NZCB InHouse magazine June/July 2023

InHouse

InHouse is the official magazine for the New Zealand Certified Builders Association Incorporated (NZCB). Published bi-monthly in hard copy and online, InHouse is posted to NZCB members, industry partners and stakeholders and sent electronically to carpentry apprentices and polytechnics.

New Zealand Certified Builders

PO Box 13405, Tauranga Central, Tauranga 3141

10 Marsh Street, Tauranga 3110 07 927 7720 0800 237 843 www.nzcb.nz

Editor

Linda Moody

07 557 9214 linda@nzcb.nz

General Manager –Marketing and Partnerships

Karla Farrar

021 906 234 karla@nzcb.nz

Advertising and Content

Linda Moody

07 557 9214

linda@nzcb.nz

Designers

Wave Agency

www.waveagency.co.nz

Print and Distribution

Kale Print Limited

www.kaleprint.co.nz

Mailing List

From the Editor

Hello and welcome to the June/July issue of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) InHouse magazine. I hope things have been going well for you, your family, and your business.

Busy, busy, busy, busy … I know I sound like a broken record but things have been super busy at the NZCB National Support Office (NSO). From national and regional events, new memberships and partnerships, communications, newsletters, and magazines, it’s all go here! Visit pages 12 to 13 for a full update.

If you ever want to know what events are coming up in your region, head to the Events Calendar in the NZCB members’ only Toolshed (www.nzcb.nz/members).

Wow, how good were the NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Regional Competitions! With record numbers this year, we unfortunately had to turn a handful of apprentices away. Well done to everyone involved. Check out the wrap up and photos on pages 40 to 43.

Our NZCB Partnerships continue to grow with a new Affinity Partner, Cabjaks, aligning with the Association. See page 17 for more information on the great services (and discount!) they have available for NZCB members.

We also have three new National Partners: Superhome Movement, Connected Spaces, and Harvey Norman Commercial. More information about all our National Partners can be found in the NZCB Toolshed (www.nzcb.nz/about-nzcb/#nzcb-partners).

This issue contains a great mix of relevant, educational, and engaging updates and articles, including ways to protect your business against spambots, insurance required for the selfemployed, ways to increase your cashflow, and how to achieve wellness, balance, and abundance in the year of the rabbit!

You will also enjoy news and updates from our partners in the four-page News Bites section, as well as articles about surviving the next decade in business, tips for running a toolbox meeting, a psychosocial risk tool for the construction industry that has just been launched, and a regional events round-up. Plus, in recognition of their continued support, we acknowledge our 10, 20, and 25-year members on pages 56 to 57.

Before I sign off and you start reading, I would like to share a quote that I hope will make you smile:

“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far, I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” Dave Barry.

Until next time, take care, and stay safe.

NZCB InHouse Editor

If you have received a copy of InHouse and wish to opt out, you would prefer to receive it via email, or would like to update your details please email linda@nzcb.nz. InHouse magazine, including the wrap, is 100% recyclable. InHouse is printed on PEFC-certified paper, supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide. The press used to print InHouse has a UV light drying system (LED), meaning there is no solvent to evaporate, and no environmental pollutants are formed. It also uses less power than traditional print technology, which helps reduce overall C02 emissions.

2463-3305

Online ISSN 2703-2418

The contents of InHouse may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without written permission of the Editor. All material received will be assumed to be intended for publication unless clearly labelled ‘Not for Publication’ and will be published at the discretion of the Editor. Views expressed in articles in InHouse are not necessarily those of New Zealand Certified Builders Association. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication, the designers, publishers, and editor take no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this information. Articles are not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

Chief Executive Report

Earlier this year, New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) marked a milestone; 25 years since the Association’s incorporation on 27 March 1998. NZCB management and Board are together working on a suite of initiatives to suitably mark the occasion across May and June.

In recognising NZCB turning a quarter century, those members who have been part of the Association’s journey since the start have been reflecting on how far NZCB has come since its humble beginnings. Quite rightly, there is a sense of pride in the position that NZCB currently finds itself in: a membership base of 2,300 Business members and 440 Individual members and a growing industry presence. It is no small feat! I would like to acknowledge the contributions of NZCB members who have been part of successive NZCB governance groups across the 25-year (to date) lifecycle, and to the three NZCB Chief Executives who preceded me; you have collectively provided vision and leadership to get NZCB to the point it is today – thank you.

It was well timed that the current NZCB Board and guests met in March 2023 for a facilitated Strategy Day. In setting the scene for the day, NZCB Board Chairperson Nick Farrelly and I referenced the 25-year milestone and noted that the assembled group were taking the first step in framing up what the next 25 years could look like for the Association.

The purpose of the Strategy Day was to paint a picture of possibilities for the short to medium term which, if we do well, will ensure NZCB continues to build strongly towards a position in 25 years’ time that reflects the same quantum shift we experienced in the first 25 years. In other words, the current governance and management team, as custodians of the NZCB brand, are focused on laying the foundations to make the 2023 to 2048 shift just as impressive as the 1998 to 2023 shift. The strategic focuses that came out of the March Strategy Day, if implemented well, will set the NZCB on this course.

The NZCB Board and I are excited about the strategies set and the tasks I will complete with my management team colleagues. The primary driver of the workstreams we are about to embark upon is to develop a higher level of membership services to existing and new members, and to position NZCB builders as the builder of choice for homeowners.

Members should be the primary focus of a trade association, something I learned from my previous association CE role. That experience informed my drive to be visible among the membership base from the outset. My recent member meetings in Dunedin and Invercargill on consecutive nights provided a nice bookend for my first year in the role, having now attended NZCB events in our northernmost and southernmost regions.

While meeting a good number of members across the country, and receiving regular invitations to provide commentary to the media or talk about NZCB to a range of other industry associations, it has become very clear we have both a backstory to be proud of, as well as a good future trajectory to get us excited about what’s next for NZCB.

Playing an important role in envisaging and directing the Association’s future is the NZCB Board and it was heartening to see six nominations received for the two vacant positions, something that suggests the membership at large is also excited about NZCB’s direction of travel.

Malcolm Fleming NZCB Chief Executive

Left to right: NZCB Auckland Committee member Grant Boylan, NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming, NZCB Auckland President Barbara MacGregor and NZCB Auckland Committee member Dan Southern at the Auckland Education Day.

Priority management

Kia ora New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) whanau, 2023 is flying by far too quickly for my liking. There is a lot of busyness in the building industry; flood and cyclone damage, managing your business as the industry is facing a downturn in building activity, having to deal with wave after wave of government regulatory updates (LBP CoE, H1 Changes, Review of Site Supervision), and the Association’s events happening throughout the country.

We need to take a breath and prioritise; what is important right now? What can you do later? We’re all going to need to sharpen our Priority Management skills to allow us to successfully manage our businesses over the next 12-18 months. It’s so important when we are flat out with tendering build work, undertaking repair work, understanding and implementing regulation updates and changes, and doing it all with inflation, interest rates, and the price of living on the rise.

Priority Management… what is this?

I am sure many of you have heard this term before and more than likely are doing it autonomously. However, for those unfamiliar with this term, Priority Management is a process you use to prioritise your everyday tasks to effectively manage them.

Here is a Priority Quadrant that helps you prioritise your everyday tasks.

1. Manage Short Term Goal:

• Expand to new location

Appropriate Tasks:

• Deadline-driven projects

• Crises and problems

• Client meetings

3. Delegate Appropriate Tasks:

• Calls and mail

• Background research

• Meaningless meetings

If the task is:

2. Focus On Long Term Goal:

• Understand target market

Appropriate Tasks:

• Market strategy

• Relationship building

• Company development

4. Dump Appropriate Tasks:

• Time wasters

• Private calls

• Internet surfing

Urgent and important then you need to Manage it immediately.

Not urgent but important then you Focus On it and invest time in it.

– Urgent but not important, can you Delegate it to one of your team?

– Not urgent and not important, can you Dump or delete it?

Now, I know you may be thinking that everything you do is urgent and important, but this process will list your tasks in an order that is manageable, and if you use the Priority Quadrant, then you will be focused and motivated to manage your everyday tasks.

Let’s run through some examples:

• I need to prepare a Tender Proposal. I see this falling under the Focus On quadrant as it is not urgent by important. This means we can spend some time on this task to ensure we prepare a compelling Tender Proposal.

• I need to pick up some orders from ITM for the team to continue work tomorrow. This one is urgent and important, therefore I need to Manage it now and do the pick-up.

• The building site is looking messy and needs a tidy up. This one is urgent but not important that I do it myself, so I can Delegate this to a member of my team.

• I have a missed call and voice message from the client requesting an update on the build progress. Now, this is not urgent but important, so I can set up a site meeting and Focus On it by investing time in preparing for a full site walk around and address any of the client’s concerns.

These are some very basic examples of how you can use the Priority Quadrant to allocate time to your everyday tasks.

If you would like to watch a full rundown on this process, we have an educational video where I explain it in more detail. To view this in the Toolshed, go to Training Videos/Building Intelligence/Time is Money (www.nzcb.nz/members/building-intelligence/) then select the Time is Money video.

Nga mihi.

Shane Ririnui NZCB Education and Technical Manager

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NZCB advocacy

Providing a voice to represent New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is a collective effort. The NZCB Board, NZCB Members, Chief Executive (CE) and the NZCB Management team sit on several national boards and industry groups and attend various industry functions. Below you will find some of their recent advocacy work.

MBIE’s Building Advisory Panel

The first meeting of the 2023 – 2026 Building Advisory Panel (BAP) was held in Wellington in mid-April. It provided the eight BAP members with a comprehensive understanding of the building regulator’s current and future work programmes. The purpose of BAP is to provide the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) with industry expertise and a forum for officials to test thinking and direction of travel for

Critical Materials Taskforce

The focus of the Critical Materials Taskforce over recent months has been to pre-empt any product supply issues that may have arisen due to the recent Upper North Island weather events. The group met as regularly as fortnightly in the aftermath of the early 2023 floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. MBIE officials compile regular reports that are issued to the Minister of Building and Construction, Minister Hon Dr Megan Woods, who is very focused on this topic.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

building regulations with the building industry in a confidential and trusted environment. New for BAP is the ability for panel members to circulate agreed meeting talking points with their’ respective governance groups.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

H1 Oversight Group

This small group includes NZCB CE Malcolm Fleming, MBIE officials, and senior managers from the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ). With the first stage of H1 changes being implemented by the time this edition of InHouse has been published, this group’s ongoing role will be reviewed.

NZCB representative: NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming

Waihanga Ara Rau Onsite Construction Strategic Reference Group

Waihanga Ara Rau (Building & Construction Workforce Development Council) has created the Onsite Construction –Strategic Reference Group (SRG), which is comprised of building industry representatives and some Private Territory Education providers (PTEs). The first meeting of the group was held in late February 2023. The purpose of the group is to provide directional advice on the long-term skills and workforce needs of the building and construction industry. This will include the

ACC – Non-work Initiative Advisory Group

The Non-work Initiative Advisory Group met twice in April and will have ongoing catch-ups until the project is complete. The group includes CHASNZ, HazardCo, NZCB, and ACC. The focus is to identify opportunities to reduce injuries that occur outside of the workplace but lead to time off work, and to establish appropriate ways to get the right messages to people in the construction sector through the right channels at the right time.

development of fresh ideas, projects, and activities that support the development of formal and informal education, training, and competency across the construction sector. In addition, the SRG will liaise with other Strategic Reference groups, to seek data and information related to onsite construction.

NZCB representative: NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager Nick Matthews

NZCB is sourcing members who have been affected by nonwork injuries that have led to significant time off work. These members will tell their stories as part of an ACC advertising campaign to raise awareness among the construction industry in New Zealand.

NZCB representative: NZCB General Manager –Marketing and Services Karla Farrar

NZS 3604 (Timber-framed buildings) Standards Development Committee

The P3604 Committee met twice, in March, to revise NZS 3604 Timber-framed buildings. This standard is being updated to reflect the current market trends and housing requirements.

Here are some points we have been working on:

Framing

• Details of internal balustrade walls constructed by extending lower storey studs past the floor framing.

• Introduce new wall junctions section to NZS 3604, demonstrating different acceptable solutions for wall junctions.

• Change lintels table; replace 70mm lintels (not commercially available) with 45mm single lintels as an option.

• Add support details for proprietary beams or lintels with longer spans or higher loads than NZS 3604 support details currently cover.

Footing

• Include foundation solutions for expansive soils, liquefiable site, and three-storey buildings.

Bracing

• Add new details for isolated interred masonry walls.

Bracing Demand

• Update wind maps, including Lee zones and earthquake –minor changes.

Thermal Performance

• Bottom plate overhang

• Better specification of under-slab (floor) insulation

• Internal wall connections through a service cavity

• Two stud corners and internal wall connections. Better guidance on what is effectively (and appropriately) allowed by the existing standard.

Three-storey light timber frame buildings

• Define the type of structures considered within the scope expansion of NZS3604 reference sections of NZS3604 that can be used for three-storey design, and identify sections of NZS3604 that must not be referenced for three-storey design and for which SED is required.

It is hoped the draft-reviewed standard will be available for public review later this year.

NZCB representative: Past NZCB Board Chairperson

Ian

Chamberlain

Win a set of new tyres valued at $800

Send us photos of your renovation and new build projects as we’d love to share our members’ projects online!

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) National Support Office is running out of images and projects to use on its Facebook and Instagram for marketing. Have you recently completed a bathroom, kitchen, outdoor, or general home renovation?

Or have you completed a new build you would like to share?

Do you have any ‘before and after’ photos or video testimonials from clients? Your company name will also be mentioned in the post.

If you’ve answered yes, please send us:

• high-resolution photos (professional photographs preferred) or videos (max. duration 1 minute)

• a short description of the project (approx. 50–100 words) including where the home is situated, any special products used, features of the project, and bullet points on the client brief.

Thanks to Carter’s Tyre Service, all photo’s received will go into the draw to win a set of new GT Radial tyres, valued at $800! Winners will be announced via email and in the monthly, NZCB Deals and Benefits eNewsletter.

If you would like to submit your work, or have any questions, please contact me on karla@nzcb.nz to discuss.

Karla Farrar

NZCB General Manager –Marketing and Services

Advertising spend

Year ending 31 December 2022

2022 achieved the highest-ever visitation recorded to the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) website during May, with nearly 25,000 visitors. We continued with the ‘Special campaign’ that was launched in 2021, and a new creative advertisement ‘Special 2.0’, was released in August 2022, resulting in another impressive month of reaching all our key metrics.

Total spend $831,860

Various platforms are used to reach the homeowner audience. Digital advertising takes up most of our spending due to performance, traceability and popularity with our target audience. Digital advertising accounts for 55.13% of our core spend on:

• Google Ads + remarketing

• Programmatic and TV On-Demand activity

• Facebook and Instagram

Our key driver of the strategy is to target the 800,000 +/- people who are in the market and showing some interest in building (new home builds and the renovations/alterations markets) at any one time. Advertorial content from our monthly online blogs continues to be replicated on Stuff.co.nz, and we will continue supporting them with advertising in NZ House & Garden magazine.

54.13% Digital advertising

20.13% Magazines homeowner

9.46% Public relations

8.28% Radio advertising

3.33% Magazines trade

1.73% Website

1.39% Brochures

0.99% Exhibition and shows

0.56% Market research

We also successfully introduced radio advertising on The Breeze, More FM and The Rock stations and continued with the ‘Special campaign’ theme. A definite spike in online digital traffic can be linked to our placement of radio advertising.

Our Public Relations activities around the NZCB Annual Conference & Expo and Apprentice Challenge (regional eliminations and finals) were also a huge success and gained traction in the media again this year.

2022 marked the last year of our fixed Home Ideas exhibition, with the closure of the Wellington centre.

We are currently auditing our advertising channels for 2023 in the hope we will continue to deliver growth and reach our key metrics, which we report on bi-monthly in the NZCB InHouse magazine –see page 18 for the March 2023 statistics.

Karla Farrar NZCB General Manager –Marketing and Services

We also build careers.

Remember when you started out and someone gave you a chance?

You’ve come a long way to become a great builder, picking up new skills on each project. To ensure we continue to lead the industry with quality standards the next generation needs your kind of experience. The NZCB Apprentice Network is a programme designed to support you, your business and your apprentice to an unrivaled level.

nzcb.nz/apprenticeships

Updates from the National Support Office

Bon voyage, Jess!

On 6 April, the lovely Jess Hood departed the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Marketing & Services Team. Off on her OE, Jess will start her journey in Sydney, before travelling to Japan, Dubai, and then on to London – we wish her the best for her travels!

Jess started at the National Support Office in November 2021 as our Marketing Executive & Digital Marketing Specialist, shortly after completing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Communications and English Literature.

Excelling in her role, Jess always brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team and went above and beyond to assist our 22 Regional Presidents and committees.

Jess was an excellent colleague to all in the office. Every morning, she would greet everyone with a smile and always tried to make the working environment as positive as possible.

She was a crucial part of the NZCB Conference and Expo in 2022, learning many new skills. She was a natural behind the microphone for all the announcements.

Jess, while it is unfortunate you are leaving NZCB, the moments the team have shared and the memories we’ve made will always be remembered and cherished.

On behalf of the NZCB team, we wish you the best of luck with your travels and future career.

Advertising Levy payment made easier

At NZCB, we’re changing the way we invoice your annual Advertising Levy. Previously, you would have received two invoices from us each year. One on the first of July for your annual Advertising Levy payment, and another on the anniversary of your membership for your annual NZCB membership fee.

A lot of members informed us they would prefer to receive one invoice including all charges for the year. Therefore, as of March 2023, the Advertising Levy will be included in your annual membership invoice. No separate invoice will be issued. Your first membership invoice will include a partial payment of the Advertising Levy as current levies are paid up to 30 June 2022.

• If your membership renewal month is March, you will be invoiced for eight months of Advertising Levy from 1 July 2023 to February 2024.

• If your membership renewal is in September, you will be invoiced for 14 months of Advertising Levy covering the period from 1 July 2023 to 31 August 2024.

For those members whose renewal dates were in January and February 2023, and who have already received their membership invoice, we will send you a separate invoice to cover the outstanding Advertising Levy period. This will be six months for January renewals and seven months for February renewals.

Please contact accounts@nzcb.nz if you have any questions.

Report

Here is an update on what the teams at the NZCB National Support Office have been working on. Should you require any further information about what has been keeping us busy, please contact the respective Team Manager using the contact details below.

Finance Team Manager Sandra Kennerley | 021 566 224 | sandra@nzcb.nz

• Finalising NZCB end-of-year financial statements.

• Working with auditors to finalise the NZCB Financial Reports.

• Planning and execution of the way we invoice Members’ Subscriptions and Annual Advertising Levy with the two now being invoiced at the same time.

• Continued work on the conversion of all NZCB financials from MYOB to Xero.

• Collection of outstanding debts.

• Accounts administration as normal.

Marketing and Membership Services Team

Manager Karla Farrar | 021 906 234 | karla@nzcb.nz

• NZCB Conference and Expo 2023 planning.

• NZCB advertising – new NZCB advert to be created for 2023.

• NZCB 25th Birthday – special video for conference and gala dinner to be produced and filmed.

• Apprentice Network New Member Packs – assistance with development.

• InHouse Magazine next issue – June/July.

• NZCB News, Education, and Deals and Benefits – monthly email newsletter preparation and planning.

• New NZCB membership renewal packs to be designed for 2023.

• Revere Volume 7 submissions closed – articles and photographs being compiled.

• Certified Plans – market research is underway to improve the product.

• NSO H1 and Code of Ethics Roadshow.

• Strategic Partnership – renewals and growth plan development.

• NZCB Toolshed improvements – new online membership applications, planning, assistance, and execution.

• Annual review of Affinity Partnerships and Free Helplines, including a new Affinity Partner signed up.

• Planning of new member engagement material.

• Preparation of NZCB Financial and Annual Reports.

• AGM preparation and planning – Board Nominations, Annual Report, Notice of AGM communications.

