IRHACE Industry Journal - June 2025

The Industry Journal for the New Zealand Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Industries

The rise of smart HVAC Thinking green: from coal to clean Legionnaires’ disease: A health warning to workers

JUNE 2025

A NEW ERA OF HVAC

HEALTHY HOMES HEATING STANDARDS

SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTRES

IN THIS ISSUE

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16

7 homes heating standards 7 Healthy New Zealand’s healthy homes standards are designed to make homes warmer, drier, and healthier.

your hot water system 8 Protect from theft Statistics reveal that the costliest home burglary claims arise from the theft of hot water systems.

CASE STUDIES

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HOW BIOMASS IS TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIAL LIME DRYING

technologies for sustainable 10 Cooling data centres The IIR’s latest technical brief discusses the latest developments and trends.

rise of smart HVAC 12 The We are at a pivotal stage in the HVAC industry’s transformation. Here’s what you need to know.

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6 Hub speaker lineup 14 HVAC&R Topics will include energy-efficient solutions, costsavings, environmental impact, system longevity, and improved performance of HVAC systems.

for Abilities Group 16 Support The community has gathered to help Abilities Group rebuild after a fire spread through its Glenfield premises.

against Legionnaire’s 20 Protecting disease Cooling tower maintenance obligations and standards are vital in the fight against the disease.

new chapter 24 AAHIbold Carrier Toshiba New Zealand has announced

MEMBER INSIDER

27 WHAT’S ON 28 AROUND THE INDUSTRY 30 PROJECT SNAPSHOT 34 MILESTONES

a strategic growth initiative, new leadership, and its commitment to sustainable innovation.

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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FROM THE CEO

CEO AND MANAGING EDITOR Gina McMaster eo@irhace.org.nz

This month, we spotlight a series of innovative case studies by our members. These projects exemplify the ingenuity and adaptability of the HVAC&R sector in response to today’s sustainability and performance challenges.

We also share the latest advancements in cooling technologies for sustainable data centres, take a look at the emergence of smart HVAC systems, and proactive strategies to combat Legionnaires’ disease Our sector is navigating a period of strategic significance. The vocational education system is currently undergoing a major review, and the HVAC&R industry is making a strong case to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) for repositioning.

We are advocating for the industry to be recognised within the Construction Industry Skills Body (ISB), rather than its current placement under Manufacturing. This proposed shift reflects the nature of HVAC&R work — which often takes place in active construction environments, requiring site-based coordination, technical commissioning, and collaboration with trades across the built environment.

PUBLISHER IRHACE/CCCANZ/RLNZ hvacrcentre.nz

EDITOR Cassie McKenzie editor@irhace.org.nz

In this issue, we also release a new consumer-focused fact sheet in response to a surprising trend: data from insurers reveal that hot water systems now account for some of the most expensive claims in home burglaries. It’s not something most homeowners consider when thinking about theft prevention — but it’s a timely reminder of the value and visibility of HVAC assets in residential settings.

Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce the speaker lineup for the HVAC&R Technical Stage, a key feature of our upcoming event calendar. This year’s programme brings together technical experts to explore a wide range of essential topics such as optimising HVAC systems with CFD, efficient indoor air quality, the future of domestic water heating, the hidden costs of power and boosting efficiency, VAV systems for energy efficiency and planned preventative maintenance for energy efficient HVAC systems.

CEO: IRHACE, CCCANZ, HVAC&R Centre

MEMBERSHIP admin@irhace.org.nz admin@cccanz.org.nz REFRIGERANT LICENSING & COURSES admin@rlnz.org.nz ADVERTISING admin@irhace.org.nz HVAC&R CENTRE PO Box 217184 Botany Junction 2164 Auckland, New Zealand e: admin@irhace.org.nz e: admin@cccanz.org.nz e: admin@rlnz.org.nz No part of this journal may be printed in other publications without prior written permission of the Managing Editor.

Disclaimer: Statements expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the associations, and members of IRHACE or CCCANZ. The IRHACE Journal publishes both local and international articles. Standards and or practices may differ from current New Zealand standards and or practices used. No responsibility is accepted by the associations and editor for the accuracy of information or for errors or omissions. The IRHACE Journal is distributed to all the IRHACE and CCCANZ financial members.

ISSN 01148257

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Fire Dampers you can rely on.

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Clever, High Quality Air Handling Unit

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Full Aluminium Design For added corrosion protection and lighter weights, anodised aluminium framework, panels and base channel Ebox Wiring Integration Wiring can be easily done via the Ebox with integrated terminal blocks Tropical Profiles Tropical profile and thermal break panels as a standard for exceptional thermal performance High Efficiency EC Plug Fans EC plug fans that precisely adjust airflow to change in static pressure

Nominal Airflow 750 l/s - 15,000 l/s

For product information, visit www.temperzone.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Healthy homes heating standards New Zealand’s healthy homes standards are designed to make homes warmer, drier, and healthier.

