October November 2014

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

TE MIRUMIRU WINS

NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD PAGE 26

CERTIFIED BUILDERS RAISE 5K PAGE 9

APPRENTICE ON ICE

‘AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME’ GO TO www.itab.co.nz

THEFT ON THE BUILDING SITE PAGE 45

CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Spring has sprung and if you are an Auckland builder it is quite likely that your phone is running hot. I think people are starting to realise that they need to book their builder well in advance if they have any show of starting their projects within a reasonable time frame. Long may it last! Once again I must reinforce that it is important to manage your workloads and labour resources so that your jobs run smoothly and you can actually deliver a successful outcome for your clients.

IN THIS

ISSUE Message from the Chair

1

From the Operations Desk

2

Certified Plans

6

Around the Regions

8

Feature: Compliance Matters

12

Feature: Employment Law

15

Feature: Managing Conflict

16

Feature: Beacon

18

Feature: New Laws

20

Feature: Marketing Checklist

25

Feature: Centrespread - Te Mirumiru

26

ITAB

32

Feature: Court Construction heads to Nepal

36

Feature: Six Reasons to get a Website

41

Feature: Building Site Thefts

45

Association News

47

Feature: Winning the Paper War

51

Message from the Chief

53

Contact Farming House 102 – 104 Spring Street PO Box 13405, Tauranga Central, Tauranga 3141 Phone: 07 927 7720 | Freephone: 0800 CERTIFIED Fax: 07 927 7721 | Email: editor@certified.co.nz www.certified.co.nz

As the better weather unfolds across the country your regional committees are getting into gear and organising various events. The Bay of Islands/Far North Boxing Tournament this year was a huge success and extremely well organised and executed. Well done to Bevan and his team for a mammoth effort. Taupo, Wellington and Dunedin have all opted for golf tournaments. If you are in these regions please support these events. They take a massive amount of time and effort to organise and the proceeds always go to a worthy cause. At the time of writing this Nick, our fearless Wellington President, and several other CBANZ Wellington members will have taken part in a fundraising scooter run to Foxton. Well done those guys!

Our latest Toolbox series is in full swing across the country and the content is very timely and relevant. As a member of CBANZ it is essential that you attend these meetings. They will help you manage your clients and hopefully avoid costly disputes later. I really don’t know where some of our members are acquiring their CPD points from as attendances in some areas are dismal.

Of course by the time you read this all the rhetoric and promises will be over and the 2014 election will have delivered what we hope will be a stable government. For the sake of our industry and the economy in general this will be crucial for sustaining the increase in activity that is already underway.

And I apologise for my memory lapse and neglecting to announce that your new vicechairman is Brent Chatterton from Christchurch.

He is one of the young guns on the Board, passionate about CBANZ and keen to get into his new role.

Dave Brown Chairman

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

1

ASSOCIATION NEWS: From the Operations Desk

FROM THE OPERATIONS DESK Jason McClintock – Operations Manager

Industry upper cut When the New Year dawns it will bring with it more change for our industry.

There is a strong possibility many contractors affected by these changes will be blissfully unaware. This is because the definitions within the Building Amendment Act 2013 and use of terminology such as “building contractors” and “building work” opens up the scope of trades affected e.g. house removals, electricians, kitchen manufactures and other trades who deal directly with “clients”.

For members who are already use to using contracts and payment claims etc it will mean gaining a little more knowledge and using the guidance templates supplied by Certified Builders Association.

At this point I suggest you grab a cuppa and skip ahead to read what Geoff Hardy has to say on these changes page 20 then come back and I’ll cover off an area where we need to have a game plan ready.

Recent regulatory change has disadvantaged good performers by pulling them back with rules and reg’s which are designed to keep poor performers inline. However if the Amendment Act plays out as it should I see opportunity for better performing tradesmen to stand out.

Watch out for the upper cut; and that is the twelve months defects period. If a client or subsequent owners of the “building work” feel there is failure they only have to notify the building contractor of their concerns, the onus to prove otherwise sits with the building contractor. If you’re a great practitioner and don’t get call backs then keep doing what you do, in theory you have great process and communication anyway so this all now becomes a tick the box scenario for you.

Use the templates and processes available on the Associations web

2

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Let’s now consider the client who feels they have twelve months of rights and remedies and may push some boundaries. Best practice to consider...

• Capturing the condition of the building work upon completion of contract • Such things as having the practical completion signed off, these are in the back of the Certified Builders building contracts • Capturing the condition of work performed by every trade, site levels and quality of products supplied inside and out • Trick little apps like Lock n Load allow effective use of time to do this • Do a water test on the shower enclosure and anything which moves, much like a performance check on a new car and make sure these have been noted and dated • Be critical with sub trades work which might be defective during the build, have them addressed as soon as they come to light, especially the finishing trades • Have the client accept the condition of work and capture this in writing e.g. when signing off the practical completion All these balance and checks give you basis to question what has happened in the period between practical completion sign off and when the defect was notified, this will assist to justify if it was or was not as a result of the contract period.

And finally bring good trades and suppliers around you, e.g. your kitchen installer will need to be prepared to stand alongside you come month eleven. If you are not using sub contractor agreements now is a great time to start.

The frustrating aspect of all this is we arrive back in time to where we are today and that is, less than effective and affordable means of resolving low value disputes. The kind I anticipate to spin out of this twelve month defects period.

To avoid these scenarios I urge you to use the templates as covered off in our current ToolBox Seminar Series, so life becomes one of process rather than rework. As you well know going back to address defective work is the biggest killer to your profit line.

ASSOCIATION NEWS: Skill Points

GAIN MAINTENANCE SKILL POINTS Using the InHouse covers shown, tick inside the white circle which of these you have read to gain Maintenance skill points for your Building Practitioner licence.

Keep this page along with other articles, seminars, flyers of training nights as evidence of your attendance. This is the responsibility of the LBP and not the training provider.

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

DEC/JAN 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

FEB/MARCH 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

BEACH, GREAT HOME & GREAT PEOPLE

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

APRIL/MAY 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

JUNE/JULY 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

TO DATE! PAGE 22

BREATHTAKING!

PAGE 30

PAGE 26

PAGE 24

InHouse THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

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NEW ZEALAND’S MOST QUALIFIED BUILDERS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

TE MIRUMIRU WINS

NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD PAGE 26

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THEFT ON THE BUILDING SITE PAGE 45

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INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

3

BUILDING LAW CHANGES ARE YOU READY?

1st January 2015 sees changes to the Building Act and Regulations that will affect most builders and other trades.

These far reaching changes include new responsibilities such as the need to have written building contracts, make correct pre contract disclosures to all customers and the requirement to address defects reported by the customer for a period of 12 months.

This seminar will cover these new responsibilities in detail, show you the correct types of information and forms that are required, technical information and the consequences for those who wish to work below the prescribed minimums.

The seminar will also include how you can obtain cost effective compliant building contracts and other - off the shelf - compliant documents and disclosures.

Presented in conjunction with Ministry of Business, Innovation Employment (MBIE).

The ToolBox Seminars are free to attend and are open to all builders and building trades people. These will help builders comply with the law and get ahead start on their competition.

1 HOUR OF TRAINING = 1 LBP POINT This event contributes towards your LBP Skills Maintenance Points.

SEE BACK OF THIS FLYER FOR SEMINAR DETAILS. SEMINAR CONTENT IS TWO HOURS. Presented with support from:

4

INHOUSE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

www.certified.co.nz

E E R F 2 3 INARS

SEMIONWIDE

NABTACK FOR DETAILS SEE

Find a ToolBox Seminar in your region: Dates and locations for the ToolBox Seminars across the country are listed below - with most seminars starting at either 5.30pm or 6.30pm.

NORTH ISLAND DATE

DAY

TIME

LOCATION

VENUE

ADDRESS

21 October 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Auckland

The Commerce Club

27-33 Ohinerau Street, Remuera

22 October 2014

Wednesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Auckland

The Backyard

31 Northcote Road, Northcote

28 October 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Waikato

Flagstaff Club

Commodore Drive, Hamilton

3 November 2014

Monday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Gisborne

Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club

No 2 Wharf Shed, The Esplanade

4 November 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Napier

Taradale RSA

156 Gloucester Street, Taradale

10 November 2014

Monday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Taupo

Taupo Cosmopolitan Club

5 Taniwha Street

11 November 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Taranaki

Ugly Duck

601 Devon Street East

17 November 2014

Monday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island Rugby Club

The Pavilion, Onetangi Sport Park, O’Brien Road

18 November 2014

Tuesday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Whangarei

North Tec Whangarei

Gate 1, Learning Centre, Raumanga Valley Road

19 November 2014

Wednesday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Kerikeri

Kerikeri RSA

Next to Kerikeri Centre, 37 Cobham Road

25 November 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Tauranga

Tauranga Yacht Club

Sulphur Point, Tauranga

1 December 2014

Monday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Manawatu

UCOL Main Campus, Room 6-1-14

Princess Street, Palmerston North

2 December 2014

Tuesday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Wairarapa

Masterton Cosmopolitan Club

398 Queen Street, Masterton

3 December 2014

Wednesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Wellington

The Backbencher Gastropub

34 Molesworth Street, Thorndon

4 December 2014

Thursday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Wellington

Paraparaumu RSA

110 Amohia Street, Paraparaumu

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SOUTH ISLAND DATE

DAY

TIME

LOCATION

VENUE

ADDRESS

21 October 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Alexandra

Centennial Court Motor Inn Conference Centre

96 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra

23 October 2014

Thursday

6.00pm Nibbles, 6.30pm Start

Dunedin

The Edgar Centre

116 Portsmouth Drive, Andersons Bay

28 October 2014

Tuesday

6.00pm Nibbles, 6.30pm Start

Winton

Winton Top Pub

327 Great North Road, Winton

30 October 2014

Thursday

5.30pm Nibbles, 6.00pm Start

Christchurch

Hornby Working Men’s Club

17 Carmen Road, Hornby

4 November 2014

Tuesday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Blenheim

Admirals Motor Lodge

161 Middle Renwick Road, Springlands

6 November 2014

Thursday

6.30pm Nibbles, 7.00pm Start

Nelson

Nelson Suburban Club

168 Tahunanui Drive, Nelson

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

** Additional Seminars pending – 3 in the South Island and 3 in the North Island (to be advised) www.certified.co.nz

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

5

ASSOCIATION NEWS

New Members Welcome to the latest members of Certified Plans and we look forward to hearing their success stories.

Shaun Murphy, Vista Homes, Auckland Justin Leach, Coromandel Homes, Coromandel Phil & Erika Tabb, Baumann Limited, Christchurch

Not Sure About How To Advertise Certified Plans ?

With the Brand Guidelines, logos, imagery and unique URL links now available more members are starting to advertise. We have found in a number of regions that Certified Plan members are working as a collective group to advertise, resulting in less cost and more coverage. Below are some suggestions of how you may wish to promote Certified Plans for your business.

Merchandise Show Homes Website Regional Home Shows Email Banner

It’s Official!

With a flurry of enquiries through the website after recent advertising campaigns where we experienced over 3000 visitors to our site and also direct contact to the Members we now officially have our “First” Certified Plan at council awaiting permit. Feedback from Members using the Project Management software to make amendments and site specific changes to plans is that it is “User Friendly, Straight Forward and Easy to Operate”.

Site Signage Vehicle Decals Radio Advertising Local Publications

One proactive member, East Bay Builders Limited, had a fantastic response to setting up a stand at their local regional show recently. The interest in the plans was massive with a number of leads to follow up. Well done Kevin, Karen and Phil.

il, Karen East Bay Team Ph

and Kevin at the

Whakatane Home

Sales Material For those members unsure of how to proceed with plan enquiries, sales material will be available to all Certified Plan members within the next few weeks.

