9
7 Anewpartnershipforresponsible recycling
A-GaspartnerswithPhoenixRecyclingGroupwith newdrop-offlocationsaddedtotheprogramme.
9 Benefitsofusingthetimerfunction onyourA/C
Oneofthemostunderratedfeaturesofheating andcoolingsystemsisthetimerfunction.
10
12 IntroducingWorldSkills2026
Theworld’slargestinternationalskillscompetition willbeheldinShanghainextyear.
15 Changestothebuildingcode
TheMBIErecentlyaskedforfeedbackon proposedchangestothebuildingcodefor insulationinhomesotherthanbuildings.
Snippetsfromourmembers.Fromcompetitionsto
WhatyouneedtoknowaboutApprovedFiller
Periodicallyrevises,the2025editionofthecode hasbeenupdatedfromthe2007versionto reflecttheindustrytoday.
FROMTHECEO Thelatestissueofthe IRHACEJournal provides valuableinsightsintokeyindustrytrendsand challenges.Itfeaturescasestudiesfrom TimarutoQueenstown,highlighting real-worldHVAC&Rprojects,challengesfaced, andinnovativesolutionsimplemented.These casestudiesofferpracticalknowledgefor industryprofessionalsadaptingtoevolving standardsandtechnologies.
Asignificantupdateinthisissueistherelease oftherevised CodeofPracticeforRefrigerant Handling.Withover35,000disposable refrigerantcylindersimportedintoNewZealand eachyear,responsibledisposaliscritical. Despitestrictregulationsprohibitingtheventing ofrefrigerantgasesintotheatmosphere,this practiceremainsaconcernintheindustry. Propertrainingandcomplianceareessentialto ensuringenvironmentallyresponsible refrigerantmanagement.
NewZealandcontinuestoperformwellon theinternationalstage,withastrongpresence intheWorldSkillscompetition.In2024,the country’sfirstapprenticecompetitorachieved animpressive9thplaceglobally.Looking ahead,the2026WorldSkillscompetitionwill takeplaceinShanghai,andthereishopefor anotherskilledapprenticetorepresent NewZealandatthisprestigiousevent.
Energyefficiencyremainsatoppriorityinthe HVAC&Rsector.Thisyear’sHVAC&RTechnical Stagewillfocuson‘EnergySavingSolutions’, withexpertspeakerspresentingonJuly15–16 attheAucklandShowgrounds.Thiseventwill provideindustryprofessionalswithinsights intocutting-edgeenergy-efficienttechnologies andstrategies.
PUBLISHER IRHACE/CCCANZ/RLNZ hvacrcentre.nz
CEOANDMANAGINGEDITOR GinaMcMaster eo@irhace.org.nz
EDITOR CassieMcKenzie editor@irhace.org.nz
MEMBERSHIP admin@irhace.org.nz admin@cccanz.org.nz
REFRIGERANTLICENSING& COURSES admin@rlnz.org.nz
ADVERTISING admin@irhace.org.nz
HVAC&RCENTRE POBox217184 BotanyJunction2164 Auckland,NewZealand
e: admin@irhace.org.nz e: admin@cccanz.org.nz e: admin@rlnz.org.nz
Nopartofthisjournalmaybeprintedin otherpublicationswithoutpriorwritten permissionoftheManagingEditor. Disclaimer:Statementsexpressedinthis publicationdonotnecessarilyreflect the policiesorviewsoftheassociations, and membersofIRHACEorCCCANZ.The IRHACEJournalpublishesbothlocaland internationalarticles.Standardsandor practicesmaydifferfromcurrentNew Zealandstandardsandorpractices used.Noresponsibilityisacceptedby theassociationsandeditorforthe accuracyofinformationorforerrorsor omissions.TheIRHACEJournalis distributedtoalltheIRHACEand CCCANZfinancialmembers.
ISSN01148257
CEO:IRHACE,CCCANZ,HVAC&RCentre LRDAMPERS FullycompliantwiththelatesttestingstandardsAS1530.4-2014andAS 1530.7-2007,LRFire,Fire-Smoke,Smoke(Exhaust)andBalancing Dampersareeasytoinstall,withaswiftturnaroundtimetomeetmarket demand.
Availableinsevendiameters:100|125|150|200|250|300|350mm
AUCKLAND auckland@holyoake.com +649274-4144 WELLINGTON wellington@holyoake.com +644232-2722 CHRISTCHURCH christchurch@holyoake.com +643366-6545
Anewpartnershipfor responsiblerecycling PhoenixRecyclingGrouphasbeenaddedtothelistofconvenient drop-offlocationsforusedrefrigerantgascylinders.
Eachyear,over35,000disposablerefrigerant cylindersareimportedintoNewZealand,making responsibledisposableessential.Whileitisillegal toventrefrigerantgasintotheatmosphere,this practiceunfortunatelyremainsprevalentinthe HVAC&Rsector.
AddressingthischallengeistheDrop-a-JUG programmebyA-Gas.Thisfreeandeasysolution providesHVAC&Rprofessionalsaconvenientand environmentallyresponsiblewaytorecycleused refrigerantcylinders.
