Builders & Contractors Magazine Issue#146

ISSUE NO.146 - 2023 WWW.BUILDERSANDCONTRACTORS.CO.NZ

BUILDING BACK BETTER

What we’ve learnt from the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

Reducing the risk

The big four of risk management

The importance of walking the talk How to build trust in your organisation

Eliminating weathertightness worries

Managing mindsets

Embracing mental health in the workplace

STAYING SITE-SAFE ONLINE

Contents Page: 30

ISSUE NO.146 - 2023 WWW.BUILDERSANDCONTRACTORS.CO.NZ

Page: 92

Page: 62

BUILDING BACK BETTER

What we’ve learnt from the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

Reducing the risk

The big four of risk management

Eliminating weathertightness worries

Managing mindsets

The importance of walking the talk How to build trust in your organisation

Embracing mental health in the workplace

Contents

STAYING SITE-SAFE ONLINE

6:

Welcome - Editor’s note

7:

This issue of Builders & Contractors opens up discussing how to build back better in the wake of natural disasters, as well as looking at the proposed amendments to NZS3910:2013 will have on the construction landscape.

We also look at the BuiltReady modular component manufacturer scheme designed to enable faster, more consistent building consent approaches, with the aim of improving productivity, reducing costs and contributing to better environmental outcomes.

8:

Addressing the current construction landscape How to build trust in your organisation The BuiltReady modular component manufacturer scheme

10: Embracing mental health in

16: Top infrastructure projects show 18: Apprentice network provides wraparound support for apprenticeship training

30: Advancements in fatigue design and fracture control for welded steel structures

40: Concrete NZ Conference 2023 strikes the right note with delegates and supporters

18: Kiwis’ priorities for infrastructure investment shifts

the workplace

12: Building back better after disasters

22: The big four of risk management

their class in challenging times

21: Multiple incidents reveal the

45: Concrete NZ Masonry Sector

Group offers real world block and mortar advice

risks workers face

62: Timber challenges traditional construction boundaries

Page: 12

74: SARNZ' celebration of scaffolding

There are articles about the importance of embracing mental health in the workplace, the ‘big four’ of risk management and how to build trust in your organisation.

80: AWCI awards celebrate success 82: Eliminating weathertightness worries

We also feature pieces on advancements in fatigue design and fracture control for welded steel structures, and how NZCB’s Apprentice Network provides wraparound support for apprenticeship training.

86: Staying site-safe 92: Height safety basics 96: Cutting edge equipment for big jobs

As always, we thank all our columnists for their expertise, along with the views, opinions and predictions of all those who contributed, to help you manage the risks your face each and every day.

100: The ever-present danger of asbestos 102: Unpacking the ‘buy or hire’ equipment equation

104: Revamping Invercargill’s city centre

Editor

Builders and Contractors, a national

Head Office

Auckland Office

38 Lowe Street Addington Christchurch 8011

Level 3/5 Nelson Street Auckland CBD Auckland 1010

Phone: Email: Web:

(03) 961 5050 admin@academygroup.co.nz www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Readers: Construction/building industry

leaders and decision makers: government & trade organisations, site safe members, business owners and professionals in the industry.

Nationwide Distribution: Mailed directly to a carefully maintained list of decision makers and subscribers for 25 years.

trade newspaper targeted directly at New Zealand's building and construction industry.

For some time we were aware that, although the building and related trades were generally covered individually by some trade journals, there was no amalgamated news link for trades as a whole, especially on a nationwide basis.

This void has been successfully filled by Builders & Contractors. Distribution is by way of various outlets: PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, Builders Hardware, I.T.M., Carters, Site Safe Members, Home Ideas Centre, timber companies, hire companies, together with our database direct mail drop to architects, draughting professionals, consulting engineers, building consultants, designers and local Councils. By these means we aim to reach one of the most powerful buying groups in the industry.

Does your company have any exciting projects or products you would like to feature in an upcoming edition of Builders & Contractors?

Please contact us to discuss: Editorial:

Jonathon Taylor Phone: (03) 961 5098 editor@academygroup.co.nz PO Box 1879, Christchurch, 8140

Production:

Jarred Shakespeare Phone: (03) 961 5088 jarred@academygroup.co.nz

Sales Manager:

Angela Elley Phone: (03) 961 5184 sales@academygroup.co.nz

www.buildersandcontractors.co.nz

Disclaimer This publication is provided on the basis that AMark Publishing NZ Ltd is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. AMark Publishing NZ Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2017 by AMark Publishing NZ Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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News

Addressing the current construction landscape Proposed amendments to NZS3910:2013

Nevenka Toma

Nevenka Toma is a solicitor working in construction law in the Auckland law firm Martelli McKegg.

Standards New Zealand has spent the past 18 months revising one of the most common contracts in New Zealand construction, the now 10-years-old NZS3910:2013.

The product of this review is Consultation Draft DZ 3910, the amended version of NZS3910 released on 9 May this year. It aims to modernise NZS3910 and how it addresses the current construction sector landscape.

New terms in DZ 3910 DZ 3910 introduces clauses which propose new roles, pricing methods, plans, accounts, and more.

Of these clauses, one of the biggest introductions is a new pricing method for the contract – the target price method. This is in addition to the other three methods carried forward from NZS3910.

This new method uses a target price which the contract parties specify at the project’s outset.

Any difference between the target price and the contract’s actual price is split between the contractor and principal, in proportions decided in the contract’s specific conditions. The proportions both for under and over-estimating the price are nominated, which introduces some complexity into negotiating the contract’s terms.

Contractors will need to be wary of whether they are being allocated a fair proportion of over or under-runs. If their proportion is lower than the principal’s on one side of the target price, the contractor’s proportion for the other side should generally match, so that the possible risk or reward are comparable. These proportion allocations must also not affect how contractors prepare their estimates when tendering for projects – they are still obligated by the law to carefully prepare their estimates.

Possibly the biggest change that you may have heard of in DZ 3910 is that the “Engineer to the Contract” has been removed. This removal is in favour of the introduction of two new roles – the contract administrator and independent certifier.

The engineer historically performed two roles under NZS3910, and these functions have now 6 | B&C

been split between the new roles. While this sounds like a long-awaited change for many builders working as contractors under NZS3910, their excitement may be dashed some 33-odd pages into DZ 3910 by the line: The Contract Administrator and Independent Certifier may be the same person.

Members of the team which contributed to preparing DZ 3910 held a discussion panel where they answered questions submitted by attendees. One of the very first questions put forward asked what the reasoning was for the decision to allow the two roles to be held by a single person. The panel defended the clause by calling it necessary for the contract’s use on smaller-scale projects. To counter this argument, it is unclear why a monetary threshold (or similar system) could not be introduced to determine whether this subclause is in effect on a specific project.

The final major introduction into DZ 3910 is a clause limiting the contractor’s liability. Again, where this clause loses some excitement is that firstly, the clause is optional and secondly, the limit is a value which the parties nominate (rather than a consistent value across all instances of the contract’s use, like the contract price).

It also does not apply to some specific instances of liability which the contractor has. This leaves the limit seeming more like a bone tossed the contractor’s way, rather than a genuine effort to improve the equity of the liability exposure between the contract parties.

While those are the three biggest introductions into the contract, there are a few more smaller additions worth noting.

Both the contractor and principal now have obligations to notify each other of matters which may affect the contract price or the completion date of the works, or breach a statutory duty connected to the works. If the contractor fails to meet this obligation, the amount they may recover from any variation stemming from that matter may be reduced.

There is no mirroring deterrent to the principal for a similar failure.

There are further, minor introductions to DZ 3910 not worth delving into for now, but suffice it to say, any builder intending to accept work under the new contract will need to spend a decent bit of time familiarising themselves with the new terms and changes.

Major changes to existing terms in DZ 3910 In addition to the introductions into DZ 3910, there are significant changes to the terms

carried forward from NZS3910 for builders to come to grips with.

The first change to note is that an “order of precedence” now applies to the contract documents where they are listed in the contract agreement section. Their list order decides, where the documents differ, which document trumps the others.

Builders will need to take note that, for example, if they intend for the specifications to have the final say over the drawings, they will need to amend the contract because, by default, the drawings take precedence over the specifications.

A major improvement to DZ 3910 is the new flexibility of pricing methods under the contract. Along with the introduction of the target price method, contracts can now use a combination of the four pricing methods for separate parts of the contract price. This change is likely in response to the variable prices we have experienced in the construction sector over the past few years. This now allows parties to decide which parts of the contract price to lump, measure, cost or target.

Another positive change from the contractor’s perspective are the new limits to their indemnity requirements under the contract.

The contractor now only indemnifies the principal for loss suffered that is linked to the contractor’s negligence, or breach of the contract. If this is used in conjunction with the liability-limiting clause, the contractor’s liability exposure under the contract is more equitable that it has historically been under NZS3910.

Obviously, with the introduction of the contract administrator and independent certifier, the roles of the engineer and engineer’s representative have been removed from the contract. The functions divided between the two roles have the independent certifier now largely acting as an independent agent under the contract, except for specific circumstances (for example, deciding payment schedule values), where they act as agent for the principal. While on the topic of payment schedules, it is worth mentioning that (with any payment claim issued under the contract) the amount which the independent certifier schedules for payment for a claim may still be amended by the principal, at their absolute discretion, before it is finalised.

Another major role of the independent certifier under the contract is deciding on an outcome for disagreements between the contractor and contract administrator. While this provides some comfort to prospective contractors, this comfort may understandably be lessened by the context of the principal still paying the

independent certifier, and the independent certifier and contract administrator possibly being the same person.

Final thoughts With these introductions and changes to the contract, one change notably missing is that there is still no obligation on either the independent certifier or contract administrator to meet with both the principal and contractor in equal proportions, or even meet with the contractor at all during the works.

It would be naïve to suggest that both are not meeting with the principal often during the project, yet DZ 3910 relies on their goodwill alone to ensure they meet with the contractor too.

The point made just before touches on the overall tone of DZ 3910. It has been drafted idealistically - it relies on the contract administrator and independent certifier using the “best practises” which the panel who contributed to its drafting (full of former engineers to the contract) presumably use in their capacities as engineers under NZS3910.

There has been no significant increase in the protections available to the contractor under this consultation draft, meaning their ultimate option for matters they dispute is still adjudication – which is rarely an appropriate solution for smaller issues or on smaller projects (which just happens to be the types of projects where the contract administrator and independent certifier are likely to be the same person).

DZ 3910 has introduced improvements which will allow the base contract to meet the needs of a wider range of projects without the mountain of amendments which NZS3910 is generally subjected to whenever it is used nowadays. That being said, it leaves something to be desired in terms of meeting the interests of the builders which will be party to it – both as contractors and nominated subcontractors.

This is almost immediately obvious from the fact that the consultation draft has still not been drafted in plain English. From the outset, builders considering work under DZ 3910 will face an uphill climb to meet their client on equal ground under its terms.

Nevenka Toma is a solicitor working in construction law in the Auckland law firm Martelli McKegg. Contact Nevenka on (09) 950 9045 or nevenka.toma@martellimckegg.co.nz.

This article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice.

News

The importance of walking the talk How to build trust in your organisation

Rob Clarke

Rob Clarke, CEO of Learning Architects

After months of campaigning, the election is behind us.

Voters have decided who they trust and now it’s time to see if the politicians will be true to their word and follow through.

Tangible ways to measure trust There are many channels and mechanisms for measuring trust. For example: • a simple suggestion box • a regular sentiment survey • an external party to survey people • regular discussions with a clear agenda • internal focus groups.

The Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer (which measures the average level of trust in NGOs, business, government and media) for 2023 shows that, for the first time, no major institution can be considered “trusted” by New Zealanders.

While no one method is better than the other, it can be helpful to use a mix of method and frequency to gather different perspectives. What really matters though is how you take action on this information.

In particular, it shows that trust in businesses has decreased slightly since 2022. Although interesting, this research only measures public perception, and where a strong foundation of trust really starts is internally, with the people who work there.

Without obvious impact or visible action, people are likely to lose trust in you, and/ or the system, and stop providing feedback because they see it as pointless.

Often referred to as a key ingredient in any relationship, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.”

Of course, if people are going to freely speak up, you need to create a climate where people feel safe to do so. Ways to do this include:

Benefits of high trust Having high levels of trust in your organisation means that you are more likely to create satisfied clients, better solutions to problems and have a better chance of employees becoming strong advocates for your business.

However, trust can be hard to judge as when things are not going as well as they could, it can be hard for leaders to get an honest answer. So how do you measure the level of trust inside your organisation? Firstly you need to step back, be honest with yourself and take an objective look at what’s going on.

Look at the climate you create Leaders (whether formal or informal) set the tone. If you are someone with authority and/or influence, it helps to do some self reflection. What might need to change?

For example:

Make it safe

Being aware of what’s being said outside the meeting room, where people connect informally ‘at the water cooler’ is crucial; it’s where you’ll find an indication of how people genuinely feel.

An easy place to start Meetings are a great place to gauge the level of workplace trust. Just by observing you can get a reasonable indication of whether people feel safe to contribute.

You might consider: • Is everybody actively engaged?

• Do you actively listen to people?

• Do meetings have a point or are they happening for meetings’ sake?

• Are you focussing on what’s important?

• Do you consistently follow through?

Whether cultivated intentionally or not, every organisation has a culture. How your organisation is structured (e.g. are people working remotely, a large organisation with multiple teams in one place, or in different locations) and the quality of relationships within it, is going to impact the level of trust.

Being aware of what’s being said outside the meeting room, where people connect informally ‘at the water cooler’ is crucial; it’s where you’ll find an indication of how people genuinely feel.

Consider the following:

• What could you have done differently to have changed an outcome?

• Do you need to acknowledge gaps in your skills or knowledge?

Word at the water cooler

• Does everyone leave with clear outcomes and follow up actions?

If not, then it might be time to take a look at what’s behind this.

• Do people have ample opportunity and space to connect on a personal as well as professional level?

• Are people having positive discussions or are they venting?

• If people are venting, are there appropriate channels for them to do so?

• Are there appropriate mechanisms for feedback?

How positive this water cooler talk is and how often it’s happening is a great indicator of how effectively people feel heard, valued and respected. Encourage people to connect and aim to nurture positive discussions.

• Taking responsibility for your own mistakes • Acknowledging successes and lessons learned with your team • Giving people the right tools, permission and space to get on with their jobs • Showing appropriate levels of vulnerability • Encouraging people to hold one another accountable to set expectations • Providing mentorship and opportunities to grow.

As safety increases, you may notice an increase in people stepping up to take more initiative and/or responsibility.

The importance of following through If trust is a future state, then it is likely based on evaluations of past actions. This is why, just like politicians who are often seen as being full of hot air, failing to follow through (without reasonable cause) can quickly diminish trust and damage your organisation. Conversely, consistently following through will build trust and help your organisation thrive.

So off you go… shoulders back and start walking!

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News

BuiltReady modular component manufacturer scheme Enabling faster, more consistent building consent approaches, with the aim of improving productivity, reducing costs and contributing to better environmental outcomes Article by Building Performance, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Off-site construction, also known as prefabricated or modular construction, is on the rise in Aotearoa/ New Zealand as sustainability, efficiency and productivity increases are sought in the design and construction industry.

Prefabricated panels, three-dimensional pods and whole buildings are being manufactured off-site in a factory before being transported and installed on site.

What is the BuiltReady scheme?

The Building Amendment Act 2021 introduced a new voluntary certification scheme for modular component manufacturers called BuiltReady. The scheme has been created to support the increased use of off-site manufacturing.

It enables modular component manufacturers to be certified and registered to produce modular building components that will be deemed to comply with the Building Code.

BuiltReady will be open for applications from manufacturers by the end of 2023.

What are the benefits?

Modular component manufacturing can deliver precise, repeatable and consistent construction, resulting in high quality products with fewer defects than traditional on-site construction methods.

It has the potential to lift productivity and reduce building costs and delays. It will give consumers more building choices, whilst creating safer working conditions for on-site construction workers.

It also contributes to better environmental outcomes, as off-site homes contribute to significantly less construction waste.

Under the BuiltReady scheme, the entire prefabricated construction process from design (where applicable), manufacture, assembly, transportation, and on-site installation of modular components will be assessed and certified.

BuiltReady manufacturers will benefit in most cases from reduced inspections and faster, more consistent building consent applications. This will aid in reducing costs, barriers and on-site building time.

The BuiltReady framework A certification body will evaluate a manufacturer’s policies, procedures, and systems to ensure that the design and/or manufacture of modular components is done competently and reliably to a standard that complies with the Building Code.

A registered manufacturer may issue manufacturer’s certificates for the modular components it produces that fall within its scope of certification.

A worker assembling and staking premade steel frames in factory.

Building consent authorities will only inspect work that is not covered by a manufacturer’s certificate. Examples of such work are foundations and site-specific work, or other parts of the building not covered by a manufacturer’s certificate.

How does the BuiltReady scheme work?

A manufacturer can apply for BuiltReady certification in one of two ways: • Design and manufacture – manufacture modular building components to a Building Code compliant design that

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the manufacturer has developed or adapted themselves • Manufacture only – manufacture modular building components to a Building Code compliant design.

Three types of modular components that can be certified are defined by the Building (Modular Component Manufacturer Scheme) Regulations 2022 and include: • Prefabricated frames and panels • Prefabricated volumetric structures • Prefabricated whole buildings.

BuiltReady manufacturer’ certificates – a deemed to comply pathway A registered manufacturer can issue a manufacturer’s certificate to accompany a building consent application and a second certificate to accompany a code compliance application.

For manufacturers certified to design and manufacture, the manufacturer’s certificate will cover both the design and manufacture of the modular component included in the building consent.

Design and manufacture certification for BuiltReady is a deemed to comply pathway.

For manufacturers certified to manufacture only, the modular component establishes compliance with the Building Code, but the building design still needs to be approved by the responsible BCA.

BuiltReady manufacturers will benefit in most cases from reduced inspections and faster, more consistent building consent applications.

Any building work not covered by a manufacturer’s certificate must still be approved by the BCA as per standard practice.

A manufacturer’s certificate issued for a code compliance certificate is a statement that the modular component has been designed (if applicable), manufactured, transported, stored, and installed according to the specifications provided in the initial

manufacturer’s certificate (including any approved variations).

Where can I find more information?

Find out more about the BuiltReady scheme at: www.building.govt.nz/builtready.

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News

Managing mindsets

Embracing mental health in the workplace

By Jamie Quinn

Any competent employer, manager, or HR professional worth their weight, understands that the true driving force behind a successful business lies within its people.

Safeguarding mental well-being in the workplace is too important to be left as a second thought.

In a survey conducted by Seek, it was found that only 30 percent of New Zealand businesses provide a workplace policy for mental health. The overflow from this showed that 27 percent of employees have lied about taking a mental health day.

Mental health is a resource that exists in everyone. Just like physical health, it needs to be taken care of in order to minimise risk of illness.

to the success of a team member; as does recognition and reward, not only for a job well done, but for a job done.

This goes hand in hand with allowing the freedom to prioritise personal well-being, rather than feeling pressured into giving their whole selves to a job that doesn’t appreciate them.

Job stress occurs when the demands of the job outweigh the available resources. A certain amount of challenge is important to feeling fulfilled in a role, as overcoming these challenges creates a sense of achievement and personal growth.

However, issues arise when there is an imbalance between the demands placed on the team member, their level of control in the role, and the resources at their disposal.

Along with a lack of effort and reward invested by the employer or business, these factors all contribute significantly towards job stress in the workplace.

While there is a lot of discussion around ways people can support positive mental health with internal development, we need to consider the many external factors that impact our wellbeing.

Modifications in work areas can be made to minimise these potential stressors, such as:

Work design stands as a fundamental aspect of mentally healthy work.

• Ensuring that rewards align with effort expended

Employees who lack opportunities to provide their input regarding how their job is created, or feel disconnected from their roles, often experience more mental health challenges at work compared to their counterparts in more inclusive environments.

• Highlighting achievements

Clarity in role expectations, as opposed to vague or shifting goals, plays a huge part 10 | B&C

• Enhancing available resources • Providing a clear understanding of a role

• Providing learning and growth opportunities • Creating a safe workplace culture.

Healthy minds are more creative, innovative and solutions-focused, giving a business a competitive edge.

A workplace that’s recognised for its positive work environment and healthy workplace culture, finds it easier to recruit and retain high quality workers. This, in turn, contributes to an overall cost reduction and a boost in productivity.

Here are a few ways your business can encourage staff wellness in the workplace.

Open-door policy One of the benefits of the open-door policy is the positive workplace culture it creates.

Employees value the chance to talk openly about ideas and concerns, which can lead to higher morale and more trust due to employees feeling heard.

Educate Promoting employee self-care involves educating and raising awareness among staff.

When employees are encouraged to educate themselves about their own needs and are provided the necessary resources for their learning, you show them that the company considers their wellness a top priority.

Promote your benefits Happy and fulfilled employees who enjoy their work are less likely to call in sick or leave for another job, which results in savings for the employer stemming from less need to fill empty roles.

Many businesses are recognising the vital role they play in ensuring their employees’ well-being. With a small investment of effort, they can see some great results.

A culture centred around self-care and wellbeing should always be deeply rooted in an organisations core values and principles.

A workplace that’s recognised for its positive work environment and healthy workplace culture, finds it easier to recruit and retain high quality workers. This, in turn, contributes to an overall cost reduction and a boost in productivity.

Your company’s benefits package should include a variety of resources to support individuals with their self-care. If these resources are lacking, you should consider adding them as soon as possible. Ensure employees are aware of the tools at their disposal, whether that be discounted gym memberships, EAP services, paid mental health days, or other.

Flexible working arrangements Employees should have the freedom to handle their personal matters without worrying about repercussions at work. It’s important to keep in mind that what suits one person might not be suitable for another.

Managers should touch base with team members to identify the level of flexibility that aligns with their individual needs.

News

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They design and build homes, offer house and land packages, do subdivisions and commercial developments. Three Dukes Homes can do it all, from concept plans to the final completion, including plans, consents, and earthworks, right through to moving in!

Building with Three Dukes Homes is always a pleasant experience, they are the team you can trust, and they make sure your home is built the way you like.

Custom designs:

Three Dukes Homes will design homes with your needs and lifestyle. Check out their inspirational house plans online, they can build as designed or altered to your needs.

Time and budget:

Their practical house plans ensure building costs remain within your expectations, saving you time and money.

Quality:

Their passion for details has seen them become better and better in building business, bringing satisfaction to their clients.

At this time Three Dukes Homes have two places for you to build your dream home on, Blackwood Estate and Pukehangi Subdivision.

Blackwood Estate is located in Hamurana, the perfect opportunity to have your own dream homes with spacious land area.

With the latest development in Rotorua, the right location, the right price, the Pukehangi Subdivision residential development can offer you a location and magnificent outlook.

Three Dukes Homes can do it all, from concept plans to the final completion.

Three Dukes Homes are apart of the Master Builders Association, which means you can trust Three Dukes Homes with all your building needs. This means they are a trustworthy and a reliable building company that follow all building standards required.

Three Dukes Homes has great customer service and are willing to offer advice and help for customers new builds.

Get in contact with Three Dukes Homes for your next new build! Call them on 07 348 9988.

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News

Building back better

Climate action and the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

By Ben O’Connell

On February 14, 2023, Hawke’s Bay changed forever. Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted catastrophic levels of damage, destroying infrastructure, isolating communities, and sadly causing 11 fatalities. Months on, as the region realises its new normal, the recovery focus shifts to building back better.

Cyclone Gabrielle was the deadliest cyclone and weather event to hit New Zealand since Cyclone Giselle in 1968. Subdivisions were flooded, infrastructure was ruined, and thousands were displaced. Countless families lost not only their homes, but also their sense of security and belonging.

It’s also the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere. Treasury estimates the cost could be up to $2 billion in the Hastings region alone, and $14.5 billion overall. Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson compared the price tag to the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

He also noted the tight labour market as a major rebuild challenge. Government quickly announced a Recovery Visa to stimulate workforce supply, much like pathways after the Canterbury and Kaikoura earthquakes.

The labour shortage is just one of many rebuild difficulties, sustainability being another. A team from the World Weather Attribution initiative concluded that both the likelihood and severity of Cyclone Gabrielle were heightened by climate change. Principal climate scientist at Niwa, Sam Dean, says “Rainfall due to Cyclone Gabrielle was increased by 20 to 30 percent and was made three to four times more likely as a result of human emissions of greenhouse gasses.”

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As the frequency of extreme weather events grows, so does the importance of rebuilding with resilience, safety, and sustainability in mind.

Build Back Better Aotearoa New Zealand formed over ten years ago to tackle this. The group of researchers and practitioners from universities nationwide work together to improve disaster recovery outcomes. They partner with agencies and companies to improve the lives of Kiwis from any future negative climate change effects.

Prof Suzanne Wilkinson is a Professor of Construction Management in the School for Built Environment at Massey University and one of three Build Back Better team members today. She says events such as Cyclone Gabrielle are complex to manage and require a collaborative response across multiple agencies. Communities and councils must work together and understand their risks and vulnerabilities, especially those in coastal areas which are vulnerable to loss of land from sea level rise and storm surges.