Agreement Form To those Certified Plans Members that have not yet sent in their signed agreement form we look forward to receiving this. Please email the completed document to julie@certified.co.nz

Certified Plans stand at the Whakatane Homeshow

www.certifiedplans.co.nz

6

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

show

Recent Press Releases in National and Regional papers have also created much interest

Certified Plans a potential game-changer for new housing Certified Builders is launching a new service for consumers choosing to build houses that will enable them to deal directly with builders and be more involved in the build, which research shows consumers want, and to reduce costs.

Certified Builders will provide its member builders with access to 24 different Certified Plans, which consumers can choose from to build their house. The plans have floor areas ranging from 125sqm to 365sqm and different designs cater for all housing needs and lifestyles including coastal, rural and urban areas.

The plans were developed through a collaborative effort between leading house designers and members of the Association who were drawn from a wide range of locations across New Zealand thus making sure that the designs were suitable for home owners New Zealand wide.

House plans to

Each plan is a template, which can be customised to a certain extent to meet consumers’ specific needs. A BRANZ report based on a new house owners’ satisfaction survey in 2013 shows new owners are more satisfied with their house and builder if they have had input into the design of the house.

Certified Builders Chief Executive Grant Florence said “Certified Plans are an exciting development for the industry.”

“The BRANZ research confirms anecdotal consumer feedback that they want to deal directly with their builder, rather than a sales agent for example, so they can have input into design and easily address any issues. “Certified Plans are a response to that.”

“In addition, dealing directly with a builder rather than through a third party, has the potential to deliver cost savings for consumers.”

Guarantees for houses built using Certified Plans will be mandatory, meaning no builder can use a Certified Plan without providing an agreed guarantee, which is lodged with an independent insurance company.

“Certified Builders have the most comprehensive independent guarantee of any building association. “When you combine the guarantee with the solid template a Certified Plan provides, as well as direct interaction with builders, input into the design and potential cost savings, the whole package is very compelling for consumers,” said Mr Florence.

Certified Builders is New Zealand’s largest association of trade-qualified builders in terms of membership – which is mostly comprised of smaller building companies. Approximately one third of all builders in New Zealand are members of Certified Builders.

save $10k

Certified ustry organisation Construction ind plans for of t se w ne nched a Builders has lau around le could save peop houses, saying it $10,000. said plans for chief executive, Grant Florence, 125sqm to of houses, from 24 different types and locations s ice pr d a range of 365sqm, covere l and urban. from coastal, rura could be ady to build but Each plan was re rence said. customised, Flo r loped to give ou have been deve ge over “Certified Plans nta va ad e tiv eti a comp member builders “There is no nsumers have”. co ns tio op er oth certified plan – a e us to nsumers fixed cost for co tor the cost of er builders will fac individual memb ”. ice pr all their over using them into

CBANZ reveals new home “game-c

hanger”

CERTIFIED BUILDERS ASSOCIATION that they want to deal directly with their of NZ (CBANZ) is launching a new builder, rather than a sales agent for service for consumers wishing to build example, so they can have input into a new home that will enable them to design and easily address any issue s. deal directly with builders and be more Certified Plans are a response to that. involved in the build.

“In addition, dealing directly with a CBANZ is providing its member build builder rather than through a third party ers with 24 different Certified Plans, from has the potential to deliver cost savin gs which consumers can choose. Floo for consumers”. r areas range from 125m2 to 365m2, Guarantees for houses built using catering for “all housing needs and Certified Plans will be mandatory, so no lifestyles”/ including coastal, rural and builder can use a Certified Plan witho ut urban areas, and each plan is ready to providing agreed guarantee, which is build immediately or can be customise d. lodged with an independent insurance What’s behind this move? Certified company.

Builders Chief Executive, Grant www.certifiedplans.co.nz Florence, says: “BRANZ research confirms anecdotal consumer feedback

For further information contact Julie at National Support Office: julie@certified.co.nz 0800 237 843 www.certifiedplans.co.nz

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

7

Around the regions

AUCKLAND

HOMESHOW

The Committee of Certified Builders Auckland again completed a fantastic brand awareness campaign at the Auckland Homeshow – five days of great promotion of the Certified Builders Association brand and Homefirst Guarantee – a great opportunity to educate the public on our point of different. Also this year we added Certified Plans – there was a huge amount of interest in these, which is promising.

Again this year we saw a spread of people from Whangarei to Dunedin, one also from Brisbane – notably this year the clientele were a little more mature which we felt was very beneficial for the industry – more money for building and alterations! Many took away brochures, others were shown how to access the Certified Builders website and look for a builder in their area.

It is a big commitment for the Auckland Committee financially and personally – 202 hours of donated time during the five days of the Homeshow, not including the preparation, but we will be taking a stand again next year because we can see the benefits to the Association.

We are very lucky in that last year we had constructed display cabinets (thanks Bella Kitchens) and purchased fittings and televisions for the stand which can be reused each year.

Again we have a team to thank:• Hilti – to Alistair, Craig and the team – huge thanks for donating a drill as a giveaway prize; •

8

Bella Kitchens – Simon Diprose, Dave Whitehead and Kevin Higgins for the delivery, setting up and breaking down the stand, and huge thanks also for the storage for the other 51 weeks of the year;

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

• Vodafone – Alex Marshall for the complimentary use of an iPad for the stand – a great tool to educate the public how to find a builder; • Resene Paints – Karen Warman for the test pots full of MnM’s. Together with our Certified Builders stickers, these are fabulous advertising; • To Jim and Ben Rickard, Jason McClintock and James Smith from National Support Office – huge thanks for helping us ‘man’ the stand – great to have you all there!; •

To the Auckland Committee Member team who worked tirelessly to promote the Certified Builders Brand – Grant Boylan (who spent the 55 hours at the show), Dave Whitehead, Stavros Evangelidakis, Patrick Donoghue, Carl Taylor, Jimmy Liu, Mike Reidy, Nick Farrelly and Hans Ellehuus;

• Also thanks to Phil and Dina Penney and Rakesh Kumar for helping out again this year on the stand – your assistance is always appreciated; • Thanks to those of you who sent in photos again this year – we have quite a collection now but always happy to add more; • To my husband Rob who makes sure the audio side of things runs as they should, then packs it all away again for the following year.

Thank you so much to all involved for making our second year at the Homeshow another roaring success.

Carol Frisby-Shilton, Auckland Regional Administrator

I woke at 2am to the sound of heavy rain on the roof. Not the sound I wanted to hear with 250 odd kms ahead of me on a 50cc scooter. However by the time we departed at 8.30am, the weather had cleared and it looked as though we had a clear run to Foxton and back.

CERTIFIED BUILDERS

RAISE 5K FOR THE

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

With a traffic management vehicle in front, and two at the back, the 23 scooter riders were off, with some scooters looking as though it may be their last ride. The first casualty of the day was Brian Ludlow with his flat tyre, but thanks to some quick thinking from our support crew Mike Craig, he was able to join us again about 10 minutes later.

With the wind behind us, and the sun up, we were making good time and the bikes all seemed to be going well. However once we got pulled over by the police it became apparent that we were holding up other State Highway 1 users and the 5km backlog had to pass before we could set off again.

There were a variety of scooters ranging from 1963 to 2013 and the challenge of getting back was still ahead of us. I was confident I was going to make it as I had done quite a bit of internal and external ‘pimping’ to the scooter I had borrowed.

Thanks to Mac from Maidstone Yamaha as he got it humming again, and Landau Group for shrink wrapping the panels to hold them in place, which also provided surfaces for my supporter’s graphics.

The journey ended at the Motor Inn at the top of the Ngaurunga Gorge where we parked up our scooters and waddled in for a long deserved beverage. A number of prizes were given and Certified Builders Wellington was awarded the prize for the most money raised by a team. Thanks to Brian Ludlow, Matt Far and Rod Walshe from Certified Builders Association for participating, as together we raised over $5k of the $18k given to the Prostate Cancer Association.

A good day had by all and for a worthwhile cause.

Nick Jones, Wellington President

Photos courtesy of Graham Meiklejohn

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

9

Around the regions

BUILDERS

BOXING

NIGHT A HUGE

SUCCESS

The very popular Far North Certified Builder’s Charity Boxing event was held last Saturday at the Turner centre with over 550 people enjoying the entertainment and helping to raise funds for Coastguard at the same time.

The final tally was $15,224 which the Certified Builders team enjoyed handing over to the Bay of Islands Coast Guard and the Northland Coastguard Air Patrol. The Coastguard Volunteers were on hand helping out for the night and Air Patrol President Murray Miskelly said while it was a very busy time there were plenty of smiles all round and the team really enjoyed being part of the event.

Plenty of brave locals took to the ring, and showed the hard work and training they have put into their preparation.

The first fight of the night between locals Ace Barlow from Community Fitness Gym and Ryan Lodge of Mayfair Pools started with a high level of intensity and certainly set the scene and let the crowd know this was going to be an impressive night of boxing. Both fighters gave it their all,

CERTIFIED BUILDERS

DONATE TO THE

COASTGUARD

however Ryan’s dogged determination eventually winning him the fight after the three two minute round bouts.

Each fighter entered the ring with their own theme music with the hit theme song of the night being local Postie Vicki Wilson’s entrance to ‘Postman Pat!’ Vicki put up a good strong battle but lost on the evening to Kali Eastlake on a unanimous judge’s decision.

Judges decisions determined most fights with a couple of really close battles – such as the split decision win to Leanna Jay over Shontelle Goodhew.

The most disappointment of the night was felt by Owen Liiv and Taal Smith. Both these fighters, Owen from Whangarei and Taal from Kaikohe, had put in a massive amount of training and this was shaping up to one of the best battles of the night. The fight certainly started in this way, before an unfortunate twist left Owen with a dislocated shoulder towards the end of round one.

“What an amazing result – you cannot believe the difference this will make to Coastguard this year!” These were the words of thanks from Tim Roffey, the Bay of Islands Coastguard president. The final tally was $15,224 which the Certified Builders team enjoyed handing over to the Bay of Islands following the final tally up from the Builder’s Charity Boxing event which was held at the Turner centre two weeks ago.

The donation will be split between the Bay of Islands Coast Guard and the Northland Coastguard Air Patrol and will be used to fund training and operational expenses of the two units.

The Certified Builders team were extremely pleased to be able to support the great work of the Coastguard, especially when considering in the Northland region last year, the 1150 brave coastguard volunteers received 113,082 radio calls resulting in 4,688 people being rescued and bought home to safety.

Anyone interested in being a part of next year’s challenge is welcome to make contact with event organiser Karen Laurie at: karen@northbuild.co.nz

10 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

In addition to the amateur boxing bouts the crowd danced away to local band JPG, and were treated to a professional boxing exhibition bout as the finale fight of the night. Visiting boxer Lance Bryant proved too strong for local Chris Rehu with the ref ending the fight in round two and awarding the win to Lance.

Event organiser Karen Laurie said the huge success of the event is due to the way the community pulls together, sponsors come on board, and volunteer helpers all pitch in to the make the night come together and the Certified Builders team would like to extend their thanks to all involved.

There were also some fabulous prize draws throughout the evening with an outboard motor from Bay of Islands Marine given away, and a whole heap of building tools and equipment from Placemakers, Carters and Natural Insulation making attending the event even more exciting for a lucky few.

Mark Todd, vice president of the Bay of Islands/Far North Certified Builders, who has been encouraging and working with the boxers all the way through the training summed up the feedback from all who attended “What a fantastic night – a huge sense of achievement for the boxers themselves, entertainment galore for the patrons and all for a fantastic cause!”