Sincelaunchinglastyear,A-Gashaspartnered withleadingHVACsuppliersandrecyclingentities nationwidetoestablishconvenientdrop-off locationsforcontractors.Thelatestpartnership iswithPhoenixRecyclingGrouptoensurethatall metalmaterialsareproperlyrecycled,whileA-Gas managesthesaferecoveryofanyremaining refrigerant.
Throughthiscollaboration,A-Gasanditspartners arehelpingtobuildamoresustainablefuture–
preventingthereleaseofharmfulrefrigerants, reducingwaste,andsupportingenvironmental responsibilitywithintheindustry.
CONVENIENTDROP-OFFLOCATIONSFOR USEDREFRIGERANTGASCYLINDERS
•Refspecs: Penrose,Auckland;Albany,North Harbour;Frankton,Hamilton;Judea,Tauranga; Middleton,Christchurch.
•Actrol: MountWellington,Auckland;Petone, LowerHutt;Takaro,PalmerstonNorth; Frankton,Hamilton;Sydenham,Christchurch.
•PhoenixRecyclingGroup: Takanini,Auckland.
•OtaihangaZeroWaste: Otaihanga, Paraparaumu.
•ActiveElectricalSuppliers: Tauhara,Taupō.
•A-Gas: Takanini,Auckland.
Benefitsofusingthetimer functiononyourA/C Therearemanyfeaturesofyourheatingandcoolingsystemthat you’relikelynotusingtotheirfullpotential.Oneofthemostunderrated isthetimerfunction.
Mostmodernheatingandcoolingsystemsoffer varioustimerfunctions.Themostbasicistimer mode–settingthesystemtoturnonataspecific timewithina24-hourperiodonsetdays.
Whetherit’sturningtheairconditioningonsoit’s coolwhenyouarrivehomefromworkinsummer, orturningtheheatingonbeforeyouwakeinthe morning,itactsasasetandforgettocreatea comfortableenvironmentwhenyouneedit.
Alsocommonareprogramtimersthatallowyou tointegrateOFFtimerandONtimeroperations inasinglesequence.Oneexampleofprogram timerusemightbetohavetheairconditioner automaticallystopafteryougotosleep,then automaticallyswitchoninthemorningbefore youwake.
Anothertimerfunctionis‘sleepmode’where theunitensuresoptimalfunctioningthroughout thenight.
Asidefromtheconvenienceofusingthetimer function–suchasmakinggettingoutofbedin wintermucheasier–thereareanumberof otherbenefits.
UTILISEYOURTIMERMORETOACHIEVE... Energy-efficiencyandcost-savings: Usingthe timerfunctiononyoursystemsmeansyoucan pre-heatorpre-coolyourspaceoutsideofpeak times,loweringenergyusageandcosts.Theunit canalsobesettoturnoffafteracertainperiod, preventingitfromrunningunnecessarilywhenyou don’tneedit.
Customisablecomfortandimprovedsleepquality: Whileitcanvarypersontoperson,theideal temperatureforsleepisbetween15.6ºCand 18.3ºC.Dependingontheseasonandyour location,itcanbehardtoachievethiswithout heatingorcooling.Havingtheunitoperatefora fewhourswhenyougotosleepcanhelpyoutofall asleep.Thetimercanturntheheatingorcooling offsoitisn’tusingenergyallnight.
Longerlifespanoftheunit: Usingthetimer functiontooperatetheairconditioner/heat pumpatspecificintervals,ratherthanhavingit constantlyrunning,canreducewearandtearon thecompressorandothercomponents.Thiscan extendthelifespanofthesystem,andsaveon repairandreplacementcosts.
AtranscriticalCO2heatpump installationinTimaru Theinstallationofaneight-megawattelectrodeboilertoreplace aninefficientsix-megawattcoal-firedboilerispartofabroader energy-savingstrategyataleadingwoolscourintheSouthIsland.
SupportedbyfundingfromEECA(theEnergy Efficiency&ConservationAuthority,)WoolWorksin Timaruhasundergonealargedecarbonisation project.Partoftheworkwascompletedby PiersonsRefrigeration&AirConditioning,which includesthedesign,supplyandinstallationofa 750KWCO2-basedheatpump.
“Traditionally,WoolWorkshadusedasix-megawatt coal-firedboilertomeettheirhotwaterproduction needs–quiteanoldandinefficientprocess. Themajorityofthewaterisconsumedbythewool scouringprocess,withthedirtywastewater providinganexcellentopportunitytorecoversome wasteheat,”saysMattThomas,ManagingDirector atPiersonsRefrigeration&AirConditioning.
Withthenewsystem,thewastewateriscollected inthecommonsumpatapproximately35–40ºC.
Fromthissump,thelow-gradeheatistransferred viaanintermediate,tube-in-tubeheatexchanger withaself-cleaningfiltrationsystembackintothe high-temperatureCO2heatpumpsystemwhere thequalityofthisheatisraisedto90ºCusingthe thermodynamicpropertiesofaCO2-basedvapour compressionsystem.
“Thishigh-temperaturehotwaterisproducedat aflowrateoftwolitresasecond,withaCOPof morethan3.5,”saysMatthew.“Thismeansthat foreveryunitofelectricalenergy,theheatpump produces3.5timesthatamountinthermalenergy.”
