16 7
7 Healthyhomesheatingstandards
NewZealand’shealthyhomesstandardsare designedtomakehomeswarmer,drier, andhealthier.
8 Protectyourhotwatersystem fromtheft
Statisticsrevealthatthecostliesthomeburglary claimsarisefromthetheftofhotwatersystems.
10 Coolingtechnologiesforsustainable datacentres
TheIIR’slatesttechnicalbriefdiscussesthelatest developmentsandtrends.
18 HOWBIOMASSIS TRANSFORMINGINDUSTRIAL LIMEDRYING
12 TheriseofsmartHVAC
WeareatapivotalstageintheHVACindustry’s transformation.Here’swhatyouneedtoknow.
FROMTHECEO Thismonth,wespotlightaseriesof innovativecasestudiesbyour members.Theseprojectsexemplify theingenuityandadaptabilityofthe HVAC&Rsectorinresponsetotoday’s sustainabilityandperformance challenges.
Wealsosharethelatest advancementsincooling technologiesforsustainabledata centres,takealookattheemergence ofsmartHVACsystems,and proactivestrategiestocombat Legionnaires’disease
Oursectorisnavigatingaperiodof strategicsignificance.Thevocational educationsystemiscurrently undergoingamajorreview,andthe HVAC&Rindustryismakingastrong casetotheTertiaryEducation Commission(TEC)forrepositioning. Weareadvocatingfortheindustryto berecognisedwithintheConstruction IndustrySkillsBody(ISB),ratherthan itscurrentplacementunder Manufacturing.Thisproposedshift reflectsthenatureofHVAC&Rwork— whichoftentakesplaceinactive constructionenvironments,requiring site-basedcoordination,technical commissioning,andcollaboration withtradesacrossthebuilt environment.
Inthisissue,wealsoreleaseanew consumer-focusedfactsheetin responsetoasurprisingtrend:data frominsurersrevealthathotwater systemsnowaccountforsomeofthe mostexpensiveclaimsinhome burglaries.It’snotsomethingmost homeownersconsiderwhenthinking abouttheftprevention—butit’sa timelyreminderofthevalueand visibilityofHVACassetsinresidential settings.
Lookingahead,weareexcitedto introducethespeakerlineupforthe HVAC&RTechnicalStage,akey featureofourupcomingevent calendar.Thisyear’sprogramme bringstogethertechnicalexpertsto exploreawiderangeofessential topicssuchasoptimisingHVAC systemswithCFD,efficientindoorair quality,thefutureofdomesticwater heating,thehiddencostsofpower andboostingefficiency,VAVsystems forenergyefficiencyandplanned preventativemaintenanceforenergy efficientHVACsystems.
CEO:IRHACE,CCCANZ,HVAC&RCentre
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
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
Clever, High Quality Air Handling Unit Introducing Clever MT series , full-aluminium highly corrosion-resistant lightweight units, crafted with superior design elements to deliver exceptional performance. The MT Series offers high-quality features while giving you the certainty to aid quick and easy HVAC system design and the flexibility to rely on shorter lead times and optimum savings.
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
Healthyhomesheatingstandards NewZealand’shealthyhomesstandardsaredesignedtomakehomes warmer,drier,andhealthier.
Rentersandowner-occupiersalldeservetolive comfortablyintheirhomes,andminimum standardsforheating,insulation,ventilation, moistureingress,drainage,anddraught-stopping helpachievethis.Privateresidentiallandlordsare responsibleformakingsuretheirpropertiesmeet therequirements,withallrentalproperties requiredtomeetthehealthyhomesstandards byJuly1,2025.
KEEPINGWARMINWINTER
Atthistimeofyear,Kiwisaresearchingforwaysto keepwarm.TheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO) recommendsaminimumindoortemperatureof 18˚C.
Inrentalproperties,landlordsmustprovideoneor morefixedheatersthatcandirectlyheatthemain livingroom.Theheatermustbefixed,atleast 1.5kWinheatingcapacity,andmeettheminimum heatingcapacityrequiredforthespace.
It’salsoimportantforthemainheatertonotbean openfireoranunfluedcombustionheater.Inmost cases,theacceptabletypesofheater(s)willbea largerfixedheatingdevicelikeaheatpump,wood burner,pelletburnerorfluedgasheater.Insome cases,suchassmallapartments,asmallerfixed electricheatermaybeenough.
Somepropertiescanmeettheheatingstandard byusinggeothermalheating,ifthegeothermal heatingmeetscertainrequirements.
Certainconditionsmustbemetifyourproperty hasexistingheatingsources.Moreinformationis availablevia tenancy.govt.nz
AREYOUREADYFORTHEHEALTHY HOMESJULYDEADLINE? LEARNMORE.
Protectyourhotwater systemfromtheft It’slikelynotsomethingyouthinkaboutwhenprotectingyourhome fromthieves.However,statisticsrevealthatthecostliesthomeburglary claimsarisefromthetheftofhotwatersystems.
Over500heatingsystemsarestoleneachyearin NewZealand.
Ofcourse,thiscomeswiththecostofreplacing thesystem,butcostsarealsoinvolvedinrepairing thedamagetheremovalcauses–accordingto AMIInsurance,hotwatercylindertheftshaveledto damageover$200,000afterwaterhasbeenleft tofloodoutfromexposedpipes.
