive project for great clients who were a pleasure to deal with.” The $7.7 million treetop walkway has been developed on 1.2ha of conservation land in the Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve by Australian ecotourism company Canopy01. The 450-metre steel walkway is suspended 20 metres above the forest floor, offering visitors views of native bush, the lake, mountains and sea. The walk ends with a spiral staircase climbing a 47m high lookout tower. Greymouth-based CYB Construction was engaged as the main contractor to build the on-site visitor centre/cafe complex and to complete all the foundations and concrete work for the walkway structure itself. It also carried out civil works including construction of a pedestrian bridge that crosses the creek separating the carpark and visitor’s centre. Yeats says the project had its challenges given the remote, previously undeveloped location. “When we started last May, the road into the site was only just being constructed and there was no power, phone or even cell phone coverage on site. It took a month or two to get these services in place which made the job pretty interesting.” The 400sqm single storey visitor’s centre features the 100-seat Mahinapua Cafe, offices, a staffroom, toilets, commercial kitchen and small retail area. CYB Construction also installed “very large” water storage tanks and holding tanks for the centre’s sewerage system. “We had about 10 of our own staff on site throughout the project, and managed up to 25 or 30 other tradespeople who all did a great job to meet the project’s deadline.” Yeats says the treetops walkway was CYB Construction’s most significant project of 2012.

Other projects recently completed by the commercial construction specialists include an interior fit-out for Westpac bank in Greymouth; upgrading 28 rooms for Scenic Hotels at Franz Josef; and constructing new retail outlets in Oxford, North Canterbury for local developers - the Dalley family. Last year it also refurbished all the public spaces, including bar, reception area, restaurants and conference rooms at Scenic Circle Marlborough in a tight time frame of just 13 weeks. The company is currently doing significant concrete works for the new sewage treatment plant at Greymouth; and has four new homes under construction. Yeats says CYB Construction has more possible work coming up in Oxford, and is in the early stages of developing a Christchurch base, where he has already purchased a property. “We have a lot of contacts in Canterbury and will look at any opportunities that arise in this market as the rebuild gets underway.” CYB Construction has also developed a range of “attractive” portable buildings. Some have already been utilised in Christchurch by Christchurch City Council and CERA as emergency and demolition offices in the CBD. The 6 x 3m buildings can be used for anything from worker’s accommodation to site offices, first aid rooms, and utility rooms on building sites. “They look more like a normal building than a portacom, with timber framing, full insulation, double glazing and iron cladding. The buildings are easily lifted and transported. We can fit two at a time on our hi-ab truck.” Yeats founded the company, formerly known as Chris Yeats Builders Ltd in 1994. In 2010 the assets were sold to a newly formed company CYB Construction Ltd to allow Yeats to bring in key staff as shareholders.

CYB Construction - Greymouth 03 762 6040 office@cybl.co.nz:

The spectacular West Coast Treetops walk in the Lake Mahinapua Scenic Reserve walk ends with a spiral staircase climbing a 47m high lookout tower.

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Business South / February 2013

BUILDING » G.D. Frost & Son

Next generation set to take reins Karen Phelps G.D. Frost & Son is in the process of being passed onto the next generation. The successful building company started by Garry Frost is now being managed by Garry’s son Mitch. Garry says he is happy to see his son take a greater role in G.D. Frost & Son. “Although Mitch is still on the tools and on site he is now increasingly becoming involved in the running of the business. “It’s now a second generation building company. Mitch has vitality, energy and some great ideas that will take the company forward,” he says. Based in Christchurch, G.D. Frost & Son is a multi-award winning building company with a longstanding reputation for excellence in the field of house construction. As such the company has been heavily involved in the rebuild of the Christchurch completing EQC and insurance work to help the city and its residents get back on their feet. Garry says being a local company with longevity has proved to be a comfort to Christchurch residents. “There have been many new players enter the market in Christchurch but we are seeing that people who are earthquake stressed are finding comfort in working with a tried and true local building company,” he says. G.D. Frost & Son is accredited with Fletcher Construction and all the major insurance companies involved in the rebuild of Christchurch. The company’s specialty is in the construction of medium to high-end residential building and G.D. Frost & Son has received numerous awards in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards including two golds and a gold reserve in the 2011 awards. Frost says that the key to the company’s longevity and success is a total commitment to quality workmanship first and foremost with an additional focus on establishing excellent

G.D. Frost & Son 021 334910 frostbuild@xtra.co.nz www.frostandson.co.nz

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G.D. Frost & Son specialises in the construction of medium to high-end residential building working relationships with both clients and the subcontractors they engage. He says that his professional philosophy as a builder has always been that “your work should be of such a high standard that years later clients will still welcome you with open arms”. “You put your heart and soul into your home so it’s a fair call that your builder should do the same.” The company is also completing a great deal of non-earthquake related work as the housing market starts to heat up in the Canterbury region. He says that G.D. Frost & Son enjoys the challenges of complex designs and difficult sites and has built up considerable expertise in these areas.

An example is a home in Merivale the company is presently working on which has seen the site excavated to 1.5m to remove the silt soil then refilling it with aggregate in order to stabilise the site for building. The three-bedroom home designed by a geotech engineer will be made from structural steel and laminated ply for extra strength. G.D. Frost & Son also undertakes medium to large extension or renovation projects for existing homes. G.D. Frost & Son are Licensed Building

Practitioners and Registered Master Builders, which ensures that all clients receive the security of the ten-year Master Build guarantee. “We’re committed to excellent standards in all facets of every project we undertake and our overarching goal for every job is nothing less than producing an outstanding result for our client. We have worked hard to build our reputation for quality and we continue to work hard to make sure that it is never compromised.”

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BUILDING » McRaeway Homes

Business South / February 2013

New centre meets rising demand Jo Bailey McRaeway Homes has opened a Christchurch sales centre to provide enhanced service to clients in the region. “Demand for our long-established brand of quality homes has been considerably higher in Christchurch since the earthquakes,” says sales principal, Rick Kneebone. “We already have strong relationships with clients and insurance companies here, so it made sense to establish a local office.” The sales centre is supporting the wider Canterbury region from the Rakaia River in the south to Kaikoura in the north.

It opened in a “prime location” in Main North Road, Belfast in November last year. “We are conveniently situated on the northern outskirts of the city near several new residential developments and the fast-growing Waimakariri district,” says Kneebone. McRaeway Homes is among New Zealand’s oldest building companies. It celebrated 50 years in business in 2012, a “great achievement,” for a privately owned company, says Kneebone. “Clients can be secure in the knowledge they are dealing with a well established company that has built over 6700 homes throughout the country. “To reach 50 years in business is a huge

milestone and a sure sign that quality is at the heart of everything we do.” He says McRaeway’s distinctive homes have “true architectural flair”, which give the brand a point of difference from its competitors. “Our designs with a difference mean our clients don’t end up with just another building company home.