“New Zealand is vulnerable to climate change in many ways,” Suzanne says. “Collaboration and community led decision making is central to building back better.”

Per government’s first national adaptation plan (NAP) which considers the impacts of climate change, about one in seven people across the country live in flood-prone areas.

This amounts to over $100 billion worth of residential buildings. In fact, a 2017 government report estimated $19 billion of property is at risk from increasing flooding and coastal erosion.

Resilience and capacities Building resilience is central to Build Back Better’s work. “If we can build resilience into our communities and strengthen our infrastructure, then they are better able to cope with the shocks and stresses they face,” Suzanne says.

These shocks can be earthquakes, floods, and other fast onset events, whereas stresses

include the effects of sea level rise and other slow onset events.

Resilience has two meanings for BRANZ’ principal social scientist Dr Casimir MacGregor; designing a resilient built environment, and instilling resilience in communities to address future disasters.

He says third spaces such as marae and local courtyards are critically important for communities. “Social infrastructure is what holds communities together.

“You think of the Navy ships that came to help people after the Christchurch earthquake – we just assume that’s going to happen after an event. We need to give people the right funding and advice.”

As for what building back better looks like, Suzanne says there are many options for future-proofing homes. For resilience, that means building extra strength into structures and privileging alternative, bio-based materials. For sustainability, it means using solar panels, low energy devices, and water and waste recycling and reuse systems.

The cost and availability of these design choices, as well as skills shortages in the sector, all result in further setbacks.

CanConstruct NZ is an MBIE-funded research and development programme that looks at construction industry workloads and sector capacities and capabilities.

Suzanne and Casimir are just two of the many experts involved.

Managing the strain that natural disasters put on the already under-pressure workforce is key. CanConstruct NZ are working on a tool to predict uncertainty and resilience for events like natural disasters, Casimir says. Waihanga Ara Rau, the Workforce Development Council for construction and infrastructure, are looking at how to incorporate sustainability and zero carbon aspects into their qualifications too.

Alternative housing Casimir also leads BRANZ’ Transition to a zero-carbon built environment programme.

He says we tend to overcomplicate zerocarbon issues, and that meeting targets comes down to good design decisions and managing waste. Everyone must have access to reverse logistics and waste management infrastructure. “For me it’s about product stewardship and thinking about designing out-waste.”

Casimir says new builds carry about 3.6 times the carbon footprint they should if we are to meet the internationally agreed upon 1.5-degree climate target. Managing low embodied carbon, maintaining strong operational efficiencies, and using low energy levels are just some of the strategies available.

Other sustainable, low-carbon design elements to consider include smaller house sizes, incorporating passive solar design principles such as north-facing layouts and high insulation levels, and ensuring homes are well-placed; not too close to the ocean for instance.

“The construction sector is taking climate change quite seriously, and we’re seeing a lot of people making great efforts to do that,” Casimir says. Modular builds with Fraemohs Homes, the Superhome Movement, and the Blueskin Resilient Communities Trust (BRCT) climate safe home project are just some examples.

Business development manager at Fraemohs Homes Amanda van der Kley says modular or prefabricated homes have efficiency, affordability, and the environment in mind.

They believe sustainability in construction depends on using natural materials, reducing waste, energy consumption, and creating healthier, safer homes.

“Innovation and sustainability are often seen as conflicting goals, but they can also be complementary.” Amanda says. “Innovation can help solve environmental problems and create new markets. We should promote a culture of responsible innovation, where we consider the long-term consequences of our actions, and seek to minimise harm and maximise good.”

News The Superhome Movement is a network of industry experts that says New Zealand is 20 years behind the OECD in terms of building standards. They want to create transformative change in the industry and see Aotearoa homes in line with international socially sustainable practices.

places, and cultural practices underpins our nation’s climate issues.

“The price for a healthy, energy efficient home is only around two percent more than a standard build, but an energy efficient home will yield 10 times as much as a standard home over the life of the building,” their website reads.

Another wider consideration surrounds mental health. In a BRANZ feature, Aotearoa’s national adaptation plan, Casimir notes how climate related damage to existing housing stock places pressure on workforces, exacerbating mental health issues within the building sector.

Legacy issues relating to colonisation and fractured relationships with the Crown and councils do as well.

Mental wellbeing

BRCT’s project saw a ‘transportable, modular, affordable eco-home’ created in Waitati, north of Dunedin. The efficient home is made of six Formance structural insulated panels and hooked to the Blueskin Energy Network.

Demonstrating what high-performing homes look like helps consumers to envision a more sustainable future. Casimir says amendments to the Building Act – Homestar v5 from the Green Building Council (NZGBC) – also help make sustainable visions a reality.

The updated Building Act now enables mandatory energy performance rating requirements for buildings, and waste minimisation plans for construction and demolition projects. Former Minister for Building and Construction Megan Woods says buildings make up nearly 9.4 percent of our domestic emissions through the energy they directly use and from their embodied carbon.

Kaitiakitanga Central to climate action is managed retreat, the coordinated movement of people away from risks, in this case rising sea levels.

Rafael Caso, program manager at construction industry mental health initiative Live Well, Build Well, says it’s important to establish boundaries and be transparent.

Suzanne says the managed retreat of existing communities is not the first option though, as most people want to live where they “have built their livelihoods, communities and have brought up their families”. Only when land is uninhabitable or prone to recurring hazards does retreat become an option.

Managed retreat strategies dismiss Māori communities and challenge mana whenua.

The Ministry of Environment’s Māori Climate Platform recognises the unique ways climate change impacts Māori.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Indigenous peoples make up less than five percent of the world’s population, yet safeguard nearly 80 percent of the world’s remaining forest biodiversity.

At Build Back Better, Suzanne is joined by Prof Regan Potangaroa, a global industry

expert who has been involved in more than 200 humanitarian missions, and led

by Kiri Maxwell, an experienced disaster risk and emergency management practitioner who worked at Auckland Council for over a decade.

“Kiri and Regan are Māori and so one focus is on partnerships with Māori guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi around climate adaptation and the impacts of climate change on marae,” Suzanne says.

One example is Regan’s work to help Māori communities recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, which sees him assessing and safeguarding affected buildings.

For many Māori, climate change is not an isolated risk as it is intrinsically linked to social development and other issues. The loss of native taonga species, culturally significant

“We have to stick to the basics: communication, managing expectations, celebrating milestones, and showing appreciation.”

He recognises the anxieties and pressures for homeowners, especially amid disaster recovery situations, but says everyone needs time to reflect and work through issues, rather than letting tension build. “Even a roof shout has a lasting impact.”

“Buildings are central to wellbeing, Casimir says. “Like coronavirus, we are all in this together.”

“BRANZ started research on climate change in the year 2000. Now we’ve got a Building for Climate Change [MBIE] programme, a whole-building whole-of-life framework, an operational efficiency framework, and talks of caps as well.

“20 to 30 years ago, climate change was something that was going to happen in the future. It’s here and now.”

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B&C | 13

Look up and live MEWP’s (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) are a great tool to help you work at an elevated height. Whether it’s straight up or up and over, a MEWP will position you into a safe working position at height, allowing you to effectively carry out your task.

Sometimes however, we have to work “under” a structure, object or projection.

There has and continues for good reason, the cliché of “Look up and live” when it comes to all work. We want you as the worker to be safe from all hazards and risks whilst at work.

This includes ensuring you aren’t harmed by overhead hazards.

The use of a MEWP has the potential to put you in harms way as you raise up to your work position. Operators get fixated on the ground they just left when raising up, instead of being focused on what is above them.

Get in the habit of looking up in all your ascending operations in a MEWP. It has to be a conscious task because of the sub conscious is an opposite action.

MEWP manufacturers and third party companies have developed innovative safety devices to help protect those in the basket or deck of a MEWP. These safety devices

are called “Secondary Guarding “, though you may hear some people call it crush protection. Whatever terminology used, it is there to protect you from inadvertently crushing yourself on an overhead structure.

There has and continues for good reason, the cliché of “Look up and live” when it comes to all work. We want you as the worker to be safe from all hazards and risks whilst at work.

There are 3 main types of secondary guarding, physical, pressure sensing and motion/electronic sensing.

A physical guard is a barrier between you and the obstruction, such as increased height of the handrail or a solid barrier fitted that is the same height as the operator. It can also be a guard across the controls, stopping you or the obstruction activating the controls.

Pressure sensing guarding is an electronic cutout of the controls. This is typically a bar, plate or surround of the control panel. It will stop the MEWP operation should it “feel” increased pressure on it, such as you or the obstruction pushing on it.

The third is motion/presence sensing equipment fitted to the machine.

Some of these guarding devices track the operator to ensure they are at the controls and looking up. Others are “whiskers” sticking up to that will stop the machine should their electronic barrier be broken or touched.

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Whatever secondary guarding employed, all have strengths and limitations. Hence it is very important to carry out a risk assessment to ensure you identify all the hazards.

Talk to your Hire company for further advice, similarly, attend a Silvercard MEWP Competent Operators course to get training on safe operation of a MEWP.

CEA Ring-O-Matic introduces the new 275 VX truck mounted vacuum excavator Ring-O-Matic has now extended their range to include the new 275 VX, offering a high-powered vacuum excavator within a compact and practical design. This new machine provides a 250-gallon (946L) spoil tank, and 600CFM blower, powered by a 31hp Deutz diesel engine.

Key features of the 275 VX include: Controls & remotes - the controls located on the front curb side provide easy access with a lockable cabinet and magnetic remote that can extend if operating from a distance is required.

The 275 VX is the perfect machine for many applications including hydro excavation, locating underground utilities, waste clean-up, municipality use, concrete slurry management, dairy farm clean up, fence post setting, micro-tunnelling, storm drain cleaning, treatment plant cleaning, utility pole setting, and many other tasks.

“The 275 VX is ideal for the New Zealand market’, said CEA NZ General Manager, John Grant “given its compact design, its suitable for a large range of applications across commercial and residential spaces, and while its more compact, the 275 VX doesn’t compromise on power making it the perfect choice for those considering the purchase of a trailer mounted vacuum excavator”.

Given its compact design, its suitable for a large range of applications across commercial and residential spaces.

Suitable for truck or trailer mount configurations the 275 VX showcases the diversity of the Ring-O-Matic Vacuum Excavator line up. The machines will be available through CEA on 4.5T ATM trailers, or single skid mount for truck mounting.

Powered by a Deutz 31hp engine, the 275 VX offers unmatched performance and reliability, while the heavy-duty frame, large axle capacity and the Roots 600CFM vacuum pump blowers ensure the 275VX is designed to withstand the most rugged conditions.

The 275 VX’s balanced design provides optimum tongue weight reducing wear on the operator’s truck. The machine comes standard with reverse flow providing fast tank emptying, and the ability to blow obstructions out of the vacuum hose and backflush the filters for quick-easy cleaning. The 275 VX is also fitted with a unique single handle door latch design for easier, faster opening and closing.

Water tank - the single water tank can hold 100 gallons (378 Litres). The tank also includes a low water shutoff feature.

Reverse flow - The 275 VX offers reverse flow standard, which allows you to pressurize the tank for easy offloading and assists in clearing hose obstructions.

Baghouse filtration - the baghouse filtration that follows the Cyclo-Separator filtration has a washable and reusable filter that is accessed easily to be blown out and cleaned after use.

The find out more please contact the team at CEA on 0800 435 269, or visit www.cea.net.nz

RING-O-MATIC

TRUCK MOUNTED VACUUM EXCAVATORS

FROM THE INDUSTRY LEADING INNOVATOR. Utilising the cutting power of high-pressure water along with a powerful vacuum, the Ring-O-Matic range of truck mounted vacuum excavators can remove almost any kind of surface without damaging existing infrastructures. The range offers a complete unit mounted on skids suitable for truck mounted configurations, and features tanks ranging from 7,500L to 10,000L. Packed with features and the best components in hydro excavation the versatility of the Ring-O-Matic range ensures you can have the best configuration possible for your specific application.

Ideal for a diverse range of tasks including; • • • •

• Utility locating • Micro trenching • Clean up drill fluid General construction site cleanup

Potholing Keyholing or utility microsurgery Stormwater drain, pits and box cleanout

• •

Sign and pole installation Environmental cleanup

To find out more about Ring-O-Matics proven performance contact the team at CEA today.

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0800 435 269 cea.net.nz B&C | 15

News

Top infrastructure projects show their class in challenging times A path through a Significant Ecological Area, a port completed seven months ahead of time, disaster recovery efforts and time-sensitive transport projects were amongst the winners in the 44th Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards.

Held in front of a capacity crowd at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland on 1 September as part of The Civil Contractors Conference, the awards celebrated the best of New Zealand’s civil infrastructure construction industry.

The top category award for projects over $100m went to HEB Constrution’s project to construct the new Te Whiti Wharf 6 for Port Napier, which is the largest wharf built in the country in decades, at 390 metres long and 34 metres wide.

This project was built to accommodate larger cargo and cruise ships. Incredibly, it was completed under budget and seven months ahead of schedule. It featured construction of a 1.1-metre-thick deck supported by over 400 piles installed to an astounding depth of 45 metres. Revetment works involved importing and placing 50,000 tonnes of rock and installing

4,500 custom made blocks weighing up to 18 tonnes.

The judges congratulated HEB Construction, noting that constructing this complex and innovative project with an excellent level of stakeholder engagement and highly technical construction methodology in a very challenging, resource constrained and uncertain time was quite remarkable.

Isaac Construction’s work a time-critical rail crossing renewal project for KiwiRail in Christchurch won the Category 1 award for best project with a value of up to $2 million.

The project required a huge amount of planning, as it had to be completed in the 77-hour line closure timeframe. An innovative Interflow project to install a 1.1km sewer pipe liner under Nelson’s Waimea Inlet was also highly commended by the judges in Category 1.

The CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards.

Waikato’s Connell Contractors took out first place in Category 2 for projects with a value of between $2m and $5m for the Poutu Intake and Tunnel Erosion Repair Works.

This project to restore the 2.7km tunnel that takes water from the Tongariro River to the Tokaanu Power Station remedied significant damage, restoring the 50-year-old tunnel to operation.

Fulton Hogan won Category 3 for projects with a value between $5m and $20m

for a State Highway 6 road restoration conducted on an incredible schedule of 48 days, restoring the vital transport connection between Nelson and Blenheim to operation, also winning Category 6 for excellence in maintenance and operations for fulfilling the Hastings District Council rural road maintenance contract with excellence at a time when the network was severely impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

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News

HEB Construction workers building 6 Wharf at Napier Port.

Oxcon CLL was the winner of Category 4 for projects with a value between $20m and $100m with the Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – Shared Path of land and Sea, which connects Auckland’s eastern suburbs to the Waitemata Harbour’s southern shore. The project was recognised by the judges for environmental excellence in a significant ecological area that bordered on a coastal marine environment, delivered on time and below budget.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard said this year’s projects showed what was possible when projects were well planned and civil contractors were commissioned with a focus on collaboration and delivering value.

These projects and the teams and companies that have worked to construct them deserved recognition for the benefits their work will bring us for decades to come, Mr Pollard said.

“Infrastructure construction connects our communities, brings water to our homes, and shapes the built and natural environments around us.

“These projects are exemplars of what’s possible when civil contractors, infrastructure designers, clients and communities work together with the vision, licence and focus to meet the country’s infrastructure needs despite all the challenges the world has to throw at us.”

Hirepool is CCNZ’s Principal Business Partner and the premier sponsor for the awards. Gary Richardson, General Manager at Hirepool, said the accolades celebrated the groundbreaking skill and ingenuity Aotearoa’s civil construction industry had to offer.

“It is always great to hear about the incredible work taking place up and down the country as part of these awards, which recognise the country’s top infrastructure construction projects.

“This year’s winners and finalists have all shown outstanding dedication in constructing fantastic projects, which have transformed, connected and powered our country, particularly through the pandemics and natural disasters of the past 18 months.

Hirepool is proud to support the country’s civil contractors.”

The CCNZ Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards 2023 winners Category 1: Projects with a value of up to $2m - Isaac Construction for the Matipo Street Rail Crossing Renewal, Christchurch A four-track road crossing removal and upgrade, delayed to midnight by an NPC home semifinal, all completed within a 77hour rail line closure is something special.

The rail crossing removal and improvement was completed within the block of line,

from sub-pavement, concrete slabs and rails and pavement to the signals and communications network. It’s amazing that this was Isaac Construction’s first job for KiwiRail, and it paves the way and inspires trust for a good working relationship.

Category 2: Projects with a value of between $2m and $5m - Connell Contractors for the Poutou Intake and Tunnel Erosion Repair Works, Taupō The riverbed intake and 2.7km tunnel for taking water from the Tongariro River to power the Tokaanu Power station suffered significant erosion damage caused by river gravels, sediment and rock over the course of its 50 years of operation. This complex restoration project for Genesis Energy was remote, in a restricted confined space, in high-risk working conditions, with strict environmental controls to protect the Tongariro from any pollution. Connell Contractors had to be nimble to do the work during a brief six-week period of low power demand when the facility could be closed down.

Fulton Hogan restoring road access following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Infrastructure construction connects our communities, brings water to our homes, and shapes the built and natural environments around us. well protected, stakeholder engagement in the IPO-funded project was highly collaborative and planning of sequential project stages seamless.

Category 6: Excellence in the maintenance and management of assets - Fulton Hogan for the Hastings District Council Rural Road Maintenance Contract When Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the Hawkes Bay area in February 2023, Fulton Hogan mobilized every piece of plant, equipment, and team member alongside the NZ Army to make safe the roading network.

More than 120 road closures were mobilised and secured. Flooding was managed and slips cleared. No less than sixteen bridges rendered unusable needed close attention.

More than 90 separate crews, (numbering 400 to 500 people including subcontractors) were mobilized to respond.

The judges congratulate Fulton Hogan and its subcontractors on demonstrating true excellence in the maintenance and management of assets, and for answering the call and restoring the local roading network across the Hastings District area as first responders for the community through a catastrophic natural disaster.

Category 3: Projects with a value between $5m to $20m - Fulton Hogan for the 48-day State Highway Remediation Project Intense rainfall triggered a regional state of emergency, with State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim rendered impassable and closed to allow repairs to be completed and improve the network resilience. The local team of Fulton Hogan and WSP took on the challenge to design and rebuild several major structures before Christmas 2022.

Category 4: Projects with a value between $20m and $100m - Oxcon CLL for the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Sections 2 and 3 This joint initiative between Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi to construct a new shared path between Auckland’s eastern suburbs and Waitemata Harbour’s southern shores included 900m of elevated boardwalk through a Significant Ecological Area and a coastal marine area, two large super-T concrete bridges, and one crossing of the main trunk railway line.

Category 5: Projects with a value of greater than $100m - HEB Construction for the Napier Port Te Whiti Wharf 6 This project was built to accommodate larger cargo and cruise ships at Napier Port. Incredibly, it was completed under budget and seven months ahead of schedule. It featured construction of a 1.1m thick deck supported by over 400 piles installed to an astounding depth of 45m.

Revetment works involved importing and placing 50,000 tonne of rock and installing 4,500 custom made blocks weighing up to 18 tonnes. The marine environment was

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B&C | 17

News

NZCB’s Apprentice Network provides wraparound support for apprenticeship training Taking up a carpentry trade apprenticeship is no easy task, and employing an apprentice also brings new challenges for builders.

It can prove too much for some, leading to high levels of attrition, which isn’t great for the apprentices who do not finish their qualification, their employers, or the country given the need for more fully qualified builders to meet demand and raise industry standards.

To address this, NZCB is launching its Apprentice Network designed to provide wraparound support to ensure both apprentices and their employers have good experiences of the apprenticeship journey.

NZCB’s Apprentice Network gives apprentices access to additional education and training that complements their Te Pūkenga-provided learning pathway, access to mentoring, health and wellbeing support, including access to mental health services, and a raft of deals and discounts for products and services relevant to their trade such as tools and fuel discounts.

They also get preferential entry to NZCB’s annual Apprentice Challenge and the annual NZCB Conference and Expo, as well as access to grants through NZCB’s Apprentice Trust.

Dave Whitehead, owner of Lifebuilt Construction Ltd in Auckland, has piloted the

Apprentice Network with his own team of apprentices and says it provides apprentices with a real understanding of what it means to work in the industry.

“A lot of builders who employ apprentices believe in the school of hard knocks, but I want a better trade-training experience for my people.

“The Apprentice Network gives them access to education on everything from contracts and insurance, to marketing and dealing with customers. It’s about equipping them with an understanding of what it actually means to work in this industry, not just the technical carpentry skills they need,” Dave says.

He says the Apprentice Network’s emphasis on mental health is also a major benefit, given the construction sector is known to be one of the worst for mental health, as reflected by suicide rates.

“It offers apprentices someone else to talk to if they don’t feel they can ask their parents, partners, or colleagues working beside them when there’s something going on.

“It also gives us as employers someone to talk things through with, which is really important given the pressures of running a business and being responsible for apprentices as well as other staff,” he says.

Other benefits of the Apprentice Network for employers are practical support like template apprentice employment contracts and an apprentice insurance package, as well as access to training on how best to

teach apprentices and give them a great experience of the trade so they stick with it.

The Apprentice Network’s Train the Trainer programme offers employers a series of educational modules on fostering an effective learning environment for an increasingly diverse range of apprentices, including more women.

Dave says female apprentices face particular challenges given worksites are still male dominated, and employers need help to understand how to best support them in navigating those challenges.

“We need to attract more women into the trades and retain them throughout

their apprenticeships and beyond, and it’s fantastic that there is a specific focus on this in the Apprentice Network’s Train the Trainer series.”

Membership of the NZCB Apprentice Network is open to any apprentice employed by an NZCB Business Member builder, regardless of what stage they are at in their apprenticeship, with an annual subscription fee to be paid by the employer.

“While it’s another cost for our member builders who, like all small business owners, are facing rising costs on a number of other fronts, I’d encourage them to consider it an investment in productivity and staff retention,” he says.

Kiwis’ priorities for infrastructure investment shifts Less than a third (29 percent) of New Zealanders are satisfied with our national infrastructure, with flood defences receiving the lowest quality rating (18 percent) among different types of infrastructure and identified as the number one investment priority in the country.

A 31-country Ipsos Global Advisor survey found that New Zealanders are significantly less satisfied with the country’s national infrastructure compared to others around the world (global country average of 38 percent).

This level of satisfaction is also a significant decrease from 2019 (46 percent).

The survey – carried out in 31 countries,

by Ipsos in collaboration with the Global Infrastructure Investor Association – includes a sample of 1,004 New Zealanders. The survey came after a gap of nearly two years in the Global Infrastructure Index series, and almost three years since a New Zealand report was last published in Nov 2019.

Fieldwork was conducted in May-June 2023.

The majority of New Zealanders (61 percent) believe that the country is not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs. And in 18 | B&C

Notably, however, New Zealanders have a more long-term outlook than the global country average – we are significantly more likely to agree that higher priority should be given to improving infrastructure in the longterm than minimising the cost to consumers and taxpayers in the short-term (45 percent, cf. 37 percent global country average).

While New Zealanders are more likely to prioritise environmental impact (41 percent) over economic impact (35 percent) in making decisions about how to improve infrastructure, the contrast between the two is lower than the global country average (47 percent environmental, 29 percent economic).

addition to flood defences (57 percent), new housing supply (51 percent) was also identified as the highest priority areas for investment.

Our view of the quality of many of our infrastructure has decreased significantly since 2019. These include flood defences (18 percent rated as very / fairly good), rail infrastructure (35 percent), local road network (38 percent), motorway / major road network (46 percent), water supply and sewerage (57 percent) and airports (75 percent).

However, New Zealanders’ ratings of the quality of our renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle charging infrastructure are higher than the global country average.

Like others around world, only a minority of New Zealanders (30 percent) support increased public spending to improve infrastructure, while the majority is of the view that there is already too much public spending, and that taxes and government borrowing should not be increased any more.

Ipsos New Zealand managing director, Carin Hercock, says “The impact of extreme climate change related weather events has seen a significant increase in New Zealanders who want infrastructure investment in the directly related area of flood defenses and directly impacted areas such as roading however, investment in infrastructure that will help reduce carbon emissions over the long term, such as sustainable energy sources and cycleways are further down the list”.

Amanda Dudding, Research Director, Public Affairs, Ipsos New Zealand, added that “The recent extreme weather events have made New Zealanders look at their national infrastructure in a different light. It has highlighted the level of quality of our flood defences and made New Zealanders realise the need to prioritise them.”

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A single layer R7.0 ceiling batt providing simple and cost-effective compliance for new H1 regulations In New Zealand, compliance with the updated H1 Energy Efficiency regulations for building approvals from 1st May 2023 is a necessity for new houses and major renovation projects.

The updated H1 regulations have introduced the most significant changes ever to energy efficiency in New Zealand housing, and are intended to ensure homes are more comfortable, healthier and use less energy.