Membership and Education Team

Manager Shane Ririnui | 021 906 489 | shane@nzcb.nz

• All three Territory Managers (TMs) Andrew Macdonald, Brad Mitchell, and Nick Mooney have been visiting the regions to support and host regional Annual General Meetings, training, and social events.

• TMs have noticed a spike in member enquiries.

• From the Customer Liaison’s desk, Kelly Sheridan is starting to see homeowner enquiry moving into formal complaints against our members.

• Kelly Sheridan confirms most of the enquiries and complaints received are contract and project management related.

• New Membership Coordinator Shaye Baker is busy with new member applications.

Apprenticeship Support Team

Manager Nick Matthews | 021 906 483 | nick@nzcb.nz

• Industry Training Association Building (ITAB) Apprenticeship Programme – Special General Meeting with Incorporated Society Members.

• NZCB Apprenticeship Network – further development of marketing collateral.

• NZCB Apprentice Network launching to NZCB Business members.

• NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Regional competitions planning, sponsorship engagement, and execution of the event on 1 April and media engagement.

• NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM – Final –planning for final.

Halo Guarantee pricing refresh

Halo Guarantees Limited opened its doors in October 2020, using the same pricing model from the old Lloyd’s of London insurance product, which was wound up at the beginning of 2020.

All businesses need to review their pricing from time to time, particularly in the very high inflationary environment we are currently in. A pricing review for the Guarantee was well overdue and has now been completed, with the new pricing having taken effect from 1 June.

Why are we doing this?

The three main reasons for the pricing changes are:

• The effect of build cost inflation. Average contract values covered by Halo Guarantees Ltd increased from $323,000 in 2021 to $424,000 last year – an increase of 31% compared to 2021. The previous ‘’flat price per band’’ model meant that average risk rates (i.e., the ratio of fees to risk exposure/ contract value) reduced by 14% over that period. In a nutshell, we have been rapidly taking on more risk exposure for less income than needed.

• We have appointed a new actuary for the Guarantee to complete a full review of our future claims liabilities and provide an updated estimate of the ultimate claims costs over the entire Guarantee portfolio, bearing in mind we are on risk for a full 10 years. The outcome of the review is that Halo Guarantees Ltd now must reserve 64.4% of its net Guarantee revenue to pay claims, which is up from the previous actuary’s estimate of only 25%. This meant that the current pricing was no longer viable as there would not be enough revenue after paying claims to cover operating costs and/or return a profit.

• The previous pricing model is inherently unfair with a lot of “cross-subsidisation’’ happening within contract value bands – e.g., someone with a $1m contract paid the same fee as someone with a $1.75m contract, even though the potential risk exposure to Halo Guarantees Ltd is clearly different. The new pricing model has been designed, tested, and carefully analysed against the existing Guarantee portfolio to ensure it addresses these issues.

How does this affect me?

The new pricing applies to all new Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee applications received from 1 June 2023. Any applications received up until 31 May will retain the previous pricing.

Here’s another look at the new pricing:

The non-refundable application levy has also been increased from $20 to $50. This better reflects the actual administration costs involved in receiving, assessing, and processing Guarantee applications.

Here’s a simple example of how the new pricing works:

• Contract value $500,000 (i.e., in the $400,001 – $600,000 band)

• Minimum rate = 0.26% ($500,000 x 0.26% = $1,300)

• Price = $1,300 (Check – is this higher than the minimum premium for that band? If yes, use price you have calculated; if no, apply minimum premium)

• In this case, the calculated premium is higher than the minimum, so that’s what we use: $1300 + $50 application fee + GST = $1,552.50 inclusive.

On average, the new pricing is a 21% increase on the old. We appreciate it’s a pretty significant price increase for clients but given the pricing hasn’t been reviewed in several years and the inflationary challenges we have experienced, there is a large element of ‘’catch up’’ here. It is worth noting that we did a comprehensive market comparison and we remain approximately 5% cheaper than our nearest and largest competitor. This means you can be assured the pricing remains competitive. Given it is a one-off fee for 10 years’ of cover, we think it’s exceptional value.

What next?

That’s it on the pricing front for the foreseeable future.

We are in the final stages of piloting and testing a new online application process which will streamline and improve the onboarding process. It will also improve the customer service experience for yourselves and homeowners. We’ll have more information on this when we are ready to roll it out in the next few weeks.

We’re also about to kick off a project to ‘’refresh’’ the Guarantee product itself. This involves a re-write of the Guarantee Terms and Conditions into plain English, an update of all our forms and templates, and will clarify the product parameters. It will mean the Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee remains fit for purpose and continues to provide watertight assurance to Kiwi homeowners that we back you as their builder and will step in to sort it out if you fail to meet your obligations for any reason. We are aiming to roll this out at the end of the year and will keep you updated as we go.

Any questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or get in touch with the team on 0800 141 490 or hello@halo.nz. We’re here to help!

David Lee Halo Guarantees Limited Chief Executive

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Membership statistics

January to April 2023

A hot topic for many ‘stakeholders’ of New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) has always been Membership numbers. Knowing how many members the Association currently has, how many new members have joined, and those who have resigned, are amongst key questions the Association is asked. Below you will find an update on some of this information which has emerged from our reporting, for the first quarter of 2023.

Total Business Members

Total Individual Members

Total Trainee Members*

Total NZCB Members

2,413

453

2

2,868

613 Members signed up to Certified Plans

Staff

103 Honourary Members

8

5 Resignations

Life Members

2 of these have retained an Individual Membership

8

Introducing new NZCB Affinity Partner Cabjaks

Cabjaks has been serving trade and residential customers across New Zealand since 2011. We work hard to make sure our customers receive great products, great service, and exceptional value. That’s why we offer a 10-year warranty on all our products.

Our cabinets are delivered fully assembled making installation efficient. Our wardrobes, designed for tight spaces, are assembled and fitted on-site.

We have an amazing team dedicated to providing high quality kitchens, laundries, wardrobes, and benchtops at prices that can’t be beaten.

All our products are crafted from New Zealand-made board in our factories in East Tamaki, Auckland.

Great things happen in Cabjaks kitchens

Cabjaks products are modular by design. They come in a variety of configurations, widths, and depths that work together to create your custom design.

By choosing different sized cabinets and a combination of cabinets and panels, kitchens of almost all shapes and sizes can be created.

Our drag and drop DIY planners mean you can see exactly what your design will cost as you design it. Simply enter the measurements of your room and you are ready to go. Choose different types of cabinets, upgrades, and extras to design a solution that’s right for you, your client, and their budget.

We are happy to answer any questions and will bend over backwards if you find yourself in a fix.

Our DIY planners include:

Kitchen – Kitchen design and pricing at your fingertips 24/7. Use our simple drag and drop Kitchen Planner to create, save, and then order your solution.

Wardrobe – Our Wardrobe Planner allows you to easily design solutions for your customers. Top panels and hanging rails are cut to length on-site for simple installation.

Benchtop – Whether straight, L or U shaped, breakfast bar or standard, our Benchtop Planner allows you to design, and price up a temporary benchtop if you’re waiting for another product to arrive.

Laundry – Discover a range of cabinets in our Laundry Planner. Drag and drop design and pricing is available 24/7.

Custom Panel Planner – Along with our custom design benchtops, our custom panel design tool makes it easy to find solutions for your project.

Cabjaks for the trade

We ask for payment upon order and guarantee your product will be ready for pick up or delivery within 5 – 10 working days.

As a New Zealand Certified Builder (NZCB) member you qualify for an exclusive discount on our already competitive rates. Get your discount code at www.cabjaks.co.nz/account/register today.

Advertising Levy spend statistics

March 2023 activity results

Below you will find an update on the performance of the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Advertising Levy budget. This digital report highlights our Google Adverts, Facebook, Instagram, and Programmatic Spending for March 2023.

MOM = Month on Month. The comparison of data from one month to the previous month.

Summary

Awesome results this month on digital advertising with the conjunction of radio advertising. The combination of both mediums works well.

• Show number conversion +16% MOM

• Builder search conversion +14% MOM

• Membership enquiries +19% MOM

• Sessions +9% MOM

• Average session duration +10% MOM

• Pages per session +7% MOM

• Website visitors +4% MOM

• And huge conversion rate on website with 21% of all website visitors converting!

Karla Farrar NZCB General Manager –Marketing and Services

Architecture & aftsmanship

Driven to create surfaces that make a living environment durable, feel and look good to live in, we believe the tactile nature of plaster cladding is unrivaled.

The construction process contains many facets which when combined, and applied accurately make for a shining, and durable example of the construction process - from the clients needs, the Architecture, through to the selection of products, and the professional trades people that apply their skills.

At Resene Construction Systems we only promote tested & trusted products, all applied by LBP registered Plastering Professionals for each and every project.

Visit our website to discover more about our exciting range of facade systems, bespoke interior finishes, and construction products

Architect: Krush Architecture

Builder: T L Builders

Plastering Professional: Geocoat

INTEGRA lightweight concrete plaster cladding

The best made plans for your business

Certified Plans provides Business members of New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) exclusive and instant access to a range of stunning home plans. Offering these plans creates a compelling reason for potential clients to decide you are the right choice to build their new home.

What is this service?

In 2014 NZCB sought the services of professional architects and designers, to provide a range of superb new home plans. Certified Plans now offer 32 architecturally designed house plans, representing a range of prices, tailored to suit different areas of New Zealand.

Why join Certified Plans?

Simple. There is a fast-growing trend for New Zealanders to go looking for house plans as soon as they start to think about building. Many of the larger housing groups now offer a range of plans, which they use to attract clients. Many NZCB members do not have access to such plans, so this service, coupled with the recognised experience and skills of NZCB members, provides a powerful tool to help secure new clients and new home building projects.

What are the benefits to you?

More enquiries, more sales, more jobs. Once signed up, whenever a potential customer asks if you have home plans, you’ll be able to answer yes.

How does it work?

Upon joining Certified Plans, you will receive everything you need to professionally market these house plans, including brochures, pricing information and presentation folders. Once your client is ready to take the next step, we can assist you with “standard”

working drawings of your chosen design ready for the next step of getting them client, site, and council specific.

You will also have a presence on the Certified Plans website, which together with our other marketing activities, will generate fresh leads for your business.

The Certified Plans website lists all NZCB members who have signed up to this exclusive service. Once you have signed up, potential clients in your region will have access to your contact details. So, as well as your hard copies, you will be able to provide access to the suite of downloadable Certified Plans.

How much will it cost?

There is an initial participation fee of $1,500+GST, payable in full on approval of the signed application. Of course, you will be able to include the fees in your job costings and, if you wish, add a mark-up. We require a commitment to this service of three years, with the annual fee of $1,500+GST payable on both the first and second anniversaries of the agreement.

For further information regarding fees please contact Julie at NZCB National Support Office.

How do I sign up?

Contact Julie at the NZCB National Support Office on: 0800 237 843 ext. 7227 or info@certifiedplans.co.nz.

Julie Thomas Revere Magazine Editor & Project Coordinator

Putting our partners in the spotlight

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is proud to partner with a wide range of companies with multiple branches nationwide. These companies have aligned with the Association to provide significant support to our members and have the option to engage with them across a wide range of opportunities. Known to the Association as “National Partners” we are delighted to tell you a little bit more about two of them.

Introducing Abodo Wood Limited

Introducing CSR Building Products NZ

Abodo crafts timbers with lasting beauty that are safe for people and the environment.

Abodo timbers are harvested from FSC® certified, rapidly renewable, New Zealand plantation forests. The timbers are ethically crafted with respect from beginning to end and designed to age with grace, with exceptional weatherability so they can maintain their durability and beauty for a lifetime.

Made from thermally modified timber, Vulcan is New Zealand’s first carbon negative feature timber storing 9.4kg of CO2 per m2

Using heat and steam rather than chemicals, thermal modification adds stability and durability to the softwood timber. Abodo’s patented process is then applied to craft a vertical grain orientation, lending even more stability, less surface cracking and a better coating performance to the timber.

Build-ready lead times are available across all Abodo’s cladding, decking, screening and panelling timber product range designed with builder-friendly systems and accessories in mind.

Formed in 2001 by the Gudsell family, Abodo remains a New Zealand-owned, family business with a purpose. For more information, please visit www.abodo.co.nz or call 09 249 0100.

CSR is the name behind many of New Zealand’s respected building materials brands such as Bradford and Cemintel, with a strong reputation across Australasia for quality, reliability, and integrity.

With over 40 years’ experience in the New Zealand construction market and as one of Australia’s oldest manufacturers, we have developed a deep understanding of building products and their role in the performance of buildings.

Our products and systems are thoroughly researched and tested for performance compliance, and we continue to innovate to help create comfortable and sustainable buildings for people to live and work. CSR is the real choice for the New Zealand building industry.

For more information, please visit www.csr.co.nz or call 0800 277 123.

A full list of NZCB National Partners can be found on page 81 of this issue of InHouse or on the members’ only Toolshed under Our Partners www.nzcb.nz/about-nzcb/#nzcb-partners.

News Bites

The all-new PASLODE PPN-MASTER™

Quick and confident – the all-new PASLODE PPN-MASTER™ nails metal connector compliance every time.

Paslode has launched a new impulse positive nail placement tool to market. The PPN-Master™ delivers fast and accurate installation of metal connectors for compliance every time. This cordless tool works with three BRANZ appraised product nails to install strap bracing, I-joist hangers, triple grips and multigrips with speed and ease. Even new apprentices can achieve a very high-quality install.

• An exposed probe tip locates the pre-punched holes to install the nail directly inside.

• Enhanced nail control ensures consistent drive and depth.

• Lightweight and compact, it is no fuss when manoeuvring up ladders and between joists and trusses.

• It’s fast – Up to three times faster than traditional hand hammering. All that’s left to do is pull the trigger.

For more information on the Paslode PPN-Master™ see www.paslode.co.nz

Fashion for walls

The latest fashion colour range from Resene combines the latest in on-trend colours to help take your project into 2024 and beyond, together with popular whites and neutrals to help you complete your colour palette.

With colours such as Resene Awaken, Resene Upside, Resene New Day and weekend favourite Resene Smashed Avocado, Resene’s new collection is sure to add uplifting colour to your projects. Like the brand-new hues, this season’s colour trends promote growth while putting down solid roots.

The Range fashion collection includes 170 hues, including over 120 new to the Resene collection, together with favourite whites and neutrals, wood stains and classic hues.

Order swatches online at: www.resene.co.nz/ drawdowns

Scruffs launches new women’s range

Scruffs has been supplying performance workwear and safety footwear to trades since 2003. Offering a head-to-toe range that combines comfort, durability, and value for money with great design, all Scruffs products are tried and tested by real tradespeople to ensure all products meet the standards that men and women in trades need day in and day out.

Launching this Autumn, Scruffs are excited to be introducing a dedicated women’s range. Scruffs has worked side by side with tradeswomen to develop products that tick all the boxes and offers women exactly what they want and deserve in their workwear; proper fitting workwear that stands up to the job but doesn’t make them stand out on-site.

Scruffs has made sure that the fit is spot on and inclusive, with clothing sizes ranging from size 6 to size 20 and footwear ranging from size 3 to size 8. What’s more, Scruffs haven’t just made their existing range smaller; they have ensured every cut, and every detail has been adapted to meet the needs of women, to ensure they look and feel good.

See page 17 for more information or check out the WOMENS section on the ONLINE SHOP of the NZCB members’ only Toolshed.

NZCB welcomes new National Partner Superhome Movement

The Superhome Movement has partnered with NZCB and is looking forward to assisting NZCB members to help build better than the subpar building code standards. This will give Kiwis the energy-efficient Superhomes they deserve as we all become more aware of issues relating to health, wellbeing, and climate crisis.

The Superhome Movement is unique as it openly shares new design ideas, technologies, and building techniques through public education, home tours, and workshops. The benefits of joining include the opportunity to learn and promote your business as a leader in the industry, including receiving help to meet and exceed H1 building code updates. With these updates ongoing, it is important to stay ahead of the curve with leading-edge information to discuss with clients who are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability, energy-efficiency and climate change. The best way to take advantage of the Superhome Movement and its benefits is to join. Together we have a louder voice for change to promote better building by Super Builders. Contact us at 0800 002 674 or info@superhome.co.nz and learn more at www.superhome.co.nz.

Super Smart and Super Sustainable, for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.

JSC new premium timber protection

Introducing JSC Coda® Exterior Wood Oil – the perfect solution for premium protection and long-lasting beauty for all exterior timber applications. From timber cladding to decking and even fences and pergolas, JSC Coda® Exterior Wood Oil provides weather protection while showcasing more of the natural grain of the timber.

JSC Coda®

Exterior Wood Oil is a quick-drying

premium-quality wood oil developed specifically for the unique and diverse climate of New Zealand. Its unique formulation contains high-quality UV inhibitors and pigments that extend the life of the coating. It is also designed to require less maintenance, with longer intervals between coats which means that the timber will stay looking beautiful and protected for longer.

The JSC Coda® Exterior Wood Oil range comes in 16 beautiful shades, including a clear coating option, allowing the natural grain of the timber to shine through and ensuring a stunning finished look that is sure to stand out.

If you are looking for a modern and long-lasting solution for your exterior timber applications, or a unique and colourful touch for your architectural project, JSC Coda® Exterior has you covered.

For more information, custom colour options, samples, and help in choosing the right colour for your project, please contact us at sales@jsctimber.co.nz or visit jsctimber.co.nz/coda-exterior-wood-oil.

New Solar Control Glass from Metro

We’ve all been in a home or building that is uncomfortably hot, where you end up closing blinds or putting on the air-conditioning.

Metro Glass has solved this issue with SunX™ Grey Low E double glazing, a new technology solar control glass.

1. Uses solar control technology to help reduce heat build-up during summer, plus protects from glare and sun damage.

2. Provides excellent thermal insulation in winter using Low E technology.

3. Incorporates the latest in colour trends, with a subtle grey tint that enhances the aesthetic of any home or building. The colour is consistent even when used across different glass thicknesses because the grey tint is part of the Low E coating, unlike other tinted glass, which gets darker as the glass gets thicker.

This new technology also means that specialist glass can be added into the double glazing, such as obscure glass, frosted bathroom glass or sound control glass, without the expense of triple glazing.

SunX™ Grey is suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential applications; it can be used with all types of joinery, including aluminium, UPVC and timber.

For more information, visit www.metroglass.co.nz/double-glazing/ low-e-sunx-grey.

Franklins updated Trade App

Exciting news! Franklins Trade App has just got even better, offering a more efficient and productive way to order from over 15,000 products straight to your worksite. With the app, users can browse and place orders, eliminating the need to waste time tracking down materials or waiting in line at the supplier. Orders can be delivered straight to the worksite or picked up from your local Trade branch, allowing you to spend more time on the tools.

Franklins has also opened a new Silverdale Design Studio at 8/30A Foundry Road. The showroom offers a visual planning process with exclusive European brands

showcased through bathroom modules. It features the latest trends in bathroom design and technology, including a new vanity range with over 1400 designs, colours, and top variations. As well as our new Franklins LED mirrors, available in various contemporary shapes and sizes. The various options are not only attractive but also durable, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for a functional and stylish vanity and mirror solutions.

The showroom is just the beginning of a new retail experience for customers. Visit the Silverdale Design Studio and discover a new way to shop for your bathroom solutions.

Employee Handbooks, FREE to download

NZCB suggests providing all employees with an “Employee Handbook”.

An Employee Handbook (also known as employee manual, staff handbook or company policy manual) explains to your employee’s everything they need to know about your business. It covers company policies, rules,

and procedures and is an easy way for employees to understand what is expected of them in the workplace.

To learn more and stay up to date visit our socials @Franklinsnz.

NZCB now has an editable Employee Handbook available to download for FREE, under the Employment Agreements section of the NZCB members’ only Toolshed www.nzcb.nz/members/ employment-agreements.

New Vulcan Smooth Decking from Abodo

Abodo’s decking range has been extended to include a silky underfoot Vulcan Smooth Decking.

This semi vertical grain oriented premium decking board has been introduced in response to a residential market wanting a super stable, super durable, smooth faced decking surface. It will appeal to those seeking a local sustainable alternative to imported tropical hardwood.