Piersons’SeniorEngineer,JoshLeCompte,was thesupervisorforthisproject,andsaysthis equipmentisattheforefrontofCO2-basedhot waterheatpumptechnology.
“Thisheatpumphasbeendesignedspecifically forthisproject,andbecauseofthat,we’reableto extracteverydropofefficiency,”saysJosh.
“Thisheatpumpwasbuiltusingworld-leading suppliersandwiththesystem’scustomisedPLC controlsystem,we’reabletoeasilycommission, tuneandadjustthesystemtomatchthefactory’s needs.Ourveryuser-friendlyandvisualhuman machineinterfacemeansourtechniciansareable tocommission,diagnoseandmonitorallaspects ofthesystem,anditcanalsobeaccessed remotely.”
Notonlydoesthisnewsystemrecoverotherwise wastedenergyforWoolWorks,itisalsocoupled withanAir-dryerheatreclaimunitandaflow-down heatrecoverysystemthattakestheloadoffthe electrodeboilerandallowsWoolWorkstokeep theirpowerconsumptionundertheallowable threshold.
Piersons,togetherwithGlaciemCooling TechnologiesandengineeringconsultantLumen, havefullydesigned,builtandcommissionedthis bespokeCO2heatpumpsystem.Thisincludesthe designandconstructionoftheheatpump,pump skids,allfieldservicesandelectrical,rightthrough tothehandlingofthecouncilconsent.
Introducing WorldSkills2026 Nextyear,theworld’slargestinternationalskillscompetitionwillbe heldinShanghai.
Heldeverytwoyearsandhostedbymember countriesacrosstheglobe,theWorldSkills Internationalcompetitionsareagreatopportunity forapprenticesinourindustrytorepresentNew Zealandontheworldstage.
Thesecompetitionspromoteapprenticeship, professionaltraining,mobility,youth,andtheir skills,bringingtogetheryoungpeople,industry, educationandgovernmentleadersfromaround theworldtoadvancetechnicalandvocational educationandtraining.
Theeventsandnetworkhelptoskilldevelopment throughpromotinganddevelopingglobaltraining standards,benchmarkingsystems,andenhancing industryengagement,aswellasinfluenceindustry, government,andeducatorsthroughcooperation andresearch.
In2024,JackButlerwentontocompeteatthe WorldSkillsInternationalcompetitioninFrance, followinghisaward-placementinourWallieAskew MemorialWorkskillsCompetition.
PriortocompetinginFrance,Jackalsocompeted intheAustraliaGlobalSkillsChallenge,designed tosimulatetheconditionsoftheinternational competitionandallowcompetitors,expertsand othersupportteammemberstheopportunityto meetaheadoftheglobalevent.
ToparticipateinaWorldSkillscompetition,a competitormustbefromamembercountryor region.InNewZealand,thisisfacilitatedby IRHACEandWorldSkillsNZ.Acompetitormustnot beolderthan22yearsoldintheyearofthe competition.
IRHACE’sWallieAskewMemorialWorkskills Competitionistheperfectplaceforapprenticesto starttheirjourneytorepresentingtheirindustryon theworldstage.
“Backin2021,theIRHACECouncilwantedto providebothahigh-performanceanddevelopment pathwayforourapprentices.Theplanstartedwith therestructuringoftheexistingWallieAskew MemorialWorkskillsCompetition,”saysGina McMaster,HVAC&RCentreCEO.“AtWorldSkills, theskillis‘RefrigerationandAirConditioning’,and thisiswhatweweregoingtoneedtochangeto bringintheothercomponents.Theinternational competitionalsohasdifferentscoring–another changetobringintogiveusamoreconsistent andstructuredapproach.”
Alongsideotherchanges,includingestablishing theApprenticesofIRHACEspecialinterestgroup, andIRHACE’spartnershipwithWorldSkillsNZ, IRHACEwashonouredtohelpputforwardan apprenticetorepresentthecountryontheworld stage.Lookingaheadto2026,wehopewecando thesame!
JackButlercompetinglastyear.
REGIONAL CHALLENGES 2ndAugust
ChillexGroup, Auckland
9thAugust
Steelfort, PalmerstonNorth
16thAugust
GavinLoweEnergy, Christchurch
Top2finishersineach regionalchallengebattle itoutintheFinalCompetition
Finalcompetition
17-18thOctober
Steelfort, PalmerstonNorth
ENTRIES SEERULES& ELIGIBILITY
CompaniesareinvitedtosupporttheWallieAskewMemorial
Promotionacross allregional challengesand finalscompetition.
Bannersand signageateachof thevenues.
Providesfunding foroperations teamandjudges.
Provides equipmentforthe selectedregional challenge/sand/or finalscompetition.
Promotionforthe selectedregional challenge/sand/or competition.
Promotionforthe selectedvenue.
Providesvenue andlogistics.
Venuelocations: •Northern •Central •Southern •Finals
Promotionatfinals competition.
Providesfunding forawardsdinner.
Promotionatfinals competition.
Providesfunding forawardsdinner.
Prizevouchersfor finaliststoredeem aftercompetition.
