IRHACE Industry Journal - May 2025

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

Projects from North to South Securing the future Cutting-edge cooling MAY 2025

MAJOR SUPERMARKET FITOUT

REDUCING HEATING COSTS

INVISIBLE CAREER PATHWAYS

IN THIS ISSUE

8 On the cover

7 heating costs 7 Reducing Heating a home can be one of the biggest energy expenses for homeowners, especially in New Zealand's varying climates.

invisible career pathways 10 The Mechanical building services, refrigeration,

CASE STUDIES

8 12

and air conditioning are critical yet often under-appreciated disciplines.

AN ENERGY-SMART PAK’NSAVE FOR EAST AUCKLAND

global 14 Going World Refrigeration Day is next month.

A STATE HOUSE TRANSFORMATION

with ebm-papst 15 Q&A Discover what’s on the cards for this exhibitor at

Plus, a new international Mentorship Programme.

the upcoming HVAC&R South event.

2 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

30

10 12 Future of Housing Summit 18 The Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects partners with BuildNZ to host The Future of Housing Summit.

Insider 22 Member Snippets from our members. From competitions to helping out the community, this is what local HVAC&R companies are up to.

guide to seismic non-structural 28 Aelements for building services Prashant Patel shares his knowledge in achieving NSE for buildings in New Zealand.

MEMBER INSIDER

23 WHAT’S ON 24 AROUND THE INDUSTRY 26 PROJECT SNAPSHOT 31 MILESTONES

EPS recycling in our sector 30 Driving Daikin has launched a pilot EPS recycling scheme with the aim to lead the recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in our sector.

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 3

FROM THE CEO This issue shines a spotlight on innovation, growth and transformation across the HVAC&R and construction sectors. Discover how an energy-smart Pak’nSave is setting a new benchmark for sustainability in East Auckland.

We take a closer look at the invisible career pathways shaping our industry’s future, and don’t miss our Q&A with ebm-papst, offering insight into technology, efficiency, and what’s next for air movement solutions.

We introduce the upcoming Future of Housing Summit – an event not to be missed. Plus, a practical guide to seismic non-structural elements provides valuable advice for building services engineers and installers.

Exciting industry events are on the horizon!

IRHACE invites all members and guests to a key networking event at SouthMACH 2025 in Christchurch on Wednesday, May 28. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in the HVAC&R sector, while hearing from leading voices including Price Holyoake, Eurotec, and Smooth-Air, who will present as part of the SouthMACH Seminar Series.

Suppliers looking to engage with the HVAC&R community are invited to join our unique car boot sale events, rolling out in Auckland, Christchurch, and Palmerston North. Launching this August in Auckland and Christchurch, these casual, innovative events provide a relaxed setting to showcase new products, technologies, and innovations to a targeted, hands-on audience.

We also invite entries for the prestigious Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition, celebrating excellence among HVAC&R apprentices.

PUBLISHER IRHACE/CCCANZ/RLNZ hvacrcentre.nz CEO AND MANAGING EDITOR Gina McMaster eo@irhace.org.nz EDITOR Cassie McKenzie editor@irhace.org.nz 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

CEO: IRHACE, CCCANZ, HVAC&R Centre

4 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

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Reducing heating costs Heating a home can be one of the biggest energy expenses for homeowners, especially in New Zealand's varying climates.

UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS Older HVAC systems tend to consume more energy and work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. Upgrading to a modern, energyefficient heating system is one of the best ways to reduce heating costs in your home. Newer systems use less energy to provide the same level of comfort, helping you save on utility bills.

ENSURE PROPER SIZING OF YOUR SYSTEM An improperly sized HVAC system can lead to higher energy usage and inconsistent temperatures in the home. If a system is too large, it will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy.

If it’s too small, it will struggle to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy consumption. Consult with an HVAC professional who can perform a proper load calculation to determine the ideal size for your space.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE Maintaining your HVAC system ensures that it runs efficiently and helps prolong its lifespan.

Regular maintenance like cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all components are functioning properly can reduce strain on the system and improve energy efficiency.