“We are also happy to build on hills or other difficult sites, and tackle styles some builders might shy away from.” The company offers more then 50 contemporary designs ranging from a large family “dream home”, to a smaller bach or retirement villa. Some of the many stand-out designs during

To reach 50 years in business is a huge milestone and a sure sign that quality is at the heart of everything we do.”

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Business South / February 2013

BUILDING » McRaeway Homes / Whyte & Lewis Builders

Invercargill pair forge strong combination Jo Bailey

McRaeway Homes offers more then 50 designs ranging from a large family “dream home”, to a smaller bach or retirement villa.

the company’s long history include the A-Frame home that launched the business in 1962; the Pioneer that was popular in the 1970s; and more recently the unique Gullwing and McLaren homes. “People can view the wide range of options on our website or pop into the office for a no-obligation chat. We are also happy to meet at the client’s site to discuss their new home project,” he says. The plans can be easily modified to suit the client’s lifestyle and building site, or a completely new design can be created by the McRaeway Homes team. Kneebone has a design background with “vast experience” designing homes so is well equipped to guide clients towards a solution that best fits their needs and budget. He is also a Christchurch local, who in a previous position worked closely with a number of different insurance companies. “This experience is a big advantage in the current market where so many of our clients are negotiating the insurance minefield. McRaeway Homes already has an association with two of the major insurance companies, so we encourage clients needing a replacement home to nominate us to build it for them.”

Kneebone says that the company’s Full Build option offers a “streamlined” building experience, with everything taken care of from beginning to end. “The aim is to make the process as stressfree as possible. “We have a network of quality builders already established in Christchurch and will be adding more as demand increases.” McRaeway Homes’ head office is located in Timaru where the company was established 50 years ago. It also has a second sales office, in Dunedin, with representatives in other parts of the South Island. Kneebone says that the enquiry level of Christchurch has been “considerably higher” in recent months. “We currently have several jobs underway, and are looking forward to a busy year.”

McRaeway Homes 03 323 9324 nick@mcraeway.co.nz www.mcraewayhomes.co.nz

Combining their practical skills and technical know-how has led to a successful business for Invercargill builders Tony Whyte and Chris Lewis. The pair are long-time friends who met as boarders at Southland Boys’ High School. For a period after school they went their separate ways with Whyte starting a building apprenticeship in Arrowtown with Edge Construction, and Lewis studying at Otago University and becoming a draughtsman. During his apprenticeship, Whyte, now a Licensed Building Practitioner was one of a handful of builders to work on the entire Blanket Bay development in Queenstown, which gave him valuable experience in high quality finishing and construction practices. Whyte says it was around 10 years ago, when both had qualified in their respective trades, that he and Lewis decided the time was right to combine their talents and start their own company. “In the beginning I spent a bit more time than Chris on the tools given my practical background. But over the years he has developed the practical expertise to go with his technical knowledge.” Whyte says they have almost always operated as a two-man band, taking on projects in their own right, and working as sub-contractors to larger firms. “We prefer to build new homes, but have the expertise and good range of gear that enables us to turn our hands to most projects. “Diversity is important in a small market like Southland, particularly with things slowing up in the last couple of years.” Whyte and Lewis Builders had completed “a lot of work” for the previous owners of the local G J Gardner Homes franchise, after being contracted about five years ago to build 15 homes over a three year period for G J Gardner. “This was a major contract for us and towards the end we were effectively running the jobs.” The pair has also completed a lot of work in Milford and some in Stewart Island for another large local construction company over the years. Last year they did a “big job” for Phoenix Property Services, a company that provides maintenance to Invercargill property owners.

“We replaced the front of an old two storey shop that had literally fallen off. We are happy to work on these sort of light commercial projects.” On the residential side, Whyte and Lewis are particularly proud of a substantial new home at Te Anau they built for Whyte’s parents. Their current major project is a spec house they are developing themselves on a back section in Short Street, Invercargill. The 166sqm, three-bedroom, two bathroom home with a walk-in robe, also has a two car garage, small office, separate dining and “quality kitchen” being manufactured by Whyte’s cousin, Nigel Molloy who has a joinery business in Winton. “We hope to finish the home in March or April then we’ll see what happens from there. “There’s still not a lot of new housing going on down here, but we have a few jobs to finish and lots of other options.” Whyte and Lewis Builders also carries out renovation work, and build fences and decks.

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CONSTRUCTION » A J Scott Construction

Business South / February 2013

Brothers form strong combination Jo Bailey Brothers John and Daryl Scott are working hard to ensure their company A J Scott Construction is recognised as a market leader in the top-end residential sector in Christchurch. “We are only satisfied with producing the highest quality workmanship and finishing. “We’ve had people tell us our perfectionism is annoying, but it’s something we take a lot of pride in,” says Daryl Scott. John Scott is an experienced builder and joiner who founded the company 12 years ago after working for several large construction firms in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Daryl Scott joined him as a shareholder and director two years ago. His background is in town planning and landscape architecture. In his previous roles with large corporate organisations he managed a number of large-scale residential and commercial developments including private hospitals, retirement villages, and supermarkets. “John is the building brain, looking after the on-site operations and project management, whereas I’m the business brain handling more of the management and office functions. We’re a good combo,” says Daryl Scott. The company’s portfolio is currently split three ways - with around 40 percent residential builds, 40 percent earthquake repair work, and 20 percent light commercial projects. Earthquake repairs were the mainstay of the company in early 2012. But by the last quarter of the year there were a growing number of high-end residential and commercial projects on its books. “One of our most significant earthquake projects was carrying out repairs to the Sanford seafood factory. We also have some exciting projects coming up, including construction of a substantial architectural home in the Waitikiri development.” He says extending the company’s high-end residential portfolio will be their main focus as the year progresses. ”We have a talented team and good systems in place. We can also deliver on trickier sites including the hills. “The key thing is our passion for providing honest reliable service combined with producing top quality work.”

A J Scott Construction is focused on producing the highest quality workmanship and finishing. Staff numbers have doubled to around 50 since the earthquakes, and Daryl Scott expects numbers to climb even higher. “We will gradually increase the size of the company this year but will possibly peak at around 70 employees including office and support staff. Otherwise it becomes too hard to maintain quality.” The brothers tend to employ only people they know or are connected to through existing contacts; and who buy into the company culture and ethos. “It’s imperative we only take on good operators to ensure we maintain our position in the market.

“We grew up in a rural, community-minded environment in Central Otago which is where we learned the value of personal, down-to-earth service. “Our entire team, along with the regular group of sub-contractors we engage, are dedicated to producing a high standard of work.” The company is a Registered Master Builder. It is currently based at West Melton but is in the process of finalising a location for new city offices. Daryl Scott says the company is looking forward to an “exciting” decade ahead.