ChangestotheBuilding Code:whatcanweexpect? Incaseyoumissedit,theMBIErecentlyaskedforfeedback onproposedchangestotheBuildingforinsulationinhomes andotherbuildings.
It’sachangethatcomesafterthepreviouschanges inMay2023,whichsawanincreaseininsulation requirementsforroofs,walls,floors,windows,doors andskylights.Thesechangeswereintroducedto improvetheenergy-efficiencyandthermal performanceofAotearoa’sbuiltenvironment.
However,concernswereraisedaboutoverheating andhighermoisturelevelsinhomeswithincreased insulation,andadisproportionateincreaseinthe costtobuildrelativetotheperformance.
Afterreviewingthis,theMBIEultimatelyfoundthat theseconcernswerearesultofpoordesign–includingbuildingorientation,ventilation,window shading,andheatabsorptionpropertiesofbuilding materials–ratherthanincreasedinsulation.
TheH1clauserequiresenclosedspaceswhere temperatureorhumidityaremodifiedtoprovide adequatethermalresistanceandtolimit uncontrollableairflowincertainbuildings.Italso setsoutphysicalconditionslikelytoaffectenergy performance,andrequirementsforhotwater systems,artificiallightingandHVACsystems.
Therearecurrentlythreemethodsusedtoseeifa buildingmeetstherequirementsundertheBuilding CodeH1EnergyEfficiencyclause:the Schedule Method (a‘onesizefitsall’prescriptivetableof insulationvaluesthatisproposedtoberemoved), the CalculationMethod,andthe ModellingMethod
TherecentfeedbackprocesswillhelpMBIEto understandwhether:
•adjustmentstothemethodsofcompliancewill reduceupfrontcostsofbuildingsandimprove costeffectiveness;
•anyproposedadjustmentsbetterbalance upfrontcostdesigndecisionswithlong-term costbenefits;
•removingtheprescriptiveScheduleMethod wouldincreasedesignflexibility;
•relaxingtherequirementsintheCalculationand Modellingmethodswouldincreasedesign flexibilityandbetterenablebuildingstobe optimised;
•buildingframingratiosneedtobeadaptedto bettermeetinsulationspecifications;
•andifenergylosseffectsoftheframinginwalls needsmoreconsiderationwhencalculating insulationspecifications.
MBIEalsowantstounderstandtheneedsofthe buildingdesignsectortoimprovethemanagement ofinternalmoistureandoverheatingrisksin buildings.
Alongwithmanyothers,HVAC&RCentreprovided itsfeedback,andweawaitupdatestounderstand howourindustrywillbeimpacted.
Asophisticatedhotelfit-out foraholidaydestination MitsubishiElectricwasinstrumentalincreatingatop-rated accommodationexperienceforguestsstayingbeneaththestunning Remarkablesmountainrange.
Year-roundcomfortwasakeypartofthebrief whendesigningtheHolidayInnQueenstown RemarkablesParkHotel.Withthecold,snowy wintersandhot,dryOtagosummers,asafe, energy-efficientandcentrally-managedcomfort heatingandcoolingsolutionwasrequired.
THESPACE Spreadacrossfivestoreys,plusabasement,the 9,500sqmhotelfeatures182rooms,afullservice restaurant,bar,grabandgocafé,cosymedia lounge,gym,fourconferencerooms,andadrying/ storageroomforallgueststokeeptheirskiand outdooradventureequipment.Theopenlobbyis aparticularlypopularspacewhereguestsand visitorscaneat,drink,work,meet,relaxand socialise.
THECHALLENGE Asahotelprojectwith182rooms,theconfined sleepingspacesareclassifiedasaClassA applicationundertheAS/NZ5149:2016and thereforehasamaximumchargekgforrefrigerant volumes–ifthesystemweretoexceedthe concentrationlimit,formsofmitigationsuchas alarms,shutoffvalvesandventilationwouldbe neededtoensuregreateroccupantsafety. Alarmsasaformofmitigationcanbecostlyin thelongterm.
Also,asabuildingwithdifferentspacesand multiplefunctionsamixofVRF,splitsystemsand anairhandlerunittointroducefreshairwouldbe requiredforsimultaneousheatingandcoolingto ensurecomfortineveryspace.
However,itwasimportanttotheclientthatguests couldsoakuptheviewfrombalconieswithoutit beinginterruptedbybulkyoutdoorairconditioning units.
THESOLUTION TheMitsubishiElectricR32Hybridadvanced simultaneousheatingandcoolingsystemwith heatrecoverywasthelogicalchoicefor accommodationareas.R32Hybridisbasedona 2-PipeHeatRecoveryVRFSystembutuseswater asaheatexchangemediumbetweentheHybrid BranchControllerandtheindoorunits.Assuch, thesystemcombinesthecomfortofatraditional hydronicsystemwiththeefficiencyandeaseof modernVRFairconditioning.
Waterattheheartoftheindoorunits Withwaterratherthanrefrigerantusedbetween thepatentedHybridBranchBoxandtheindoor units,thisremovedtherefrigeration-containing partsfromtheoccupiedspacesbytransferring heatingorcoolingtoeachindoorunitviawater. R32Hybridnotonlysignificantlyreducedtherisk ofrefrigerantleaksintheseconfinedspacesto safeguardguests,thetotalcostofthesystemand ongoingmaintenanceisreducedastheneedfor expensiveleakdetectionisminimised–amajor benefitforthemaintenanceteam.