Insulation is proving to be one of the easiest and most important considerations for costeffective compliance for builders.

With most builders wanting to introduce higher levels of energy efficiency in new homes, but also retain existing construction methods, the specification of higher performance insulation is a cost-effective way to offset expensive windows and doors.

Classic Builders in Tauranga have used Knauf Insulation’s new single layer R7.0 ceiling solution in a traditional new bungalow in Tauranga that enabled both faster installation and lower cost compared to other options for H1 compliance.

What was the challenge?

Classic Builders was contracted to build a new, single-storey brick veneer home in Tauranga, New Zealand and considered various combinations of new whole-house specifications for H1 compliance. With an additional objective to retain current construction methods for easier trade

sequencing, the use of higher performance insulation in the ceilings and walls seemed to offer theoretical benefits. A key area of concern for the builder was treatment of the eaves, thermal bridging and installation around pipes and electrical services. All these goals needed to be achieved in a quick and cost-effective system.

What was the solution?

With a design that provided a highperformance home with H1 compliance Classic Builders used Knauf Insulation’s new R7.0 single layer ceiling insulation batts, supported by Install Solutions, an established professional installation contractor in Tauranga, with additional technical advice from Knauf Insulation.

Classic Builders decided to specify the R7.0 single layer ceiling insulation and compare the outcome against a thinner double layer insulation system.

The double layer installation used a 110mm first layer, overlaid with a 180mm layer of insulation cross-hatched to close off thermal bridging. In total, the installation of the double layer insulation took 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.

Comparatively, the installation of the single layer R7.0 solution was completed in just 1 hour and 24 minutes, equaling a time saving of 40 percent. The single layer solution provides a continuous layer of insulation with no thermal bridging, and is designed to knit around timber, pipes and cables, with no need for further notching.

The eaves were treated using two solutions, one using a 105mm R3.4 perimeter batt (without the need for a separation barrier

from the roof) and an alternative method that used an R7.0 ceiling batt compressed into the eave using a barrier to maintain the ventilation requirements. Both methods achieved H1 compliance and remove the need for a change in the truss design.

Why Knauf Insulation?

Knauf Insulation’s R7.0 single layer ceiling insulation batt was selected for multiple reasons, including its ability to deliver significant savings in labour, which reduced the overall project cost; the easy placement of cables, pipes and other services; less material wastage; and increased thermal performance above and around the timber beams. It also eliminated the need for multiple products to be installed.

In this project we also use R2.6 insulation in the walls. The combination of these products has the potential to eliminate the need for expensive concrete slab insulation. The Knauf Insulation solution was singled out as the

preferred product by installers for its ease of install, its compressibility at the eaves and how well it accommodated the timbers and all the services in the ceiling.

Overall, it was less complex to install and easier to demonstrate compliance compared to other insulation solutions. It also delivered faster, easier and more cost-effective H1 compliance. Knauf Insulation developed its new R7.0 single layer ceiling insulation batt to meet the changing needs and demands of New Zealanders, and to ensure H1 compliance from beginning to end in new builds and renovation projects.

At 460mm wide and 330mm thick, the new R7.0 insulation solution creates a continuous layer above truss chords to minimize thermal bridging. It is designed to reduce heat transfer through the ceiling, improve comfort and energy efficiency. Doublelayer systems can be complex and costly to install; comparatively, the advanced, single layer solution is tailored to fit the majority of ceiling joist spacings for easy installation, without notching between the truss chord to seal the thermal bridge.

Additionally, the single layer R7.0 ceiling insulation solution is manufactured using DriTherm® Technology, which provides moisture resistance for up to 50 years and is suitable for use in residential buildings.

Professional insulation installer, Mark Fairclough from Install Solutions, said “Achieving H1 compliance with ceiling insulation has traditionally been a labourintensive process that required installers to use a double-layer system. This can be difficult to install, as the second layer is often challenging to get into place correctly while guaranteeing a tight fit between joints.

“The single layer solution from Knauf Insulation is much faster and easier to install, covers everything, and provides better in-situ performance than a double layer system.

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20 | B&C

News

Playing it safe Multiple incidents reveal the risks workers face

Assisting businesses with emergency preparedness and onsite First Response is an important service.

You can’t always rely on the emergency services who are stretched thin or may be some distance away due to the remoteness of a site.

Any incident in a tunnel or underground mine longer than 150m requires a First Response team on site and support from Mines Rescue and it is called in to other incidents such as Whakaari White Island after the 2019 eruption.

Mines Rescue also provides assistance in post event incident investigations and business recovery phases.

“Mines Rescue is only funded by levies on select mines and tunnels, but the service goes much wider,” Joe says.

Some sectors have seen the worth of the training and specialised skills that Mines Rescue can supply. KiwiRail has engaged Mines Rescue for training, specialised safety work and setting up its First Response capability.

“Assisting businesses with emergency preparedness and on-site First Response is an important service. You can’t always rely on the emergency services who are stretched thin or may be some distance away due to the remoteness of a site.’’

Joe says the pressure on Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and other emergency services as well as urban traffic delays increase the requirement for employers to ensure they have robust and tested emergency plans and first responders at work sites.

A Mines Rescue team undergoes training with specialist breathing apparatus.

Two worker deaths during August involving vehicles, and two serious incidents involving dangerous gasses and a serious injury incident the previous month are disturbing, says a health and safety organisation.

MinEx, the mining and quarrying sector’s health and safety council, says the incidents show the need for much more training on proper procedures and having detailed risk assessments done by competent people.

Joe Edwards, who is MinEx Chair, says his sector had to improve its training and procedures after the Pike River disaster.

“Two deaths, a serious injury and three high risk incidents in just over a month remind us of the risks that workers in many workplaces continue to face.

“We sincerely hope there will never be another Pike River but these recent

incidents show the risks are still there for many workers.”

In late August a man died in an incident involving mobile plant at a Balclutha work site; the next day a person died at the scene after being hit by a vehicle in a logging yard in Palmerston North. Earlier in the month, two workers at a North Shore factory which handles solvents were overcome by fumes in a tank. Three firefighters came to their aid. All were taken to hospital and later discharged.

At the start of the month a worker at a West Coast demolition waste landfill was hospitalised in a critical condition after becoming overcome by fumes at the bottom of an excavation at the fill site. In July, an Auckland construction site worker was crushed and severely injured by a reversing crane.

Joe Edwards is also Chair of New Zealand Mines Rescue Service. It’s one of the organisations that provides risk assessments, development and training of safe procedures, emergency management and first response, including rescue in atmospheres where people can’t breathe.

Mines Rescue provides these specialist services to a broad range of sectors including construction, dairying, tunnels, quarries and mines.

He says there is a likely common link in August/July’s incidents.

“Work is not being properly planned nor adequately risk-assessed to keep people safe and fully aware of hazards.

“Crushing by vehicles remains a key cause of worker death across a number of sectors.

You need training on how to assess those risks and manage them.”

Joe says risks multiply when workers are in enclosed spaces such as tanks and tunnels.

Mines Rescue has volunteer teams based at its headquarters near Greymouth as well as Auckland and Huntly. These and the underground mine rescue teams at OceanaGold’s operations at Macraes near Dunedin and at Waihi are the only organisations outside the Defence Force which train and equip teams to use specialist long-duration breathing apparatus.

“All work sites need to have proper training and risk assessments so they understand what they might face, reduce those risks and be their own first responders if something does happen.”

He says FENZ, Police and Mines Rescue have strong working relationships and respect of the services each offer in an emergency.

“They recognise the calibre of Mines Rescue’s handful of dedicated staff and the skilled voluntary brigade members, generally drawn from the mining and tunnelling sectors and supported by their employers to attend training.”

Even more importantly, he says New Zealand workplaces need to lift their training and get better procedures and risk management in place, as mines and tunnels have and quarries are now required to do, since 29 men died at Pike River in 2010.

“We’ve got to have more focus on prevention of injuries and harm, at the top of the cliff rather than rescues at the bottom - and that was starkly and sadly illustrated in the last couple of months,” he says.

B&C | 21

News

Reducing the risk

The big four of risk managemet

By Steve Alexander

In times of trouble, people often wish they had paid more attention to risk management to avoid getting into a dispute.

• There is a tendency in the building industry for people to either put the contract aside, or worse still not reading it at all, and just doing things in a way that seems to be fair and agreeable. That is not acceptable, and people often undermine their own rights and obligations.

While there are differences between disputes in commercial as opposed to residential building the fundamentals are much the same. Paying attention to the following four items will save you a lot of grief.

Knowledge

Communication Most disputes are not about complex issues of law but about much simpler matters.

Relationship problems caused by poor communication is usually top of the list.

Someone has been accusatory in their language, and someone becomes defensive.

Walls go up and listening goes down.

Setting some rules about how you will strive to communicate is a good start.

• Email communication can be really harmful because often hastily written emails can easily be misinterpreted. You say something in an email that would not be said on the phone.

• Business should not be done in social media. There is still a place for letters to be sent as attachments. Establish guidelines for how and when to use email and text.

• Email should not be used to convey every thought as it arises. Texts should not be used where more formal communication is needed.

• Striving to be on friendly terms does not mean ignoring the terms of a contract.

Learning how to have factual or difficult conversations in a neutral manner is vitally important.

22 | B&C

There have been huge changes for the building industry to adapt to in the last 20 years, but that rate of change is going to accelerate as we start to build more energy-efficient sustainable buildings and climate change makes economic conditions more difficult.

Insufficient knowledge is behind almost all disputes. Someone does not know something that should be part of their everyday work.

All builders need to have an active and ongoing learning process for their people and even for the sub contractors they engage. If a sub-contractor does not share the values of the contractor or is not doing their job properly then this can be the source of dispute.

Training must go beyond health and safety inductions and events hosted by merchants.

Workers need an attitude conducive to ongoing learning and an opportunity to learn in a way that is meaningful for them.

Learning difficulties are common in the building industry so that is even more reason to create learning programs that accommodate individual needs.

Contract Unfortunately, signing a contract then putting it in a file and not reading it, is all too common.

Contracts are just a summary of what has been agreed by the parties, the rules of

Do not be intimidated by a contract and if you need assistance with understanding your rights and obligations under the contract, then obtain independent advice.

the game, but it is very common in dispute situations to find that both parties went off on tangents doing things that were never agreed or responding to issues in a way inconsistent with the terms of a contract.

Do not be intimidated by a contract and if you need assistance with understanding your rights and obligations under the contract, then obtain independent advice.

To conform to the terms of the contract is not “unfriendly” but good communication skills are needed to remind people of their rights and obligations.

The main terms of the contract also need to be known to site management not just head office.

Managers should write simple bullet point summaries of the main things the contractor is obliged to do under the contract and ensure this is known by site management.

Issues like when a variation or extension of time is justified, how variations are to be claimed, what are the various event timeframes prescribed, under what

circumstances can work be suspended are big issues that should be top of mind.

Having escalation procedures for when someone becomes overwhelmed is very important.

Be careful that you do not default to doing what you think is fair because others may not share that view and it may be inconsistent with the contract.

Excessive hurry Excessive hurry is almost always a part of a dispute particularly undue haste to get a project started.

It is fatal for parties to rush into starting a project without both parties fully understanding the risk allocation and their rights and obligations.

If risks are not understood or all loaded onto one party this is a recipe for dispute.

If the interests of the parties are not sufficiently aligned then time, cost or quality issues will arise.

It is impossible to get the best of time, cost and quality. If quality and cost are genuinely the drivers for the project, then the project needs a realistic program. Unfortunately, irrational and unrealistic time expectations are at the heart of many disputes.

It is common to find that each party in the contract has a different understanding of what is the highest priority of the project, time, cost or quality.

Keep an eye on the big four and enjoy happier clients and less trouble.

Steve Alexander has 25 years’ experience resolving building disputes.

Visit: www.alexander.co.nz.

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Steel Construction

Advancements in fatigue design and fracture control for welded steel structures Steel structures play a key role in various sectors, from manufacturing facilities, infrastructure, buildings, and the energy industry to transportation, pressure equipment, piping, and beyond.

Ensuring the safety, reliability, and extended in-service life of steel structures is of paramount importance.

One of the critical challenges in this regard is addressing fatigue design, which can significantly impact the performance and longevity of these structures, particularly at welded connections.

HERA has undertaken several research and educational initiatives to tackle these challenges.

Among them, the Seismic Research program, performed in collaboration with national and international experts, focuses on the seismic performance of welded structures, an expert field often referred to as low cyclic fatigue.

Additionally, HERA has been working on developing recommendations to optimise weld details for bridge applications subject to high cycle fatigue.

A notable development in this field came with the visit of Professor Pingsha Dong from the University of Michigan, USA, a leading expert in fatigue design and fracture control.

During his visit to Auckland and Christchurch in October, he conducted a comprehensive course on the “Fatigue Design of Welded Structures”.

This intensive one-day course was designed to keep professional engineers abreast of the latest advancements in designing welded structures to withstand fatigue loading in practical scenarios.

30 | B&C

Numerous case studies were presented throughout the course to illustrate how real-world fatigue problems can be solved with these new advancements and understanding. The case studies varied from complex structural components to simple welded connections.

Professor Dong’s extensive expertise and contributions in the field are wellacknowledged having received numerous prestigious national and international awards.

His profound knowledge is evident in the publication of more than 260 peer-reviewed papers in archive journals and major conference proceedings.

He is the inventor of the mesh-insensitive structural stress method, also known as the Master S-N Curve Method.

This method has been adopted by the 2007 ASME Div 2 and API 579/ASME FFS-1 Codes and Standards, mandated by over 50 countries worldwide.

Professor Dong says, “Collaboration with HERA offers a unique opportunity for my team to work with an industry-based organisation that represents the entire sector.

“HERA serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding industry issues and formulating efficient R&D strategies to tackle challenges.”

In addition to his contributions in the field of fatigue design, Professor Dong is also a valued collaboration partner in the Circular Design program of HERA’s “Construction 4.0 – an industry 4.0 transformation of the Aotearoa New Zealand construction sector” project.

This program has a focus on developing robust design solutions for circular design.

A key case study within the circular design program focuses on the application of advanced simulation techniques to optimise welded steel structures for optimal fabrication cost, automation, assembly and re-use.

HERA serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding industry issues and formulating efficient R&D strategies to tackle challenges.

This includes investigating the modification of weld details to incorporate more costeffective fillet welds.

This circular design research program is a result of the collaborative efforts of a multiexpert team from HERA, the University of Michigan, the University of Auckland (UOA), and the University of Canterbury.

Steel Construction

B&C | 31

Steel Construction Collaborations with leading experts like Professor Dong and HERA’s research initiatives, including the Endeavour Construction 4.0 project and the Seismic Research program, are at the forefront of these advancements, promising safer, more reliable, and cost-effective steel structures for the future.

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HERA GM Dr Michail Karpenko says, “The collaboration with Professor Dong and his team does not only provide access to the latest international developments in the field but also enables the development of tailored solutions for industry.

“The successful implementation of these solutions in other industries, along with their incorporation into industry standards, is vital proof that we are on the right track.”

An equally significant facet of the work lies in the optimisation of welded steel structures to seamlessly accommodate the era of Robotics and Automation 4.0.

A key challenge involves re-evaluating the conventional design of welded connections, which frequently rely on complete penetration butt welds.

While effective, these conventional details are often unsuitable for the demands of robotics and mass production in the steel construction industry.

To address this, innovative design and simulation methodologies are used to replace these conventional welds with more cost-effective alternatives, all while upholding the same high standards of reliability and fracture safety.

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The advancements in fatigue design and fracture control for welded steel structures are crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of vital infrastructure across various industries.

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Steel Construction

Get the edge in protective coatings by avoiding cost associated with early corrosion in steel structures Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand’s “Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion by the use of protective coatings”, AS/NZS 2312.1:2014 dedicates one hundred and twenty eight pages to design, surface preparation, environmental exposure, coating application and inspection of protective coatings in steel structures.

The guide provides in-depth information to designers, specifiers, main contractors, applicators and inspectors on requirements in ensuring the intended life to first maintenance and requirements of B2 Durability of the Building Code are achieved.

• If in doubt, appoint an accredited third party inspection company as the gatekeeper of the Specification.

Dry film thickness certainly is an important variable in protective coatings….however, the edge you get in protective coatings may be a corroding edge if the specified surface treatment requirements are ignored.

Surface treatment in general, which also includes testing and implementing corrective action for the presence of oil, grease and soluble salts, is neglected, often manifesting in coating delamination and blistering in the coating.

Why then is early onset of edge and measle corrosion during construction still evident on many structural projects?

Referenced standards and details in structural and architectural specifications are being overlooked or ignored and the emphasis in quality assurance of protective coatings is on one single test – dry film thickness of the applied coating.

The specified requirement of AS/NZS 5131 to radius steel edges to 2mm providing a rounded edge for appropriate coating coverage, is often not implemented and tested, forcing the responsibility of dealing with the consequences of edge corrosion onto the main contractor and client.

The lack of attention to detail by some applicators to ensure the blast profile remains within the coating supplier’s specified range for primer application, results in peaks of the blast being exposed to the environment once the primer has cured. The brown rusty dots on the flat surfaces of structural steel during construction is a tell-tale sign of this vitally important surface treatment detail not being tested and controlled.

Fig 1. Lack of edge treatment resulting in delamination of coating

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Fig 2. Measle rust due to pronounced blast profile and poor coating coverage

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B&C | 33

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We have been in operation for approximately 32 years and employ 26 people with our main business activity being sheet metal fabrication and installation. We continue to enhance our ability to compete alongside industry leaders across New Zealand.

Key points of difference • We boast a large commercial footprint, but low overheads, allowing us to provide cost-effective solutions to a wide customer base • Our repeat custom benefit from the utilisation of industry experience and professional expertise

• Located in Tauranga but will work anywhere! We are connected to port, rail and road giving us enviable access to projects across the country • We have an extensive ‘off the shelf’ range of ductwork and components that are easily shipped nationwide and afar • We are trusted to manufacture products for many reputable companies such as Fantech, New Zealand’s range of sound attenuators.

Company culture We recognise that each of our client companies have their own customer base,

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tailored approaches to practice and unique goals and ambitions. We recognise this and support your own journey as a company. We are collaborative, working with customers to overcome any project-based challenges.

We are proactive, forthcoming and genuinely passionate about our industry.

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Matt and Sharon Meads purchased a long well-established business in 2017 and are strongly supported by their Panel Beater Jared and Windscreen Technicians Troy and Riley.

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Cement & Concrete

Concrete NZ Conference 2023 strikes the right note with delegates and supporters Building on the success of the 2022 pandemic delayed conference in Rotorua, the 2023 event in Hamilton again offered an opportunity to (re)connect with friends, and spend time discussing key developments in concrete materials, design, construction and research.

Over 400 delegates from Aotearoa New Zealand’s concrete industry and wider construction sector, supported by a strong contingent of exhibitors, gathered to knowledge share, network and enjoy a range of social activities.

Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, Moustafa Al-Ani, got proceedings underway by welcoming delegates and reflecting on how the diversity and depth of the technical programme echoes the complex and dynamic nature of the New Zealand construction sector.

Outstanding technical programme The Technical Programme was headlined by three outstanding international construction experts - Andy Taylor from the University of Washington, Romilly Madew of Engineers Australia and Maria Juenger from the University of Texas - who travelled to New Zealand to share their experiences and insights.

Eager to keep the conference format fresh, the organising committee arranged a sustainability panel discussion that featured both Maria and Romilly as well as Cyril Giraud from Holcim New Zealand and David Welsh from Fletcher Building. The outcome was an informative and thought-provoking conversation appreciated by delegates.

The conference also offered an outstanding array of technical papers/presentations that showcased concrete materials, design and construction. James Mackechnie of Allied Concrete took home the Sandy Cormack Best

Paper Award for his offering on sand quality in low carbon concrete.

New to the Concrete NZ conference in 2023 was the ‘lightning talks’ session chaired by Jason Ingham. Over a fast-paced 5-minutes these talks looked to communicate knowledge and experience of a project, initiative or technology. The result was the ignition of a data blitz across ten rapid fire presentations.

Concrete conference awards Always a highlight of the annual Concrete NZ conference, the 2023 awards evening achieved a nice balance between acknowledging outstanding achievement and keeping guests entertained.

2023 Conference Awards were presented across the following categories: • Outstanding Contribution

Sue Freitag receives her Outstanding Contribution Award from Concrete NZ chair Dene Cook.

• Producer - Technical Excellence • Producer - Extra Distance • Carbon Reduction • Plant Audit Scheme Gold • Health, Safety & Wellbeing Achievement • Inclusion & Diversity • Learned Society (Student) Concrete Prizes • Concrete Industry Apprentice of the Year.

The 2023 Conference would not have been possible without the assistance of dedicated patrons, sponsors and industry supporters, who embraced the event with enthusiasm.

Moustafa Al-Ani, Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, welcomed delegates and supporters.

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Cyril Giraud, Maria Juenger, Romilly Madew and David Welsh take part in the sustainability panel discussion.

Cement & Concrete

ACO Infrastructure KerbDrain

ACO KerbDrain for efficient Stormwater Management.

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• High robustness and durability due to high quality polymer concrete.

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ACO. we care for water B&C | 41

Cement & Concrete

New from MAX® – The RB611T TwinTier™ Rebar Tying Tool – Now with 5.0Ah Batteries The MAX® TwinTier™ RB611T is reportedly the first battery powered tool in its class with the ability to tie D29 x D32 rebar.

TwinTier™ technology’s special attributes include faster tying speed, which further increases productivity; reduced wire consumption, increasing cost savings; and, for end-users, a wire tie that is shorter in height, requiring less concrete to fully cover it.

The MAX® TwinTier™ simultaneously shoots two x 1.0mm wires around rebar intersections, wrapping once to form a tie equivalent to the strength of a hand snap tie. The TwinTier™ uses TW1061T series tie wire, available in black, poly coated, and stainless steel options. The tool’s new 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery will complete approximately 5,000 ties before needing to be recharged.

The MAX® TwinTier™ RB611T’s large jaw allows users to tie D16 x D16 up to D29 x D32 rebar (varying by manufacturer). Its

"

The MAX® TwinTier™ simultaneously shoots two x 1.0mm wires around rebar intersections, wrapping once to form a tie equivalent to the strength of a hand snap tie.

"

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42 | B&C

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Cement & Concrete

Pre-cast concrete

A cornerstone of wellbeing From cycle safety to speed reduction, traffic management to water management, pre-cast concrete is bringing some particularly human benefits.

Turning the tables on speed Speed tables are among the fastest way of encouraging motorists to slow down. Unfortunately, installation can be anything but speedy, given traffic management needs, curing times and weather dependencies.

Representatives from Auckland Transport, Auckland Airport, Aecom, Beca, Eliga, Fulton Hogan and Fulton Hogan Engineering Solutions recently gathered to learn from Fulton Hogan’s Precast experience with modular speed tables. Although common in vertical construction, prefabricating products for use on widely varying ground level conditions is a rarity.

The benefits include all-weather installation, lower health and safety risk, and increasing speed and efficiency of installation. An additional benefit is flexibility – the tables can be removed to allow for ducting or re-siting.

Cycling more safely A new way of making pre-cast cycle separators could be about to change how cyclists are protected from traffic. Fulton Hogan and Stevenson Aggregates are using a rubber liner to eliminate chemical concrete retarders and residue from water blasting, saving time, money and the environment. A rotating mould is also used to invert the units to protect the concrete edges. Fulton Hogan is installing 415 separators in Auckland’s Mission Bay and Glen Innes.

National Innovation Lead, Beaudene Pumipi, says the development shows what can be achieved by working together and thinking laterally.

“There’s rapid growth in cycleways throughout the country, and this is a practical, effective and economical way of supporting their construction.”

Pre-casting Auckland’s water future As part of the Watercare Enterprise agreement, Fulton Hogan is working through a significant number of water projects in Auckland.

Prefabrication was the construction technique of choice when adding 45 million litres of storage to the Redoubt Road, Manukau reservoir that provides 70-80% of Auckland’s potable water.

In 10 months, Fulton Hogan has made all the post-tensioned, tapered wall panels and complex pilaster panels – the largest weighing 47 tonne. Moulds were manufactured from steel profiles for a high-quality finish.

Fulton Hogan also made various components, including wall panels, Double Tees, columns, column heads, beams and baffle panels, some of which will help with carbon reduction.

B&C | 43

Cement & Concrete

Growth mindset helps precast apprentice take home 2023 concrete industry award Franklin South Auckland apprentice Caled Van De Westerlo, of Waiuku based Formstress Precast, has won the 2023 concrete industry apprentice of the year award.

After completing his OE Caleb returned to Aotearoa in 2018 to start an apprenticeship with Formstress, progressing quickly after he approached manager and mentor Greg Johnston seeking a programme of exposure to important aspects of the business.