Renters and owner-occupiers all deserve to live comfortably in their homes, and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage, and draught-stopping help achieve this. Private residential landlords are responsible for making sure their properties meet the requirements, with all rental properties required to meet the healthy homes standards

by July 1, 2025.

KEEPING WARM IN WINTER At this time of year, Kiwis are searching for ways to keep warm. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18˚C. In rental properties, landlords must provide one or more fixed heaters that can directly heat the main living room. The heater must be fixed, at least 1.5kW in heating capacity, and meet the minimum heating capacity required for the space.

hvacrcentre.nz | APRIL 2025

It’s also important for the main heater to not be an open fire or an unflued combustion heater. In most cases, the acceptable types of heater(s) will be a larger fixed heating device like a heat pump, wood burner, pellet burner or flued gas heater. In some cases, such as small apartments, a smaller fixed electric heater may be enough.

Some properties can meet the heating standard by using geothermal heating, if the geothermal heating meets certain requirements.

Certain conditions must be met if your property has existing heating sources. More information is available via tenancy.govt.nz.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE HEALTHY HOMES JULY DEADLINE? LEARN MORE.

CONSUMER FACT SHEET

Protect your hot water system from theft It’s likely not something you think about when protecting your home from thieves. However, statistics reveal that the costliest home burglary claims arise from the theft of hot water systems.

Over 500 heating systems are stolen each year in New Zealand.

Of course, this comes with the cost of replacing the system, but costs are also involved in repairing the damage the removal causes – according to AMI Insurance, hot water cylinder thefts have led to damage over $200,000 after water has been left to flood out from exposed pipes.

REDUCING THE RISK Protecting hot water systems requires proactive planning and smart site management.

The following strategies can help reduce the risk of theft for both residential and commercial properties: 1. Choose a discreet installation location

In most cases, exterior gas water heaters are stolen for the resell value of the unit as they can be removed without damage to the unit, with hot water cylinders and copper water pipes also targeted for the scrap value of copper.

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Carefully position exterior hot water systems where they are not easily visible from the street or public pathways. Reducing visibility lowers the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

AMI Insurance notes that most house burglaries occur around lunchtime or early afternoon.

materials in plain sight. These can signal the presence of a newly installed system to potential thieves.

2. Install a security cage or enclosure 5. Source units from reputable suppliers Exterior water heating units can be taken without setting off security alarms. To onlookers and neighbouring residents, thieves can easily look like workers carrying out work on the property when disconnecting the unit.

To protect against this, consider fitting a robust security cage around the water heating unit to make unauthorised removal more difficult.

This cage should be separate from any required seismic bracing and constructed of tamperresistant materials.

3. Use manufacturer-supplied security hardware Some suppliers offer security brackets or locking kits that conceal or protect the bolts fixing the unit to the wall. Always opt for these anti-theft features during installation.

4. Clean up after installation If you’ve recently installed a new system, avoid leaving packaging, branded boxes, or delivery

Always purchase hot water systems through trusted, authorised suppliers to avoid inadvertently buying stolen or non-compliant goods – and to support traceability in case of theft.

6. Conceal valuable materials If copper piping or fittings are exposed (including spouting or downpipes), consider painting them with an oil-based paint to disguise their value.

Where possible, opt for modern alternatives, such as Buteline piping, which are less appealing for resale.

7. Invest in security Sensor lights, security cameras, and displaying signage such as ‘Beware of Dog’ or ‘This Property Is Monitored’ can detract thieves. When homes or construction sites are unattended, give the impression someone is present – leave lights or radios on, and keep a vehicle parked onsite when possible.

Burglary claims have remained elevated following a peak in 2022, which coincided with New Zealanders returning to workplaces after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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SUSTAINABILITY

Cooling technologies for sustainable data centres Data centres are growing, and with that comes their rapidly increasing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Vital to the digital economy, data centres are the backbone of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the operation of big data.

However, they consume substantial amounts of energy – with cooling systems being a major contributor, accounting for around 40 per cent of energy consumption. As global data centre usage grows, so does the urgency to implement energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) recently released a technical brief covering this topic, exploring the global outlook of data centre cooling and market opportunities; data centre energy demand and emissions; cooling technology trends; policy recommendations; and more.

•

Global data centres consumed an estimated 240–340TWh of electricity in 2022, representing approximately 1–1.3 per cent of global electricity demand and contributing significantly to CO2 emissions. The CO2 emissions for 240–340TWh of electricity, assuming an average carbon intensity of 450gCO2/kWh, would be approximately 108–153 million tonnes.