TheR32HybridsystemutilisesthelowGWP refrigerantR32,providingarealsolutionthat delivershighoperationalefficiencywhile minimisingtheglobalwarmingpotentialofthe refrigerantsusedwithinthesesystems.Thehybrid technologyalsoreducedtheamountofcostly refrigerantwhileprovidingadditionalbenefitsof awater-baseddesignsuchashighersensible coolingandnorefrigerantnoiseattheindoorunits.
Lessmaterialandequipment MitsubishiElectric’sunique2-PipeHeatRecovery Systemrequireslesspipingthana4-PipeChiller System.Thesystemdoesnotrequireanexternal pump,valves,sensors,actuators,orotherancillary controlsassociatedwithconventional4-Pipe ChillerSystems.
“Theabilitytotimeroomair conditioningoperationwithcheck-in andcheck-outtimesalsoavoids wastefulenergyusedwhenrooms areempty.” Centralisedcontrol Seamlessintegrationfortotalbuildingcomfort
Duetothecapacitiesneeded,MitsubishiElectric’s CityMultiVRFwaschosenfortheopen-planlobby. ThemodularnatureoftheVRFsystemalso allowedfortidyinstallationalongsidetheR32 HybridSystemandseamlessintegrationwiththe airhandlerunitthroughtheZubadanSeries Condenser,whichintroducestemperedfreshair intothekitchen.
Thephysicalfootprintrequiredfortheoutdoor unitsontherooftopissignificantlysmallerthan othersystems.Inthehotel’spublicspaces,theuse ofdiscreteconcealedductedunitswithstylish grillesandin-ceilingcassettesallowstheinterior designtotakecentrestage.
Low-temperatureheatrecoveryperformance
TheZubadanHeatPumpoutdoorunitusedin conjunctionwitharefrigerantcoilmountedinthe airhandlerunitallowsairtobepre-heatedor pre-cooledpriortoenteringthefacilitytomaintain safetemperaturesthroughouttheseasons.The uniqueMitsubishiElectricZubadanCompressor intheoutdoorunitensuresthatfullheating capacitycanbeprovidedevenduringthesnowy Queenstownwinters,withoperationdownto ambienttemperaturesof-25°C.
With182roomstomanageaswellasconference roomsthatcanexperiencetemperature fluctuationswhenhostingevents,quickand remoteadjustmentoftemperatureswaskeyfor maintenancestaff.TwoAE200Centralisedand WebControllerLCDtouchpanelswereinstalled withthreeEW-50ECentralControllerExpansions, allowingupto250indoorunitstobecontrolled; onetouchscreencontrolstheguestroomsandthe othercontrolscommonareasandbackofhouse.
TheAE200’slarge,back-litdisplaymakes programmingabreeze,givingthemanagement teamcontroloftemperature,fanspeedandairflow optionsatthetouchofabutton.Theabilitytotime roomairconditioningoperationwithcheck-inand check-outtimesalsoavoidswastefulenergyused whenroomsareempty.
THERESULT AsthebulkoftheinstallwasR32Hybrid, time-consuminginstallationandcost-heavy ongoingleakdetectionrequirementswereavoided. NowtheHolidayInnRemarkablesParkHotel standsproudinthenewlyestablishedprecinctas aconvenientlylocatedonestopshoptosleep, eatandconnect,intotalcomfort.
Theclientnowenjoysimpressiveenergyand operationalefficiencywhichtheycancontinuously monitor,makeyear-on-yearcomparisonsandisa breezeformanagementstafftooperatein responsetoQueenstown’svaryingseasons.
Efficiency,digitalisationand energyintelligence Energyefficiency,reductionsinemissions,andsmartbuildingmanagement andtechnologicalinnovationthroughtheproposalofinnovative, high-performancetools,arehottopicsfortheHVAC&Rindustry.
HeatpumpsareakeyelementinreducingCO2 emissionsinresidentialheatingsystems–they transferheatfromtheenvironmentratherthan generatingitthroughcombustion,resultingin significantlylowercarbonfootprintscomparedto traditionalfossilfuel-basedheatingsystems.
ThisisakeyfocusforCAREL,parentcompanyof Eurotec.
Offeringanintegratedsystemofadvanced controllers,high-efficiencyinverters,andelectronic expansionvalvestooptimiseenergyconsumption andperformance,thecompanyalsohasdedicated simulationsoftwaretocreatevirtualmodelsofreal thermodynamicunitsinadigitalenvironment,
helpingtoreducedevelopmenttimesandminimise errorsandmalfunctions.
Toguaranteeindoorairqualityinbuildings, CARELoffersenergyrecoverysolutionsforair handlingunitswiththermalwheels,inverter-driven compressors,andadvancedsensorsthatmeasure temperature,humidityandCO2.
Thesesmartmanagementsystemsreduce operatingcosts,whileimprovingcomfortand efficiency.
However,smartenergymanagementinbuildings requiresopen,scalableplatformsandacentralised approach.AttherecentISH2025event,theworld’s
leadingtradefairforHVACandwater,anew CARELGroupcompanyexhibitedforthefirsttime attheCARELstand.