“As South Islanders, we are also incredibly proud to be playing our part in the repair and rebuild of Canterbury.”

A J Scott Construction 03 347 2512 daryl@ajscott.co.nz: www.ajscott.co.nz

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CONSTRUCTION » McIntosh Precast Ltd

Business South / February 2013

McIntosh Precast is developing its operation on a new 1.1 hectare site in the Ashburton Industrial Estate.

Precast operation adds string to bow Jo Bailey Ashburton-based company McIntosh Builders says its new division - McIntosh Precast Limited - will produce precast panels for its own projects and supply other companies and contractors throughout Canterbury, says director John McIntosh. “Having our own precast operation gives us the ability to progress our jobs a lot quicker onsite, and to control the cost and quality of the product. These benefits also flow on to the customer.” The resurgence of the commercial market in Ashburton, plus the opportunity to supply precast into the Christchurch market were other motivating factors behind the development, he says.

“We thought it was the perfect opportunity to get into the precast market to potentially supply other local companies and some of major commercial construction companies in Christchurch once the rebuild ramps up.” John McIntosh’s father and fellow director, Alistair McIntosh says the precast operation will also service the residential market. “We get a lot of enquiry about the feasibility of producing precast homes, which was another factor in our decision to move ahead with the development.” The McIntosh’s set up the new precast company in August last year.

• to page 32

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CONSTRUCTION » McIntosh Precast Ltd

Business South / February 2013

Precast panel operation will bring benefits • from page 31 They are currently developing the operation on a new 1.1 hectare site they purchased in the Ashburton Industrial Estate. “We have two big steel beds set up now that will allow us to get the first panels rolling in early February. We’ll keep adding more beds as we go and plan to reach 10 eventually,” says John McIntosh. The company’s other two divisions, McIntosh Builders and McIntosh Builders Commercial Division will eventually move to the same site once a new administration block and storage facilities are built. All three businesses will run autonomously, giving staff the opportunity to specialise in different fields. “It was important that we kept the precast business completely separate from our commercial construction operation so that precast clients will feel comfortable bringing their jobs to us to price.” The company has been recruiting new staff and expects the total across its three operations to reach 30 people in the next three months. Alistair McIntosh is a great believer in the role good staff play in business success. “We’ve got some excellent staff right through the operation, and are looking for similar quality guys for the precast business. “We reward people who are good at their job and prepared to work hard. “I guess it says a wee bit about us as bosses that several of our staff have a long history with the company.”

McIntosh Precast will supply panels to other construction companies as well as for McIntosh Builders.

McIntosh Precast 027 258-0668 mcintoshbuildersltd.@hotmail.com www.mcintoshbuilders.co.nz

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CONSTRUCTION » McIntosh Precast Ltd

Business South / February 2013

Family has proud history in building Jo Bailey Alistair McIntosh and his son John are third and fourth generation builders in Ashburton, with a family history in the industry dating back 80 years to Alistair’s grandfather Alan McIntosh. He was one of the principal builders in Ashburton for many years, and was followed into the industry by his son Colin, who carried out domestic and light commercial work around the South Island from the 1950s to the 1980s. Alistair McIntosh worked with this father Colin during the 1970s and 1980s, and eventually set up McIntosh Builders on his own account in 1996. Since then the company has built well over 100 new dwellings, ranging from modest homes to complex, architecturally designed multi-story dwellings. It offers an in-house design service and full project management, including coordination of all sub-trades. Over the last five or six years, the company has branched into more commercial projects, largely due to the involvement of Alistair’s son John.

“John’s passion is more for the commercial side of the business, whereas I’m more interested in residential projects, so we are a good complement for each other,” says Alistair McIntosh. The increase in commercial work led to the establishment of McIntosh Builders Commercial Division of which John is a part owner. Over the past four years, the company’s commercial work has ranged from industrial laboratories, precast agricultural storage and precast retail outlets to architecturally designed precast homes. Although it is now a sizeable company with a proven track record in domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial projects, Alistair says the team hasn’t lost sight of the smaller projects on which it built its name. “When I started out I had one or two guys working for me, now we’re up to nearly 30. This sort of growth can be a double-edged sword because some people might think we’ve got too big for our boots to do the smaller jobs. “But we’re always ready to look at whatever work is presented to us. Our clients are important regardless of the size of the job.”

John’s passion is more for the commercial side of the business, whereas I’m more interested in residential projects, so we are a good complement for each other.”

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MANUFACTURING » Nelson Plastics

Business South / February 2013

Focused on keeping work in region Karen Phelps Noting that laser cutting work was heading out of the Nelson region, Nelson Plastics has sought to reverse the trend. The company has purchased a high tech CNC laser cutting machine so that it can complete its own laser cutting for projects as well as offer the service to other local businesses. Nelson Plastics company owner Don Dowding says the “state-of-the-art” machine - besides being “large and impressive” - “takes plastic cutting and engraving to another level with unlimited possibilities in the field of design and construction”. “It uses drawings done on Coral Draw, which are then transferred onto any sheet of acrylic up to 15mm thick. “The machine has a high intensity laser beam which follows the drawing from the computer,” Dowding says. “This allows us to do delicate shape cutting, and also engrave on plastic surfaces. “It also flame polishes rough surfaces, a job normally done by hand, which makes for a much more accurate job as well as saving time and money for the client. “This technology is so advanced there is no other like it in Nelson, and we estimate that there are probably only a couple of others in the entire country.” Before starting Nelson Plastics just seven months ago Dowding had worked for more than 20 years in the plastics industry as a fully qualified engineer, which explains his obvious enthusiasm for machinery. Dowding and wife Lorraine are both long time Nelson locals and travelled overseas before starting their business researching the latest equipment available for the industry. Dowding sees the obvious advantages for customers in his skill-set as their machines are always kept in top condition minimising downtime and delays. His technical background has also proved important in helping customers with their product designs and to find the best way to build their project.. “The client doesn’t need to know all the answers we can help them through the design process.

Nelson Plastics Ltd occupies a unique niche in the Nelson manufacturing sector.

“I can work with anyone from just an idea to detailed drawings,” he says. “In the short time that we’ve been in business people have already been telling us that we are the experts to come to for advice.” Nelson Plastics can fabricate small and large quantities to suit customer requirements. Projects are varied and have included Summit Rescue Helicopter donation boxes and brochure holders. The company also completes repairs to plastic,

This technology is so advanced there is no other like

for example a split in the hull of a canoe or boat windscreen. Nelson Plastics is also a supplier of engineering plastic, rod and tube - available in various sizes, colours and forms. The company has invested in a three metre long heat line bender used for folding plastics. “It can fold quicker and complete longer lines than usual creating economies for the client.” Dowding says Nelson Plastics will continue to endeavour to bring the latest technology to Nelson. “With the internet now companies such as ours are competing nationally not just locally any more. “It’s about offering the best price and

technology helps us to achieve this,” he says. “There’s a lot of work that has gone out of the city and we’re trying to bring that back by continuing to invest in the latest equipment for our industry. “We’re a forward looking company.”