Inmostcases,exteriorgaswaterheatersare stolenfortheresellvalueoftheunitastheycanbe removedwithoutdamagetotheunit,withhot watercylindersandcopperwaterpipesalso targetedforthescrapvalueofcopper.
REDUCINGTHERISK Protectinghotwatersystemsrequiresproactive planningandsmartsitemanagement.
Thefollowingstrategiescanhelpreducetherisk oftheftforbothresidentialandcommercial properties:
1.Chooseadiscreetinstallationlocation
Carefullypositionexteriorhotwatersystems wheretheyarenoteasilyvisiblefromthestreetor publicpathways.Reducingvisibilitylowersthe likelihoodofopportunistictheft.
AMIInsurancenotesthatmosthouseburglaries occuraroundlunchtimeorearlyafternoon.
2.Installasecuritycageorenclosure
Exteriorwaterheatingunitscanbetakenwithout settingoffsecurityalarms.Toonlookersand neighbouringresidents,thievescaneasilylooklike workerscarryingoutworkonthepropertywhen disconnectingtheunit.
Toprotectagainstthis,considerfittingarobust securitycagearoundthewaterheatingunitto makeunauthorisedremovalmoredifficult. Thiscageshouldbeseparatefromanyrequired seismicbracingandconstructedoftamperresistantmaterials.
3.Usemanufacturer-suppliedsecurityhardware
Somesuppliersoffersecuritybracketsorlocking kitsthatconcealorprotecttheboltsfixingtheunit tothewall.Alwaysoptfortheseanti-theftfeatures duringinstallation.
4.Cleanupafterinstallation
Ifyou’verecentlyinstalledanewsystem,avoid leavingpackaging,brandedboxes,ordelivery
materialsinplainsight.Thesecansignalthe presenceofanewlyinstalledsystemtopotential thieves.
5.Sourceunitsfromreputablesuppliers
Alwayspurchasehotwatersystemsthrough trusted,authorisedsupplierstoavoidinadvertently buyingstolenornon-compliantgoods–andto supporttraceabilityincaseoftheft.
6.Concealvaluablematerials
Ifcopperpipingorfittingsareexposed(including spoutingordownpipes),considerpaintingthem withanoil-basedpainttodisguisetheirvalue. Wherepossible,optformodernalternatives, suchasButelinepiping,whicharelessappealing forresale.
7.Investinsecurity
Sensorlights,securitycameras,anddisplaying signagesuchas‘BewareofDog’or‘ThisProperty IsMonitored’candetractthieves.Whenhomes orconstructionsitesareunattended,givethe impressionsomeoneispresent–leavelightsor radioson,andkeepavehicleparkedonsite whenpossible.
Burglaryclaimshaveremainedelevated followingapeakin2022,whichcoincidedwith NewZealandersreturningtoworkplacesafter theCovid-19pandemiclockdowns.
Coolingtechnologies forsustainabledatacentres Datacentresaregrowing,andwiththatcomestheirrapidlyincreasing energyconsumptionandcarbonemissions.
Vitaltothedigitaleconomy,datacentresare thebackboneofartificialintelligence,cloud computing,andtheoperationofbigdata. However,theyconsumesubstantialamounts ofenergy–withcoolingsystemsbeingamajor contributor,accountingforaround40percent ofenergyconsumption.Asglobaldatacentre usagegrows,sodoestheurgencytoimplement energy-efficientandsustainablecooling solutions.
TheInternationalInstituteofRefrigeration(IIR) recentlyreleasedatechnicalbriefcoveringthis topic,exploringtheglobaloutlookofdatacentre coolingandmarketopportunities;datacentre energydemandandemissions;coolingtechnology trends;policyrecommendations;andmore.
KEYINSIGHTS •Theglobaldatacentrecoolingmarketwas valuedat$157.3billionin2022,withprojected growthatacompoundannualrateof 17.1percentthrough2030.
•Globaldatacentresconsumedanestimated 240–340TWhofelectricityin2022, representingapproximately1–1.3percentof globalelectricitydemandandcontributing significantlytoCO2emissions.TheCO2 emissionsfor240–340TWhofelectricity, assuminganaveragecarbonintensityof 450gCO2/kWh,wouldbeapproximately 108–153milliontonnes.
•Coolingsystemsaloneaccountfor40percent ofthisenergyuse,highlightingtheircritical roleinenergyefficiencyandcarbonreduction strategies.
•Liquidcoolingisemergingasasuperior alternativetoaircoolingthankstoits suitabilityforhigh-densityrackswithlower energyconsumption.
•Methodssuchasevaporativecooling,natural air/watercooling,andhybridsystemsare increasinginpopularityasaresultoftheir abilitytosignificantlyreduceenergyuse.
•Heatrecoveryandreuseisnotedasamethod oftransformingdatacentresintosourcesof low-gradethermalenergy.
•Artificialintelligence-drivensystemsarebeing usedtopredictcoolingloadsandoptimise performance,whiledigitaltwinsallowreal-time monitoringandfaultpreventionforan immediateintervention.
IIR’SPOLICYRECOMMENDATIONS
1.Promotetheadoptionofsustainablecooling technologies.