•

Cooling systems alone account for 40 per cent of this energy use, highlighting their critical role in energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies.

•

Liquid cooling is emerging as a superior alternative to air cooling thanks to its suitability for high-density racks with lower energy consumption.

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Methods such as evaporative cooling, natural air/water cooling, and hybrid systems are increasing in popularity as a result of their ability to significantly reduce energy use.

KEY INSIGHTS •

The global data centre cooling market was valued at $157.3 billion in 2022, with projected growth at a compound annual rate of 17.1 per cent through 2030.

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•

Heat recovery and reuse is noted as a method of transforming data centres into sources of low-grade thermal energy.

•

Artificial intelligence-driven systems are being used to predict cooling loads and optimise performance, while digital twins allow real-time monitoring and fault prevention for an immediate intervention.

IIR’S POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Promote the adoption of sustainable cooling technologies.

2. Encourage the integration of renewable energy.

3. Facilitate waste heat utilisation.

The refrigeration solution for smarter field commissioning Embedded connectivity through NFC and Bluetooth technology On-field time saving, exploiting controller configurations copy, paste, modify and share Faster and simplified commissioning, with the new configuration WIZARD End-user simplified interaction with CONTROLLA for an automatic HACCP management

4. Support R&D and innovation, and establish training and certification programmes.

5. Encourage comprehensive energy monitoring.

READ THE FULL TECHNICAL BRIEF FROM IIR. www.eurotec.co.nz

09 579 1990

sales@eurotec.co.nz

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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TECHNOLOGY

A new era: the rise of smart HVAC A culmination of rising energy costs, digital innovations, climate awareness, and health concerns has led us to a pivotal stage in the HVAC industry’s transformation.

WHAT IS SMART HVAC? Smart HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems enhanced by digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and automation software. These systems go beyond traditional HVAC by using real-time data to monitor conditions, optimise energy use, and anticipate maintenance needs.

By connecting HVAC components to a central digital platform, smart systems can automatically adjust heating, cooling, and ventilation based on occupancy, weather, air quality, and user preferences. The result is a system that delivers

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greater comfort, lower energy costs, improved indoor air quality, and reduced environmental impact – all with minimal manual intervention.

WHY SMART HVAC IS NO LONGER OPTIONAL The limits of traditional HVAC Conventional HVAC systems have fixed schedules, uniform settings, and the potential for manual oversight. These systems operate on static controls, meaning they run at the same intensity regardless of real-time conditions – for example, whether the building is full or empty, or whether it’s mild or sweltering outside. The result? Significant energy waste and inflated utility costs.

Traditional systems also rely heavily on reactive maintenance. Issues often go unnoticed until they escalate into major failures, leading to unexpected downtime, costly repairs, and compromised occupant comfort. With no real-time diagnostics or predictive insight, homeowners and facilities teams are left guessing when parts need servicing or replacement.

while ensuring the system operates within optimal efficiency parameters.

Regulatory compliance and sustainability goals

For facility managers, building owners, and HVAC professionals, adopting these new systems and technology is a necessity. Smart HVAC systems are a cornerstone of future-ready buildings, empowering Kiwis to reduce operating costs, comply with tightening standards, and improve tenant and employee satisfaction.

With an increasing need for energy-efficient, low-emission HVAC systems – with New Zealand well-aware of shifting benchmarks with the incoming changes to the Building Code H1 Energy Efficiency requirements – smart HVAC systems can be a forward-thinking, future-proofing integration to new projects.

For commercial buildings, automated reporting can be especially beneficial to help ensure compliance with standards and refrigerant management rules, and emerging decarbonisation targets.

Just as smart lighting has been welcomed across homes and commercial premises, alongside energy monitoring, access control, security, and other smart building features, smart HVAC technology is also becoming the norm.

Adopting smart HVAC is no longer about keeping up with trends – it’s about staying in business, meeting climate obligations, and delivering better spaces for people to live and work.

Occupant comfort and satisfaction Indoor air quality has become an important factor in how people experience the buildings they live, work, and learn in. Smart HVAC systems are leading the charge in improving this, offering tools and a level of transparency that has previously been out of reach for occupants and facility managers.

Many feature integrated advanced sensors that continuously track pollutants, humidity levels, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and particulate matter. These systems don’t just improve air – they can communicate how clean it is through real-time dashboards and building automation interfaces. This level of visibility builds trust, giving occupants assurance that their environment supports their health and wellbeing.