Abodo’s Vulcan timber comes from 100% plantation, rapidly renewable, NZ grown Radiata Pine with an FSC® Chain of Custody certificate (SGS-COC-004944).

Thermally modified to enhance its

Improve your business performance

Would you like to learn how NZCB’s online tools can help you improve your business performance?

On the second to last Wednesday of most months, NZCB Education and Technical Manager Shane Ririnui hosts two one-hour live webinars, in which he will answer any questions you may have and run through some practical, easy-to-follow steps to help you navigate your way around the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website.

With morning and afternoon sessions available, you will learn how the NZCB Building Contracts, Employment Agreements, Free Helplines, Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee, Training videos and templates are vital tools to assist members with business management.

Check out the Events Calendar on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website, www.nzcb.nz, for event dates, times, and the link to join the webinar.

durability and treated with an organic preservative system, it’s also a safe alternative with verified carbon storing benefits.

As with the reeded face Vulcan Decking, Vulcan Smooth Decking boards are supplied uncoated in its beautiful homogeneous brown colour, weathering to a grey appearance. It can be coated with a decking oil, but we recommend uncoated for lower maintenance.

For more information, please visit www.abodo.co.nz or call 09 249 0100.

New premium ClosetPro® Ultra 550™ wardrobe organiser

The new HomePlus ClosetPro® Ultra 550™ wardrobe storage system is the largest on offer at 550mm deep. Made of solid 18mm thick melamine and available up to 2180mm high, it comes in a wide variety of timber and coloured finishes and is custom-made and designed in New Zealand.

Ultra 550 can be combined with the new Gennaro™ range of premium modular accessories that can be adjusted, as required, to several configurations that will meet all wardrobe storage desires. Products include the choice of jewellery drawers, shoes, pant & tie racks, baskets, and rotating mirrors.

Also available in the same 18mm melamine is the ClosetPro Classic 395™ mm deep system. This can be combined with Gennaro and Amedeo™, another new range of components that offers helpful features and benefits for walk-in or reach-in wardrobes. Options include a scarf, belt, tie, and pop-out trouser racks. A shelf fence and valet rod will also help when all racks are full.

HomePlus continues to offer a range of other wardrobe systems like wire shelving and wall-hung units, including a new ClosetPro Multifunction Desk. Our bespoke designs can be tailored to suit.

Please contact HomePlus for more information at specify@homeplus.co.nz

What insurance do I need if I am self-employed?

One of the great things about having a trade, such as building, is the ability to be able to work for yourself. What many people don’t think about however is all the things you need to sort out behind the scenes – such as your tax obligations, ACC, invoicing, and insurance.

There is a range of insurance cover you may need, which you may not have thought about, so here’s a brief summary of some things to consider.

Do you have a home office?

Whilst you will predominantly be out on-site working, you still need an office to do your invoicing, answer emails, etc. You may also store materials at your home address. If you are operating your business from home, you need to check with your home and/or contents insurer to make sure this doesn’t negatively impact your cover. Some contents insurance policies even provide cover for business equipment used at home, but please make sure you check it’s the right cover for you.

What if I can’t continue to work for a period of time or something happens to me?

Whilst it’s important to insure your physical assets, the most important asset your business has is you.

Would your spouse or partner be able to continue to pay the mortgage if you passed away? How would the business keep running if you were ill for an extended period or sustained a serious injury? No one likes to think about these things but it’s important that you do.

Having life and income protection helps put your loved ones in a stronger financial position and creates a sense of security for both you and for them.

Every life and income protection should always be tailored for you, based on your life circumstances.

Do I need liability insurance?

If you are in business, you will need liability insurance to cover all your business activities.

Is your work vehicle insured under a personal policy?

Most tradies have a vehicle they use for their business. If this is insured under a private vehicle policy and you damage your car while out working, your claim could be declined, and you could face a hefty repair bill. It’s important to make sure you have the correct cover for your vehicle.

What about cover for tools?

Make sure the cover for your tools also protects you if you are the victim of theft. One of the most common claims we get from our trade clients is stolen tools. In this regard, we recommend you obtain and hold proof of purchase for your tools as this assists in claims payments. Insurance companies will normally require proof of purchase in the event of a claim to determine what they need to replace and the value of the claim.

Receipts are the best form of proof of purchase – you will probably keep a copy of these with your GST/tax information. If you haven’t been holding onto proof of purchases so far, we recommend you do so from now on. Keeping an inventory list of your tools with serial numbers can also assist.

For builders, you will need the likes of Public and Products Liability, Statutory Liability, Cyber Liability, Directors and Officers Liability and if you have employees – Employers Liability.

Dependent on your business activities there are other covers you may want to consider.

Who can I discuss my specific needs with?

ICIB BROKERWEB (formally BrokerWeb Risk Services Limited) has been assisting New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) members with their insurance since 2017 and has a wealth of knowledge in designing the right insurance protection for you and your business.

Get in touch with us today by calling 0800 644 444.

If you are operating your business from home, you need to check with your home and/or contents insurer to make sure this doesn’t negatively impact your cover.

Working for developers

You are going to have a variety of clients during your building career – including homeowners, bach owners, investment property owners, apartment block body corporates, commercial property owners, commercial tenants, group home building companies, head contractors, government agencies, and developers. Each of them is going to present their own challenges and their own rewards. The focus of this article is on the unique aspects of working for developers.

Property development is usually a riskier proposition than other types of construction, which are typically funded by a combination of borrowing and cash reserves (or in the case of government agencies, taxpayer dollars). Developers generally don’t have much in the way of cash reserves – or at least reserves they are willing to commit to the project – so they are reliant on a combination of borrowing and presales (sales off the plans). If they can’t give the bank or investment fund sufficient confidence to lend the required amount, or they can’t sell enough of the units on satisfactory terms in time, then they risk being sold up by the lender and having personal guarantees called upon.

It is the pre-sales that are critical. You have to secure those early on, to convince the bank or investment fund to lend to you, and sometimes that is before you have got building or resource consent, and before you have separate titles to the individual units. Unit purchasers will generally only be prepared to pay for the land when they get the title transferred to them, and for the construction as and when it progresses. Don’t forget they have lenders standing behind them who impose strict conditions on when they will advance the funds.

Because these pre-sales occur early on in the project, there are risks to both the developer and the purchaser. The main risks to the developer (apart from consenting and construction) are that the sale price will turn out to be well below market price once the project is completed, and that the project will take so long that the purchaser pulls out of the deal. The main risk to the purchaser (assuming any advance payments like deposits are held in trust) is that the project takes so long that it is no longer the attractive deal it once was.

Those risks are commonly dealt with by means of a sunset clause in the sale and purchase agreement – which is a right to cancel the sale if construction takes too long. Usually that clause is inserted for the benefit of the purchaser, but more recently developers have been inserting those clauses for their own benefit, because of rapidly escalating construction costs and market prices. Having secured a certain level of pre-sales to achieve the required

level of borrowings, if the project isn’t completed promptly the developers can cancel those pre-sales and re-sell the units at higher prices, assuming the market is still buoyant.

Now if you are a builder working for a developer, you are exposed to those risks too. So, you want to focus on the protections that are available to you, to ensure the job doesn’t become a financial or emotional disaster for you. And what are your primary protections? They are these.

The first and best protection is that you never do the building work first, and hope to get paid for it second. Instead, you ensure that you are always paid sufficient money up front so that if your latest invoice isn’t paid, you have enough to cover it. New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) contracts give you that right, but the other standard-form building contracts don’t. However, it is probably academic, because there will be very few development projects where the developers will be able or willing to pay you up front.

The second form of protection is to convert your invoices into valid payment claims under the Construction Contracts Act and shorten the period (it’s normally 20 business days) during which a valid payment schedule must be provided in response. If the developer doesn’t provide you with a valid payment schedule in time, you are entitled to every last cent you have claimed, and you can recover all of your legal fees from the developer if you have to sue for it. However, there are two reasons why this isn’t as perfect as it sounds. First, any competent developer will get a payment schedule to you in time. And even if they don’t, they can still try to claim back from you the amount they think they have overpaid. Payment claim enforcement isn’t intended to be the final say in the matter and it doesn’t resolve the underlying dispute. All it does is determine whose bank account the money goes into, in the meantime.

So, at this point it looks like we’re scratching for a watertight protection. But that is where the most powerful remedy comes in.

Most standard-form residential building contracts like NZCB, Master Builders and Building Hub contain an agreement on the part of the property owner to grant the builder a mortgage over the property. That mortgage usually isn’t formally documented or registered, and it invariably ranks behind the Bank’s first mortgage, but it doesn’t matter. It is sufficient to entitle the builder to register a caveat against the property’s title. And that caveat prevents the developer from completing the sale of any of the units unless and until the builder gets paid.

It’s the ability to caveat the title that gives the builder the greatest leverage. For that reason, if your client goes to the trouble of reading the building contract, or better still obtaining legal advice on it, normally the first thing they request is that the clauses that give the right to a caveat are removed. If it is a residential project for a homeowner, you might be more sympathetic to that request,

particularly if all your other protections are preserved. But in a development project I would be more wary, and I would insist on either those clauses remaining, or you being paid sufficient money up front so that your latest invoice is always covered.

There is a very good reason why you should do so. Imagine that you didn’t have either of those protections, and the project turns out to be a bit of a disaster for the developer. If the developer doesn’t find a way to save a lot of money in a hurry, chances are there will be no profit in the project at all. How do you achieve those savings if you are either dishonest or desperate? You wait until the construction is nearly finished, and then you don’t pay the builder’s final invoice. You then get a lawyer to make up a lot of credible reasons why the builder has let you down, you terminate the building contract on those grounds, and you threaten the builder with a massive counterclaim if he ever comes after you for the money. That way you’ve just taken a six-figure discount off the contract price, and you can use the money to pay the legal fees and get another builder to finish off. Don’t leave yourself exposed to that risk.

Geoff Hardy is a partner in the Auckland law firm Martelli McKegg Lawyers and is a construction law specialist. Geoff also operates the Business Related Legal helpline for NZCB members, contact Geoff on 09 379 0700 or geoff@martellimckegg.co.nz for 20 minutes of free advice. This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

Ensure that you are always paid sufficient money up front so that if your latest invoice isn’t paid, you have enough to cover it. New Zealand Certified Builders contracts give you that right, but the other standardform building contracts don’t.

Why you need to be the lobster on the cheese plate

With the residential building market becoming a more highly competitive environment, it is crucial for your businesses to have a clear point of difference to survive and thrive. A point of difference (POD) sets a company apart from its competitors and gives it a unique advantage. It is the key factor that helps customers choose one builder over another. Without it, you will be subject to the customer’s selection criteria, and that is invariably….the price.

There are several reasons why having a clear point of difference is vital for small construction businesses:

1.

Stand out in a crowded market

Having a clear point of difference can help your business stand out from its competitors. For example, a building company that specialises in green building practices can set itself apart from competitors that don’t offer sustainable building solutions. By highlighting their unique expertise in green building, they can attract customers who value sustainability and eco-friendliness.

2. Attract and retain customers

When customers feel they are getting something unique and valuable from a business, they are more likely to become loyal customers.

3. Higher profit margins

A clear point of difference can also lead to higher profit margins. When a business offers something unique, it can charge a premium for its services. Customers are often willing to pay more for something they cannot get elsewhere.

4. Increased efficiency

When your business has a clear focus, you can streamline the operations and specialise in certain areas. This can lead to increased efficiency and better quality work. How do you go about developing your point-of-difference? As the US author Mark Harari describes it: becoming the “lobster on a cheese plate”. Who’s not going to notice that!

The first and most critical step in developing a clear point of difference is to identify your target market. Moreover, you need to develop a deep understanding of how your customers think, their needs, their concerns, and what they value most in a construction business. You might need to conduct client interviews to get a better understanding of your target market. Once you really know your target market, you can tailor your services and messaging to appeal to them. This is where you can design your “lobster on a cheese plate” market offering that pushes your target customers’ emotional hot buttons and makes you stand out from your competitors.

Aspects of your service features and benefits may address some of the following:

• Focusing on your unique strengths, if relevant

• Specialising in a particular area of building, like historic homes or passive homes

• Efficient project management techniques and tools

• High level of craftsmanship (although “high quality” is claimed by most)

• Exceptional customer service

• Best value. Be careful with this one, but it can be relevant. You may need to offer something unique. This often helps to crystalise what can be an abstract concept and put an actual document or process in front of a prospective customer. Some examples may include the following:

• A loyalty program or referral program for customers

• A unique guarantee or warranty on your work – Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee

• A particular promise on your level of service and communication

• Free design consultations or 3D renderings

• Online project management tools for the client to track progress. The critical thing to remember when developing your POD is whether your target clients care about what you think makes your business unique. Always try to be in your customers’ shoes when designing this, and ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do my target customers want this?

2. Can my competitors not provide this?

3. Can we prove this?

Developing a clear point of difference is critical for any business that wants to succeed in a competitive market. By identifying your target market, truly understanding how they think, focusing on your unique strengths, offering something unique and developing a strong brand identity, you can develop your “lobster on a cheese plate” reputation and attract loyal customers.

For help developing your marketing strategy, contact me at andy@tradescoach.co.nz, and we can book a time to talk.

Andy Burrows Director of The Trades Coach and NZCB National Partner. I encourage you to take advantage of a free business strategy review session to see how we can improve your business performance. Call Andy today on 027 688 6721 or email andy@tradescoach.co.nz.

Migrant workers in construction and their visa options

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) introduced a new accreditation system last year. Since then, an Accredited Employer work visa (AEWV) becomes the main pathway for a skilled migrant worker to work in New Zealand.

INZ also planned to expand this accreditation system to cover all migrants, including those with open work rights. However, this plan is deferred until 2024 due to the nationwide labour shortages. From a long-term view, all employers who need to hire migrant workers should obtain this accreditation now or next year.

This article discusses this accreditation system, its impact on the migrant workers in the construction sector and an overview of their visa options.

How to hire a migrant worker under the new accreditation system

There are three stages for an employer and a proposed employee; employer accreditation, job check and the visa application.

Stage one – Employer Accreditation

There are three types of accreditation that an employer can apply for on basis of the business types.

2. Acceptable employment and median wage

The migrant worker must be paid at or above a median wage for a migrant worker, unless exemptions apply. We also suggest the proposed employment is reviewed to ensure all employment and immigration requirements are met before submission to INZ.

Stage three – Accredited Employer work visa

The last stage is an AEWV application. This is a check on the eligibility of the migrant worker. The candidate must meet the character and medical requirements in this application besides all requirements for the qualifications and work experiences, in particular, when a candidate holds overseas qualifications and work experience.

Talking to a professional to do a preliminary assessment before submitting the application is always a smart move, which we recommend.

Impacts on the construction sector Green List

An occupation on Tier 1 of the Green List will be allowed to apply for a residency directly under the category of Straight to Residence, even if the applicant is offshore. An occupation in Tier 2 will be allowed to apply for a residency after 24 months holding relevant types of work visa under the category of Work to Residence. In some circumstances, the period of 24 months can be taken into account on or after 29 September 2021. It means some applicants may be eligible for residency from 29 September 2023. We suggest taking professional advice to ensure eligibility prior to the submission.

Stage two – Job check

1. Labour Market Test and Green List

An employer can prepare a job check application before the accreditation is granted considering the general timeframe of processing. The first thing an employer should check is whether a labour market test (LMT) is required for the role. If a role is on the Green List, the LMT is not required. It means an advertisement is not required. Otherwise, an employer must advertise the role and ensure there are no New Zealand citizens or residents who are suitable for the role.

If a role is on the Green List, it also means the candidate might be eligible for a residency directly or after 24 months of holding a relevant visa. A job title on Green List is not the only information required. Qualification, work experience and remuneration information may be required. We suggest an employer and their employee do a preliminary assessment of whether the full requirements on the Green List are met.

Exemptions to the median wage

Some occupations in the construction sector will be exempt from the median wage threshold. The current median wage, which applied from 27 February 2023, is $29.66 per hour. The wage threshold for the occupations on the exemption list is 90% of the median wage i.e. $26.69 per hour.

Also, it is not simple as using the same job title. The job details must meet the requirements of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

Visa options for migrant workers and their dependent families

For migrant workers

1. Main option – AEWV

As a migrant worker, AEWV is the main option, especially, if a migrant is offshore and/or is from a non-visa waiver country. It is critical to talk to a professional to make a plan based on the circumstance, particularly if the qualification and work experience were obtained overseas, having a visa declined history, and/or having character/medical issues.

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law, health and safety and immigration topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.

• Work that directly supports the recovery (e.g. producing relevant material for road rebuild, transport drivers etc).

The Recovery Visa is not limited to roles in the North Island only, recognising that some direct support industries will be South Island-based. However, this visa is not available to industries providing indirect support (e.g. businesses in the affected areas facing an increased demand for services) or to backfill vacancies of people leaving roles to work on the recovery.

b. Duration and INZ application fee

This new work visa will be for up to six months. INZ is aiming to process the application within a week or less. INZ will also refund the application fee of $700.00 to a successful applicant.

For dependent families

Partners of migrant workers will also bring the additional workforce to local communities.

2. Variation of Condition (VOC) for current work visa holders

As migrant workers holding a valid work visa, if they wish to work for a new employer, relocate to a new workplace, or work in a new position, verifying their visa conditions will be a fast and easy way.

Essential Skilled work visa (ESWV) holders can apply for a VOC to change their visa conditions. AEWV holders can apply for a Job Change to change them. If the workplace and position will be changed, the LMT may be needed that depends on whether the occupation is on a demand list and/or the green list.

We also suggest talking to a professional to explore other visa options based on individual circumstances.

3. New Recovery Visa

INZ has just announced a new sub-category work visa – Recovery Visa under the Specific Purpose work visa category to help the recovery and rebuild in the North Island.

a. Eligibility

If applicants come to New Zealand for a short period to do one of the following support jobs for the North Island recovery from extreme weather events in January and February 2023, they may be eligible for the new Recovery Visa.

• Providing emergency response

• Immediate clean-up

• Assessing risk or loss

• Infrastructure, building and housing stabilisation and/or repair (including planning functions)

Partners may be eligible for a visitor visa or work visa depending on the duration of the partnership, generally. INZ assesses whether a relationship is genuine and stable and whether the couple is living together. For onshore migrant workers, the couple has not lived together for a while, the evidence of the partnership is key to the application. Also, not all types of work visa holders will be eligible to support their partners.

Conclusion

The newly established accreditation system seems here to stay. We encourage employers not to shy away from the system and to consider accreditation if that is not already in place.

Copeland Ashcroft, a national workplace law firm, not only is an expert in employment law and Health and Safety but also specialises in immigration law. We are happy to talk to members of New Zealand Certified Builders and make plans on basis of individual business needs. We also offer a special legal fee to all members.

For a free 15-minute consultation, give us a call on 0800 354 821.

Naoimh McAllister, Partner and Ada Zhang , Associate, of Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers. Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers operate the NZCB Employment helpline and providing specialist advice, representation and support across employment, immigration and health and safety law, to businesses throughout New Zealand. www.copelandashcroft.co.nz

Talking to a professional to do a preliminary assessment before submitting the application is always a smart move, which we recommend.

Sleep easy: 5 ways to improve cash flow!

It doesn’t matter how profitable you are if you can’t balance incoming cash and outgoing expenses. Do you have times where you struggle to pay suppliers, payroll or yourself? Here are five practical tips to help you manage your cash flow, so you can get a better night’s sleep!

1. Invoice quickly

The best way to avoid cash flow problems is to speed up the time it takes to send your invoices.

• Have regular invoicing cycles or set pre-determined stage claims

• Invoice clients as soon as the work is done, rather than at end of the month

• Invoice for any variations as soon as they’re completed –don’t wait until the end of the project!

• Have short payment terms, for example five working days.

2. Issue valid payment claims

Following the simple payment claim processes outlined in the Construction Contracts Act can help you get paid on time and avoid timely and costly disputes. For your invoices to be valid as payment claims, they must follow this criteria:

• Be in writing

• Identify the construction contract it relates to

• Identify and carefully describe the construction work you’re requesting payment for

• Identify the time period the work was done in

• State the amount claimed

• Identify how the amount claimed was calculated

• Include the correct due date for payment

• It must say “This is a payment claim under the Construction Contracts Act 2002”

• It must be accompanied by a Form 1, a written notice outlining the process for responding to the claim and the consequences of not responding if payment in full is not made.