Bevin MacCarthy, president of the Bay of Islands/Far North Certified Builders hands the $15,224.00 cheque over to Coastguard president Tim Roffey with the Certified Builders & Coastguard Volunteer Teams in support

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 11

FEATURE: Compliance matters

Compliance matters Business.govt.nz has recently launched Compliance Matters - an online tool that makes business compliance requirements easy to find, understand and manage.

• Statistics New Zealand • WorkSafe NZ

Compliance Matters snapshots what you need to know from the main government agencies and puts it in one place. This easy-to-navigate database of compliance information will save business owners time and help them to feel confident that they’re complying.

The database currently holds 205 compliance requirements from 7 government agencies (Callaghan Innovation and NZTE do not have legislative compliance requirements for business).

The key features of Compliance Matters allow you to:

3. Will there be additional compliance requirements added from other government agencies in the future?

• • • • • •

Yes, over 30 government agencies have compliance requirements that affect businesses, and we plan to have most of their compliance requirements added to the tool within the 12-18 months after launch. Compliance requirements are always changing and the tool will be constantly updated.

search compliance requirements by business topic refine by business structure and industry create ‘Action lists’ complete tasks online set reminders to follow up on later find links for more detailed information.

So, from employing staff to exporting overseas, tax requirements to health and safety issues, and everything else you might need to know about your specific business obligations, check out Compliance Matters. The tool can be accessed at www.business.govt.nz/compliancematters Business.govt.nz is the government’s website for small businesses. It’s the first-stop-shop for small business owners and operators looking for advice, information and tools to help them better interact with government. The site is a key part of the Better Public Services Result 9 programme, which seeks to make life easier for New Zealand businesses by reducing the time and effort it takes to deal with government.

Frequently asked questions 1. Which other government agencies will have their requirements included in the tool from day one?

The Result 9 partner agencies and WorkSafe NZ were invited to have their compliance requirements included in the tool for launch. The current contributing agencies are: • • • • • • •

Accident Compensation Corporation Callaghan Innovation Inland Revenue Ministry for Primary Industries Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment New Zealand Customs Service New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

12 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

2. How many compliance requirements does the Compliance Matters database hold?

4. How will the tool be updated?

Business.govt.nz will update the content of the tool.

This will involve regular review and maintenance based on known upcoming changes to laws and regulations or website content, as advised by the agencies to Business.govt.nz; and as-required review and maintenance when ad hoc changes to requirements occur.

We also have web page monitoring software to alert us when featured links to agency sites change.

5. Will the tool include local government compliance requirements?

The tool does not include compliance requirements from local or regional government. This is not within the current scope of the project.

6. How do I find the tool?

The tool is available through Business.govt.nz at www.business.govt.nz/compliancematters. It is designed for use on desktop computers, tablets and smartphones.

7. What would you like agencies to do with the tool?

We’re asking for agencies to get behind the tool and help us to promote it to their customers. We have content available for newsletters, tiles and graphics available for websites and posts ready for social media.

FEATURE: Compliance matters

8. What if our customers have questions about the tool?

The tool will be supported by MBIE’s contact centre.

Customers can phone 0800 424 946 to speak with an advisor or ask a question through the Business.govt.nz website.

This tool delivers to Business.govt.nz’s vision to be a bridge between business and government – enabling businesses to learn about their legal rights and obligations, maximise government information and services, and to meet those obligations.

9. What is Business.govt.nz Business.govt.nz is the government website for small businesses. The site exists to make it quicker and easier for small to medium enterprises to interact with government. It does this by packaging and demystifying information from across government in a way that makes sense to businesses.

The information on the site is supported by an 0800 free phone support line, social media channels, interactive tools and resources and an iPad app. Business.govt.nz was recently optimised for mobile devices to make it accessible to a wider range of businesses and reflect the increasing use of this channel. Last year over a million people visited the website.

Manage key business requirements easily www.business.govt.nz/ compliancematters

6 FREE Help Line Services For all members 1. Contracts

4. Insurance

PETER DEGERHOLM Contract issues?

Call Peter for a free 20 minute session.

Ph: 04 587 0061 Mob: 021 307 232 Fax: 04 587 0062 Email: peter@calderglen.co.nz

JIM RICKARD Insurance issues?

Call Jim at CBA insurances.

Ph: 07 579 6259 Mob: 0274 505 528 Email: jim@certified.co.nz

2. Business Legal Issues

5. Employment

GEOFF HARDY For advice on business-related legal issues, call Geoff for a free 20 minute session.

8:30am-5.00pm Mon-Fri Ph: 09 379 0700 or junior lawyer Anastasiya Gutorova Ph: 09 970 9568

DANNY JACOBSON TRUDY MARSHALL For advice on employment related issues, call for a free 10 minute session.

Ph: 07 928 0529 Mob: 021 857 529 Email: trudy@e2law.co.nz

3. General Business Accounting or Tax STEVE BROCKLEBANK For general business, accounting or tax issues you can contact Steve Brocklebank of PricewaterhouseCoopers. You must identify yourself as a CBANZ member and any information you disclose will be treated with confidence.

Call Steve Ph: 03 470 3615

6. Health & Safety

GREG WATTS For advice on any health and safety issues, call Greg for a free 30 minute session.

Ph: 0800 555 339 Email: info@hazardco.com

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 13

ct fe . r e ns s p tio ® i a E line plic Z SI qua d ap T A u EE GIB h st H S m hig EW 10m .7m N ) 2 m .6 on (3 ing de x wi tal fi m n 0m rizo 5 13 r ho fo

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FEATURE: Employment and Environment Law

Employment Q&A The below content is by its nature general, and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice.

WORKPLACE BULLYING This column covers bullying, an issue that has become more and more common over the last few years and one which we deal with regularly for our clients.

In February 2014, Worksafe New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment released best practice guidelines for preventing and responding to workplace bullying. The guidelines refer to bullying as “a significant hazard in New Zealand” and it is defined as follows: “Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety”. Repeated behaviour is persistent and can involve a range of actions over time. Unreasonable behaviour means actions that a reasonable person in the same circumstances would see as unreasonable, including victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening a person. We believe this the first definition of bullying by a recognised agency in New Zealand.

The guidelines are 69 pages long and they include sections on what bullying is, advice to employees, preventing bullying in your workplace, measuring bullying in your workplace, advice for employers dealing with reports of bullying, roles and responsibilities for preventing and managing bullying, and useful tools for preventing and managing bullying.

While the guidelines do not have any legal status in that they are not enshrined in legislation, they are likely to have a significant impact on any Worksafe investigation involving bullying. They are also already being used by employees as a reference point when making complaints that they are being bullied.

The key message is that you cannot turn a blind eye to the risk of bullying or ignore any complaints or observed bullying type behaviours. At a minimum, you should have a policy in place dealing with bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment, including a process for reporting or making any complaint. If a report or complaint is received, you need to tread very carefully because you

have obligations to both the complainant and the person being complained about. If you do not handle the process correctly, either or both of those parties may have grounds for personal grievance. In the case of sexual harassment, there are also specific provisions in the Employment Relations Act which impact on the process you need to follow. We can assist with the drafting of a policy and we regularly help our employer clients deal with complaints and related issues.

While bullying is a very serious issue, we have also now dealt with a number of cases where the term has been misused and acceptable workplace behaviour has been wrongly labeled as bullying. It can be a minefield!

You can find a copy of the best practice guidelines on Worksafe’s website (www.worksafe.govt.nz)

Danny Jacobson and Trudy Marshall are Partners at Employment & Environment Law, Barristers and Solicitors, Tauranga. They operate our Employment Helpline for CBANZ members : phone 07 928 0529.

They have also previously produced a Guide for Employers in the Construction Industry which CBANZ can send out to any members on request.

COMING SOON! Online Employment Agreements!

• • • • •

Enter the details of your new Employee Save and Close to continue with it at a later date Print the Agreement from home ready for your new Employee to sign!

Our Employment Agreements are regularly updated with law changes and written for the Construction Industry!

Launch date is coming soon! Keep an eye on the next INHOUSE for more info!

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 15

FEATURE: Managing conflict FairWay Resolution is an independent, Crown-owned company providing specialist conflict management and dispute resolution services, visit www.fairwayresolution.com or call 0800 774 422.

Managing conflict on the building site and beyond We’re pleased to report, the recent toolbox seminars about managing conflict were a hit with members. Someone even referred to it as, “one of the best roadshows yet!”

Over the past few months, the CBANZ team of Jason, James and Buster worked with FairWay Resolutions’ Wayne Marriott and Bruce Cottrill to deliver seminars focused on the causes of conflict and how to reduce disputes. The seminars also showed how adjusting our communication style can help transform conflict in our lives.

Members told us they found our tips for managing conflict valuable, so here’s a summary of the main points that were covered in the seminars.

Conflict can improve communication and relationships A dispute is a conflict that is uncontrolled. Assuming the client understands the build process and what is expected of them can be the source of conflict. However, conflict itself can actually help us improve communication and give us opportunities to build relationships. As you approach every conversation, consider the following.

•

What are your intentions? If you are intending to wind the other person up, you’ll probably get what you’re asking for! If you don’t have a good intention – rethink your approach. (“I want to talk with you about something that is bugging me. Can we have a yarn about it so we can sort it out?”)

•

Ask the other person for their perspective. Finding out how the other person is thinking can help you make decisions. Use questions that start with, who, what, how and when. (“It sounds like there is a problem with the bathroom grouting. What is the problem you see with it?”)

• Pre-plan how you could handle negative or awkward responses. Remember if someone comes across 16 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

aggressive, we need to take care we don’t mirror back a similar response. (“I can see you are annoyed with me about that. Let’s have a yarn to sort it out – scrapping about it will only slow us both down”)

•

Take responsibility for your actions. If you screw up a conversation, name it, own and move on! (“It looks like I’ve put my foot in it. Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to make you angry. Please give me a chance to explain.”)

Written contracts will help manage risk associated with conflict Written contracts are more common these days – especially on the big jobs – so it’s a surprise when someone drops the ball and lets us down. A verbal contract is not worth the paper it’s written on!

Remember: • Failing to document changes and additions to the plan can also cause problems.

• When we write our agreements down and take time to discuss them with our client so you are all singing from the same song sheet!

• Make sure your written agreements include simple mechanisms for resolving disputes. Include information on who will call on to get help.

Strong relationships are the foundation of success We take pride in our work and feel proud to look on a successful project. The same follows with relationships.

Understanding the value of relationships in the agreement and taking time to maintain the relationship is a worthy foundation to the project.

FEATURE: Managing conflict Good communication is supported by: • Asking open questions. Closed questioning, to find out yes or no, reduces the amount of information exchanged.

•

Acknowledging emotion. Ignoring emotion is a wasted opportunity to shut down or ignore emotion because it is full of information. Here’s a tip: Name the emotion, accept that it happened and move on. (“I was really angry about that. I guess that happens sometimes, but we won’t let if stuff things up!)

good idea to do that now. They will help us get this back on track.”)

So, what does it all mean?

You may think that all this is easy to say, but hard to do. It is reasonable to accept that making changes to the way we communicate is never going to be easy.

Maybe you’re asking, “so how do I take these ideas and turn them into action?”

• We have no doubt that you can do it!

Seek independent help before things turn bad • Just work on small changes at first.

Seek independent help sooner than later, but avoid rushing to ‘lawyer up’. Along with formal processes to settle disputes, make sure you have simple measures agreed in advance that aim to manage difficulties before they get out of hand. Cheaper, faster dispute resolution processes preserve relationships and keep progress payments on track. (“We don’t seem to be able to resolve this problem.