Nelson Plastics Limited 03 548 5863 nelsonplastics@xtra.co.nz www.nelsonplastics.co.nz

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MANUFACTURING » Cresta Composites

Business South / February 2013

Experience, innovation feed success Jo Bailey The wide-ranging expertise of Christchurch firm Cresta Composites has cemented its position as a leader in the composites market, says general manager Albear Montocchio. “We’ve operated for over 30 years so have broad experience, particularly in the manufacture and installation of composite GRP products for industrial sites. We have also worked with many of New Zealand’s foremost engineering and construction companies, with our advice sought by a wide range of consultants and clients.” Since the earthquakes Cresta has also “been busy” assisting the Christchurch rebuild with composite strengthening solutions, he says. “The nature of some of our advanced composite products lends themselves well to the strengthening of concrete and timber”. Montocchio says large industrial clients are the cornerstone of Cresta’s business. These include dairy and powder plants, pulp and paper mills, chemical plants and fertiliser plants, “anywhere a composite GRP product can provide a storage solution for aggressive chemicals or agents.” Products for this market include chemical resistant and fire retardant tanks, tank insulation and tank cladding. “The life of a composite fibreglass tank design could be up to 10 years due to its strength, durability and resistance to chemical erosion, even under aggressive high temperature chemical conditions. However a stainless steel tank might only last 10 to 12 months under the same conditions.” One of Cresta’s key customers is Windflow Technology with whom it has worked closely on the development of nacelle enclosures for its wind turbines. “This has been developed over a couple of design and manufacturing phases with the client and we have invested extensively in new infusion molding (VARTM) technology to enable us to manufacture these products.” Water-slide and water-park design is another area of expertise. The company has built 43 waterslides since it introduced this product to this market more than 25 years ago. “We are New Zealand’s largest waterslide manufacturer and can offer everything from a

Cresta Composite is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of waterslides. single slide project through to the complete design, manufacture and installation of a complex aquapark project,” says Montocchio. Other industries serviced by Cresta include waste water treatment (composite GRP bio-trickle filter covers, grit tank covers, inspection hatches, composite walkways and channel covers); meat processing and wool scouring (processing channels), tanks and underground sumps. It also manufactures industrial pipe for a range of applications and makes custom-designed composite products including architectural panels, composite walkway bridges, bleachers and staircases for both industrial and aqua park projects. In addition to Cresta Composite’s Industrial

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division there are two further divisions under the Cresta umbrella – CrestaCraft, that has been building high quality boats for New Zealand families since 1957; and Bermuda Pools that manufactures a range of fibreglass pools for the domestic market. The Bermuda pools are designed and manufactured locally in the company’s purposebuilt, temperature controlled factory using the latest technology and top quality composite materials. “We have recently developed and launched a larger sized pool for the lifestyle and/or larger section market which has been very popular over the past six months.” The range of one-piece moulded pools is available either fully installed or as a kitset. “We also carry out repairs and maintenance on

everything from household pools right through to the refurbishment of large commercial swimming pools.” Although Cresta already operates in several different markets, it is always looking to innovate, Montocchio adds. “We are working hard on some new products that we are excited to launch in late 2013.”

Cresta Composites 03 358 2317 albear@cresta.co.nz www.cresta.co.nz

CONTRACTING » Underground Brown

Business South / February 2013

Drill specialist stays at cutting edge Jo Bailey There hasn’t been a day in almost 20 years of business that horizontal directional drilling specialists Underground Brown has been without work, says managing director Tony Brown. “The foot is always on the accelerator. We’re constantly busy.” Brown and his wife Vicky started the underground drilling company in 1992 as a oneman home-based operation - now it employs more than 130 staff between its Christchurch depot and Nelson franchise. He says the reason for going into business was born more out of necessity than a desire to enter the business world at the time. “I had worked as a lineman and cable joiner for Telecom and NZ Post but then found myself without a job. “One of the companies contracted to Telecom said there was a gap in the market for an underground thrusting operation and that if I bought a small thrust boring machine they would throw some work my way.” Thrust boring was a new technology to Christchurch back then and Brown found himself with plenty to do. He was soon employing four or five people which necessitated a move from home to a yard shared with another contractor. In the mid 1990s, Brown invested in more new technology with the purchase of a directional drill the first to operate in the South Island. “The directional drilling process was a lot faster, left no mess and had far less impact on traffic, pedestrians and the environment. We ended up doing all sorts of weird and wonderful jobs with it. It took the business to a whole new level.” Today Underground Brown’s services include drilling for the installation of electrical, computer, telephone and fibre optic cabling; water and irrigation pipe replacement; electro fusion welding; ground penetrating radar; vacuum excavation and rock drilling. Its fleet now includes around 15 drills, 12 diggers, 12 tip trucks, transporters, support trucks and at least 20 utes plus a host of support gear. These days Brown says he spends a “fair bit of time” overseas looking at and buying gear, and last year alone made four trips to China. The company has been based at its Cranford Street yard in Christchurch for around four years after outgrowing previous sites at Marshlands and Sawyers Arms Road. Eight years ago an Underground Brown franchise was set up in Nelson to service a contract

Underground Brown’s fleet includes around 15 drills, 12 diggers, 12 tip trucks, transporters, trucks, utes and a host of support gear. with Transfield Services in the top of the South Island for Chorus Brown says the company has rarely advertised and attributes a lot of its growth to “top service from our suppliers, subcontractors and very loyal client base” and, surprisingly, to competitors entering the market. “Our turnover doubled the first year we had competition as their marketing campaigns raised people’s awareness of the direct drilling technology and generated a lot more business for us.” Brown is still hands-on at the helm of the company. “I enjoy running the show but it’s been very much a joint effort between Vicky and I. “We also have very capable managers, many

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Business South / February 2013

CONTRACTING » Underground Brown

Underground Brown’s fleet includes around 15 drills, 12 diggers, 12 tip trucks, transporters, trucks, utes and a host of support gear. of whom have been with us for years such as our senior manager Jeff Sharp. He comes from the same background as me, is well known in the industry and has been with us for almost 10 years. “Our third-in-charge started with us as a

16-year-old school leaver. He’s in his late 20’s now and is our civil manager.” The family involvement extends to daughter Rachel, the company’s office manager, and the Brown’s eldest daughter’s partner who is a drilling crew foreman.

Brown says he is pleased with the company’s performance and growth as he looks back over two decades in business. “Never in my wildest dreams when we set up a small home-based business did I think it would get as big as it has.”