I recommend getting professional advice to make sure your invoice template complies with the Act.

3. Don’t be too lenient with late payments

Getting paid on time is crucial for positive cash flow, so have a process for communication and escalation for overdue payments. For longer payment terms, it’s a good idea to send an automated invoice reminder a few days before the due date.

Immediately a payment is overdue, send an automated reminder that’s direct, but polite. If it remains unpaid, follow up with a phone call and don’t be afraid to take more formal action if you need to. If you’ve issued a valid payment claim

and a client is disputing it, they must issue a valid payment schedule that follows the requirements of the Act.

4. Use accounting software

A good accounting software, like Xero, will help you stay on top of your finances. You’ll find it easier to manage your accounting and tax workload and stay up to date. This will give you accurate financial information so you can budget and project future cash flow. If you’re really not confident with numbers, hire a professional bookkeeper or accountant to manage it for you.

5. Regularly review your business operations

Running a business isn’t ‘set and forget’. Continually review and refine your systems, pricing and expenses to find smarter solutions, increase efficiency and reduce costs. For example:

• Take advantage of technology or apps that will streamline your business processes and save you time.

• Are your margins tight because you’re charging too cheaply? Remember that if you use your website, social media and communications to highlight your experience and where you can add value, potential clients won’t make their decision based on cost alone.

• Regularly look at your expenses – cull or make changes so you have everything your business needs, but not more than it needs.

Remember your cash flow needs to be constantly monitored. That way you’ll not only know how much money you’re taking in, but how much of it you have available to use.

Amanda Chisholm, Director of My Smart Office and National Partner of NZCB. Amanda runs a successful residential building company with her husband. She also uses her 20+ years’ experience in bookkeeping, administration, customer communication and sales to help builders manage their accounts and administration, increase revenue and gain time.

or call Amanda on 021 886 120

Damn Spambots!

How to win the battle against the scammers

One of the unique challenges of running a business in our modern world is how to protect your information, privacy and security. Business websites are unfortunately key targets for bots crawling the internet looking for security vulnerabilities to harvest information. This information; email addresses, logins, credit details is then on sold or used in scams by spammers.

Marry this with brute force attacks on websites as well as phishing scams and it’s easy to get a feeling that your business is under siege. Never fear…

Here are some tips to help you beat the bots

• Don’t have your email address showing on your website. Provide your email address only to people and organizations you know and trust. Use a contact form instead.

• Beware of emails from an unknown or dubious source. Never open email attachments or click hyperlinks included in a message that you were not expecting or were sent from an unknown sender.

• Never provide personal or financial information such as passwords or credit card information to an unknown or untrusted person or website.

• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and include two-factor authentication where possible.

• Don’t store your passwords on your browser e.g. when your browser such as Google Chrome asks to save your password for you. Instead use password protection applications such as www.keepersecurity.com or www.lastpass.com.

How NZCB is helping to keep your website and details safe

• The New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) website does not publish email addresses for public access but uses secure contact forms to pass enquiries directly on to the relevant people, including the FIND A BUILDER section.

• The NZCB website also uses Cloudflare security which detects and mitigates bots.

Because not all bots are bad, the solution prevents false positives by automatically maintaining and updating a list of “good” bots such as those belonging to search engines.

• Websites on the NZCB system are also stored in secure hosting environment powered by Google Cloud platform’s world class architecture. This provides exceptional security and back-ups.

So, the key message here is protect your info, don’t open those dodgy looking emails, use strong passwords and always remember that NZCB has your back.

Spammer

Person or organization that sends irrelevant or unsolicited messages over the internet, typically to large numbers of users, for the purposes of advertising, phishing, spreading malware, etc.

Bots

An autonomous program on the internet or another network that can interact with systems or users.

Spambot

An autonomous program on the internet that sends spam to a large number of users or posts spam on online forums.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message.

Never provide personal or financial information such as passwords or credit card information to an unknown or untrusted person or website.

Mike Graham, Willing Web. Willing Web is a creative agency based in Tauranga providing a range of services across social media, marketing and web development. For more information visit www.willingweb.com

Strengthen your mindset in the year of the rabbit

It’s the year of the rabbit, which is all about wellness, balance, and abundance. Which sounds wonderful in theory – but what practical steps can you take to put that into place? Here are nine ways you can strengthen your mindset to achieve the success you deserve.

1. Positive self-talk

Talking to yourself in a positive and uplifting manner boosts your confidence and motivates you to pursue your goals. So, take note of your internal dialogue – and if you catch yourself saying things like, “I’ll never do it”, turn it around into a positive “I always get through”.

Start your positive self-talk in the mirror every morning, so one of the first things you see is yourself saying a positive mantra.

2. Gratitude

Practicing gratitude helps you focus on what you have, rather than what you don’t have, which leads to greater satisfaction. Look at all the things you achieved yesterday, or last week, or last month: acknowledge them and be thankful for your accomplishments, small and large.

Incorporate a practice of gratitude into your routine daily, weekly, or monthly: the more you do it, the better your mental health will become.

3. Be present

Being present means you’re totally in the moment. A good way of being present is to simply observe your breath for a few minutes. Focus all your concentration on your breathing. It really can be this simple, but most of us simply don’t focus on being present often enough.

4. Set goals

Setting a goal gives you something to pursue, which creates focus and direction. I recommend using both SMART and DUMB goalsetting techniques:

• SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

• DUMB = Dream-driven, Uplifting, Method friendly, Behaviour triggered.

5. Visualise your goals

What do your short, medium, and long-term goals look like? What do the outcomes look like? Picture that success in your mind and also feel the emotions that go along with your accomplishments and prosperity.

6. Build resilience

Resilience is important so we can bounce back from setbacks, overcome challenges, and maintain that growth mindset. After we have recognised and felt a failure or loss in our businesses, we need to move on.

7. Learn from mistakes

I’ve personally made more mistakes in life than anyone else I know. But because of my resilience and ability to bounce back, I’ve probably had more success than anyone I know. I’m not afraid of making mistakes, and embrace them as a learning opportunity.

When you’ve identified a mistake, ask yourself: what were the wins from that? What did you learn from that? What will you change going forwards?

8. Surround yourself with positive people

If you surround yourself with positive, inspirational, successful people – by the law of averages, that’s the person you’re going to become.

9. Physical health

The healthier we are physically, the better our brains work:

• Regular exercise improves your mental and physical wellbeing, which helps reduce stress and increase feelings of wellbeing.

• Good nutrition: the better we eat, the more energy reserves we have.

• Quality sleep gives you more energy and mental clarity to work towards your goals.

Need help? Contact us for a free consultation, 09 215 3378, to see how we can help with you and your team develop strong mindset capabilities.

Jason Dinan, Executive Coaching & Consulting. With 29 years of leadership experience working in 23 countries, Jason specialises in growing organisations through developing high-performance leaders, teams and strategy. He was the project head for a leading homebuilder in New Zealand, Australia and North America, helping grow annual sales from 47% to 311%.

Challenge accepted!

On Saturday 1 April (no joke!) the 2023 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM was held at various NZCB regional locations nationwide.

This year’s event saw 108 apprentices entered, and for the first time in the history of the Apprentice Challenge, we had to turn a handful away due to being oversubscribed.

The 2023 project, a pre-schoolers’ playhouse fort, was a challenging task for most entrants. Unlike previous years, this project contained more components associated with traditional building and carpentry work. The pitched roof required apprentices to calculate the angle and common rafter length. Challengers were also expected to use ‘best trade practice’ given the supplied fixings and materials. While this proved tricky for first year apprentices, most completed the task, and 21 apprentices qualified for the National Final in Christchurch held in May.

As in previous years, the proceeds from the sale of all completed projects will be donated to a deserving charity. This year’s recipient is KidsCan Charitable Trust, who support schools and early childhood centres, and are providing support to the flood effected Hawke’s Bay. Many projects were purchased by the apprentices and some have been donated by NZCB Regional Committees to worthy community groups and organisations – as a way to raise awareness of NZCB.

Thanks to the ongoing sponsorship from ITM, every apprentice received an ITM prize package with the top

three apprentices collected ITM gift vouchers valued at $500, $300, and $200 respectively. Supporting ITM stores nationwide supplied construction materials, and many hosted the event in store, going above and beyond to enhance the experience for all involved. ITM’s support will continue through to the National Final as the naming rights sponsor. Many thanks to ITM for their ongoing support of the NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

Congratulations to all apprentices who entered the 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge. Regardless of the result, each apprentice should be acknowledged for entering and taking part in the competition. It’s never easy and can be daunting when under the spotlight of judges, employers, family, and peers, so well done to you all.

NZCB looks forward to hosting the qualifying apprentices at the National Final, who will compete for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and title of overall winner 2023 NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM.

May the best apprentice win!

Nick Matthews Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship Manager

NZCB Central Otago regional event – Cromwell, ITM Southern Lakes.

Meet the 2023 Finalists

Keiran Davis | BAY OF ISLANDS/FAR NORTH

Keiran is employed by Hatchard Builders Limited in Russell and believes an apprentice should have a good attitude to learn and always aim for high quality.

Elijah McQueen | WHANGĀREI

Elijah is employed by RHJ Builders Limited in Whangārei and says an apprentice should be able to problem solve, and have the ability to think outside the square.

Leo Van Der Kroft | AUCKLAND NORTH

Leo is employed by Warren Adolph Homes Limited in Glen Eden, and thinks an apprentice should be hardworking, diligent, and focused on the task.

Theodore Jull | AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Theo is employed by MyHome Renovations Limited in Onehunga and says an apprentice should have a good ethic and a positive attitude.

Zhuoming Fu | WAIKATO

Zhuoming is employed by Reliable Homes Limited in Hamilton and thinks an apprentice should be prepared and show up on time.

Jared Menzies | TAURANGA DISTRICTS

Jared is employed by Paul James Builders Limited in Tauranga and believes an apprentice should be punctual, reliable and ask questions when unsure. Jared competed in the 2021 NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

Liam Marsh | WHAKATĀNE

Liam is employed by Galloway Builders Limited in Whakatāne and thinks an apprentice should be motivated to try new things, have a good attitude and a sense of pride in what they do.

Jake McCowatt | ROTORUA

Jake is employed by Up Front Builders in Rotorua and believes an apprentice should learn from their mistakes, be hardworking and have attention to detail.

Daniel Merwyn | TAUPŌ

Daniel is employed by Wade Construction Limited in Taupō and says an apprentice should be driven, have urgency, wit and resilience.

Antonio Barbarich-Waikari | GISBORNE

Antz is employed by Awanui Construct Limited in Gisborne and believes an apprentice should be at work on time and be ready to go.

Daniel Harvey | HAWKE’S BAY

Daniel is employed by Christie Builders & Joiners Limited in Napier and thinks an apprentice should be able to listen, follow instructions and take criticism to improve their skills.

Michael Craig | TARANAKI

Michael is employed by Adan Larsen Builders in Stratford and thinks an apprentice should be willing to learn and finish work to a high standard. Michael competed in the 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

Josiah Greig | MANAWATŪ

Josiah is employed by Craig Homes Development in Palmerston North and says an apprentice should be able to learn, be punctual, and work hard.

Angus Petrie | WAIRARAPA

Angus is employed by Bashford Construction Limited in Masterton and says an apprentice should have common sense, be hardworking and skilful. Angus competed in the 2022 NZCB Apprentice Challenge.

Jordan Gush | WELLINGTON

Jordan is employed by Straight Forward Building Solutions

Limited in Wellington and believes an apprentice should have intuition, a desire to learn and be hardworking.

Charlette Bone | NELSON BAYS

Charlette is employed by Tasman Homes (Nelson) Limited in Nelson and thinks an apprentice needs to be good at problem solving, willing to learn new things and hardworking.

Alex Erickson | CANTERBURY

Alex is employed by Steve Brown Builders Limited in Christchurch and thinks an apprentice should keep an open mind, have patience and a good sense of humour.

Sam Keenan | MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY

Sam is employed by R N Building in Geraldine and believes an apprentice should be punctual, work well as part of a team, and have the ability to listen.

Craig Burke | CENTRAL OTAGO

Craig is employed by Bayview Construction Limited in Wanaka and says an apprentice should have a keen eye for detail and a willingness to learn from those around them.

Jack Johnston | OTAGO

Jack is employed by Naylor Love Construction Limited in Dunedin and says an apprentice must have a good work ethic, be willing to learn and ready to give anything a go. Jack competed in the 2022 Apprentice Challenge.

William Hogg | SOUTHLAND

William is employed by Kennedy Building in Riverton and believes an apprentice should have a good attitude, always be willing to learn and communicate well.

Good luck to all the finalists as you advance to the National Final!

Guaranteed to survive the next decade in business?

Software (and your commitment to it) could be the answer

Buying software is the easy part. Getting it to stick and add value to your business is the challenge.

Get the support you need to succeed

As we have implemented Builda Price into Australia, we have found several builders prepared to spend thousands of dollars on extra support and training from our implementation partners. They love the software but also want to ensure they bring their whole business along with the change – so they invest in it.

In New Zealand, we have recognised the need for implementation and training support for all builders who sign up with Builda Price, so all builders receive mentoring through our licensee network. These licensees bring a huge amount of experience to the program implementation, which means the builder is supported when they come onto the Builda Price platform. They’re not alone as they take their first steps along the path to better systems and processes.

In previous roles, I had to manage installing software projects into some sizeable businesses, including working with several PlaceMakers and ITM stores.

It took me several years to realise that the cost of the software was often the smallest part of the total investment required to get business results.

As you put more and more software into businesses, I realised there were associated costs such as staff training, changing processes, computer hardware, and business disruption. Ever wonder if software could be the silver bullet for your business? That if you just get the right software, you can switch it on and your business will be changed? Yeah right!

At Builda Price, we see two types of builders:

Builder 1 – signed up for the software, went through the mentoring process but is not using the software. He may not have been prepared to put the time in, been willing to change his processes, or he has staff that refuse to change. He may have brought the software and expected to turn it and have it work like magic!

Builder 2 – signed up for the software, went through the mentoring process, committed to putting extra time into setup, willing to change his processes, and continues to pick up enhancements as they come through. This builder pushes us for ongoing development and enhancements for all the right reasons, as they are all about improving their business and lifestyle. The software in this case is only part of the solution. It is the dedication and time the builders have put into their businesses around this software installation that results in business improvements.

When you commit to software, you are committing to a partnership that you want to know will grow over time and continue to improve your business. Once the honeymoon is over, what does the long-term relationship look like?

• Will I have ongoing support and what does this look like locally?

• Does my software partner listen to my feedback and look to enhance my experience?

• Are they delivering new components and growing, or just looking for the next customer they can sign up?

With the right software partner you will receive the right solutions for your business over time.

What’s the cost if I don’t change and invest?

If you don’t invest in change, you won’t improve your business. Instead, you’ll go backwards. And I think this is because more and more pressure is coming down on the builder and his business for the total build responsibility. It’s as if everyone wants to shift the responsibility to the builder. For example:

1) Banks are trying to de-risk by ensuring fixed-price contracts are in place before they lend. This puts the heat right back on the builder.

2) The tightening up of retention cash and how this is handled.

3) Health and safety responsibilities.

These are just a few examples of increased responsibilities on builders. It isn’t necessarily going to slow down, so as a builder you need to put processes and systems in place to cater for this. If you don’t continue to invest in these areas, chances are you and your business will struggle to cope with future requirements

in the industry. One scenario I suspect we will see in the industry is that builders who have good systems and processes will become larger and absorb smaller builders. Smaller or individual builders will be forced to work or contract to builders who have their systems and processes compliant because they won’t be able to carry the risk due to lack of investment in process and systems. Would you use a hammer when a nail gun can do the job faster and more efficiently?

So, why does a builder continue to use manual or old processes in their administration or office processes when there is software

that can be their ‘nail gun’? It could be because they don’t feel confident in this area or don’t have a good partner to help them navigate it.

My challenge to any builder business owner today is to look at your business and ask:

• Are my processes and systems good enough to get me through the next five to 10 years?

• Is my software partner, accountant, and business coach going to invest in their business over the next five years to ensure my building business grows strong?

Invest now to ensure your business is strong enough to survive the next decade.

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Darren Wallbank Builda Price. Builda Price is a NZCB National Partner and was developed to help builders quickly and accurately price jobs along with tracking their progress and costs live on the job. Quoting, Time-sheeting, Job Tracking, bill processing and Project Management (shortly) on mobile and desktop. For more information visit www.Builda Pricegroup.com

In New Zealand, we have recognised the need for implementation and training support for all builders who sign up with Builda Price, so all builders receive mentoring through our licensee network.

New concrete pumping regulations on their way

What it means for New Zealand Certified Builders

Over recent years there have been a series of failures involving concrete pumps that had the potential to cause serious injury or fatality. These incidents range from concrete placing booms breaking, steel delivery lines rupturing under pressure and support equipment failing.

To do this, the Group believes that as a minimum, concrete pumping companies should look to comply with MBIE’s Concrete Pumping Health & Safety Guidelines as soon as possible.

As a customer of a Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group member, MBIE’s Guidelines will reduce the likelihood of serious injury occurring on your site due to the failure of concrete pump components.

Also, as the principal Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) you will have some comfort that the concrete pumping company complies with minimum best practice guidelines.

It is also timely to remind all PCBU’s of their legal requirement to provide an approved traffic management plan and control on their sites. The Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group’s Guidelines to Site Delivery Safety: Video Presentation is an excellent resource that can assist in this area.

Concrete New Zealand (NZ) believes that most of these incidents could have been mitigated by inspection/maintenance programs and independent certification of concrete pumping equipment.

It is timely therefore, that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recently produced a Cabinet paper for Hon. Michael Wood as Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety –Health and Safety at Work Regulatory Reform – Protecting People Working With Plant, Structures and Doing Hazardous Work.

This package of regulatory proposals will supplement the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act and make it mandatory for concrete pumping/placing booms and hydraulic arms to be registered and subject to an annual inspection.

The Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group is looking to work with concrete pumping companies to help them pre-empt these regulations and position themselves to meet their legal obligations when they come into effect.

The Groups’ members are optimistic that the new regulations will encourage positive change amongst concrete pumping companies, with the objective of protecting everyone’s health, safety and wellbeing.

MBIE’s Concrete Pumping Health & Safety Guidelines can be found at: www.worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/ 440-concrete-pumping-health-and-safety-guidelines, and the Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group’s Guidelines to Site Delivery Safety, video presentation can be found at: www.vimeo.com/390829519.

Rob Gaimster Concrete NZ Chief Executive. Concrete NZ supports industry to position concrete as the material of choice for a modern and resilient New Zealand. This is achieved through a consolidated voice that brings confidence, knowledge and leadership to members, industry and regulators. For more information visit: www.concretenz.org.nz

As a customer of a Concrete NZ Readymix Sector Group member, MBIE’s Guidelines will reduce the likelihood of serious injury occurring on your site due to the failure of concrete pump components.

How to run a Toolbox meeting

Toolbox meetings are short briefings held on-site with your team. Here workers have the opportunity to have their say about health and safety, the work programme and how the job is tracking.

Don’t be put off the idea of rounding the team up for a toolbox talk. Toolbox meetings should be run on a regular basis for 10-15 minutes. A weekly or fortnightly meeting is often suitable, however if you are involved in a big project with new workers coming on-site regularly or there are particularly hazardous areas of the job, then you might want to increase the frequency to daily.

How to run a Toolbox Meeting?

1. Schedule the meeting

Let the team know where and when the meeting is. At the start of the day works best with most workplaces.

2. Set the scene for the meeting – keep it real and be positive

Encourage everyone to join in and provide their own feedback, knowledge and experiences. Use simple language for everyone to understand to convey the key health and safety messages. Toolbox meetings are an opportunity to provide positive feedback for safe actions, hard work and initiatives. It’s also important to avoid criticism and acknowledge everyone for their contributions. The meeting shouldn’t be a lecture, but a chance for talking with the team.