2.Encouragetheintegrationofrenewableenergy.
3.Facilitatewasteheatutilisation.
4.SupportR&Dandinnovation,andestablish trainingandcertificationprogrammes.
5.Encouragecomprehensiveenergy monitoring.
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
Anewera:therise ofsmartHVAC Aculminationofrisingenergycosts,digitalinnovations, climateawareness,andhealthconcernshasledustoapivotalstage intheHVACindustry’stransformation.
WHATISSMARTHVAC? SmartHVACreferstoheating,ventilation,and airconditioningsystemsenhancedbydigital technologiessuchastheInternetofThings(IoT), artificialintelligence(AI),sensors,andautomation software.Thesesystemsgobeyondtraditional HVACbyusingreal-timedatatomonitor conditions,optimiseenergyuse,andanticipate maintenanceneeds.
ByconnectingHVACcomponentstoacentral digitalplatform,smartsystemscanautomatically adjustheating,cooling,andventilationbased onoccupancy,weather,airquality,anduser preferences.Theresultisasystemthatdelivers
greatercomfort,lowerenergycosts,improved indoorairquality,andreducedenvironmental impact–allwithminimalmanualintervention.
WHYSMARTHVACISNOLONGEROPTIONAL ThelimitsoftraditionalHVAC
ConventionalHVACsystemshavefixedschedules, uniformsettings,andthepotentialformanual oversight.Thesesystemsoperateonstatic controls,meaningtheyrunatthesameintensity regardlessofreal-timeconditions–forexample, whetherthebuildingisfullorempty,orwhetherit’s mildorswelteringoutside.Theresult?Significant energywasteandinflatedutilitycosts.
Traditionalsystemsalsorelyheavilyonreactive maintenance.Issuesoftengounnoticeduntilthey escalateintomajorfailures,leadingtounexpected downtime,costlyrepairs,andcompromised occupantcomfort.Withnoreal-timediagnostics orpredictiveinsight,homeownersandfacilities teamsareleftguessingwhenpartsneedservicing orreplacement.
Regulatorycomplianceandsustainabilitygoals Withanincreasingneedforenergy-efficient, low-emissionHVACsystems–withNewZealand well-awareofshiftingbenchmarkswiththe incomingchangestotheBuildingCodeH1Energy Efficiencyrequirements–smartHVACsystems canbeaforward-thinking,future-proofing integrationtonewprojects.
Forcommercialbuildings,automatedreportingcan beespeciallybeneficialtohelpensurecompliance withstandardsandrefrigerantmanagementrules, andemergingdecarbonisationtargets.
Occupantcomfortandsatisfaction Indoorairqualityhasbecomeanimportantfactor inhowpeopleexperiencethebuildingstheylive, work,andlearnin.SmartHVACsystemsare leadingthechargeinimprovingthis,offeringtools andaleveloftransparencythathaspreviously beenoutofreachforoccupantsandfacility managers.
Manyfeatureintegratedadvancedsensorsthat continuouslytrackpollutants,humiditylevels, carbondioxide(CO2)concentrations,and particulatematter.Thesesystemsdon’tjust improveair–theycancommunicatehowclean itisthroughreal-timedashboardsandbuilding automationinterfaces.Thislevelofvisibilitybuilds trust,givingoccupantsassurancethattheir environmentsupportstheirhealthandwellbeing.
SmartHVACsystemsalsoenablezonedand personalisedclimatecontrol,tailoringtemperature andventilationtotheneedsofdifferentspaces andoccupants.Whetherit’sadjustingair conditioningforacrowdedmeetingroomor reducingairflowinanunoccupiedclassroom, smartsystemsrespondinrealtimetoensure comfortwithoutwastingenergy.
Inhigh-performancebuildings,occupantsoften havelimitedcontrolovertemperatureor ventilation.SmartHVACchangesthisby introducinguserinterfacesandfeedbackloops thatletoccupantsfeelinvolvedintheircomfort–
whileensuringthesystemoperateswithinoptimal efficiencyparameters.
Justassmartlightinghasbeenwelcomedacross homesandcommercialpremises,alongside energymonitoring,accesscontrol,security,and othersmartbuildingfeatures,smartHVAC technologyisalsobecomingthenorm.
Forfacilitymanagers,buildingowners,andHVAC professionals,adoptingthesenewsystemsand technologyisanecessity.SmartHVACsystems areacornerstoneoffuture-readybuildings, empoweringKiwistoreduceoperatingcosts, complywithtighteningstandards,andimprove tenantandemployeesatisfaction.
AdoptingsmartHVACisnolongeraboutkeeping upwithtrends–it’saboutstayinginbusiness, meetingclimateobligations,anddeliveringbetter spacesforpeopletoliveandwork.
PartofHVAC&RHub,theHVAC&R TechnicalStageisdesignedtobring togetherprofessionalsfromacrossthe heating,ventilation,airconditioning,and refrigerationsectors.Withacorefocuson energyefficientsolutions,theevent providesaplatformforsharing knowledge,showcasingcurrentprojects andtechnicalexpertise.Itservesasa vitalspacewherecutting-edge advancementsarediscussed,andthe futureofenergyefficiencyin HVAC&Risshaped.