Impressed by his ambition, Formstress put in place a plan that has ended with Caleb identified as a future leader. This pathway included positioning Caleb to fill the next available foreman position, rotating him through batching, quality assurance, dispatch and precast manufacture, and also gaining a National Certificate in Precast Concrete Level Three and a New Zealand Certificate Concrete Specialist Level Four.

In fact, Caleb is the first person and the first of Māori descent to gain the new level 4 certificate. “This is the mindset with which Caleb completes all tasks. It is not enough to finish the course, he had to be first,” says Greg Johnston.

Caleb Van De Westerlo along with the Formstress Precast team.

Caleb firmly believes that all Formstress employees would benefit from industry qualifications and has already helped four of his direct reports through their level three certificates. He himself is now being supported as a future senior manager and stands in for the company’s operations manager as required.

Caleb says a growth mindset is the most important attribute for an apprentice.

“You must understand mistakes will happen and accept these are all important lessons that will occur in the process.

“You need to be able to set goals and have a clear vision for your future, not just at work but at home too. The days on site don’t get easier. You become better.”

“Showing the guys his own progression is important in motivating them to better themselves. Caleb understands that the mentoring he is receiving is an important part of his development,” says Greg.

The award was open to all those enrolled in, or who had recently completed, one of the BCITO | Te Pūkenga concrete apprenticeships.

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Concrete NZ Level 7 Panama House 22 Panama Street Wellington (04) 499 8820 admin@concretenz.org.nz www.concretenz.org.nz

Concrete NZ - Masonry Sector Group

Concrete NZ Masonry Sector Group offers real world block and mortar advice Concrete masonry is a staple material of the construction industry; a silent workhorse that encompasses reinforced concrete block and concrete block veneer, along with concrete block paving and flagstone paving for pedestrian walkways.

Veneer walls A sub-section on Brick Crack Control was recently added, suggesting that if areas prone to cracks can be identified at the time of brick laying and cracking of respective mortar joints initiated through thinning of these joints, the likelihood of cracks within the brick will substantially reduce.

Concrete NZ’s Masonry Sector Group certainly appreciates the fact that concrete masonry offers structural and architectural advantages in a single material and is recognised as a major contributor to a sustainable built environment.

Concrete NZ’s Masonry Sector Group certainly appreciates the fact that concrete masonry offers structural and architectural advantages in a single material and is recognised as a major contributor to a sustainable built environment.

The Group addresses issues of importance to the concrete masonry industry, and is focussed on maintaining a commitment amongst its members to comply with relevant sections of AS/NZS 4455 Masonry Units, Pavers, Flags and Segmental Retaining Wall Units, as well as NZS 3116 Concrete Segmental and Flagstone Paving.

An important mechanism used by the Group to achieve its goals is the creation and revision of technical documents, with several recent updates summarised below.

a better understanding of the risk of condensation at the internal surface areas and junctions.

Masonry retaining walls

The addition of acceptable surface temperature factors will help architects and designers determine a detail’s climate zone suitability, while new Appendix A describes the methodology that was used to develop the detail and provides further thermal performance information.

The Code’s updated details also reflect new weathertightness systems that have become more prevalent in New Zealand over the past decade, such as double glazing and thicker thermal insulation.

Visit the Concrete NZ website to download these publications: www.concretenz.org.nz

This section provides designers and builders with standard design details for reinforced concrete masonry retaining walls. It was updated in 2022 with the following changes: • The foundation designs incorporate updates to the reinforced concrete design standard NZS 3101 that now require greater reinforcing content.

• The tables for walls carrying surcharge have been updated and 140 mm wall options have been removed from this category.

Concrete Masonry - Site Practice and Workmanship Guide This Guide is designed to help develop competency levels across the masonry trades, and is intended for use by all members of the building team, including site supervisors and brick and block layers.

New Zealand Concrete masonry manual The Manual, which was created in the late 1970s as a guide to the design and construction of concrete masonry, has been updated and is available in sections for free download as required.

Thermal performance / passive solar design This section of the Manual was recently updated to align with New Zealand Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency in which minimum R value requirements have increased substantially. These changes now see buildings up to 300 m2 and all housing developments covered by H1/AS1, while the new H1/AS2 applies to all buildings larger than 300 m2 other than housing.

Bloc Group manufacture and supply masonry blocks, bricks, pavers & retaining products throughout the North Island.

In particular, the Guide covers the key points for preparing and carrying out masonry work onsite, includes extracts from relevant Standards and Codes for easy reference; and provides a handy action checklist.

Units, mortar, grout, rebar and other ancillary components such as beams and columns must also be designed and specified in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant Standards.

Code of Practice for Weathertight Concrete and Concrete Masonry Construction The 2023 update of the Code was prompted by a need to improve the thermal performance of residential concrete buildings and account for new construction systems.

Insulation shown in the Code’s details has been enhanced and thermal images of the details themselves included - enabling

027 752 2896 office@blocgroup.co.nz 1288 Egmont Road, Egmont Village PO Box 39010, Egmont Village

B&C | 45

Building Costs

Rapidly rising building costs slowing down The average cost of building a home in Aotearoa New Zealand’s main centres is up 9.5 percent annually, but price rises have slowed markedly in 2023.

More than 51,000 rates were updated in June, with the average cost of building a standard three-bedroom home increasing by 9.5 percent in a year, including by 3.8 percent since its last major update in December.

This compares to a 20.9 percent annual increase at the same time last year and an 11.3 percent annual increase to December 2023.

QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset says “Ordinarily a 9.5 percent increase in the cost to build a standard three-bedroom home would be a lot, and it certainly is by historic standards. But the good news is it’s just less than half the rate of building cost inflation measured at the same time last year.

strong demand for materials and labour continuing to ease across much of the country.”

However, Martin warned there was still a great deal of uncertainty in the building industry and economy as a whole, making it difficult to predict exactly how costs will continue to evolve throughout the remainder of the year, but it’s likely they will eventually stabilise.

“With inflation and interest rates stubbornly high, a general election in October, geopolitical issues and rebuild work on Cyclone Gabrielle still to fully get going, there is still lot of economic instability in the domestic construction market.”

The biggest elemental price increase since QV CostBuilder’s December update related to sanitary plumbing, which went up 4.9 percent.

Costs related to interior doors also increased by 3.5 percent, with windows and exterior doors climbing 3.1 percent due to having to meet the requirements of the new H1 energy efficiency regulations.

“Though construction costs continue to rise, they have definitely slowed throughout the first six months of 2023.

On average, each trade rate has also increased by 2.5 percent since December, with suspended ceilings up 16.2 percent.

“It looks as though they are starting to level out now, with the worst of the construction inflation boom now firmly behind us and

Fire proofing (10.1 percent), metal framing (8.9 percent), hardware (8.8 percent) and roof coverings (8.1 percent) round out the

five largest prices increases since the last update.

“It’s important to remember these figures are averages and the cost of building will always be dependent on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements, including whether or not a home has a single or double garage,” he says.

QV CostBuilder is an online subscriptionbased building cost platform, powered by

state-owned enterprise Quotable Value (QV), with a database of more than 60,000 rates across Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

It covers everything from the building costs per square metre for warehouses, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate retail supply cost of GIB and more than 8,000 other items, plus labour rates, labour constants, and more.

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B&C | 47

Milford Sounds sewer pump station re-lining Mastermix and their applicators Wells Contracting worked on a project together in the Milford Sound area.

Wells Contracting was established in July 2019 and is based in Invercargill. Owner Daryl Wells is a respected drainlayer who has worked throughout Southland and Central Otago.

Daryl and his team at Wells Contracting can install, repair and/or maintain waste water, storm water and water reticulation systems, as well as undertake general contracting work.

Both Mastermix and Wells Contracting used their products and expertise in the recent repairs and relining of the Terminal Building Sewer Pump Station and Pump Station One at the Wastewater Plant situated in Milford Sound.

The project included replacing pumps and pipework in three major pump stations while keeping the system alive. This included building new filtering screens at the Wastewater Plant, a major upgrade of the existing clarifier tank, upgrading paperwork in the UV Plan, and ongoing maintenance of the wastewater system.

All this was done while keeping the plant working, causing minimum disruption to the client.

Repairs and relining were needed because of badly eroded concrete caused

by Hydrogen Sulfide gas. With Wells Contracting on the job, using Mastermix

products, the work was carried out between early June until near mid-July this year (2023).

Because Mastermix products have to have specific temperatures, the contractors needed to cover the pump station with a tent. This is due to the fact the average temperature over the work period time in Milford Sound was 6.6 degrees Celsius and the rainfall average was 39 millimetres. An electric blower heating the inside of the pump station was able to keep an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.

The project included replacing pumps and pipework in three major pump stations while keeping the system alive.

For the Terminal Building Pump Station, bypass pumping was set up from the sewer manhole in the building forecourt area and from the boat berth pumping manifold to the pump station valve pit.

Then all the waste was removed from the pump station via a suction tank truck. High pressure water blasting was carried out inside the pump station to remove all loose material and waste build up.

After water blasting, additional time was spent with an air needle scaler to remove

anything the water blaster couldn’t remove, like rust from any exposed metal. Large cavities were then filled with Mastermix High Strength Repair (HSR), a coat of Mastermix Multi-cote was applied as a primer, and a water-proofing layer at two millimetres thickness was applied. A build-up layer of Mastermix Rapid Repair was used to build up eroded areas at an average of 40 to 50 millimetres.

A topcoat of Mastermix Shield was applied in two coats over the entire inside of the pump station as a protection layer at four to five millimetres of thickness. All Mastermix products were mixed and applied as per manufacturer's specifications.

The same process was carried out at the Pump Station One wastewater plant; bypass pumping was set up from the screen pit to the pump station, the station was then pumped out and all waste was removed via suction. High pressure water blasting was carried out inside the pump station to remove all loose material and waste build up.

As Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, it made the job extra hard as the team could not disturb the ground.

After water blasting, additional time was spent with an air needle scaler to remove anything the water blaster couldn’t remove plus rust from any exposed metal. Leaks in the pump station around the inlet pipe and gravity pipe from Pump Station Two were fixed using Mastermix High Strength Repair (HSR), large cavities were then filled with Mastermix High Strength Repair (HSR).

A coat of Mastermix Multi-cote was applied as a primer and a water-proofing layer at two millimetres thick. A build up layer of Mastermix Rapid Repair was used to build up eroded areas at an average of 30 to 40 millimetres. Then a topcoat of Mastermix Shield was applied in two coats over the entire inside of the pump station as a protection layer.

As Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, it made the job extra hard as the team could not disturb the ground.

This meant they had to take everything in and out of the project site by hand, with the main reasoning for this is because the park is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The entire project is a testament to the experience, expertise and quality products Mastermix and Wells Contracting bring to each and every project.

48 | B&C

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No job is too big or too small Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, to commercial fit outs and everything else in between! No job is too big or too small for the team at Newton Gordge Joinery.

The team takes extreme pride in delivering expert craftsmanship and has a passion for creative ideas.

The company was established in 1981, taking the name of its owner-operator Newton Gordge who has over 40 years experience in the trade serving both domestic and commercial clients with kitchens and a large variety of projects in Taranaki and nationwide.

After Newton's retirement in 2016, former apprentice and foreman Scott Dudley with 18 years service to Newton Gordge Joinery took ownership of the business, moving forward as Newton Gordge Joinery 2016 Ltd. Scott is a born and bred local who prides himself in providing friendly and professional services and ensuring each client receives the end result they desire.

No job is too big and no job is too small as

the team is able to provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of its diverse client base.

storage alterations or tweaks around the house that you’re after, then give this capable team a call, no job is too small.

Kitchens are a big part of what they do.

It’s the heart of the home which is why the team will work with you to create a kitchen that is exactly what you want and need.

With so many different material products, there is something for every home.

The team will use a computer aided design programme, enabling them to show you a 3D image of your kitchen prior to finalising your order.

Commercial Joinery is an area of work that Newton Gordge Joinery are extremely proud of. From school fit outs, business offices and restaurants, all of their work is crafted to a high standard. Newton Gordge joinery incorporates cutting edge skills and design into their work to create unique

and innovative joinery solutions. Included in their services to you is an in-house site measure, design, delivery and installation.

Whatever you are after, they are sure to bring your dreams to reality. No job is too big or too small!

The team at Newton Gordge Joinery are just a phone call away on 06 751 5065 or you can pop in and see them at their showroom at 67b Breakwater Road, New Plymouth.

Kitchens are a big part of what they do. It’s the heart of the home which is why the team will work with you to create a kitchen that is exactly what you want and need.

Domestic Joinery is also in high demand, from bathroom vanities, laundries, wardrobes and so much more. The team is sure to be able to help with that full house renovation or new build. If it’s some

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Registered Master Landscapes

RML awards showcase masterful landscapes

By Ben O’Connell

In September, the top echelon of landscaping design and construction nationwide were celebrated at the Landscapes of Distinction Awards, held by Registered Master Landscapers New Zealand. Almost 100 entries were submitted from across the country this year for the awards, which celebrate the quality trade, craftsmanship and expertise of New Zealand’s best landscapers.

2023 Supreme Award The Supreme Award for 2023 and the Best Landscape Project of the Year is a small natural urban courtyard garden in Point Chevalier, Auckland by Second Nature Landscapes, with design by Andy Hamilton Studio.

The landscape also won the Premier Best Horticulture of the Year Award, with landscape designer Andy Hamilton Studio also taking home the award for Best Sustainable Design for the project.

The compact courtyard was created for a new property built on the back garden of a 1920s villa within a limited budget with no compromise on quality or openness.

The project includes flowering plants, herbs and fruit trees, to provide both visual pleasure and food sources for the client,

and for bees and other insects, supporting pollination in a community garden to the rear of the property.

The design of the “small, elegant, urban courtyard” demonstrates a rare sophistication and is in perfect harmony with the architecture, the award judges said.

“There is a genuine attempt to reduce the footprint associated with this garden, as evidenced by the high levels of permeability, careful material selection and a desire to support pollinator species. There is an exceptional interest in plants for their own sake, and these have been combined with a sure hand.

“The courtyard demonstrates how even a small space can be designed to bring people and nature together in a truly delightful way.”

RML Supreme Award & RML Supreme Award The Supreme Award for 2023 and the Best Landscape Project of the Year is a small natural urban courtyard garden in Point Chevalier, Auckland, by Second Nature Landscapes, with design by Andy Hamilton Studio.

Image by Simon Wilson.

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RML Best Maintenance Project

RML Best Design Project

Diva Landscapes won the Premier Best Garden Maintenance Award for Millbrook Sanctuary in Arrowtown.

Goom Landscapes in Christchurch won the Premier Best Design Award for a Merivale, Christchurch project titled The Vibe.

Best Maintenance Project

Best Design Project

Diva Landscapes won the Premier Best Garden Maintenance Award for Millbrook Sanctuary in Arrowtown. The property overlooks a peaceful waterway and golf course, yet privacy is maintained with carefully chosen planting and landscaping.

In line with Millbrook Resort’s palette of mainly native species, the garden is semiformal and structured with exotic trees that offer vertical height and a splash of autumn colour in a parkland setting.

The award judges said extensive plant knowledge, combined with a maintenance regime that demonstrates an exceptional degree of sensitivity and attention to

detail, has led to a garden that effectively supports and enhances the overall design intent.

Registered Master Landscapers’ then c hief executive Janine Scott congratulated Diva Landscapes on the major win in a category "integral to a thriving and successful landscape".

She says, “The job is certainly not done for a landscaper once the final plant has been placed. Instead, the job should also be about guardianship and growth to ensure a blooming and well-managed space for years to come."

Goom Landscapes in Christchurch won the Premier Best Design Award for a Merivale, Christchurch project titled The Vibe. The judges said one of the most outstanding features of this project is the incorporation of white lines, which skilfully create shelter without compromising the influx of natural light into the house.

“The crowning jewel is the bespoke louvrestyle roof, using glass and slats, to provide control over the amount of sunlight and shade. A cosy gas fire instantly transforms the outdoor area into a welcoming sanctuary during chilly evenings, for either relaxed solitude or socialising,” judges said. The Vibe took three medals home for Goom

Landscapes, in Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, and Landscape Horticulture respectively.

Goom Landscapes also won the Judges Special Recognition Award for a Heritage project with Mid-century Cool, a landscape for a Fendalton property that faultlessly integrated indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Caleb Washington from Goom Landscapes was named 2023 Young Landscaper of the Year after winning a tightly contested competition between some of the best young landscapers from across the country.

Open to anyone under 30, Registered Master Landscapers’ yearly Young Landscaper of the Year competition saw nine of New Zealand’s best go head-to-head in a written exam, practical tests and a public speaking event.

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Registered Master Landscapes RML Best Student Design New Zealand Diploma in Landscape Design student Elaina Hanzel won the Best Student Design award.

RML People’s Choice

Best Student Design

Onlandscape took out the People’s Choice Award for the third year running.

As for the Best Student Design award, Level 5 New Zealand Diploma in Landscape Design student Elaina Hanzel was commended for her exceptional and sophisticated design proposal. Elaina’s proposal for a low-impact rural coastal property near Mount Karioi in West Waikato looked to pay homage to the bifurcation of culture and nature, with a design that looked at the interface between natural processes and human practices.

People’s Choice Onlandscape took out the People’s Choice Award for the third year running, with more than 4000 votes for their work on a Clyde Road, Christchurch property.

Stand-out features included curved stone clad walls using recycled stone from the Christchurch earthquakes, different zones for sitting and relaxing, changing elevations, floating timber steps and a much-loved grass track for the family’s grandchildren.

Best Construction Project Nice Pozi Landscapes’ work on the Titahi Bay Playcentre in Porirua won the Premier Best Construction Award. Constructed for a community charity in Porirua, with very humbling expectations, Nice Pozi was quick to decide a full design service would be donated in the hopes something unique and special would be built for the local centre that would “blow locals out of the water”.

The development incorporated a collection of custom features, including a centuryold reclaimed tōtara log channel salvaged

Registered Master Landscapers PO Box 5523 Auckland 1141 (05) 0844 4345 business@masterlandscapers.org.nz www.masterlandscapers.org.nz

from a historic Wairarapa sheep station, in-situ concrete sculpted water fountain coined the wiggle, and a wide stainless-steel slide. Local boulders sourced and placed by hand from Te Awa Kairangi and the re-conditioning of an historic “space rocket” are other distinct features.

The outcome is an exceptional interactive play space delivered for the tamariki and whanau of Titahi Bay Playcentre. The judges said a supreme effort of construction intellect was equipped throughout this project, with thoughtful consideration given to facilitate the wide variety play activities of young children.

RML Best Construction Project Nice Pozi Landscapes’ work on the Titahi Bay Playcentre in Porirua won the Premier Best Construction Award.

For more information on Registered Master Landscapers, and for the full list of award winners beyond the Premier winners celebrated in this publication, visit: www.masterlandscapers.org.nz/ awards/results/2023.

All images provided courtesy of Registered Master Landscapers.

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interactive learning experience. With ITW’s online courses, you can now learn at your own pace, on your own schedule without compromising on the quality of training.

Our online courses are created to provide an effective and engaging learning experience, with interactive elements that make learning both fun and informative.

Our online training contains: • Engaging and interactive course content • User-friendly learning interface • Accessible from any device • Progress tracking • Access to your course material for 12 months • Industry Trainer available when required.

NZQA accredited excellence At ITW, we take pride in our NZQA accredited training courses. We’re committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and hold Category 1 Status 2023 with NZQA. Contact ITW today to discuss your training needs and take the first step towards a safer, more secure future for your team and workplace.

Contact us on 0800 489 5669, visit our website www.itw.org.nz or email us at itw@itw.org.nz

Better Workplace Training WE DON’T TICK BOXES. WE SOLVE PROBLEMS. HELPING YOU KEEP YOUR TEAM AND WORKSITE SAFE WITH THE TRAINING YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT. 0800 489 5669 itw@itw.org.nz www.itw.org.nz

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Heating your home Superheat Electrical Ltd owners, John Paul and Paul migrated to New Zealand from the Philippines in the early 2000s.

They have worked nonstop so they can provide for their families and contribute to their local communities. Fast forward to today, they now employ eight staff members and planning on employing many more!

Moving from the Philippines to New Zealand is a significant endeavour that often requires numerous challenges and adjustments. Those who undertake such a journey often display remarkable resilience and determination in their pursuit of a better life.

The process of migration, coupled with the dedication to hard work, can lead to inspiring stories of personal and professional growth.

Locally and privately-owned Superheat Electrical is based in Hamilton as the team specialises in heating and cooling solutions for residential homes, businesses, and commercial buildings.

They are fully qualified and licensed for all aspects of electrical work, from heat pump installation and upgrades to general electrical work.

Their team of extensively trained industry professionals ensures expert installations that surpass heat pump and air conditioning industry standards of quality control.

With Superheat Electrical, you can expect years of trouble-free comfort from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

They guarantee to provide the right assistance, the right result, the right installation, and the right customer service.

Superheat Electrical offers a wide range of heating and cooling systems, including high wall heat pumps, cassette heat pumps, ducted systems, floor-mounted heat pumps, under-ceiling air conditioning, fresh air systems, and extract air systems.

These systems are suitable for various applications, including residential houses, commercial buildings such as shops, banks, offices, council buildings, universities, laboratories, and more.

Superheat Electrical is a reliable and experienced company that can meet your heating and cooling needs. They prioritise customer service and aim to deliver the best results possible.

Company history • The company started in 2016 • It is a small family business that increased staff from two to eight employees • The employees are qualified technicians and registered electricians • Have had projects in Wellington, Whakatane, Waikato district.

Residential and commercial services for heat pumps and air-conditioning • Heat pump/air conditioning installation - Ducted heat pumps - Cassette heat pumps - Under ceiling units - High-wall units - Floor mounted units - Bulkhead units.

• Heat pump services/ maintenance • Ventilation installation and maintenance - Smart vent systems - LOSSNAY - Extraction fans - Fresh air systems.

Residential and commercial services for electrical work • Wiring of new power points and lighting installations • New house-built pre-wiring • House rewiring and switchboard upgrade • Security lighting installation • CCTV installation • Alarm installation.

Projects done by Superheat Electrical Superheat Electrical have been involved in numerous projects with their partners, Cushman and Wakefield.

Together, they have been achieving big projects in Hamilton such as the Claudelands Hall A and B. They have

installed 60 plus under ceiling units throughout the hall and the foyer.

The small team are also involved in HVAC installation of numerous Hamilton city council sites like the museum, zoo, libraries, municipal buildings and many more.

In the residential area, the company has been involved in significant projects related to the installation and servicing of air conditioning systems for large residential complexes, highend homes, and housing developments.

We are fully qualified and licensed for all aspects of electrical work from heat pump installation, heat pump upgrades, right through to general electrical work.

Future plans In Superheat Electricals' upcoming business expansion plans for January 2024, they are taking a significant step forward by building a dedicated warehouse facility for the company.

They want to show the public that they are a genuine company, and they are determined to deliver quality installations and services in Hamilton and across Waikato area.

Having a workshop will make way to expand their business so they can continue delivering their best work for current and future customers.

Testimonials “The team at Superheat displayed a high level of professionalism from start to finish. They were punctual, wellorganized, and had a strong commitment to delivering quality service.”

“I was very impressed with the service offered by John and Paul from Superheat Electrical & Air Conditioning Ltd. Paul has installed a freestanding oven in the kitchen. He was very helpful, friendly and skilled. His task co-ordination in picking up the oven and working with the home occupants was quite helpful for this installation.

Superheat Electrical & Air Conditioning are the experts in such residential install, and I would highly recommend them to anyone.”

The decision to build a workshop is driven by their nonstop determination to offer Superheat Electrical clients the very best services in the industry, by having a workspace, where the company can optimise their operations, streamline processes, and keep up with forever changing industry technology and standards.

Contact us Get in touch with Superheat Electrical today via email at superheatelectrical@hotmail.com, or call them on: 021 272 9944.

Superheat Electrical provide great service that is equivalent to good performance, ensuring your satisfaction.

20 years of HVAC combined experience

AIR CONDITIONING•ELECTRICAL•MAINTENANCE We specialise in High wall heat pumps & Cassette heat pumps Ducted systems Floor mounted heat pumps Under ceiling airconditioning Fresh air systems & Extract air systems

Areas of application Residential houses, commercial buildings such as shops, banks, offices, council buildings, universities, laboratories and more.

021 272 9944

superheatelectrical@hotmail.com

www.superheatelectrical.co.nz

The scaffolding system Intaks is a patented, strong, light, and multi-configurable, award-winning, scaffolding and edge protection system.

Designed, engineered and tested in New Zealand.

The INTAKS system was designed by New Zealander Lew Cleveland, who owned a scaffolding and edge protection business that focused on providing an excellent service to the residential and roofing markets. He wasn’t entirely happy with the equipment he had to work with, and could see areas where a different system would add benefit to his staff, his customers and of course the bank manager.

Design and experimentation began in the 1990s. Fast forward to 2012, and the system was now certified for not only the scaffolding standard but also the edge protection standard, something no other system can say they do. In the following years, the INTAKS system also won several industry awards.