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CONTRACTING » Bruce Buchanan Ltd

Business South / February 2013

Services in demand in the South Jo Bailey A foray into the South Island market has led to dramatic growth for Masterton civil contracting company, Bruce Buchanan Ltd. The prominent family-owned business now has around 40 Christchurch-based staff, around two-thirds of whom are working on the Ultra-Fast Broadband rollout in Christchurch; with the balance providing other civil construction and asphalt services in the city. Managing director Wayne Buchanan says the company hasn’t looked back since it answered a call from the Contractors’ Federation to help in Christchurch in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes. “We were approached by a cabling company about continuing on with the UFB project and have been doing that work since February last year. “We are also doing quite a bit of sealing reinstatement work and now replacing sewers in the CBD Red Zone area for one of the major companies.” There is still significant family involvement in the company that was founded by Buchanan’s parents Bruce and Clare in 1959. Today, Buchanan’s nephew, Jason Buchanan, is a shareholder in the company and after 10 years in the business Wayne Buchanan’s son Cody has moved into the general manager’s role. Jason Buchanan’s son Callum is one of the contract managers running the Christchurch operation. The company’s broad service capability has stood it in good stead during its years in business in the Wairarapa and beyond, he says. “We’ve always tried to service whatever the market needs are at the time, which has been a big factor in the company’s growth.” • to page 40

Bruce Buchanan: “We’ve always tried to service whatever the market needs are at the time.....”

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CablePrice meets machinery needs Heavy machinery and transport specialists CablePrice has provided ongoing support to Masterton civil contracting firm Bruce Buchanan Ltd (BBL) since it entered the Christchurch market in 2012 in a joint venture partnership with Purser Contracting Limited (PCL). “Buchanan’s have purchased machines off us for at least 20 years and we are pleased to continue this long-standing relationship as they move into the South Island market,” says Andrew Crane, national product manager-equipment for CablePrice. When BBL and PCL won the contract to lay the fast broadband network around Christchurch, they had to gear up considerably and spent some time considering all the options with different companies before settling on CablePrice and its Hitachi product, he says. “They looked at several factors, including the machine specifications, performance, and support from the company supplying the machines. In the end our track record for providing open and honest communication, good service and a quality product came up trumps.” CablePrice has supplied 13 mini excavators to the partnership for their Christchurch and lower North Island operations ranging from the 3.5 tonne ZX35U-3F to the 5 tonne ZX50U-3F models. “We were able to meet quite a strict supply deadline which included providing some diggers while the new machines came from Japan so the partnership could start their contracts in a timely manner. We believe they are happy with our performance throughout the process,” he says. Backup to Buchanan’s and CablePrice’s other Canterbury client base is provided from a large service centre in Waterloo Road, Hornby, one of 24 in the company’s nationwide sales, parts and service network. Crane says the workshop area of the Christchurch operation was extended in 2005 which incorporates four double workshop truck bays and three bays for heavy equipment “We’ve taken on bigger clients and more business as a result of the earthquakes and

have increased staff numbers by five in the last 12 months.” CablePrice now has 47 staff in Christchurch, including 24 commercial vehicle mechanics on the trucking side, and 12 mechanics servicing heavy equipment. “Our service team also provides a mobile service which enables us to get to clients quickly when they need us.” The branch has two sales people, Andrew McCoy who looks after Hitachi/John Deere/Bell heavy equipment sales, and Brian Leary who sells Scania commercial vehicles including trucks and buses. “Most of the Christchurch growth has come in the heavy equipment side of the business since the earthquakes, with a number of new machines sold to contractors completing both demolition and reconstruction works,” says Crane. CablePrice is the only authorised dealer for Hitachi construction machinery, Scania trucks and buses, John Deere & Bell construction and forestry equipment in New Zealand. In November last year the company moved its Wellington head office, central parts warehouse and local branch office to a new purpose-built facility in an industrial development in Bell Road South, Gracefield. “It’s great to have combined our Wellington operations at one super-site, with excellent facilities for our employees including state-of-the-art offices, staff and meeting rooms,” says Crane. The new 4000 sqm parts warehouse is 25 percent bigger than its previous facility. “This has increased our capacity to hold, back up and support spare parts for our customers throughout New Zealand.” The Wellington branch operation is also significantly bigger, with large service work-bays and top quality tooling to provide enhanced service delivery. “We have purchased the new site, which signals our long term commitment to supporting our customers, both in the Wellington region and throughout New Zealand,” says Crane.

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CONTRACTING » Bruce Buchanan Ltd / Master Painters Assn

Business South / February 2013

Rogue painters a concern in Chch Karen Phelps

Buchanan Contracting is working on the Ultra-Fast Broadband rollout in Christchurch.

Masterton company finds services well in demand • from page 38 Other services provided by Bruce Buchanan Ltd include car park and driveway formation, concrete supply and placing, sub-division design and build, cabling, roading, drainage and sealing. Buchanan has played a key role in diversifying the services offered by the company in recent years - acquiring 50 percent of PCL, a Wellington asphalt company and forming a joint venture with Winstone Aggregates Ltd to form Wairarapa Aggregates, one of the largest suppliers in the region of all types of aggregates, rocks and sand. The new Christchurch operation has been set up in conjunction with Luke Lee, the other major shareholder in PCL. He manages the company’s Wellington operation and looks after Christchurch business alongside Buchanan. The company is leasing a property in Greywacke Road near Christchurch Airport where it has established a yard that is visited regularly by both Buchanan and Lee. Finding experienced staff will continue to be one of the biggest challenges of the Christchurch market, says Buchanan. “Initially we worked closely with recruitment agencies but now that we’re more established have become focused on employing local people, and putting them through a proper interview process so we have more controls in place.”

Bruce Buchanan Ltd now has around 200 staff across its whole operation, with importance placed on having the right people in the right positions, he says. “We think we’ve got the staff mix as right as we’ve ever had it. “We put potential employees through a process with a few hurdles to jump. As a result we have some really good people working for the company,” Buchanan says. Bruce Buchanan Ltd’s rapid growth across the board has been so impressive that it was named Fastest Growing Mature Business for the Wellington and Lower North Island region at the Deloitte Fast 50 awards in 2012. “We are pretty proud of the award, but haven’t lost sight of the fact we are a family company, with a good name to uphold. “It’s great to expand as opportunities arise, but we’re always wary of ensuring sustainable growth to maintain our high service and quality standards.”