UTILISE PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING This is a natural way of reducing heating costs by taking advantage of the sun’s energy. By strategically placing windows in new projects to capture sunlight and using thermal mass materials (like concrete or stone) to store heat, you can reduce your reliance on artificial heating. If you’re working within an existing space, make sure curtains and blinds are open when the sun is facing the space, and closed when it isn’t to keep the warmth in.

CONSIDER YOUR FURNISHINGS Heavy curtains, rugs, and thermal blinds help retain warmth in rooms by preventing drafts and improving insulation. Opting for light-coloured walls and reflective surfaces can also help distribute warmth more effectively throughout a space.

MAXIMISE INSULATION AND VENTILATION Insulation and ventilation play a major role in keeping your home warm and energy-efficient, and should be considered to achieve a well-performing HVAC system. Good insulation prevents warm air from escaping, while proper ventilation ensures that air circulates properly, allowing the heating system to work more effectively.

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 7

CASE STUDY

An energy-smart Pak’nSave for East Auckland Everett Consulting played an important role in bringing the new supermarket in Highland Park to life, with the project featuring the latest in energy-efficient HVAC&R technology.

When you’re at the supermarket, you’re likely thinking most about your shopping list – not the systems keeping the air and groceries fresh.

But for David Everett, Director of Everett Consulting, those systems are the heart of a project that’s been three years in the making. Since 2022, Everett Consulting has led the mechanical and refrigeration design for the new Pak’nSave in East Auckland, delivering a store that’s as sustainable as it is vital to the community.

“We were engaged in carrying out the refrigeration and mechanical design, starting with preliminary design and development,” says David. His team worked alongside a broader group of consultants, managing everything from tenders to installation.

“Refrigeration and mechanical are completely separate contracts. We designed them separately but oversaw both – project managing the

8 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

refrigeration side and the mechanical commissioning right through to the store opening.”

CUTTING-EDGE COOLING The Pak’nSave operates a CO2 transcritical refrigeration system, a setup that’s becoming more common in the industry.

“It’s energy-efficient and uses the latest technology,” says David. Packed with control systems, it keeps power use low while ensuring the cold chain stays strong – importantly for shoppers, this means food items like milk and vegetables are kept chilled. The store also features an FTE (Full Transcritical Efficiency) system, a clever addition that boosts efficiency further by reducing the energy needed in the evaporators. This lowers running costs without compromising quality.

“This is a typical system for a Pak’nSave, but it was our first time delivering it for them in particular,” shares David, with Everett Consulting often working with various supermarkets across the country.

The project wasn’t just about installing equipment, it was about tailoring a solution for a specific need.

Now the third largest Pak’nSave in the North Island, the East Auckland store is expected to attract new customers from the surrounding areas. “They’re anticipating that the store should do well, and so they should. It’s a newly designed, efficient store that’s cost-competitive. At the end of the day, it’s going to provide a great service to the local community.”

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE Big projects like this understandably come with challenges, but for David and his team, nothing here was out of the ordinary. “Most of it’s just an average day,” he says. “There’s always hurdles with every job.”

Much of this success is attributed to collaboration and strong communication.

“There’s a lot of coordination involved with other consultants to optimise the system and reduce clashes,” explains David. By aligning everyone’s scope of work, the team minimised delays and drove efficiencies that made the installation smoother and more cost-effective.

A key piece of advice from David for future clients is to get professionals involved early on. Bringing experts in at the start can minimise problems before they snowball, saving time and money.

It’s a strategy that paid off here, with a seamless transition from design to operation.

Photography: Supplied

The result is a store built from the ground up to balance performance and practicality. From the refrigeration keeping freezers humming to the mechanical systems ensuring a comfortable shopping environment, every detail was fine-tuned.

FONKO NZ performed the refrigeration installation, with ACSL Group responsible for the mechanical air conditioning installation. Temperzone also played a key role, and will be sharing more about their involvement at the upcoming HVAC&R Technical Stage at HVAC&R Hub in July.

CAREERS

The invisible career pathways Mechanical building services, refrigeration, and air conditioning are critical yet often under-appreciated disciplines.

These trades are essential to the functionality of buildings and systems worldwide, and represent a blend of innovation and practicality that shapes the environments we live and work in.