Smart HVAC systems also enable zoned and personalised climate control, tailoring temperature and ventilation to the needs of different spaces and occupants. Whether it’s adjusting air conditioning for a crowded meeting room or reducing airflow in an unoccupied classroom, smart systems respond in real time to ensure comfort without wasting energy.

In high-performance buildings, occupants often have limited control over temperature or ventilation. Smart HVAC changes this by introducing user interfaces and feedback loops that let occupants feel involved in their comfort –

Part of HVAC&R Hub, the HVAC&R Technical Stage is designed to bring together professionals from across the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors. With a core focus on energy efficient solutions, the event provides a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing current projects and technical expertise. It serves as a vital space where cutting-edge advancements are discussed, and the future of energy efficiency in HVAC&R is shaped.

REGISTER NOW

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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HVAC&R HUB New Zealand’s largest trade-only exhibition for people who design, construct and manage buildings and facilities is back this July.

The HVAC&R Technical Stage is designed to bring together professionals from across the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors. With a core focus on energy efficient solutions, the event provides a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing current projects and technical expertise. It serves as a vital space where cutting-edge advancements are discussed, and the future of energy efficiency in HVAC&R is shaped.

It’s not just an event – it’s a convergence point for thought leaders and industry professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on energy consumption and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, extend equipment life, or contribute to a greener future, this event is poised to provide actionable insights and foster collaborations that drive the industry forward.

SPEAKER LINEUP TUESDAY NCS Sandeep Manilal, Acoustic Engineer – Acoustic control for a noisy world Realcold Roger Lee, Gree Business Unit Manager – The future of domestic hot water heating Smooth-Air Ian Baker, National Sales Manager – How H1/VM3 impacts on the demand for folded galvanised ducting Black Diamond Technologies John Greaves, National Design and Specification Manager – Planned preventative maintenance for energy-efficient HVAC systems Shapeair Group Dion Froes, Group Sales Director – VAV systems for energy efficiency Cool-Safe Janine Brinsdon, Chief Executive, and Megan Dinsdale-Jones, General Manager Operations – NZ’s product stewardship scheme for refrigerants and other synthetic greenhouse gases SIMX Darren Gear, HVAC Manager – Implementing H1/VM3: Enhancing energy efficiency in commercial HVAC systems

WEDNESDAY ebm-papst Thomas Heine, Sales Manager, ebmpapst Australia – The hidden costs of power: Boosting efficiency and protecting HVAC infrastructure with active power factor correction Eurotech Mark Jones, National Sales Manager, Carel Australia – Efficient indoor air quality Temperzone Marc Harris, Air Conditioning & Controls Product Manager – Efficiency of dew point control and integrated reheat Holyoake Pouria Aghajannezhad, Mech Engineer Computational Fluid Dynamics – Optimising HVAC systems with CFD for precision and efficiency Massey University Don Cleland, Professor Process Engineering – Energy efficiency in industrial refrigeration

July 15–16, Auckland Showgrounds REGISTER NOW

COMMUNITY

Support for Abilities Group The community has gathered to help Abilities Group rebuild after a fire spread through its Glenfield premises.

Dedicated to taking care of the environment and providing fulfilling employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, Abilities Group does a lot of work for the community.

The community is now lending a hand to the organisation after a fire tore through its site causing extensive damage to the workspaces, tools, and equipment.

helping businesses like ours build better, more responsible recycling programmes.

The fire has left many of the team members without the tools or safe spaces they need to work.

Daikin is also working with other businesses to coordinate wider support.

SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Daikin New Zealand has been one of many businesses, alongside individuals, that have contributed to helping Abilities Group get back on its feet.

A Givealittle page has been set up to assist with the recovery efforts. Donations will help Abilities Group to:

“Our team recently visited Abilities to meet with their leadership and offer support as they begin the huge task of recovery. We are committed to standing with them – and we invite others across the business community to do the same.”

• “We were devastated to hear about the fire that severely impacted the Abilities Group recycling facility,” says Daikin. “Abilities have been an incredible partner to Daikin New Zealand and many others – providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and

• • •

Support their disabled staff and volunteers during this crisis.

Secure a temporary location as they search for a new home.

Rebuild the workspaces and replace essential equipment.

Reopen their public recycling services.

HELP ABILITIES GROUP REBUILD BY DONATING VIA GIVEALITTLE.

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hvacrcentre.nz | FEB/MARCH 2025 Daikin Team

CASE STUDY

From coal to clean:

How biomass is transforming industrial lime drying A South Island agricultural lime producer has made a major leap toward cleaner energy by replacing its coal-fired drying system with a state-of-the-art 8MW wood chip burner – an installation that marks the first of its kind in New Zealand.

A MOVE AWAY FROM COAL

alongside a heavy including a lengthy four-hour startup time.