Bruce Buchanan Ltd

The Christchurch earthquake has brought influx of tradespeople into the region of varying standards putting unwary consumers at risk, says Paul O’Donnell from the Master Painters Association. He says he has heard numerous stories from members of the public who have had negative experiences with painters who are not members of Master Painters. “Dozens of people who are not trained painters are coming into Christchurch. They don’t know how to deal with clients, analyse a painting problem or correct it. In the last year we have only had one complaint against a registered Master Painter, which was resolved in an hour,” he says. “But we’ve probably had 150 complaints against non-members. Unfortunately we can only offer assistance to the public concerning the work of one of our members.” Members of Master Painters must be fully qualified painters or have at least one fully qualified painter working for the company. They must have been in business for at least a year and once accepted into the association are put on probation for a year to prove their worth. O’Donnell says due to the huge need for painters in the Christchurch region the association has been accepting memberships from newcomers to the

city but these companies must still adhere to the association’s strict codes of conduct. Master Painters is represented on the Associated Industries Group of Business NZ, the Masters Group of Trade Associations, the NZ Subcontractors Federation, the NZ Paintercraft Trust, Inland Revenue Department, Standards New Zealand, Site Safe and Occupational Safety and Health. O’Donnell says there is one way the public can protect themselves against rogue painters. “Simply ask if the painter is a member of Master Painters and ask to see proof of their membership. “The advantage is that you will be getting a qualified tradesperson who knows how to assess and complete your project successfully. “In the unlikely event there is a problem Master Painters is there to help the consumer and painter sort things out.” In the case of a complaint against a Master Painters member the complaint is examined by

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Business South / February 2013

CONTRACTING » Master Painters Association

the Master Painters board. The job is inspected if necessary and a resolution worked through between painter and client. “If no resolution can be resolved then Master Painters will cover the cost of fixing the work to an acceptable standard offering the consumer true peace of mind. SKILLS AND EXPERTISE Painting may look simple but it is a trade that requires a great deal of specialist technical expertise, says Paul O’Donnell from Master Painters and owner of company 0800 We Paint. “With a wide range of modern coatings and substrates it is vital to have a sound knowledge of products and techniques in order to produce a job that will stand the test of time.” A qualified Master Painter will have completed three to four years of training covering a wide range of skills including interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, spray coatings, spray application and industrial coatings. The painter will also have skills in analysis of potential problems and how to best overcome them to provide a high standard of finish. O’Donnell stresses that if a job is not done properly first time it can cost the consumer big money down the track. Master Painters offers consumers a five-year guarantee of workmanship. NEW QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM Master Painters is in the process of rolling out a new ISO quality control programme, which will see standards rise further and Master Painters members running more successful businesses, says O’Donnell. The new system involves many aspects including business development, client interaction, manufacture of paint coatings and health and safety. The module system can be completed over time by the business owner and then afterwards rigorous inspections will be undertaken each year to ensure on-going compliance. “The programme will basically help our members to run their businesses better, reduce risk and legal liability as well as bring down overall running costs,” says O’Donnell.

Ballantynes’s Christchurch store was completely refurbished following the earthquake. The idea of a national body for painters was started in Canterbury back in 1913. Today Master Painters New Zealand has 14 member associations throughout the country. Master Painters members now number around 100 and the association brings many benefits, says O’Donnell.

The advantages include discount schemes with retail companies such as Bunnings, Vodafone and Shell. The association also provides members with the latest industry technical information and learning opportunities to ensure they stay on top of the game.

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CONTRACTING » Petroleum Solutions

Business South / February 2013

Specialist knowledge a key factor Jo Bailey Knowledge and experience goes a long way in the petroleum industry, says Keith Braithwaite, one of three owner-directors of nationwide firm Petroleum Solutions Ltd. “Regulations continue to change considerably particularly in relation to the Resource Management Act and the Building Act.,” Braithwaite says. “It’s a lot more difficult to remove, install tanks and to remediate sites than it was 10 years ago which is why it’s wise to deal with a specialist like us when taking on a major petroleum-based project,” he says. Petroleum Solutions offers a full turnkey service for service station and truck stop construction as well as commercial fuel installations; aviation and marina fuel installations; fuel systems for emergency generator installations; and other fuelbased projects including site remediation work. Its services include full project management, design, engineering, and construction solutions. Braithwaite says he has seen a lot of business people, especially service station owners, “waste a lot of time and money” struggling to manage their own fuel projects. “I know people who have been burned trying to manage big projects themselves and continuing to operate their businesses at the same time. “To get consents through for a new service station project you really have to know what you’re talking about.” Petroleum Solutions is in its tenth year of operation, with branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Its directors have collectively more than 80 years experience in the industry, which is matched by several key staff. Braithwaite manages the Christchurch branch which covers the whole South Island market. He says tank installation has become the biggest part of its business in the last three years, taking over from tank removal and site remediation work. “At the moment we’re doing more re-tanking of sites than anything else. Since the earthquakes we have re-tanked numerous Christchurch service stations, particularly in the eastern suburbs.”

Petroleum Solutions offers a full turnkey service for service station and truck stop construction and fuel installation. However the company’s work is “not just service stations”, he says. “We do a lot of aviation projects, commercial work for private clients and a bit of rural work.” Last year the company worked on several big remediation projects around the South Island and a large installation at Spring Creek Mine for Solid Energy that was completed a month before the mine was closed down. “We currently have guys removing a tanks in the Upper South Island; as well as teams in Southland, South Canterbury, North Canterbury and Central Otago re-tanking sites, and are about to start several projects in Christchurch including couple of major re-builds for private operators.

Petroleum Solutions uses a regular team of “highly experienced” contractors throughout the South Island in addition to its permanent team. Braithwaite says the amount of travel involved for workers in the industry can be one of its drawbacks. He is on the road a lot himself, meeting clients, tendering for work and keeping plenty of forward work in front of the team.

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Business South / February 2013

ENGINEERING » Fleet Engineering

Fleet keeps focus on core business Jo Bailey Fleet Engineering has stuck to its core business, in spite of new opportunities which are developing in the ever-changing Christchurch market, says owner Mike Gregory. “It’s been tempting to veer off course at times especially with all the earthquake work starting to flow. However we’ve made a conscious decision to stick to what we do best.” The Bromley firm’s trained and qualified fitters provide on-site maintenance and fitting work for large industrial clients. Its other main area of business is machining and repair work of specialised plant and equipment, including light to medium fabrication. When Gregory purchased Fleet Engineering in 2006 it had been operating for just over 20 years, but was “going backwards”, he says. ”Luckily I had spent years working in engineering sales in the city so was able to build the client base back up relatively quickly and provide the company with a better strategic direction based on my perception of what the market needed.” He says Fleet Engineering’s team of five is “highly experienced” in several specialised areas, particularly on-site maintenance and refurbishment work; and the design and build of screw conveyors, augers, bucket elevators and drag chains. “It’s not the sort of work just anyone can do which is why it has become our business focus.” In addition to manufacturing from scratch, Fleet Engineering can return client’s existing equipment to almost “as good as new” which often involves removing it from the site; repairing and refurbishing it, then re-siting it. The company also specialises in repairing industrial gearboxes and associated equipment, and carries out general engineering work in both mild steel and stainless steel. Fleet Engineering predominantly services the manufacturing sector, with numerous clients in the food and beverage, meat and chicken processing, forestry, tanning, gelatine and mineral water industries. “We’ve consciously targeted these industries because there are fewer companies with the skill base required to service them properly.” The company has also completed a “huge amount of work” for Christchurch City Council at the Bromley wastewater treatment plant. Gregory has invested significantly in its machining capability, including a computercontrolled plasma cutter capable of cutting up to 32mm of thick mild steel and 20mm stainless steel. The unit is equipped with Fastcam and Fastnet software and can accept imported DXF files for processing. In addition, Fleet Engineering has added a 135 tonne, numerically controlled brake press, says Gregory.