Thecompany,Kiona,completestheproposalsfor managingservicesandenergyincommercialand multi-residentialbuildings.
Kiona’ssoftware-as-a-serviceplatformusesselflearningAItostreamlineautomationandreporting throughapartnershipthatreinforcestheGroup’s commitmenttoprovidingintegratedsolutionsfor optimalbuildingcontrol.
CARELalsopresentedinnovativenew programmingandsimulationtoolsbasedondigital twintechnology,whichcanrevolutionisetheway HVAC&Rapplicationsaredevelopedandtested.
Theapproachopensupnewperspectivesforthe optimisationandreliabilityofthermodynamic units,reducingcostsandimprovingoperational efficiency.
ThenewPYCminicontrolleralsointroducesa higherlevelofspecialisationforthesector, offeringacompactyethigh-performancesolution idealforHVACapplicationswhereflexibility, efficiencyandintegrationwithadvancedsystems areessentialtomeetmarketdemands.
MEMBERINSIDER WHAT’SON MAY28–29th
HVAC&RSOUTH2025
WHERE:WOLFBROOKARENA,CHRISTCHURCH
Forthefirsttime,thisdedicatedHVAC&R hubatSouthMACHwillshowcasethelatest developmentsinourindustry.Theeventisexpected toattract2,000industryprofessionals.
JULY15–17th
ARBSSTUDYTOUR WHERE:AUCKLAND
Spanningfourdays,thisevenpresentsadistinctive combinationofeducationalsessions,networkingand culturalexperiencesspecificallydesignedforthe leadersandemergingprofessionalsinHVAC&R.
JULY15–16th
HVAC&RHUB2025
WHERE:AUCKLANDSHOWGROUNDS,EPSOM
Showcaseyourcompany’sexpertise,attend workshops,seminarsanddemonstrations,and engagewithpeersandkeydecision-makersin ourindustry.
AROUNDTHEINDUSTRY Realcoldvolunteers
Everyworkingday,businessesacrossAotearoa makeitpossibleforvolunteerfirefighterstorespond toemergencies–andRealcoldisoneofthem! BarryWoolford,RealcoldChristchurchBranch Manager,says:“Thecompanyisverysupportive andunderstandingofourrolethatweplayinthe community.”MattMcPhee,BeijerRefDistribution ChristchurchWarehouseManager,adds:“I’mso gratefultoworkforacompanythatsupports volunteerismthroughoutNewZealand.”
Tempritewinner DouglaswastheluckywinnerofPattonNorth Shore’sCopelandZXpromotion!CraigParker, Branch/TechnicalManagerofPattonNorthShore (left),hadthepleasureofpresentinghimwitha Weber37cmSmokeyMountainCooker.
TroyKilgourjoinsIceTechasanapprentice RefrigerationTechnician.TheteamwishesTroyall thebestforhisapprenticeshipasheembarkson thejourneyenteringthistrade.“Weareconfidenthe willbeasuccesswiththefullbackingandour support.”
ThreeofExcel’sTaranakiteammembersrolledup theirsleevesrecentlytohelprefurbishthepredatorprooffenceatLakeRotokare.Armedwith3,000 screwsandwashers,theyupgraded650metres ofthefence,strengtheningthisvitalbarrierthat protectsnativewildlifeandsupportsconservation efforts.
1MatASHRAEAHRExpo Withover50,000attendees,1,800exhibitors, and350+speakers,itwasallhappeningatthe OrangeCountyConventionCenter!Itwasaunique opportunityforJeffWright,GMof1M,toconnect withglobalHVACleaders,explorethelatest technologies,andbringbackinsightstoenhance 1M’soperationsinAotearoa.
EngineeringFabricationL4 AbigcongratstoKatie-LeeReeves-Henryfor achievingherNewZealandCertificatein EngineeringFabrication(Trade)(Level4)witha strandinLightFabrication!Katieisexcitedto continuehercareerasaqualifiedfabricatoratSheet Metalcraft.KatiehasmasteredGTAW(TIGwelding), achallengingskillthatresultsinstrongandhighendwelds.AbigthankyoutoTrainingAdvisorDavid McIntyreforhelpingKatie-Leecrossthefinishline!
YearoftheSnake TemperzonewelcomedtheYearoftheSnakewith avibrantChineseNewYearcelebration!Theirteam enjoyedafestivemorningteadressedinred(the colourofluck)andsharedinthetraditionsofthis importantholiday.Itwasawonderfulopportunityto connectwithcolleaguesandcelebratethediverse culturesthatenrichtheirworkplace.
First-yearapprenticegiveaway Refspecsprovided61setstofirst-yearapprentices in2024aspartoftheYellowJacketManifold Giveawayprogrammesupportingthenext generationofindustryprofessionals.Ifyouknowa first-yearapprenticewhocouldbenefitfromafree setofgaugestokickstarttheircareer,please contactyournearestRefspecsbranch.
APPROVEDFILLER Legislationandrequirements OneoftherolesofRefrigerantLicenseNewZealand(RLNZ)istoensurethatthere isabetterunderstandingaboutHazardousSubstancesandNewOrganismsAct 1996(HSNO)requirementsandtherisksofreleasingharmfulrefrigerantsinto theatmosphere.