Remember we said we could get an independent person to come in and help us sort out disputes? It might be a

• Take one of the following points we’ve covered and make it a priority.

• Cement it in place and build on it to make the theory a successful behaviour.

• Then tackle another area you’d like to improve on.

Give it a go - the changes you make will have a positive impact on the success and reputation of our industry.

Groundbreaking Scaffold System WINS National Design Award Innovative scaffolding system INTAKS has won Best Design Initiative at the recent 2014 New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards.

INTAKS’ is exceptionally lightweight scaffolding that uses interlocked aluminum planks to provide a secure working platform and roof edge protection, and to reduce manual handling injuries in setup and dismantling.

Being 80% lighter than steel, INTAKS takes significantly less time, truck tonnage and manpower to install than traditional scaffolding. INTAKS also achieves very wide spans and can be installed with no footprint, so ground space and lower walls stay clear, enabling multiple trades to work concurrently. And with more than 15 different configurations, the system adapts to virtually any job or terrain. The groundbreaking design also offers permanent brackets in buildings, making reinstallation for future maintenance quick and easy.

INTAKS designer, scaffolding industry veteran Lew Cleveland, says of the award: “After 13 years of intense development, we’re thrilled to have launched INTAKS to phenomenal response and demand from the industry – and this award is just the icing on the cake”.

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 17

The HIVE house is transported to site as an entire building.

Prefabrication

– the good and the bad

By Nick Collins, Beacon Pathway Inc Prefabrication is often seen as the answer to reducing construction costs and improving productivity in New Zealand, but our experience shows there are some hurdles to overcome first.

I’ve just reported to the Building a Better New Zealand conference on Beacon’s experience with off-site construction of a Christchurch show home, the HIVE High Performance House.

available in the weather-proof, single level environment of the factory has significant potential to accelerate construction.

Constructing the house was the easy part!

It was a unique project, in that we not only focused on the construction phase, but we also followed the house right through the marketing and sales process. And that’s where things got interesting.

The sales process was an eye opener and it raises a number of problems that prefabrication needs to overcome if it is to become the answer to New Zealand’s housing affordability and supply challenges.

Building in the factory brings many benefits.

Leasing and setting up a factory was relatively simple and cost effective, and using a good process engineer helps to establish streamlined and efficient ergonomic construction processes.

Working in a factory improved workplace safety and further reduced costs of compliance. Slips, trips and falls can be reduced through the combination of weather-proofing, working at low level, and having equipment set up safely (e.g. bench saws, power leads, drill chargers etc.)

The more controlled environment made it easier to manage inwards goods, and also easier to sort and recycle/reuse waste. A ‘goods inwards’ system was set up to keep track of construction material, enabling greater scrutiny of materials used and more efficient supply and delivery. The lockable, secure environment reduced the potential for site theft.

And we were thrilled with the speed and productivity of the build – 10 weeks in the factory for a house complete with roof, windows, cladding and lining! The build was faster because it was uninterrupted by bad weather (no muddy site for us!). Having the correct materials and tools

18 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

What rapidly became apparent was that prefabricated houses have to compete with “normal” houses which are sold as a combined home and land package. Although some buyers had land and were looking for a house, they wanted a “ready to move in” price including foundations, services and all consents. Not only was this particularly difficult in Christchurch where most sites require specific foundation design, it also suggests that any prefabrication business needs to offer a wrap-around service to provide the full equivalent package. You can’t just sell the house and expect the new buyer to sort out the moving, consent and services details.

Prefabricated houses are not welcome in subdivisions!

Another barrier we came up against was the prevalence of covenants in subdivisions dictating building size, design and value. In Christchurch where subdivisions are proliferating we had a number of interested buyers with sections governed by covenants which specifically excluded prefabricated homes.

This explains why most current providers of prefabricated houses target rural properties, baches, minor units and worker housing – rather than the new homes sector.

FEATURE: Beacon Pathway Prefabrication also needs to find a way to meet the market’s fixation with house size. Developers will claim that they are responding to the market, although at the same time covenants are requiring houses of a certain size - 3-4 bedrooms, 2/3 bathrooms, triple car garage.

In our case we were trialling off-site construction of the entire house. This limited the design to a 2 bedroom, 100m2 house which was as big as could be built in the factory and easily transported. The implication of this is that off-site construction of larger houses needs to take a modular approach, more like that trialled in our Hobsonville duplex which built walls and pods off-site and put them together on-site.

Finance is another major barrier for prefabricated housing.

The security for a loan is a piece of land – not a house. As we discovered when financing the High Performance House onto its HIVE site, no bank will lend on a mortgage until the house is on the final site. In addition, no bank will lend on a mortgage without a valuation but valuers are reluctant to value a house without a piece of land associated with it!

This means buyers have to pay cash or borrow against another house if they want to shift a prefabricated house onto a site – a major barrier for many buyers. This reinforces the bach/second house/low cost granny flat view of prefabrication.

Market perceptions Finally, feedback from buyers, particularly in the run up to the auction of the house, was indicative of another challenge for prefabrication. Call a house prefabricated and buyers immediately assumed it was “cheap”, “a kitset” and “a step above a portacom” (too many people with bad memories of old prefab classrooms!). Our real estate agent reported that buyers expected to pay only about half what a “normal” house costs.

This was despite the HIVE High Performance House being very well appointed with quality finishings and jam-packed with good performance features which would substantially reduce running costs in the future. Put that in a “normal” house and I’d hazard a guess that you’d pay a premium for it.

So above all else, we have to turn around the market perception of prefabrication. It’s going to take a concerted effort – building quality is not enough, we have to make it easier for buyers AND change their thinking. For our part, here at Beacon, we’re ditching the word “prefabrication”.

We think it has too many bad associations.

A better alternative may be to build walls or modules off-site.

In the future we’re going to be talking off-site construction!

Beacon Pathway is an Incorporated Society committed to transforming New Zealand’s homes and neighbourhoods through research and demonstration projects that show how to make homes more resource efficient, healthier to live in, adaptable, resilient and affordable. For further information about Beacon Pathway visit: www.beaconpathway.co.nz

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 19

W E N

FEATURE: New Laws

Geoff Hardy is the senior lawyer in the Auckland commercial law firm Madison Hardy. Contact Geoff on (09) 379 0700 or geoff@madisonhardy.com.

This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

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Most CBANZ builders will have kept track of the law reforms that have taken place in the building sector over the past 15 years, through attending local meetings or workshops, attending the annual conference, reading InHouse, or earning CPD points in some other way. So you will know that there are two major reforms that are still in the pipeline, and they are: 1. Consumer laws that are aimed at making homeowners and residential builders more diligent about documentation and decision-making, and giving homeowners more remedies against builders.

2. Risk-based consenting that will see building

consents split into four different categories, with varying degrees of Council involvement depending on the complexity of the work.

The first of those, the consumer laws, are intended to come into effect on 1 January. There are two aspects to them:

1. If the project is residential, there are four different For more information, ask your local merchant or visit www.marley.co.nz

20 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

types of document you will have to hand over to your client (and for most of you, three of those will be brand new). Those documents are a pre-contract checklist, a pre-contract disclosure statement, a written building contract that says all the right things, and a post-project owner’s manual. The written contract is required if the project is likely to cost $30,000 or more. The same applies to the checklist and disclosure statement, except that the homeowner can ask for them regardless of the contract price. And the owner’s manual is required for all residential projects no matter how small.

FEATURE: New Laws 2. In addition, homeowners will have two new sets of rights

and remedies to use against you. The first is a 12 month defects liability warranty. The second is a right that lasts for 10 years to get you to fix up defects in your workmanship or materials, or where those defects are serious, to get another builder to fix them up, and recover any additional cost from you.

One of the great advantages of belonging to CBANZ is that you will get help with the four documents listed above. And if you are in the unfortunate position of being on the receiving end of the new rights and remedies, we at Madison Hardy can help you there. This article is going to focus on the four documents, rather than the rights and remedies. The rights and remedies may sound pretty harsh, but they are not a lot different to the existing laws you are bound by, so in many respects they are superfluous.

Although the written building contract and some of the other documents may only be required for residential projects that are going to cost $30,000 or more, you might find that they are a sensible thing to use on all projects you do. If you don’t hand them over, then you can be spot fined $500 on each occasion. More importantly, it will most likely be something for which you can be disciplined by the Building Practitioners Board, and it will certainly count against you if you come up before the Courts or the Disputes Tribunals.

The first is the checklist. Even before the homeowner agrees to hire you, you have to hand over a checklist that will be written for you by the Government, that will urge the homeowner to carefully consider the risks they are letting themselves in for. By and large it looks like it will be fairly sensible, although it is likely to be ignored by homeowners who aren’t that interested in reading the fine print. And it does advise them to hold out for a few things that seem a little rigid to me, such as insisting on a fixed price, requiring a fixed completion date, and never agreeing to pay any money up front. Those are out of whack with commercial reality, but fortunately they are subject to negotiation.

At the same time you also have to hand over the disclosure document, that you will have to write beforehand, that tells the potential customer all about you, your company, the insurance you carry, and the guarantees and warranties that apply to your materials and workmanship. The Government will produce a template, but CBANZ may produce its own version, and in any event you have to fill in the blanks. The challenge with this document is that you have to provide some very detailed information about the terms of your insurance policies, the Homefirst guarantee and your product warranties, that realistically only your insurance broker and suppliers can provide. That is because if you get it wrong, you can be sued for it.

If you are using the CBANZ building contracts, as you should be, you can be pretty sure that they will comply with the new laws. If you are using your own form of contract, or just a quote with some terms and conditions attached, then you need to get those checked out urgently. If your contract or quote does not contain all the clauses the Act requires it to contain, the gaps that are missing will automatically be filled by the Government’s clauses. And if you do not get a

written building contract signed at all, then you get all the Government clauses by default, and you won’t like that one bit. Perhaps the biggest challenge will be to change your contracting practices. No more projects on a handshake for friends, family or long-standing clients. And no more starting work before the contract is signed.

At the conclusion of the project, you have to provide to the customer and the Council, copies of all ongoing insurance policies, guarantees and product warranties, and the maintenance requirements for every component of the work that has a durability period. It is that last requirement that is going to require a lot of work, because in every project there are a lot of components that have durability requirements, and each have their own unique maintenance needs. In effect, what you will have to put together is a very comprehensive owner’s manual, and that requirement applies to every single residential building project no matter how large or small.

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INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 21

NEW TO THE NZ CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? The expansion of NZ’s largest city, Auckland and the earthquake recovery work in Canterbury is fuelling significant growth in the building industry and creating a large demand for construction workers. Winstone Wallboards has launched a Welcome Programme aimed at newly immigrated members of the construction industry.

WELCOME TO BUILDING IN NEW ZEALAND

www.gib.co.nz/welcome has useful information on how to get started in the NZ building industry; including compliance, regulations, key industry organisations and more.

As plasterboard is the internal lining of choice for NZ residential and commercial construction, the ‘GIB® Welcome Pack’ is a handy tool to have. It includes important information on installing GIB® plasterboard systems and all the resources available to tradespeople, like free on-site technical training.

If you know of someone who’s just arrived in NZ, tell them about www.gib.co.nz/welcome

22 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

FEATURE: Shorter, simpler .nz names are now here

Shorter, simpler .nz names are now here.

Check to see what this means for you.

Once-in-a-generation changes don’t often occur, but that’s exactly what’s happening in the .nz domain name space.

The second level domains you’re so used to seeing – like the ‘.co’ in ‘.co.nz’ and the ‘.org’ in ‘.org.nz’ – are now optional and you could register names with them, without them, or both.

For example, if your business’s domain name is ‘anyname. co.nz’ you may also be able to get ‘anyname.nz’.