HVAC&RHUB NewZealand’slargesttrade-onlyexhibitionforpeoplewhodesign,construct andmanagebuildingsandfacilitiesisbackthisJuly.
The HVAC&RTechnicalStage isdesignedtobringtogetherprofessionalsfromacrossthe heating,ventilation,airconditioning,andrefrigerationsectors.Withacorefocusonenergy efficientsolutions,theeventprovidesaplatformforsharingknowledge,showcasingcurrent projectsandtechnicalexpertise.Itservesasavitalspacewhere cutting-edge advancements arediscussed,andthe futureofenergyefficiency inHVAC&Risshaped.
It’snotjustanevent–it’saconvergencepointfor thoughtleaders and industry professionals dedicatedtomakingapositiveimpactonenergyconsumptionand environmentalsustainability.Whetheryou’relookingtoreducecosts,extendequipmentlife, orcontributetoagreenerfuture,thiseventispoisedtoprovide actionableinsights and fostercollaborations thatdrive theindustryforward.
SPEAKERLINEUP TUESDAY
NCS SandeepManilal,AcousticEngineer–Acousticcontrolfora noisyworld
Realcold RogerLee,GreeBusinessUnitManager–Thefutureof domestichotwaterheating
Smooth-Air IanBaker,NationalSalesManager–HowH1/VM3impactsonthedemand forfoldedgalvanisedducting
BlackDiamondTechnologies JohnGreaves,NationalDesignand SpecificationManager–Plannedpreventativemaintenanceforenergy-efficientHVAC systems
ShapeairGroup DionFroes,GroupSalesDirector–VAVsystemsforenergyefficiency
Cool-Safe JanineBrinsdon,ChiefExecutive,andMeganDinsdale-Jones,General ManagerOperations–NZ’sproductstewardshipschemeforrefrigerantsandother syntheticgreenhousegases
SIMX DarrenGear,HVACManager–ImplementingH1/VM3:Enhancingenergy efficiencyincommercialHVACsystems
WEDNESDAY
ebm-papst ThomasHeine,SalesManager,ebmpapstAustralia–Thehiddencostsof power:BoostingefficiencyandprotectingHVACinfrastructurewithactivepowerfactor correction
Eurotech MarkJones,NationalSalesManager,CarelAustralia–Efficientindoorair quality
Temperzone MarcHarris,AirConditioning&ControlsProductManager–Efficiencyof dewpointcontrolandintegratedreheat
Holyoake PouriaAghajannezhad,MechEngineerComputationalFluidDynamics–OptimisingHVACsystemswithCFDforprecisionandefficiency
MasseyUniversity DonCleland,ProfessorProcessEngineering–Energyefficiencyin industrialrefrigeration
Supportfor AbilitiesGroup ThecommunityhasgatheredtohelpAbilitiesGrouprebuildafter afirespreadthroughitsGlenfieldpremises.
Dedicatedtotakingcareoftheenvironment andprovidingfulfillingemploymentandtraining opportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilities,Abilities Groupdoesalotofworkforthecommunity. Thecommunityisnowlendingahandtothe organisationafterafiretorethroughitssite causingextensivedamagetotheworkspaces, tools,andequipment.
Thefirehasleftmanyoftheteammembers withoutthetoolsorsafespacestheyneedtowork.
SUPPORTFROMLOCALBUSINESSES DaikinNewZealandhasbeenoneofmany businesses,alongsideindividuals,thathave contributedtohelpingAbilitiesGroupgetback onitsfeet.
“Weweredevastatedtohearaboutthefirethat severelyimpactedtheAbilitiesGrouprecycling facility,”saysDaikin.“Abilitieshavebeenan incrediblepartnertoDaikinNewZealandandmany others–providingmeaningfulemployment opportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilities,and
helpingbusinesseslikeoursbuildbetter,more responsiblerecyclingprogrammes.
“OurteamrecentlyvisitedAbilitiestomeetwith theirleadershipandoffersupportastheybeginthe hugetaskofrecovery.Wearecommittedto standingwiththem–andweinviteothersacross thebusinesscommunitytodothesame.”
Daikinisalsoworkingwithotherbusinesses tocoordinatewidersupport.
HOWYOUCANHELP AGivealittlepagehasbeensetuptoassistwith therecoveryefforts.DonationswillhelpAbilities Groupto:
•Supporttheirdisabledstaffandvolunteers duringthiscrisis.
•Secureatemporarylocationastheysearchfor anewhome.
•Rebuildtheworkspacesandreplaceessential equipment.
•Reopentheirpublicrecyclingservices.
Howbiomassistransforming industriallimedrying Fromcoaltoclean: ASouthIslandagriculturallimeproducerhasmadeamajorleap towardcleanerenergybyreplacingitscoal-fireddryingsystemwith astate-of-the-art8MWwoodchipburner–aninstallationthatmarks thefirstofitskindinNewZealand.
AMOVEAWAYFROMCOAL Foryears,coalhasbeenthestandardfuelsource fordryinglimeintheagriculturalsectorduetoits highheatoutputandavailability.Butgrowing environmentalconcernsandevolvingregulations haveacceleratedthesearchforcleaner alternatives.
Inthiscase,theclienthadlongreliedona traditionalcoal-firedsystemthatgeneratedhotair atapproximately1100ºCtodrylime.While effective,operationalcostswereincreasing,
alongsideaheavyincludingalengthyfour-hour startuptime.