RLNZregularlyreceivesenquiriesconcerningtheneedtohaveanApprovedFiller. Here’swhatyouneedtoknow.
WHYDOWENEEDANAPPROVEDFILLER? OnApril4,2016,NewZealandParliamentcreated theregulation“HealthandSafetyatWork(General RiskandWorkplaceManagement)Regulations 2016”.
Undersection9,page6:
Dutytoprovideinformation,supervision,training, andinstruction
(1)APCBUmustensure,sofarasisreasonably practicable,thateveryworkerwhocarriesoutwork ofanykind,usesplantofanykind,ordealswitha substanceofanykindthatiscapableofcausing ariskinaworkplace:
(a)either:
(i)hasadequateknowledgeand experienceofsimilarplaces,andwork, plant,orsubstancesofthatkind,toensure thattheworkercarryingoutthework, usingtheplant,ordealingwiththe substanceisnotlikelytoadverselyaffect thehealthandsafetyorcauseharmtothe workeroranyotherperson;or
(ii)isadequatelysupervisedbyaperson whohasthatknowledgeandexperience; and
(b)isadequatelytrainedinthesafeuseof:
(i)allplant,objects,substances,or equipmentthattheworkerisormaybe
requiredtouseorhandle;and
(ii)allpersonalprotectiveequipmentthat theworkerisormayberequiredtowearor use.
Readhereforfurtherdefinitions:HealthandSafety atWork(GeneralRiskandWorkplace Management)Regulations2016(LI2016/13)(as at01December2020)–NewZealandLegislation
HEALTHANDSAFETYATWORK(HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES)REGULATIONS2017
NewZealandParliamentcreatedtheHealthand SafetyatWork(HazardousSubstances) Regulations2017on26thJune2017.
Asameansofacontrolmeasurethatisamethod ofwork,process,orproceduredesignedto minimiseriskwhendealingwithHazardous substances.
UnderSection15–15.64–15.66,pages347-348: 15.64Restrictiononpersonswhomaychargegas containers
(1)APCBUwithmanagementorcontrolofa workplacemustensurethatnopersonatthe workplacechargesagascontainerunless:
(a)thepersonisanapprovedfiller;or
(b)theperson:
(i)isundertakingacourseofinstructionor
othertrainingtobecomeanapprovedfiller; and
(ii)issupervisedatalltimesbyanapprovedfiller whilechargingthecontainer.
(3)APCBUwhocontravenesthisregulation commitsanoffenceandisliableonconviction,
(a)foranindividual,toafinenotexceeding$6,000: (b)foranyotherperson,toafinenotexceeding $30,000.
15.65Approvedfillers (1)Apersonmustnotcarryoutadutyofan approvedfillerunderthissubpartunlessthe personholdsanapprovedfillercertificatethatis issuedbyacompliancecertifierwhoisauthorised tocertifythecompetenceofapprovedfillers.
(2)Anindividualwhocontravenesthisregulation commitsanoffenceandisliableonconvictiontoa finenotexceeding$2,000.
15.66Compliancecertificateforapprovedfillers (3)Thecertificatemayspecifyitsenddate(no laterthan5yearsafterissue).
Periodictests Schedule22oftheHealthandSafetyatWork (HazardousSubstances)Regulations2017states: Allothercylindersincludingrefrigerationcylinders haveamaximumtestperiodof5years.These intervalsrelatetoperiodsbeyondwhichaperson mustnotchargeacylinderunlessthatcylinderhas beeninspectedandtested.
15.56Periodictests
(1)APCBUwithmanagementandcontrolofa workplacemustensurethatnopersonchargesa cylinderattheworkplaceunlessthecylinderhas passedthetestsreferredtoinsub-clause(2),or theinspectionsandtestsreferredtoinregulation 15.3(1)(b)
(3)APCBUwhocontravenesthisregulation commitsanoffenceandisliableonconviction, (a)foranindividual,toafinenotexceeding$6,000: (b)foranyotherperson,toafinenotexceeding $30,000.
Readhereforfurtherdefinitions:HealthandSafety atWork(HazardousSubstances)Regulations2017 (LI2017/131)(asat05January2022)Contents–NewZealandLegislation
BreachesofLegislation
WorkSafereceivesalargeamountofinformation aboutharm,ortheriskofharm.Thiscomesina numberofdifferentways,forexample: notifications,complaintsorreportsofconcern, ourownintelligence,oraninspection.
Thisharm,ortheriskofharm,canbetheresult ofasingleevent,apatternoraseriesofevents, aprecursoreventoranearmiss.Becauseofthe largeamountofinformationwereceive,weare deliberateinchoosingwhenwewill,andwon’t, investigate.Evenifit’samatterwithinourremit, wewon’tnecessarilyinvestigate.Westartby applying‘Whenweintervene’andthishelpsus decideifthematterissomethingwecould investigate.
MoreinformationcanbefoundonviaWorkSafe’s ‘Guidetogascylinders’
Gotquestions?Getintouch
RefrigerantHandlingCode ofPractice2025forNew Zealandhasbeenreleased TheCodeofPracticewasoriginallyproducedbyIRHACEandRACCA backin2001,andwasupdatedin2007byIRHACEandAIRAH.