For years, coal has been the standard fuel source for drying lime in the agricultural sector due to its high heat output and availability. But growing environmental concerns and evolving regulations have accelerated the search for cleaner alternatives.

The lime producer was motivated to reduce their carbon footprint, escape the rising cost of coal, and modernise their heating infrastructure while maintaining productivity.

In this case, the client had long relied on a traditional coal-fired system that generated hot air at approximately 1100ºC to dry lime. While effective, operational costs were increasing,

As a renewable, lower-emission alternative to coal, biomass was ultimately selected as the new energy source – specifically, wood chips from untreated forestry by-products.

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CASE STUDY

NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST 8MW WOOD CHIP BURNER Tubman Heating delivered an 8MW biomass burner designed to burn wood chips. The system is scalable, efficient, and tailored to the client’s specific production needs. Custom control systems were developed as part of the installation, allowing precise temperature management and process integration.

Now operational, the system is consistently providing hot air at temperatures above 900ºC, effectively drying the lime and contributing to a superior final product. With a rapid startup time, the burner reaches optimal temperature in just 30–40 minutes, and there is room for future production increases as the system is currently only utilising a portion of its capacity.

BESPOKE BIOMASS SOLUTIONS Tubman Heating create bespoke burner or stoker systems to suit each project’s needs. Get in touch with the team to learn more.

tubman.co.nz

Customers are also benefiting from the new system, with comments received about the enhanced consistency and performance of the dried lime.

A NEW SOLUTION An example of how high-demand industrial processes can transition away from fossil fuels without sacrificing performance, this move from coal to biomass shows what’s possible.

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Protecting against Legionnaires’ disease Recent cases of Legionnaires’ disease are a timely reminder of the importance of cooling tower maintenance obligations and standards.

Health New Zealand has reported 10 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the year to March, up on three for the same period last year. Australia has also seen a recent outbreak with 12 confirmed cases of the disease in Sydney, with one confirmed fatality. NSW Health traced the source to a cooling tower contaminated with Legionella bacteria, prompting an urgent inspection of more than 165 towers across the city.

Concerningly, in eight of the 10 cases recently reported in New Zealand, the same type of Legionella bacteria was detected in both the infected person and in water samples taken from their spa pools – meaning that infected water was most likely the source of infection.

Cooling tower from CCCANZ member Cooltek.

A further investigation by National Public Health Service staff in the central region, following a recent case of Legionnaires’ disease after contact with infected water, found that the spa pool the person had bathed in had not been properly cleaned or maintained over time.

“Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia that results in a chest infection caused by a bacteria called legionella, an environmental organism that lives in moist conditions, such as soil, compost, potting mix, or spa pools and water systems,” says Dr Matt Reid, Public Health Medicine Specialist for the NPHS.

A GUIDE TO PREVENTING THE GROWTH OF LEGIONELLAE Regular and appropriate cleaning and disinfection is required to prevent the growth of legionellae in primate and public spa pools, which is outlined in New Zealand Standard NZ 5826:2010. Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) who have cooling towers or evaporative condensers (cooling plant) must also be aware of the following standards: •

AS/NZS3666.3 Air handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control – Part 3: Performance-based maintenance of cooling water systems

•

NZS4302 Code of practice for the control of hygiene in air and water systems in buildings

•

AS/NZS4020 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water

According to WorkSafe New Zealand, PCBUs whose work involves buildings, industrial or commercial premises that operate one or more cooling towers or evaporative condensers (cooling plant) must eliminate the risks from Legionella colonisation and dissemination so far as is reasonably practicable. If a risk cannot be eliminated, it must be minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.

In relation to cooling plant, there will be different PCBUs with overlapping health and safety duties.

When this happens, PCBUs must, so far as is reasonably practicable, consult, cooperate and coordinate activities.

The extent of the duty to manage risks depends on the ability of each PCBU to influence and control the matter. The guidance below describes the different types of PCBUs that may be involved, their duties and likely extent of their influence or control.

More information can be found in WorkSafe New Zealand’s publication, Preventing Legionnaires’ disease from cooling towers and evaporative condensers.

Did you know?

•

Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in the New Zealand environment, particularly in soil and aquatic environments, making it difficult to prevent pathogens from entering engineered water reticulation systems.

•

Most cases in New Zealand are caused

by L. longbeachae and L. pneumophila.

The primary sources of these bacteria are constructed warm-water systems (L. pneumophila) and composted vegetative material (L. longbeachae).

THE STANDARDS ARE AVAILABLE VIA THE CCCANZ STANDARDS LIBRARY AS PART OF YOUR COMPANY MEMBER BENEFITS.

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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WALLIE ASKEW

MEMORIAL WORKSKILLS COMPETITION BUILD SKILLS. BOOST CAREERS. CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE.