Thelimeproducerwasmotivatedtoreducetheir carbonfootprint,escapetherisingcostofcoal, andmodernisetheirheatinginfrastructurewhile maintainingproductivity.
Asarenewable,lower-emissionalternativetocoal, biomasswasultimatelyselectedasthenew energysource–specifically,woodchipsfrom untreatedforestryby-products.
NEWZEALAND’SFIRST8MWWOOD CHIPBURNER TubmanHeatingdeliveredan8MWbiomass burnerdesignedtoburnwoodchips.Thesystem isscalable,efficient,andtailoredtotheclient’s specificproductionneeds.Customcontrol systemsweredevelopedaspartoftheinstallation, allowingprecisetemperaturemanagementand processintegration.
Nowoperational,thesystemisconsistently providinghotairattemperaturesabove900ºC, effectivelydryingthelimeandcontributingtoa superiorfinalproduct.Witharapidstartuptime, theburnerreachesoptimaltemperatureinjust 30–40minutes,andthereisroomforfuture productionincreasesasthesystemiscurrently onlyutilisingaportionofitscapacity.
Customersarealsobenefitingfromthenew system,withcommentsreceivedaboutthe enhancedconsistencyandperformanceofthe driedlime.
ANEWSOLUTION Anexampleofhowhigh-demandindustrial processescantransitionawayfromfossilfuels withoutsacrificingperformance,thismovefrom coaltobiomassshowswhat’spossible.
BESPOKEBIOMASSSOLUTIONS
TubmanHeatingcreatebespoke burnerorstokersystemstosuiteach project’sneeds.Getintouchwiththe teamtolearnmore.
tubman.co.nz
Protectingagainst Legionnaires’disease RecentcasesofLegionnaires’diseaseareatimelyreminderofthe importanceofcoolingtowermaintenanceobligationsandstandards.
HealthNewZealandhasreported10casesof Legionnaires’diseaseintheyeartoMarch,upon threeforthesameperiodlastyear.Australiahas alsoseenarecentoutbreakwith12confirmed casesofthediseaseinSydney,withoneconfirmed fatality.NSWHealthtracedthesourcetoacooling towercontaminatedwithLegionellabacteria, promptinganurgentinspectionofmorethan 165towersacrossthecity.
Concerningly,ineightofthe10casesrecently reportedinNewZealand,thesametypeof Legionellabacteriawasdetectedinboththe infectedpersonandinwatersamplestakenfrom theirspapools–meaningthatinfectedwaterwas mostlikelythesourceofinfection.
AfurtherinvestigationbyNationalPublic HealthServicestaffinthecentralregion, followingarecentcaseofLegionnaires’disease aftercontactwithinfectedwater,foundthat thespapoolthepersonhadbathedinhad notbeenproperlycleanedormaintainedover time.
“Legionnaires’diseaseisaformofpneumonia thatresultsinachestinfectioncausedbya bacteriacalledlegionella,anenvironmental organismthatlivesinmoistconditions,suchas soil,compost,pottingmix,orspapoolsand watersystems,”saysDrMattReid,PublicHealth MedicineSpecialistfortheNPHS.
AGUIDETOPREVENTINGTHEGROWTH OFLEGIONELLAE Regularandappropriatecleaninganddisinfection isrequiredtopreventthegrowthoflegionellaein primateandpublicspapools,whichisoutlined inNewZealandStandardNZ5826:2010.Persons conductingabusinessorundertaking(PCBUs) whohavecoolingtowersorevaporative condensers(coolingplant)mustalsobeaware ofthefollowingstandards:
•AS/NZS3666.3Airhandlingandwatersystems ofbuildings–Microbialcontrol–Part3: Performance-basedmaintenanceofcooling watersystems
•NZS4302Codeofpracticeforthecontrolof hygieneinairandwatersystemsinbuildings
•AS/NZS4020Testingofproductsforusein contactwithdrinkingwater
AccordingtoWorkSafeNewZealand,PCBUs whoseworkinvolvesbuildings,industrialor commercialpremisesthatoperateoneormore coolingtowersorevaporativecondensers(cooling plant)musteliminatetherisksfromLegionella colonisationanddisseminationsofarasis reasonablypracticable.Ifariskcannotbe eliminated,itmustbeminimised,sofarasis reasonablypracticable.
Inrelationtocoolingplant,therewillbedifferent PCBUswithoverlappinghealthandsafetyduties. Whenthishappens,PCBUsmust,sofarasis reasonablypracticable,consult,cooperateand coordinateactivities.
Theextentofthedutytomanagerisksdepends ontheabilityofeachPCBUtoinfluenceand controlthematter.Theguidancebelowdescribes thedifferenttypesofPCBUsthatmaybeinvolved, theirdutiesandlikelyextentoftheirinfluence orcontrol.
MoreinformationcanbefoundinWorkSafe NewZealand’spublication,Preventing Legionnaires’diseasefromcoolingtowersand evaporativecondensers.
Didyouknow?
•Legionellabacteriaareubiquitousinthe NewZealandenvironment,particularlyinsoiland aquaticenvironments,makingitdifficultto preventpathogensfromenteringengineered waterreticulationsystems.