Ensure that running and attending toolbox safety meetings is recognised as an important part of a person’s role. If the worker regards health and safety as an add-on, it will often be neglected.

3. Follow an agenda

Follow an agenda to make sure you cover everything off: Inform workers of changes to company procedures

Identify new hazards and review existing hazards

Develop/review hazard controls

Discuss/review accident and incident data

Discuss the work programme for the day/week ahead Have company leaders talk about the business direction or a particular topic

Discuss any new equipment on-site

Provide a short training session (Site Safe provides exclusive toolbox talk topics to its members for upskilling and informing workers).

Why do we run Safety Meetings?

Inform workers of changes to company procedures

Identify new hazards and review existing hazards

Develop/review hazard controls

Discuss/review accident and incident data

Employee participation

Communication

Discuss programme

Develop/review work processes

Short training sessions.

4. Close the meeting

Thank the team for their time and let them get to work.

5. Record meeting notes

Details of meetings should be recorded and kept on file. Record meeting dates, attendees and discussion items. Show follow-up items from previous hazards, accidents and incidents.

For more information, check out the Toolbox Talks section on the Site Safe website, www.sitesafe.org.nz/guides--resources/toolbox-talks/.

New tools to simplify contractor management

As a building company, you’re responsible for the Health and Safety (H&S) of everyone on-site, not just your direct employees. Getting contractors involved in H&S is a big challenge for building companies and exposes you to additional risk.

Of course, building companies often tell us that although they have some influence over contractors on-site, getting them to engage with H&S is a challenge, as they don’t have the same level of control over contractors compared to direct staff. Too often, contractors arrive on-site without an established H&S system and need a lot of support from the main contractor. If they have their own system, it creates a paperwork nightmare for the building company responsible for ensuring reports are completed and collected.

the necessary information and documents, including public liability insurance, a policy and procedures document, and evidence they follow good H&S practices on-site.

Automated reminders to save you time – If your contractors don’t respond, they will receive email reminders until they complete the process. You will be notified when the documentation is ready to check and approve. No more chasing contractors and long, no more long email chains.

On-site – Love the HazardCo app? Now contractors can use it too. One H&S tool for everyone under one roof One system for everyone – From employees to contractors, everyone on-site will be able to use the HazardCo app to complete H&S reports such as site reviews, task analysis, incident reports, and more. Workers can collaborate on safety by creating and assigning tasks. You’ll know everyone has guided, easy-to-use tools ready to manage H&S on-site. All reports will be shared with you. And they will get a copy for their own records too. Finally, kill paperwork on-site.

Unauthorised worker notification – If a worker scans onto a site that hasn’t been approved yet, you’ll get a notification. So, unless you hear otherwise, you can be sure everyone on-site is good to go.

Oversight – Get the big picture view of all H&S activity taking place

What does good contractor management look like?

First, you need to ensure contractors have the right skills and experience to do the job, and second, you need to make sure they will carry out the work safely. Once they are onboard, you need to monitor throughout the build if the contractor is following good H&S practices on-site.

We’ve created several new tools that will help you manage your contractors before they begin working with you and while they are on-site. We’ve also made monitoring your contractor’s H&S activity easier, even when you’re in the office. It’s one system for everyone.

How does it work?

Pre-site – Do your homework before you start working with contractors to reduce the risk to your business

Simple pre-qualification – Hit one button to start the pre-qualification process with a new contractor. From there, they will automatically be sent a questionnaire requesting all

Monitor H&S activity with dashboards – You’ll be able to see all H&S activity at a project or company level. For the first time, you will have full visibility of all H&S activity taking place on-site, from employees to contractors.

Create a record of good H&S practices over time –All reports created on-site will be automatically sent to you and stored for safekeeping. Say goodbye to paperwork and filing.

Managing your contractors and ensuring their safety on-site is non-negotiable, so make it simpler, and let our digital and automated tools do the heavy lifting.

Contact the HazardCo team at 0800 555 339 or info@hazardco.com to learn more about these pre-qualification tools and how we can help you manage contractor safety on-site.

The HazardCo Team. HazardCo is a NZCB Affinity Partner and, as your trusted safety partner, we provide you with the tools and support you need to #SortYourSafety.

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The art of breathing well

Often in times of stress, anxiety, agitation, or anger, we are advised to “take a deep breath”, but this is only effective if we complete the full cycle of a breath by paying attention to both inhalation and exhalation.

Does any of this sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. A staggering 12% of the population suffers from hyperventilation, or what is also known as over breathing.

So how can we help ourselves? What can we consciously do to ensure good breathing?

Take a moment to note what is happening with your breathing right now. Is it deep or shallow? Is it your diaphragm or chest rising and falling? Are you breathing through your mouth or nose?

Fortunately for most of us, breathing is a function that doesn’t require any thought or conscious intervention. The control centre for breathing is located at the bottom of our brain near the spinal cord and is called the medulla oblongata. It manages and regulates involuntary functions that keep us alive, including essential survival tasks such as keeping our hearts beating, regulating blood pressure, and even vomiting.

When we inhale, we take in oxygen, which our bodies need to produce energy. This process leaves behind a gas called carbon dioxide. Our carbon dioxide production works in the same way that a car running on petrol leaves behind carbon dioxide fumes. To ensure optimal functioning, we must remove this carbon dioxide from our bodies properly and we do this through effective exhaling.

The medulla’s respiratory centre is home to receptors that detect when levels of carbon dioxide are too high in the blood. All of this happens automatically, so even when you are sleeping the muscles responsible for inhaling and exhaling still operate without you controlling them. For as long as you’re living, your brain will control the flow of air and regulate your levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide. But just because breathing is an involuntary function doesn’t mean we always do a good job or are able to control it. For example, taking in multiple deep breaths puts us at risk of taking on too much oxygen, which in turn can increase feelings of anxiety. You are essentially telling your brain to expect some type of conflict, which could lead us to holding our breath for longer periods of time.

It’s a balancing act

We need our medulla oblongata to regulate good levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our systems. If our carbon dioxide levels are too high, we may start to get a headache and feel tired, or more severe symptoms could occur such as difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, seizure, and even coma. If however, our carbon dioxide levels get too low, we may start to hyperventilate. This may make you feel light-headed, dizzy, and weak. You may also have a fast heartbeat, numbness or tingling in the arms, hands or feet, problems sleeping, and chest pains.

Let’s start with how you are taking in oxygen. It’s very common for us to breathe through our mouth, but mouth breathing is essentially an emergency function. To your brain, you are justifying the emergency response. Your sympathetic nervous system (a network of nerves that helps your body activate its “fight-or-flight” response. This system’s activity increases when you’re stressed, in danger or physically active) will remain in high gear until your body has an indication that the threat has passed.

You can calm this sympathetic response, the rapid heart rate, and breathing difficulties, by activating your parasympathetic nervous system (the balance to our sympathetic nervous system that is responsible for regulating bodily functions, conserving energy and relaxing, or reducing your body’s activities). The parasympathetic nervous system response is like switching on an emergency brake to slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, decrease your muscle tension, and restore your breathing back to its pre-alerted, calm state.

How to activate your parasympathetic nervous system through breath work

Breathe through your nose; this will stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system. Your nose also acts as a natural filter. When you breathe in through your nostrils the air gets warmed and moistened, and tiny hairs in the nose filter out dust and other particles, cleaning the air as you inhale.

Breathe into your diaphragm; diaphragmatic breathing involves breathing deep into the stomach and fully engaging the diaphragm. This strengthens the diaphragm and helps the lungs work more efficiently. It may also promote a feeling of calm or relaxation.

Breathe out longer than you breathe in; This can take some practice, but it will help ensure you are not falling into the trap of over breathing.

It’s very common for us to breathe through our mouth, but mouth breathing is essentially an emergency function.

An easy exercise to build into your daily routine*

Do this for 10 minutes when you wake up and again before you go to sleep.

1. Lie on your back and raise your arms above your head (behind you).

2. Slowly tense and release each part of your body from your feet up to your eyes. Holding each tension for five seconds.

3. Set your airways to the optimum place for the exercise. To do this, say a word that ends in “N” for example, Nelson. Your tongue and lips should fall into the perfect place for good slow nose breathing.

4. Breath in through your nose, and count to five.

5. As you do this watch your diaphragm rise up high (not your chest).

6. Breathe out through your nose, and count to six.

7. Watch your diaphragm fall (your chest should not be moving).

8. Repeat this for 10 minutes.

It can help to have a light weight (such as a wheat pack) across your torso to provide a bit of resistance and control during this exercise.

This can be done during the day sitting at your desk (without the arms or you might look a little weird), before a presentation, meeting, or anytime you start to feel signs of stress, anxiety, agitation, or anger.

As we get into our busy days, we can often “forget” to breathe. Placing a few reminders around the place such as a simple dot sticker or Post-it note can help install reminders until it becomes a good habit. Try putting your chosen reminder on the bathroom mirror, fridge, dash of the car, or computer screen.

There are many different breathing exercises to help manage healthy breathing patterns, but if you are struggling, or worried about your breathing due to stress, anxiety, long covid, or even asthma, please seek professional help.

Breathing Works is a good place to start. We have years of experience and a team of amazing therapists to help you. www.breathingworks.com

*Please ensure you seek medical advice from a professional or your GP before undertaking any breathing exercises such as the suggested one in this article.

This is Part 2 of a four-part series on Daily Functioning. Look out for the next one.

Wendy Taylor, Head of Customer Experience at HumanEx Wendy has 20 years’ experience working in both community and professional services. From heading Operations in a Business Coaching Company, to Managing NFP organisations, teams and volunteers, her experience has taught her plenty about people, processes, and purpose. www.humanex.co.nz.

What we focus on, persists

What thoughts are going around and around in your head? Are you mainly focussed on the good things in your life, or are you spending more time worrying about the things that aren’t going well or possible obstacles you may (or may not!) face in the future?

The challenge is that most of our thoughts are on autopilot. We react to circumstances and events around us. We’re happy when we hear good news and worried when we hear bad news. We react differently when a car cuts us off, or when a job is delayed to when we win a new contract, or a job goes well.

These reactions are so much more than just emotions in the moment. Every thought we think and emotion we feel, also lays the foundation for what is ahead. Our thoughts act like magnets –attracting more of the same into our experience – good or bad.

Think back to a time when everything was going well – jobs were cranking, supplies flowing, and everyone was playing their part to enable a job to finish well. How were you feeling? On top of the world?! This only starts to change when your thoughts and expectations take a turn for the worse. Most likely slowly at first, with an odd negative thought or worry sneaking in here or there, but when left unchecked, these worries can escalate, resulting in more and more negative outcomes in our day.

Developing a positive mindset is a crucial first step to turning a negative situation around. However, it is not about being constantly happy or cheerful, and it’s not about ignoring anything negative or unpleasant in your life. It’s about incorporating both the positive and negative into your perspective and choosing to still be generally optimistic.

It’s acknowledging that you will not always be happy and learning to accept bad moods and difficult emotions when they come.

So how do we switch from feeling worried or stressed into a positive and empowering mindset?

Deep Breathing is a simple but exceptionally powerful technique to slow your heart rate, let go of negative emotions, bring a sense of calm, increase your mental clarity and switch your focus to finding positive solutions.

Try one of these techniques anytime you are feeling the pressure:

1. Box Breathing: This technique involves inhaling for a certain number of counts, holding your breath for the same number of counts, exhaling for the same number of counts, and then holding your breath out for the same number of counts.

For example, you could inhale for a count of five, hold for five, exhale for five, and hold out for five. Repeat this for several minutes, focusing on your breath.

2. 4-7-8 Breathing: This technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding your breath for a count of seven, and exhaling for a count of eight. Repeat this for several minutes, focusing on your breath.

3. Cyclic Breathing: Breathe in through your nose. When you’ve comfortably filled your lungs, take a second, deeper sip of air to expand your lungs as much as possible. Then, very slowly, exhale through your mouth until every last drop of air is gone. Repeat this for several minutes, focusing on your breath.

Several cycles of each of these Breathing Techniques will help to calm and refocus you in any situation, however, to get the full effect, repeat this pattern for around five minutes.

What we focus on persists. Choosing to focus on the good things, and incorporating high quality Positive Mind Tools into our day, helps us to let go of negative emotions, feel calmer, and increases our mental clarity to enable us to make the best decisions.

Above all, it’s about increasing your control over your attitude in the face of whatever comes your way. You cannot always control the thoughts that pop into your head, but you can choose how you handle them.

People who choose to focus on the good things:

• Are more creative and able to brainstorm higher quality solutions for challenges when they arise

• Have improved memory and therefore make less mistakes

• Are more productive and engaged in their work

• Are more enjoyable to be around.

So, take a deep breath, focus on the good, and see how your world begins to change.

Rachelle Hawes is the Director of Your Happy Place Limited She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in improving Mindset, Happiness and Success to their flagship Mindset Programme, the Positive Mindset Challenge. She is also a Social Entrepreneur dedicated to Sharing Kindness, Touching Hearts and Changing Lives.

‘Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results.’

Psychosocial risk tool for construction industry launched

Kiwi technology company SaferMe has launched a psychosocial risk measurement tool to help construction firms manage psychological and social issues increasing risk on their worksites.

The tool, called ‘Safety Snap’ was developed with the backing of ACC’s Workplace Injury Prevention Innovation Programme; and in collaboration with Construction Health & Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) and Civil Contractors NZ.

It is focused on helping businesses to identify and target psychosocial factors that are increasing risk for their staff.

SaferMe’s Project Manager Mike Steere explains: “The 15 risk factors that Safety Snap measures all contribute to a variety of poor outcomes for businesses. These include; higher accident and injury rates; wellbeing problems; absenteeism and worker turnover.

“We’re looking to work with firms who are suffering from any of these issues, and help them to identify and address the factors behind them.”

Safety Snap works through a simple 10-second-per-day survey that is completed during pre-start or toolbox talks and covers the key risk factors. Answers are anonymous, and the tool is available in any language required.

“The key to getting engagement is making it quick, easy to understand, easy to answer and anonymous,” Steere says.

The company has taken an evidence-based approach to creating the tool, starting with a significant research analysis into the factors that increase likelihood of accidents, injuries and other poor outcomes at work, led by Hamilton-based Dr Steve Cantwell.

Following the research, SaferMe worked with construction firms across civil, commercial and residential construction to validate those findings and build a first dataset exploring the different factors and outcomes.

Steere says that the business learned a lot from this pilot work through 2022. Some of the key lessons from the construction industry so far included:

Stress

Stress is a serious indicator of risk for poor accident, wellbeing, and performance outcomes.

The data tells us that the effect of stress can be reduced via peer and manager support, greater work clarity and by focusing on improving job satisfaction; however it will be worsened through high or uneven workloads, fatigue, and poor workplace relationships.

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction is a very useful measure of risk as it is strongly interwoven with other risk factors. It’s a great first item to measure for businesses dipping their toes with wellbeing and psychosocial risk.

H&S leaders have a challenging role

Data from kiwi construction firms showed clearly that health and safety leaders had some of the highest stress, and lowest peer support of all roles. This highlights that they need more support from company management, and efforts to better integrate safety specialists into the business should be beneficial for all.

CHASNZ profiled SaferMe’s tool in a recent well-attended webinar, which is available to view at, https://www.chasnz.org/ articles/webinar-reducing-risk-by-measuring-and-addressingpsychosocial-issues-2.

Steere encourages anyone in the industry to get in touch if their business is looking at improving its management of wellbeing and psychosocial hazards, accidents and injuries, or looking to combat challenges with absenteeism or worker turnover.

For further information email SaferMe Project Manager

Mike Steere on mike.steere@safer.me.

SaferMe is a Wellington-headquartered safety software company that works with hundreds of small businesses in New Zealand’s trades providing an easy to use, quick to set up app for health and safety reporting. The Safety Snap Psychosocial Risk tool is a new standalone service SaferMe provides to help businesses manage psychosocial hazards. www.safer.me.

Changes to retention money requirements

On 30 March 2023, the Government passed new legislation to give subcontractors confidence they will be paid the retention money that they are owed, should a head contractor’s business fail.

The Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Act 2023 (the Amendment Act) aims to strengthen and clarify protection, by making it easier for subcontractors to access retention money without a court order, in the event of a company’s insolvency.

The changes in the Amendment Act build on retention money provisions already in the Construction Contracts Act 2002, which were put in place to protect retention money owed to subcontractors in the event of a business failure, and to ensure retention money withheld under construction contracts is responsibly managed.

Key changes to the retention money provisions in the Construction Contracts Act

Many head contractors are already doing the right thing and are holding retention money aside appropriately. For these people, there will be very little change.

The new provisions in the Amendment Act will safeguard subcontractors’ retention money by:

• clarifying that retention money is automatically held on trust by the head contractor once the contract allows it to be withheld from the subcontractor

• removing the ability to mix retention money with other money and assets

• requiring that retention money held as cash must also be held separately in a bank account with prescribed ledger accounts.

Compliance with the retention money provisions

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) now has the responsibility to provide information and education to the sector on the retention money regime. This allows MBIE to help businesses, companies and subcontractors understand what they are responsible for and how to comply with the retention money provisions.

The new provisions provide the ability to investigate retention money offences and enforce penalties. New offences and penalties of up to $200,000 have been introduced for companies and, in some cases, directors who fail to meet the new requirements, including:

• failure to comply with accounting, recording and reporting requirements

• use of retention money for a purpose other than remedying defects in the subcontractor’s performance

• failure to provide regular information to the subcontractor on retention money.

Date changes must be complied by

The new offences and penalties will apply from 5 October 2023. This gives head contractors looking to hold retention money six months to ensure processes are established and standard contracts are renewed.

Where to find further information

You can read more about the Construction Contracts Act, including the recent and past changes to retention money requirements, on the MBIE website and the Building Performance website on the below links:

• Understanding the Construction Contacts Act –www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/building/supportinga-skilled-and-productive-workforce/understanding-theconstruction-contracts-act/

• Construction Contracts Act 2002 –www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/why-contractsare-valuable/construction-contracts-act-2002/

MBIE will provide additional resources, including guidance information for businesses and subcontractors, over the coming months. Make sure that you stay up to date with these changes when they come into effect by subscribing for updates on our website www.building.govt.nz/subscribe.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment . MBIE is the central regulator of New Zealand’s building system. Our Building System Performance (BSP) branch provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs. Find out more at www.building.govt.nz

Many head contractors are already doing the right thing and are holding retention money aside appropriately. For these people, there will be very little change.

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Recognising our members

In recognition of membership to the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Association we would like to acknowledge and thank the following members for your support over the years! Your special membership badges are on the way, we hope you will wear them with pride.

Congratulations on 25 years of NZCB membership!

Auckland Alister Stanton Bruce Williams Craig Schick Gavin Goddard Grant MacPherson

John Handley Keith Oldbury Kevin Watkins Nicholas Farrelly Stewart McCaw

Bay of Islands/Far North Derek Prior

Canterbury Darin Hammond

Hawke’s Bay Adrian Mayhead Peter Simpson

Manawatū Leon Casson

Mid & South Canterbury John Hatton

Nelson Bays Paul Crockford Richard Merrifield

Overseas Kieron Villadsen

Taranaki Bradley Gibbon

Tauranga Districts Brian Dillon Craig Wilkinson Gordon Reynolds Jason McClintock John Marsh Martyn Woodhall

Waikato Colin Johnstone Douglas McGregor Peter Van Der Kroft

Wellington Brian Ludlow Cliff Glass Davide Rutten Max Green Michael Craig William Solomon

Whangārei Douglas Faithfull Ian Olsen

Congratulations on 20 years of NZCB membership!