REGIONAL CHALLENGES

HOW TO ENTER

August 2nd Chillex Group, Auckland

August 9th Steelfort, Palmerston North

ENTER TO BE IN TO WIN A REFRIGERATION PLANT LEGO KIT!

August 16th Gavin Lowe Energy, Christchurch The top two finishers in each regional challenge battle it out in the Final Competition.

APPRENTICES, ARE YOU READY TO WIN? All entries will go in the draw to win a special build-your-own refrigeration plant LEGO kit!

Entries close June 30.

RULES OF THE COMPETITION

NEWS

A bold new chapter AHI Carrier Toshiba New Zealand has announced a strategic growth initiative, new leadership, and its commitment to sustainable innovation.

It’s a renewed focus with leadership expansion and sights set on sustainable innovation in the HVAC&R sector – a new chapter for the company’s local operations.

The development follows recognition from the company’s global head office in Sharjah of the New Zealand market’s strong potential for longterm growth, particularly in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

performance, advanced energy management, and customer satisfaction.

“We’re excited to grow in a way that prioritises not only market share, but also measurable sustainability,” says Gary Felstead.

“As energy costs rise and climate concerns grow, Carrier Toshiba is committed to helping New Zealanders reduce their carbon footprint through smart, efficient HVAC technologies.”

To support this vision, operations in New Zealand now report directly to Dubai, reinforcing AHI Carrier Toshiba’s global commitment to local market development.

To help execute this strategy alongside the existing high-calibre team, several experienced professional appointments have been made:

Central to this transformation is the appointment of Gary Felstead as General Manager. Gary, who brings extensive leadership experience from previous roles at Fujitsu and Daikin NZ, will spearhead the company’s long-term growth strategy with a firm emphasis on environmental

Shirli Talbot joins as Marketing and Events Manager, bringing a strong background in brand development and sector-specific marketing across both B2B and B2C segments in HVAC, with a focus on rebranding, energy-efficient messaging, and customer education.

Gary Felstead, General Manager

Krishneel Ram, Technical Sales Business Account Manager

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Shirli Talbot, Marketing and Events Manager

Phil Annabell, Residential and Light Commercial Business Development Manager

Simon Burridge, the new Business Development Manager, offers extensive commercial knowledge from his time as Contracts Manager at ACSL and Commercial Manager at Fujitsu NZ, with deep insight into delivering energy-conscious solutions.

Krishneel Ram, Technical Sales Business Account Manager, brings over two decades of industry experience, with technical expertise from Apex, Daikin, and Fantech — particularly in optimising energy-efficient system design and performance.

Phil Annabell joins as Residential and Light Commercial Business Development Manager, adding his retail and business development expertise to support the adoption of high-efficiency residential systems.

Further strengthening the company’s value proposition to customers, Carrier Toshiba New Zealand also incorporates four well-established Totaline outlets into its operations. These outlets enhance the group’s ability to deliver comprehensive HVAC solutions and aftermarket support under one trusted banner – offering added convenience and continuity to contractors, engineers, and end-users alike.

This revitalised leadership team and expanded infrastructure signal the beginning of a broader, long-term growth plan that includes rebranding efforts under the Carrier Toshiba name. The rebrand aligns with the global Carrier identity, synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and being the inventors of the modern air conditioner.

Robin Doyle, who has been with AHI Carrier Toshiba for over 14 years and currently steers the team as National Sales Manager, reflects on the company's trajectory: “With our solid foundation in New Zealand and reputation as easy-to-work-with providers of reliable product, the time is right for us to elevate our quality brand in this region, and we are looking forward to this journey.”

The company is poised to introduce a nextgeneration product lineup designed to meet evolving energy standards and support New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy.

From intelligent control systems to environmentally responsible products, Carrier Toshiba’s solutions will enable both residential and commercial customers to manage their energy use more effectively – without compromising on comfort or performance.

“New Zealanders are increasingly seeking climate-conscious HVAC solutions,” Felstead adds.

“Carrier Toshiba is positioned to lead that shift by combining global innovation with local understanding.”

With strong leadership, enhanced customer support infrastructure, and a clear sustainability focus, AHI Carrier Toshiba New Zealand is one to watch as it aims to set the standard for responsible growth and smart climate control in the years ahead. ahi-carrier.co.nz

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025 25

Around the Industry Milestones What’s On

MEMBER INSIDER JUNE 2025

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

MILESTONES

WHAT’S ON JULY 15–16th

HVAC&R HUB 2025 WHERE: AUCKLAND SHOWGROUNDS The HVAC&R Hub is a trade show for industry professionals in HVAC&R to showcase the latest technologies, innovations, and trends in these fields, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring emerging solutions.