•MostcasesinNewZealandarecaused byL.longbeachaeandL.pneumophila. Theprimarysourcesofthesebacteria areconstructedwarm-watersystems (L.pneumophila)andcompostedvegetative material(L.longbeachae).
WALLIEASKEW REGIONAL CHALLENGES August2nd
ChillexGroup, Auckland
August9th
Steelfort, PalmerstonNorth
August16th
GavinLoweEnergy, Christchurch
Thetoptwofinishersineach regionalchallengebattle itoutintheFinalCompetition.
Aboldnewchapter AHICarrierToshibaNewZealandhasannouncedastrategic growthinitiative,newleadership,anditscommitmentto sustainableinnovation.
It’sarenewedfocuswithleadershipexpansion andsightssetonsustainableinnovationinthe HVAC&Rsector–anewchapterforthecompany’s localoperations.
Thedevelopmentfollowsrecognitionfrom thecompany’sglobalheadofficeinSharjahofthe NewZealandmarket’sstrongpotentialforlongtermgrowth,particularlyinenergyefficiencyand environmentalresponsibility.
Tosupportthisvision,operationsinNewZealand nowreportdirectlytoDubai,reinforcingAHICarrier Toshiba’sglobalcommitmenttolocalmarket development.
Centraltothistransformationistheappointment ofGaryFelsteadasGeneralManager.Gary,who bringsextensiveleadershipexperiencefrom previousrolesatFujitsuandDaikinNZ,will spearheadthecompany’slong-termgrowth strategywithafirmemphasisonenvironmental
performance,advancedenergymanagement,and customersatisfaction.
“We’reexcitedtogrowinawaythatprioritisesnot onlymarketshare,butalsomeasurable sustainability,”saysGaryFelstead.
“Asenergycostsriseandclimateconcerns grow,CarrierToshibaiscommittedtohelping NewZealandersreducetheircarbonfootprint throughsmart,efficientHVACtechnologies.”
Tohelpexecutethisstrategyalongsidetheexisting high-calibreteam,severalexperienced professionalappointmentshavebeenmade:
ShirliTalbot joinsasMarketingandEvents Manager,bringingastrongbackgroundinbrand developmentandsector-specificmarketingacross bothB2BandB2CsegmentsinHVAC,withafocus onrebranding,energy-efficientmessaging,and customereducation.
GaryFelstead,General Manager
ShirliTalbot,Marketingand EventsManager
SalesBusinessAccount Manager
KrishneelRam,Technical
SimonBurridge,thenewBusinessDevelopment Manager,offersextensivecommercialknowledge fromhistimeasContractsManageratACSLand CommercialManageratFujitsuNZ,withdeep insightintodeliveringenergy-conscioussolutions.
KrishneelRam,TechnicalSalesBusinessAccount Manager,bringsovertwodecadesofindustry experience,withtechnicalexpertisefromApex, Daikin,andFantech—particularlyinoptimising energy-efficientsystemdesignandperformance.
PhilAnnabell joinsasResidentialandLight CommercialBusinessDevelopmentManager, addinghisretailandbusinessdevelopment expertisetosupporttheadoptionofhigh-efficiency residentialsystems.
Furtherstrengtheningthecompany’svalue propositiontocustomers,CarrierToshibaNew Zealandalsoincorporatesfourwell-established Totalineoutletsintoitsoperations.These outletsenhancethegroup’sabilitytodeliver comprehensiveHVACsolutionsandaftermarket supportunderonetrustedbanner–offeringadded convenienceandcontinuitytocontractors, engineers,andend-usersalike.
Thisrevitalisedleadershipteamandexpanded infrastructuresignalthebeginningofabroader, long-termgrowthplanthatincludesrebranding effortsundertheCarrierToshibaname.The rebrandalignswiththeglobalCarrieridentity, synonymouswithinnovation,sustainability,and beingtheinventorsofthemodernairconditioner.
RobinDoyle,whohasbeenwithAHICarrier Toshibaforover14yearsandcurrentlysteersthe teamasNationalSalesManager,reflectsonthe company'strajectory:“Withoursolidfoundationin NewZealandandreputationaseasy-to-work-with providersofreliableproduct,thetimeisrightforus toelevateourqualitybrandinthisregion,andwe arelookingforwardtothisjourney.”
Thecompanyispoisedtointroduceanextgenerationproductlineupdesignedtomeet evolvingenergystandardsandsupportNew Zealand’stransitiontoalow-emissionseconomy.
Fromintelligentcontrolsystemsto environmentallyresponsibleproducts,Carrier Toshiba’ssolutionswillenablebothresidentialand commercialcustomerstomanagetheirenergyuse moreeffectively–withoutcompromisingon comfortorperformance.
“NewZealandersareincreasinglyseeking climate-consciousHVACsolutions,”Felsteadadds. “CarrierToshibaispositionedtoleadthatshiftby combiningglobalinnovationwithlocal understanding.”