However, despite their importance, the trades in our sector are frequently overshadowed by more commonly recognised pathways such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. This has resulted in a significant skills shortage for HVAC&R in New Zealand, with industry experts highlighting a pressing need for this to change – starting with encouraging school leavers to explore trade careers within the field.

Trades cover a diverse range of specialisations, including fabrication, mechanical engineering, and maintenance engineering, alongside HVAC&R, plus more. This variety makes it an appealing choice for hands-on individuals who enjoy problem-solving and understanding how systems operate. For students drawn to electrical work, working with air conditioning and refrigeration can be an ideal fit.

However, these trade routes remain largely hidden from view, despite their vital role in modern infrastructure. Increased exposure through schools could bolster the industry’s workforce and address

resource challenges, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.

Collaboration between industry and education is proving to be a game-changer.

Efforts by businesses and training providers are helping bridge the gap, introducing high school students to the possibilities within trades.

These initiatives aim to broaden perspectives, showing young people that trades extend far beyond the traditional trio of building, plumbing, and electrical work. By engaging with students directly, companies are demystifying the sector and highlighting its potential.

Far from being a fallback option, trades offer structured pathways to rewarding careers in growing, forward-thinking industries.

A standout advantage is the ability to earn an income while training, allowing apprentices to graduate debt-free. Upon completion, graduates are highly sought after, with opportunities ranging from employment in established firms to launching their own ventures.

Get started on your career.

Apprentices ready to compete in the 2024 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills

hvacrcentre.nz | APRIL 2025

Competition Northern regional competition.

READ THE GUIDE HERE.

PROJECT UPDATE

A state house transformation Last year we shared the in-progress transformation of a 1970s state house into an energy-efficient home with a Homestar Level 7 accreditation. Here’s how the project went.

Set to be demolished, the ex-state house turned into a project for Level 3 BCITO Trade Academy students at One Tree Hill College. The 1970s building was acquired for $1 with over $300,000 of building material donated to make the transformation possible.

Simx was one of the sponsors in this project, providing a ventilation system for the students to install.

Initially, a MultiVent system was specified, but as the project developed, the Simx team identified that a more advanced home ventilation system was needed to meet the project’s goals and deliver the best outcome for the end user.

During the design phase, Simx collaborated with Homestar designer and assessor Sarah Elicker to ensure compliance with the targeted Homestar Level 7 rating.

“The project had several complications we had to overcome. We had to make assumptions regarding factors like building orientation (as the home is a transportable home so we could not know its final destination) and the home airtightness (airtightness by nature is only

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confirmed on completion of a job and differs depending on methodology used), as well as work around fixed elements typical of a renovation, such as the window scale and wall thickness.”

This led to the decision that a continuous mechanical extraction system may not be sufficient for the standard the project was aiming to reach.

“As such, we recommended and provided a MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system, the SmartVent Balance, which was more suitable for reaching a Homestar Level 7 rating given the home’s circumstances. The system itself was installed smoothly by PCI Electrical, who are SmartVent Accredited Installers specialising in heat recovery systems, and integrated with a Daikin ducted heat pump. While project constraints meant we couldn’t provide direct advice to the students, we’re confident that the system changes during the design process have given them insight into the role of ventilation – particularly in how it addresses summer overheating.”

This system proved to be the right choice with the level of air-tightness achieved.

“The home started at 19ACH, construction brought it down to 3.6ACH, and the team at Aero managed to pull that down even further to 0.81ACH.” The SmartVent Balance will work well in any kind of home, but for optimal performance, additional air-tightness measures should be undertaken.

This could be as simple as improving insulation or installing double glazing, or as complex as installing an air barrier system. Improving airtightness means less energy is lost to natural air infiltration, improving the efficiency of the system’s heat recovery core.

“Simx is thrilled with how successful the project has been, and is grateful to be able to support such an amazing initiative.”

As New Zealand moves towards a more sustainable and airtight housing model, Simx believes that New Zealand will follow the path of many other countries.

“We believe the changes will involve mandating greater attention to passive ventilation solutions, alongside rulings on the application of extraction (both continuous and intermittent). This will provide guidance for the passive ventilation penetrations required to provide sufficient make up air for different air volumes.

“We’re confident that the system changes during the design process have given them insight into the role of ventilation.”