Now, another ten years later and counting, the INTAKS system is used daily on thousands of jobs to provide builders, tradies and others with a safe and efficient height access solution.

INTAKS supply their customers with the equipment they need, because it is important to have the right tools for the job at hand. However, INTAKS also help their customers with training and support, when and where they need it. They have heavily invested in training and support because they know that how a business is managed is a critical factor in determining business success.

In scaffolding and edge protection, a company will be much more profitable if its key staff have the right skills and processes to work safely without injury, while also working as efficiently as possible.

Hours of thought have gone into developing a fit for purpose scaffolding and edge protection system that is quick and easy to install and dismantle.

Their team has many years of combined experience working with supply and fit company owners and their staff.

With a broad range and depth of practical experience in the team, INTAKS are committed to always doing what they can to support their customers. Working together allows them to support their customers the best they can, drawing on the right expertise when it’s needed.

Whether INTAKS are interacting with customers, suppliers, or each other,

mutual respect is the baseline that guides how they behave.

Let them help you find a better approach to scaffolding and edge protection, to move your project or business forward, making it both easier and more rewarding to manage.

They also provide training and ongoing support to help their customers and their staff work efficiently and safely.

The INTAKS scaffolding and edge protection system has been designed from the ground up. Hours of thought

have gone into developing a fit for purpose scaffolding and edge protection system that is quick and easy to install and dismantle. The interchangeable components fit together to minimise space taken up on site, leaving more room for trades to get on with their jobs.

For more information on INTAKS and their product check out their website at www.intaks.com/nz/. Or to get in contact with the team email them at info@intaks.co.nz or call them on 0800 629 233.

Testimonials: Steele Mildwaters Fall Stop Scaffold Limited “As a scaffolding and roof protection company, we often face difficult challenges. Thanks to the great support we get from the Intaks business team, we can confidently meet our customers’ demands and take on projects that would otherwise test our nerves.

Intake are continually developing new, innovative products and their overnight supply has given us the ability to do more with less. At the end of the day, our teams are in better shape and they can keep up a fast pace, without the risks that come from working with heavier gear.

There’s pride too, knowing we are working with a New Zealand designed and made system, which in our minds is every bit as good as the world’s best.”

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Jono Rush Pro Platform Limited “We’ve been using Intaks scaffolding since 2015. As a supplier of scaffolding and edge protection systems, mainly for residential work, we find the Intaks system saves us a lot of time and effort on a daily basis.

In the residential game, the biggest thing is to be able to put the scaffolding up and down as quickly as possible. Intake is fantastic for that. We can erect the scaffolding in a day, which is quicker than steel scaffolding systems and the lighter weight means we get less staff fatigue.

We also love the fact that Intaks scaffolding is so versatile. There are so many different ways you can set it up, to suit all the different trades people working on the building.”

Manufacturer of Scaffold & Edge Protection Solutions

SCAFFOLDING | EDGE PROTECTION

EQU I PM EN T S UPPLY, TRA I N I N G & SU PPORT FOR EXI STI N G B US I N E S S E S & STARTU PS

By Professionals, For Professionals

DO MORE WITH LESS

COMPLETE SOLUTION CREATIVITY

NOT JUST SCAFFOLD

LIGHTER AND STRONGER

FAST AND EASY SOLUTIONS BY DESIGN

TRIED AND TESTED

07 577 6469

INFO@INTAKS.CO.NZ

22 PORUTU PLACE, TAURIKO, TAURANGA

WWW.INTAKS.COM B&C | 61

Timber Design Awards

NZ Timber Design Award winners announced Timber challenges traditional construction boundaries The fully subscribed gala function for the NZ Timber Design Awards was hosted

by Timber Unlimited on November 2nd at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.

Leaders across the industry celebrated the re-defining of timber as a modern construction material that pushes the boundaries of the possible for architects, designers, engineers and construction professionals alike.

Engineered timber featured strongly throughout, as did hybrid buildings (those incorporating other building materials in the finished project).

“The possibilities for timber aren’t limited to traditional uses anymore,” explained Timber Unlimited’s director Dr Robert Finch. “We all know timber can be aesthetically beautiful as well as being an impressive building material, and it’s sustainable too.”

“From residential and commercial architectural excellence, to innovative uses of engineered wood, to new ways to use specialty timbers – wood is now firmly established as a favourite of forward thinking architects and engineers, and the NZ Timber Design Awards proved this,” said Awards manager Debbie Fergie.

Judging and choosing a supreme winner Sorting another record-breaking number of entries into just 61 finalists, and ultimately into winners and runners-up over 12 categories (up 50 percent from category choices 10 years ago), requires a profound understanding of architectural design, engineering skills and innovative thinking as well as constructing excellence.

The four judges selected this year are leaders in their sectors, and were uniformly impressed with the vision and expertise demonstrated by all the entries.

Convening judge David Carradine, a senior structural research engineer with BRANZ and frequent Awards judge, confirmed that for

him “there is no limit to what can be done with this material, especially combined with the advances in digital and manufacturing technologies that cater specifically to wood and engineered wood products”.

The other three judges were Jan Stanway, Technical Director for WSP in New Zealand; Andrea Stocchero, senior analyst, Sector and Bio-economy Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service; and Judith Taylor, current President of the NZ Institute of Architects.

All judges felt the range of submissions demonstrated the innovation, dedication and creativity that exists within and across the New Zealand timber sector, from architectural and engineering design, manufacturing and fabrication, to “the builders and makers of these beautiful examples of what can be done with one of our greatest national treasures, namely timber”.

Green School - Kina by BOON (Taranaki)

With the Supreme Award winner, Green School NZ’s “Kina” project on a former farm in Taranaki, judges agreed it was an exemplary project that demonstrated the beauty, efficiency and sustainability of timber, and was a clear winner.

The materials’ whole of life cycle was considered from design process to execution to the end of its useful life, ensuring that timber was as sustainably sourced and manufactured as possible.

This allowed it to be a beautiful building now, and at the end of its long life most of the timber elements will be able to be recycled.

“Through sustainable material selection, and innovative building techniques and products, Green School NZ buildings have been by design faster to build, higher performing and less wasteful than most others by quite a margin, with up to 60 percent less going to landfill,” explained the selected design studio BOON Ltd. Highly commended in the “supreme” category was Nelson Airport, with judges recognising “the seamless fusion of architecture, engineering and timber,” which “represents a global benchmark for timber architecture and engineering innovation.”

We offer professional consulting services by combining state-of-the-art technology and expert specialist engineers.

Nelson Airport, by Studio Pacific Architecture

The People’s Choice Award showed Māori Concepts’ Tomomai ki Ahipara in Northland to be a clear winner, with St Hilda’s Anglican Church in Wellington highly commended.

Here is the full list of winners and highly commended entries by each category:

Winner: Clearwater Quay Apartments, by Pacific Environments NZ (Christchurch) Highly Commended: Homeground, Te Tapui Atawhai by Stevens Lawson Architects (Auckland)

Category 1: Residential Design, Single Family Dwelling: Winner: Studio house by William Samuels Architects (Nelson) Highly Commended: Kauri house by Context

Cat. 2: Residential Design, Multi-Unit Dwellings (< 3 storeys): Winner: 90 Carrington Road by RM Designs & Engco (Auckland) Highly Commended: Parawai Crescent by RM Designs & Engco (Auckland)

• FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING • SEISMIC DESIGN AND MONITORING • WORLD LEADING TIMBER ENGINEERING • COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Cat. 3: Commercial & Public Building Design:

03 925 9173 | info@ptlnz.com 10/357 Madras St, Christchurch Central www.ptlnz.com

Highly Commended 1: St Hilda’s Anglican Church, by First Light Studios (Wellington)

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Cat. 4: Mid-rise Building Design:

Winner: Green School - Kina by Boon (Taranaki)

Highly Commended 2: St Kentigern’s Preschool, by Smith Architects (Auckland)

Learning from Trees, by Andrew Barrie Lab (offshore)

Timber Design Awards

Timber engineering showcase The new five storey Clearwater Apartments in Christchurch – a showcase of the amazing things which can be achieved by modern timber engineering.

Not only was it 15% cheaper to construct than a comparable concrete building, but its carbon

emission reduction credentials are hugely impressive.

The wood continues to store the carbon which the trees sucked out of the atmosphere to grow.

It also means 1000 tonnes of CO3 weren’t emitted – which would have been the case if concrete was used.

www.woodourlowcarbonfuture.nz

CLEARWATER APARTMENTS Christchurch

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Timber Design Awards Cat. 5: Interior Design: Winner: Learning from Trees, by Andrew Barrie Lab (offshore) Highly Commended: Taunga Waka Rererangi o Kirikiriroa - Hamilton Airport, by Archimedia Waikato Architects (Hamilton)

Cat. 6: Exterior Structure Design:

Highly Commended 2: Te Whare Nui o Tuteata – Scion Timber Innovation Hub, Irving Smith Architects, RTA Studio & Dunning Thornton Consultants

Winner: Horoeka, by David Trubridge (Rotorua)

Cat. 11: Innovative Timber Manufacturing & Technology:

Highly Commended: The Elms - Te Papa, Heritage Garden Pavilion, Tauranga, by Matthews & Matthews Architects, Tauranga

Winner: Lightweight Timber Research Structures, by Andrew Barrie Lab & Batchelar McDougall (staff & students at a New Zealand University)

Cat. 7: NZ Specialty Timber Award: Winner: Te Rau Karamu Marae, by Athfield Architects and Te Kahi Toi (Wellington) Highly Commended: Venice Benches, by Michael Davis (offshore)

Highly Commended: Te Whare-iti / Dorking Road house, by Aonui Architecture (Wellington)

Cat. 12: Student Design Award:

Cat. 8: Sustainable Development Award:

Winner: The Vertical Stage,

by Gregory Mann (independent)

Winner: Te Whare Nui o Tuteata – Scion Timber Innovation Hub, by Irving Smith Architects, RTA Studio & Dunning Thornton Consultants (Rotorua)

Highly Commended: The Saucer (Summerhill Charitable Trust), by Thomas Nguyen University of Auckland

Highly Commended: Te Noninga Kumu – Motueka Public Library, by JTB Architects (Tasman)

Cat. 9: Hybrid Building Award: Winner: Wall-E, by Irving Smith Architects (Nelson) Highly Commended: Dowie Rose house, by Dowie Architects (Auckland)

Horoeka, by David Trubridge (Rotorua)

Highly Commended 1: Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Kirk Roiberts (Australia)

Cat. 10: Innovative Timber Engineering Award: Winner: Nelson Airport, by Studio Pacific Architecture, Dunning Thornton Consultants, Gibbons Naylor (Nelson)

Supreme Award: Winner: Green School - Kina by BOON (Taranaki) Highly Commended: Nelson Airport,

by Studio Pacific Architecture, Dunning Thornton Consultants, Gibbons Naylor (Nelson)

People’s Choice Award: Winner: Tomomai ki Ahipara, Maori Concepts (Northland) Highly Commended: St Hilda’s Anglican Church, First Light Studio (Wellington)

It’s Sustainable, It’s Storing Carbon, It’s Engineered Timber.

Te Rau Karamu Marae, by Athfield Architects and Te Kahi Toi (Wellington)

Tomomai ki Ahipara, Maori Concepts (Northland) 64 | B&C

Timber Design Awards

Innovative NZ made timber portal supports a more sustainable build The PLX Portal, the breakthrough glulam timber bracing solution from Prolam, provides a strong, lightweight and more sustainable alternative to steel.

Designed by New Zealand engineered structural timber specialists, Prolam, and manufactured at the company’s state-ofthe-art production facility in Motueka, Nelson, the PLX Portal represents homegrown innovation at its best.

Prolam Managing Director John Woodman says the company’s commitment to designing products which simplify design and construction and meet the demand for more sustainable building products, has been front and centre in the development of the PLX Portal.

“The PLX Portal provides architects and builders with a timber-based alternative to steel portals that delivers the strength, structural integrity and durability today’s builds demand,” Mr Woodman said.

The only product of its kind on the market, the PLX Portal is constructed from three

glulaminated timber elements, including Prolam’s trademarked PLX20 Beam – a finalist in the 2023 New Zealand Timber Design Awards.

“The reinforced beam offers excellent load bearing and spanning capability, while the portal system features custom designed brackets and clamping devices for exceptional bracing capacity,” Mr Woodman said.

“This makes it the perfect solution for architectural features ranging from large internal openings to garage and window portals or anywhere you want high bracing and low thermal bridging but only have a narrow wall space.”

The portal’s lightweight construction and straightforward bracing system also makes it a builder’s dream.

Up to 40 per cent lighter than their steel equivalents, the PLX Portal’s timber lintel and legs can be cut to length onsite to suit a project’s specifications, assembled using standard tools, and installed and fixed without the need for specialised skills, extra labour or lifting equipment like cranes.

The Prolam PLX Portal’s in-built strength, lightweight construction and straightforward bracing system make it a builder’s dream.

Experienced structural engineer, Andy Van Houtte, from Potius was heavily involved in the development of the PLX Portal, working

alongside the Prolam team to take the idea of a high strength timber portal from concept to commercial reality.

A structural engineer who had previously used Prolam products in his own design projects, Mr Van Houtte said ease of specification by the architect and flexible installation options for the builder were the key aims.

“The result is an off the shelf, customisable solution for large residential openings that has real benefits for builders,” Mr Van Houtte said.

Prior to its release to market in July 2023, the PLX Portal was rigorously tested to ensure it met New Zealand building standards. Independently tested by Scion, it provides a structural bracing solution for buildings within the scope of NZS3604 and has been proven to resist wind and earthquake loads using the P21 BRANZ test methodology.

Build smart and strong Replace the hassle of steel with a high strength glulam timber bracing portal • Superior load bearing, bracing capacity, and spanning capability.

• Ideal for large internal openings, garage and window portals, or where you have a narrow wall space or want low thermal bridging.

• Simple, safe, light & quick to install – no special tools or equipment.

Watch video to see and believe it!

03 526 7436 | info@prowoodnz.com prolamnz.com

Includes the PLX20 beam.

Finalist in the 2023 NZ Timber Design Awards.

Building better together

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Timber Design Awards

CLT Manufacturer Building long-term partnerships and relationships, XLam are proud to have been selected as the supplier for landmark buildings across New Zealand and Australia, applying mass timber products as an integral part of both mass timber and hybrid build methodologies.

As the pioneer of Mass Timber in New Zealand and Australia, XLam leads the market in manufacture, supply, technical expertise, and support. Their investment in a state-of-theart production facility, the vertical integration of XLam's supply chain, and their expertise means that they supply more m3 of mass timber than any other organisation in their local New Zealand and Australian markets.

Across XLam, their team understands the importance of delivering quality project outcomes for their clients. XLam have proudly supplied government, commercial and residential sectors, contributing CLT and mass timber expertise to; major infrastructure projects, landmark buildings, mixed-use developments, corporate and government offices, schools and community buildings, hotels and hospitality, retail buildings, and apartments, townhouses and homes.

XLam has built its reputation leading the market in the manufacture and supply of mass timber construction products and the support and advice they have provided their clients and project partners. They apply their experience and capability throughout the design, production and delivery phases combining industry experience and practical knowledge with specialist expertise.

Working collaboratively with their clients and project partners, XLam places an emphasis on open communication, sharing ideas and expertise, adding value, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to HSEQ. Choosing XLam as a project partner ensures you have the experts in Mass Timber on your team.

Construction Methodologies XLam has secured a market reputation for quality, efficiency and technical support that means they are a natural choice for the production and supply of engineered timber for sustainable and efficient prefabricated mass timber and hybrid construction.

Hybrid Construction Our proven approach to hybrid construction combines steel and concrete with XLam mass timber CLT panels to enhance sustainability, increase construction speed, improve site safety, and deliver improved project R.O.I. Mass Timber Construction (MTC) XLam has the capacity and capability to support mass timber construction for large scale and custom projects with CLT. XLam MTC is sustainable, efficient, and safe supporting contractors and project owners to achieve enhanced project R.O.I.

XLam has built its reputation leading the market in the manufacture and supply of mass timber construction products and the support and advice they have provided their clients and project partners.

New Shoots ECEC Greenhithe, Auckland NZ Photography: Kelvin Lim

What does XLam stand for?

Sustainability XLam supports a sustainable future to protect the environment for current and future generations by championing a sustainable building methodology and practice through the manufacture and supply of sustainable building products XLam CLT. This is in line with community expectations for “greener” buildings and the global push to lower carbon emissions and focus on building with timber instead of carbonheavy steel and concrete.

Renewable Plantation Timber XLam CLT is a sustainable building product that uses renewable plantation timber sourced from sustainably managed plantations. The XLam chain of custody is PEFC certified, meaning all XLam products have been sourced from sustainable, Responsible Wood (PEFC) certified resources.

Plant and Food Research Centre, Nelson NZ 66 | B&C

Carbon Sequestration Using timber as a primary building product ensures carbon sequestration.

When a tree is harvested, the carbon it has sequestered during its natural life cycle is retained within its cellular structure. A timber building, in effect, locks up the carbon it has previously stored – providing a perfect environmental solution for the future.

Carbon Saving Part of the journey to net-zero is the use renewable timber in building construction, such as XLam CLT which uses less carbon than other building products. For example, in a recent project that used approximately 500m3 of sustainable plantation pine, this translated to 1,742 tonnes less carbon being used throughout construction than if it were built with conventional building materials.* *Source: V-Quest Project Analysis Report, Comparative Analysis. V-Quest calculates the Embodied carbon (kg CO2eq/quantity) using rates obtained from the Branz Co2nstruct database.

Timber Design Awards

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Timber Design Awards

Exceeding Expectations

Red Stag TimberLab is New Zealand’s leading engineered timber design and manufacturing company.

Operating from the greater Red Stag 93 Hectare site in Rotorua, a two hectare site in Hamilton and a 3,500 square metre plant in East Tamaki, their team of over 100 are delivering local excellence.

The company has been providing complete design, manufacture, supply and installation supervision packages for engineered timber structures since 1958, with more than half being for international projects. In 2022 Red Stag purchased TimberLab, combining the Auckland manufacturing with a new scale Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Engineered Wood Product (EWP) plant in Rotorua,

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frame, truss and light timber panelisation in Hamilton and the Southern Hemispheres largest structural saw mill.

Red Stag’s aim is to be the best provider of innovative, cost-effective, and customised engineered timber solutions throughout New Zealand. Red Stag TimberLab are committed to ensuring the highest quality of service and solutions are provided to their clients. Emphasising sustainability in their work, they use timber from sustainably harvested plantation forests. Red Stag offers environmentally responsible construction options, backed by FSC Chain of Custody Certification. They are passionate about reducing the dependence on high carbon emitting, non-renewable resources such as steel and concrete by converting logs into beautiful and efficient timber structures.

The team at Red Stag TimberLab place utmost importance on attention to detail and desire to be the best in the business.

Heavily valuing customer relationships and fostering solid business partnerships, it’s

no wonder they are a multi award winning company.

Red Stag TimberLab have been manufacturing engineered timber for over 60 years and are the most vertically integrated EWP producer in New Zealand with internal feedstock manufacturing, drying and treatment, CLT and GLT manufacturing, LVL processing, and light timber/frame and truss design and supply integration. In parallel, Red Stag offers advice and guidance, door to door delivery, prefabrication manufacturing, 3D computer modelling, and total package solutions and education.

Red Stag TimberLab have the most advanced EWP CNC capabilities in the country with three scale machines, including the world’s largest timber CNC processor based in Rotorua. Investment is ongoing, and in October 2023, two more large scale CNC’s will be commissioned in Rotorua providing more capacity and capability with New Zealand’s largest beam processor.

Looking to the future, Red Stag TimberLab is continuing to review expansion opportunities to support New Zealand meeting its 2030 emissions targets. Unlike all other traditional construction materials, timber provides a mechanism to lock up carbon, reduce the foundation requirements and significantly increase the speed of construction with light, large scale panels CLT is a proven solution abroad, and the scale of Red Stag’s plant allows for 75 m2 panels to be manufactured. This allows projects to install 300 – 450 m2 of floors or panels per hour.

Red Stag TimberLab is proud to be the supplier of choice for the most iconic mass timber buildings in New Zealand. They maintain close relationships with clients to ensure their products and services add value and are an investment for all projects.

Get in touch with the team by sending an enquiry to ewp@redstag.co.nz, alternatively you can call them on +64 9 253 9349.

Timber Design Awards

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Timber Design Awards

As the use of mass timber products like Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glulam (GLT), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), has gained momentum in the construction of commercial buildings in recent years, Tricon Construction Services has forged an enviable reputation for its professionalism, knowledge and experience using mass timber materials throughout New Zealand.

Tricon Construction Services’ journey commenced in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes and has steadily evolved its sphere of operation, subcontracting to building companies like Naylor Love, Armitage Williams, and LT McGuinness and engaging in major commercial projects throughout New Zealand.

“We undertook construction of the first Mass Timber structure in New Zealand,” says Tricon Services’ Managing Director Dean Taylor. “This particular structure consisted of XLam’s CLT floors and walls and at the time the hostel was the biggest project in Australasia using XLam’s product. Because much of the CLT was left exposed, care was taken to protect the visible surfaces, and oversized skirtings were used to cover the fixings.”

Christchurch’s Arvida Park Retirement Village was another of Tricon Construction Services’ early projects and consisted of eighty apartments, all built from XLam CLT. “From the concrete podium up to the 9th floor, the Auckland City Mission building was the largest Mass Timber structure we have built using XLam CLT and Timberlab

LVL,’ says Dean. “This building is still New Zealand’s tallest timber building and was completed about a year after Covid.”

Other completed projects we were involved in that deserve to be recognised, include Queenstown Country Club, Dolomite Exhibition Centre and Auckland University of Technology A1 building.

Leading up to the Auckland City Mission project, Tricon Construction Services successfully completed the Mass Timber installation of the Hornby Workers Club in Christchurch and the Sion Te Papa Tipu Innovation Hub. The Sion Te Papa Tipu Innovation Hub has won numerous architectural awards nationally and internationally.

A more recent project was AgResearch’s new laboratory in Lincoln which included twelve CLT shear walls, a first in New

Zealand, along with stairs, balustrades and elevator shaft supported by LVL and GLT. “The project commenced in August last year and we completed our part of the project early this year. Everything inside the building is visual, including the CLT panels. It has a much warmer feeling over steel and concrete, in my view. Other recently completed projects we were involved in that deserve to be recognised, include the Queenstown Country Club, Dolomite Exhibition Centre, Auckland University of Technology A1 building, and Punakaiki, Pokeka Poutini Canopy Greymouth. We are currently working on some fantastic projects including Devonport Road, Tauranga and Ryman Healthcare in Christchurch, with some more exciting projects to follow in the near future.”

Dean says the use and accuracy of Mass Timber, needs a collaborative approach between the client, the design consultants, the supply chain and the main contractor to achieve the best installation and program efficiency.

“With Mass Timber, each component is CNC cut to measure, sequentially numbered and delivered to site, ready for installation. It’s also has benefits for follow on trades. Once the floor and walls are installed and structurally complete, the sub-trades can go straight in and do their work without having to wait for concrete curing.”

With all Mass Timber projects, knowledge and experience is vital. This is what provides confidence to the industry, especially when the use of Mass Timber is on the rise.

MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS 0800 TRICON | Phone Dean: 027 252 8456 | Email: dean@tricon.nz 70 | B&C

Timber and fencing for you Located in Wanganui East, Eastown Timber & Fencing has been serving the region since 1996. As proud members of the Buildlink Group, they provide a wide range of quality outdoor timber and fencing materials.

Specialising in farm fencing, farm gates, hand & power tools, hardware, roundwood, timber, and much more, Eastown Timber & Fencing is well-equipped to cater to farmers, contractors, and tradesmen alike.

They also offer custom-made trellis panels and farm gates upon request.

With a strong focus on customer service, the knowledgeable staff at Eastown Timber & Fencing can recommend the right product for any job. They are happy to assist clients and build solid relationships to ensure customer satisfaction. As a member of the Buildlink Group, they can

offer competitive prices and a personalised service experience.

In addition to their extensive range of products, Eastown Timber & Fencing also provides delivery services. They have a delivery vehicle suitable for any job size, ensuring prompt and efficient delivery of orders directly to the customer's site.

Eastown Timber & Fencing is one of many BuildLink stores across the country.

BuildLink stores specialise in timber, hardware, kitset homes, and farm sheds, making them an ideal choice for building, DIY, trade, and farm projects.

With an extensive network of suppliers, Eastown Timber & Fencing excels in sourcing products both within and outside their standard range, all while maintaining competitive pricing and efficient delivery.

Their access to niche products adds a unique dimension to their offerings. As part of their Rural Link Farm Buildings program,

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they provide Kitset Poles Sheds that can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements. This comprehensive service includes the provision of all necessary materials and detailed Engineer Plans.

Eastown Timber & Fencing has undertaken a dedicated effort to upgrade their yard, making it increasingly efficient and userfriendly, ensuring a superior experience for their valued customers.