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Fleet Engineering has maintained its focus on servicing large industrial clients - both on-site maintenance and fitting work. “This machine has a 3200mm total folding length so is the perfect complement to the plasma cutter. These machines allow us to be reactive and provide clients with a fast, efficient service in the event of breakdowns, plant failure or urgent work.” Overall, Gregory says he is pleased with the results of his business strategy. “By focusing on a niche market, employing only talented, qualified tradespeople and investing in specialised machinery, we have gained a reputation for quality. “Ensuring the client is happy with our service and product is always uppermost in our minds because without them we don’t have a business.”

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CONTRACTING » A Martella Ltd

WINE » Yealands Estate Wines

Business South / February 2013

Company builds up Yealands stays from small beginnings at cutting edge Bryan is a specialist in

Jo Bailey The company Allan and Sally Martella started in their suburban garage over 35 years ago, is now of Marlborough’s most respected air conditioning and refrigeration engineering specialists. A Martella has worked on many large commercial and industrial projects in the greater Marlborough and Nelson regions. It also specialises in residential air conditioning work and light commercial projects for shops and offices. “We have a specialist team employed to focus solely on these smaller projects. One of our key strengths is to deliver personalised systems that meet individual client’s needs and budgets.” The company also has a dedicated service team that provides around the clock call-out response should problems occur. Director Allan Martella has negotiated the company through many swings in the market across the decades, and says there are positive signs of recovery from the latest downturn. “It’s fair to say Marlborough has been in the doldrums over the last couple of years but there are a few bigger projects starting to get underway; some cold-store projects on the drawing board and a noticeable uplift in the wine industry. We’re quietly hopeful things are picking up.” The family-owned company employs around 18 staff including their son Bryan, a senior refrigeration designer/engineer. “Bryan is a specialist in industrial, commercial and winery projects and is doing a lot of work in heat recovery systems.” Martella is full of praise for the company’s general manager, Linda Cosgrove, who joined the company nearly six years ago and has a background in financial accounting. “It’s not easy for a young woman to lead a company in this industry but Linda does a fantastic job in what has also been a difficult trading period. She has introduced some new systems that have held the business together and kept it ticking over.” These include a new Cloud-based account and job costing and management system that has streamlined operations and made it easier for staff to manage these tasks from the field. Other growth initiates include the company

industrial, commercial and winery projects and is doing a lot of work in heat recovery systems.” starting its own on-site sheet metal fabrication division five years ago to support the existing business and provide services to other clients. With the last three years the company has also expanded into Nelson, opening a two-man operation that provides mechanical, heating, ventilation and refrigeration services. “It’s a small branch but it’s running well. We’re looking at possible expansion there next year.” The Christchurch market could also provide opportunities, says Martella. “One of our specialist teams has already been helping with the design and installation of pure air quality systems for some Christchurch buildings. “We have also been asked to look at some joint venture projects with local companies and consultants in the city so there are some exciting possibilities.” A Martella is Marlborough’s only accredited Daikin dealer and is a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries dealer. The company has also been invited by Temperzone to be a local representative for its recently acquired Hitachi South Pacific agency. Allan Martella says he is proud of what the company has achieved in nearly four decades in business. “We started as a small private company with a passion for what we do and continue in that vein today with a team of top quality, dedicated engineers and support staff.”

Jo Bailey Yealands Estate Wines is only five years old but the Marlborough company has already achieved recognition as a world-leading wine producer and champion of sustainable practices. The slew of national and international awards won by the company in the past nine months include being named producer of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc at the 2012 International Wine Challenge; and the Most Sustainable Medium Business at the International Green Awards. Both high-profile events were held in London. “To achieve international recognition for both our end product and processes was hugely exciting,’ says sales manager Michael Wentworth. “The International Wine Challenge is considered the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competition, and to be the only winery recognised at the International Green Awards was also something special.” Wentworth says the award-winning Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc S1 2011 was a single block wine made exclusively from fruit grown at the company’s Seaview Vineyard in the Awatere Valley.

“The award was a testament to our unique vineyard, combined with the skills and the efforts of our vineyard and winemaking teams, particularly our chief winemaker Tamra Washington. She was thrilled to be in London to collect the award.” Wentworth says the awards have given the young company some “real momentum”, particularly for its export business that now reaches into over 70 markets. “We’ve definitely been on a roll the last few months. “We’ve also had fantastic support from our customers, suppliers and supporters in the New Zealand market.” The string of other awards won by the company in the last few months is literally too long to list. Highlights include winning eleven medals at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards; being named Champion Sauvignon Blanc at the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards; winning six awards at the Sydney International Wine Competition; being named Exporter of the Year in the over $5 million category at the American Chamber of Commerce Awards and winning the award for Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices at the Great Wine Capitals Awards for the third year running.

A Martella Ltd 03 578 0030 a.martella@xtra.co.nz

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WINE » Yealands Estate Wines

Business South / February 2013 “To win these awards right across our portfolio from our readily available wines to our more reserve type products, and sustainable initiatives is very positive.” Wentworth puts a lot of the company’s success down to its high-profile owner and founder Peter Yealands, who was already a pioneer of New Zealand mussel farming and the deer industry before entering the wine business. It is his entrepreneurial vision and “reputation for doing things differently” that drives Yealands Estate Wines towards becoming a truly global brand. “Peter is a fascinating character who approaches things from a totally different angle to the rest of us. “The most dangerous time is when he’s out working on his machinery because that’s when he does all his thinking. “We know he’ll come back with heaps of ideas that will challenge us and keep us busy implementing them.” Wentworth says this “spirit of innovation” is an important part of the business. “We are continually innovating, but not just for the sake of it. There has to be a demand for what we’re doing.” The 2012 Peter Yealands Sauvignoir is a good example of this philosophy. The lighter, fruit driven red wine was developed by the company to meet a growing demand for innovative Sauvignon Blanc wine styles and to attract new buyers to the category. There has been a lot of interest in the wine, which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc with a small amount of Teinturier, a red grape variety from Chile, says Wentworth. “It is readily for sale in supermarkets across the country and is going really well. Consumers have been open to trying something new.” Yealands Estate Wines is currently growing 10 varieties on its 1000ha of holdings in Marlborough and a smaller Hawkes Bay vineyard. These include more unusual varieties such as the Spanish grape Tempranillo and the Grüner Veltliner variety from Austria that is showing “a lot of promise”.