Thiscodehasbeenperiodicallyrevisedovertime withassistancefromtheAustralianInstituteof Refrigeration,AirConditioningandHeating (AIRAH),StandardsAustralia,theInstituteof Refrigeration,HeatingandAirConditioning EngineersofNewZealand(IRHACE)andother institutions.
This2025editionofthecodehasbeenupdated fromthe2007versiontoreflectchangesinthe StandardsandRegulationstheindustrycurrently workswith:
•Requirementsandrecommendationson design,manufactureandmaintenance,have beenupdatedbasedontheapplicable AustraliaandNewZealandstandardsand industryguidelines.
•Procedureshavebeenoutlinefor(on-site) evacuation,charging,inspectionandrepair.
•Morefocusandclarityareprovidedaround leakinspection,leakdetectionandleak testing.
Therearearangeofresourcesavailableregarding theuseofflammablerefrigerants,includingbutnot limitedto:
•HeadsofWorkplaceSafetyAuthorities’ (HWSA)FlammableRefrigerantGasesPosition Paperaspublishedbytherelevantstateor territoryWHSauthority.
•AustralianInstituteofRefrigeration,Air ConditioningandHeating’s(AIRAH) FlammableRefrigerantsSafetyGuide.
•AustralianRefrigerationCouncil’s(ARC) HandleClassA2/A2LFlammableRefrigerants andarangeoffactsheetsproducedin AustraliabyRefrigerantsAustraliaandinNew ZealandbyCCCANZ.
ThankyoutothosewhoprovidedtheirexpertiseinreviewingtheCodeof Practice:DeanMoffat(M.IRHACE),PaddyDurham(M.IRHACE),ChrisArvidson (M.IRHACE),MikeDubey(M.IRHACE),MitchWilliamson(M.IRHACE),Garrett Glynn(M.IRHACE),AndyGoodall(M.IRHACE),andRodDickson(WorkSafe).
Function10Consulting Contact:IainSmart
Phone:021450757
Website: f10.co.nz
MEMBER WELCOME
LiamCouling
AydenHudson
KingiWetere
TimothyJamesWilson
JamesYardley
MartinLightfoot
MatthewLowe
JamesMcCormack
AndrewDwyer
WilliamLovell
MarkHoskin
MatthewHallgren
BenDalton
KieranHarland
RobThurston
CompetenzStrategic AdvisoryBoardannounced CompetenzhasfinaliseditsStrategicAdvisoryBoard(SAB), withallmembersconfirmed.
TheSABwillactasthecollectivevoicefor Competenzindustriestokeystakeholders,including TePūkenga,theMinisterforVocationalEducation, theTertiaryEducationCommission(TEC),andother governmentagencies.Theboardwillprovide strategicguidanceandrepresentindustryinterests asthevocationaleducationsystemevolves followingthecurrentVETconsultation.
TheBoardconsistsofninemembers,representing employers,industryassociations,andMāoriand Pasifikacommunities.LedbyanindependentChair, theboardbringstogetherdiverseperspectives acrosssectors,regions,andcultures,alongside stronggovernanceexpertiseandin-depth knowledgeofvocationaleducation.Thisincludes CCCANZ’sBrendanClarkson.
MEETTHESABMEMBERS • NickSheppard |HeadofLearning&Development, EmployersandManufacturersAssociation(EMA)| Engineering&Manufacturing(Chairperson)
• KatherineHall |ExecutiveDirector,ConCOVE Tūhura|ConstructionResearch,InternationalVET Models
• BrynThompson |Ambassador,MAKE|NZ| Engineering,Fabrication&Manufacturing
• BrendanClarkson |ManagingDirector,Clarkson AirConditioningLtd|Refrigeration&Air Conditioning
• RuthCobb |ChiefExecutiveOfficer,PrintNZ|Print, Packaging&SignMaking
• NarelleCameron |SeniorLearningPartner, Fonterra|VariousSectors
• AlanSutcliffe |ChiefExecutiveOfficer,Page MacraeEngineering|Engineering&Manufacturing
• KevinIhaka |ManagingDirector,ForestProtection ServicesGroup|Forestry
• DrCliffHarwood |ManagerQualifications& VendorRelations,NewZealandDefenceForce
• AmandaWheeler |ExecutiveDirector,Competenz
NEWSKILLSGROUPAPPOINTMENT SkillsGroupispleasedtoannouncetheappointmentof DiLithgowasthenewDirectorTradesSchoolwhich comprisesEtco,E-tecandICE.Dibringsextensive experienceinvocationalandtertiaryeducation,having dedicatedhercareertoimprovingeducationalsystems andoutcomesforlearnersacrossAotearoa.
“Herabilitytotranslatestrategicvisionintopractical, impactfuloperationaloutcomeshasbeenahallmarkof herleadership.
“Di’sdeeprootsinthevocationaleducationsector, whereshehasworkedforCompetenz,TePūkenga andpreviously,Skills,combinedwithherpeople-first approach,makeherexceptionallywell-suitedtotherole.”
hvacrcentre.nz |FEB/MARCH2025
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