MORE ABOUT MVHR SYSTEMS MVHR systems are great for cost effectiveness in the long run, particularly in colder regions. The heating cost savings from installing an MVHR system over a traditional ventilation system will eventually lead to the system ‘paying for itself’ after a few years.

For added benefit, the SmartVent Balance can extract air from wet rooms. This means you can recover the heat from the warm, humid shower air, and use it to temper the rest of your home.

Maintenance-wise, filters need to be replaced every year or so, depending on the outside air quality. SmartVent systems also feature a five-year warranty.

Now boasting a higher Homestar rating than most new builds, this renovation is a masterclass in what can be achieved with the right knowledge, design and products.

simx.co.nz

Photography: Supplied

“These changes will impact the future choice of ventilation styles as people will decide between negative and balanced pressure based on the importance they place on comfort and efficiency.”

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 13

GLOBAL UPDATES

Going global Don’t forget to add World Refrigeration Day to your calendar next month. Plus, the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) has launched its new Mentorship Programme.

Each year in June, World Refrigeration Day serves as a reminder of the importance of refrigeration technologies in everyday life. Celebrated on June 26, this year’s theme will be ‘Cool Skills’, emphasising the importance of technical expertise, training, and the professionals driving the industry.

This theme comes after the launch of the International Network of Women in Cooling’s (INWIC) Mentorship Programme in March.

The new online service is designed to connect women professionals in the cooling sector across the world, encouraging knowledge exchange and career development in the industry.

Professionals in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps are invited to register as mentors or mentees and become part of the first cohort of this free service.

WHAT IS IT? The programme offers a renewable three-month mentorship cycle, with an opportunity for mentees to gain insights from industry professionals and receive career guidance based on their goals.

Mentors benefit from guiding the next generation

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of women professionals, expanding their own leadership skills, and contributing to the advancement of women in the field.

THE MENTORSHIP CAN COVER: •

Technical knowledge, including expertise in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps.

•

Soft skills, such as leadership, communication and career development.

•

Workplace challenges, including navigating career progression in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

WHY JOIN AS A MENTEE? The INWIC Mentorship Programme is free of charge and designed to support mentees at all career stages, whether they are early-career professionals, mid-career specialists, or individuals transitioning into leadership roles. Mentees can benefit from guidance and support from experienced professionals with key benefits: •

Mentees will be matched with experienced mentors from around the world, providing

exposure to different industry practices, insights, and career pathways in the cooling sector.

•

The mentorship is tailored to the mentee’s specific needs, whether they seek guidance on technical knowledge, career progression, skills, or workplace challenges.

•

Through one-on-one mentorship, mentees receive valuable advice, encouragement, and professional insights, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and advance in their careers.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 1. Registration: Participants sign up as a mentor, a mentee, or both.

2. Mentees: The programme is open to INWIC members looking for guidance and support in their careers. If you’re not yet a member, join INWIC today to participate! A link to register as a mentee will be accessible from your account.

3. Mentors: INWIC members and INWIC affiliates, including male colleagues supporting gender diversity in the industry, can join the programme as mentors.

The refrigeration solution for smarter field commissioning

4. Matching process: Mentees will be assigned a mentor automatically.

Embedded connectivity through NFC and Bluetooth technology

5. Personalised mentorship: Each mentorship relationship is tailored to the mentee’s needs, with a personalised mentorship agreement.

With a recommended three-month mentorship cycle (extendable), the frequency of meetings can be adjusted based on needs, accommodating different time zones and schedules.

On-field time saving, exploiting controller configurations copy, paste, modify and share

Long-term change can be achieved through this initiative to ensure that women in cooling have the support and resources they need to thrive, to build a more inclusive, skilled, and empowered workforce. This in turn will help the cooling sector provide more societal benefits and contribute to the economy while ensuring strong environmental performance.

Faster and simplified commissioning, with the new configuration WIZARD End-user simplified interaction with CONTROLLA for an automatic HACCP management

SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAMME www.eurotec.co.nz

09 579 1990

sales@eurotec.co.nz

HVAC&R SOUTH

Why is it important for ebm-papst to participate in events such as HVAC&R South?

Q&A: Exhibiting with ebm-papst

Thomas: We look forward to enhancing our market presence and reconnecting with our valued customers.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?