This is a big change. These new types of .nz name shorter and simpler, and create an exciting new registration choice.

If you don’t already have a .nz domain name and the change has got you curious, this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore representing yourself online with .nz.

But, most importantly, if you or your business already has a website or email address that ends in .nz there are some very important things you need to know about. So, please, read on.

Check the status of your name First of all, you need to talk to your domain name provider or visit the Domain Name Commission’s anyname.nz website to check the status of your existing .nz name. This is because, depending on when you originally registered your name, you’ll find there’s different options available to you.

Learn about your options After you’ve checked your status you may find you’re eligible to register the shorter version of your .nz name before anyone else. Or, you may be able to reserve it for free for up to two years.

Alternatively, you could find that your .nz name is listed as ‘conflicted’. This means, for example, that you’ve got anyname.co.nz and others have got anyname.org.nz and anyname.net.nz. If this is the case, you’ll be able to have your say on who you’d like to get the shorter version on the anyname.nz website.

The Domain Name Commission doesn’t want you to miss out on any of the options available to you. So, it’s important that you talk to your domain name provider or visit the anyname.nz website now.

If you’re not interested in this change, that’s fine. You should know that your .nz name will continue to work as it always has and you’ll always be able to register and use names under existing endings like ‘.co.nz’ and ‘.org.nz’.

Remember, for more information contact your domain name provider or visit the anyname.nz website.

Certified Builders Board leading the way at the Open Learning Centre in Tauranga we make it easy 9 dedicated specialists nationwide 9 a variety of ways to pay including leasing 9 local account management Kerikeri

Contact your local building specialist

Whangarei Warkworth

North Island

Auckland

Whangarei Jas Scrooby ................... 027 836 3815

Hamilton Matamata

Auckland Dylan Weymouth ....... 027 652 5223 Matthew Ung ...............027 807 0255 Timmy Tu........................027 836 5727 Bay of Plenty & Waikato Alan Jackson................ 027 807 0253 Napier Jill McCleary..................027 591 5056 Palmerston North Phil Clinch ......................027 270 4691

Rotorua Taupo

New Plymouth Hawera Wanganui Palmerston North Levin

Hastings

Whakatane Gisborne

Napier

Masterton INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 23

Wellington Nick Manu .......................027 591 3435

Paraparaumu Wellington

South Island

Thames Mt Maunganui Tauranga

Nelson

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TImE

PlaceMakers Palmerston North PlaceMakers Ohakune Placemakers Wanganui PlaceMakers Hawera PlaceMakers New Plymouth Placemakers Pukekohe PlaceMakers Mt Wellington PlaceMakers Pakuranga PlaceMakers New Lynn PlaceMakers Napier (Hawkes Bay) PlaceMakers Taupo DATE CHANGED PlaceMakers Rotorua CANCELLED PlaceMakers Whakatane PlaceMakers Mt Maunganui PlaceMakers Te Kuiti PlaceMakers Te Rapa PlaceMakers Clarence Street PlaceMakers Huntly Placemakers Whitianga Placemakers Thames PlaceMakers Morrinsville PlaceMakers Cook Street PlaceMakers Waiheke PlaceMakers Albany PlaceMakers Wairau Park PlaceMakers Nor-West/ Westgate & Helensville PlaceMakers Silverdale PlaceMakers Mangawhai PlaceMakers Whangarei PlaceMakers Kerikeri PlaceMakers Kaitaia

Tuesday, 21 October 14 Tuesday, 21 October 14 Wednesday, 22 October 14 Thursday, 23 October 14 Friday, 24 October 14 Wednesday, 29 October 14 Wednesday, 29 October 14 Thursday, 30 October 14 Thursday, 30 October 14 Tuesday, 4 November 14 Wednesday, 5 November 14

8:00am - 10:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 7:00am - 9:00am 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 7:00am - 9:00am

Wednesday, 5 November 14 Thursday, 6 November 14 Thursday, 6 November 14 Tuesday, 11 November 14 Tuesday, 11 November 14 Wednesday, 12 November 14 Wednesday, 12 November 14 Thursday, 13 November 14 Thursday, 13 November 14 Tuesday, 18 November 14 Tuesday, 18 November 14 Wednesday 19 November Thursday 20 November

5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 7:00am - 9:00am 5:00pm - 7:00pm 5.00pm-7.00pm 7.00am-9.00am

Thursday 20 November Tuesday 25 November Tuesday 25 November Wednesday 26 November Wednesday 26 November Thursday 27 November

5.00pm-7.00pm 7.00am-9.00am 5.00pm-7.00pm 7.00am-9.00am 5.00pm-7.00pm 7.00am-9.00am

Dates and times may change. Contact your local store for more information and to confirm session times.

TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND 24 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

FEATURE: Advantage Business

Checklist for Marketing Readiness 10 key questions that can save you wasting a fortune on misfiring promotions!

How well are you set up for effective Marketing? #1: Do you know exactly who and what your existing and potential clients are? Businesses or Public? Resellers or end-users? Ages, genders, income levels, tastes, habits, purchasing patterns, where else do they purchase? What seasonality do they follow?

#2: Do you have a CRM or database (not just your debtors list) to enable you to easily and quickly market to existing and future customers, by email, txt, SMS, facebook, twitter and if all else fails – snail mail? Can you group customers easily? Do you have a VIP club or lists.

#3: Do you know what your customers want, what they need, what are their preferences for service and delivery?

Is it documented and not just in your head? Can your staff find all the details without you there? What payment terms is each customer entitled to?

#4: Do you have sales records by product, by customer, by dollar value and by season? Is the information easily accessible for analysis? Do you use sales management tools like “HI/LO” reports with your sales team and account managers? Do you run friendly team competitions for your retail or quoting staff. #5: Do you measure your promotion and advertising results?

How? Who checks and discusses it? What remedial actions are taken and who by?

#6: What effect would a price change (up or down, preferably up) have on your market – have you tested it?

Do you know exactly what the price points are in your market, for your product or service? #7: Do you know your existing/potential competitors, including all the online options? How does each compare to your offering – have you done a SWOT on each?

#8: What are your competitors doing in promotion, benefits listing, pricing, bundling, special offers and distribution methods?

#9: Do you know how customers of your competitors feel about them? #10: Remember “competition” includes what your customers might spend money on if they choose not to buy your product or service at all. Do you know what the alternative spend might be?

If you can make a reasonable fist of answering all the above – in writing, not just by guess! - then you are ready to promote your business cost effectively and efficiently!

www.advantagebusiness.co.nz INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 25

FEATURE – Centrespread

TE MIRUMIRU WINS

NO.1 GREEN BUILDING IN THE WORLD

The earth-bank building on Rayner Street, completed in 2012 at a cost of $2.2 million, was nominated in the Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance category of the World Green Building Council awards. It was the only New Zealand building among the Singaporedominated finalists. It has just been awarded the number one green building in the world!

28 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Back in March 2011, two well established local Northland companies combined their experience and workmanship to tackle what has now become an internationally recognised building and in September 2014 has just been awarded the number one green building in the world!

H.E. Harnett Builders together with Guyco Joinery, played a pivotal role in bringing the whole project to life and transforming the combination of specific engineering and artistic design into the exceptional building it is today.

Te Mirumiru, a childcare centre located in Kawakawa and owned by the Ngati Hine Health Trust has been specifically designed and positioned by architect Phil Smith to capture maximum natural sunlight, passively ventilate it, and provide a warm, dry and healthy learning environment giving the local children the best possible start to a good education.

It has an over-insulated earth roof, natural solar-tube lighting, underfloor heating and car parks that capture rain water used to flush toilets, making this proud Northland based building an absolute triumph for all those involved in bringing it to life.

Howard Harnett established his Northland based construction company back in 1973 and knew exactly what he wanted... to build a strong loyal business with a family oriented atmosphere and a close team working environment.

Harnett’s Foreman Dave Lennson, who from an apprentice has succeeded through the ranks along with Manager

Andrew Herbert and the construction team made a superb effort of the organising and workmanship throughout the job.

From Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Howard and his crew have embarked on a large number of various projects including residential earth roofed houses, old Colonial Manors, commercial construction and right through to your standard residential build. Big or small, there’s nothing Howard and his team can’t accomplish.

Just imagine, collaborating all the experience and expertise of these two long standing Northland companies and it becomes very clear how Te Mirumiru effortlessly rose out of the ground and stands proud and tall today. Completed on time and on budget, a building of this magnitude is no easy feat even for the most experienced of builders.

With the precise organisation of sub-contractors, and good clear communication with the Ngati Hine and their construction manager Mita Tipene – along with key contacts Debbie Rihari and Maxine Shortland, the whole project ran smoothly and continuously to meet all parties expectations.

This project has been an absolute tribute to all of those involved and has become a huge asset to Kawakawa and the surrounding community. It has been an absolute pleasure for Harnett Builders and Guyco Joinery to work with the Ngati Hine in achieving their goal. Te Mirumiru’s construction has generated good employment for local companies and trades people and its continued operation as a childcare centre will carry on doing so – a win/win for everybody.

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 29

Its passive environment design included north-facing glazing to maximise solar gain in winter and a superinsulated earth roof. Exposed concrete and natural ventilation allowed passive cooling in summer, with minimal heating in winter from an underfloor solar hot water system. All spaces were naturally lit and rainwater captured on site was used to irrigate the green roof.

30 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Children, whanau and the wider community are proud of Te Mirumiru, which symbolised their hopes and aspirations for future generations. This building didn’t just accommodate children, it also taught them about their culture, customs and the environment.

Te Mirumiru was 70 per cent more energy efficient than similar code-compliant buildings. It was one of only three buildings in New Zealand to achieve a six Green Star rating and was the only Green Star-rated early childhood centre in Australasia.

(the Earth Mother), and the cut in the north facade which is its only entrance.

The cut represents the caesarean birth through which Ngati Hine trace their lineage - about 600 years ago ancestor Hine a Maru was the first recorded Maori women to deliver a child by caesarean section and survive. The earth mounded up over the building refers to Ngati Hinepukerau (Ngati Hine of a hundred hills) while the interior represents the nearby Waiomio Caves and Ruapekapeka Pa where Kawiti used underground shelters in the final battle of the Northern Wars.

Its symbolism includes the earth bank’s womb-like shape with the building formed inside, like a child of Papatuanuku

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 31

EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING

Ongoing Excellence through training

James Smith Membership Development Manager - North Island Email: james@certified.co.nz Phone: 0800 CERTIFIED (0800 237 843)

A busy few months have passed and I’ve been able to meet some great people and visit great places with this round of toolbox seminars.

During my travels I was lucky enough to attend the Kerikeri Certified Builders charity boxing event which is a great example of a great committee working well together and establishing the Association’s name at the forefront of the community. The event was a great success and was a fantastic evening out and huge congratulations to the Far North team for all the hard work raising funds for the local Coastguard.

We have now come to the end of Better Ways to Manage Conflict Seminar and hope that you were all able to take something away from it and don’t forget if you need advice give us a call.

32 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

We are busy with the next Seminar which will help you understand the ins and outs of the Building Amendment Act 2013 and what these changes will mean to you and the way you run your business. I had a few people say it doesn’t affect me but if you are in the building industry it will affect you in one way or another so I have to say this is a must for all to attend as these changes are set to come into force on 1 January 2015 so best to be ready.

Hope to see you all out there in the build up to summer.

Cheers James Smith Membership Development Manager - North Island

EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING

Buster Coughtrey Membership Development Manager - South Island Email: buster@certified.co.nz Phone: 0800 CERTIFIED (0800 237 843)

Hi all, well are we through the worst of winter? I think so, the evenings are starting to draw out,where has this year gone? Anyway I hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods and that things are well and truly starting to pick up. Just a thought - don’t forget that wonderful lady in your life, it’s also time to start thinking about booking the summer holiday So what’s been happening around the regions?