Auckland Cameron Bell Cameron Court Craig Dillon Arend Sibbing Grant Dench

Tony Goulding Kevin Payne

Bay of Islands/Far North Bevin MacCarthy

Canterbury Dean Harrison Corey Linton David Whyte Antonie Moot

Central Otago Gary Coughtrey

Hawke’s Bay Gary Ashton Clendon Christison

Manawatū Fraser Miller Craig Atkinson

Mid & South Canterbury Geoffrey Frew

Nelson Bays Mark Doorman Jason Inch Allan Wright Craig Erskine

Otago Graham Stevenson

Overseas Brent Williams

Southland Alan McGuigan Paul Young

Taupō Glenn Woodmass Terry Johns

Tauranga Districts Trevor Angus Shanan Boyd Stefan Greenway Paul Hofsteede Caspar Holten

Waikato James Byrne Shaun McCollum Joel Stevenson Mark Wilcox

Wellington Michael Burge Peter Ralph Eric Turner Gordon Kessell Rolf Bachler

West Coast John Gardiner

Congratulations on 10 years of NZCB membership!

Auckland Leslie Adams Nicholas Ali David Allan Mitchell Avison Gregory Barfoot

Kyle Burdett Bryce Chisholm Nicholas Dobson Jamie Hillis Russell Hughes

Yusuke Kato Chi Lee Frank Lee Jeon joo Lee Wei Li Samuel Patience

Graham Rattenbury Peter Richards Barjinder Singh Chris Stoddard Robert Tait Darren Warren

Jason Williams Kieran Wilson Yang Xiao

Bay of Islands/Far North Warren Fraser

Blenheim/Marlborough Nathaniel Bainbridge Nicholas Hill Robert Lyon

Canterbury Guy Abraham Christopher De Lury Timothy Hamer Dax Morel Todd Morel Jonathan Newble

Richard Reid Joshua Rielly Andrew Stace Kevin Stack

Central Otago Christopher Roy Jacobus Van Leeuwen

Hawke’s Bay Philip Davidson Aaron Dodd Glen Downie Alastair Petterson Jonathan Phillips

Mid & South Canterbury Ross Leadley

Nelson Bays James Laird

Otago Tony Farley Lewis Hill Craig Hillis Jason McMurtrie Mark Velenski Glen Williamson

Rotorua Rhys Johnston

Taranaki Bradley Dent Wayne Higgins

Tauranga Districts Paul Daly Mark Mudgway Tony Souter Andrew Mudge Trevor Wilkinson

Waikato Scott MacKenzie James Munday Deane O’Reilly Daniel Smith Alan Warburton

Wairarapa Paul Bashford

Wellington Dean Ellis Rhys Finlay Andrew Kennerley Brendon King Michael Lambregts Steven Smith

Jaban Young

Whakatane Brett Dunstan

Whangārei Shaun Curtis Alistair Francis Philip Lord Joseph Love

Creating opportunities

Builder and New Zealand Certified Builders member, Tim Iro started his business in 2019, and since then he has made it his mission to take on as many apprentices as he can. Originally from the Solomon Islands, Tim wants to help create opportunities for young Pasifika people who want to give building a go.

Kyle Rurai, who is also from the Solomon Islands but born in New Zealand, is one of Tim’s apprentices. He always knew he wanted to be a builder as he has always been creative, has a passion for building, and wanted a job that allowed him to be active.

“I started my Wairarapa-based business, Alite Construction, only a year before the 2020 lockdown. It was a tough time, but it hasn’t slowed me down or stopped me from taking on apprentices. I have just taken on some new trainees, and I am looking forward to teaching them how to be skilled builders, good colleagues, and employees. One thing I have noticed is the lack of Māori and Pasifika representation in the construction industry, which is why my goal is to encourage more young Māori and Pasifika peoples to embark on an apprenticeship. I believe in giving everyone a go, but at the end of the day it is about who has the drive and motivation to succeed.”

Tim imparts a lot of building knowledge to his apprentices, but he also wants to make sure people who are thinking of starting an apprenticeship are given good life advice too.

“One thing I want to stress to young Pasifika people who are thinking of embarking on an apprenticeship is the importance of communication. If there is something you want to discuss with an employer or colleague have the confidence to speak up and communicate how you feel. This might be challenging at first but will set you in good stead, in the long run.”

He is now in the third year of his BCITO apprenticeship and is loving every minute of it.

“Since starting my apprenticeship with Tim, I have been lucky enough to work on a variety of projects. At the moment, we are working on a retirement village, which is a great new challenge to take on, as I’ve had less experience in commercial orientated construction.”

Like Tim, Kyle wants to encourage young Māori and Pasifika peoples who are considering an apprenticeship to give it a go.

“I would encourage anyone who has an interest in building to do an apprenticeship. Especially if you are young, there is no harm in just giving it a go. If construction isn’t your passion, BCITO offers all sorts of different trade apprenticeships, there are so many options to choose from.”

Tim encourages all employers to take on apprentices like Kyle. For Tim, there is nothing better than seeing someone finish school, kick start their career in construction, and develop into a successful builder.

New Zealand needs more diverse young people to consider a career in the trades. BCITO can help. Learn more at www.bcito.org.nz/apprentices/.

BCITO. Through on-the-job training and regular guidance, BCITO is building a skilled workforce in which talented people can excel. Alongside our industry employers, we create futures for dedicated tradies. We help them develop successful careers and become valuable contributors in New Zealand’s building and construction industry. We honour and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all we do.

NZCB member Tim Iro (left) and his apprentice Kyle Rurai (right).

“One thing I want to stress to young Pasifika people who are thinking of embarking on an apprenticeship is the importance of communication....”

Tim Iro, NZCB member

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ITAB Apprentice Completions

Congratulations to all the ITAB Apprentices who have recently completed their National Certificates in Carpentry Level 4!

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Nathaneal Asiasiau Laing Properties Limited

Hamish Cleland Ingold Building Limited

Colby Currie M O Brown Builders Limited

Benjamin Smithies MT Grey Building Limited

Northtec – Future Trades

Ethan Tregidga Darryl Tregidga Builders Limited

Oliver Castell H E Harnett Building Company Limited

Otago Polytechnic

Tyler Sarginson Mark Duffy Builders Limited

Luke Martin Reno Masters Limited

Hamish McKay

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Liam Butler Valhalla Living Limited

Tyler Mulgrew Jones Builders

Sione Mapili Cedar Contracting

Poasa Veidreyaki Cedar Contracting

Charles Amoroa JMB Building & Construction Limited

Manu Priest M & M Builders Tauranga

Dylan Drummond JMB Building & Construction Limited

Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)

Shouyin Zhu Reliable Homes Limited

Shiyang Li VRL Residential Design Limited

Boycee Wehi-Dunlop Remarkable Builders Limited

Thank you, Paul!

Every year, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Tauranga Districts Committee announces the ‘Services to Tauranga Districts NZCB Award’. This is a chance to recognise the great work of one of our members or someone from outside NZCB who has been pivotal in helping our local region (Colin Meads has his name on the trophy!). This year’s award was presented to Paul Hofsteede, from Metrix Construction Limited, at our Annual General Meeting. Paul has been a member of NZCB since 2003 and represented the NZCB Tauranga Districts Committee for the last five years. During his time on the NZCB Tauranga Districts Committee, Paul has always been helpful, offered input, and put his hand up to contribute to whatever he can. He is a very reliable team player! We also felt Paul deserved this award to help him celebrate the 50 years he has been in the building industry.

While Paul may be hanging up his tool belt to enjoy his retirement, we are pleased to say he will remain a part of NZCB as a Rusty Hammer* member.

All the best for your retirement, Paul.

Mike Way NZCB Tauranga Districts President

*NZCB believes in holding on to the knowledge and experiences our retiring and semi-retiring members have gained over the years. They believe in rewarding members for continued membership and ask them to consider becoming Rusty Hammer members of NZCB. A Rusty Hammer member has been a member of NZCB for over 10 years and is available to assist and mentor newer members.

NZCB Tauranga Districts President Mike Way (right) presenting Paul Hofsteede with his Services to Tauranga Districts NZCB Award.

Whangārei Golf raises over $22k for charity

On Friday 17 March (Saint Patrick’s Day), New Zealand Certified Builders Whangārei held its fourth annual Charity Golf Day at the Pines Golf Club in Whangārei. The tournament was a huge success with 21 teams of four playing for our biggest prize pool yet, with more than $10,000 in donated prizes and raffles.

Our 2021 tournament raised $10,384 for the Whangārei Steam and Model Club, which went towards purchasing a tractor and the upkeep of the railway at Heritage Park. This year we are proud to have more than doubled that effort with your generous help, donating $22,521.36 to Alzheimer Northland to help purchase a new transportation van.

This means we have raised more than $50,000 for local charities in the four years we have been running our tournaments. Congratulations to Titan Engineering who won the team prize, Andrew McQuilter playing for Seachange Electrical who won Net, and Tony Riley playing for Whangārei ITM who won Gross for second year in a row. We look forward to you all defending your titles next year!

Thank you to all the players, sponsors, donors and our local committee for making it a fantastic event.

We look forward to hosting the tournament again in March 2024.

Craig Cogan NZCB Whangārei President

Auckland Education Day a big success

Just when we thought things were getting back to normal, the first quarter of 2023 has taught us not to let our guard down. While not without significant challenges, the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Auckland Committee ended the quarter on a high note.

After the widespread extreme weather in the first two months of the year, 2023 did not start out ‘business as usual’. But the Auckland Committee had big plans for March! We held our NZCB Auckland Regional Annual General Meeting while preparing for (what would become) the largest Auckland NZCB Apprentice Challenge Sponsored by ITM yet. There was also a lot of work involved in the Committee’s first face-to-face Auckland Education Day (previously called LBP Day) since 2019.

Due to COVID restrictions, the previous two LBP events had been held, very successfully, online in front of large virtual crowds. As there is nothing quite like an in-person event, being able to host the 2023 Education Day at a physical venue was a milestone for the Committee.

The Auckland Education Day, held at Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre in March, was themed ‘Navigating Industry Changes’. We invited speakers to talk on topical H1 and E3 Building Code changes, Medium Density Residential Standards, and sustainability initiatives.

The 2023 Education Day saw 16 speakers across 30 classrooms as well as additional trade stands. Attending builders moved from classroom to classroom as well as engaged with trade stands, learning from industry professionals about the key changes we are seeing in the industry.

To ensure the presentations aligned with our chosen 2023 theme, committee members found time throughout the day to get a taste of the quality education on offer. There were fascinating industry insights and I have no doubt the builders learned a lot at the wellplanned event.

We would like to thank all sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors, as well as the almost 200 builders that made the commitment to attend and absorb the information on offer.

The Auckland Committee is looking forward to welcoming the industry again at the 2024 Auckland Education Day.

Barbara MacGregor

NZCB Auckland President

The NZCB Auckland Committee and NZCB Chief Executive Malcolm Fleming (far right).

Canterbury Roof Shout and movie night

The second event in a three-part series aimed at bringing members together to network was held on Thursday 9 March in the New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Canterbury region.

The ‘Roof Shout’ was held at Two Thumb Brewing Co., an outstanding venue that enabled members to move freely and catch up with one another. It was great to see a wide range of new and veteran members in attendance.

It was also a good opportunity for the Canterbury region to showcase the event to the other NZCB South Island Presidents who attended after their meetings in Christchurch that day.

A great night was had by all, and we were eager for our third event. Our third event, and our most popular by far, was a night at the movies. Sponsored by the amazing BrokerWeb Risk Services Limited team, attendees were treated to ice cream, popcorn, and a drink while lounging in the roomy seats at Silky Otter Cinemas in Wigram. Members then sat back and enjoyed watching Top Gun Maverick.

The Canterbury team are very grateful for the support of BrokerWeb Risk Services Limited for sponsoring this event!

Thanks to everyone who came along; we look forward to organising more networking events for Canterbury members in the future.

Tony Lindley NZCB Canterbury President

Are you in dispute over the interior finishing and completion of a project?

We have specialised assessors who can provide an independent report to review what has happened – call AWCI today.

NZCB Events Calendar

Not sure if there are any events happening in your region? Check out the

Industry Events

CONZTRUCT TRADE SHOW

CONZTRUCT is for builders, electricians, architects, designers, developers, and other specialist trades people to further their breadth of knowledge, education and gain a greater understanding of new product technologies. There’s LBP and CPD points available, lots of giveaways, complimentary food and beverages, and it’s FREE to attend!

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

June PRO CLIMA EVENTS pro clima Knowledge Zone

Online – every two months

A FREE lunchtime webinar series discussing how to make and keep your homes or projects moisture-free, condensation-free, healthy and energy-efficient. Webinars are focussing on designing and building for airtightness and weathertightness. Areas covered; roofs, walls, ceilings, window joinery, innovative building materials and more.

LBP and CPD points apply.

pro clima and Partners Builders Breakfast

In-person – every three months

Pro Clima NZ, Unit P, 63 Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose

Builders within the Auckland area are invited to join us for a FREE pro clima and Partners Builders Breakfast – with the opportunity also to win amazing prizes from sponsors in a competition! This is an opportunity for you to get the latest on industry trends, tools and tips from Pro Clima NZ and event partners. There will be games, prizes and giveaways all before 9:00am, leaving you plenty of time to be back out on the building site for the rest of the day.

pro clima Certified Installer Training

In-person

Pro Clima NZ, Unit P, 63 Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose

A two-day course for experienced installers and builders looking for an in-depth understanding of pro clima weathertightness and airtightness systems. The training is a combination of theory and hands-on practice, equipping you to install Weather Resistive Barrier (WRB) and Intelligent Air Barrier (IAB) systems for optimum health, energy efficiency and resilience.

LBP and CPD points apply.

For more information and to register visit www.proclima.co.nz/events.

Tech experts FreeUp under capable new ownership

FreeUp was created to help trades businesses to work smarter, increase efficiency, and boost profits with the use of technology. Having recently changed hands, the company is not putting the brakes on that mission. In fact, the new owner is experienced and passionate in the field of helping small trades businesses succeed and has the track record to prove it.

We’re pleased to introduce Kellie Beaumont as the new owner of FreeUp. She is the founder and director of Released, an award-winning virtual assistance agency specialising in trades clients. Backed by her team of 20+ experienced virtual assistants, Kellie is the perfect candidate to take FreeUp to new heights. She has a clear vision for the company and is already working on better ways to help trades businesses get ahead with the help of the right tech tools.

Starting with a comprehensive systems review, FreeUp helps trades businesses turn chaos into control. A major part of this process is matching their operations to the right job management software – something which can have a transformative impact on any organisation.

There are great things ahead for FreeUp, Released, and the partnership of the two companies.

Trades business owners all too often find themselves under the pump and unable to make moves towards growth, treading water instead of swimming despite having plenty of work on their books.

FreeUp aims to solve this problem by helping companies choose the best job management app for their needs, implement it as part of their operations, and tweak it to do as much heavy admin lifting as possible.

We are excited for the fresh direction and enthusiasm that Kellie and the Released team will bring to the table! If you are struggling to find the right job management platform for your business, you know where to go.

Already a FreeUp client and wondering what this change of ownership means for you? You can rest assured that it is business as usual for existing clients; there will be no interruption to your services or support. Kellie is promising a high level of responsiveness and dedication to all FreeUp clients, new or old, and a continuation of all the services currently provided.

Additionally, the team provides ongoing services to ensure that your business gets the most out of the chosen platform. This includes setting it up, tailoring your business systems so that they work seamlessly with the tech, and optimising it all for maximum efficiency. They can train your team to use the tech effectively and provide tailored support.

The magic of this merger is right there in the names: FreeUp and Released are a match made in heaven! They share the goal of giving trades business owners their time back; freeing them up and releasing them to get on the tools, work on their big picture plans, or just take a holiday. The team of virtual assistants at Released have long been immersed in the world of job management software, using the various platforms to streamline the work they do for clients and create new efficiencies. Kellie has a deep pool of experience and expertise perfectly aligned with the FreeUp mission at her fingertips.

FreeUp is not changing direction; its mission is being reinforced with new perspectives, new ideas, and the backing of another great company dedicated to making life and work easier for Kiwi trades businesses.

So, whether you’re looking to bring tech into your business, or want help to get better with a system you’re already using, FreeUp could help you with the process: give Kellie a call on 021 149 8785.

FreeUp is an NZCB National Partner and tech advisor for builders – making the process quick and easy, from selecting the right software to setting up the system to training staff. FreeUp also operates our Technology and Software helpline for members. For more information visit www.freeup.co.nz

The magic of this merger is right there in the names: FreeUp and Released are a match made in heaven!

eInvoicing becoming the new norm for New Zealand Businesses

eInvoicing is a not-so-new and simple method of invoicing – it’s the digital exchange of invoice information between suppliers’ and buyers’ accounting systems. No more emailed PDFs.

accuracy and security.

Get set up today

Getting set up for eInvoicing is simple and free for most businesses. For example, Xero and MYOB offer this capability free as part of their usual subscription. In fact, many major providers are now eInvoice-ready, so check if yours is at www.einvoicing.govt.nz/software-providers/. Then it’s just a couple of clicks, and you’re ready to go.

For larger businesses needing a bit of help getting eInvoicing over the line, the new Business Case Guidance document is available upon request. It has lots of information to pick and mix to suit your organisation. It’s ideal for larger businesses looking to develop an internal business case and gain executive buy-in for eInvoicing. Email the eInvoicing team at einviocing@mbie.govt.nz to access this resource.

eInvoicing is growing across New Zealand

More than 8,000 businesses across New Zealand are registered to receive eInvoices, and with this number growing every month, eInvoicing is fast becoming the new norm.

This number includes many government agencies who are updating their contract and procurement documents to include eInvoicing as a preference instead of PDF invoices. It will soon become the only way they accept invoices.

Importantly, the list of large businesses leading the way is also growing, with a number of significant ‘invoice- senders’ on the cusp of being able to send eInvoices to their business customers – think telco and energy companies. This means receiving eInvoices is fast becoming the norm. Are you ready to receive eInvoices? Register today.

Find out if your trading partners are on board yet by checking out the list of all registered businesses at www.einvoicing.govt.nz/software-providers/.

Other businesses will also be looking for you. Get on the list so you can receive eInvoices from them and experience the benefits.

The benefits of eInvoicing

eInvoicing is an easy efficiency gain. No more PDFs, less manual data entry, and no more chasing up unpaid or lost invoices. Your business will reap the rewards of not only getting paid faster, but also benefit from cost savings, reduced admin, increased

If you’ve already registered, download our ‘eInvoicing capable’ logo so you can add it to your email signature. It’s an easy way to remind your trading partners you can receive or send eInvoices.

eInvoicing really is a “no-brainer”, as one sole-trader accountant says in a recent case study. He’s been blown away by how much time and hassle he can save in his business and for his clients. Check out other businesses’ experience with eInvoicing at www.einvoicing.govt.nz/case-studies/einvoicing-a-no-brainerfor-sole-trader-accountant/.

For more information check out www.einvoicing.govt.nz.

In 2019, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) became a Peppol Authority for eInvoicing (Pan-European Public Procurement Online interoperability framework). As a Peppol Authority, MBIE's responsibilities include developing regional arrangements and requirements, overseeing local implementation of Peppol, on-boarding and accrediting Peppol access point providers, providing tools and resources to help businesses and agencies adopt eInvoicing.

What has building got to do with climate change?

Already this year Aotearoa New Zealand has experienced various severe weather events. With climate change we will see more unprecedented and unpredictable weather, affecting greater numbers of people and structures throughout our country and occurring with increasing frequency. Climate change and its impact on construction is one of the four focus areas for the Construction Sector Accord.

Climate change, construction, and infrastructure

The impacts of climate change directly impact the construction sector as we build and maintain infrastructure, buildings, and homes in the face of this more extreme weather and in turn, the sector impacts climate change through creating carbon emissions. Each of the materials we use has a carbon component, and emissions are also created when we operate a building –such as heating and cooling.

Across New Zealand, 9.4% of carbon emissions are related to buildings1. For this reason, our sector is a focus of the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan that will require us to take action and reduce our emissions.

But how do we reduce emissions when we still need materials to construct? Do you think that climate change and its effects are outside your influence as a building professional? They certainly aren’t, and I can assure you that your continued help is needed to make a difference.

A Circular Economy

The concept of a circular economy is one way for us to consider how to reduce the impact of our sector on carbon emissions.

Currently, we take materials, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, we stop waste being produced in the first place.