JULY 15–16th

HVAC&R TECHNICAL STAGE WHERE: AUCKLAND SHOWGROUNDS The Technical Stage is a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing current projects and technical expertise. It serves as a vital space where cutting-edge advancements are discussed, and the future of energy efficiency in HVAC&R is shaped.

AUGUST 2nd

CCCANZ CAR BOOT SALE WHERE: CHILLEX GROUP, MĀNGERE Running alongside the Wallie Askew Regional Challenge in Auckland on August 2nd, this event is set to bring supplies and our partners to showcase their products in a car boot style setup. This event is free for individuals to attend.

VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS AT HVACRCENTRE.CO.NZ/WHATS-ON

AR OUN D T HE IN DUSTRY 1

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1 Meet the NME Group team Meet one of NME’s Project Managers, Aaron Gage.

After completing his apprenticeship with NME, Aaron gained valuable experience on many local and international projects and has developed into one of Wellington’s leading project managers specialising in large-scale aged care sector projects.

2 The Realcold Whangārei team The Realcold HR team at the Auckland Support Centre popped up to Whangārei to visit the awesome Realcold crew! Nothing beats getting out, meeting colleagues face-to-face, and strengthening those connections across cities. Here’s to building an even closer team. From left to right: Logan Aubrey (Branch Manager), Ashlynne Gerber (HR Business Partner), Angel Cachemaille-bayne (Customer Service), Debbie Muir (HR/Payroll), Harry Lewis (Branch Supervisor).

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with the old, in with 3 Our the new Michael Good, Managing Director of RCR, commends Josh and Rhys from the Wellington team who recently prevented a potentially serious, or even fatal, fire. “Working in the premise of one of our major customers in the evening, our dynamic duo noted a significant and sparking electrical short in a neighbouring but adjoined premise. Isolating our customer’s panel did not change the live feed and so after unsuccessfully trying to contact the landlord they called the local fire brigade to get access to the adjoined building. Once they had access, they traced the live and loose wire – which seemed to have been recently cut and isolated, and could have potentially led to a catastrophic fire with significant damage. It is such a privilege to work with people that care enough to do the right thing and persist in keeping safety in the forefront of what we do at RCR. Big shout out guys, we are glad that you are on our team.”

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4 Office upgrade in Gisborne Fenn Refrigeration has completed an office upgrade at its Gisborne location, creating a more modern, efficient, and welcoming workspace. The refreshed office features improved facilities and updated infrastructure to better support staff and clients.

This investment reflects the company’s continued growth and commitment to excellence in the HVAC&R industry, as well as its presence in the East Coast region.

5 Cool work When it’s cold it is cold down in the South Island, and Cool Air are out and about servicing their clients in Ashburton, Timaru and South Canterbury.

6 Paw-fect office employee Meet Kaizer, one of the resident office dogs at Chillex Group. He might not be the most productive (you’ll quite often find him eating or lounging around), but we think he’s the cutest!

7 Coffee time at Beijer Ref Beijer Ref’s Ecommerce Manager Stuart Meehan and his team snapped a selfie recently during their regular morning coffee break. Stuart says “they’re a really special bunch of people that I have the opportunity to share my day with.”

8 Shades on, tools ready Just another day for the Climatech team as they hit the road, keeping Whangārei and Northland cool, comfy, and climate-ready.

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PROJECT SNAPSHOT A showcase of recent projects by our industry members.

AFTER-HOURS RECOVERY The A-Gas Rapid Recovery team took a quick break to enjoy the stunning views overlooking Gisborne Bay while en route to an after-hours refrigerant recovery as part of a supermarket HVAC unit decommissioning project.

UP, UP, AND AWAY! Witnessing a helicopter lift in action is always an incredible sight! A couple of weeks ago the HotChilly team watched as a Panasonic VRF System was lifted onto a roof top in Central Wellington with precision and skill.

An impressive team effort with lots of hard work and coordination behind the scenes and on the day ensured a successful helicopter lift, and not to forget the expert skills of the pilot.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW Chillex Group recently replaced failed VRF Units for a valued clients. The job was made a lot easier thanks to the assistance from NZ Cranes. The next step was for the team to wire and pipe up the new units.

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A PROJECT UPDATE Back in 2023 we spoke with Heatwave Mechanical about their work with the University of Auckland Institute of Marine Science. This project involved pumping seawater up a cliff, reticulating around the site through media filtration units, into bulk storage tanks and tempering the seawater before supplying it into holding tanks inside a brand new laboratory.

Since commissioning the new systems, the team is in the process of completing further work on this facility – replacing pipework up/down a cliff, and helicopter delivery of new seawater pumps.