Fight Night: What can I say - Bevin, along with his team, put on another fantastic fight night see page 10 for more details.

BuildNZ: This was held in Christchurch this year and I would like to thank Richard Poff and the other committee members which helped man the stand over the three days.

Ian of Complex Build Ltd from Christchurch won the iPad. Shane Thomson, Caleb Baker (both from Christchurch) and Simon Rees from Timaru all won toolkits for the fastest time of the day in the jigsaw race, so well done to you all.

Whats coming up?

Toolbox Seminar: James and I are just about to launch into another round of Seminars, which we hope to see you all attend. This is an important seminar as it deals with the new changes which are being set out in the Building Act and Regulations. This comes into effect on the 1st January 2015. The changes will affect most builders and also other trades, so if you want to keep up to date with what’s happening it would pay to get along so you are ready to hit the ground running.

See page 4 for more details.

Dunedin Golf Day: Andrew McGeady and his team are putting on a golf day on 17th of October at Taieri Lakes Golf Course. Put this date in your diary and make sure you get your registrations in early as places will go quick. For more details contact Andrew.

Till next time,

Buster INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 33

EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING

Seats donated to Hospice in Auckland Region

Dove House Eastern Bays Hospice Janine Ewan CEO of Dove House enjoying a sit in the sun with Grant Boylan and Joe Hede from the Auckland Committee after the delivery of her new seats.

Hospice West Auckland Blanka Schuster, Operations Manager sitting on the left and Rosemary Ledingham Fundraising Manager sitting on the right of Grant Boylan in the sun at Hospice West Auckland.

Warkworth Wellsford Hospice Kathryn Ashworth, General Manager and Lesley Ingham, Fund-raising Co-Ordinator and their happy team with Grant and Joe, at the Warkworth Wellsford Hospice.

Hospice North Shore Mike Stubbs Property Manager at Takapuna North Shore Hospice receiving two bench seats from Joe Hede Auckland Committee.

34 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Franklin Hospice Graeme Longdell CEO of the Franklin Hospice with Grant and Joe after receiving the two seats from the Auckland Challenge.

Totara Hospice South Auckland Melinda Seal Marketing Manager taking delivery of the two garden seats from Grant and Joe of the Auckland Committee.

Mercy Hospice Auckland Julia Thompson, Facilities Manager at Mercy Hospice Auckland, enjoying the sunshine with Grant Boylan, Auckland Committee President, on her new garden seat in the Mercy Hospice grounds.

EXCELLENCE THROUGH TRAINING

Joe Hede has left Unitec App rentice Trust.

Thank you Joe for your total su ppor t of ITAB and orga nising five year s of Regional Apprentice Cha llenges within Unitec, I am sure many of our membe rs and apprentices al ong with us at National Suppor t O ffice want to wish yo u well in your new role.

Brian Dil

lon

The onset of spring often brings a sense of optimism, and that seems to be the case in the construction industry, although it is somewhat tempered by concerns around the skilled labour shortage.

The Polytechnic sector and ITAB continue to actively promote the ITAB apprenticeship scheme, which draws on all the good aspects of industry training: • campus-based theory training • close levels of support for the apprentice • a partnership between the Polytechnic and the employer to support the training.

If that doesn’t convince people to join up, tangible benefits include access to student loans, the wider support that Polytechnic structures offer, discounts through CBANZ apprentice membership, and of course the ability to apply for AST grants.

NTICES

PPRE COMPLETED A

itute of Tech technic Inst ly o P h rc hu Christc esign s, Nobut ze D ited truc tion Lim Shaun Adam ortium Cons ns o C t, ar g Darcy Hag lders Ltd Bushnell Bui , g n vi Ir h p Jose ing Ltd K Lynch Build s Limited Kane Kelly, shore Builder ay B t, h ig n K Jeremy mited NZ Mainco Li n, ti ar M n h Jo uilders Ltd rs Ltd s, Bushnell B g Contracto Darryn Ree alley Buildin ’M O e hi IT) ic M R ia, nology (N Preston Toh ute of Tech it st In h ug lboro Nelson Mar gs Limited , Iggo Buildin id g Limited Brodie Re unlea Buildin D , m iu n m Kadmilos So ) Zeland (FTB UNITEC New tr y Ltd enovo Carpen R s, w le C l Michae uilders Ltd ust er, Habitat B p Training Tr Muni Gaund pprenticeshi A C E IT N U derson, Bradley Hen ings Ltd g, H & S Hold an u H Ltd g n lo Shix omes (Akld) arbourside H H , ke o o R Patrick roup Ltd Safi, ZRO G s Limited Obaidullah Thom Builder R M r, ke al Ltd William W dolph Homes s, Walker & A m ia ill W e Kan mited , M Homes Li Zhong Zhao

As a result we are seeing current apprentices sharing the benefits of the scheme with their peers, higher levels of general enquiry, and more questions being asked by employers and parents – they are making informed decisions to join the scheme.

Support is continuing to grow from within too – more Polytechnic’s are joining as ITAB providers, the regional associations are active supporters - signing up their own apprentices with ITAB, and fund raising for the AST - and at national level CBANZ are committed to supporting ITAB, and Polytechnic-based apprentice training.

The AST is right behind the apprentices through the grants scheme and backing the NZ Carpentry Apprentice Challenge, with a view to making sure these future carpenters and business owners have a good foundation for a rewarding career.

While regulations, qualifications and the economy will continue to evolve, one thing that remains is the need to back the next generation of our industry, so let’s keep supporting them.

Brian Dillon Chairman AST Trust

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 35

FEATURE

COURT CONSTRUCTION LTD

ON TREK TO NEPAL

36 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 With permission from Edges of Seven and The Small World

ahs.

architectural hardware solutions 09 479 1790 handles, doors & more www.nzahs.com

FEATURE: Court Construction Ltd on trek to Nepal

Stand alone toilet building 7 m2

2,400 250

Elevation One

1:100

Elevation Two

1:100

400

Class Room

Class Room

1,200 1,200

1,200 1,200

1,200 1,200

7,800

Class Room

400

W4

Sill 800

5,000

Roof line

5,000

Sill 800

400

Sill 800

W5

W3

1,200 1,200

3,600

1,200 1,200

400

W6

W2

1,450

2,250

A

400

910 1,980 Sill 800

3,000 5,800

4,600

W1

5,200 8,600

4,000

2,400

400

1,200 1,200

3,000

A

400

Roof framing

Sill 800

5,800 14,400

Class Room

Section A:A

1:100

Education and Training Centre, Nepal For: First Steps Himalaya presentation plans not for construction

Beam

Verandah

Floor level

Elevation Two

Floor Plan

Bond beam

400

(beam over)

1,600 400

Class Room

Ktichen

3,600

910 1,980

Sill 800

910 1,980

Sill 800

910 1,980

Verandah

D5

910 1,980

D6

D2

Sill 800 Sill 800

W9

1,200 1,200

D1

Store

910 1,980

400

D4

910 1,980

D3

1,200 1,200

W8

Elevation One

1,200 1,200

W7

400

Floor: Concrete, area: 175 m2 Walls: Earth bags, 2.4m high Roof: Iron roof on roof framing with 10 degree pitch

Plaster finish to earth bag walls

10 degrees

1,395

400

400

2,500

D7

11,800

Court Construction have completed the design and FSH have secured the land for the centre. They are committed to raising $60,000 for the construction and fit out. “So far we’ve raised about $20,000 through fundraisers and the generous donations of suppliers” says Cam. “But we’ve got a long way to go, so we have a number of events planned including trivia and movie nights”.

3,300 400

1,550

After making contact with First Steps Himalaya they determined that the best way to help was to build an earthbag Training and Education centre. “FSH work incredibly hard and they are making a real difference to improving the standard of education in the rural Himalaya.

But a major stumbling block is the lack of teacher training.

Teachers are often untrained and ill equipped to offer quality education. On their ‘wish list’ was a desperately needed Education and Training Centre” says Tracey. FSH believes that over time the centre will become a leading training hub for teachers from around the region.

Court Construction is taking a team of 11 volunteers to work on the build next March. If you’d like further info on the project go to www.courtconstruction.co.nz/nepal/ or www.firststepshimalaya.org. Donations can be made via www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/earthbagbuildnepal2015 or contact them directly if you are interested in a corporate sponsorship.

150

Company directors, Cam and Tracey Court had visited Nepal and were drawn to the country and its people.

“Despite having nothing, the Nepali people are incredibly friendly and generous. After our last visit we knew we wanted to go back and do something to help, but we weren’t sure what at the time” says Cam.

“People who would like to help can buy earthbags. Just $20 buys a bag, and every earthbag purchased gets us one step closer to getting the centre built. It’s a very worthy cause and we’d love for fellow CBANZ members to help these disadvantaged kids” says Tracey. “We’d also love to hear from anyone who’s been involved in an earthbag build before”.

3,900

First Steps Himalaya is a NZ based charity that believes every child deserves a good start in life. FSH works in partnership with disadvantaged communities to promote early childhood development and quality education in schools.

The centre will be constructed out of earthbags. Earthbag buildings can be built simply and quickly with readily available components. In addition to being earthquake resistant, they are constructed using local, natural materials, which lowers both the cost and the high level of pollution commonly associated with the manufacture of bricks.

400

CBANZ member Court Construction Ltd are heading to Nepal to volunteer on a charity project for First Steps Himalaya (FSH).

1:100

Floor Plan, Elevations & Section

Giving children a childhood in the rural Himalaya

Date: 11 July 2014 Scale: As shown Paper size: A3 (1:50 @ A1)

01 of 2

“Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries and education is fundamental to helping children get ahead. This earthbag Education and Training Centre will be a real asset to this community and to assisting with turning disadvantaged kids into educationally advantaged young people. We wish you all the best with your fundraising and look forward to updates on your earthbag build. Good on you guys!” – Peter Hillary

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 37

CERTIFIED BUILDERS

MERCHANDISE

ZIPPED POLO $40.00

• 65% polyester / 35% cotton • Modern Fit – Shaped to the body.

Get a semi-fitted look by buying one size up • Zipped neckline • Black, navy or graphite grey

RAZOR POLO $43.00

• 100% BIZ COOL™ Polyester Sports Interlock fabric • Grid mesh underarm panels for breathability • Unique sleeve print feature • Colour options available WORK BOARD SHORTS $49.00

• Light weight and quick dry • Airflow stretch crotch with vents • 5 multi function pockets incl zip security and phone pockets • Triple and double stitched seams with bar tacks • Reflective print on back of shorts • Size adjustment tabs with flexi waist • Black or navy

POLAR FLEECE TOP $59.00

• 100% Polyester Low Pill Fleece • 2 Front pockets with concealed zipper • Generous easy fit sizing • Black, navy or high vis GRAB SOME NEW JOHN BULL WORK BOOTS AT A HOT PRICE!

COTTON POLO $23.00

• 100% cotton • Cool for summer!

• 3 button collar • Lots of colour options!

CRAFTSMAN TROUSERS $120.00 COUGAR $138.00

PYTHON $122.00

HIMALAYA $148.00

• Two apron pockets with tool loops and tool pockets, reinforced with EnduraTM. These can be tucked away inside the trousers.