Conveniently located at 4 Holyoake Street, Whanganui East, Eastown Timber & Fencing is open six days a week for sales, ordering, inquiries, and collection of goods.

With their commitment to customer satisfaction, quality products, and competitive prices, Eastown Timber & Fencing is the go-to supplier for all outdoor timber and fencing needs in the Whanganui region. Contact them today for expert advice and top-notch service on 06 349 0040.

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Bloc Group manufacture and supply masonry blocks, bricks, pavers & retaining products throughout the North Island.

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SARNZ

Celebrating scaffolding More than 200 people attended the Scaffolding, Access and Rigging Association New Zealand (SARNZ) conference and tradeshow in September this year. The two and a half day event designed to celebrate scaffolding success as well as highlight issues and education within the industry took place at the Grand Millennium, Auckland.

SARNZ CEO, Tina Wieczorek, says with just over 30 exhibitors, it was a very busy few days. “We had a range of different speakers who talked about things from legal advice and insurance advice to new partnerships we had created. We had Jehan Casinader who was our simply great MC,” she says.

Tina says they actually expanded the awards this year to keep up with the rapid growth of the industry.

“The conference covered a range of different topics such as industry specific technology,” says Tina.

Winner of Training Company of the Year – Scafit Ltd.

“We also covered a wider range of business advice that some of the guys might not have the time to think about. We’re hopeful and we’re confident that everyone walked away with at least one gold nugget of information.”

Alongside the conference, SARNZ also held their awards in which excellence within the industry was celebrated.

They had an incredible number of entries which the judges, Simon Boyes, Terry Jenkins and Marlo Bromley, diligently evaluated to find the winners.

Winner of the Rope Access Awards, Director of Industrial Site Services Ltd – Bruce Forsyth with SARNZ CEO, Tina Wieczorek.

Winners of Enclosed Job of the Year, Industrial ($0 - $50k + $200k+) & Rigging Job of the Year, Cunningham Construction Ltd.

Winners

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• Overall Job of the Year: South Pacific • Scaffolding Ltd for West Wave Pools.

• Commercial Job of the Year $0 to $50k: Greeves Nelson for Port Nelson.

• Commercial Job of the Year $50k to $200k: South Pacific Scaffolding Ltd for West Wave Pools.

• Commercial Job of the Year $200k+: Greeves Waikato for Victoria Street Bridge Cambridge.

• Enclosed Job of the Year: Cunningham Constructions Ltd for Methanex CUI. • Industrial Job of the Year $0 to $50k: Cunningham Construction Ltd for Ali Mobile T. • Industrial Job of the Year $50k to $200k: Upright Scaffolding Ltd for Sharplin Falls Reserve Mount Somers.

• Industrial Job of the Year $200k+: Cunningham Constructions Ltd for Methanex D4 Debottlenecking.

• Residential Job of the Year: WorkZone Wellington for Cantilevered House.

• Rigging Job of the Year: Cunningham Constructions Ltd for Mt Messenger.

• Rope Access Job of the Year: Industrial Site Services Ltd. • Trainee of the Year: Akesi Liaina from Acrow Ltd. • Trainee Company of the Year: Scafit Ltd.

“We had a couple of additions this year so, overall, we had eleven. That ranged from commercial and industrial awards under different financial brackets, one for residential, one for enclosed jobs, one for rigging, one for rope access, one for trainee of the year and one for training company of the year.

“We then also have our Overall Job of the Year winner too, which this year was South Pacific Scaffolding.”

The conference and tradeshow also celebrated David Sopp, Jonny Benbow and David Spice by making them Life Members.

Of the award, David Sopp says it was a real surprise to receive it and an honour. “I acknowledge all the other life members and the work they have done in the past for SARNZ. “I would also like to acknowledge the support I have received from my employer, Industrial Site Services. Without this, all that work I’ve been involved in would not have been possible,” he says.

Jonny Benbow says being recognised by your peers and others in the industry for the part he played in getting SARNZ to where it is now is an honour and very humbling. He says it makes him feel like he’s left a mark on the industry.

David Spice says when he got up to receive his award, it was a moment he’ll never forget.

SARNZ

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SARNZ “We’re excited to showcase to our members and wider partners how much that region has grown,” Tina says.

“Over the covid period, that region had a lot of issues with housing but there has been a lot of tidy up and growth. In fact, there’s a beautiful new spa that’s just opened on the waterfront which I know a lot of scaffies, riggers and rope access crew whose bodies could use some rejuvenation. Rotorua deserves a bit of love.”

About SARNZ

“When I got up and everyone in the room stood up and clapped, it was overwhelming and quite emotional.”

SARNZ is the association for businesses in scaffolding, access and rigging in New Zealand. They are ISO 9001 certified and aim to lead members to excellence in the industry. SARNZ works with government agencies to ensure that regulations and legislation are fit for purpose in the industry, and to act as a voice for their members for issues, concerns, or improving their sector.

On the back of this year’s success, Tina says SARNZ is already preparing for next year’s conference. She says they’ll be hosting it in Rotorua and says they haven’t hosted there in over a decade.

Their goals are for their members to be the only choice in scaffolding, access and rigging and for their members to maintain, deliver and teach the highest levels of quality and safety in the industry.

Winner of Training Company of the Year – Akesi Liaina (Left) with Operatons Manager at Acrow Ltd (Auckland), Amos Mataia.

Scaffolding, Access and Rigging Association P.O. Box 30758 Lower Hutt 04 589 8081 admin@sarnz.org.nz www.sarnz.co.nz

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Cunningham Construction

Winning big at SARNZ

By June Pfister

Cunningham Construction based in the Taranaki region is a well-known Scaffolding, Access and Rigging company. They have been in on numerous construction projects and are always ready to take on new projects.

This year, Cunningham Construction entered the Scaffolding, Access and Rigging New Zealand’s (SARNZ) 2023 Job of the Year Awards which was hosted during the SARNZ conference and tradeshow.

While entering 10 of their projects, Cunningham Construction took home four different awards that night.

They won Enclosed Job of the Year, two Industrial Job of the Year awards and the Rigging Job of the Year.

Cunningham Construction was a lead contributor on the Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass project which won Rigging Job of the Year award.

In this project, Cunningham Construction have taken a pioneering approach by their significant involvement in the install and the operation of a cutting-edge 1.1-kilometre cableway.

This is where Cunningham Construction has significantly contributed to the project’s success.

The cableway plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of workers, machinery, and materials, enabling the project to run seamlessly and with utmost responsibility.

The team also took out two industrial awards at the SARNZ award ceremony, one being the debottlenecking of the Distillation 4.

In late 2022, they undertook the project to transform a 110-ton scaffold into a larger structure for Methanex NZ’s significant decarbonization initiative in Taranaki.

The project involved scaffolding the Distillation 4 Column, which was already in use for a Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) campaign.

To accomplish this without disrupting ongoing work, they designed a plan that added 140 tons of scaffolding and a GEDA 1200 for the retray works.

Cunningham Construction was commissioned again by Methanex NZ to replicate the scaffold used on Distillation 3 (that Cunningham’s also had built), for the adjacent Distillation 4 column.

The project involved 110 tonnes of Layher scaffolding, designed to manage full containment efficiently while ensuring proper airflow. The scaffold successfully withstood Cyclone Gabrielle’s forces, and the engineering and design innovations contributed to significant client efficiencies.

Methanex D4 CUI won the Enclosed Scaffold of the Year.

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Mt Messenger. Photo supplied by Cunningham Construction.

The second award that Cunningham Construction won under the Industrial section was for the project for the Ali Mobile T-101.

it is clear why they are such a high-profile company in the Scaffolding and Rigging industry.

They partnered with long-time client, Worley, for the Tank-101 refurbishment. Their goal was to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, ensure safety, and minimise man-hours.

The overall 10 projects the company submitted for the awards, showcased their innovation and engineering expertise.

They faced the challenge of designing a lightweight mobile scaffold for access both inside the top two metres and outside two metres below the tank’s wing girder for blasting and painting.

Load capacity became a primary concern, leading the team to collaborate with Layher, who designed a bespoke allaluminium solution.

Cunningham Construction 12 Water Lane New Plymouth (06) 758 9778 admin@cclscaffolding.co.nz www.cclscaffolding.co.nz

Cunningham Construction took away multiple awards at this year’s SARNZ conference and

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Climb to the top Established in 2022, Barrett Access Scaffolding is a kiwi and family owned and operated scaffolding business that was created to fill a gap in the residential and light commercial market.

Barrett Access Scaffolding is already well established with private residential works and has been able to assist customers all over Auckland, they also have a niche in scaffolding for Masonry, working within small developments and alongside many different trades.

With over a decade of experience Barrett Access Scaffolding saw that the scaffolding industry needed a health and safety orientated company that still maintains a high level of efficiency and affordability.

They maintain and meet deadlines while upholding the highest health and safety standards. Barrett Access Scaffolding puts its employees and customers first, understanding that safety, satisfaction, and efficiency is paramount.

Barrett Access Scaffolding prioritises environmentally friendly standards, they aim to use materials and systems they can reuse and recycle. In 2023 Barrett Access Scaffolding assisted in over 60 projects in residential and light commercial with an ongoing working relationship with City Rail Link.

Services Gutter and roof: Providing solutions and fast turnover for all gutter and roof scaffolding needs. Specialising in providing safety when working at height.

Painting: Cost effective planning while ensuring efficiency. Able to provide intricate scaffolding for those hard to reach places.

Brick and block / Masonry: Trade specific scaffold to suit weight bearing and necessary regulations.

General renovations: Working with the customer to meet budgets and deadlines, Barrett Access Scaffolding takes their time to discuss your needs and build scaffolds to suit.

Light commercial: Working at height safety guardrail systems, safe access towers, and general scaffold working platforms.

Why use Barrett Access Scaffolding?

Barrett Access Scaffolding is a proud family business with a strong focus on providing the best possible service for their customers. They aim to provide a cost effective solution based service with a positive attitude and without sacrificing on health and safety and efficiency.

For all your scaffolding needs, Barrett Access Scaffolding is here to provide all those needs. Contact the team today on 022 549 8094 or email them at info@barrettaccessscaffolding.com.

Testimonials: "I used these guys for some gutter repairs on my house and they were great. The best pricing and communication, no dramas and allowed time for me to repaint guttering before taking scaffold away for no extra price. Legends." - Andrew B

"I needed some scaffolding so that repairs to a gutter in two places, and a roof leak could be dealt with - a high two storey building. Zane Barrett erected the scaffolding exactly where I asked. After the first repair, he came back, took down the scaffolding and re-erected it a couple of metres away for the last repair." - Lyn P

Are you looking for safe, reliable and affordable scaffolding?

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Get in touch for a free no obligation quote

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Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries

AWCI awards celebrate success

By Ben O’Connell

Leaders, talent, and innovators alike have come together to celebrate excellence within the wall and ceiling industry.

On 22 and 23 September the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI) hosted their 2023 conference in Queenstown.

Executive officer and general manager of AWCI Richard Arkinstall says ending the conference with a gala dinner was a brilliant format, and that plans for next year’s conference boast an even bigger event.

A key networking event on the industry calendar, the annual AWCI conference and awards saw 170 attendees unite at the Millennium Hotel for seminars and friendly competition.

The opportunity to network, discuss, and interact with industry colleagues is a massive attraction for delegates, Richard says.

Catching up with a number of suppliers to learn more about key products and new innovations is something Richard says is always beneficial.

The event had many highlights, but Richard notes new changes to the rapid-fire apprentice competition and talks from key speakers Brad Olsen and Dom Harvey in particular.

Another key moment was the introduction of Service to Industry awards at the Saturday night gala dinner.

“We honoured some incredible industry stalwarts during the Service to Industry awards – Keith Hogg Hush Interiors, Mark Pepperell Tika Interiors, Colin Eyre T&R, Owen Hart Tauranga Plasterers,” Richard says.

“They were a massive highlight of the evening along with a spontaneous haka that occurred when the winner of the Apprentice of the Year competition was announced.

“Brad Olsen gave a great picture of the future and the industry is in strong shape especially commercial growth,” he says.

“Dominic Harvey was our emcee and made for a great atmosphere.”

Friday forums also offered a great interactive opportunity for discussion, with guest speakers stimulating useful business conversation.

“The conference provided an overview of the new code of practice for suspended ceilings and President Daniel Pepperell’s annual report demonstrated many of the new benefits and packages we have rolled out for members.”

Wellingtons Suspended Ceiling and Interior Fit-Out Specialists

Despite how the wall and ceiling industry is a specialist sector of the construction industry, Richard says it is in great shape and continues to grow. He says that like any association, it is the AWCI members that get involved who benefit the most.

Richard encourages businesses to become members and join the growing network of like-minded industry professionals.

“AWCI is growing really well on the back of our new strategic plan,” he says. “Being a member really establishes the credibility of the company involved and with many of our new member benefits, those involved see a lot of value.

“We have a range of new webinars coming out along more regional events and activities for members to be involved with.

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“Our technical focuses remain ensuring our members can sign off their work especially structural plasterboard, releasing the new code of practice, and ensuring all members have up to date trade guidelines.”

The AWCI conference and awards could not have come alive without the help of various sponsors and partners. “Our partners at the conference are excellent,” Richard says.

“GIB, Potter Interior Systems and Rondo have great staff and technical information plus other partners like Hilti, Intex and Asona always bring heaps of tools and products for display. Many of them go all out with brilliant trade displays so delegates can spend a lot of time looking at products.”

The gala dinner wrapped up with everyone watching a Warriors game from Brisbane.

Richard says “to have 160 people cheering at the big screens was awesome” and it goes to show the friendly and inviting community present within the industry.

The future looks bright for AWCI and the industry as a whole. Richard says that shortly the association will launch a careers website to demonstrate the breadth of work available and connect talent with tasks.

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries PO Box 45 098 Lower Hutt Wellington 5042 0800 AWCINZ (0800 292 469) admin@awcinz.org.nz www.awci.org.nz

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B&C | 81

Future Proofing & Weathertightness

Eliminating weathertightness worries

By June Pfister

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment in history. As climate change continues to manifest itself through extreme weather events, ensuring the weather tightness of buildings has become more critical than ever before.

Weather tightness refers to the ability of a building to withstand adverse weather conditions and keep its interior dry and safe.

Future-proofing in construction involves making buildings resilient to these challenges while also addressing changing needs and expectations.

Climate change has exacerbated the need for weather tightness, as it has led to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and storms.

This is not just a matter of convenience; it is about the longevity, safety, and health of the occupants.

Poor weather tightness can lead to water damage, mould growth, and other structural problems that compromise a building’s integrity.

Future-proofing is a proactive approach to construction that aims to create buildings that can adapt and endure through time.

This means anticipating future challenges, such as climate change and technological advancements, and incorporating solutions into the design and construction process.

In the context of weather tightness, future-proofing involves building structures that can withstand more extreme weather conditions and adapt to new building standards and regulations.

One of the key strategies for future-proofing weather tightness is to invest in robust design and construction.

This includes selecting high-quality materials, ensuring proper insulation, and adopting sound construction practices.

Additionally, attention should be paid to the design of the building envelope, such as roofs, walls, and foundations, to minimise vulnerability to weather-related issues.

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Using sustainable materials can contribute to future-proofing in construction. Sustainable materials are not only environmentally friendly but are often more durable and weather-resistant.

Using sustainable materials can contribute to futureproofing in construction. Sustainable materials are not only environmentally friendly but are often more durable and weather-resistant.

Future-proofing can often involve higher upfront costs for quality materials and construction practices. However, the long-term savings in maintenance, energy efficiency, and increased property value can outweigh these initial expenses.

For instance, incorporating materials like fibre cement siding, metal roofing, and composite wood can enhance the weather tightness of a building while minimising the need for future maintenance and repairs.

Building codes and regulations are evolving to address climate change and sustainability. Staying informed about these changes and ensuring compliance can be a challenge but is essential for future-proofing.

Insulation is a crucial aspect of weather tightness. Modern insulation materials, such as closed-cell spray foam and high-performance fibreglass, provide superior thermal and moisture control.

As technology continues to advance, buildings may need to adapt to accommodate new systems and automation.

These materials can help maintain a comfortable indoor environment while safeguarding against water intrusion.

Building materials and systems should incorporate air and vapour barriers. These barriers help control the movement of moisture and air through the building envelope, preventing the buildup of condensation and reducing the risk of leaks and damage.

Future-proofing doesn’t end with construction. Ongoing maintenance and regular inspections are crucial to ensure a building’s weather tightness is maintained over time.

This includes checking for any signs of water damage, addressing small issues before they become major problems, and making necessary upgrades as building codes evolve.

While future-proofing and ensuring weather tightness are essential goals, they come with their own set of challenges and considerations.

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Future-proofing should consider the flexibility to integrate these technologies. Sustainable materials and practices should be used to minimise the environmental impact of construction. Balancing future-proofing with sustainability is a critical consideration.

Future-proofing and weather tightness in building and construction are not just buzzwords but essential aspects of modern construction practices.

As climate change intensifies, the need for resilient, sustainable, and adaptable buildings becomes increasingly apparent.

By adopting strategies like robust design, sustainable materials, advanced insulation, and proactive maintenance, we can ensure that our buildings not only withstand the challenges of today, but also remain resilient in the face of future uncertainties.

In doing so, we protect the safety, comfort, and value of our built environment for generations to come.

McNab Plumbing McNab plumbing is Dunedin’s go-to plumbing company. For all your plumbing needs make sure to contact the team to get free advice and quotes.

McNab’s plumbing pride themselves on being efficient and on time for every job.

They will complete the task at hand to the highest quality to ensure every customer is satisfied with their work.

The business specialises in multiple areas such as plumbing repairs in renovations or new builds, ranging from small problems to large projects. They can do everything from fixing a dripping tap to full management of new kitchens and bathrooms.

The team can help you with all your drain laying needs such as repairs, unblocking’s and any emergency called outs. They know that dealing with blocked drains is never any fun so they take care of it for you quickly and with less mess.

The team says, “We count ourselves lucky because we get to take the time to make sure that every job we do gets done to the best standards."

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PLUMBING | GASFITTING | DRAIN LAYING business, placing value on ensuring their customers are kept up-to-date throughout the process of the installation.

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“Every job, whether it be big or small, deserves our attention.”

To find out more make sure to visit their website mcnabplumbing.co.nz or give the team a call on 03 455 0899 to find out more.

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Heating and hot water solutions made easier Do your customers need support finding the right hot water or heating solution?

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Heating solutions matched to your customer’s needs Whether your customer wants to heat a single room or a whole home: we can help them find the right solution. East Coast Plumbing and Gas are experts in heating solutions and can match the right system to the layout and style of the home. We like to be clear upfront about the cost of each system - both for installation and running costs. The information we provide makes it easier for customers to make the best decision.

Supporting a wide range of energy sources Our central heating and hot water solutions can work with a wide range of energy sources so we can be flexible to your customer’s preferences. Whether you’re dealing with a solar-powered new build or your customers are renovating and looking for a more energy-efficient solution: we can help. All of our heating systems are designed to deliver for your customers so they can enjoy a warmer home for years to come.

Trust us to do it right, first time When you refer customers to East Coast Plumbing and Gas, it’s important to know we’ll deliver to the highest standards. As well as being a preferred supplier of Rinnai in Hawke’s Bay, we’re also a preferred supplier for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Sustainable Homes Scheme.

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Rivertown Electrical We started as a small family business in the early 1970’s in Huntly, with Jon taking over the reins of the family business in the late 1980’s, then traded as Beddis Electrical Ltd (in the 1990’s and early 2000’s).

We were invited to join the Laser Franchise in 2004 and for 10 years we traded as Laser Electrical Huntly, up until March 2014. As of April 1st, 2014 (Jon & Sharon Beddis and Clint & Nardia Robinson) were excited to announce the launch of Rivertown Electrical.

• Extract fan installations

In July 2019, Clint and Nardia Robinson had taken over, and to this day are continuing to provide the great service and friendly faces you have come to expect from Rivertown Electrical Ltd.

• Water pump issues

We are a small/medium sized Electrical Contracting company based in Huntly, with friendly staff that are always willing to go the extra mile.

Specialists in Electrical Installation, Service, and Maintenance on a wide range of Domestic, Commercial, Rural/Agricultural and Industrial sites.

Ranging from oven installations to farm breakdowns and everything in between: • Rewiring of buildings • Lighting replacements or upgrades • Upgrades to switchboards • Hot water cylinder repairs • Oven repairs or installation

• Mains cabling upgrades and installations • Builder’s temporary supplies • New electrical connections

• Cow shed builds, retrofits and breakdowns: Including but not limited to - platform, backing gate or water supply problems.

• Poultry farm builds, retrofits or maintenance: Including but not limited to – Feedline issues, Auger breakdowns or fan/ motor replacements.

• Industrial machine breakdown service and maintenance.

We strive to give the best advice and service available in the most cost-effective way for our clients.

With over 20 years’ experience and local knowledge, we are a team you can count on to deliver.

Rain, hail, or shine - We are available 24 hours a day/365 days a year with our afterhours breakdown emergency service only a phone call away.

No project too big or too small!

Servicing Huntly and the greater Waikato region and beyond, 24/7 365 days of the year. www.rivertownelectrical.co.nz 07 828 7240 | rivertownelectrical@xtra.co.nz | 30 William St, Huntly 3700 B&C | 85

Workplace Health & Safety

Workplace health and safety isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s a matter of life and well-being. training, protective gear, and adherence to safety standards.

Failure to meet these legal requirements can lead to severe penalties, lawsuits, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Embracing workplace health and safety is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral one.

Workplace health and safety in the building and construction industry is an ongoing commitment that requires vigilance, education, and dedication.

Staying site-safe

The challenges posed by the high-risk environment, complex project dynamics, and workforce turnover, by recognising the importance of safety and actively implementing solutions.

The industry can continue to grow while ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day. This commitment not only protects employees and employers but also enhances the reputation and profitability of construction companies.

By June Pfister

The building and construction industry is a crucial foundation of New Zealand’s economy, as it drives infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth. However, working in the building and construction industry has its risks and challenges, particularly in health and safety.

Ensuring the well-being of workers in construction sites is important, not only for ethical reasons but also for the productivity and reputation of construction companies.

Most construction projects often involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers working simultaneously, creating complex project dynamics.

Workplace health and safety in the building and construction industry, highlights the challenges and solutions to create a safer working environment.

This complexity can lead to coordination challenges and the potential for confusion regarding safety responsibilities.

Workplace health and safety isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s a matter of life and well-being.

The industry is well known for its high-risk nature. Workers often deal with heavy machinery, elevated structures, hazardous materials, and complex job sites. Ensuring workplace health and safety is vital to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Every employee within the construction industry has the right to return home safely at the end of the day. Promoting a culture of safety not only preserves lives but also contributes to the physical and mental wellbeing of workers.

However, ensuring safety in the construction industry has its share of challenges.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous due to the presence of heavy machinery, elevated structures, and unpredictable weather conditions.

These increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Workers are exposed to hazards like falls, electrocution, machineryrelated incidents, and more. Reducing these risks requires strict safety protocols and ongoing training.

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A lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities can lead to gaps in safety procedures, making it crucial to establish clear communication channels. Establishing clear lines of communication within the construction site is pivotal.

All team members, including contractors and subcontractors, must be informed about the project’s safety plan, responsibilities, and emergency procedures. Regular safety meetings and updates help maintain alignment and awareness.

Many projects also experience relatively high workforce turnover, with employees frequently moving from one project to another.

This can lead to challenges in ensuring that every worker is adequately trained and informed about the site-specific safety measures in place. Companies must invest in continuous training and education to address this issue.

All employees, regardless of their role, should receive proper training on safety protocols, equipment usage, and hazard recognition. Continuous training, including refresher courses and updates on best practices, is essential to keep workers informed and vigilant.

As well as continuous training, employees should be conducting a thorough risk assessment, as identifying potential hazards and taking measures to eliminate them is crucial.

Regular safety inspections, hazard identification, and the implementation of safety measures should be ongoing throughout a project’s duration. Providing and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a top priority.

Helmets, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and high-visibility vests are just a few examples of PPE that should be readily available and worn by workers as needed.

Workplace health and safety isn’t just up to companies when it comes to ensuring protocols, governments worldwide and WorkSafe in New Zealand have established strict laws and regulations to protect construction workers.

These laws require employers to provide a safe working environment, complete with

In the long run, companies that prioritise safety are likely to attract and retain skilled employees, win more contracts, and build a strong, positive image within the industry.

Inside the numbers in the construction industry: • Number of Health and Safety concerns that WorkSafe received between September 2022 and August 2023: 1,680 • Number of investigations WorkSafe have conducted due to potential breaches between September 2022 and August 2023: 23 • Incidents reported between September 2022 and August 2023: 591 • Injuries resulting in more than a week away from work between June 2022 and May 2023: 6.240 • Fatalities between July 2022 and June 2023: 11.

Statistics sourced from: www.data.worksafe.govt.nz.