Thomas: Catching up with our valued customers and seeing all the updates in our industry.

What will ebm-papst be exhibiting at HVAC&R South?

Thomas: EC fan products and controls.

ebm-papst will also be exhibiting at HVAC&R Hub in July. What can we expect to see from you at this event?

Thomas: Similar to HVAC&R South, we will be exhibiting EC fan products and controls at HVAC&R Hub.

How do you see the industry transforming in the coming years?

Thomas: More localised products, and more focus on energy efficiency.

Thomas Heine – ebm-papst Country Manager NZ and Sales Manager EC Upgrades

Does ebm-papst have any new innovations or products, and will these be exhibited at either event?

Thomas: Yes, we will also be showcasing our IoT Gateway. ebm-papst will be exhibiting at HVAC&R South at Stand 88. ebmpapst.com

BUILD NZ

Introducing the Future of Housing Summit Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects partners with BuildNZ to host The Future of Housing Summit.

The Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Interim Chief Executive and Auckland Branch Chair will be teaming up with the nation’s largest trade event, BuildNZ, to deliver what they describe as a game-changing, panindustry future of housing summit, tackling the real issues holding us back.

Following on from the wide media coverage of the KiwiBuild Summits held alongside BuildNZ 2018 and 2019, the NZIA says it’s timely to reset the wider industry conversation around the nation’s growing need to build affordable homes. Their promise is that the Future of Housing Summit will this time deliver genuine actionable outcomes.

“The industry has been clear they want less talk and more actionable outcomes to get things moving and BuildNZ is the natural place for that discussion with thousands of architects, builders, developers and policy makers converging under one roof,” says Peter Townsend, architect and Auckland Branch Chair of the NZIA. “Importantly the summit will be entirely free to attend for our member architects and any build or construction professional across any discipline to join in the conversation.”

Mark Abbot, Interim Chief Executive of the NZIA, agrees: “I’m heartened that our industries are getting together to start a new discussion and get new views on solving big challenges like affordable housing. I encourage all our NZIA members to participate in the Future of Housing Summit and contribute toward a pan-industry approach to problem-solving. I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to create significant outcomes that can make a real difference.”

With a stellar line-up of the biggest industry influencers joining the discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead – becoming equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to drive meaningful change.

Some of those confirmed speakers already include NZIA President, Huia Reriti; Registered Master Builders CE, Ankit Sharma; NZIA Strategic Sustainability Advisor, Rachel MacIntyre; NZ Certified Builders CE, Malcolm Fleming; BCI Central NZ Country Manager, Ben Hurrell; and Kāinga Ora, CE, Matt Crockett. More speakers are to be announced.

The summit will explore innovative construction methods and how the use of cutting-edge technology, software, robotics and AI promises to speed up construction, reduce costs and minimise environmental impact; new ownership models such as co-housing and shared equity schemes; and streamlined regulations aiming to simplify approval processes for new housing projects.

By bringing together policymakers, developers and industry leaders, the summit will facilitate a dialogue on creating a more efficient regulatory framework. A BCI Central panel will also discuss changes, risks and opportunities in the New Zealand construction market.

The Future of Housing Summit at BuildNZ promises to bring together the brightest minds and boldest ideas to ensure New Zealand’s housing needs are met for generations to come.

Whether you’re an architect, developer, investor, or policymaker, this summit is an unmissable opportunity to be part of the solution.

REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND BUILDNZ AND THE FUTURE OF HOUSING SUMMIT.

18 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

CO-LOCATED WITH

15–16 July 2025, Auckland Showgrounds New Zealand’s largest trade-only event for people who design, construct and manage the country’s buildings and facilities.

250+ 5000+ VISITORS EXHIBITORS

 Two Full Days of Seminars, Keynote Speakers and Live Demonstrations  Hundreds of New and Alternative Product Solutions  Earn LBP and CPD Points/Hours  Network Face to Face with Industry Experts  Trade Deals, Prizes and Much More!

Interested in exhibiting?

With an already impressive line-up, space is filling up fast. Contact us today.