• Never lose your keys with the keyring loop • Heavy duty belt loops • Hanging side entry pockets under nail pocket for less exposed seams • Cell phone pocket to keep your cell phone safe • Zipped EnduraTM cargo pockets and pen partition • EnduraTM reinforced knee protector pockets with two knee pad heights for perfect ergonomics • Hammer loop • Leg pocket with heavy duty vislon zip • Ruler/tool pocket with pen pocket and tool loops

38 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

KOOLDRI POLO $35.00

• Micro-mesh fabric with moisture removal qualities to keep you cool and dry • Sizing is smaller than usual so order one size up!

• Smart modern look • Button up neck

It’s time to start thinking about Staff Christmas pressies!

We’ve got some great little items on the online shop!

RADIO EARMUFFS $125.00

• Reflective headband illuminates under light for increased visibility and safety • AUX input can connect to MP3 players and other • Radio volume does not exceed 82dB • Features patented Air Flow Control™ Technology, delivering higher attenuation across all noise frequencies, especially in low frequencies • Snap-in ear cushions make replacement quick and easy • Includes 2AA batteries and 3.5mm connection cable

A4 CERTIFIED BUILDERS COMPENDIUM WITH SECURE TABLET POUCH $30.00

• Secure Tablet Pouch • Pen loop • A4 lined pad • Embossed Certified Builders logo on the front of folder • Business Card pouches

BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE CAR KIT

$119.00

LIFEPROOF PHONE CASES FOR IPHONE AND GALAXY

GALAXY S4 (RRP $100) $89.00

• Control the minikit neo by voice • Great sound quality • Hours of conversation • Easy update • All your contacts on your kit • Connect two phones at once • Automatically activated • Simple pairing • Listen to your music

DIRTYMAN SHAVING PACK

$20.00 • Twin pack containing Moisturiser and Shaving Gel • For every pack sold $5.00 will be donated to the Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust!

IPHONE 4/4S (RRP $90) $79.00 DIRTYMAN SPF 30 SUNBLOCK

IPHONE 5/5S (RRP $99) $89.00

MOISTURISER $9.30

• SPF 30 • Restores dry skin and replenishes moisture lost during the day • 75ml

Check out the Online Shop for more clothing, work boots, stationery, stickers and contracts! http://www.certified.co.nz/members/online-shop 0800 237 843 EXT 708

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 39

DRAFTFCB M10 8108

The Mitre 10 Trade online hub gives you the tools to keep your business running 40 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 smoothly online. Visit mitre10.co.nz /trade

FEATURE: Six reasons to get a website!

Six reasons to get a website!

Ben Smith (aka Billy Elusiv) is a digital marketing specialist working with Certified Builders to offer digital marketing services to its members, including website development and online advertising such as Google Adwords.

Visual portfolio You have built amazing homes, done incredible renovation and you want to show them off. With a website your portfolio is on view 24/7, showcasing your skill and expertise!

This means that you will have your skills and expertise in two different places on the world wide web for the price of one!

The proof is in the pudding!

Put the glowing testimonials that your clients have written about you up on your website for all your potential clients to view. Or even video your past clients and publish it to your website, less reading to be done and there are real people in front of your next client.

Add-ons! You can also add on to your website in stages with the following:

Simply go to www.websites.certified.co.nz today or email Ben ben@certified.co.nz if you have any questions.

Cheap as chips ‘n gravy!

You might think that getting a website developed is expensive, but when you compare it to other marketing costs, it’s the cheapest and one of the most effective marketing mediums around.

Levels the playing field Even if your business is smaller than group home builders, if you have a professional website you will be competing for business in the same sandpit.

Look professional!

Having a website can obviously help your public perception as a relevant 21st century business as opposed to having no web presence at all. It’s a sign of commitment to the future of your business.

The personal touch Clients can see who will be building/renovating their precious property, you can build trust and let them read about your hobbies and training.

Ben Smith is our friendly website developer, he has developed over 10 templates for you to choose from, simply go to www.websites.certified.co.nz and take your pick.

When you purchase a website for $750 + GST you will also get a FREE display page (this info is on the Certified Builders website, under Locate a Builder) worth $395 + GST.

Mobile Responsive Functionality - More and more people are using smartphones and tablets to look at websites, make yours mobile responsive.

Social Media Integration - Add social media buttons to your website and connect to your facebook, twitter, youtube & G+ accounts.

Blog Functionality - By adding this add on you can blog about your latest project, helpful DIY tips or even very important maintenance information for homeowners.

Google Analytics Installation - Make better marketing decisions by knowing where your visitors come from and what pages they view by viewing your website reporting statistics.

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 41

Noel Leeming Commercial is your preferred supplier of appliances

we’ve got what you need for your new build at trade rates need help with your technology? we have

the solution

we can help you get the most out of your new technology

We offer complete IT solutions with:

Noel Leeming Commercial can tailor solutions for your business from across various brands from The Warehouse Group.

0800 737 5223

businessservices@nlg.co.nz

www.noelleeminggroup.co.nz/commercial Over 70 retail stores

We're the only appliance store with 42 INHOUSE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

we make it easy 9 dedicated specialists nationwide 9 a variety of ways to pay including leasing 9 local account management Kerikeri

Contact your local building specialist

Whangarei Warkworth

North Island

Auckland

Whangarei Jas Scrooby ................... 027 836 3815

Thames Mt Maunganui Hamilton Tauranga Matamata

Auckland Dylan Weymouth ....... 027 652 5223 Matthew Ung ...............027 807 0255 Timmy Tu........................027 836 5727

Whakatane

Rotorua Taupo

New Plymouth

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Alan Jackson................ 027 807 0253 Napier Jill McCleary..................027 591 5056

Hawera Wanganui Palmerston North

Palmerston North Phil Clinch ......................027 270 4691

Levin

Wellington Nick Manu .......................027 591 3435

Paraparaumu

Gisborne

Hastings

Napier

Masterton

Wellington

South Island

Nelson Richmond

Christchurch Jayden Rowland .........027 836 5225 Dunedin Jason Beulink ..............027 265 8904

Blenheim

Greymouth

Queenstown Jacque Ramsden ........027 560 0213 Rangiora Christchurch Ashburton Timaru Oamaru

Queenstown Dunedin Gore Invercargill

INHOUSE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014 43

WET BOTTOM PLATES? Can’t line your house?

Problem Solved

Bottom Plate Packers 4 No more carrying frames on site just slide them 4 No more wasted labour sweeping water off floors 4 Faster to cut out doorways and drilling anchor bolts 4 Stronger bolt connections due to cleaner holes 4 No more dehumidifier and heater hire costs 4 No more expensive moisture re-inspections www.hiandri.com 4 Best of all, no delay in lining, meaning no cash flow issues. Alan 027 442 5238

FEATURE: Rasing the building industry to a new level John Oliver

Raising the building industry to a new level I’m sure most builders would agree, water is enemy No 1 when it comes to building; wet frames, wet floors, delays – who needs it! The HIANDRI concept was one of those light-bulb moments that seem to happen at 2am - the idea of placing plastic packers under the bottom plate at 600mm crs, lifting the entire timber or metal frame 12mm above the floor, allowing water to escape, the plate to dry quicker and keeping the timber from acting like a blotter, just soaking water up through the frame. To me, it was just a plain simple common sense solution to a BIG industry problem.

There are lots of benefits by installing the HIANDRI bottom plate packers as you can read about on our website; but purely from a builder’s perspective, the benefits are immediate. Replaces the D.P.C. A safer working platform that cannot hold water! Minimal delays at pre-lining , as the frame is not and has not been sitting in water, – significant savings here, including re-inspection fees, no costly 44 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

HIANDRI Solutions Ltd

mechanical drying, no holding costs, no delays in progress payments and of course you are highly unlikely to get that dreaded phone call sometime down the track advising that your frames have rotted!

At what cost, I hear you say! That’s the best part. As a guide only, on an average New Zealand home, HIANDRI bottom plate packers can be supplied and fitted by your frame manufacturer for less than an additional $450, or about 0.14% of the build cost; a cost you will recoup in spades and peace of mind!

The HIANDRI system is fully ‘Patented’ made in New Zealand so we have control of the process plus support local industry. It is fully tested and engineered including standard bracing systems, plus CODEMARK Certification, which means it must be accepted by all BCA’s in NZ.

Building site theft “Construction sites and builders vehicles are vulnerable to crime.

At construction sites, the integrity of perimeter fencing and access points is difficult to maintain due to the temporary nature of the sites.

In addition, items on site are usually of high value, difficult to secure and easy to ‘on sell’ by offenders. This combination of factors is highly appealing to a burglar’s rational choice.

Opportunists will take insecure and unsupervised tools and equipment from a site, even while you are there working, but particularly after hours.

Never leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you are constantly returning to the vehicle, as it only takes a moment for something to be taken from it.

Hints to avoid building site theft New Zealand Police want to help you prevent theft from this construction site.

Below is some guidance which will help you prevent crime. »

Install a wireless alarm system and sensor lighting ASAP

»

Remove all tools and secure the property daily

»

Use ‘just in time’ deliveries for all materials

By labelling your tools and ‘constant use’ items such as ladders and the like, they are more able to be identified by you and by Police if they are reported stolen. Engraving a number or name which is particular to you or your company into the tools/equipment will also assist in identifying them as yours to other site users.

»

Mark (etch) all tools with company name

»

Use Warning notices – “security precautions are in place”

»

Remove all keys to equipment and vehicles

»

Do not leave uninstalled copper on site

»

Only deal with reputable suppliers

If they are stolen, report the engraved markings to Police. The marking name/numbers will be entered into the database and if queried or located, the tools can then be identified as yours.

»

Use security fencing

»

Join your local Neighbourhood Support

»

Report any suspicious activity to Police

What can you do today?

Should you need further advice please contact:

Identify your tools as yours engrave them with an identifying name/number or combination.

Constable

Keep them locked up - in your vehicle/in locked boxes.

Ph

Keep them out of sight - bring them onto the work site to where you are working.

Ensure they are insured - you need to be able to replace them so you can keep working.

For further information on security at construction sites, please contact the local Police Station in your area.

BSP NZP 2014

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 45

If your clients are expecting quality results with their interior fit-out, then choose a Certified Business member of AWCI. WE are the professionals when it comes to interior fit-out installation.

Supported by

A full list of Business members can be found on www.awcinz.org.nz or phone 0800 292 469

www.awcinz.org.nz 46 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

ASSOCIATION NEWS

CERTIFIED BUILDERS CONFERENCE 2015

So long Hamilton, see you soon Christchurch!

With the 2014 Certified Builders Annual Conference and Expo well behind us, this is a timely reminder to hop onto the Certified Builders members website to download the workshop presentations to tweak your memory and remind you what you learnt and what to put into action.

Diarise next year’s conference!

The 17th Annual Certified Builders Conference and Expo will take place on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of May at Horncastle Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch.

There will be: • • • • • • • • • • •

60 plus trade expo stands motivational speakers members of parliament red zone and factory tour educational workshop delegate satchels goodies bags for the lady delegates exciting networking opportunities NZ Carpenty Apprentice Challenge a spectacular gala dinner and much, much more!!!

We look forward to seeing lots of our valued members in Christchurch in May! If you have any conference related questions please contact Eve at National Support Office on 07 557 9215 or eve@certified.co.nz

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 47

48 INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Save time and As a member money of Certified Builders you are for your fleet entitled to a number of great benefits. with BP Fuelcard Certified Builders Association and Toyota Finance have teamed up to give members a BIG FINANCE deal on Hilux and Hiace. With Toyota’s proven reliability, strength and versatility to get big jobs done - this is an amazing offer not to be missed.

So what are you waiting for? Go in to your local Toyota dealer and mention you’re a Certified Builder for some great Tradies deals.