Workplace Health & Safety

Cultivating a safe workplace: Managing medicinal cannabis in construction

By Glenn Dobson, CEO, The Drug Detection Agency

New Zealand has seen a rise in the use of medicinal cannabis since its legalisation in 2020, with recent proliferation attributable to the availability of subsequently approved products. TDDA has seen an increase in the detection rates of cannabis in workplace drug screenings.

Our in-house data and anecdotal evidence from employees and clients paints a risky picture that calls for contractors and others in safety-sensitive industries to update their drug policies and programmes, with the assistance of testing, medical and legal experts.

Cannabis triggering our testing devices isn’t new. What is new is people in safety sensitive workplaces presenting a prescription for medicinal cannabis. But just because a substance is legal and prescribed, doesn’t mean it’s safe to take it and operate a digger.

Like any prescription medication, such as opioids, businesses must set and communicate clear guidelines on company and employee expectations. Contractors need to understand that medicinal cannabis products vary in composition, potency and effects and address the risks accordingly.

Medicinal cannabis products may contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in marijuana, be CBD-based (cannabidiol), or both. People are generally aware of the risks that cannabis can pose, THC impairs cognitive functions and motor skills, affecting memory, attention, decisionmaking capacities, mood and more. At the other end, CBD based products may or may not produce the same effects. And because of contaminants or composition, CBD products are known to lead to positive THC screenings.

Medical Review Officer (MRO), Dr Mary Obele, has observed this in her work, “Determining work-readiness for someone prescribed medicinal cannabis is a nuanced process. CBD and THC’s effects vary and it's critical to assess how an individual's role might be impacted. It’s also important to assess their role against the side effects of the medication, be it

an opioid, benzodiazepine or medicinal cannabis.” An MRO can assist to determine whether a person’s use is in line with their prescription, TDDA recommends businesses use them to gain actionable, legally robust information.

Businesses also need to act in line with relevant health, safety, privacy and employment laws and regulations.

Employment lawyer Emma Crowley acknowledges the lack of precedent for employers to follow, “Employers should tread carefully and seek advice before

making any employment decisions where cannabis use is for medicinal purposes.”

TDDA recommends that businesses consult with experts when updating and applying their drug and alcohol policies, ensuring safety and compliance in a complex technical, medical and legal landscape.

When it comes to identifying and mitigating safety risks employee education and training is paramount.

Don’t leave room for risk, consult experts and update your drug and alcohol policy now.

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Security for any home Aotea Security is part of the Aotea Group of companies and a specialist electronic security arm of the Aotea Group. The Aotea Group provides robust health and safety policies, ICT systems and modern fleet management.

Aotea Security is a fully New Zealand owned private business focused directly on New Zealand customers.

They are a business that is owned, governed and managed by their people with a focus on solutions and service, focussed on delivering long-term business partnerships based on value, innovation and accountability.

government and industrial clients, providing integrated security solutions, quality workmanship and service to the entire Otago region.

Aotea Security Dunedin provides various services including: • Access Control • Intruder Detection • CCTV Systems • Perimeter Detection • Perimeter Electric Fencing • Electronic Duress Systems • Nursecall Systems • Intercom and Entry Systems • Commercial Security • Fire Security.

One of the main services that Aotea Security provides is CCTV Systems. They offer a wide range of video surveillance solutions, as determined by specific client requirements.

Their people are the company’s single biggest asset and are valued accordingly.

They operate within a culture of 100 percent accountability and as a result they operate as a cohesive team.

The convergence of traditional CCTV with information technology has seen significant gains in features and new technology, and Aotea specialise in identifying and applying those benefits in a manner which connects the two worlds effectively.

Otago and Ōtepoti Dunedin is the foundation stone of Aotea Security's history and growth. Operating since 1997, the Otago branch of Aotea Security supports a number of large corporate,

They provide support systems for all video technologies, from residential to large scale commercial scale and everything in between, and consider need versus cost when proposing specific solutions.

In addition to the core purposes of CCTV of real-time monitoring and evidence gathering, the use of video analytics and other systems enable significant value-adds, which complement clients’ businesses.

Their design process considers the following criteria: • Regulatory Privacy and Environmental elements • Network and Infrastructure Design • Application and Network Engineering • IP Network Privacy & Security Hardening.

CCTV is a real-time business tool which provides real-time benefits and genuine

value for money. Advancements in CCTV technology have seen the greatest gains across all security technologies and provide direct and tangible benefits.

Aotea Security (NZ) employs CCTV and networking specialists who ensure its solutions meet clients’ needs and complement their overall security plan.

If you are needing new security systems for your home or business, the team at Aotea Security in Dunedin can help you!

Contact them today on 03 455 1039 or visit them online at: www.aoteasecurity.co.nz.

Otago New Zealand’s largest and most trusted integrated security system provider

Historic Otago and Ōtepoti Dunedin is the foundation stone of Aotea Security’s history and growth. Operating since 1997, the Otago branch of Aotea Security support a number of large corporate, government and industrial clients, providing integrated security solutions, quality workmanship and service to the entire Otago region.

• Access Control • Intruder Detection • CCTV Systems • Perimeter Detection

• Perimeter Electric Fencing • Electronic Duress Systems • Nursecall Systems

• Intercom and Entry Systems • Commercial Security • Fire Security

03 455 1039 | dunedin.service@aoteasecurity.co.nz | 25 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin www.aoteasecurity.co.nz/regions/otago

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Fall Protection

The best in safety nets

Safety Nets NZ is a preferred safety-netting specialist for supplying all your safety-netting requirements.

Workplace falls are one of the most common causes of injury within the New Zealand construction industry and the easiest thing you can do to mitigate that risk is to choose a trustworthy provider of safety net equipment.

By using the systems developed by Safety Nets NZ, which have been independently tested and certified by the team at Massey University, the company’s clients can rest assured that they have discharged their duties in regards to their obligations of the Act. The company has continued to develop the stable of services that it offers to include a bespoke protection system for use with the removal/replacement of existing roof sheeting on large warehouses.

From large commercial and industrial sites to residential home builds, Safety Nets NZ’s fall protection systems are suitable for a range of circumstances to meet your every heightsafety concern.

Supported by a nationwide network of installers, the company is able to offer its solutions to businesses nationwide.

It has over 600,000sqm of nets available for use in different regions, which is the equivalent to more than 4,000 house-lots of nets.

As an industry leader the company has been instrumental in developing and improving industry standards. This includes assisting in the writing the Code of Practice, and together with a team from the Massey University School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, developing a facility to test its safety nets and engineer the only fully independently certified and compliant safety net fall protection system

The combination of safety net, debris net and plastic sheeting forms a “sandwich” that is proving very popular with clients who are looking to replace aged roofs on their properties. for use on residential construction projects in New Zealand.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) states that all PCBUs have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others. The act requires all PCBUs to ensure that any system that they are using is without health and safety risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

There is a “duty to test” placed on all PCBUs to ensure and verify that they are certain that the systems, materials, and more that they use are fit for purpose, and capable of performing as expected, without risk to health and safety of the workforce.

The company has continued to develop the stable of services that it offers to include a bespoke protection system for use with the removal/replacement of existing roof sheeting on large warehouses.

The system has successfully been established on numerous projects throughout the country with minimal disruption to existing factory processes, meaning that our clients’ business processes have been able to continue of unaffected as their roof has been replaced.

The system has subsequently been further developed to deal with the removal of asbestos contaminated roofing materials.

It is the aim of Safety Nets NZ to offer the most professional, practical and efficient safety net installation solution in the country, with delivery of the highest possible level of customer service being its main focus.

SPECIALISING IN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FALL PROTECTION, DEBRIS & ASBESTOS CONTAINMENT • • • •

•

The country’s largest independent safety-netting specialist.

Our fall through protection system has been independently tested and certified by Massey University.

Our system ensures that as a PCBU, you have taken all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the safety of your workforce.

Bespoke debris and asbestos containment, fall protection system for uninterrupted work processes during industrial property re-roofing.

A nationwide network of local installers providing exceptional customer-focused fall arrest solutions.

NORTH ISLAND 0800 NETSNZ (638 769) SOUTH ISLAND 0800 NETS4U (638 748) WWW.SAFETYNETSNZ.CO.NZ

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Allan's painting & decorating Allan McCullough Painters & Decorators is a Taranaki wide based painting and decorating service. Allan and his team have 30 years of experience in the industry and are known for their friendliness and approachability.

As well as exceptional customer service, Allan and the team have a huge amount of experience in painting and decorating, with their wealth of knowledge you will be 100 percent confident in the choice of choosing Allan McCollough Painters & Decorators.

They can provide painting and decorating services for any build, whether that is residential, commercial or industrial, from interior to exterior, spraying to blasting they

have got you covered! From houses to large buildings, Allan and the crew can do any job as they have experience with decorating and painting all kinds of buildings.

Customer service is their top priority and if you have any new ideas or projects you want to pitch, the team would love to hear them! They want to make sure you get the best out of their service and that you are happy with the result of their work.

Every job is important and they will focus on every detail needed, making sure every stroke of paint is the same.

If you're after a splash of new colour or a strip of new wallpaper at home or in the office, Allan McCullough and his team are happy to help! For more information contact Allan and his team today 06 765 8085 or 027 2412 881.

The team are able to provide services for: • Spray Painting • Spraying for Moss and Mould • Water Blasting and Cleaning • Cowshed Coatings • Roof Coatings and Decramatstic • Wallpapering • Textured Coatings • Insurance Claims • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Inside and Out • New Builds.

PAINTERS & DECORATORS • Spray Painting • Spraying for Moss & Mould • Waterblasting & Cleaning • Cowshed Coatings • Roof Coatings & Decramastic

• Wallpapering • Textured Coatings • Insurance Claims • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Inside & Out

FREE QUOTES Phone: 06 765 8058 A/H • Mobile: 027 2412 881 TARANAKI WIDE • www.amcculloughpainters.co.nz 90 | B&C

RT Heat Pumps & Electrical Ltd For any heat pump or electrical problem you have.

From domestic to commercial.

RT Heat Pumps & Electrical offers friendly, personal service to find a solution for you.

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Working at Heights

Height safety basics

By June Pfister

Working at heights in the building and construction industry is an essential yet high-risk aspect of the trade.

Dropping tools from heights not only damages equipment but also poses a severe safety risk to those below.

Building towering skyscrapers, inspecting rooftops, or maintaining infrastructure all require employees to operate at elevated positions, facing unique challenges and safety concerns.

While these projects are being built for urban development and the maintenance of existing structures, they are accompanied by inherent risks that necessitate comprehensive safety measures.

One of the challenges when working at heights in building and construction is the ever-present risk of falls.

Whether it’s a momentary lapse in concentration or the improper securing of equipment, the consequences of a fall can be severe.

To reduce this risk, industry professionals follow strict safety regulations and employ an array of fall protection systems, such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points.

These safeguards are designed to ensure that a fall does not result in a tragic accident.

The unpredictable weather conditions that can happen at elevated construction sites is another safety concern.

Strong winds, rain, and icy conditions can escalate the risks associated with working at heights.

This can make tasks even more dangerous, which means construction teams should continually monitor weather conditions and have established protocols in place to halt work when weather conditions are dangerous.

The risk of dropping tools, inadequate storage, and insecure handling of equipment when working at heights is always present.

Poor training is yet another significant concern in the industry, proper training is important for workers to safely work in high rise buildings.

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Therefore, proper storage and the secure handling of tools and equipment are critical to maintaining safety on a construction site.

They must be educated on the safe use of equipment, fall protection systems, and hazard recognition.

Regular training and certification courses ensure that workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their tasks safely.

When it comes to planning for working at heights in building and construction, several strategies can be used.

Pre-work planning, fall prevention, fall protection systems, regular equipment inspections, training, communication, weather monitoring, and more are all the important things companies must think about before putting their employees at potential risk.

Pre-work planning is crucial, involving a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to remove them.

Fall prevention should always be prioritised, using equipment like guardrails and safety nets are only just a couple of things that can prevent falls from occurring.

When fall prevention is not feasible, fall protection systems, such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, must be employed to minimise the impact of a fall.

Regular equipment inspections are also essential to ensure that all height safety equipment, including scaffolding, platforms, and personal protective gear, is in proper working condition.

Safety regulations and best practices have been developed to address these concerns and protect the well-being of workers operating at elevated positions.

Employing trained and competent workers is equally vital, with ongoing training and certification programs in place to keep workers’ skills and knowledge up to date.

Effective communication is crucial for ensuring that workers are aware of the hazards, can signal each other effectively, and have established emergency response plans.

Close monitoring of weather conditions is necessary, with protocols in place to postpone or halt work during adverse weather conditions.

Proper tool and equipment management, including secure storage and handling, should be implemented to prevent accidents caused by falling objects.

Finally, effective site organisation helps minimise congestion and improve the safety of workers operating at heights.

Making sure health and safety protocols are being followed while working at heights in the building and construction industry is crucial.

Safety regulations and best practices have been developed to address these concerns and protect the well-being of workers operating at elevated positions.

By following established guidelines and continually implementing safety measures, the industry can continue to grow while ensuring the safety and well-being of its workforce.

When it comes to working at heights, safety should always be the top priority, and every precaution should be taken to mitigate risks and protect the lives of those who work in this demanding industry.

WorkSafe in New Zealand is the one company you should be looking for information on working at heights. They have all the guides and resources to make sure all builders and contractors are safe while working at heights.

For more information, visit: www.worksafe.govt.nz.

Working at Heights

Protrade Group “Scaffold Innovators” Protrade have an assortment of construction equipment including a Manitou Telehandler with a 25-metre reach and 7000kg lifting capacity. This allows them to handle heavy loads and reach great heights with ease.

Furthermore, they own All-terrain 4WD forklifts renowned for their excellence on construction sites.

Protrade Group has become the leading provider of topquality scaffold services, delivering excellence, safety, and unparalleled resources across the East Coast of the North Island.

Protrade’s presence extends beyond the East Coast of the North Island. They have an established branch in Gisborne and an evergrowing team in Wairarapa, serving the Manawatu region. Furthermore, they are expanding their presence in the Taupo region.

Protrade Group have a well-deserved reputation for delivering top-quality scaffold services. Their commitment to excellence extends across the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, making them the go-to scaffold provider for clients seeking exceptional craftsmanship.

Protrade has taken on numerous infrastructure projects, particularly in the realm of roading, in New Zealand. Their expertise and dedication shone through in every endeavour, as they consistently delivered outstanding results. With each project, Protrade reaffirmed their position as a trusted and reliable partner to the nationwide companies looking after the roading network.

At the core of their success is the utilization of the well-proven Ringlock scaffold system. This enables their team to erect and dismantle scaffolds efficiently and with precision.

Protrade also offer a full safety net service. This comprehensive approach

The scaffold crew's brilliant work at Rymans Retirement Village Havelock North.

ensures that every project is equipped with the necessary safety measures, overseen by their safety officers.

renovation or a large-scale commercial construction, Protrade had the resources to provide tailored scaffold services.

The Ringlock scaffold system has a selection of traditional tube & clip type that can be incorporated when required. Protrade also has invested in a large range of aluminium mobile towers when portability is required.

Whether it was a small-scale residential

In addition to their skilled workforce, Protrade boasts an in-house scaffold designer using a special scaffold CAD program that ensures all builds are to the required standard.This enables them to provide 3D models of scaffold design.

Protrade’s commitment to delivering topquality scaffold services along the East Coast of the North Island is second to none. Their expertise in servicing many sectors, along with their success in infrastructure projects, solidified their reputation as a trusted industry leader. With their well-proven systems, Protrade provides comprehensive solutions tailored to their clients’ needs.

Their versatile machinery showcases their capability to handle challenging construction sites. Protrade continue to meet and exceed client expectations, leaving no job too big or too challenging.

Protrade Group Limited 609 Orchard Road Hastings 0800 11 22 39 sales@protrade.net.nz www.protrade.net.nz

Reaching New Heights in Protection!

• Innovative Scaffolding • Edge Protection • Safety Net Solutions • Construction Equipment With branches in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa, experience quality and efficiency from Manawatu, across the East Coast to the central North Island.

To engage the best call 0800 11 22 39

protrade.net.nz B&C | 93

Manufacturer of a comprehensive and diverse range of Precast Concrete products.

Specialising in Architectural Finishes with dedicated offsite finishing facility.

Building a sustainable future with precast concrete

COMMERCIAL | RESIDENTIAL | INFRASTRUCTURE | APARTMENTS | EDUCATION

P: 09 275 9906 E: sales@concretec.co.nz www.concretec.co.nz 94 | B&C

Nigel is a Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter with more than 15 years experience and services Selwyn, Mid Canterbury and Christchurch.

South Waikato Garage Doors Ltd “When your garage door won’t go, you need a local in the know” WE ARE THE ONLY LOCALLY BASED GARAGE DOOR COMPANY IN THE SOUTH WAIKATO

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Taupo Central North Island

Diesel Truck Mechanical Repairs & Maintenance We offer comprehensive vehicle servicing and repairs on all makes and models.

• Pre COF Checks • Pre WOF Checks • A, B And C Small And Large Vehicle Servicing • Mobile Servicing • Vehicle Repairs In Taupo

S.I.R, situated in Rakaunui Rd operates a dedicated and fully enclosed workshop for all mechanical repairs, especially suited for trucks, motor homes and horse trucks.

Using the very latest automotive technology and employ a team of highly experienced and qualified mechanics.

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CALL US! 027 272 2912

www.truckservicing.co.nz B&C | 95

Construction Equipment

The cutting edge for big jobs Kubota New Zealand has rolled out its folding Land Pride Rotary Cutter Range featuring the RC57 Series and RC46 Series, further broadening its product offering for large scale and commercial customers.

Deck Armor on the RC57 Series is another fantastic feature providing an additional layer of steel on the underside of the deck.

This helps to avoid deck damage from the blade while without compromising cut quality.

The RC5715 is Land Pride’s new heavyduty 15ft (4.6m) rotary cutter designed for commercial applications such as stubble mulching or contract slashing of roadways.

The RC4620 with 20ft (6.1m) working width complements the broad line of folding cutters and is suited for wide area mowing such as air force bases and airports.

Kubota New Zealand product specialist, Shaun Monteith, says Land Pride Rotary Cutters have a range of innovative features showing the brands experience in developing rotary cutters for intensive users.

“All Land Pride Rotary Cutters are manufactured in the USA and have been designed and tested to meet rigorous testing procedures,” Shaun says.

“The RC57 and RC46 Series feature high blade tip speed to ensure a high-quality finish and 6” (15cm) blade overlap which eliminates skipping during turns. Both Series are available in 540rpm and 1,000RPM PTO speeds. A shredder kit is an optional accessory on both models and is ideal for breaking down crop residue.

“The RC5715 has a unique and userfriendly sliding guard on the splitter

gearbox improving access to this area for maintenance. The Self-levelling Performance Hitch included on both models ensures a tight coupling with an exceptional range of movement. This is great for jobs on uneven terrain and reduces the wear on the drawbar.

“A narrow A-frame tongue also allows you to hit those tight turns, showing the versality of this piece of equipment. Patented convenient flip spacers on the RC57 Series means you can quickly change the cut height and remove the need for donut-style spacers which can be easily lost.

“Deck Armor on the RC57 Series is another fantastic feature providing an additional layer of steel on the underside of the deck.

Land Pride Tiller range a strong solution for garden maintenance Rotary tillers till the soil for seedbed or planting preparation with uses in both rural and non-rural applications, like gardening and landscaping, as an economical yet durable tilling solution.

Kubota New Zealand’s Land Pride RT12 range covers working widths from 1.1 meter to 2.1 meter and has a60-horsepower gearbox rating.

conventional tillers, pulling the tiller into the soil more ef fectively in hard conditions.

This buries residue more effectively and tills more intensively, resulting in a high-quality seedbed,” John says.

“The Tiller range is compatible with the Land Pride QH Series Quick Hitch allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect from the implement, which is a real time saver when working on multiple projects.”

The offset capabilities allow the tiller to work closer to objects such as fence lines, buildings or trees and the operator can control the tilling depth with the adjustable skid shoes.

Kubota Australia product manager for Land Pride, John Moloney, says the option for a conventional forward rotating rotor or reverse rotating rotor is unique to the Land Pride range.

“As we have come to expect from Land Pride, a strong warranty is on offer with a 10year chain and sprocket warranty on the side transmission. The gearbox on the RT12 tiller range is also covered by a 3-year warranty providing excellent peace of mind.”

“With a reverse rotating rotor, the tines rotate in the opposite direction to

Land Pride rotary tillers are available through your local Kubota dealer.

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“This helps to avoid deck damage from the blade while without compromising cut quality.”

Cut capacity on the RC57 Series is an impressive 5” (12.7cm) indicating the capability of this unit for demanding applications. The RC46 Series offers 3” (7.6cm) cut capacity.

“A smooth deck top on both series means less collected debris and leaves you with an easy to clean piece of equipment which is a real time saver,” he says.

The RC57 and RC46 Series offer a seven-year Limited Gearbox Warranty providing additional confidence in gearbox integrity.

About Kubota

Kubota New Zealand Ltd specialises in tractors, mowers and utility vehicles.

All Kubota equipment is distributed and serviced through the company’s authorised dealer network.

Kubota New Zealandx is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a multi-national company headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

Kubota Corporation is the world-leading manufacturer of compact engines, dedicated to the research of advanced technologies that set the benchmark for the industry.

Kubota Corporation employs more than 35,000 people worldwide and its products are distributed across 31 countries. www.kubota.co.nz

Towing and vehicle recovery experts Rowan Massey has been the owner and operator of Wanganui towing since May 2019, taking over from Tony & Carolyn Swain who established the business back in 2004.

They were originally based in a smaller location in Wilson Street, moving to 1 Liffiton Street in 2018 to a much larger and more suitable premises. Rowan began his career in Towing & salvage at a young age of 17 with Wanganui towing so pretty much knows all there is to know about the industry.

Rowan is supported by a great team of suitably qualified towing & salvage drivers and office staff who are at the ready to help, whether you need a vehicle towed, a vehicle stored, or

roadside assistance or rescue anywhere across the Wanganui region and beyond.

We are key providers to the AA, NZ Police and Roadside Rescue (First Assist) as well as virtually every major Insurance Company.

No one wishes for an accident or a car breakdown, nevertheless, when it does happen, Wanganui Towing 2019 are available 24/7 to help whenever you need us and offer a fast and reliable service if you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or a tow and ensures that the whole process is smooth and hasslefree. Both you and your vehicle will be well looked after.

Wanganui Towing have a full fleet of slide deck trucks capable of carting up to five and a half ton and transporting up to three cars at a time in the central North Island. Our specialised crane truck can be used for lifting heavy machinery, immobile vehicles or for serious crash recoveries, It also has an under lift

allowing us to lift vehicles from the rear. Our ute is fully kitted out with everything we need whether you have a flat tyre, need a jumpstart or have locked your keys inside the car.

We can handle breakdowns and recoveries of all vehicles in all situations and specialise in the towing and transport of all types of vehicles from classic cars to caravans, crash and accident recoveries, and a wide range of plant and equipment.

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery, we put a lot of pride and care into making sure our trucks are clean and well– equipped with high-quality gear, this ensures vehicles are safe and secure whilst being towed and we are always ready to handle any situation you find yourself in, from flat batteries to post-accident towing and more!

We strive to be a leader in our industry and go above and beyond what is expected of a towing company, our team are fully licensed and trained to handle all aspects of towing and vehicle recovery.

Give us a call and let us take the hassle out of your misfortune!

Office: 06 241 7266 24 hours: 027 443 5449 E: info@wanganuitowing.co.nz www.wanganuitowing.co.nz

WE ARE VERY DIVERSE IN WHAT WE TOW: All Vehicles, Bikes • Industrial • Heavy Items • Machinery • Insurance Claims • Accident • Breakdown Whatever your needs may be, get in touch with us today

06 241 7266 • info@wanganuitowing.co.nz • M: 027 443 5449 (24-7) 1 Liffiton Streeet, Gonville, Wanganui www.wanganuitowing.co.nz

B&C | 97

Outgrown the kids’ menu?

If you have an appetite for bigger payloads, our Ready-to-Work trucks can swallow over a ton more than typical utes. And most models are driveable on a car licence.

Plus, with our takeaway deals, the versatile TrayPack starts at just $63,778*. Find out more at Isuzu.co.nz or visit your nearest Isuzu Truck Dealer now and fill up.

Get a FREE loaded SP Tools toolbox!

T A KE A W AY A R E A DY - T O - W O R K D E A L .

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Visit your local authorised Isuzu Trucks Dealership for full SP Tools Toolbox Promotion Terms and Conditions, promotion ends 31st December 2023. Pricing listed is the Manufacturer Recommended Retail Price for the Isuzu NLR 250 TrayPack SWB (Short wheelbase) Manual, excluding GST and on road costs. This offer is available while stocks last at participating Isuzu Truck Dealers.