Withstrongleadership,enhancedcustomer supportinfrastructure,andaclearsustainability focus,AHICarrierToshibaNewZealandisone towatchasitaimstosetthestandardfor responsiblegrowthandsmartclimatecontrolin theyearsahead.
ahi-carrier.co.nz
MEMBERINSIDER WHAT’SON JULY15–16th
HVAC&RHUB2025
WHERE:AUCKLANDSHOWGROUNDS
TheHVAC&RHubisatradeshowforindustry professionalsinHVAC&Rtoshowcasethelatest technologies,innovations,andtrendsinthesefields, providingaplatformfornetworking,knowledge sharing,andexploringemergingsolutions.
JULY15–16th
AUGUST2nd
HVAC&RTECHNICALSTAGE
WHERE:AUCKLANDSHOWGROUNDS
TheTechnicalStageisaplatformforsharing knowledge,showcasingcurrentprojectsand technicalexpertise.Itservesasavitalspacewhere cutting-edgeadvancementsarediscussed,andthe futureofenergyefficiencyinHVAC&Risshaped.
CCCANZCARBOOTSALE
WHERE:CHILLEXGROUP,MĀNGERE
RunningalongsidetheWallieAskewRegional ChallengeinAucklandonAugust2nd,thiseventisset tobringsuppliesandourpartnerstoshowcasetheir productsinacarbootstylesetup.Thiseventisfree forindividualstoattend.
AROUNDTHEINDUSTRY MeettheNMEGroupteam MeetoneofNME’sProjectManagers,AaronGage. AftercompletinghisapprenticeshipwithNME, Aarongainedvaluableexperienceonmanylocal andinternationalprojectsandhasdevelopedinto oneofWellington’sleadingprojectmanagers specialisinginlarge-scaleagedcaresectorprojects.
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TheRealcoldWhangāreiteam TheRealcoldHRteamattheAucklandSupport CentrepoppeduptoWhangāreitovisitthe awesomeRealcoldcrew!Nothingbeatsgettingout, meetingcolleaguesface-to-face,andstrengthening thoseconnectionsacrosscities.Here’stobuilding anevencloserteam. Fromlefttoright: LoganAubrey (BranchManager),AshlynneGerber(HRBusiness Partner),AngelCachemaille-bayne(Customer Service),DebbieMuir(HR/Payroll),HarryLewis (BranchSupervisor).
Ourwiththeold,inwith thenew MichaelGood,ManagingDirectorofRCR, commendsJoshandRhysfromtheWellington teamwhorecentlypreventedapotentiallyserious, orevenfatal,fire.“Workinginthepremiseofoneof ourmajorcustomersintheevening,ourdynamic duonotedasignificantandsparkingelectricalshort inaneighbouringbutadjoinedpremise.Isolating ourcustomer’spaneldidnotchangethelivefeed andsoafterunsuccessfullytryingtocontactthe landlordtheycalledthelocalfirebrigadetoget accesstotheadjoinedbuilding.Oncetheyhad access,theytracedtheliveandloosewire–which seemedtohavebeenrecentlycutandisolated,and couldhavepotentiallyledtoacatastrophicfirewith significantdamage.Itissuchaprivilegetowork withpeoplethatcareenoughtodotherightthing andpersistinkeepingsafetyintheforefrontofwhat wedoatRCR.Bigshoutoutguys,wearegladthat youareonourteam.”
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OfficeupgradeinGisborne FennRefrigerationhascompletedanofficeupgrade atitsGisbornelocation,creatingamoremodern, efficient,andwelcomingworkspace.Therefreshed officefeaturesimprovedfacilitiesandupdated infrastructuretobettersupportstaffandclients.
Thisinvestmentreflectsthecompany’scontinued growthandcommitmenttoexcellenceinthe HVAC&Rindustry,aswellasitspresenceinthe EastCoastregion.
Coolwork Whenit’scolditiscolddownintheSouthIsland, andCoolAirareoutandaboutservicingtheirclients inAshburton,TimaruandSouthCanterbury.
Paw-fectofficeemployee MeetKaizer,oneoftheresidentofficedogsat ChillexGroup.Hemightnotbethemostproductive (you’llquiteoftenfindhimeatingorlounging around),butwethinkhe’sthecutest!
CoffeetimeatBeijerRef BeijerRef’sEcommerceManagerStuartMeehan andhisteamsnappedaselfierecentlyduringtheir regularmorningcoffeebreak.Stuartsays“they’re areallyspecialbunchofpeoplethatIhavethe opportunitytosharemydaywith.”
Shadeson,toolsready
JustanotherdayfortheClimatechteamastheyhit theroad,keepingWhangāreiandNorthlandcool, comfy,andclimate-ready. 8 6 7 3
PROJECTSNAPSHOT Ashowcaseofrecentprojectsbyourindustrymembers.
AFTER-HOURSRECOVERY TheA-GasRapidRecoveryteamtookaquickbreak toenjoythestunningviewsoverlookingGisborne Baywhileenroutetoanafter-hoursrefrigerant recoveryaspartofasupermarketHVACunit decommissioningproject.
UP,UP,ANDAWAY! Witnessingahelicopterliftinactionisalways anincrediblesight!Acoupleofweeksagothe HotChillyteamwatchedasaPanasonicVRF SystemwasliftedontoarooftopinCentral Wellingtonwithprecisionandskill.
Animpressiveteameffortwithlotsofhardwork andcoordinationbehindthescenesandontheday ensuredasuccessfulhelicopterlift,andnotto forgettheexpertskillsofthepilot.