A circular economy is one that:

• eliminates waste and pollution

• circulates products and materials at their highest value

• regenerates nature2

For construction businesses, it can be useful to think of circular economy as aligning with good business practice. It is the idea of doing the job right first time, with the right materials, efficiently, with less waste – as well as recognising that resources have value at the end of their life, and need to be reused or recycled and designed out where possible.

What is so important about building waste?

Let’s concentrate on the waste aspect of Circular Economy. Why? BRANZ has estimated that every day 17,000 tonnes of construction waste is dumped into landfills in New Zealand.

Today we have construction sites in New Zealand that have managed to divert around 90% of their waste from landfill, but it is estimated that on average construction and demolition diversion is only around 17%. In comparison, in Denmark the average is 87%3 . Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility for waste and can take action.

How does Circular Economy apply to building waste?

As builders you are already applying circular thinking to metals on-site. You have recognised that rather than being “waste”, metals such as copper, iron and steel are of value; and rather than going to landfill, they are recycled. Do you know that already around 85% of all steel from construction in New Zealand is currently being recycled?

As a starting point, continue your efforts in recycling your metal and other materials, and keep a look-out for that remaining 15% of steel (you know it’s worth it!).

The cost of waste

When we see scrap metal on-site, we see value. What if you looked at your skip and saw that there were other sources of value for your business in there?

For a start, every item that is in your skip has already used resources and that includes money and carbon. Your skip reflects the efficiency of material use on-site and inefficiency = cost to your business.

The monetary costs lie not only in purchasing the material, but also the hidden costs such as transporting material to site, unloading, storing it, loading the skip and paying for removal and disposal. So that timber in the skip is actually a much bigger expense for your business. As we know, the costs of labour, transport, storage and disposal are ever-increasing, and the less money you have tied up in materials, the better for your business cashflow.

What’s in your skip?

There are materials that we have limited options for at present (such as treated timber offcuts), but there are still things you can do with excess materials on-site. If it is in good condition and you have space, storage for re-use is the best option. If you don’t have space, consider diverting to a not-for-profit, or an educational facility that could use it in their teaching.

Easy ideas to get you started:

Untreated timber: Can you keep aside to reuse for boxing or similar? Give to a local school for woodworking? Chop into smaller pieces and donate to your local Kindy? Use it for DIY?

Treated timber: Reuse wherever possible as this cannot be recycled. A good rule is to keep the piece if it is longer than your arm.

PVC: Does your plumber/drainlayer know that Marley4 will take back clean uPVC off-cuts and end of life product?

Polystyrene: Some foundation polystyrene suppliers will provide a bag for collecting waste at product drop-off, and any leftover product will be collected from the site. Check out EXPOL’s scheme5

Plastic one-use drink bottles and drink cans: Have a recycling bin in place (or get the team to recycle at home) and ensure there is access to fresh water for people on-site to refill water bottles.

Cardboard: Keep separate and dry to enable recycling.

Plasterboard: SaveBoard have an end-of-life plasterboard programme6 that may work for you, and GIB are planning to take upper North Island off-cuts of GIB as feedstock for their new plant in Tauranga from next year. If you are in Christchurch, you can order ‘plasterboard only’ bins from Waste Management to be reused in agricultural products.

Packaging: Was there too much packaging? Was it all necessary? Is it recyclable? Give feedback to the supplier/merchant/ sub-contractor.

Plastics: FuturePost7 will take your plastics and create products such as fenceposts from mixed grade waste plastics of all colours (including “difficult to recycle” Types 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7).

If undertaking demolition, consider deconstruction instead. Some recyclers will come and uplift materials from the site, and the savings from reduced tipping can help the overall cost.

The ideal is to separate items on-site, however in many areas outside of Auckland there are currently limited options to do this effectively.

1 Building and construction | Ministry for the Environment, https://environment.govt.nz/ publications/aotearoa-new-zealands-first-emissions-reduction-plan/building-andconstruction/

2 What is a circular economy? | Ellen MacArthur Foundation, https://ellenmacarthurfoundation. org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

3 20230415 Listener, What a waste. Diana Clement

4 Putting the focus on sustainability – Marley, https://www.marley.co.nz/gallery/putting-thefocus-on-sustainability/

5 EXPOL | Polystyrene Recycling Programmes, https://www.expol.co.nz/recyclingprogrammes/

6 Take Your Offcuts & EOL | saveBOARD NZ, https://www.saveboard.nz/take-your-offcuts-eol

7 Future Post, https://www.futurepost.co.nz/

8 20230415 Listener, What a waste. Diana Clement

The skip is a symptom of how well the supply chain is working (or not)

You may be wondering if reducing waste is necessary – is the problem that bad? Consider a recent case study with Kainga Ora that showed that 44% of timber delivered to site (not including pre-nailed framing), ended up in the waste skip8 . The question is how can we avoid having excess product on-site?

Remember that much of what ends up in the skip is determined before building even started. On-site, you are the end-receiver of decisions further up the supply chain that have created waste. As the expert on waste on your site (you can literally see the skip), help educate other parts of the supply chain to improve their performance.

Oversupply. Was surplus material ordered? Remember this has real costs to your team on the site for unnecessary handling, storage, and disposal (or time/charges for returns). If you are the main contractor, the cost of the excess product creates cash flow implications. Give feedback to the estimator on how much was over-ordered.

Wastage %. Is there a standard wastage percentage you apply to your orders? Can it be reduced, even if just for some lines? The cost saving of wasted material will far outweigh the additional cost of another occasional delivery.

Damage. If you over-order due to expecting damaged product, contact the supplier/transporter and get them to not only re-supply, but also take away the damaged product. Let the manufacturer/ supplier know of issues in delivery.

Get your subcontractors involved. The items in your bin are not all from you, but the cost and responsibility falls to you as the main contractor. Do other trades on-site realise how much and what type of material they are putting in? How can this be changed?

Design inefficiency. Ideally designs should consider the sizing of walls and rooms to cater to make use of plasterboard and timber sizes more efficiently. This reduces offcuts and increases productivity with less handling.

Education. If you find a product/supplier that has great product stewardship and recycling/take back schemes, tell others in the industry about them too (and please drop me a line too).

We need to start somewhere

In New Zealand we currently have a limited resource recovery industry. At present Auckland has more opportunities to reuse, refurbish and recycle – but the actions above can be undertaken in many places across Aotearoa.

Please let me know your ideas about how we can continue to build Aotearoa New Zealand better, I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer Taylor Transformation Lead – Environment, Construction Sector Accord. The Construction Sector Accord is a joint commitment from government and industry to work together to create a thriving, fair and sustainable construction sector for a better Aotearoa, New Zealand. www.constructionaccord.nz

Across New Zealand, 9.4% of carbon emissions are related to buildings. For this reason, our sector is a focus of the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan that will require us to take action and reduce our emissions.

Calling the sector up to better behaviour towards Wāhine

Everyone has a right to feel safe, welcome, and valued in construction, when given the right environment women can bring huge value to teams and organisations.

Earlier this year, mainstream media highlighted the abuse our last female Prime Minister had had to put up with during her time in office. This started in smaller, more subtle ways when she stepped into her position and gradually just got louder as time went on.

When people didn’t like her decisions or views, they attacked her personally, making rude memes, jokes and remarks about her gender, intelligence, appearance, all at her expense on social media and in conversation.

Other women in high profile positions have come forward to speak about their own experiences as this conversation has opened up.

This behaviour has shed more light on a very real, yet very ugly side of our own construction industry.

We acknowledge those already working hard and making a huge difference across the sector and that improvements and steps forward have been made, however, we still have a way to go to make construction a safe, inclusive, and inviting sector to work in across the board for anyone, regardless of gender, or background.

It’s not news that in some construction environments women have been subjected to this type of gender discrimination, and abuse and not just in the higher profile jobs, for years. From the newest female apprentice in their first week on the job, through to the seasoned female construction worker.

Whilst it is not happening in all organisations, it is still happening in far too many.

The sexist comments, ‘jokes’, unwelcome touching, threats, and assaults are still happening and it’s simply not ok. In fact, when we hear of what is still going on out there, and at times witness ourselves, it is pretty disgusting.

Some of the recent examples we have heard of:

• A female electrician being told to go home and kill herself to free up a job for a man

• Being told women don’t belong in construction – why are you taking jobs from men

• Men “brushing” past women and pelvis thrusting, laughing as they do so

• Women being told to cover up when wearing singlets (the same as their male counterparts) as they don’t want to see their naked arms

• Being called bitches, and worse

The list goes on…

There are many more women, who don’t speak up, give up on the job, the industry and decide that construction is not for them. In some more extreme cases, women are traumatised, needing counseling, and support, and often carry the scars well into their lives with them. Everyone has a right to feel safe, welcome, and valued in construction, when given the right environment females can bring huge value to teams and organisations.

What can we do?

We all have a part to play in changing the industry. We can’t change someone else’s behaviour, but we can change how we participate, and respond to it, and what actions we take as individuals.

• If you see or hear this type of behaviour, be bold enough to call it out. Bystanders are just as responsible if they remain silent, if it is not ‘safe’ to call it out at the time, then report it or find a safe way to shed light on the situation.

• Be an example yourself, don’t participate or share ‘jokes’, laugh at them, or encourage them.

• Culture change is everyone’s responsibility, yes it has to come from the ‘top’ as well, but you literally can change your immediate culture at a team/site/office level by just behaving differently yourself.

• Show your support to those in your workplace who are experiencing discrimination or abuse by listening and encouraging them to speak out about what is happening to them. The National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) highly recommends finding tools like this one below from Waihanga Ara Rau, who teamed up with Hanga-Aro-Rau to support women in the trades so that they can thrive in fulfilling and sustainable careers.

The ‘Keep It Decent Guidelines for Safe and Respectful Workplaces’ are our first step towards creating real change. These tools provide practical steps for Employers to take to ensure women are safe in the workplace from sexual harassment and bullying.

Download the Guidelines at www.tradecareers.co/guidelines today.

Let’s work together to build safer and more respectful workplaces for everyone who chooses to work there.

National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations who provide services to the construction industry. NAWIC encourages women to pursue, establish and sustain successful careers in the construction industry. NAWICs vision is to be the leading voice for women in this sector. www.nawic.org.nz.

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Apprenticesare

13 APR, 2023

NZCB in the media

Golf tourney raises funds for Alzheimers Northland

‘Unethical’ tradie practice ‘rife’ in NZ

POACHING COMPLAINTS AT 3 TO 4 A WEEK

Carmen Hall

Golftourney raisesfunds forAlzheimers Northland

A trades leader is calling out employers who poach apprentices, and says the practice is “rife” and not “ethical”.

One business told NZME it had lost four apprentices in about six weeks and its staff were being “groomed” and quizzed by other tradies at its local supply store.

Alzheimer’sNorthlandisthelatest charitytobenefitfromtheannual charitygolftournamentheldbyNZ CertifiedBuilders(NZCB)Whanga¯rei.

Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ chief executive Greg Wallace said it received about three to four complaints a week about apprentices being poached and the problem was “rife”.

Thetournament,heldrecentlyat thePinesGolfCourseatWhanga¯rei Heads,raised$22,521.36for Alzheimer’sNorthlandtohelppurchaseanewtransportationvan.

Organiserssaiditwasagreatday’s golfing,withtheplayers,sponsors anddonorsmakingitafantasticday overall.TitanEngineeringwonthe teamprize,AndrewMcQuilter, playingforSeachangeElectrical, wonthenetcompetition,andTony Riley,playingforWhanga¯reiITM, wonthegrosscompetitionforthe secondtimeinarow.

“It’s real ethical for me. Back 30 years ago, people had this loyalty to the business that gave them the opportunity, and now that loyalty has gone. Some businesses seem to be making approaches that I don’t think are in the best interests of the industry. It’s bloody annoying and I wish it would stop.”

Wallace said its apprenticeships were five years long, and if you lost an apprentice after two years, “you don’t get the payback”.

He understood apprentices were entitled to freedom of choice and some people may move locations, and no one had a problem with that.

Inthelasttournamenttwoyears ago,thegroupraised$10,384.00for theWhanga¯reiSteamandModel Club,whichwenttowardspurchasingatractorandalsoproviding much-neededfundsfortheupkeep oftherailwayatHeritagePark.

“But when you are moving because it’s like $1 or 50 cents more, or they are giving you a van to take home, we think it’s not right.”

“Thisyear,weareproudtohave [morethan]doubledthateffortwith yourgeneroushelpanddonated $22,521.36toAlzheimer’sNorthland tohelppurchaseanewtransportationvan,”NZCBWhanga¯reipresident CraigCogansaid.

Businesses that had apprentices poached off them were often reluctant

“Welookforwardtohostingthe tournamentagaininMarch2024.”

to take any more on. “That is like 100 per cent... it’s a big frustration because you are starting again.”

New Zealand Certified Builders chief executive Malcolm Fleming said poaching had been around for some time, and it was particularly galling for an employer when a third or fourth-year apprentice was poached by another builder.

“When this occurs in smaller areas, it can put a strain on the relationship between the builder who has invested significant time and resource into an apprentice, and the builder who has poached the apprentice.”

Those who poach were not well regarded. ‘‘They are bypassing the significant training commitment that is required to be invested into an apprentice across those first two years of the apprenticeship. A practice that at best conveys the laziness of the companies that do it.”

The first two years of an apprenticeship represented hard yards by the employer, as an apprentice was not particularly productive until their third year.

BOP Plumbing and Gas commercial manager Sarah Jamieson said poaching was a problem, and some businesses would intentionally only hire apprentices in their third year or above. It has nine apprentices and had some poached in the past.

“They are not prepared to put in the hard yards for the first couple of years. I believe it is unethical. Unless there has been a breakdown in the employment relationship, you should be taking an

Golf tourney raises funds for Alzheimers Northland

apprentice from the beginning of their apprenticeship.”

It came down to money and time.

“People aren’t prepared to lose money on an apprentice or spend the time training someone green.”

She said many people wanted to host apprentices. However, it could make some stop and think whether it was worth it.

“Then you lose a company that was prepared to be a host company, and we all know we need companies that are prepared to take on apprentices or we will never get past the shortage of plumbers/gasfitters and drainlayers that we are facing now.”

Jamieson said apprentices were the future, but they still needed a lot of time with more experienced people to learn the job.

Soren Ebbett, from Peter Jackson Plumbing in the Kāpiti Coast, said she had written to Master Plumbers about poaching.

“We work hard to take on, support and train apprentices to a high standard... They get talking to others who offer an extra dollar, or to pay for their training, to help them study, or sign off their ‘cashies’ to get them on board.”

“They are literally just getting shoulder-tapped and they’re gone.”

Classic Builders national operations manager Nick Beck said while poaching was seen by some as unfair and the need to increase wages to prevent “ship-jumping” was common, he believed each scenario could have multiple variables in play.

Demand for skilled labour remained an issue across the country, and it was concerned about the future pipeline of apprentices entering the industry. “We are still hearing from contractors that there is a skills shortage when trying to source quality tradespeople with strong capabilities.”

Contactour teamtoday Ph(07)3493429

Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said the market had a skills shortage and people were moving around more than usual.

Alzheimer’s Northland is the latest charity to benefit from the annual charity golf tournament held by NZ Certified Builders (NZCB) Whangārei.

The tournament, held recently at the Pines Golf Course at Whangārei Heads, raised $22,521.36 for Alzheimer’s Northland to help purchase a new transportation van.

Organisers said it was a great day’s golfing, with the players, sponsors and donors making it a fantastic day overall. Titan Engineering won the team prize, Andrew McQuilter, playing for Seachange Electrical, won the net competition, and Tony Riley, playing for Whangārei ITM,

won the gross competition for the second time in a row.

In the last tournament two years ago, the group raised $10,384.00 for the Whangārei Steam and Model Club, which went towards purchasing a tractor and also providing muchneeded funds for the upkeep of the railway at Heritage Park.

BCITO Te Pūkenga director Jason Hungerford said it had 20,189 active apprentices and provided training for 15 different trades. “Apprentices are essential to delivering the homes and buildings that New Zealand needs. We understand that amidst the high amount of construction activity and an acute labour shortage, they are in high demand.

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She said it had lost four staff to poaching in the past six weeks.

Right:Someof thevolunteers attheNZ Certified Builders Whanga¯rei region’sannual charitygolf tournament.

The company had been in business for 26 years, and Ebbett said it questioned why it was happening and concluded it was because they trained to a high standard and would not compromise on things like cash jobs. “It’s against the law, and we’ve had a number of guys leave because of that.”

She understood there may be circumstances when people needed to move on, but they were few and far between. In some instances, it did not even get an opportunity to counter offer or “meet them halfway”.

“BCITO Te Pūkenga supports both employers and learners in training but does not play a role in employment matters.”

In 2022, there were 5220 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices, compared to 4675 in 2021.

Over the same timeframes, there were 77,740 apprentices compared to 73,140 across architecture and building and other industries, including engineering, agriculture, health, management and commerce, society and culture, creative arts and food and hospitality. Waihanga Ara Rau Construction and Infrastructure Development Council was approached for comment.

Top apprentice

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“This year, we are proud to have [more than] doubled that effort with your generous help and donated $22,521.36 to Alzheimer’s Northland to help purchase a new transportation van,” NZCB Whangārei president Craig Cogan said.

“We look forward to hosting the tournament again in March 2024.”

Apprentice Daniel Harvey has claimed the title of Napier’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB) sponsored by ITM, after competing against four other apprentices on April 1. The apprentices were given eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards. The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges, with Harvey, 20, receiving the top score overall. Harvey, a building apprentice at Christie Builders and Joiners Ltd, will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May next month.

Daily Post, Rotorua 08 April 2023

essentialto deliveringthe homesand buildingsthat NewZealand needs. BCITOTePu¯kengadirectorJason Hungerford

Demandforskilledlabourremains anissuenationwide.

Photo/GettyImages

Hawke’s Bay Today, Hawke’s Bay 10 April 2023

Northern Advocate, Whangārei 13 April 2023

Northern Advocate, Whangarei Northland

Some of the volunteers at the NZ Certified Builders Whangārei region’s annual charity golf tournament.

make the cut in play fort

Regional winners in apprentice challenge

Apprentice Jared Menzies has claimed the title of Tauranga’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB), sponsored by ITM. The 22-yearold competed against five other apprentices on April 1 and came out on top.

Meanwhile, apprentice Jake McCowatt has claimed the title of Rotorua’s champion after competing against five other apprentices.

The apprentices were put through their paces and given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with Menzies receiving the top score overall.

Menzies is currently undertaking his building apprenticeship at Paul James Builders. McCowatt, 23, is currently undertaking his building apprenticeship at Rhys Johnston Builders.

As well as winning the title of regional champion, Menzies and McCowatt have also won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final, representing their respective cities. There they will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes. The national final will be held at the NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said the competition on Saturday demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices currently training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

ahead of the national final, and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field,” Matthews said.

NZCB actively encourages member builders to take on apprentices as part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled builders.

“The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade-qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level,” Matthews said.

The forts built on Saturday will be auctioned off via TradeMe from April 3, with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle relief. Given the recent devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle, several forts will be donated to playcentres in affected areas.

NAILED IT!

ANTONIO GISBORNE’S TOP APPRENTICE BUILDER

ANTONIO Barbarich-Waikari is the Gisborne regional champion of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and will further pit his skills against the best in the country.

Apprentice JaredMenzies hasclaimedthe titleof

ACE APPRENTICE: Antonio Barbarich-Waikari hard at work building a fort in the Gisborne regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge outside Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday. Antonio, one of five competitors, was judged the overall winner by a panel of experts and advances to the national final being held in Christchurch in May, much to the delight of his employers, Awanui Construct. PICTURE BY PAUL RICKARD

NAILED IT!

Five apprentices were put through their paces in the Gisborne final held at Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday.

They had eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

Antonio Gisborne’s top apprentice builder

Apprentices make the cut in play fort

ANTONIO Barbarich-Waikari is the Gisborne regional champion of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and will further pit his skills against the best in the country.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges. They looked at technical aspects such as quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including the ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working techniques.

that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

working techniques Antonio received the top score overall.

SHANNON.THOMSON @alliedpress. co.nz

It all went to plan for Wanaka building apprentice Craig Burke.