Raeesa Essa

Sales & Event Manager raeesa@xpo.co.nz | M: +64 21 073 2727

Register to attend for free buildnz.com PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

SCHOOL OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT

PRESENTED BY

WALLIE ASKEW

MEMORIAL WORKSKILLS COMPETITION BUILD SKILLS. BOOST CAREERS. CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE. Encourage your apprentices to step up and shine in the 2025 Wallie Askew Memorial Workskills Competition – a standout event in the HVAC&R calendar.

By entering your apprentice, you’re not just supporting their growth – you’re investing in the future of the industry. Mentor and develop emerging talent, give back to the industry through training and support, and showcase your business as a leader in the HVAC&R sector.

ENCOURAGE YOUR APPRENTICES TO ENTER!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU AS AN EMPLOYER?

✓ Build skills to fast-track their career

✓ Recognition as a supportive and forwardthinking employer

✓ Boost confidence and recognition as a valued apprentice

✓ Connect and network with industry leaders

✓ Connect with industry leaders and likeminded peers ✓ Getting involved in competitions is more than just a challenge — it's an opportunity for growth, exposure, and stepping up in the HVAC&R industry.

Give your apprentices the chance to shine!

✓ Attract new talent by showcasing your investment in people ✓ Boost your brand by supporting a top apprentice Backing your apprentice isn’t just good for them — it’s a win for your business, your team, and the future of the HVAC&R industry.

PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS OF THE WALLIE ASKEW MEMORIAL WORKSKILLS COMPETITION McAlpine Hussmann

Martella Refrigeration

White Refrigeration

George Refrigeration

Judd Refrigeration

Fenn Refrigeration

Degrees Ahead

Sturrock & Greenwood

APPRENTICES, ENTER NOW REGIONAL CHALLENGES August 2nd

HOW TO ENTER

RULES OF THE COMPETITION

Chillex Group, Auckland

August 9th Steelfort, Palmerston North

August 16th Gavin Lowe Energy, Christchurch

PREVIOUS FINALISTS

The top two finishers in each regional challenge battle it out in the Final Competition.

APPRENTICES, ARE YOU READY TO ENTER? Entries close June 30.

The competition opens with regional challenges in August and concludes with the Final Competition in October.

Around the Industry Milestones What’s On

MEMBER INSIDER MAY 2025

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

DRIVING EPS RECYCLING

MILESTONES

WHAT’S ON MAY 28–29th

HVAC&R SOUTH 2025 WHERE: WOLFBROOK ARENA, CHRISTCHURCH For the first time, this dedicated HVAC&R hub at SouthMACH will showcase the latest developments in our industry. The event is expected to attract 2,000 industry professionals.

MAY 28th

NETWORKING EVENT AT HVAC&R SOUTH WHERE: WOLFBROOK ARENA, CHRISTCHURCH Join us in May for an exciting networking event to catch up with familiar faces, make new contacts and enjoy a great evening of conversation. Light refreshments will be provided.

JULY 15–16th

HVAC&R HUB 2025 WHERE: AUCKLAND SHOWGROUNDS, EPSOM Showcase your company’s expertise, attend workshops, seminars and demonstrations, and engage with peers and key decision-makers in our industry.

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

AR OUN D T HE IN DUSTRY 3

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1 Built for extreme conditions This two-metre adjustable pitch axial fan from Fantech is designed for a large evaporative above-ground cooling system in a mining operation.

Engineered to endure humid, dusty environments, it features a powerful 110kW motor with IP66 tropic-proofed windings and insulated bearings with brushed earth for added durability.

2 20-year work anniversary Nicki’s 20-year work anniversary is not one to be taken lightly, because, truth be told, she’s been part of the Airlab story since the very beginning back when it was known as Project Services.

24 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

with the old, in with 3 Our the new Chillex Group was recently out in the field replacing failed RF units with NZ Cranes lending their hand for flawless lift.

infrastructure 4 Delivering development projects The government has launched a new website – permanent ‘fast-track’ approvals regime for a range of infrastructure, housing and development projects with significant regional or national benefit.

Learn more here.

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3 6

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5 Helping the Kiwi population Four years on from their first working bee, 22 Degrees continues to deal to pests and rodents in the bush. They support TCKC with donations and annual working bees to help lay new trap lines and clear overgrown tracks. This year with lots of hands-on deck, they split into three teams to install 31 new AT220 traps (auto reset smart traps catching rats, possums and stoats) in record time!