LIFTING DAY Crane lifts on commercial projects are just part of the every-day for Superheat Electrical and Air-Conditioning. Keep up the great work, team.

SHARE YOUR LATEST PROJECTS ON LINKEDIN AND TAG IRHACE TO BE FEATURED!

hvacrcentre.nz | JUNE 2025

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AP PREN TICESHIP A new mechanical engineering graduate Congratulations to Daniel Ford from Fonterra Edgecumbe on successfully completing his New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) Level 4, with a strand in Maintenance Engineering.

Throughout his apprenticeship, Daniel consistently developed his skills and technical knowledge. His supervisor, Hoani Savage, says Daniel has become a highly capable maintenance professional with a strong understanding of the trade. A big thank you to Competenz Training Advisor Richie Werahiko for his guidance and support throughout Daniel’s journey.

Congratulations, Hunter!

Congratulations to Hunter Peden from McAlpine Hussmann in Hamilton, who has successfully completed the New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Trade) (Level 4)! Throughout his apprenticeship, Hunter was always eager to take on extra work and has shown impressive growth over the past year and a half. Shout-out to Baz Pratt for his invaluable support and guidance throughout Hunter’s apprenticeship.

Newly qualified in Manawatū

IRHACE MEMBERS, REGISTER NOW! Big congratulations to Anthony Oliver! Anthony has officially earned his New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Building Services (Trade) (Level 4)!

This is a huge milestone in his career, and we’re celebrating this achievement alongside the team at Excel Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Manawatū.

A special shout-out to Training Advisor Courtney Clapham for supporting Anthony throughout his journey!

Fees support – Training through adversity Fees waived for new sign-ups between 1 May and 31 July We know it’s a tough time to invest - so let us help For a limited time, Competenz is covering key training fees for the apprenticeship programmes listed below. That’s over $1,700 worth of fees, waived for the first 12 months from date of enrolment.

What Competenz is covering: • Elev8 annual fee ($1200 + GST per annum) • Canvas online learning fee annual fee ($585 + GST per annum) Available for learners enrolling in: • Mechanical engineering • Fabrication • Refrigeration & air conditioning • Mechanical building services • Air conditioning installation • Dairy systems • Locksmithing

Who qualifies?

New enrolments received between 1 May and 31 July 2025 What’s not included?

Textbooks and block course fees

For more information, scan the QR code to contact us or visit our website.

MEMBER SHIP

MEMBER MILESTONES

HVAC&R TEAM The HVAC&R Centre is a key supporter of New Zealand’s HVAC&R industry, providing essential governance and operational assistance to IRHACE, CCCANZ, RLNZ, RRNZ and RRO.

WELCOME Harpreet Murad Graham Lamb Alex Arnold Brad Roose Craig McCall Storm Harpham Lee Todd Daniel Fitzmaurice Jason Prowse Ryan O’Leary

WELCOMES All Controls NZ Ltd Contact: Parmesh Reddy Phone: 09 259 4545 Website: allcontrols.co.nz

Breakfast time!

The team at Actrol Hamilton recently hosted a delicious barbecue breakfast for their customers.

In attendance, A-Gas New Zealand says: “It was a great opportunity for the team to connect with the HVAC&R community and showcase our initiatives driving effective lifecycle refrigerant management in New Zealand. It was a fantastic turnout, and we’re excited about the many opportunities ahead to help the industry reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embrace a circular economy.”

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IRHACE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 2024 was a landmark year for our Society — one marked by a series of notable firsts, impressive growth, and continued progress toward strengthening our industry’s capabilities and connections.

Key achievements included record entries in Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills competition; the launch of HVAC&R South; the launch of our new website, bringing all HVAC&R into one place; 90-year achievement in representing New Zealand at WorldSkills; 912 active users in our professional development programme; special awards for President’s meritorious and 60 years service.

READ THE ANNUAL REPORT

CCCANZ 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Among this year’s highlights were the exciting advancements in education and training.

The rollout of new learning resources has helped equip professionals with the tools they need to thrive in a fast-changing industry.Our trade shows and member events were also standout moments — bringing people together, sparking new ideas, and reminding us of the power of connection.

Since 2022, we have actively promoted our members through a range of effective channels tailored to raise visibility and engagement within the HVAC&R industry. Our promotional efforts include showcasing member companies in publications, digital platforms, events and networking opportunities. In 2024, 48 companies have benefited from these initiatives, gaining valuable exposure and recognition among industry peers and stakeholders.

READ THE ANNUAL REPORT

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IRHACE Industry Journal is a premium magazine for the refrigeration, heating and air conditioning industry with unique quality content that reaches a desirable audience and is free to download.

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