Wine industry innovator Peter Yealands - constantly experimenting and trying new initiatives. Yealands Estate has also pioneered a number of green initiatives as it heads towards its goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable winery. These include using grape vine prunings, solar power and wind power as a supplementary energy source for the winery’s power and water heating; harvesting storm water to irrigate the vineyards; the development of more than 25 wetland areas; the annual application of over 10,000 tonnes of

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home-made compost; and using a flock of Babydoll miniature sheep to provide year round mowing, pest control and fertiliser between the vines. “Peter is always experimenting and trying new initiatives to drive greater energy savings and sustainable practices. “It’s fun to work in an environment where there is always something happening and where people are encouraged to think creatively.”

Yealands Estate Wines 03 575 7618 michael@yealands.co.nz www.yealandsestate.co.nz

AUTOMOTIVE » Laycock’s Collision Repairs

Business South / February 2013

New home for Chch panelbeater Jo Bailey The earthquakes have had a dramatic impact on long-standing Christchurch panelbeaters Laycock’s Collision Repairs. The company’s high-profile Durham Street building, its home since 1937, was severely damaged in the disaster, forcing it relocate from the city centre to a smaller site in Sockburn. Staff numbers have dwindled from around 20 to nine, which is the capacity of the new workshop. The company has also had to drop its wheel alignment and tyre divisions with its sole focus now on collision repairs and refinishing. It’s been a heartbreaking time for owner Peter Flanagan who started with the firm as an apprentice in 1967. “We were all there the day the diggers went in and the building came down. It was a sad time.” Most of the company’s big gear was lost in the quakes. However Flanagan did manage to retrieve around 40 vehicles, losing only five customer’s cars in the end. He also managed to save the company’s computers on the day of the quake and immediately started looking for new premises. A former staff member spotted the Epsom Road building for lease and the company was in there in “record time”, says Flanagan. “We were open again in March 2011 and had vehicles ready to continue working on - although no gear to do it with. I got in contact with the Collision Repair Association who sent our emails out around the network. “We received a tremendous amount of support from panelbeaters all over New Zealand. A lot of gear was loaned to us until we could break through the cordon and start retrieving our own stuff.” Flanagan says the company has also had “great support” from its loyal customer base. “Many of our old customers have followed us out here and we’ve managed to pick up quite a few new customers as well.” He has no plans to move the company back into the central city.

Some of the Laycock’s crew: from left, Jorden Hann, Cam Staples, Neil Patterson, Bryce Flanagan, Ryan Henderson, and Peter Flanagan. “Sockburn is home now. I don’t think they’ll let panel shops start up again in the middle of town anyway.” Laycocks holds Quality Assured Repairer status and has relationships with all the major insurance companies. It is also classified as a Gold Repairer for the IAG group and has Honda, Toyota and Holden approved status. The company has a modern paint booth, prep bay, and a fully equipped panelbeating workshop. It can work on all makes and models of car.

Flanagan is joined at the helm of the company by workshop manager Neil Patterson who has just completed 30 years service. Working with them is a team of “very good” tradesmen who are I-Car trained and keep up with new trends and the latest technologies in car manufacture and repair methods, says Flanagan. “Neil looks after our strict quality control procedures that ensure high standards of workmanship are maintained. “We work very hard to ensure that Laycock’s customers, both old and

new, receive the top quality repairs and service on which the company has built its reputation since it was founded way back in 1924.”

Laycock’s Collision Repairs 03 341 7156 pflanagan@xtra.co.nz www.laycocks.co.nz

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AUTOMOTIVE » Lifestyle Motorhomes

Business South / February 2013

It’s full steam ahead for motorhome manufacturer Jo Bailey The economic downturn has created challenges for the New Zealand motorhome industry. However there are positive signs of resurgence, says Murray McPherson of Lifestyle Motorhomes in Ashburton. “The market has been a lot more consistent in the last year and is starting to really pick up. Kiwis are buying motorhomes again and also fixing up and maintaining their existing recreational vehicles.” Over the last four years Lifestyle Motorhomes has successfully adapted its core business by “listening to their clients and responding fast to the tougher economic climate,” says McPherson. Before the downturn around 80 percent of Lifestyle’s business was manufacturing new motorhomes. Now this accounts for around 20 percent, with the bulk of its portfolio being refurbishment, repairs and maintenance work for the entire recreational vehicle market. “We always carried out this kind of work, but around four years ago put in all new computer programme software, manufacturing processes and systems to increase our capability and efficiency in all areas.” The company even changed its branding and logo to better reflect the diversity of the business. As well as motorhomes, it works on everything

Lifestyle Motorhomes 03 308 6627 murray@life-style.co.nz www.life-style.co.nz

from fifth wheelers, campervans, caravans, boats and pop tops; to horse-trucks and even helicopters. Murray and Marg McPherson started Lifestyle Motorhomes at the beginning of 2001 but had been in the industry for several years prior. “I’m an electrician and had developed an electrical system specifically for motorhomes. When we first started our own company we used to do the electrical, plumbing and engineering side of motorhome manufacturing ourselves and contract out the rest of the work. “However we knew to be in full control and achieve a higher quality of workmanship we had to employ our own tradespeople, and do everything in-house, under one roof.” McPherson says having its own experienced team of craftsmen providing engineering, coach building, electrical, plumbing, gas-fitting, joinery, upholstery and trimming services is a key point of difference. “We can offer clients better time frames, higher quality control and competitive pricing and they don’t have to try and find different companies to get the work completed.” With new motorhomes, Lifestyle Motorhomes does everything from bus conversions through to building brand new luxury motorhomes which can cost anywhere from $290,000 to $800,000 depending on their client’s budget, number of slideouts and optional extras. “We are building a high-end composite fibreglass home on a MAN luxury coach chassis, with all new in house body design and a 6.7 metre slideout - the largest on a motorhome built in New Zealand. We’re looking for new owners to complete this luxury tourer with - as the interior is still a blank canvas.”

Lifestyle Motorhomes has broadened its focus in recent years to keep the business humming along. Owner comfort is an essential element of their designs with top end motorhomes including everything from an entertainment hub, indoor and outdoor home theatre system, gourmet kitchen with granite bench top, leather recliners and sofa in the

living area plus outdoor BBQ and entertainment areas. The company also has “pre-loved’ motorhomes for sale and has just introduced a new covered trailer to the market called the Versatile Hauler.

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