The third-year apprentice at Bayview Construction won the ITM New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Central Otago competition in Cromwell on Saturday.

Six apprentices from throughout Wanaka, Queenstown and Central Otago took part in the event which is one of 20 regional finals nationwide.

One week before competition, the apprentices, ranging from those only months on the tools to those in their third year, were given plans for a children’s play fort which they then had to build from scratch on Saturday.

Eight hours later it was tools down and Mr Burke was crowned the winner. Having never entered a challenge before, he was surprised to take the top spot.

“I didn’t really know what to expect to be honest. Just thought I’d give it a go and see how I went,” he said.

“It was really fun — nice to put myself out there and do something a little bit different, getting out of the comfort zone a wee bit.

“It’s a good day out. It’s a long eight hours, but it’s definitely worth it — get to meet some like-minded people and see show everybody is getting on. “Yeah no, it was fun,” he said.

Mr Burke will now represent Central Otago at the national finals in Christchurch next month.

Baily Reid, of Build It Central, placed second, and Stefanie Panko, of CBG Quality Construction, was third.

It was Miss Panko’s second time competing and she said came into the challenge better prepared. She encouraged other apprentices to give the competition a go.

Five apprentices were put through their paces in the Gisborne final held at Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday. They had eight hours to build a fort thatfollowedspecificdesignplansand

you, and then having the added pressure of time to do them is a really good challenge as well.”

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeships manager Nick Matthews said the challenge was a way to build into the future of the industry.

“Competitions like this are important because apprentices are the future of our industry.

“So we need to look after them, we need to foster them, they need to be encouraged to take up carpentry and building as a trade, but overall it’s really important they get exposure to events like this because it makes them well rounded.”

He was pleased to see a high calibre of apprentices coming through.

Antonio received the top score overall.

“They should definitely put themselves out there and try it — there’s so many challenges that you wouldn’t normally get pressed to do,” she said.

“The plans get put to us but we still had to calculate

“A fantastic bunch of young people, really high standard. Great to see a couple of first-year apprentices taking part — they’ll be all that much better for it next year when they come back and do it again.”

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges. They looked at technical aspects such as quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including the ability to follow a detailed plan and safe workingtechniques

The 28-year-old is doing a building apprenticeship with Awanui Construct. As well as winning the Gisborne title, he collected a $500 ITM gift voucher and earned a place in the national final. There he will compete against 19 otherregionalwinnersfortheKenRead

The 28-year-old is doing a building apprenticeship with Awanui Construct. As well as winning the Gisborne title, he collected a $500 ITM gift voucher and earned a place in the national final.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes.

The national final will be held during the New Zealand Certified Builders national conference and expo in Christchurch in May.

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said Saturday’s competitions demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field.”

NZCB actively encourages member builders to take on apprentices.

“The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade-qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level.”

The forts built are being auctioned off through TradeMe, with proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle relief funds. Several will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

Apprentice on to nationals

Building apprentice Charlotte Bone has claimed the title of Nelson’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Appendicitis Challenge. She competed against four other apprentices last Saturday to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards in eight hours. Charlotte, 38, is doing a building apprenticeship at Tasman Homes. She will compete against 19 other regional winners at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May.

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AvaNiuPasifika workersJudy Tanner,Morgan Nehoff-Muir, SuziReece, LosalineSoakai, SelaVakasiuola, WellaNielsen, ChrisTongalea.

Apprentice Jared Menzies has claimed the title of Tauranga’s New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB) champion.

Gisborne Herald, Gisborne 05 April 2023

ACE APPRENTICE: Antonio Barbarich-Waikari hard at work building a fort in the Gisborne regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge outside Versatile in Gladstone Road on Saturday. Antonio, one of five competitors, was judged the overall winner by a panel of experts and advances to the national final being held in Christchurch in May, much to the delight of his employers, Awanui Construct. STORY ON PAGE 2 Picture by Paul Rickard

Top bloke ... New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge Central Otago winner Craig Burke, of Wanaka.

Lakes District & Central Otago News, Otago 06 April 2023

Nelson Mail, Nelson 05 April 2023

NZCB in the media continues...

Josiah Greig wins Manawatū apprentice challenge

Standard, Palmerston North

KIAH RADCLIFFE

The annual New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge put Manawatū apprentices under pressure at the weekend.

Held at the UCol Trades Campus in Palmerston North, competitors had eight hours to complete a project given to them a week before the event. This year’s challenge was a children’s playhouse/fort.

NZCB Manawatū president Craig Whitton said concentration was high for the competitors who weren’t used to building with people watching them.

He said the apprentices enjoyed the competition and it was a positive experience for them.

“We sort of praised them and their bosses, saying it was great to see that your employers have got you to the stage where you’re able to do a build work and be able to pretty much do a project without any assistance,” Whitton said.

The champion of Saturday’s competition, Josiah Greig from Craig Homes Development, said it was a cool opportunity to be able to put himself out there.

“You normally work by yourself, so you don’t really compare yourself to others.”

Greig said there were a few old boys at the competition who had

Galloway Builders’ apprentice comes out on top

been building for more than 50 years, and it was cool to get their feedback.

The third-year apprentice had always been keen on a challenge and thought the apprentice competition was “awesome”.

Looking back, Greig said he probably would’ve prepared differently now, but it all went well and he was excited to go to the national challenge.

For Craig Homes Development, it was the first time they had entered apprentices in the challenge with Greig taking out first place and Kaylam Smith second.

Company owner BJ Craig said it was great to see their apprentices recognised at a higher level.

“I couldn’t be more proud, and it kind of emphasises that the way we’re training our guys is on point.”

One of the biggest things Craig had seen from Greig afterwards was

Eight hours to build a dream home

Otago Daily Times, Dunedin 03 April 2023

CAS SAUNDERS

AFTER eight gruelling hours of building on Saturday, one Dunedin apprentice has shown they hit the nail on the head in a challenge to spot the best skills of this year’s cohort.

Building apprentices across Otago battled it out for the annual New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge, and were tasked with constructing a children’s playhouse within eight allocated hours.

The hopeful apprentices went hammerto-hammer for the spot at the national final. Otago Certified Builders Association president Sacha Gray said it was great to see the eight young people competing for the top spot in the region.

“It’s really cool that these young guys put themselves out there. We’re trying to bring clever, well-educated guys through the industry and it’s working — we’re seeing a really high level of skill here,” Mr Gray said.

Having tested himself in a highpressure environment and come out on top, it had given Greig an appreciation of his own ability.

Judges looked for accurate dimensions, quality of finish and assembly, how tidy the workspace was, and compliance with health and safety.

Greig has an all-expenses paid trip to the national challenge in Christchurch on May 26-27.

The winner of the 2023 Otago title was Naylor Love apprentice Jack Johnston, who was judged by a panel of industry professionals on technical skills and technique, the quality of workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan.

The completed playhouses, which had to meet industry standards and safety requirements, would be auctioned online and the proceeds donated to the Cancer Society.

Mr Johnston will go on to represent his region in the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge Final in Christchurch on May 26 and 27.

Second place went to Dominic Madden, of G L Stevenson Builders. Third was Roy Devereux, of Devereux Building.

BUILDER’S FORT PUTS HIM IN NATIONAL FINAL

Mike

Dinsdale

Northern Advocate, Whangārei 08 April 2023

APPRENTICE Liam Marsh has claimed the title of Whakatāne’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

Mr Marsh competed against five other apprentices at the ITM-sponsored event on April 1, coming out on top.

The apprentices were put through their paces, given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with Mr Marsh receiving the top score overall.

Mr Marsh, 21, is an apprentice at Galloway Builders.

As well as winning the title of regional champion, he won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Whakatāne.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes. The national final will be held at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May.

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said the competition demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final, and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field,” he said.

NZCB actively encourages member builders to take on apprentices as part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled builders.

“The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade-qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level,” Mr Matthews said.

The forts built on the Saturday are being auctioned on TradeMe with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle Relief. Given the recent devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle, several forts will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

Whangārei apprentice Elijah McQueen was king of the castle when the fort he built helped him take out the regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

McQueen, who works at RHJ Builders, put his skills to the test against other top apprentices at the weekend and won a place in the national final.

McQueen, who has just started his second year as an apprentice, told the Northern Advocate it was great to pit his skills against other apprentices, and he made sure he got plenty of advice and help leading into the competition.

“Last year’s winner is from Northland so I had a chat to him about what to expect.

“And the boss (Richard Hilton-Jones) was great, giving me some help and advice.

“He said to treat it like another day at work, stick to the process and make sure everything is right, and that’s what I did. I’m also doing a lot of study at the same time and only being in my second year, I didn’t really expect to do that well. But all the input from others helped a lot.”

McQueen said he has developed a real love for building and was keen to show what he could do at the national final in May.

“I’ll be brushing up a bit on the technical side of things and making sure I’ve got everything covered.”

The apprentices were put through their paces during the challenge last week, given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with McQueen receiving the top score overall.

McQueen, aged 23, is undertaking a building apprenticeship with builder Hilton-Jones (RHJ Builders) and, as well as being declared regional champion, he also won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools. There he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial

Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes.

The national final will be held at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May.

Hilton-Jones said McQueen was a good young builder who had a big future ahead of him.

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager, Nick Matthews, said the competition on Saturday demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices currently training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year,” Matthews said.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final, and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field.”

The forts built last Saturday will be auctioned off via TradeMe, with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle relief.

Given the recent devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle, several forts will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

Manawatū

Craig Homes Development apprentice Josiah Greig is heading to the national challenge after winning the Manawatū event.

NorthlandbuildingapprenticeElijahMcQueen,centre,afterwinningtheregionalfinaloftheNewZealandCertified BuildersApprenticeChallenge.

Northland building apprentice Elijah McQueen, centre, after winning the regional final of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge.

Whakatāne Beacon, Whakatāne, 12 April 2023

Top apprentice winner off to compete in the finals

Apprentice Jake McCowatt has claimed the title of Rotorua’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB).

He competed against five other apprentices last Saturday and came out on top. The apprentices were given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique.

Jake, 23, is doing his building apprenticeship at Rhys Johnston Builders. As well as winning the title of regional champion, Jake also won a $500 ITM gift voucher

to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Rotorua.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes. The national final will be held at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May.

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews says the competition on Saturday demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final, and these events are a great

Budding builder back among best

Stratford Press, Taranaki

12 April 2023

A Stratford apprentice has won his spot in a national competition — and it isn’t the first time.

Michael Craig, an apprentice at Adan Larsen Builders, placed first at the Taranaki regional New Zealand Certified Builders Challenge for the second year in a row.

He competed against five other apprentices at the ITM sponsored competition on April 1.

“I’m quite stoked to win it the second year in a row. I think already taking part in the competition helped as I was less nervous and able to just get the job done.”

For the challenge, open to apprentices employed by NZCB builders, Michael and the other contenders had eight hours to create a playhouse from detailed construction plans.

“We were given the plans a week in advance so we had time to plan how we would construct it, and on the day we had eight hours to build it.

“I found this project more challenging than last year. Last year we had to assemble a picnic bench and we had the fixings given to us. This year we had to work out the fixings ourselves.”

As well as winning the title of regional champion, Michael won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Taranaki.

The NZCB Apprentice Challenge final will be held at the NZCB annual conference and expo in Christchurch in May.

Michael will face 19 other regional winners for the Ken Reid Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes. Michael says because he’s competed in the finals before, he knows what to expect.

“I feel I won’t be as nervous this time around since I know what to expect. I think the hardest part will be the interview challenge but I know Adan and the team will help me prepare.”

Michael is three years into his apprenticeship.

“I’ve been with him since high school. My uncle is a qualified builder and when I was younger I would help him.”

Adan says he and the staff are proud of Michael. “To win two years in a row is a big feat. The calibre of apprentices at the regional competition was high and they all did well with the challenging project. For Michael to finish his playhouse to an incredible standard in horrible weather, shows good character. When the weather is bad we still have to carry on and Michael did just that.”

Adan says the NZCB Building Challenge is a great experience for apprentices.

“It’s a combination of everything we do as builders. From understanding the plans, completing the project in a time frame to a high standard, and also having good communicative skills. We wish Michael all the best.”

Top apprentice off to finals

Apprentice Zhuoming ‘Kevin’ Fu has claimed the title of Waikato’s champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge (NZCB) sponsored by ITM, after competing against two other apprentices on April 1 and coming out on top.

The apprentices were put through their paces, and given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with Zhuoming ‘Kevin’ receiving the top score overall.

Zhuoming ‘Kevin’, aged 44, is currently undertaking a building apprenticeship at Reliable Homes Limited. As well as winning the title of regional champion, he also won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Waikato.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes. The national final will be held at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch in May.

NZCB Industry Pathways and Apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said the competition on Saturday demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices training in the industry.

“Nationwide we’re seeing increasing diversity among apprentices entering the building trade, with a record number of female apprentices competing this year.

“The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final, and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field,” says Nick.

The forts built will be auctioned off via Trade Me from Monday, April 3 with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle Relief. Several forts will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

Weekender, Rotorua 06 April 2023

opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field,” says Nick.

NZCB actively encourages member builders to take on apprentices as part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled builders.

“The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade-qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level,” says Nick.

The forts built last Saturday are being auctioned off via Trade Me, with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle Relief. Several forts will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is sponsored by ITM.

Apprentice Daniel Merwyn hammers opponents in battle of forts

Apprentice Daniel Merwyn has claimed the title of Taupo – champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge NZCB.

Merwyn, 22, is an apprentice working for Wade Construction and he lined up against five other apprentices on April 1. They were given eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock.

As well as winning the title of regional champion, Merwyn won a $500 gift voucher from main sponsor ITM to redeem on trade tools and he earned a place in the national final in Christchurch in May.

There, he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 worth of prizes.

The forts built on Saturday are being auctioned off via Trade Me this week, with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle Relief.

Given the recent devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle, several forts will be donated to play centres in affected areas.

Top Bay of Islands building apprentice named

APPRENTICE Keiran Davis has claimed the title of Bay of Islands champion at the regional heats of the annual New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge after competing against two other apprentices.

The trio were put through their paces, given just eight hours to build a fort that followed specific design plans and met minimum safety standards.

The forts were assessed by a panel of expert judges who looked at technical aspects such as the quality of workmanship, measuring, cutting and assembly, as well as other essential skills while working against the clock, including their ability to follow a detailed plan and safe working technique, with Davis receiving the top score overall. Davis, aged 22, is doing his building apprenticeship at Hatchard Builders.

As well as winning the title of regional champion, Davis also won a $500 ITM gift voucher to redeem on trade tools and earned a place in the national final representing Bay of Islands.

There he will compete against 19 other regional winners from across New Zealand for the Ken Read Memorial Trophy and $25,000 of prizes.

The national final will be held at the NZCB National Conference and Expo in Christchurch next month.

NZCB industry pathways and apprenticeship manager Nick Matthews said the competition on Saturday, April 1, demonstrated the outstanding quality and diversity of apprentices currently training in the industry.

female apprentices competing this year,’’ Matthews said.

‘‘The regional competitions have set the bar high ahead of the national final, and these events are a great opportunity for communities around New Zealand to get an insight into building apprenticeship training and to celebrate those apprentices that are excelling in their field.’’

NZCB encourages member builders to take on apprentices as part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled builders.

‘‘The future of New Zealand’s building industry depends on a strong pipeline of trade qualified, highly capable builders, and the NZCB Apprentice Challenge is one way we support that on a national level,’’ Matthews says.

The forts built on April 1 were auctioned off via Trade Me with all proceeds going to KidsCan and Cyclone Gabrielle relief.

Rotorua

Taupō & Turangi Weekender Taupō, 06 April 2023

Apprentice builders Elijah Openshaw, Keiran Davis, Nicholas Smith. Davis claimed the title of Bay of Islands champion at the regional heats on April 1.

Waikato Herald Waikato, 06 April 2023

NZCB Strategic Partners

NZCB Affinity Partners

NZCB is proud to partner with the following companies, who are aligned with the Association to bring our members discounted services and products.

with Renault, Hyundai and Isuzu

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) would like to thank the following companies, our Strategic Partners (corporate sponsors), who play a vital part in assisting to cover costs for our members personal development/training through NZCB regional seminars, NZCB Annual Conference and monthly live Zoom webinars. Their support also assists to cover expenses with our marketing and communications. More information on these services and products can be found under the Member Benefits section, on the NZCB members’ only Toolshed website, www.nzcb.nz/members/member-benefits/ or by contacting Kirsty at the NZCB National Support Office on 0800 237 843 or kirsty@nzcb.nz.

NZCB National Partners

New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) is proud to partner with the following companies who align with our Association and give NZCB members access to a wealth of expertise and support throughout New Zealand.

COMPANY

National Partners Standard

Abodo Wood Ltd

Altus NZ Ltd

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions New Zealand

Bahco

Bowers Brothers Concrete Ltd

Builda Price (2016) Ltd

WEBSITE

COMPANY

WEBSITE

Open2view www.open2view.co.nz

Pacific Steel (NZ) Ltd www.pacificsteel.co.nz

www.abodo.co.nz

www.altus.co.nz

www.assaabloy.co.nz

www.bahco.co.nz

www.bowersbrothers.co.nz

www.Builda Price.co.nz

Connected Spaces NEW www.kaboodle.com.au

CS For Doors Ltd

CSR Building Products (NZ) Ltd

www.csfordoors.co.nz

www.csr.co.nz

ECKO Fastening Systems www.ecko.co.nz

FMI Building Innovation www.aslnz.co.nz

Franklin Plumbing and Builders Supplies Ltd

FreeUp

www.franklins.co.nz

www.freeup.co.nz

Futurewood www.futurewood.nz

GCH Aviation Ltd

GTEE.co.nz

www.gchaviation.com

www.gtee.co.nz

Harvey Norman Commercial NEW www.harveynormancommercial.co.nz

Hilti (New Zealand) Ltd

www.hilti.com

HomePlus www.homeplus.co.nz

Independent Building Supplies www.ibs.co.nz

INTAKS NZ Ltd

www.intaks.co.nz

James Hardie New Zealand www.jameshardie.co.nz

JSC Timber www.jsctimber.co.nz

Kingspan Thermakraft Ltd www.thermakraft.co.nz

KLC Ltd www.klc.co.nz

Kopine www.kopine.co.nz

Laminex New Zealand www.laminexnewzealand.co.nz

Marley New Zealand Ltd www.marley.co.nz

Marshall Innovations Ltd www.mwnz.com

MiTek New Zealand Ltd www.miteknz.co.nz

My Smart Office Ltd

mysmartoffice.co.nz

Paslode New Zealand www.paslode.co.nz

Pro Clima New Zealand Ltd www.proclima.co.nz

Productspec Ltd www.productspec.net

Proven Systems Ltd (DVS) www.dvs.co.nz

Red LBP Ltd www.redlbp.co.nz

Red QS Ltd www.redqs.nz

Rosenfeld Kidson & Co. Ltd rosenfeldkidson.co.nz

Schneider Electric www.pdl.co.nz

Sellwood Products Ltd www.sellwood.co.nz

Simx Ltd www.simx.co.nz

Soudal Ltd www.soudal.co.nz

Superhome Movement www.superhome.co.nz

The Trades Coach www.tradescoach.co.nz

Tile Space www.tiles.co.nz

Viking Roofspec www.vikingroofspec.co.nz

Warmup NZ Ltd www.warmup.co.nz

YourQS Ltd www.yourqs.co.nz

National Partners Professional

Milwaukee Tools NZ www.milwaukeetools.co.nz

Resene Paints Ltd www.resene.co.nz

SIKA New Zealand www.nzl.sika.com

National Partners Premium

APL Window Solutions www.aplnz.co.nz

Bunnings Ltd www.bunnings.co.nz

Comfortech Building Performance Solutions www.pinkbatts.co.nz

Gerard Roofs www.gerardroofs.co.nz

PlaceMakers www.placemakers.co.nz

Red Stag Timber www.redstag.co.nz

Resene Construction Systems www.reseneconstruction.co.nz