OUTWITHTHEOLD, INWITHTHENEW ChillexGrouprecentlyreplacedfailedVRFUnits foravaluedclients.Thejobwasmadealoteasier thankstotheassistancefromNZCranes.Thenext stepwasfortheteamtowireandpipeupthe newunits.
Backin2023wespokewithHeatwaveMechanical abouttheirworkwiththeUniversityofAuckland InstituteofMarineScience.Thisprojectinvolved pumpingseawaterupacliff,reticulatingaround thesitethroughmediafiltrationunits,intobulk storagetanksandtemperingtheseawaterbefore supplyingitintoholdingtanksinsideabrand newlaboratory.
Sincecommissioningthenewsystems,theteamis intheprocessofcompletingfurtherworkonthis facility–replacingpipeworkup/downacliff,and helicopterdeliveryofnewseawaterpumps.
Craneliftsoncommercialprojectsarejustpart oftheevery-dayforSuperheatElectricaland Air-Conditioning.Keepupthegreatwork,team.
CongratulationstoDanielFordfromFonterraEdgecumbe onsuccessfullycompletinghisNewZealandCertificate inMechanicalEngineering(Trade)Level4,withastrandin MaintenanceEngineering.
Throughouthisapprenticeship,Danielconsistently developedhisskillsandtechnicalknowledge.Hissupervisor, HoaniSavage,saysDanielhasbecomeahighlycapable maintenanceprofessionalwithastrongunderstandingof thetrade.AbigthankyoutoCompetenzTrainingAdvisor RichieWerahikoforhisguidanceandsupportthroughout Daniel’sjourney.
Congratulations,Hunter!
Anewmechanicalengineeringgraduate CongratulationstoHunterPedenfromMcAlpineHussmann inHamilton,whohassuccessfullycompletedtheNew ZealandCertificateinRefrigerationandAirConditioning (Trade)(Level4)!Throughouthisapprenticeship,Hunter wasalwayseagertotakeonextraworkandhasshown impressivegrowthoverthepastyearandahalf.Shout-outto BazPrattforhisinvaluablesupportandguidancethroughout Hunter’sapprenticeship.
IRHACEMEMBERS,REGISTERNOW! BigcongratulationstoAnthonyOliver!Anthonyhasofficially earnedhisNewZealandCertificateinMechanicalBuilding Services(Trade)(Level4)!
Thisisahugemilestoneinhiscareer,andwe’recelebrating thisachievementalongsidetheteamatExcelRefrigeration andAirConditioninginManawatū.
Aspecialshout-outtoTrainingAdvisorCourtneyClapham forsupportingAnthonythroughouthisjourney!
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
Who qualifies?
New enrolments received between 1 May and 31 July 2025
What’s not included?
Textbooks and block course fees For
• Air conditioning installation
• Dairy systems
• Locksmithing
HVAC&RTEAM The HVAC&RCentre isakeysupporterof NewZealand’sHVAC&Rindustry,providing essentialgovernanceandoperational assistancetoIRHACE,CCCANZ,RLNZ, RRNZandRRO.
WELCOME
HarpreetMurad
GrahamLamb
AlexArnold
BradRoose
CraigMcCall
StormHarpham
LeeTodd
DanielFitzmaurice
JasonProwse
RyanO’Leary
Breakfasttime!
TheteamatActrolHamiltonrecentlyhostedadelicious barbecuebreakfastfortheircustomers.
Inattendance,A-GasNewZealandsays:“Itwasagreat opportunityfortheteamtoconnectwiththeHVAC&R communityandshowcaseourinitiativesdrivingeffective lifecyclerefrigerantmanagementinNewZealand.Itwas afantasticturnout,andwe’reexcitedaboutthemany opportunitiesaheadtohelptheindustryreducegreenhouse gasemissionsandembraceacirculareconomy.”
IRHACE2024ANNUALREPORT 2024wasalandmarkyearforourSociety—onemarkedbyaseriesofnotablefirsts, impressivegrowth,andcontinuedprogresstowardstrengtheningourindustry’scapabilities andconnections.
KeyachievementsincludedrecordentriesinWallieAskewMemorialWorkskills competition;thelaunchofHVAC&RSouth;thelaunchofournewwebsite,bringingall HVAC&Rintooneplace;90-yearachievementinrepresentingNewZealandatWorldSkills; 912activeusersinourprofessionaldevelopmentprogramme;specialawardsfor President’smeritoriousand60yearsservice.
CCCANZ2024ANNUALREPORT Amongthisyear’shighlightsweretheexcitingadvancementsineducationandtraining. Therolloutofnewlearningresourceshashelpedequipprofessionalswiththetoolsthey needtothriveinafast-changingindustry.Ourtradeshowsandmembereventswerealso standoutmoments—bringingpeopletogether,sparkingnewideas,andremindingusof thepowerofconnection.
Since2022,wehaveactivelypromotedourmembersthrougharangeofeffectivechannels tailoredtoraisevisibilityandengagementwithintheHVAC&Rindustry.Ourpromotional effortsincludeshowcasingmembercompaniesinpublications,digitalplatforms,events andnetworkingopportunities.In2024,48companieshavebenefitedfromtheseinitiatives, gainingvaluableexposureandrecognitionamongindustrypeersandstakeholders.