Hussmann at 6 McAlpine Foodstuffs Expo McAlpine Hussmann received valuable and encouraging feedback on its new range of P Series refrigerated display cabinets and tailored TCO2 solutions to cater for all project sizes. They also sold many H2T cabinets and their new Hussmann integral range.

7 Coffee day at HVAC Depot HVAC Depot had a great start to their day with a catch-up over coffee. It’s always a great way to connect and keep things moving!

8 Cuddon site visit Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and local MP Stuart Smith recently toured the Cuddon Freeze Dry workshops in Blenheim, New Zealand.

“It was fantastic to show the Prime Minster some of our freeze dry technology designed and built right here in Blenheim, New Zealand. He was particularly interested in the diverse applications that freeze dry can be applied to and the number of companies around the globe that are using our technology.”

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 25

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

HEATWAVE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS Heatwave Mechanical has been working on an important upgrade at Starship Children’s Hospital, involving various air-handling units (AHUs). The goal is to improve resilience and replace older units with new, high-spec systems for the clinical wards and operating theatres.

This project comes with some challenges.

The first was transporting the new AHUs to the roof of Starship Hospital without disrupting hospital operations, which involved a helicopter lift – with more to follow. Another key challenge has been ensuring that hospital operations continue smoothly throughout the upgrade. This requires using temporary AHUs and following a carefully planned sequence of work to replace the AHUs and fans while minimising disruption, all while working within the limited space of the plant rooms.

REFRIGERANT RECOVERY PROJECT Recently, A-Gas Rapid Recovery partnered with Equans New Zealand to complete a supermarket refrigerant recovery project in Meadowlands. In the first of two stages, 370kg of high global warming potential refrigerant was removed from two decommissioned refrigeration systems.

Despite heavy rain throughout the day, the team worked safely and efficiently, responsibly managing the equivalent of 675.25 tonnes of CO2e and helping the supermarket stay on track with its system upgrade schedule.

26 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

SKYCITY GOES GREEN SkyCity’s restaurant production facility recently underwent a major refurbishment. FONKO NZ designed and built state-of-the-art cold rooms and blast chiller/freezers using transcritical CO2 technology, ensuring energy efficiency, a minimal carbon footprint, and a future-proofed design.

SAFETY FIRST NME Group has been hard at work with its latest project at 61 Molesworth Street, Wellington.

The team is ensuring all protocols are followed to keep site safe, with the project running smoothly thanks to LT McGuinness.

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

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 27

CONTRIBUTOR ARTICLE

A guide to seismic non-structural elements for building services Prashant Patel shares his knowledge in achieving NSE for buildings in New Zealand.

These are just some of the examples and they have their own standards to comply with the NZBC B1 and the NSE of any structure in New Zealand.

As per NZS 4219:2009, there are two pathways to achieve NSE for any type of building,

1. SPECIFIC DESIGN METHOD Such designs are drafted by experienced structural engineers such as CPEng as most of them fall under either AS or VM of the NZBC B1. These types of design could have generic approaches on the NSE components from the experience of the registered engineer.

Words by Prashant Patel, M.IRHACE

The structure of any building in New Zealand is governed by the Building Act and NZ Building Code B1 – Structure. We have our own NZ Standard 1170 – Structural Design Actions, particularly part 5: 2004 which outlines the Earthquake Actions – New Zealand. The main reason to refer to these standards is to determine the Ultimate Limit State (Eu) and Serviceability Limit State (Es).

When touching on the non-seismic elements (NSE) of a structure system, it falls under NZS 4219:2009 – Seismic Performance of Engineering Systems in Buildings. This standard is for specific design of the NSE of the structure elements. However, it doesn’t cover all types of fire and mechanical services. Such as but not limited to: 1. Fire Sprinkler System 2. Suspended Ceilings This standard is freely available on the Standards New Zealand website. I strongly recommend all service contractors to read through this standard as it provides some great examples and thresholds regarding seismic bracings.