9 Waterloo Road, Sockburn, Christchurch 03 344 5733

The Isuzu specialists Blackwells Isuzu is the largest dedicated truck sales location in the South Island. They offer sales, parts and service for one of New Zealand's largest selling brands of heavy trucks - Isuzu. Isuzu represents a range that stands for quality, versatility, reliability and performance.

They sell over 100 new Isuzu trucks every year with over 80 different models available.

From cab to chassis to spec units, Blackwells Isuzu can offer a huge range of products for all their clients trucking needs.

Blackwells Isuzu is proud to be involved with Isuzu’s Dealer of the Year awards. They won the prestigious Grand Master – Metro Isuzu Dealer of the Year award in 2022 thanks to the hard work and dedication of their amazing team. One of their skilled technicians Jonathan Ward won the 2023 Isuzu NZ Technical Competition held in Auckland, an outstanding result that has

advanced him to represent New Zealand at the upcoming 18th Isuzu World Technical Skills Competition.

Blackwells Isuzu features three new Isuzu trucks - the N-series, the F-series and the Giga series. Whatever the price, mileage, year or engine size you require, Blackwells can supply just about anything.

Recently, Blackwells Isuzu became appointed as the South Island electric truck specialists.

They’ve partnered with the Australian based company, SEA Electric Ltd, to carry out EV conversions on Isuzu N-Series and F-Series trucks. Electric trucks mean producing no emissions and significantly reducing running costs. Blackwells Isuzu are excited to move into this area as electric trucks are a great alternative as an around-town delivery truck or other means.

The new partnership with SEA Electric Ltd allows Blackwells Isuzu to work to provide high-quality electric parts for future after sales support. They now also have the

capabilities to support the conversions with EV-trained staff and on-site EV chargers that will soon be available for electric camper vans, heavy trucks plus other heavy and light commercial vehicles that are also a South Island first.

Blackwells Isuzu is excited to feature the first 100 percent electric truck in the South Island.

The NPR325 is the first fully electric Isuzu truck in the South Island built by Blackwells Isuzu in conjunction with SEA Electric, EECA and Foodstuffs/Trents.

Blackwells Isuzu also offer a suite of service options, from repairs and COF’s to panel, paint and engineering, washing facilities and more. They make sure your truck is road safe, looking good and feeling comfortable. For the very best in Isuzu trucks, get in touch with Blackwells Isuzu today.

Visit www.blackwellsisuzu.co.nz or call the friendly team on 03 344 5733. You can also pop in and see the trucks for yourself at 9 Waterloo Road, Sockburn in Christchurch.

EV TRUCKS | NEW | USED | PANEL & PAINT | SERVICE | PARTS

We are the South Island's Largest truck dealership, consistently selling over 100 new Isuzu trucks each year.

Over 80 different models available From Cab, Chassis to Spec Units Top level service tailored to your requirement Japanese commercial import specialists

www.blackwellsisuzu.co.nz

03 344 5733

9 Waterloo Road, Sockburn, Christchurch

NZDAA

The ever-present danger of asbestos The New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA) represents New Zealand’s premiere demolition and asbestos companies.

It works with industry members and clients to promote best practice and high working standards for the industry. It also acts as an advisor to members of the public regarding their asbestos concerns.

Currently NZDAA has around 60 members throughout New Zealand covering all aspects of demolition and asbestos works including surveys, removals and clearances.

“The NZDAA is recognised for driving excellence in the demolition and asbestos industries, says Terry Coleman, current secretary of the NZDAA. “We act as a bridge between industry regulators and our members to help address issues and concerns with regulations and legislative requirements in order to deliver the best working practice for our industries” There are numerous trades and professions with the potential for being exposed to asbestos containing materials in the workplace.

In addition to the more obvious demolition and construction worker, workplace asbestos exposure risk can also include the whole

remit of tradespeople that work in both the commercial and domestic environments, everyone from roofers, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters, to tilers, carpenters, painters and builders.

Due to its common use in building products from the 1940s onwards, most buildings built or renovated before 1990 are likely to contain some type of asbestos materials.

Tradespeople are therefore likely to come across some form of asbestos every single day. Undisturbed and in good condition or sealed, non-friable asbestos is relatively safe – but if it is likely to become disturbed due to renovation or repairs, it has the potential to become harmful.

That is why it is crucial for all tradespeople to learn how to identify and work safely around asbestos in order to control the risk of disturbance and exposure.

It is also a requirement under the HSWA (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, that asbestos is identified and removed before any renovations or refurbishments can commence on any building, structure or home built before January 1st 2000.

The NZDAA recommends that all tradespeople undergo asbestos awareness training to increase their knowledge of asbestos containing materials, where these can be found and how to manage them safely to avoid putting not only their own health at risk, but also the health of the homeowner, their family and the general public.

DEMOLITION & ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Facts about asbestos • Around 170 people die each year in New Zealand from asbestos-related diseases • Exposure to asbestos dust can cause serious health issues, including various forms of cancer such as lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers • Asbestos in good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to pose a health risk and doesn’t need to be removed • If asbestos is present NEVER cut it, drill it, sand it, scrape it, scrub it, waterblast it, or demolish it, unless you have had asbestos awareness training • If you accidentally damage or uncover asbestos - stop work immediately, keep people away, minimise the spread of contamination and get advice on what to do next • Never use high pressure waterspray, compressed air or power tools on asbestos or suspected asbestos materials • Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with asbestos materials • All asbestos removal work over 10 square metres must be done by either a Class A or Class B licensed company • All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.

If you are unsure whether or not a product contains asbestos, assume it is and take all necessary safety precautions – or engage a competent person to conduct an asbestos survey.

It is important to avoid doing anything that could cause asbestos fibres to be released. Never use high pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos materials, as this can cause the asbestos fibres to become airborne, and is now also illegal under the HSWA (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

In promoting the A Factor, NZDAA is hoping to make tradespeople and DIYers aware that asbestos is a serious issue and they should take action to minimise risk, and get asbestos aware.

NZ Demolition and Asbestos Association PO Box 25620 St Heliers Bay 1107 Auckland 0800 469 322 nzdaa@nzdaa.com www.nzdaa.com

“Put our experience to work on your project” Commercial and residential demolition Asbestos removal - classes A & B Site clearances Large or small projects NZDAA Member Contact us for a no obligation quote

CITY SALVAGE CONTRACTORS W: www.citysalvage.co.nz E: contracts@citysalvage.co.nz 544 Tuam Street, Christchurch, PO Box 32139 Christchurch 100 | B&C

CONTACT: 0274 324 878 OFFICE PHONE: 03 389 9650

Eastown Timber is your destination for exceptional timber processing in New Zealand Bloc Group manufacture and supply masonry blocks, bricks, pavers & retaining products throughout the North Island.

Our team of dedicated experts have a wealth of experience, we are at the forefront of the industry, driven by a passion for crafting timber into remarkable creations.

Current services available: Timber profiling up to 300x100 mm Re-sawing Treating LOSP H3.1 Coating – Prime, Topcoat, Staining, Charring Defecting and cut to length Timber grading Lamination Custom production Packaging for transport/export We are approaching completion of the rebuilding of our plant following a fire in 2022.

Once complete we will also be offering:

027 752 2896 office@blocgroup.co.nz 1288 Egmont Road, Egmont Village PO Box 39010, Egmont Village

Southern Towers Ltd 027 486 2460 graham@southerntowers.co.nz Queenstown, Otago www.southerntowers.co.nz

CCA H3.2, H4, H5 Steam drying Kiln drying

GET IN TOUCH TODAY

to discuss your future timber processing requirements 4 Holyoake Street, Whanganui East, Whanganui 4500 Phone 06 349 0040

Hire Industry

Unpacking the ‘buy or hire’ equipment equation

By June Pfister

In today’s fast-paced construction industry, companies and contractors are continuously looking for ways to maximise efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver projects on time.

One crucial decision that can significantly impact a company’s success is whether to buy or hire construction equipment.

While owning equipment may seem like an investment there are numerous benefits of hiring construction equipment as an alternative.

Hiring construction equipment is a costeffective solution, particularly for small businesses and those working on short-term projects.

Purchasing heavy machinery requires a significant upfront investment, which may not always be feasible for every company.

When you hire construction equipment, you eliminate the need for this large initial outlay of funds, freeing up capital to allocate towards other essential aspects of your project.

Construction projects can be highly unpredictable, with unforeseen changes in scope and requirements arising at any time during the project timeframe.

This uncertainty calls for flexibility when it comes to using the right tools and machinery at different stages of a project.

By choosing to hire construction equipment, companies can easily adapt to changing project needs by upgrading or downsizing their fleet without any additional cost or inconvenience.

As well as being able to pick and choose different parts, you also have access to a diverse range of machinery without having to purchase each piece individually.

This broad selection ensures that firms stay competitive and capable of undertaking various projects while acquiring specialised equipment for niche tasks. It allows construction firms to remain agile in a rapidly evolving market by leveraging the latest technologies and advancements.

In this day and age every company, no matter what industry, is trying to reduce their environmental carbon footprint by being as sustainable as possible.

This can be done by using newer, more energy-efficient models available through rental companies that can significantly lower emissions from your projects.

NZ Made 06 368 9168

36 Bruce Road, Levin 5510, New Zealand

www.snorkellifts.co.nz 102 | B&C

Snorkel New Zealand specialises in the manufacture of Elevated Work platforms and is proud to do so right here in New Zealand.

With over 40 years of operation in the Horowhenua, we can build and supply your new machines at factory direct prices. We also back them up with in country support, available replacement parts, and country wide service agents. Customisation of your new NZ built machine to your fleet and business requirements is also available.

With access to our overseas Snorkel suppliers, we can also supply a wide range of Electric scissors, knuckle booms, mast lifts, telescopic boom lifts and telehandlers.

Hire Industry

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC. With more than 50 years’ experience in the construction sector we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

Sharing equipment with other businesses allows for better utilisation of resources, thus promoting a more sustainable mindset within the industry.

breakdown, hire companies will be able to help you with the repairs needed.

As well as carbon footprints, technology advancements are also growing year by year.

The availability of advanced technology and telematics in rented construction equipment can further enhance project efficiency.

Many hiring companies offer modern machinery equipped with GPS tracking, remote diagnostics, and data analytics capabilities.

Whereas rental companies generally take care of these expenses, ensuring that you always have access to fully serviced and functional equipment.

If a company decides to buy their own equipment, they may face the financial burden associated with equipment depreciation.

These technologies enable real-time monitoring of equipment performance and usage, allowing companies to optimise their operations, prevent breakdowns, and track equipment utilisation more effectively.

Construction machinery can depreciate over time, losing its value due to factors such as wear and tear or obsolescence. Hiring equipment means you don’t need to worry about fluctuating resale values.

Another reason to hire construction equipment from rental companies is that impacting productivity in the construction industry is reducing the risks of equipment breakdowns and malfunctions.

Lastly, hiring equipment enables businesses to free up valuable storage space.

Construction sites can be quite congested with storage areas being at a premium.

Such risks are reduced as rental companies routinely maintain their machines to ensure optimum performance.

As a result, you have access to betterperforming machines without having to worry about sudden delays affecting your entire operations. However, if you do

Owning your machinery means you will be responsible for ongoing maintenance expenses and repair costs when something breaks down or becomes faulty.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and we guarantee to be on time – check out our Secureguarantee.

Secureguarantee • We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10% • We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge!

Securescaffold covers all NEW WorkSafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions. * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

Hiring construction equipment offers numerous benefits, including reducing a company’s environmental footprint, providing access to a diverse range of machinery, avoiding the financial burden of YRCO.CO.NZ depreciation, adaptability to project changes, access to advanced technology and freeing up valuable storage space.

Winners of the HIANZ best hire product 2022/2023.

Proud supporters of HIANZ

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

By opting for rental machines, companies relieve themselves of the responsibility of finding suitable storage facilities for their machines when not in use.

Quality equipment.

Built on trust.

Vac-Ex T-VAC 2 Best Hire Product 2022

So, as a national company servicing New Zealanders in the construction industry, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

Generac V20 Pro Best Hire Product 2023

By opting for rental machines, construction firms can remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving market and promote a more sustainable mindset within the industry.

So, whether you are wanting to start a construction business or are already in the industry and are thinking about purchasing your own equipment, then it is a good idea to think about all the factors involved.

Make sure you understand the logistics and that you are in a financial position to take on various construction equipment.

0800 66 00 22

www.securescaffold.co.nz Head Office - 38 Lowe Street, Addington, Christchurch 8011

B&C | 103

Construction in the South

Revamping Invercargill’s city centre

By June Pfister

The Invercargill City Council is looking to change how Invercargill’s city centre looks like. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive and co-ordinated plan that will shift the focus from car-dominated environments to creating vibrant and people-centric spaces.

The overarching goal is to make the city centre a more attractive and inviting place where people of all ages would want to spend their time.

The master plan for the project has been collaboratively designed with the assistance of urban designers from Isthmus Group. It serves as a guiding framework for future improvement projects, primarily intended for use by the Council, its consultants, and contractors.

One of the key observations made by urban designers is that Invercargill lacks prominent gathering spaces within the city centre.

Public feedback has also confirmed that Wachner Place is not effectively serving this purpose. Hence, there is a compelling opportunity to enhance the city centre’s appeal and make it a place for people to stay and play.

To support this vision, a play strategy is in the works for the entire city. An initial investment of 4.9 million dollars is being proposed to kickstart the transformation of the city centre into a more engaging and livelier place.

The options for this ‘play’ transformation could be distributed throughout the city centre or feature a centralised, formal playground like the Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch.

The project includes revamping Esk Street, Don Street, and Kelvin Street, with the exclusion of Tay Street and Dee Street (except for minor footpath improvements), as proposed in the original master plan developed by Isthmus.

The goal is to revitalise all elements between the buildings, such as streets, signage, lighting, trees, parking, seating, and public spaces, effectively transforming the area.

The timeline for completing the streetscape elements of this project is set at three to four years. The development of the urban play opportunities is slated to take place from 2023 to 2026.

Esk Street is set to be transformed into a people-friendly space, still accommodating vehicle traffic.

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It will remain one-way, with parallel parking on the north side, while incorporating seating, new lighting, tree planting, and a connection to new developments.

Don Street, on the other hand, will transition to a two-way system, with parallel parking on both sides and improved access at Dee Street. The aim is to create more publicfriendly spaces.

Kelvin Street will retain its two-way configuration with parking on both sides, featuring a central ‘rain garden area’ for improved aesthetics and runoff management.

Additionally, pedestrian crossings at Esk and Don Streets will adopt a ‘Barnes Dance’ approach, allowing all pedestrians to cross simultaneously, even diagonally.

Regarding the project’s cost, the Council is proposing to allocate 23.6 million dollars out of the total project cost of 27.4 million dollars.

This allocation is intended for the redevelopment of the city centre’s streetscape and the development of an urban play area.

Collaboration with the government and community funders is being sought to secure an additional estimated 1.6 million dollars for the urban play space.

Detailed costs for the projects will be reported to the Council’s Infrastructure

Committee as the procurement approach is finalised and the design details become more concrete. Additionally, an annual operational budget of 1.2 million dollars is anticipated.

An alternative option is for the Council to proceed with all the city centre streetscape options but without the urban play component.

This would encompass the streetscape work detailed earlier, with an allocation of 18.6 million dollars out of the total project cost of 20.8 million dollars. The budget breakdown for the streetscapes would be as follows: ● Esk St (Dee to Kelvin) $7.6 million ● Don St (Dee to Kelvin) $5.2 million ● Kelvin St (Don to Tay) $4.2 million ● Esk St (Kelvin to Deveron) $2.4 million.

Invercargill’s city centre is about to get a major redesign, transforming it into a bustling space for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Visit: www.ice.govt.nz for more information.

Images supplied courtesy of the Invercargill City Council.

Property specialists Buildings exemplify the future for serious investors.

They present a huge range of commercial and industrial investment in sales and leasing options available across the spectrum, from the humble workshop to super high stud, super large warehouses and factories. Property Brokers is an important cog in the wheel of hard core business deals in the commercial and industrial spheres.

Leases and sales, location searches and infrastructure knowledge, Property Brokers nationwide knowledge is sought on a regular basis.

Our know-how comes from experience and a partnership with local and regional branches of the company, right across New Zealand. Property Brokers bring rewards to commercial and industrial building owners by finding buyers and tenants.

Preparation is the key. A can-do attitude is paramount, and an eye for the right opportunity, is vital. Add the ability for

on-the-spot analysis when dealing with a wide range of individuals and their respective aspirations. This is what drives your specialist Property Brokers Real Estate Agent, when representing your investment business in the real world.

Preparation is the key. A can-do attitude is paramount, and an eye for the right opportunity, is vital.

• Passionate about all areas of commercial investment • New construction and retrofit buildings • Largest industrial buildings to the smallest shops

Words are just not enough in the cut and thrust of business, there must be actions leading to a successful conclusion of the deal – be it a lease, a sale or a string of inter-woven options to surmount a particular issue. That can-do attitude is what sets the Property Brokers nationwide network of commercial agents, apart.

• Understands Landlords, Tenants and their aspirations

When making a decision on who to engage in a partnership with you and your business in leasing your up-coming vacant building, tenanting that new development, selling your latest project or just simply getting the next renewal over the line, Gil at Property Brokers Whanganui has the experience and will work with other agents within the company to, well, get the job done!

M 021 326 956 E gil.button@pb.co.nz W gilbuttoncommercial.co.nz

For a confidential discussion, call me today

Gil Button

Commercial Sales Consultant

Commercial Real Estate Licensed REAA 2008 | PB065425

Gil Button 021 326 956 gil.button@pb.co.nz

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS

Paige Gemmell Licensee Salesperson, Ray White Orakei

021 226 5201 paige.gemmell@raywhite.com

#nextlevel B&C | 105

Taking quality seriously CIVIL EARTHWORKS RESIDENTIAL & RURAL � Concrete

� House Cuts

� Pool Excavations

� Small Subdivisions

� 6-Wheeler Truck Hire � Bobcat

� Milling & Sweeping

� Dustmag Application � Demolition

� Site Clearing � Footings

� Driveways

� Landscaping

� Rockbreaking

Cam Paton - 021 837 690 www.patoncivil.nz

� Farm Works

Established in 2015, Paton Civil Ltd are a versatile earthworks company based in Auckland, New Zealand and servicing the greater Auckland area.

Owner and director, Cam Paton has over 25 years of industry experience both overseeing various projects as well as hands on. Cam’s team is made up of a diverse and experienced workforce enabling them to provide clients with a wide range of construction skills and services.

Paton Civil work closely with clients to assist with projects big or small, they have the experience and knowledge to offer effective advice and provide practical solutions to any issues which saves on time and money. The team take quality seriously because they understand that clients depend on them for personalised service with competitive pricing.

The team at Paton Civil have a modern fleet of machinery, allowing them to provide high quality and efficient service no matter the scope and size of the work. By keeping their machinery up to date, they are focusing on sustainability and reducing

their environmental impact as a business.

They pride themselves on being a familyowned, local business who offer reliable and trustworthy services, ensuring that every job is completed to the highest quality.

Paton Civil work closely with clients to assist with projects big or small, they have the experience and knowledge to offer effective advice and provide practical solutions to any issues which saves on time and money.

Paton Civil will complete your job from start to finish, on time and within your budget.

Their focus is on excellent preparation to ensure a quality client experience.

Give the team a call for a no obligation chat and free quote for your next project!

THE HEART OF YOUR HOME Do you need a new kitchen? Want to replace your current kitchen? Do you want something unique and designed by one of Whangarei’s top kitchen designers?

Next Edition Kitchens, because the name says it all. These Whangarei kitchen guys are experienced in creating quality, handcrafted kitchens to suit every home, couple or family. Whangarei kitchen designers, Next Edition Kitchens care about quality installations throughout Northland. Their kitchen designs match your family’s needs and dreams.

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Custom Designs and 3D Drawings Cabinets and Cupboard Doors Benchtops New Cupboard Doors Quality Kitchens Project Management Subcontractors Splashbacks and Tiling

Phone: 09 430 3074 Email: sales@nexteditionkitchens.com The Engine Room (Unit 34), 50 Kioreroa Road, Whangarei 106 | B&C

nexteditionkitchens.com

WE EQUIP • Interior, Drywall Plasterers (Gib stoppers) • Exterior, Solid Plasterers • Concrete & Brick and Block Layers • Tilers and Waterproofers • Painting and Decorators

We are a privately owned small business that is passionate about all things in the building industry that involve a trowel.

We carry an extremely broad variety of tools, compounds, trims, additives, sealers, paint, repair systems and so much more!

We can also back this up with expert knowledge and service, here at Trowel Trades nothing is a problem....

WE WILL BECAUSE WE CAN!

GIVE US A CALL ON

07 849 3659

10 KAREWA PL, PUKETE, HAMILTON 3200, WAIKATO

mike@troweltrades.co.nz www.troweltrades.co.nz B&C | 107

Floor and wall tiling If you are looking for a new kitchen and some new colour for the bedroom walls, the Archistone team can help.

For all your renovation needs • Splashbacks • Wall & Floor Tiling • Waterproofing • Shower Screening • Tiled Shower Trays If you are looking for a new kitchen and some new color for the bedroom walls, we are the team that can help. Archistone Renovation offers a full range of renovation services, so contact us today.

Our service includes providing you with high-quality services at competitive prices.

We can also do renovation in your home or business. Our in-house team works to our high-quality standards, plus we are completely reliable.

You’ll get excellent customer service from our back-office team too.

Call today to get a quote.

07 343 9990 | jasonz@archistone.co.nz | 1109 Fenton Street, Rotorua www.archistone.co.nz

PERSONAL INSURANCE

Archistone Renovation in the Bay of Plenty offers a full range of renovation services, so contact them today. Their service includes providing you with high-quality services at competitive prices. They can also do renovation in your home or business. Their in-house team works to their high-quality standards, plus they are completely reliable.

You’ll get excellent customer service from the Archistone back-office team too.

At Archistone Renovation, they provide a full range of renovation services to residential and commercial customers in the Bay of Plenty. They work on all sizes of projects, from large new build and renovation projects to small repair, upgrade, or decorating jobs.

Their services include: • Demolish • Tiling • Wall Fixing • Painting • Waterproofing • New Kitchen • New Bathroom • Underfloor Heating • Decking

• Fences • Outdoor Fireplace • Landscaping • House Extension.

Floor tiles are exceptionally hard wearing plus they look fantastic. This makes them the ideal choice for a range of locations in your home or business. In addition, floor tiles are easy to keep clean and they are waterproof.

The wall tiles that Archistone supplies and install are an attractive and clean style of decoration.

Plus, not only do they look clean, but the tiles we install are also easy to keep clean.

The team have an excellent reputation at Archistone Renovation for providing high standards of service, you too will benefit from this standard of service.

Here are some of the main advantages of choosing us for your renovation needs: • The in-house team of experienced builders • Full range of renovation services • All sizes of jobs • Commercial and residential • High-quality standards • Excellent customer service • Competitive prices.

For your next renovation project in the Bay of Plenty contact the team at Archistone today on 07 343 9990 or visit them online at www.archistone.co.nz.

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COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

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Let one of our experts help you find just what you need

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24/7 PROMPT & FRIENDLY SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS, ACCIDENT AND SALVAGE REQUIREMENTS.

We’ll sort you out! anywhere from Pukekohe to Warkworth.

CALL US 09 576 1300 43 BAIRD STREET, HOWICK, AUCKLAND B&C | 109

Highways and Byways - Highway1 has it all!

Highway 1 is a significant manufacturer and supplier of temporary traffic management equipment from safety signs, electronic variable message signs (trailer or truck mounted) traffic lights and many Bitumen Products. Traffic management, H & S, construction, Signage, carpark range products we have you covered.

We are here to help, have quality products and won’t be beaten by price.

Give us a call 0800 175 571 or visit our website www.Highway1.co.nz

Check out our product range at www.Highway1.co.nz

Road safety products

Cones, cone arms, flexiposts and bollards, reflectors safety fences, vests, sandbags.

Signs

We manufacture all temporary warning signs & personal protective signs (PPE) for all Sizes for hazards & safety requirements. Enquire & we will make it for you

Car park & workplace safety

Speed humps, wheel stops, channel cable protectors, Safety mirrors.

Asphalt & Concrete Maintenance

Bitumend range - Coldmix, Crackfix, Top seal, joint filler, Rejuvenate, E-release and applicator equipment.

Construction products Bunting, marking tapes, line marking.

Electronic signs

AWVMS, Arrow boards traffic lights, Variable message Signs (VMS) and Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMA)

We have office’s in both Auckland and Christchurch, where you can visit and pick up or we freight through out New Zealand, and we cover insurance for free on deliveries.

VALUE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. Expanded Reach. Unrivaled Support.

As a private, family-run business, Brandt has the freedom to make investments necessary to deliver powerful value for you, our customers. It’s what we’ve built our reputation on for 90 years. Our success is built on understanding your needs better than anyone else and doing whatever it takes to help you build your own success. ‘Powerful Value, Delivered.’

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