The Caltex StarCard® is an excellent way to efficiently manage your fuel expenses and reduce your running around costs. t: 0800 733 835 For all the info you need andThe a benefits at BP include: fantastic online shop check •outA the free Fuelcard online system to manage fleet costs purchase limits and product restrictions • PIN security, members section of the Certified

to reduce fraud risk Builders website. Simply login with • Receive discounts at over 200 retail stores, 60 truck your details and start exploringstops and 130 Noel Leeming discounted GAS Alley sites nationwide everything Certified Builders can member prices exclusive to Up to 40 days free credit • offer you and your business.For more information, Certified Builders. visit bpfuelcard.co.nz www.certified.co.nz

BP & G.A.S Alley Discounts

To find your nearest BP7 , visit bpfinder.co.nz Save cents off the pump BP0749 Fuelcard Print for Company Vehicle - 210x297.indd 1

Special members price for AA membership. AA Business Care – Passenger Standard $43.00 per vehicle per year.

Normally costs $67.00.

Vodafone Contact Alex Marshall on 0800 422 202 for some great business smart plans with up to one month free on signup!

price at BP, BP Truckstop and G.A.S. Alley stations across the country with no card or transaction fees. Simply download the application form on the Deals & Discounts page of the members website.

We have partnered with Fisher & Paykel to bring you discounted prices exclusive and confidential to members. Take advantage of these special prices and pass on the discounts to your clients to sweeten the deal.

Check out the Certified Builders website for the latest monthly price list.

13/09/13 1:36 PM

Need some of the world’s most durable outdoor clothing for doing the stuff you enjoy? Hunting, fishing, building or sports? Grab your Swazi gears at trade price! Join Clan Swazi as a CBANZ member today and you will be able to purchase Swazi Clothing at special CBANZ prices! www.swazi.co.nz/Prodeal/CBANZ/

Secure information from your mobile direct to your online diary with LocknLoad. Onsite job management tool, proof of work completed, photo diary notes, create job files.

Certified Plans This scheme is a powerful new tool to help secure new clients and new home building projects! The plan range consists of approximately 20x architecturally designed new home plans. Check out: www.certified.co.nz/members/certifiedplans/

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 49

MEMBERSHIP

CBA Insurances Limited & Homefirst 10 Year Builders Guarantee. Access to the resources of CBA Insurances Limited – your Insurance Brokers, and to the Homefirst 10 Year Builders Guarantee.

TOOL SEMINAR BOX SERIES Regional Trade Training and ToolBox Seminars Regular Trade Training and ToolBox Seminars in your region which are provided to both up skill your knowledge as well as teach good business practice. LBP Skills Maintenance Points are awarded for attendance.

INHOUSE Magazine The official Magazine of Certified Builders – comes to your letterbox bi-monthly bringing you up to date with issues that affect members and happenings within the Association and the Industry.

Licensed Building Practitioner We help you get licensed! We have created a streamlined process for our members to make it quicker and easier for you. We also have LBP stickers available for purchase.

There is a selection of vehicle size and stationary stamp size decals.

Certified Builders liaise with Council and DBH giving guidance on compliance. We have also created a great tool for builder’s onsite – a detailed Licensing Handbook which is a paint by numbers approach with all things licensing on site, so you can get on with the next job and not waste time chasing compliance documents.

Clothing As a member you can purchase a range of clothing which comes with the Certified Builders logo embroidered or screenprinted. T-Shirts, polo shirts, vests, jackets, overalls, hoodies, beanies, and sun hats all available for purchase! Why not get your company logo on your clothing too!? Millie T can organise this all for you! View our online shop under the members section of the website.

NZS3604:2011 Get the members rate for the new version of the NZS3604:2011, E2 Moisture Manual 2011, NZS Onsite Handbook or any other Acceptable Solution.

Want to become a CB member? Check out our website for all the details www.certified.co.nz 50

Stationery A range of stationery available including: presentation folders, letterhead, self-adhesive logo stickers, electronic Certified Builders logo’s, invoice books, variation books, subcontractor forms, site signage and much more.

View our online shop under the members section of the website.

Websites & Online Advertising It is VITAL to have an online presence in this day and age and CBANZ offers our members two different website solutions. The first option is an enhancement of your information that sits on the Certified Builders website (under Locate a Builder) which we call a Display Page (setup for $390 + GST). We list ALL of our members details to be found by consumers looking for builders (over 3,000 people per month) – here you can enhance the information by including your logo, images of past projects and even yourself and your team as well as text to build trust and interest with the consumer.

You can also link directly from your Display Page to your Website (if you have one?) and if you don’t have one CBANZ can build you a 4 page website for just $750 + GST. Go to www.websites.certified.co.nz for more info.

FEATURE: Winning the paper war

Trina Lincoln heads the Construction Law team at Anthony Harper. Trina brings enthusiasm and commitment to providing practical and commercially appropriate solutions to all areas of construction: from

Winning the paper war

reviewing contracts, to advising on leaky building claims or resolving disputes about quality or payment. To contact Trina: 021 807 973 or trina.lincoln@ah.co.nz

How many times have you not been paid for a variation instructed to you?

How many times have you not been able to progress the works as planned but have not been granted an extension of time claim?

How many times have you been rung up long after the job has been completed with the owner complaining about an alleged defect?

These are the sorts of issues that frequently arise and result in the parties seeking assistance from a lawyer to help with the overall resolution. And, in my experience, the best way to increase your chances of a successful outcome is to “win the paper war”.

So while for most builders doing paperwork at the end of a long day is a significant burden, the only way to win the paper war, is to have better contemporaneous documentation than the owner or the subcontractor.

And keeping accurate and complete documentation doesn’t have to be hard work. Some practical tips include: • Find an app for your iPhone that lets you dictate notes and memos and store them in the cloud “just in case”.

These notes may include: • Progress on a site each day including subcontractors, • Site instructions given by the owners and general conversations with Owners such as in relation to the quality of work, • Ordering of materials, • Weather. http://appadvice.com/applists/show/notepad

•

If you don’t want to become committed to your iPhone, make notes in your site diary as you go about your day to keep track of instructions from owners – something as simple as noting that “John said to extend the deck by 1m. Told him would cost more and he said fine” can be a very powerful note in the event that John decides he does not want to pay for the extension.

•

Create a system to notify owners of any variations and/ or delays – ideally a detailed notice should be provided but, even a brief email is better than nothing. For example, the email may just say “Letting you know that your kitchen guy was late to site today and this has pushed us behind programme” or “confirming we will extend deck and estimate cost to be $1000. Let me know if you have any questions”

• Take photos – again, iPhones are invaluable for this.

Especially take photos on completion to help with any defects notified thereafter.

• Prepare weekly or fortnightly progress reports providing the owner with transparency as to the progress, budget and giving them early warning of any issues.

•

At the end of the job, rather than leave warranties, operating instructions etc in the kitchen drawer, scan and email to the owner so that they cannot say they never received it. This also applies to manufacturers recommendations for maintenance such as for roofing and cladding.

It is important to appreciate that, even with the best documentation and records, disputes will arise. But, when they do, more often than not, it is generally the party with the better documentation that is successful.

If you would like a review of your site record templates or to generally discuss the best way to keep records for your business, we are offering a complimentary 30 minute meeting.

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 51

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Will I have to give every customer a Home first 10 Year Guarantee under the new Building Act rule s?

From the 1st of January 2015 all builders will be legally required to disclose certain information to every client on jobs worth more than $30,000 or face a penalty. This disclos ure includes information about the types of guarantees you can give your customer. So what do you need to have in place and what do you need to disclose?

There are also time limits:  

Common exclusions include:

The law says you must disclose whether you can provide non-completion and defects guarantees.

You must specify the time period covered and any limits or exclusions.

These disclosure requirements are likely to increase consumer awareness of third party guarantees and, for those that can offer one, will be a point of difference and improv e your chances of winning new business. The new regula tions do not require you to provide a third party guarantee, merely tell them if you can and if so what it covers.

As a Certified Builder you can offer your clients the Homefirst 10 Year Builders Guarantee, which includes the non-completion and defects guarantees mentioned in the new regulations. It protects the homeowner if their builder is unable to complete the work or return to fix defects that may arise.

Benefits for homeowners include: 



peace of mind knowing that if a problem does arise their financial investment in the build is protec ted by an independent insurer the guarantee is also transferrable to subse quent owners, providing an attractive marketing benefi t

There are limits on the amount of cover for each section of the guarantee:   

two years for non-structural defects ten years for structural defects.

    

owner supplied materials and owner arrang ed sub-contractors consequential damage works outside the building envelope damage or loss covered by other insurance contractual disputes

The Homefirst Guarantee is underwritten by a licensed insurer, with 40 years experience working alongs ide the New Zealand building industry. Claims are assess ed independently of both the builder and the insure r, guaranteeing an unbiased approach.

The Guarantee is not automatically awarded, so for your client to receive one you must apply for it, in much the same way as you would apply for contract works insurance. The owner will receive a certificate of guarantee, acknowledging that their policy is in place, and you will receive a copy of it.

You can apply using your Certified Builders log in details at www.builtin.co.nz/login or contact Support Office and ask us to send you the application form. The friendly team at Builtin can also help you through the process.

Call Kim on 0800 284 584.

Loss of deposit: up to 20% of the contract price, to a maximum of $50,000 Extra completion costs: up to 20% of the contra ct price, to a maximum of $100,000 Defects: up to 50% of the contract price, to a maximum of $1,000,000

watertightwarranty.co.nz To become a WaterTight Accredited Builde

r contact Ben on: 07 579 6259, e: ben@builtin.co.nz

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

CHANGES AHEAD As you will see in other sections of this InHouse the consumer protection based changes to the Building Act are upon us, becoming effective from 1st January 2015. Keep an eye out for our latest series of ToolBox Seminars, which are dedicated to these changes and how we are aiming to make compliance with these changes as simple and as easy as possible.

If you have any queries whatsoever on these changes please do not hesitate to contact us at National Support Office we are more than happy to help.

One can only assume that the recent result of the General Election will see the continued support of the lift in building confidence that most of our members have been experiencing – which I am sure is welcome to you all.

Just prior to the election the Minister of Building and Construction Dr Smith announced that he intended to make changes to the law regarding the management of retentions. This included the need for Head Contractors to hold all retention payments in “Trust” and also there will be strengthening of the regulations against ‘pay when paid’ and also the increase of default interest clauses.

These are welcome changes for those businesses who do work under the retentions framework – who have been the victim of failures over many years. Certified Builders have supported the Sub Contractors Federation in their efforts to get this legislation changed and will continue to provide support as the regulations and other legislative policies are drafted.

Housing affordibility continues to be a ‘hot topic’ and unfortunately there seems to be an assumption that the high cost of housing is somehow linked to the cost of building

Grant Florence – Chief Executive and/or the inefficiencies of building. Although there are many areas we can do better and become more efficient, items such as the price of land, increased Council charges and as important, the price of existing housing seems to be forgotten. The Association continues to try and correct these views of many stakeholders – but you can only suspect that there are a wide range of agendas in play as these misplaced views are given.

We are in the process of undertaking 2 - 3 surveys of our members to get some feedback on items such as the use of Guarantees, Information technology use and needs and also the appetite for some sort of member excellence recognition competition. It is important that we get your feedback on these important surveys and I would encourage you to take a couple of minutes to complete these surveys. We will publish the feedback once we have completed these and compiled the results.

The Board continues its programme of inviting one President to each of its Board Meetings as part of a succession planning framework. Feedback of those Presidents, who have attended so far, is that they appreciate the invitation to gain a better understanding of the breadth of the issues discussed by the Board.

I am pleased to report all of the Presidents who have attended to date have not been backward in commenting and being part of the discussion!

A healthy sign indeed.

INHOUSE | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 53

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