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2. NON-SPECIFIC DESIGN METHOD Such designs could be done by NSE specialists as well as by the building services engineers such as Mechanical Engineer or Fire Engineer. Most of the NSE designs out there are done this way, determining the different parameters of the building and finally calculating the required restraint forces for all of the NSE components in question.

Guidance has been provided by BRANZ on the responsibilities associated with the producer statements. (See table on right.)

Considering the table, a contractor or building services engineer other than a Structure or Seismic NSE engineer, can also supply their own design along with Producer Statement 1 and can get a CPEng seismic engineer to review and supply a Producer Statement 2. Each contractor must issue their own Producer Statement 3 for the services they installed for any given project.

NZS 4219:2009 outlines some rules of thumbs when it comes to the Mechanical Services. Some of the main ones are as follows, Rigid ductwork, where the hanger length from the top of the duct to the structural support exceeds

200 mm, shall be restrained against seismic forces determined in accordance with this Standard.

Flexible ductwork greater than 1.5 m in length shall be restrained in accordance with this clause.

Ducting not requiring restraint shall be installed with a clearance of 150 mm from hangers and braces for suspended ceiling systems or other adjacent suspended components.

Suspended components that are installed in line with the duct system and have an operating weight greater than 10 kg, such as fans, heat exchangers and humidifiers, shall be supported and laterally braced independently of the duct system.

Registers and grilles shall have positive fixings to the ducting. Ducting between ceiling mounted grilles and rigidly mounted ducting shall be flexible, or movement provision provided. Dampers, louvres and diffusers shall be positively attached to the duct with mechanical fasteners. Duct tape shall not be used to provide mechanical fixing or seismic resistance.

Most of the seismic NSE engineers take up to 10 days to supply the final Producer Statement 4 as well as up to 3-4 week notice for the site inspection. So, please plan ahead for this work to avoid the pressure at the project deadlines. buildeng.nz

hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025 29

SUSTAINABILITY

Driving EPS recycling in the HVAC industry Daikin has launched a pilot EPS recycling scheme with the aim to lead the recycling of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in our sector.

The initiative is delivered in partnership with Abilities Group, and has been designed as a customer-focused collection programme.

“At Daikin, reducing EPS waste is important to our core business – we’re committed to making positive changes that support Kiwis, homeowners, and businesses while reducing our own environmental impact.”

“Unlike traditional schemes that require businesses to transport their own waste, we’re making it easier by providing dedicated collection bags and offering a pick-up service during our scheduled deliveries. By doing this, we’re increasing the amount of EPS captured and

properly recycled, rather than relying on businesses to manage it themselves.”

The pilot scheme is currently available to a select group of Auckland customers, with the goal to expand this as data is collected and the process refined to ensure a scalable and effective longterm solution can be offered.

“Once the pilot is complete, we will compile a case study, sharing valuable data and insights with the industry. This will help us support other businesses on their own sustainability journeys and inspire collective action in the HVAC and wider construction sector.”

If you're interested in learning more, reach out to your Daikin account manager or Daikin’s in-house Sustainability team.

30 hvacrcentre.nz | MAY 2025

HVAC&R TEAM

MEMBER MILESTONES WELCOME

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.

Liam Couling Ayden Hudson Kingi Wetere Timothy James Wilson James Yardley Martin Lightfoot Matthew Lowe James McCormack Andrew Dwyer William Lovell Mark Hoskin Matthew Hallgren Ben Dalton Kieran Harland Rob Thurston

IRHACE MEMBERS, REGISTER NOW! HVAC&R South – Wed 28th May 2025 Join us this May for an exciting networking event to catch up with familiar faces, make new contacts and enjoy a great evening of conversation.

Light refreshments and drinks provided.

REGISTER HERE

31 hvacrcentre.nz | APRIL 2025

USE A CCCANZ MEMBER

As a CCCANZ member you benefit from the collective strength of the organisation which enhances your reputation as a responsible and reliable business in the HVAC&R industry.

Branding – logo and promotion

Trade offers and deals

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Promotion and marketing

Standards library

Networking opportunities

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Professional development

Special rates for advertising

Latest industry news

Contracts and agreements

Sign up today and find out more at cccanz.org.nz 32

hvacrcentre.nz | | FEB/MARCH hvacrcentre.nz APRIL 20252025

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